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GUARDIAN

EDITORIAL COMMENT

INSIDE

A cleaner, greener world spells good for our wool industry

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FEEDING OUT FODDER BEET

RURAL REPORTER

t is interesting to see (on page 16) that the US sees wool differently from us here in New Zealand.

They see wool as scratchy and itchy and hard to maintain- we see it as a premium product, especially merino.

Take Icebreaker for instance. Highquality merino clothing that is silky smooth against the skin, that you can chuck in the washing machine, and that lasts and lasts.

You have to pay a premium, but it’s worth it, I still have an Icebreaker top that I have been wearing for the past ten years. It has had multiple washings and has served me

well as a base layer on many mountaineering expeditions to the Himalayas.

I was originally given it as part of a sponsorship deal with Icebreaker and although the model is now out of fashion it is still my favorite piece of clothing. It is warm, and comfortable against the skin, and it still looks good. It is brown and has a tui motif on the bottom right. It’s stylish!

So how to convince the rest of the world of the merits of wool? Well, apparently the tide is turning on the war on synthetics.

Consumers are turning towards a cleaner greener shift. This will justify higher prices according to Campaign for Wool NZ (CFWNZ). And if wool carpets become de regur, this could spell the resurgence of strong wool in NZ. After all, Cavalier now produces all its carpets in wool. Strong wool producers must hang in there. The world is becoming cleaner and greener. There is more desire for natural fibres. This can only spell good for our wool industry. It’s just a matter of time

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Why are farmers being taxed for emissions and how much?

H

aving attended the webinars, meetings and reading the information I am none the wiser as to why the world’s most emissions efficient farmers are being taxed for emissions and by how much. It defies logic for a government to implement policies that will reduce the amount of food-producing land in a country that is leading the world in sustainable food production.

Recently the Government decided to put agriculture into the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) and farmers would pay an emissions tax. However, our industry leaders offered to partner with the Government

to find a nicer way than the ETS to emissions tax farmers. Thus, the He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) partnership was born.

The purpose of HWEN is unclear. If the aim was to reduce global emissions, then a blunt tax on NZ farmers would not see the light of day. The official HWEN consultation material states that all three emissions tax options (including the ETS) will have a less than 1% impact on reducing emissions and this is not even taking all factors into account.

The publicity also states the purpose of HWEN was to come up with an emissions tax option that was better than the ETS. Seems it is nothing to do

Letters to the editor – guidelines: We welcome your letters and emails, but: They should be no more than 200 words.

We reserve the right to edit or not publish.

with being visionary, achieving environmental outcomes or effective, efficient policy – it is mainly about how to emissions tax farmers in the nicest way possible.

This would explain the sales pitch, which was to make farmers so fearful of the dreaded ETS that they would choose an almost equally flawed option simply on the grounds of it being sold as less repugnant.

To seal the HWEN emissions tax deal, some sweeteners have been thrown in.

The first is that the two HWEN options allow farming representatives to be at the “advisory board” table with the

government.

The second sweetener is the promise of sequestration credits.

In summary, I don’t ever recall in my 25 years of submission processes not knowing what a proposal was going to cost me. There is no cost-benefit or economic analysis, and we have no idea what the administration cost to farmers will be.

What is the solution? I am part of the Groundswell team which is developing a new approach to environmental issues. We are seeking a focus on environmental outcomes and actions on the ground tailored to each individual farm and catchment. Our proposal takes an integrated approach

to addressing all environmental issues, including emissions.

With the government needing to make a decision by the end of the year, we are seeking farmer and public support for our alternative proposal.

We encourage everyone to lobby politicians and industry leaders to advocate for practical, workable policies rather than acceding to government dictates. One thing is clear - if the goal is environmental outcomes and reducing global emissions, then there is no place for the current HWEN or ETS emissions tax options.

Jamie McFadden Groundswell

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Wallabies: They don’t have a whakapapa here...

Pat Deavoll

T

RURAL REPORTER

he wallaby encroachment is spreading from South Canterbury into Mid Canterbury and Environment Canterbury and Otago Regional Council are encouraging people to report wallaby sightings as part of efforts to control these serious pests.

Wallabies are considered a pest under both council’s Regional Pest Management Plans due to the harm they cause to biodiversity and productive land.

Environment Canterbury (Ecan) South Canterbury Wallaby programme lead Brent Glentwood says signs have been placed in high traffic areas surrounding the containment area to target travellers who may not be aware of the animal’s pest status.

“They are nocturnal and appear in the evening to start their feeding programme. They are largely unseen unless on the roads.”

Bennet’s wallaby is the species we have down in South Canterbury, he says.

“They arrived in the 1870s in Studholme – a few individuals were released. It wasn’t until 1950 that landowners were particularly concerned about the level of damage. The wallaby had increased to such a level that they had spread right through the Hunter Hills.

“The containment area was first established in 1996 by the Canterbury Regional Council as its first pest management strategy. The extent was 900,000 hectares. Landowners within that

area had to pay a wallaby rate and chose to initiate their own control. At that stage, the wallaby numbers were so low the problem was almost invisible. They relied primarily on shooting as the main control method, and it was largely recreational.

“It was almost two decades after the wallaby board was disbanded that there started to be a burgeoning issue outside that containment area.

“A lot of those very palatable species are absent now from the Hunter Hills where we have hundreds of thousands if not millions of wallaby. They will travel seven or eight kilometres a night. What has been a major dispersal factor is their ability to hop and keep on hopping.”

William Rolleston of Blue Cliffs Station in the Hunter Hills says wallabies are a significant problem on his property. Around three wallabies consume the same as one sheep, he says. They also put pressure on the native bush limiting regrowth if the numbers are not controlled.

“We undertake ground control, shooting around 4,000 a year. Re-infestation is a problem in neighbouring areas such as the conservation estate in the Hunters Hills.

“Wallaby numbers have exploded since the abolition of the wallaby board and a more coordinated approach is needed if the problem is to be tackled,” he says.

“In the long term, modern technologies such as gene drive may be an opportunity to eradicate wallabies from the central South Island.”

Canterbury has a containment area for wallabies that includes 900,000 hectares of land in South Canterbury, centred in the Hunter Hills, but also including the Two Thumb, Kirkliston and Grampian ranges of Mid Canterbury.

Wallabies compete with livestock, with three wallabies eating as much as one sheep.

William Rolleston says wallabies are a significant problem on his high-country station.

PHOTO: ECAN

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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The two councils work together as part of the National Wallaby Eradication Programme which has provided $27 million worth of funding over four years nationally to reduce and contain populations of wallabies and boost regional employment opportunities, delivering environmental and economic benefits.

Otago Regional Council Environmental Implementation manager, Andrea Howard, says, “Wallabies compete with livestock, with three wallabies eating as much as one sheep.

They can foul pasture, damage fences, destroy agricultural crops, contribute to erosion, and kill plantation forest seedlings.

Wallabies also stop native bush regeneration by depleting forest understories,” she says.

“They can stay out of site for large periods of time and once you find them, they tend to be reasonably well established.”

A female wallaby can have one joey developing in her pouch while also carrying another fertilised embryo ‘on hold’ until the joey is no longer dependent on her. This means that a single female can sustain a breeding population.

If left unchecked, they can spread to over a third of the country over the next 50 years, Howard says.

High country farmer Andrew Simpson says, “They go into an area, and they stink it up. The

5

Tawera King: Wallabies don’t have a whakapapa here.

sheep don’t like going into the areas where the wallabies have been. They eat the grass that the sheep should be eating until they have eaten it out and then they move on.

“They obviously are very successful at breeding and once those numbers were here, we were losing a lot of feed. A lot of country was going backwards. To get the numbers we are getting

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

outside of the containment area is soul-destroying.”

Another high-country farmer John Abelean says, “When we came here twenty years ago it was three months before I saw a wallaby on the place. Over the next ten years, we went from seeing one occasionally to one every time we ran a dog. And were shooting 1000, 1500 out of the truck window.

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Our first wallaby outside the containment was in 1997. It escalated year on year and in 2005 we noticed a sizeable jump.

They now occupy a further 1.3 million hectares outside of the 900,000-containment area.”

Tawera King, Upoko Arowhenua and Waihoa says wallabies are a “pestilence that is destroying our land. It is part of the legacy left behind

by Michael Studholme who introduced the wallaby into the Hunter Hills area.

“The damage they are doing is taking a toll on all our resources here. They don’t have a whakapapa here. What they do have is the ability to destroy the whole land and the whakapapa that was here before it. That is not right, and we must do something about it.”

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Farming

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Pork sector alarmed at draft code of welfare Pat Deavoll

A

RURAL REPORTER

new draft welfare code for pigs released by the Government for public consultation could result in the deaths of up to 60,000 additional piglets every year, require almost every indoor and outdoor pig farm to be partly or totally re-built, and force Kiwis to rely on imported pork produced using standards illegal in New Zealand, said NZPork.

The draft code, which goes well beyond the welfare requirements in other countries, includes changes to the minimum space allowance required for grower pigs, a ban or significant limitation on the traditional use of farrowing systems (farrowing crates), an effective ban on mating stalls and sets a minimum weaning age of 28 days for piglets.

“The New Zealand pork sector welcomes and encourages positive change where there are proven and well-researched animal welfare outcomes for all pigs, however this draft code lacks scientific credibility and justification,” says Brent Kleiss, chief executive of NZPork.

“It imposes unachievable minimum standards on farmers and will effectively wipe out

New Zealand’s pig industry.

“Furthermore, an independent economic analysis commissioned by the Government concludes the draft code is bad news for consumers with a predicted 18.2 per cent increase in the price of all New Zealand produced pork and a tsunami of imported pork undercutting local farmers and reducing sales of born and raised New Zealand pork.”

Farrowing crates are the maternity ward for sows. Sows are only housed in farrowing systems when it is time for them to give birth and care for their piglets, spending a maximum of 28 days in conventional indoor systems after giving birth, and up to five days pre-farrowing.

Approximately 80 per cent of the time sows are kept in social groups when not in a farrowing system.

“They are specifically designed and proven to significantly reduce the main causes of piglet deaths such as starvation, hypothermia, and being accidentally crushed by the sow,” said Kleiss.

“Our calculations estimate that up to 60,000 additional piglets would die every year, depending on which of the two farrowing options is finally adopted.

“Piglet deaths are a serious welfare issue, and the Animal Welfare Act requires that the welfare outcomes for all animals affected by changes to the code must be considered.

“We believe that temporary

Brent Kleiss, chief executive of NZPork: It imposes unachievable minimum standards on farmers and will effectively wipe out New Zealand’s pig industry.

confinement of the sow at a time when piglets are their most vulnerable is a reasonable compromise when the alternative is the death of 1-2 piglets in every litter in a free farrowing situation.

“No country has completely banned the use of farrowing crates in recognition that enabling a period of temporary confinement is still necessary during the highly vulnerable stage of newborn piglets’ lives.”

NZPork was particularly concerned at the increase in the minimum space allowance for growing pigs proposed in both options within the new code, said Kleiss.

“We acknowledge that there is scientific evidence supporting

an increase in the current minimum space requirements for growing pigs, however, the proposed increases are unaffordable and unjustifiable.

“The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee’s (NAWAC) focus on space as the priority indicator of good welfare rather than overall welfare outcomes for all pigs and their physical, health, and behavioral requirements does not make sense.

“In fact, both of the proposed minimum space requirement options in the draft code significantly exceed those required in the rest of the world – even countries that have subsidies, government funding, and protected markets.

“We are committed to improving welfare outcomes across the board in the pig industry and accept that there are some areas in the code that need to change in keeping with a good practice informed by the latest science.

“However, the proposed changes are prescriptive rather than outcome-based and will effectively mean almost every commercial farm, both indoors and outdoors, will have to be partially or fully rebuilt. Some farmers will choose to exit the industry.”

NZPork was also disappointed that NAWAC accepted very limited input from farmers and the industry’s technical advisers including NZPork’s animal welfare scientist when NAWAC itself had no experience at all in pig farming.

“We believe the draft code is clear evidence of this.

An independent report by Australian animal welfare and animal science experts agrees and has highlighted significant flaws in NAWAC’s methodology and conclusions.

“We’re puzzled why NAWAC and the Government believe it is a good idea to impose welfare standards further removed from those in most of the world while allowing pork to be imported and consumed here that is produced to standards that are currently illegal in New Zealand.

“Some parts of the world such as California and potentially the European

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NZPork: Our calculations estimate that up to 60,000 additional piglets would die every year.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Farrowing crates are the maternity ward for sows.

Union are waking up to this contradiction and demanding imported pork products are produced to equivalent standards.

“Is it the Government’s intention to wipe out New Zealand’s pig industry by imposing minimum standards that will be impossible for many farmers to meet?”

New Zealand’s economy relies heavily on the country’s livestock sector, said Kleiss.

“While we all want the production methods the sector uses to be ethical and the products of high quality, the extreme bar set in the proposed

pig code and the apparent lack of understanding of the pork industry should greatly concern other livestock sectors reliant on animals to produce these important export products.”

More than 3,000 Kiwis have backed a petition calling for imported pork to be required to meet the same animal welfare standards as New Zealand pork.

Most pork is being produced in countries that farm pigs using practices that are illegal in this country.

Now a petition seeking support for foreign pork to be forced to meet New Zealand’s high animal welfare standards

has attracted thousands of signatures. The petition was presented to National MP Barbara Kuriger, the party’s agriculture spokeswoman at Parliament on May 10.

“New Zealand’s pork sector has high welfare standards compared to many other countries with less rigorous health, welfare, and environmental regimes,” says Kleiss, “New Zealand pig farmers deserve a fair go so we believe it’s time that imported pork is required to meet our high standards.”

“Our standards are already

much higher than the rest of the world,” said Kleiss.

“The proposed code would widen that gap even further. It’s more important than ever that we support our farmers to be the best in the world.

New Zealand imports pork from a range of countries including the United States, Spain, Canada and Poland.

Overseas, some pig farmers routinely castrate all male piglets, often without pain relief. In New Zealand, this procedure is rarely ever carried out, and if it is, only a veterinarian can do so, and mandatory pain relief is required.

Gestation stalls for pregnant

sows are also banned in New Zealand. The EU allows the stalls for the first 28 days of pregnancy and most states in the US allow them for the entirety of a sow’s pregnancy.

Unlike other countries, antibiotics are not used as growth promotants by New Zealand pig farmers. Porcine somatotropin, a pig growth hormone, is also not used in NZ. “New Zealand’s commercial pig herd also has a high health status and is not affected by the diseases that are having a very serious impact on pork industries in many other countries,” said Kleiss.

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THEFarming NEW BLUE DISPENSER WITH STAINLESS STEEL Reflection on a term as DROPPERS Provincial President

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David Clark

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THE NEW BLUE DISPENSER WITH STAINLESS STEEL • New installations DROPPERS • Upgrades President of MC Federated Farmers

n writing my final Annual Report as Provincial President for Federated Farmers, I have had time to reflect on our successes, the areas of disappointment and where we have fallen short, and the privilege of holding this role to represent the farming community of this province.

From Essential Freshwater to Mycoplasma Bovis, immigration, Covid19 and the floods, we have certainly had our challenges. During this time, we have seen high commodity pricing for dairy, lamb, and beef continuing to sustain the New Zealand economy. Input cost inflation, a lack of arable sector viability, and the disgrace of strong wool balance the ledger a bit.

The economic imperative of our nation of primary

production is dismissed and marginalized by both our political leadership and our society. That is to the detriment of our nation in my view.

May Floods Our district bore the brunt of flooding in May 2021 with a large, but not unprecedented rainfall event that resulted in widespread damage. The Ashburton township was extremely lucky that the river burst upstream and spread out over farmland which reduced the risk of a breach in the vicinity of the town. There are many issues that amplified the impact of this event that we need to work through as a community, and we need a responsible Regional Council leadership to achieve this.

The way in which our community, urban and rural, came together to assist in the response and recovery was very humbling. To everyone involved, at all levels, right down to dragging rubbish off fences, our Recovery CoOrdinator Angela Cushnie and the Federated Farmers National Board and Executive Team, your efforts, and resources in

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We were successful in gaining $4 million in recovery funding for our farmers; this delivered financial assistance directly to those who had uninsurable damage to land-

based assets. We appreciate the Government supporting our farming community to recover from this event.

Mycoplasma Bovis It is very pleasing to see the number of active infected properties reduce down to one

and we can have confidence that progress is being made in the eradication of MBovis from New Zealand, however, I would take a cautionary view on this as the eradication program was set down for ten years and we are at year four.

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www.guardianonline.co.nz When I first attended a veterinary presentation soon after the discovery of MBovis in 2017, it was clear to me that this was a very serious disease that could be devastating to animal health within a herd and required the highest level of response.

That said, I have remained very concerned with the way the eradication program has interacted with our farming families. I can promise you that we have continued to put as much pressure on MPI and the program governance to improve the process and reduce the impact on farmers as we possibly could as leaders of the Mid Canterbury province, while still supporting the intent of the eradication decision.

The Mid Canterbury MBovis Advisory group chaired by Mayor Neil Brown has been one of our successes and has brought together parties of the response to discuss all aspects of the program. I am confident that progress has been made and I would credit the leadership of new MPI Director-General Ray Smith for bringing about real change in the way the program works with our farmers. I would hope that lessons learned will be remembered when we are faced with a biosecurity response in the future.

On reflection, I am very uncomfortable with the impact

nly

tO Ve

9

Rolling out the “Limit and Reduce” regime of the CLWRP across all Regional Councils would have been a significant step forward in the management of freshwater nationally.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

the MBovis Eradication Program had on our farming families, and I am of the view that the financial, social, and emotional impact on these individual families in pursuit of the greater good was unreasonably high.

I offer my sincere personal apology to each of these families.

Essential Freshwater The adversarial approach taken to the introduction of the Essential Freshwater Legislation has been an

extremely poor display of leadership and legislative process in my view.

In Canterbury, we have the Commissioner-implemented Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan (CLWRP) that set ambitious but achievable targets that would have resulted in the groundwater of Canterbury having the same nitrate limits as the reticulated drinking water distributed in the city of London.

Rolling out the “Limit and Reduce” regime of the

CLWRP across all Regional Councils would have been a significant step forward in the management of freshwater nationally. To have achieved that would have been a legacy for the Minister.

However, the new Essential Freshwater National Policy Statement has left us in a situation where the CLWRP, mid-way through its life will be set aside and a new plan developed at a cost to Canterbury ratepayers of some $20 million to give effect to the

new NPS. All parties are going to waste an enormous amount of time, effort, and resources arguing over replacing targets that we would struggle to meet by 2035 with new targets that we have no hope of reaching by that date. There is no positive gain for the environment from cutting short the existing plan. Incorporating “next step” targets into a new plan in due course would have been the logical way forward.

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Farming

From P9 It is not clear to me that we will ever reduce the nitrate levels in the drains and lowland streams on the coastal edge of a fertile plain to less than the level water flows out of the DoC Conservation Estate in some locations in the foothills.

We have seen the same modus-operandi with winter grazing rules that seek to implement regulation that is impractical and unworkable; arbitrary pugging, slope and resowing requirements are examples of rules made in the rarefied air of Wellington without genuine consultation with those they impact.

I often look back on a theme of the current government that takes the view that “if you don’t agree with our intentions, then we will exclude your organisation from the process”.

It is a valid threat cloaked in arrogance in my view and it is helpful to no one.

In 2017 we hosted thenelection hopeful David Parker in Mid Canterbury while the Labour Party was promoting a Water Use Tax. There had been much conjecture as to the rate the tax would be set at, and the resulting economic impact. In a robust discussion on the water tax, David Parker was reflecting on his reluctance to set a rate until after the election and his announcement of two cents per litre on the previous Sunday

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On reflection, I am very uncomfortable with the impact the MBovis Eradication Program had on our farming families.

morning’s “Q&A Program”.

Those of us present remember him saying that when asked by the interviewer to declare a rate he had thought “well **** ya then, it’s two cents, not one”.

It is my opinion that this contempt and arrogance towards the agricultural sector has set the tone for all “consultation” and implementation of environmental legislation since and has served nobody well.

Environment Canterbury Last year I expressed disappointment that the Regional Council had chosen to run an expansionary budget that required a 24 per cent rate rise. I am no less concerned at the prospect of a 22 per cent rate rise for this year. It seems many of our elected Councillors believe their position allows them some sort of crusade with

near-unlimited funding.

I believe Councils have a responsibility to their community of “leadership example” by staying within the confines of the CPI Inflation Index.

One Councillor has for the last three years repeatedly tried to get me to disclose the value of my farm in a full Council Meeting. This year I remarked that the value of my farm was irrelevant, particularly if it was an inter-generational business that was not intended to be sold and was in no way an indication of my ability to adjust my budget to pay massive rate rises to a Council who had an inability to stick within its own budget limits.

I raise this as I am extremely concerned as to the quality of the leadership we have at the

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David Clark: As I finish as Mid Canterbury Provincial President, I am saddened by the way the agricultural sector is portrayed in this country.

Regional Council table and it is my view that the Canterbury Regional Council is now as dysfunctional as it was when the Commissioners were appointed.

Climate Change and Emissions Trading Scheme Whilst I see He Waka E Noa as an important process and essential for us to be a party to, I am yet to be convinced that it has any more merit than being much less devastating to agriculture in NZ than inclusion in the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Nor am I convinced that we have adequately addressed the difference between gross and net methane or the true warming impact of agricultural methane emissions.

If we are genuinely concerned about the impact of

climate change, then we must find an alternative to fossil fuels as the energy source for modern human life. Taxing food production in NZ or planting our farmland with trees is a dangerous distraction in my opinion.

Thank you.

As I finish as Mid Canterbury Provincial President, I am saddened by the way the agricultural sector is portrayed in this country, often for cheap political expediency.

We are amongst the most resource-efficient producers of food in the world, we should be proud of this fact. Does that mean we don’t have things we need to improve on? Not at all.

We have been on a journey of constant improvement for years and we should continue to strive to be the best in the world.

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11

Changing times prompting plenty of rural innovation Calvin Leen

PGG Wrightson Real Estate

F

rom hemp to handbags to hops, from dairy sheep to deluxe dog beds to distilleries, from simply farming livestock, to farming solar rays or carbon credits, wherever you look recently there is an exciting and inspiring story about a rural family doing something different to diversify their revenue streams.

Generational change is a common theme behind many of these stories: adult children heading back to the farm, possibly driven by Covid, bringing marketing, IT and project management skills with them, finding innovative new ways to add value to the family farming business, often using smart methods to shorten the distance between themselves as a food or fibre producer, and the consumer keen to own and use their goods.

While the rural property market is particularly dynamic at present, with inputs such as fuel, fertilizer, labour, and interest rates all volatile and all influencing the motivation to buy and sell, the appetite to try something new is stronger than ever. Sheep and beef properties are generating the greatest levels of enthusiasm as potential purchasers seek

Sheep and beef properties are generating the greatest levels of enthusiasm as potential purchasers seek scale and consolidation.

scale and consolidation. While still strong, demand for arable and dairy properties is slightly less intense than it was a few months ago, although we are already fielding inquiries for dairy properties for settlement in June 2023.

Back before the 2009 Global Financial Crisis, any bank a farmer could walk into would

• • • • •

Locally owned and operated Locally owned

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generally offer them a loan.

When the GFC turned that tap off it posed a challenge for those without alternative finance options. With rising interest rates and lower margins, some commentators are predicting a similar scenario over the next few months, with finance perhaps becoming less available than it has been. If so,

caution is justified.

That said, with widespread willingness to look outside the square regarding land use, we have received a serious recent inquiry in South Canterbury focused on horticulture, so more innovation and more change are indicated, including apples, and even hops.

We are in a changing market,

with changing times, driven by generational change and a change in attitudes. That can be challenging, though for those able to embrace the change, it is a dynamic and stimulating era.

Calvin Leen is Mid-South Canterbury and North Otago Sales Manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited.

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Farming

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EARTHMOVING FEATURE

The earthmoving equipment maintenance guide H

eavy equipment is a must-have for most construction sites. And equipment management software is the best way to maintain your equipment and keep everyone safe while on the job site. Improperly maintained equipment can not only be dangerous, but it can also lead to costly repairs and equipment failures down the road.

Let’s look at the most common types of earth-moving equipment and some tips and best practices to keep them safe, well maintained, and running efficiently.

What is earth-moving equipment?

As the name might suggest, earthmoving equipment generally refers to any piece of heavy machinery that can move and grade soil and rock. In addition to construction work, they are also used for materials handling, demolition, mining, and any other industry that requires more power than can be provided by humans.

Types of earth-moving equipment There are many different types of earth-moving equipment that each have their own uses and are designed for specific purposes.

The most common types of earth-moving equipment are excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, and dump trucks.

Excavators Excavators are one of the most efficient digging machines ever created. They are most commonly driven by tracks but can have wheels fitted to them if necessary. Their long arm and large bucket make them ideal for almost any situation. The operator sits in a rotating cab that can swing a full 360 degrees allowing them good visibility of the job site.

Depending on the situation, the

bucket can be swapped out with a variety of other tools to fit the needs of the job.

Backhoe loader More commonly referred to as a backhoe, backhoe loaders are more versatile than excavators but are considered medium-sized equipment. They are smaller and look more like a typical farm tractor with an adjustable shovel in the front and a bucket in the back for more precise digging. They are wheel-driven and can maneuver more precisely and are often used in urban areas.

Bulldozers Bulldozers are some of the most powerful equipment used in the construction industry and are used to move and grade dirt across large tracts of land.

They have a large blade in the front that can make small adjustments to its height and angle depending on the task at hand. They are extremely large and heavy, and their size and weight can be used to crush boulders if needed.

Dump trucks It’s almost impossible to see a construction site without a dump truck. They are only designed for one purpose: to move large amounts of dirt from one site to another. They are designed to be able to travel on roadways where permitted and come in a variety of sizes and load capacities to meet the needs of the job.

Earth-moving equipment maintenance best practices Earth-moving equipment is expensive and complex–which makes proper equipment maintenance essential.

Equipment and tools that function correctly have a lower chance of causing injuries or deaths. This is especially important since thousands of workers are injured annually by earth-moving equipment.

There are many different types of earth-moving equipment that each have their own uses.

Heavy equipment is a must-have for most construction sites.

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Excavators are one of the most efficient digging machines ever created.

These seven best practices will help keep your employees safe and extend the useful life of your earthmoving equipment.

1. Clean your earthmoving machinery A great way to keep earth moving equipment safe is to clean it thoroughly. This type of equipment has to do difficult and dirty work, which can alter the performance of the machine. Because of this, earth-moving machinery and all its parts should be cleaned regularly.

2. Train employees to operate earth-moving equipment Your earth-moving machinery’s parts and tools are in danger of becoming damaged or completely broken if an untrained worker attempts

to operate them. The worker is in danger of becoming injured or hurting others.

To protect your employees and equipment, all workers need to be properly trained to operate earth-moving equipment. No one should operate heavy machinery without adequate training and qualifications.

3. Lubricate your equipment carefully Heavy earthmoving equipment and associated parts and tools will malfunction or become damaged if they aren’t lubricated properly.

Moving parts and components need lubrication because the frequent movement causes friction.

4. Take steps to avoid injuries Teach construction workers

EARTHMOVING FEATURE

13

It’s almost impossible to see a construction site without a dump truck.

to spot any potentially dangerous problems and how to handle any situations that might occur. For example, if they have to drive up or down a steep hill, they must know how to select the proper gear.

They also need to know what angle to drive at because they could topple over if they make a mistake. This can result in lifethreatening injuries.

5. Maintain earth moving equipment properly Heavy machinery and tools that aren’t properly maintained can be dangerous to operate.

Improper maintenance can cause the tools and other parts to become damaged and unsafe as a result. Small problems that aren’t repaired may eventually become massive issues that require entire sections to be

replaced.

6. Inspect earth moving equipment regularly Regular equipment inspections go together with preventive maintenance.

Your inspection schedules may vary depending on the types of earth-moving equipment you have and how often you use it, but it’s a good idea to conduct these inspections at least once a year. If you don’t have an in-house mechanic, consider hiring someone to inspect your equipment.

7. Use the right parts and tools You shouldn’t try to attach tools to heavy machinery and use them if they won’t fit or aren’t compatible. If you attempt to do this, you are

putting the machinery at risk.

Employees are also at risk. Read through the manufacturer’s manuals and find the right parts and tools.

8.Track inspections and maintenance with equipment management software Earth-moving equipment requires proper maintenance, repairs, and regular cleaning by experienced technicians.

It can be difficult to keep track of a program with this many moving parts without a structured system in place.

Equipment management software makes it easy to schedule and document preventive maintenance activities, record inspection details, and see which parts you have on hand and which you need to order.

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Farming

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Are you ready to step up?

A

re, you happy with the fertiliser program you have been using last season, did it reach your expectations? Often farmers get complacent with the same old fertiliser program, which is now very expensive, that doesn’t seem to give them the resilience or meet the regulations and environmental goals that’s required of today. Doing the same thing year after year and expecting a difference result, as described by Albert Einstein, is the definition of insanity. Are you ready to step up, change gears, unlock your soils potential, and take it to another level?

Over the last several decades new information and science has been developed around biological agriculture, with new thinking around management decisions and farming practises emphasizing nutrient uptake from soils through natural soil biological cycles. This ecologicalbased agriculture approach uses microbes and carbon compounds to produce crops naturally rather than relying entirely on highly soluble “salty “nutrient inputs for plant requirements. These new discoveries show how plants and microbes interact to provide the plant with more nutrients.

The big deficiency in most soils is oxygen and biology, caused by management practises producing hard compacted soils, and the heavy reliance on highly soluble synthetic fertilisers and nitrogen. In the next decade the lack of fertiliser efficiency and the percentage of nutrients applied that have not been taken up by the plant will become evident. Producers will be horrified at the money spent for little return. In The USA about 54% of all nitrogen fertiliser applied to corn crops is wasted.

In New Zealand its thought that only 25% of Urea applied, is taken up by the plant.

In traditional farming systems, where nutrients

Jeremy Casey observing Top Soils soil testing.

are removed from the soil by either crops or animals and not replaced, it was suggested producers were mining the soil.

If animals are grazing multispecies grasses and legume pastures, they are recycling a lot of those nutrients back into the soil. But the removal of nutrients from high yielding hay, silage or grain crops from the field, is slightly different.

The theory here would suggest those nutrients would need to be replaced with fertiliser applications to hold the fertility statis of the soil. However, with a well-balanced mineral and biological active soil using regenerative practises

(e.g. organic, no-till, manure, compost, cover-crops, humates, fish and seaweed, natural slow-release fertilisers with humates), that’s not necessary the case. The soil is able to produce some of the nutrients required, substituting with fertiliser applications. To provide top performance a soil should be composed of 45% minerals 5% humus and 50% pore space. Ideally, the pore space is 50% air and 50% water to provide the correct environment for the biology whom support the needs of growing plants in that soil.

The Albrecht system of soil fertility uses soil chemistry (Ca

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Multi-pasture species intercepting sunlight, putting carbon into the soil.

and Mg) to affect soil physics (structure) which determines

the environment for the soil biology.

www.guardianonline.co.nz Soil microbes interact with plant roots and soil minerals to release nutrients available for plant uptake, complementing and substituting those applied as fertiliser to provide the energy required for yield. This has been demonstrated with a biological fertiliser program on a Canterbury dairy farm. Their production has shown an increase of 0.2 kgs of milk solids per cow per day with 50 % less nitrogen applied compared to traditional fertiliser practises.

For cereal growing soil scientists and agronomists, calculations for determining the Nitrogen requirement to grow 1 tonne of wheat has always been the same - 25kg/N per ha per 1t of yield. The calculation went like this; estimate the projected yield, say 14t of wheat, minus the soil mineral N (nitrogen already present in the soil and from previous crops), say 80 kgs/ha and supply the balance from applications of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. Therefore 14 x 25kg = 350 – 80 = 270 kgs N required to produce 14 tonne of wheat per ha.

In a wheat growing competition organised by the Methven A&P in 2021-22 season, Springfield Estate grew a feed wheat crop, which averaged 16.1 tonne per ha. What was more significant than the yield, was the cost of production. This yield was produced with half the normal nitrogen applications, with less fungicides, herbicides and minimal cultivations. The previous crop was Daikon radish seed, direct drilled into a grass-seed/ grazing field with balanced nutritional status . In this case the soil provided half of the nitrogen and mineral requirements for the crop, with the balance supplied by synthetic N applications protected with humates.

Over the last decade the farm has taken a biological approach and focused on; *Resetting the balance of soil minerals, *Enhancing Photosynthesis, *Carbon management, and *Raising the microbiology in the soil. This required studying, reeducating and understanding of how the soil and plants interact. Understanding the importance of biology, how it functions and the role of different microbes in the soil, how to support, feed and the management changes required to mitigate any harmful practises that are detrimental to the biology.

All these practises were designed to enhance soil life and improve nutrient efficiency to provide resilience in the farming operation.

With the objective to leave some profit on the property and not to see it go out the farm gate.

D. L. Hart (CEO – Top Soils Ltd)

15

Raw data from the combine yield mapping on Springfield Estate.

Combine harvesting a decade ago.

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Farming

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Wool NZ research uncovers opportunities in United States Pat Deavoll

N

RURAL REPORTER

ew consumer research commissioned by the Campaign for Wool NZ (CFWNZ) has unearthed some surprising insights about wool use, particularly in the United States.

Central to their strategy to educate and promote the benefits of wool, the CFWNZ identified the need to better understand consumer preferences and usage of wool. Initial findings from its research indicated people in the US had somewhat different ideas about wool compared to those of us in New Zealand – one that offers growers here a huge opportunity.

“What we have found is that there is a large education gap in how US consumers think about wool,” explains Tom O’Sullivan,

CFWNZ Chair. “For example, 53 per cent think of cashmere when they hear the word wool.

Although they are aware of wool, it sits quite a bit lower down in their consciousness when compared to New Zealand consumers.”

The research also detected a second issue. “It showed Americans harbor misconceptions that wool is rough, itchy, and hard to care for, whereas New Zealanders have a much higher awareness of the positive attributes of wool-like biodegradability, fire resistance, and insulating properties.”

While New Zealand consumers are generally well versed on wool and its benefits, O’Sullivan said the CFWNZ was pleased to have identified a number of gaps in consumer understanding in the US. Pleasingly, however, most of those surveyed view wool as a super fibre when it comes to resilience and sustainability. “One thing we saw in the research is that those in the US see wool as ‘owning’ the superior quality and durability space,” he said.

In fact, 66 per cent of respondents positioned

One thing we saw in the research was that those in the US see wool as ‘owning’ the superior quality and durability space.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

wool as long-lasting when compared with petroleum-based synthetics and plant fibres.

It’s heartening news for the CFWNZ team.

“The tide is turning in our war on synthetics,” said O’Sullivan.

“We can leverage consumers’ appetite for a cleaner, greener shift by ensuring we’re telling the right stories about New Zealand wool, increasing

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demand for our growers. With strong quality measures, this data will also support our commercial partners to justify higher prices in the US.” It is well known that the United States had been a difficult market to crack, but the team at CFWNZ is confident. “When it comes to the US, it’s all about target and focus. Although we now have a

clearer picture of the US wool consumer, we need to narrow our geographic focus to ensure the messaging is strong and loud,” O’Sullivan said.

“We’ve identified Texas, California and the East Coast as the key areas for New Zealand wool. However, we are looking to refine this further into substates and even down to city level where we can.”

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17

China’s COVID lockdowns impact New Zealand agriculture C

urrent strict lockdowns in many major cities in China – as the country tries to eradicate the spread of Covid – are not only affecting its local citizens but also having flow-on impacts on trading partners, including New Zealand, according to agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank.

Speaking in a recently recorded podcast, What’s the Impact of China’s Lockdown Wave? RaboResearch general manager for Australia and New Zealand Stefan Vogel said, in particular, there are four specific impacts of the lockdowns that are set to have increasing ramifications for New Zealand agribusiness – disruptions to freight logistics, Chinese corn plantings, dairy demand, and hog pricing.

“The already-stressed global container logistics situation is becoming more complicated due to massive delays around the Shanghai port,” Vogel said.

“The dry container index, which tracks average prices paid for the transport of dry bulk materials across more than 20

international routes, increased five-fold through 2021 as a result of COVID lockdowns in different parts of the world.

“While the index has since declined and is down 16 per cent since early March and 25 per cent down from the September 2021 highs, it looks likely that the massive ongoing Covid lockdowns in China will add to continued container logistics issues and keep container freight prices well above historic levels for 2022 and also likely to remain elevated well into 2023.”

Vogel said disruptions to corn plantings in China – the world’s second-largest corn producer and also the world’s primary corn importer – were also raising more concerns in an already extremely-tight global grains market.

“Chinese corn planting faces delays in two key provinces as some farmers are trapped in major cities and are unable to access their fields due to the Covid lockdowns,” he said “We understand the lockdowns have created delays in planting this

important feed crop in some parts of Jilin and Liaoning provinces, and these two provinces account combined for 20 per cent of China’s corn acreage.

“The delay in planting increases the risk of frost damage later in the season, but at this point it is too early to say what the impact will be on yields. It will depend on the weather through the season.”

Vogel acknowledged though that the delays in planting Chinese corn –and China’s feed grain import needs more generally – were not the biggest driver of current global grain prices.

Rather, world Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) corn prices had hit a 10-year high in April this year and remain above USD 8/bu, driven primarily by concerns about the early arrival of the dry season in Brazil and below-normal rainfall forecast for the next three months which could reduce Brazilian corn yields.

In addition, cool and wet conditions for corn planting

in the US and an expected reduction of about 50 per cent in Ukrainian corn production (as well as export uncertainty from Ukraine) in 2022 were also putting upward pressure on global grain prices, he said.

“Global feed grain prices are expected to remain very high over the course of 2022 and result in higher production costs for livestock farmers the world over – particularly those in the Northern Hemisphere.”

The spread of the Omicron variant and China’s “dynamic zero-Covid” policy were also bringing strong headwinds to consumption in the country’s foodservice sector, Vogel said.

And this was playing out in reduced dairy demand.

“Dairy demand in foodservice is slowing in China while, according to our calculations, dairy products in China produced from imported Oceania whole milk powder (WMP) are now more expensive than those from locally produced dairy for the first time in eight years,” he said.

“After a record-breaking 2021 in milk powder imports by China, the demand uncertainty from Covid restrictions is likely to dampen the ‘dragon’s’ import appetite slightly in 2022.”

In addition, China’s COVID restrictions had resulted in a big drop in foodservice sales of meat products, as well as supply chain disruptions, which had impacted hog production and prices, Vogel said.

“Chinese hog producers have liquidated herds to avoid further losses, imposing further downward pressure on Chinese pork prices which can also impact China’s feed grain import needs,” he said “This hog herd liquidation also has potential implications for Chinese beef and sheep meat demand. Retail prices in China for both beef and lamb are currently at record highs, and New Zealand exporters will be keeping a close eye on how demand for these products holds up as consumers potentially look to trade down to pork and other cheaper animal proteins alternatives.”

Farming

18

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Greenhouse gas pricing system for deer farmers far from over government likely releases HWEN’s final policy proposal in early June.

DINZ chair Ian Walker said more than 100 deer farmers provided DINZ with feedback on the options and many also provided their views direct to HWEN. “To everyone who made their voices heard, thank you. DINZ and the NZDFA have made their submissions to HWEN, but nothing beats feedback from an affected farming family.”

He said he had no doubt he would be asking farmers before the year is out to again make their voices heard.

“If agriculture enters the NZETS, or if the worst-case HWEN scenarios come to pass, the impact on deer farm viability will be disastrous.

We have made it clear to everyone who will listen those ways must be found to reduce agricultural GHG emissions that do not affect the viability of deer farming,” Walker said.

YOUR LOCAL

“But listening does not mean agreeing, let alone making the changes we seek. So, we will be closely analysing HWEN’s final proposals after they are presented to the government on 31 May, as well as the government’s policy proposals when they emerge.

If we don’t like what we see, the deer farming community will once again need to speak up.”

He expected a heated public debate when the government consulted the wider public about its proposals but, in the heat of the debate, he cautioned deer farmers to remember the big picture – the need for agriculture to play its part in reducing GHG emissions.

“It’s the right thing to do.

It’s what other New Zealanders expect of us. It’s what our markets expect of us. But the reduction targets adopted by the government must be fair and farmers must have practical tools they can use to achieve

RURAL REPORTER

DPARTS & SERVICE CENTRE eer Industry NZ (DINZ) says the battle to get a greenhouse gas (GHG) pricing system that’s fair to deer farmers is far from over.

It’s a big concern for those deer farmers who have little or no opportunity to plant trees to offset their emissions.

Apart from planting trees to sequester carbon, there are at present no GHG reduction technologies that deer farmers can apply on their farms, short of cutting their stock numbers.

Formal consultation on two pricing options developed by He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) closed in late March. Farming groups would next get a chance to have a say when the

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lived gas, to be treated differently to long-lived nitrous oxide.

• Prices for these gases to be independent of the carbon market.

• The revenue from levies on methane and nitrous oxide to be used to fund the development of agricultural GHG mitigation technologies and their adoption, and to ensure that farms without mitigations stay viable.

• Reductions in emissions to be calculated and rewarded via a cost-effective farm level system.

• The burden of emission levies to be shared fairly across all land-use industries.

Walker said DINZ would continue to lobby for policies that reflected these goals.

“Most importantly, we will try and help the government of the day find solutions that achieve GHG reductions while ensuring that our deer farms remain viable,” he said.

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Pat Deavoll

those targets.”

Walker said DINZ had remained part of the HWEN process because it figured that it got a better hearing than it would have if it had stepped outside the tent.

“Sure, the options HWEN put out for comment took little account of the interests or concerns of deer farmers.

But by staying in the tent, we have got HWEN to review the formula for calculating deer emissions, which unduly penalises deer.

It will also assist us to get deer farm emission charges to be balanced fairly between venison and velvet.”

The key Green House Gas (GHG) policy goals for DINZ were for: • Deer farmers to be provided with the tools they need to reduce GHG emissions without affecting the viability of venison and velvet production.

• Agriculture to remain out of the NZETS. • Methane, as a short-

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Dairy Focus

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2022 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards: big hooray for Canterbury F

or the first time in the award’s 33-year history, Canterbury/Otago has achieved a clean sweep of all three major categories and the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award, with national finalists from that region taking home the silverware.

Will Green was named the 2022 New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year, the region’s Jaspal Singh became the 2022 New Zealand Dairy Manager of the Year and Peter O’Connor, also from Canterbury/North Otago, was announced the 2022 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year. They shared prizes from a pool worth over $200,000.

The winners were announced at a Gala Dinner held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre two weeks ago, in front of more than 540 people, making it the largest dinner to be held at the new venue since its opening.

Green had tasted success in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards as the 2018 Canterbury/North Otago

Dairy Manager of the Year and was also awarded that year’s national runner-up title.

Share farmer head judge, Guy Michaels from DairyNZ, said Green impressed the judges with his contagious energy, accuracy, and his constant business reviewing looking for opportunities to learn.

“He’s a great example of somebody who has come to New Zealand and recognises the opportunities the New Zealand dairy industry offers and has embraced the system, which is completely opposite to what he was used to back home”.

Originally from the UK, the 34-year-old holds a Degree in Agriculture from Harper Adams University and enjoys farming as it gives him the opportunity to work outdoors and with livestock.

Green is a 34 per cent share milker on the 270ha Dairy Holdings Ltd Hinds property milking 1060 cows.

The judges were also impressed with his on-farm presentation, which involved his whole team, including his

Will Green was named the 2022 New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

partner, Sally Eames.

“Will has fostered a strong team culture to the extent that they have a farm footy team, with their own personalised kit. The authenticity of his team’s engagement was very evident.”

The judges noted that Green

constantly benchmarked himself against the best, using various DairyBase tools and those available to him through Dairy Holdings Ltd. “He’s involved with different groups where he benchmarks his results and based on that he sets targets, which he achieves

and then benchmarks those results against,” said farmer judge Robin Barkla from Whakatane.

Green identified benefits of the awards programme included networking opportunities and meeting and making new likeminded friends.

“The programme made me focus on goals and the direction I wanted to be heading as well as creating speaking opportunities with My Connect, Understand Your Co-op, and the Pasture Summit.”

The judges said Green possessed a good knowledge of the challenges that were facing the industry and was able to describe the different options available to farmers that would help reduce emissions on-farm.

The judges identified finance as one of Green’s strengths and that of his business. “He has an excellent knowledge of the financial drivers in his business and things that have a direct impact on his financial performance,” said judge Michele Cranefield, senior manager ANZ.

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“Will was able to demonstrate very well where he’s been and where he wants to go and used a timeline, milk price, and other influencing factors to show us his journey.

“He’s living those numbers and totally understands them.”

The judges noted that Green was very well-rounded from finance through to people and developing his team.

“Will’s brain is working 24/7, he reaches far and wide for learning and advice and he’s very strategic,” said the judges.

The 2022 Dairy Manager of the Year was Jaspal Singh who stood out as an immigrant who was professional, detailed, diligent, and possessed a desire to succeed with a dedication to growth.

“From the moment we entered the farm gate to the time we left, we witnessed an immaculately presented farm and a polished and professional presentation which highlighted Jaspal’s knowledge and sense of responsibility for the farm’s management and performance,” said Dairy Manager Head Judge Gray Beagley from DairyNZ. “Singh displayed his dedication to learning, growth, and a strong desire to succeed in the New Zealand dairy industry and he also inspires others to excel, by mentoring and sharing knowledge.”

Singh was an information technology (computer

21

Jaspal Singh and his wife Ruby- are committed to New Zealand and the dairy industry.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

applications) student in India and came to New Zealand to further his studies in 2014.

Upon completion of his degree in 2015 he joined the dairy industry as a farm assistant in Mossburn and was now farm manager on Mark and Carmen Hurst’s 220ha, 800-cow property at Waimate.

He won over $19,000 in prizes and the DeLaval Livestock Management merit award, Fonterra Dairy Management merit award, and the Meridian Environmental and Sustainability merit award.

Interview judge Rosemarie

Costar noted that Singh was committed to his family with strong values. “He and his wife Ruby’s relationship is a strength of his business.”

Singh documented improvement under his management on several metrics including reproductive performance, the incidence of lame cows, somatic cell count, and production figures.

“He provides his team with clarity around the why things are done a certain way, not just the how, with policies and procedures that ensured a consistent high-quality

The three winners: From left: Peter O’Connor, Will Green and Jaspal Singh.

outcome,” said the judges.

“Jaspal’s attention-todetail was incredible, and he demonstrated best practice across the board.”

The judges were impressed with Singh’s knowledge of legislation including He Waka Eke Noa and were able to clearly articulate his preferred pricing mechanism and the reasons for it.

“Jaspal takes a proactive approach to animal health and welfare and tries to stay ahead of it all the time,” said Lake Brunner farmer judge Renee Rooney.

“Jaspal and his wife Ruby have immersed themselves in the dairy industry and are continually training and learning to become the best they can be.”

The judges said Singh acknowledged the New Zealand dairy industry as a whole and the opportunities that were available with employment such as housing. “He can see the opportunity that some others don’t and is an excellent example of what can be achieved by doing the simple things very well.”

Continued on P22

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Dairy Focus

22

From P21 The 2022 Dairy Trainee of the Year was awarded to Peter O’Connor from Canterbury/ North Otago who was described by the judges as a mature, capable person with extremely strong practical skills.

The dairy trainee judges said the first-time entrant was strong across all fields and did the basics very well.

“Peter is an intelligent, generational farmer who is perceptive and articulate – farming is in his blood,” said dairy trainee head judge Nicky Allomes.

The 23-year-old grew up on a dairy farm near Westport and was actively involved in the family farm and its development.

He obtained a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (First Class Honours) from Lincoln University and worked a variety of jobs during holidays.

James Courtman, Te Kauwhata farmer judge, noted that O’Connor had an excellent understanding of the cooperative model and its importance to the industry. “He also understood that the model doesn’t just happen by itself – you must get involved if you want to make it happen.

O’Connor won $9,000 in prizes including a Honda XR 190 farm motorbike, along with the DairyNZ Practical Skills merit award.

He is currently 2IC on

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The judges were impressed at Craigmore’s philosophy of adapting the farm system on each one of their 22 farms to suit the environment and the people.

Leighton and Michelle Pye’s 242ha, 900-cow Mayfield property and will progress to a new role managing a 400cow farm near Lauriston next season.

“Peter was up-to-date with the major factors influencing the industry, including the labour shortage,” said judge Mark Laurence, DairyNZ. “He has good broad general knowledge of the industry and how those topics then flow back to on-farm.”

Craigmore Farming Services, Canterbury/North Otago was named the 2022 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award winners The prestigious award was introduced by the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and Fonterra to recognise dairy farmers who demonstrated leadership in their approach

to sustainability and who were respected by their fellow farmers and their community for their attitude and role in sustainable dairying.

“It was a privilege to engage with all three finalists and the quality of the presentations was exceptional,” said head judge Conall Buchanan.

Fellow judge Charlotte Rutherford from Fonterra, agreed. “The future of the industry feels in such good hands when you can spend time with people like our finalists.

“It’s encouraging and motivating, and you wish you could send them out around the country to speak to all farmers because we left the room energised by what they had to say.”

While all the finalists were impressive, the winning entry represented by Stuart Taylor,

Craigmore begins with the people that are going to be on the land and their motivations and goals for the land and animals.

PHOTOS: CRAIGMORE

GM Farming, and Caroline Amyes, Agri Relationship Partner, stood out due to Craigmore’s focus on adapting individual farm systems to the land, resources, and the people involved.

“This is a strength that our industry will increasingly use in the years ahead,” said the judges.

One of Craigmore’s philosophies was that there was no single perfect system.

“Craigmore begins with the people that are going to be on the land and their motivations and goals for the land and animals.

“People influence the system that the farms adopt because the passion and drive were linked to the people that were running the farms,” said judge Melissa Slattery.

The judges were impressed

at Craigmore’s philosophy of adapting the farm system on each one of their 22 farms to suit the environment and the people.

The judge’s said Craigmore was demonstrating and implementing new technology that was proven to function in a way that was achievable and realistic for other farmers.

“Craigmore is leading change and using different innovations on different farms to help create solutions that other farmers could then use, including dung beetles, working on their significant natural areas, a composting barn, boluses, and are trialing Halter on one of their farms,” said the judges.

“Just like every farmer, Craigmore is on a journey and is continually seeking ways to grow and challenge themselves.”

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Dairy Focus

24

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Farmer feedback results in changes to wintering rules Pat Deavoll

O

RURAL REPORTER

ngoing work by the farming sector has resulted in the Government making significant changes to make wintering rules much more practical on-farm.

The Government had announced that significant changes had been made to several winter grazing requirements.

Federated Farmers Provincial President David Clark said the changes were closer to reflecting reality.

“It would have saved a whole lot of angst if the Government had genuinely consulted with the people who have to comply with the rules,” he said.

“It has been two and a half years of scrapping and fighting and a complete waste of resources on both sides of the

David Clark: the pugging rule – that was nonsense and so hard to quantify.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

argument. It’s a poor way of setting public policy.

“There is still some way to go but some of the rules were just downright stupid and they had to be got rid of.

“For instance, the pugging rule – that was nonsense and so hard to quantify.

“And sowing by October 1- once again nonsense. To go back to a pragmatic approach to sow the crop as soon after the completion of grazing makes much more sense.

“And what is still far too broad and subjective is the classification of a critical source area – a hollow in a paddock

that water will flow down into.

This is now closer to reflecting reality.”

The changes announced by Government were that: • paddocks would need to be re-sown following winter cropping as soon as conditions allow, instead of by a fixed date.

• rules about pugging depth in paddocks had been removed and replaced with a requirement that farmers took steps to minimise the effects of pugging on freshwater.

• farmers must protect critical source areas, by not

It has been two and a half years of scrapping and fighting and a complete waste of resources.

cultivating and grazing them during the winter grazing period from May to September.

• farmers who carried out winter grazing in paddocks with slopes over 10 degrees would also need to either obtain a resource consent or include how they would mitigate risks in their certified freshwater farm plan once these were available.

DairyNZ general manager for sustainable dairy David Burger said the changes addressed farmer concerns that the rules were impractical and unclear and wouldn’t improve

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environmental or animal welfare outcomes.

He said the dairy sector had made a significant improvement in wintering practices over the past two years.

“Last season, 80 percent of dairy farmers had a wintering plan at the start of the season and 89 percent also had a contingency plan to protect their animals and the environment in bad weather.”

He said DairyNZ, the farming sector, and farmers were already planning for the coming winter and were continuing to work together to raise the standard of wintering practices.

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Fertiliser prices have tripled.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

25

with Craig Hickman

The government is slowly turning the labour tap back on with 500 agriculture workers allowed into New Zealand in time for calving.

Farmers come to terms with cost-of-farming crisis E

ven with Fonterra’s recent announcement of a 30 cent drop in the forecast farmgate milk price, you would think dairy farmers up and down the country would be rejoicing at what will still be a record payout.

Farmers are not rejoicing. Just as New Zealanders are grappling with a costof-living crisis, farmers are coming to terms with what is rapidly becoming a cost-of-farming crisis.

The full effects of the increased cost of doing business won’t become fully apparent until the new season starts in June, with the blow being somewhat softened at the start of this current season with many prices locked in with contracts.

Fertiliser prices have tripled, with urea starting the season at $400 a tonne and rapidly climbing to $1200, while feed costs have increased by 50 per cent and the soaring price of diesel has seen price increases along every step of the delivery chain.

Rising interest rates, while widely predicted, are another unwelcome drain felt by both households and businesses alike, though it must be noted dairy farmers have been paying debt off at a record rate while the payout has been high and costs stable.

Compliance costs continue to increase; farm environment plan audits are not free, and neither is water metering or soil moisture monitoring.

We have already seen land use move away from dairying to horticulture, in part due stricter government regulations. One farm alone in Murchison that was producing a million kilograms of milk solids per year is now growing hops instead, and others are following suit.

Compounding all this is the staff shortage caused by border closures

and the government’s increasingly strict stance on immigrant labour.

Farmers have often been accused of importing cheap foreign workers, but the truth is that with few exceptions those workers were well paid at the time. Imported labourers didn’t keep wages low by working for less, they simply ensured the supply of workers was greater than the number of jobs available and the market found its equilibrium. Now, with the supply choked off for nearly two years and unemployment at a near record low, a new equilibrium is being found.

The government is slowly turning the labour tap back on with 500 agriculture workers allowed into New Zealand in time for calving but, with their minimum hourly rate now pegged at $28, a new and higher floor has been set for farm workers’ wages.

Since the farmgate milk price is set by overseas buyers purchasing commodities at auction, New Zealand dairy farmers are price takers with no means of passing increased costs on to consumers. The only things a dairy farmer has any control over is their level of production and their input costs.

My costs for this season are up 13 percent on what I budgeted, and next season my cost to produce a kilogram of milk solids will be 23 per cent higher than my baseline average.

Something has got to give, and farmers will be looking hard at their businesses for places to reduce costs.

There is no doubt dairy farming has become easier in the past couple of decades; when I started out farming the staffing levels were 1 person for every 200 cows, I had two days off per calendar month and working 60 to 70 hours per week was the norm.

DairyNZ data shows that in Canterbury the average staffing rate is now 1 person per 167 cows and the latest Federated Farmers remuneration survey puts the average dairy worker’s hours at 47 per week. Better rosters also mean many farm hands are having much more rostered time off, as they should.

With labour being scarce and getting more expensive, and other costs rising at an alarming rate, many farmers are looking to labour saving technology to future proof their business and reduce costs.

I know of twelve farms in Mid Canterbury installing cup removers this season, including myself, and talking to the installers there are many more in the region going down the same path. This is old technology that potentially turns milking from a two-person job to a one-

person task. Add in cow collars and an automatic drafting gate and, suddenly, the capital investment is quickly being paid for by a $65,000 per annum reduction in the wages bill.

Should you want to include in-shed feeding in the upgrade, the cost saving in diesel to run the tractor for feeding out will quickly add up, as will the reduction in feed wastage.

I have long resisted technology like this, not because I’m a luddite, but because I have always tried to view staff as an asset rather than a cost. That view might just become one more luxury I can no longer afford.

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Ashburton feedlot the last bastion of M. Bovis Pat Deavoll

N

RURAL REPORTER

ew Zealand’s largest beef-feed lot to the east of Ashburton is the last property to be infected with M. Bovis and work to clear it will begin later this year.

Federated Farmers plant biosecurity spokesperson and Mid Canterbury farmer Colin Hurst said, “We need to keep our foot on the throat of this disease.

“Over the last few years 271 farms have been cleared of M. Bovis and we’re down to just one infected property.

“It does underline the huge costs and disruption that can be avoided when we stop these organisms from getting into New Zealand, or when they’re here, stop them from the wider spread in our herds and environment.

“Our biosecurity personnel deserve proper resources to do their work well,” Hurst said. “This will be increasingly important as our borders open up to international passenger travel.”

A $111 million injection for biosecurity in the May budget is a pragmatic acknowledgement of how vital it is to New Zealand’s economy we stop pest organisms at our borders, Hurst said.

“This extra money shows an appreciation by the government that pest incursions can wreak havoc in our primary industries.

“The funding announcement comes on the same day that we mark the fourth anniversary of New Zealand’s attempt to eradicate the cattle disease - indeed the $110.9m in the budget includes $68 million over the coming year to continue momentum on the M. Bovis programme.”

The world-first attempt to eradicate the disease, which can cause lameness, mastitis and abortions in cows, began after it was first detected on a South

The country’s largest beef-feed lot to the east of Ashburton is the last property to be infected with M. Bovis.

PHOTO: GEOFF REID

Canterbury farm in 2017.

Since then, the disease has been confirmed and cleared from 271 properties, with more than 176,000 cattle culled.

Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor said no

working farms were currently infected - the lone property was the large beef-feed lot.

“Though we can’t rule out occasional finds elsewhere, we think it’s the right time to consider the future framework

for the M. Bovis Eradication Programme.

“Our partners, including the Ministry for Primary Industries, are working on a transition of the M. Bovis Eradication Programme to an agency under a National Pest Management Plan (NPMP).

“We are at an important juncture. We are aiming to move from delimiting controlling the last known pockets of the disease - to provisional absence. This will be followed by significant surveillance testing of herds around the country to provide assurance there are no undetected pockets of disease.”

Of the money announced last week, $42.9m would cover biosecurity measures offshore, at the border and domestically, as well as managing incursions in the country.

“The world is reopening from the pandemic. With increased travel alongside a warming climate, we face challenges from pests and diseases, which requires further investments to strengthen our biosecurity system,” O’Connor said.

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27

Continued strong growth in farm staff pay Pat Deavoll

A

RURAL REPORTER

verage growth of 13 percent in pay packages in the last two years is another reason for more New Zealanders to consider a career in agriculture, Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard says.

The 2022 Federated FarmersRabobank Farm Remuneration Report showed that since the 2019/2020 survey, weighted average incomes in the dairy sector had grown 15 per cent (to a ‘total package’ average value of $67,251). They were up 14 per cent to an average of $66,859, in the sheep and beef sector; and up 7 per cent in arable (to $68,618).

Federated Farmers Provincial President and arable farmer David Clark said with five to ten per cent inflation growth

and similar wage growth, interest rates would then respond, and “it was a dog chasing its tail.”

“But I would agree that this rise in wages and salaries is deserved. It shows that a career in agriculture provides some very good employment opportunities. It’s closer to reflecting reality.

“Working in the arable industry- rates of pay are comparable with the dairy industry across the various skill levels,” he said. “The arable industry has always provided good opportunities for skilled people, and I have seen some people who have moved to agriculture from other industries.

“What no one recognizes is that we still have a fundamental shortage of seasonal staff. In the past arable workers from the Northern Hemisphere have exchanged with those in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a rite of passage for young people on their OE that has been stymied

by Covid.”

“The survey shows that on top of wages adding in other factors that make up the

A career in agriculture provides some very good employment opportunities with optimal pay rates.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

total value of remuneration packages for farm staff, such as accommodation, meat, firewood and KiwiSaver, there are several thousand dollars of extra value to workers across all the sectors,” Hoggard said.

“In our dairy sector, 75 percent of employers provide accommodation for staff (61 per cent sheep/beef; 41per cent arable), with the average

accommodation cost per week being $157-$187.

“Those who have the right attitude and show leadership potential can find satisfying career pathways. For example, in the last two years, the total value of the remuneration package for a dairy operations manager has jumped 25 percent to an average of $107,593 and a sheep/beef stock manager is

earning an average 18 percent more in wages and add-ons for a total average of $78,076.”

“So, as well as job security in a sector that has ploughed ahead through tough COVID times, plus the satisfaction of working outdoors and growing quality food for families, the survey makes clear there are solid pay packages available,” Hoggard said.

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Dairy Focus

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CALVING FEATURE

Colostrum is the key to healthier calves G

et the right amount of good quality colostrum into your calves and kickstart their long-term health.

Colostrum is a protein-rich food source with the highest levels of protective antibodies.

Cows produce colostrum in the first milking. The next seven to nine milking’s produce transition milk.

While it’s nutritional, transitional milk doesn’t have the same level of antibodies. So, it’s important you understand the role colostrum plays in calf health if you want to give them a good start to life. This will help you minimise or prevent diseases and costly losses.

The health benefits of colostrum A calf ’s placenta prevents the transfer of large antibodies. To kickstart their immune system they must absorb these antibodies across the intestinal wall. Their ability to do this disappears 24 hours after birth. This makes their first hours of life crucial. Colostrum provides protection from short- and

Colostrum provides protection from short- and long-term- impacts of scour-causing pathogens such as rotavirus.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

long-term- impacts of scourcausing pathogens such as rotavirus, and the infectious bugs they may encounter after birth.

How to make sure calves get enough good quality colostrum

You can’t always rely on a dam to provide a calf with the volume and quality of colostrum it needs. Take the following measures to make sure your calves get the antibodies they need to be healthy.

• Provide extra, high-quality colostrum in the first 24 hours of life, via tube or teat feeders.

• Give calves at least two litres of colostrum during the first six hours after birth.

• Check colostrum quality using a Brix refractometer to see if it’s above the 22 per cent grade one threshold.

• Vaccinate your herd against viruses such as rotavirus and coronavirus three to six weeks before calving (seek veterinary guidance on timing).

• Store first milking colostrum separate from transition milk in a clearly labeled lidded drum or vat – refrigerate at four degrees celsius.

• Add a chemical preservative agent (within regulatory requirements) such as potassium sorbate, if refrigeration isn’t an option.

• Clean all storage and feeding equipment to reduce the risk of microbial contamination.

Factors that impact colostrum quality Here are some of the factors that influence the quality of the

colostrum produced.

• Cow body condition -cows below BCS 4 produce less colostrum.

• Cow age - older cows, on average, produce better quality colostrum than first calvers.

• Dry period length - short dry periods of less than three weeks can affect quality.

• Leaking milk before calvingcows that leak milk precalving will have reduced colostrum quality when they calve.

• Time since giving birth colostrum quality experiences rapid decline each hour following calving.

• Breed- purebred holstein colostrum contains lower antibody levels than that from jersey cows.

• Timing of calf pickupsregular pickups during calving (twice daily) increase the likelihood of collecting good colostrum.

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29

Dairy farmers turn out to see low Nitrogen system A

technical farm field day attracted a large turnout of 70 local farmers and advisors to hear how Dromore dairy farmers Simon and Bec Riordan lowered farm nitrogen use and maintained financial returns this past season.

Simon Riordan started using N-Boost this season as he was determined to lower nitrogen inputs for environmental and financial benefits.

“Traditionally the farm here has been an intensive operation and a high nitrogen user over the years. We’ve always thought we’ve used it efficiently – but we were still a high user. When 190kg/ha cap came in we had to reduce our usage by more than 100kg a hectare.

“So, when Donaghy’s came and suggested we take part in this work it ticked all of the boxes that gave us the opportunity to use less N, and to do that whilst still maintaining the same amount of milk production as we’ve done in the past.”

“Producing food – you’re achieving something. You’re feeding people. I love farming. I

love cows, so producing food is a bonus on top of that.”

The N-Boost system is sprayed onto pasture by a conventional boom sprayer after mixing it with dissolved urea in a mixing station, which Donaghy’s supplies to farmers.

“We’ve just been following the programme, following the cows with 40kg urea foliar sprayed with N boost applied.

Plus, we’ve had two applications of maintenance fertiliser. We’re waiting five days post grazing so there is more leaf on the grass for a good response.

“We’ve had even pastures with good clover this season.

The cows are eating it out nice and evenly as there are fewer urine patches. It’s been noticeable on the dry days.

“We are proud to have dropped our N use by over 100kg and we’re only down three per cent on milk production with the season we’ve had, so it’s got to be good.”

Tim O’Sullivan Donaghys GM Crop Protection and Export said the Agribusiness group had been following

Dromore dairy farmers Simon and Bec Riordan have lowered farm nitrogen use and maintained financial returns this past season.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

the progress of five farms in the Waikato, Canterbury, and Otago Southland and providing analysis back to the farmers around the impact on their farm systems and farm financials.

“The aim is to demonstrate how N-Boost is working on high performing dairy farms, as well as understand practical tips from farmers so other dairy farmers can seriously consider this as an

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30

Dairy Focus

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Down cows, no longer a fact of dairy life Death, taxes and down cows do not all have to be certainties in a dairy farmer’s life.

As dairy farmers you do not have to accept that this is a reality, and by changing your focus on farm from treating sick animals to prevention you can remove one of the ‘certainties’ from the list, making dairying more enjoyable and more profitable.

Unfortunately, the acceptance of down cows being part of life is reinforced by their prevalence during springtime. Downers are now so common it is like a self-fulfilling prophecy; every farm has them, it’s just some are worse than others.

DairyNZ published that there are about 2% of cows in a herd that actually go down in New Zealand during the calving period. For every one that goes down, there are at least 10 times more that are sub-clinically suffering the same problem. In fact, DairyNZ suggests that 1/3 of all cows in New Zealand are affected. This results in further problems with calving, milk production, fertility and mastitis through the season.

There are many reasons for the high levels of hypocalcemia cows in the dairy industry.

The most well acknowledged is the magnesium deficiency created in cows by excessive

For every cow that goes down there are at least ten more that are sub clinically suffering the same problem.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

levels of potassium and nitrogen based molecules in our modern grasses. This lack of magnesium means that the cow fails to regulate her own calcium homeostatic systems prior to calving and also during lactation.

A failure to regulate calcium homeostasis by magnesium means the cow fails to break down sufficient bone prior to calving to allow for available calcium at calving. It also means the cow is unable to absorb

sufficient calcium during the lactation period, which means she is unable to replace her bones. Not dissimilar to not replacing body condition score.

By pasture dusting, drenching and water dosing with magnesium prior to calving we are enabling the cow to break down her bones and use this calcium at calving. However, this is effectively “raiding the bank” when it is not necessary.

It also means that we have to replace more calcium in

lactation, which is likely to be already lacking.

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

So how can you tackle

hypocalcemia?

The first part is to feed a balanced diet all year round.

This enables cows to have a healthy skeleton prior to calving and enable the cow to draw on this reserve during calving and into lactation.

To achieve this we need to maintain the macro mineral balance (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium) and also the fat soluble vitamin balance.

It is important to realize that minerals and vitamins are not feed additives, they are critical components of a cow’s diet, not unlike energy, protein and fibre.

The second part is to balance her diet immediately prior to calving, in what we call the transition period. Research has shown it is possible to achieve this on a grass based diet by utilising highly available sources of magnesium, calcium and an advanced form of vitamin D called HyD. HyD has been demonstrated to increase the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the diet during the milking period and to activate calcium prior to calving.

The farmers that have adopted balanced nutritional systems don’t fear calving – they often get to the point where a down cow is most unusual, and certainly not to be expected as a normal part of calving.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

31

Food gathering and storing

Archaeologists discovered the oldest domesticated pumpkin seeds in the Oaxaca Highlands of Mexico.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Sheryl Stivens

A

ECO EFFICIENCY

s the days shorten the preparation for winter food storage continues at Free Range Farm.

The autumn weather guides us as to when to harvest pumpkins. They need protection from frosts and moisture which could damage their amazing keeping abilities. Finding a dry place to store pumpkins is essential as well as having the right variety for long keeping.

So where did pumpkins originate from? Archaeologists discovered the oldest domesticated pumpkin seeds in the Oaxaca Highlands of Mexico.

Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America over 7,500 years ago. The first pumpkins held very little resemblance to the sweet fleshy varieties we are familiar with today. The original pumpkins were small and hard with a bitter flavour. Rather than using their nutritional and readily available seeds, pre-Columbian natives grew pumpkins for their flesh. They were among the first crops grown for human consumption in North America. Thanks to their solid, thick flesh, pumpkins proved ideal for storing during cold weather and in times of scarcity.

My Dad taught me to save the seeds from the best keeper and the best-tasting pumpkins each year.

As a result, we still have pumpkins that we have stored for over a year

The autumn weather guides us as to when to harvest pumpkins.

and still taste fine. What a bonus to grow food that has these natural keeping qualities.

Consider the variety of ways pumpkins can be cooked as soup, roasted as salads, made into pies cakes or bread or added as chunks to bolognaise or home-made baked beans to make one-pot family dinners go further with the added bonus of rich, sweet flavours and wholefood nutrients.

Seed saving can result in interesting outcomes. The zucchinis I grew from our seed this year yielded a variety of unusual pale green vegetables. I named them ‘Wallopinis’ and will be keeping the seed to grow next season as they are abundant yielders of food.

In my research I discovered that this variety of pale green zucchini is very popular in Mexico where it is used to make Calabacitas a la Mexicana, which translates to Mexican style zucchini.; a simple and popular taco filling.

I so love the real food culture of Mexico and how proud the people are of their history of food and ingredients.

Climbing beans are another useful food to store away and the dried pods gathered from the bean support structure or fence and the plump colourful seeds are dried and stored in jars for cooking homemade baked beans or even cooking up for animal food over the winter months ahead.

In the garden, the raised beds are topped up with worm castings from the worm farms and any rotting fruit, cardboard and pony poo is used to fill up the bathtub worm farms so the tiger worms can create enough rich vermicast for the early spring plantings.

Happy winter feasting at your place.

The dried pods gathered from the bean support structure or fence.

Farming

32

www.guardianonline.co.nz

EQUINE FEATURE

Preparing horses for that hectic show environment Pat Deavoll

obvious- but do try to take your horse to a couple of small, inconsequential competitions before you tackle anything more important.

That way, you can get an idea of how your horse will react and accustom him to the environment without it mattering too much.

• Make sure that your horse is properly trained before you start entering him in classes all over the place. If he is a ridden prospect, ensure that all of his transitions are smooth and unrushed, etc. If you are wanting to show a youngster in hand, practice leading, trotting, and standing quietly until he is performing calmly and obediently.

• Have a few practice runs at home. Go through the whole shebang- washing, plaiting, and loading so that you know exactly how long it will take you on the day (this cuts down hugely on your already soaring stress levels) • If possible, practice leading or riding with other horses around…

• Showgrounds can be a lot buzzier and noisier than most

RURAL REPORTER

T

hose first few outings with your young or novice show animal are always exciting times. Will they explode like a dry tinder box packed full of Chinese firecrackers, doused with petrol, and then lit with a single match? Or will they come off the box and float serenely into the ring, wowing the judge and everyone at the ringside with their grace and poise?

Sometimes, the ones that you would least expect turn into fire-breathing dragons, and the so-called ‘nervy’ ones are perfectly well behaved. Our horses like to keep us on our toes you know.

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to prepare your horse or pony for its first show ring experience: • Firstly- it might sound

Here to help I am available to you as a source of information, advocacy, connection and support. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require assistance.

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Showgrounds can be a lot buzzier and noisier than most horses are used to.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

horses are used to. Consider playing music while you are riding or leaving the radio switched on next to his stable/ paddock, so he gets used to different sounds • Desensitise your horse as much as possible! Balloons, flags, livestock- all these things are often present at larger shows and can cause a bit of a horsey meltdown if he hasn’t come across them before • For the big competitions, which will have plenty

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of spectators, consider downloading a clapping soundbite from a website.

Believe me- it is well worth getting them used to this noise as countless laps of honour, etc have been wrecked by horses freaking out at the sound of clapping There are also several things you can do once you are at the show: • Leave yourself plenty of time.

A stressed owner, a stressed horse.

• Warm your horse up at the edge of the showgrounds if you can, so that he can see/ hear all the action but isn’t in the thick of it. Easing him into the show environment is much better than hurling him in and expecting him to deal with it • Take your horse for a walk in-hand around the grounds (for both ridden and in-hand animals). Let him have a look at everything before you ask him to do any work.

• Before you enter the ring, take note of any horses that are playing up or riders that look like they aren’t coping. Stay as far away as possible from them.

• Once in the ring- stay calm, think ahead, and don’t get bunched up with other competitors. If you think you are going to catch up with a group of other riders, simply turn and ride a large circle or ride deeper into the corners.

Keep plenty of space around you (as well as being more relaxing for your horse there are also obvious ring-craft benefits).

Happy showing and those that are venturing out for the first time, enjoy your first event!

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EQUINE FEATURE

33

Moving Day creates opportunities on the farm O

ver the next couple of months, farmworkers around the country will be on the lookout for new opportunities as part of the annual “Moving Day” movement says Tai Poutini Polytechnic, agriculture.

The concept of Moving Day is entrenched in New Zealand dairy farming – it’s all about opportunities to move up in the industry, take on new challenges and look to the future.

Moving Day is when share milkers, dairy farm assistance workers, farm managers, and 2IC workers pack up their belongings – in many cases including the dairy herd – and shift to a new location.

The tradition is an important day in the New Zealand dairy farming calendar – usually linked to 1 June but watch out any time now for the move.

It’s a chance for farmworkers to climb the ranks, move on to bigger farms with greater challenges and opportunities, chase better money or just look for a change of location.

As well as the many positive opportunities that an annual

day of move and change can present, it also creates plenty of disruption. There’s even talk around the industry at the moment about whether Moving Day itself puts a bit too much strain on families and local communities.

It’s certainly a stressful time, especially if the share milker has a herd of cows and has to organise trucking transport and paddocks to hold them to stretch their legs when travelling long distances. We all know moving is hard enough without the added strain of shifting farm equipment like tractors, quad bikes and implements. Not to mention the hardest workers of all: the loyal farm dogs and their accommodation. Then you get to the new farm and you’re faced with setting it all up again. You can only hope the previous tenant hasn’t left the farm in a huge mess with no feed for the arriving cows and a lot more work.

Getting to know the new farm also takes time, you’ve got to learn the quirks of the new water system, cowsheds, paddocks,

The concept of Moving Day is entrenched in New Zealand dairy farming.

fencing, fertilizer history and all that goes with it. Then you’ll be hoping the new boss is a good one, otherwise you’re left with the “why did we move” conversation

over breakfast.

There are plenty of opportunities and a fair amount of challenges linked to our annual Moving Day. So, if you

PHOTO: SHELLIE EVANS

see a harassed-looking farmer towing a trailer full of gear in the next couple of months – give them a wave and a smile and wish them well on the move.

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Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Are your cows overheating?

What to do Pat Deavoll

RURAL REPORTER

H

eat stress occurs when cows generate and absorb more heat than they can easily get rid of by respiration, sweating, and air blowing by them (wind or fans).

Heat stress leads to increased respiration rates, body temperatures, sweating, and time standing.

Why is heat stress an important issue?

Heat stress costs you money.

• Heat-stressed lactating cows have reduced dry matter intake, milk production, and pregnancy rates.

• Heat stress also leads to increased lameness, disease incidence, days open, and death rates.

• Heat-stressed late gestation cows have shorter gestation periods, calves with lower birth weights, reduced milk

The earliest indicator of heat stress is increased breathing rate.

production, and impaired immune function.

• Heifer calves from heatstressed cows produce less milk for the first 30 weeks of lactation after freshening.

One way cows get rid of excess heat is by evaporation of their breath and sweat.

To increase evaporation, they breathe faster and sweat more, though their ability to sweat is limited. When this isn’t enough, they eat less to reduce the production of heat in their rumen, so their milk yield declines.

High humidity and low air

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

movement increase the risk of heat stress. Evaporation is less effective, making it hard for the cow to lose heat by sweating and breathing.

Cows begin to experience heat stress at much lower temperatures than humans and prefer temperatures

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below 20°C. All areas of New Zealand get hot enough to cause heat stress during summer. Access to shade and plenty of drinking water is the best line of defense but cooling with water and changes to milking and feeding routine can help when shade isn’t enough.

www.guardianonline.co.nz The earliest indicator of heat stress is increased breathing rate.

Ideally, observe 10 cows on a warm summer afternoon, but you could start with just one – a highproducing black cow will be most at risk.

Watch for these changes: • Cows breathing faster – check their breathing rate.

• Cows standing more but grazing less.

• Increased water intake and cows hanging around troughs.

• Cows slower walking to and from the shed.

• Less milk in the vat.

We all have an ideal temperature range, within which we feel comfortable, and our immune system and organs function properly. The comfortable temperature range for a cow is 4-20°C, lower than for a human.

Sprinklers can improve evaporative cooling for 2-6 hours after wetting. However, water must run off the cows; simply wetting them only increases humidity, making things worse, especially when they are held close together.

Fans can be used to increase the effectiveness of sprinklers by moving the water-laden air away.

If these strategies fail and the cow’s heat load exceeds the body’s removal ability, her body temperature will increase. It has been estimated that with each 0.5ºC increase in body temperature above 38.6 ºC, milk yield will decline by 1.8 kg/day (15 g MS/ cow/day) The critical cow body

temperature is 42ºC. Minimum protective measures can be viewed as a form of insurance against possible milk production losses.

These include: • Providing access to clean drinking water. Lactating cows will typically require more than 100 litres/cow/day and will drink between two to six times per day.

• Ensure summer pasture is of high quality. A feed with a high fibre content can increase the heat of fermentation in the rumen, increasing the heat load on the cow (e.g., non-irrigated summer pasture), • Provide supplementary feed at night when it is cooler.

• Provide paddocks with shade trees during periods of heat stress Providing shade at the shed if possible will help cows deal with warm weather management.

• Reduce the walking distance and speed to the dairy. Reduce the time spent in holding yards. Minimise handling stress.

• Isolate cows most severely affected by heat stress and provide shade and cooling.

• Cooling sprinklers can be used over the dairy yard to wet the cow’s coat and aid in evaporative cooling for between two to six hours after milking. The effectiveness of sprinkling depends on the removal of water vapour by air movement, ideally by using a fan

35

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Farming

36

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Building industry and climate change Mary Ralston

FOREST AND BIRD

T

here is huge pressure on farmers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, but what about the building sector?

Unlike farming, there seems to be little social pressure on people who are thinking of building new houses, their architects or builders, to come up with designs that minimise emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, despite the sector’s significant contribution to New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions.

According to research

by Thinkstep (2018), the production of materials, construction of buildings, and the waste from demolished buildings are estimated to be around 20 per cent of New Zealand’s emissions.

New Zealand has agreed to reduce emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 so all sectors need to take emission reductions seriously if we are to transition to a low-carbon

Permeable surfaces contribute fewer emissions than concrete and have other environmental benefits.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

economy. In the building industry there is ample scope for innovative measures that would lower emissions, many of which would result in better, healthier buildings requiring less energy use in the long term.

Buildings’ emissions consist of building operations (running costs such as lighting, heating and cooling) and embodyy carbon (building materials and construction). Reductions in the number of emissions from materials have an immediate benefit, while the carbon reductions through operations (such as insulation and energy-

efficient lighting) accrue over the lifetime of the building.

Size is an obvious step to address. Current New Zealand detached house size has steadily risen, even as the occupancy rate has fallen. It seems to be standard for new houses to have far more bedrooms than occupants, multiple bathrooms, garages and living areas, and even gas-heated outdoor spaces.

Materials are another obvious area: the production of cement, the crucial ingredient of concrete, creates about five percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, twice that of the aviation

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industry. In New Zealand’s new builds, concrete is everywhere – concrete slab foundations, impermeable concrete driveways, and footpaths.

Research into cross-laminated timber that is stronger than steel or concrete is promising for both emission reductions and New Zealand’s forestry industry. Permeable surfaces for driveways allow water infiltration rather than runoff into stormwater drains.

The good initial design is crucial. Units or joined-up houses can be much more energy and materials-efficient than

stand-alone houses, and the saved outdoor area can be used for the benefit of multiple households.

A substantial green space (rather than each separate house having a tiny space) allows room for vegetable gardens, native plants, or trees to provide shade and sequester carbon.

Progress is being made: the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) launched the “Building for Climate Change Programme” in 2020, seeking to reduce building emissions while also improving building resilience to climate change.

The program aims to transform the industry by making changes to the building code to raise minimum standards.

The concept of zero-carbon buildings is catching on. The aim is to achieve the highest level of carbon reduction from both the operation stage and embodied carbon of materials throughout the whole life cycle of the building.

As for farming, transport, and electricity generation and use, it’s up to individuals, companies, and legislation to work together to make a difference. Let’s go for smaller spaces, less concrete, and more energy-efficient houses.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

37

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Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

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Change, challenges, and innovation in our red meat sector

ew Zealand’s sheep and beef sector has used a mix of collaboration, ingenuity, and innovation to survive and thrive through a period of volatile political, cultural and economic uncertainty, a new book soon to be published will reveal.

Commissioned by the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB) to celebrate its 100th anniversary, “Meeting Change: the NZ Red Meat Story 1997-2022”, covers the sector’s journey over the past 25 years and finds there’s plenty to celebrate.

Published in the coming June, Meeting Change will be the third in a series of histories about the sector: the first being “Golden Jubilee” edited by Dai Hayward (1972), and the second “Meat Acts”, written by Janet Tyson and Mick Calder (1999).

Authors Ali Spencer and Mick Calder’s research for this latest record included over 50 interviews with

sector leaders such as Sir Graeme Harrison, Jeff Grant, Mike Petersen, Craig Hickson, and the late Tim Ritchie.

“It never ceases to surprise me how much has changed in such a short space of time,” said Calder.

“This book highlights the many innovations and strong characters in the sector and the extraordinary culture change and events that have taken place.”

Andrew Morrison, chairman of the NZMB, said the book demonstrated the sector’s resilience over the past 25 years, the evolving role of the Board, and the importance of Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).

“While B+LNZ has taken over the sector’s industry good responsibilities, the NZMB continues to deliver for the industry with its effective quota management function helping underpin the sector’s success.

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A view from the paddock Chris Murdoch

PROPERTY BROKERS

I “Meeting Change: the NZ Red Meat Story 1997-2022”, covers the sector’s journey over the past 25 years. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

“The NZMB currently oversees $2.3 billion of red meat exports to the quota markets of the European Union, United Kingdom, and the United States. It also has responsibility for $82.2m of farmer reserves.

“This provides crucial funding to assist in major industry crises to re-open export markets, maintain a prudent level of net assets to avoid jeopardising quota markets and the integrity of quota management systems and deliver funding for industry-good activities such as genetics.

“The Board’s duties will expand even further with NZMB taking on responsibility for the administration of the transitional Free Trade Agreement quotas between the UK and New Zealand once the deal is ratified by both countries.”

Meeting Change will be published in hardback and paperback in New Zealand in late June and is only available from https://meetingchange.nz or via sales@ meetingchange.nz.

t’s amazing how much change you can see in a matter of a couple of months. If you had asked me a couple of months ago the per hectare value of a good quality dairy support farm in Mid Canterbury, I would have said $45,000 to $48,000/hectare. As it turned out, I was miles away from true market value. During the past couple of months, our Company has sold a couple of good quality dairy support units here in Mid Canterbury with prices that have reached mid $50,000’s per hectare. These levels have never been seen before here in Mid-Canterbury. The top price I sold a dairy unit this past season in Mid Canterbury was $54,000/hectare and that had quality housing, fully troughed, laned and a dairy shed that would cost today around $2 million

mark. Top that off with pivot irrigation and MHV water and you have a very good dairy unit for less than a runoff that has no cost outlay for a dairy shed.

I can’t help but ask the question why? It seems there are multiple answers, but none really make any sense to me.

The first answer is dairy farmers are just wanting to secure their future, and their ability to secure grazing even if it is only at a break-even figure.

Secondly, the big are getting bigger and the large-scale dairy units out there are producing very high returns at the moment which gives them the opportunity to grow.

Thirdly, the worry that the way the Green’s, Ecan, and MPI are controlling the environmental piece. Everyone is worried about losing their dairy support blocks and not being able to replace them.

It seems crazy to me that when we have a shut down on dairy, so no more conversions, so, therefore, no more dairy cows or R1/R2’s that we are still controlling where these animals are grazed. Surely it would be

better for the environment if we could spread these animals over as many hectares as possible. There would be less intensification of dairy grazing and therefore fewer nitrate issues. But instead of this, they are saying only those that have been dairy grazing in the past can dairy graze now. You are allowed to graze bulls, and have beef cows and replacements but not dairy support animals.

It seems to me to be a direct hit by the environmentalists to stop dairying dead in its tracks.

I guess all this means if you at present have a dairy support unit and are thinking of selling demand is strong if you wish to sell.

It’s going to be an interesting period as we move into the spring selling season but if you are considering your options, you should maybe give me a call sooner rather than later.

Chris Murdoch is a rural/lifestyle salesperson for Property Brokers Ashburton. The views expressed in this column are his and do not reflect the opinion of his employer or the Ashburton Guardian.

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Farming

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FARM TECHNOLOGY AND SECURITY FEATURE

A short history of tech in agriculture N

ModuSense has been dubbed “the internet of bees”.

and software products that combine soil and crop sensors, electromagnetic surveying, advanced optics, and data management to help farmers tell exactly what’s happening on the farm. The result? Water, nutrients, herbicides, and other interventions are applied exactly where and in what

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

quantity they’re needed. The farmer sees higher yields and lower costs and the land and waterways benefit.

MacKenzie also helped found the Precision Agriculture Association, whose website includes an array of case studies in both crop and, increasingly, livestock farming.

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Snap Fresh Foods, for example, is using GPS data to automatically steer farm machinery, saving on fuel, machinery, and labour costs.

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irrigation shares that more than paid for the original investment.

Increasingly, farm technologies fall under the umbrella of the Internet of Things (IoT). Connected electronics aren’t new on farms – New Zealand innovators Harvest Systems have been installing systems to help orchardists monitor their crops and the conditions they grow in since the 1990s – but they’re becoming increasingly useful and affordable.

One of the newest – and most intriguing – entries to the field is Hamilton’s ModuSense, which has been dubbed “the internet of bees”. Yes, it’s an apiculture product – or, rather, suite of products. Beehives are often sited at remote locations and they’re difficult to check manually. Sometimes, the mere act of checking – lifting the lid – is bad for the hive. ModuSense offers hive scales (which provide crucial information on exactly when to harvest) and sensors allowing the heat, humidity and even noise inside hives to be remotely monitored.

The great thing is that it’s all available from an online store – and priced within the reach of hobbyists. Smart farming doesn’t have to be at an

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For much of that history, technology has been principally a means of increasing the productivity and efficiency of farms. And that’s still an important goal. But in recent years “smart farming” and precision agriculture has offered a way to make farming not only more productive, but more sustainable.

When Methven farmer Craige MacKenzie travelled to St. Louis, Missouri, in 2016 to be recognised as Precision Agriculture Farmer of the Year by the USA-based PrecisionAg Institute, it warranted more than the footnote in the news that it got. MacKenzie’s recognition should have been a signal that New Zealand farmers are not only capable of adopting smarter farming practices, but they can also excel at it.

MacKenzie is certainly doing his part. Nearly a decade ago, he founded Agri Optics, a company that offers hardware

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industrial scale.

The key change in the smart farming market in recent years is that it has become cheaper to do. Monitoring systems and the batteries and bandwidth they require have come down sharply in price – and the ability to make use of the data they generate has just as sharply improved.

David Walker, Spark’s Agribusiness lead, says that “if you look at the weakness of the agricultural sector, it’s always been in the ability to gather data and information, to actually demonstrate farmers’ ability to run a business that’s both sustainable and productive.

The data collected has always been paper-based. What IoT does is give a comprehensive way to gather that data.”

He singled out RiverWatch, the IoT water-monitoring system developed by Grant and James Muir, the fatherand-son farming team who thrust critical problems with our waterways into the public consciousness with the documentary film River Dog. “RiverWatch uses very costeffective sensors, which float in the river and gather information around pH, nitrogen levels, and so on – all the things that are important to understand.

Including, if it is polluted, who’s actually polluting it.”

For farmers, the matter has been made more urgent

FARM TECHNOLOGY AND SECURITY FEATURE

Grant and James Muir thrust critical problems with our waterways into the public consciousness with the documentary film River Dog. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

by government regulation.

Now, he says, compliance with regulation is “driven off the

back of writing up 30 pages of information”. Nobody wants to do that, and then it has to be

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The move to data-driven farming is crucial, he says.

41

“It’s that ability to bring together all those pieces of information. So yes, we can put IoT into a beehive, but what’s interesting is where that honey is coming from and what the conditions are that enable it. A sensor that tells you whether the gates open or closed is nice to have. But when you get into environmental planning and being able to know what the moisture level of the soil is, you need to have that 100 per cent correct. What’s interesting for us as farmers are knowing we have some really good rigour around that.”

That ability to see many different forms of data in one place can help a smart farmer increase farm productivity and reduce costs. But for the former dairy farmer, the most significant promise is the one around our environment.

“IoT does enable very cost-effective solutions,” says Walker. “But I would argue that the greatest opportunities for New Zealand farmers are in compliance and sustainability.”

For New Zealanders, farming is as much part of our heritage as the All Blacks. And while we hail the heroes on the field, perhaps we should also reserve some applause for the people getting smarter about working in the fields. Because the better they do, the better it is for all of us.

42

Farming

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FEEDING OUT FEATURE

Transitioning stock onto fodder beet S

ignificantly changing the diet of animals usually has some health risks as stock adjusts to the new feed. This is particularly so for fodder beet due to the risk of rumen acidosis. To transition stock well onto fodder beet can take up to three weeks and requires careful management.

Rumen acidosis is caused by animals eating diets high in water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) or starch too quickly.

It is much less likely to occur where animals have had access to silage/hay/straw before being offered the crop (i.e., they are not hungry) or are well adjusted to the daily allocation of the crop. Acidosis is most likely in hungry animals, during the transition period, or when crop allowance is suddenly increased (e.g., cows break out, or break size is mistakenly increased).

With acidosis, rapid fermentation of the WSC causes the pH of the rumen to drop rapidly, often below pH 5.5. The change in acidity alters the rumen flora, with acid-producing bacteria taking over, exacerbating the problem. The low rumen pH can result in rumen stasis (no rumen contractions), reduced

Rumen acidosis is caused by animals eating diets high in water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) or starch too quickly.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

fiber digestion, and depressed appetite, all of which affect production. In severe cases, acidosis can lead to death.

Visual symptoms of acute rumen acidosis in cattle are Scouring, Reduced appetite, Loss of body condition, Bloating, Dehydration, Laminitis, Rumenitis, and

Milk fever.

Clinical rumen acidosis is usually only the tip of the iceberg, and with every clinical case, there are likely to be sub-clinical cases that go unnoticed. The way to reduce this risk is the good transition of animals onto fodder beet and avoiding any sudden

increases in daily intake.

How the crop is to be fed should determine the planting layout. Provide good access for stock and allow enough room for the entire mob to get on the crop but without overallocating the amount of feed.

This can be a challenge in very high-yielding crops in the early

stages of transition.

One way to achieve this is to plant a greenfeed crop in a headland (e.g., 6 m wide) parallel to the rows of fodder beet. The greenfeed can then be used as an alternative feed source during the transition, which is not high in readily fermentable carbohydrates.

Alternatively, fodder beet in the headland can be lifted mechanically or manually and fed to the animals at a low level to start the transition phase.

Both options can ensure that you have enough space for stock in the fodder beet paddock to help manage the transition phase.

The planting layout should also consider how to best feed the crop. Usually, you want to graze parallel to the rows to make the allocation of feed easier. Long narrow breaks, where animals are eating under the wire, are best as this helps ensure that animals have equal access to the crop, and none are pushed to the back. It also improves crop utilization, with less treading of the crop.

Knowing the crop yield before the start of feeding is essential to ensure correct daily DM allowance and overall animal performance.

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Fodder beet yield is very difficult to estimate. For an accurate yield assessment at least eight separate yield measurements are required per paddock, including DM percentage analysis.

For transition, assess crop yield at the end of the paddock where livestock will start grazing because correct crop allocation is paramount during this time.

The daily allocation of fodder beet to animals will depend on the stock class, age, desired live weight gain, and the amount of crop available.

After transitioning stock onto fodder beet, it is recommended to continue feeding ≥30 percent of the animals’ diet as a highquality supplement to minimize potential animal health issues.

However, it is acknowledged that experienced farmers are successfully operating systems at higher feeding levels.

Where high fodder beet levels are fed over a 24-hour grazing period, the risk of animal health effects (rumen acidosis) is reduced, as stock intake rates are much slower than when feeding over a 4-5 hour period.

High utilization rates (e.g., 90 percent) can be achieved on fodder beet, even with high crop allocation levels, as the feed quality of the whole plant is high. This is different from kale, for example, where lower utilization rates are required for high animal performance as the feed quality declines down the plant stem.

Low levels of fodder beet in the diet are sometimes targeted due to performance levels required (e.g., maintenance feeding), or when fodder beet does not meet the nutritional needs of the stock. This is the case for lactating dairy cows, where it is suggested that no more than 5 kg DM/cow/day is fed, due to low protein levels in fodder beet.

FEEDING OUT FEATURE

Knowing the crop yield before the start of feeding is essential to ensure correct daily DM allowance and overall animal performance.

Low levels of fodder beet in the diet are sometimes targeted due to performance levels required (e.g., maintenance feeding), or when fodder beet does not meet the nutritional needs of the stock.

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Farming

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FARM MACHINERY FEATURE

Impact your farm’s profitability with a good feed pad T

he feed pad is an integral part of any high-performing farm operation. You get out what you put in; and whether you’re after higher yield milk, wool or meat, the quality of the feed is a vital part of getting the best product and the best price.

Being a high-density area, the feed pad bears the brunt of a lot of abuse. Using a feed pad concentrates the feeding efforts and can reduce the deterioration of tracks and pastures while creating a focal point for feeding stock.

Determining the size of a feed pad can be a tricky business. Not only do you need to consider the current herd size, but also future requirements.

Feeding pads are different to off pasture feeding options. A feed pad is a defined hard surface (typically concrete) area where animals are held for a short period of time (approximately two hours). This is typically before or after milking, where water and supplementary feed can be provided. As well as water, these pads can be used to feed hay, silage, mixed rations, or concentrates in times of pasture shortage.

As the New Zealand weather becomes less predictable, the need for regulated feed areas can become more important. As shortages in field feed are caused by extreme cold, drought, or heat the need to distribute feed and water to animals, regardless of conditions, becomes imperative.

The feed pad itself has several aspects in the design and construction to optimise its performance. It must provide: • Safe and easy access for stock • Allow maintenance of animal health • Adequate working space for farm staff and equipment • Storage of a range of feed and easy access to them, as well as efficient feeding out systems • Water supply • Farm dairy effluent containment • Stormwater management

• Shelter The last point is often overlooked and to the farmer’s detriment.

There are multiple benefits to having a sheltered feed pad and making the investment can save you money and stress. Aside from the safety aspects and providing a dry space for farm hands to work in, the feed itself can benefit from being covered.

The roof of the shed diverts rainwater from the feed pad, which has the added benefit of reducing the stock effluent needing to be managed during wet weather.

In the warm weather, the shed provides welcome relief for the herd, enabling them to take on food and water away from the sun’s rays.

Using the drainage systems from the roof of the shed for additional water supplies can help in a pinch if levels run low. In addition, feed set out on an open feed pad can result in nutrient leaching. Whereas a solid feed pad, that’s also covered, means no soil pugging (unlike pasture feed) and no nutrient leaching.

A covered feed pad delivers many benefits, as previously mentioned, but they also bear the brunt of a lot of activity on the farm. From effluent exposure, water, and regular knocks and scrapes, the materials you use have to be easily cleaned but also very durable.

Obviously, a feed pad is a very corrosive environment due to the large amounts of effluent.

Therefore, it is important to choose a cover that is designed for maximum rust protection.

Building with timber poles and timber purlins is naturally a good choice as they don’t rust, and they minimise noise inside the building.

However, it is also important to ensure that the steel rafter clear span beams/rafters are designed for maximum longevity.

As with all investments, a feed pad is there to provide you with the best return on your money - so it makes sense to invest in a structure that is built to last.

Being a high-density area, the feed pad bears the brunt of a lot of abuse.

The feed pad itself has several aspects in the design and construction to optimise its performance.

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45

FARM MACHINERY FEATURE

Outstanding start for agricultural equipment deliveries in 2022 2

022 agricultural equipment deliveries have kicked off to a fantastic start. This coupled with many machines that are already on order as customers begin to gear up for spring/summer 2022 is driving the current performance. The Tractor and Machinery Association of NZ (TAMA) president Kyle Baxter said, “he was seeing and hearing first-hand how strengthened commodity prices are giving farmers and rural contractors the confidence to invest in new equipment”.

The flow of equipment into New Zealand has increased dramatically, and this has offered much-welcomed relief for customers who are requiring a new piece of equipment, which is then being put to work straight away when it arrives.

“Overall tractor sales are up more than 25 percent for the year to date compared to 2021 (which was already an increase on 2020 by around 19 per cent) and this trend looks set to continue with confidence in the agri-sector remaining strong”, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association.

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There have been consistent increases across every horsepower sector, with some stand-out results in certain sectors such as a 20 per cent increase in the sub 40HP sector, coupled with over a 30 per cent increase in the 100-150HP plus sector which is predominantly used in the dairy segment.

The regional performance which has a strong dairy influence such as Northland, Waikato, Taranaki, and Southland, has also experienced significant growth. Lastly, in 40Hp – 100HP sector significant growth of 27 per cent has been achieved, with this category predominately focused on horticulture and some dairy segments in the regions such as Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, and Nelson. Again, the strong commodity prices are driving and providing buyer confidence.

The 2022 year records a superb start and coupled with increasing imports of ag equipment it is a trend that will likely remain strong all the way through to summer 2022. Many of our members are also turning their eyes to beyond 2022, as they look to confirm production slots

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of equipment that is expected to arrive in NZ around early / mid-2023, thus ensuring that supply continues to meet demand – whichever way it trends.

While the increase in commodity prices is a welcome relief for many producers, it also comes with a sting in the tail. The continued positive agri commodity growth has seen a corresponding growth in the actual commodities that are used to manufacture and supply the equipment, in the form of raw materials, labour, fuel and ocean shipping costs, all of which are having a subsequent flow-on effect that increases the cost of goods being delivered to New Zealand.

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TAMA members who manufacture in New Zealand are also experiencing continued growth in customer confidence, and report extremely strong demand for their equipment.

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fulfilling their export market commitments due to the global shipping constraints creating distribution challenges when it comes to getting products shipped out of the country.

Finally, “The current border restrictions in place have left many TAMA members shortstaffed. This has created an extremely stressful environment for our individual members, staff, and their customers as they grapple with the strong demand for, and growing deliveries of equipment. We know of course we are not alone in this problem as it’s affecting many industries” Baxter said.

“We are looking forward to the second half of 2022 which will start to see the relaxing of border controls, which will be a welcome relief for many people.

This combined with the move to the orange traffic light across the country will also allow faceto-face business relationships to be renewed across the sector.

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Farming

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Duck shooting season is here; be responsible

W

e are in the thick of the duck shooting season and it is safety first- and don’t forget to get permission before accessing private land. They’re the key messages from Federated Farmers.

“Enjoy yourselves for sure – the season is a looked forward to tradition for tens of thousands of New Zealanders. But stay responsible and keep everyone safe,” Federated Farmers Vice-President and health and safety spokesperson Karen Williams said.

“Vehicles, firearms, and water remain the key risks to duck hunters and mixed with a surge of adrenaline can be deadly.”

Many farmers are willing to have hunters on their properties, but that access was a privilege.

“Seek permission and follow any instructions,” Williams said.

For sheep farmers, sheep measles was a big concern. Visiting hunters must dose dogs for worms at least 48 hours before going on to farmland.

Remember too, that the Arms Act has changed. Although some landowners are exempt from needing a duck shooting licence, for those who are not, getting caught without a licence or

Getting caught without a duck shooting licence could mean a loss of firearms licence.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

using a lead shot would mean a loss of a firearms licence.

There are also new rules for transporting firearms on the road, Williams said.

“There is a general exemption from the transportation requirements for farmers working, actively hunting or undertaking pest control on their own farm, but you are required to meet the new requirements if shooting elsewhere for the weekend and so are the recreational hunters travelling out to shoot at your place.”

When transported on the road firearms need to be inoperable, out of sight and away from any ammunition.

WINTER SERVICING

TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF MACHINE MAINTENENCE

At your place or ours: Winter servicing keeps your machinery in tip-top condition and picks up issues before they become big problems in the peak of the season.

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INSIDE PUBLIC NOTICE

Farming

PUBLIC NOTICE

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South Island Agricultural Field Days aims to give farmers and others in the rural sector the opportunity to see the latest in agricultural machinery and services that are available on the market, particularly home-grown products.

The field days is the only agricultural show in New Zealand to feature side-byside demonstrations, with 80 to 100 tractors, headers, mowers, seed drills and other machines being put through their paces each day.

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Soil: key to meeting environmental regulation S

oil affects everything in agriculture – from seed to irrigation, fertiliser and herbicide use, to the ultimate goal of food and fibre growth.

Soil is also variable – it changes from one point of your property to the next. That means knowing your farm’s unique soil properties is key to effectively managing your inputs, planning land usage, and meeting environmental regulations.

We need to manage soil health and prevent excess nutrients, contamination, and erosion to remain environmentally sound and ensure our industry continues in the long-term.

Not only that, understanding soil properties and variability across your farm gives you the power to optimise inputs, such as water and fertiliser, placing them only where needed. This optimises your crop production while minimizing environmental impact.

You can also select the best areas to plant based on soil properties to best utilise your land, reducing your water and nutrient footprint while

Soil is a variable – it changes from one point of your property to the next.

improving your ROI. How can you get to know your soil?

Soil conductivity is one of the most reliable and frequently used measurements. EM Surveying

Optimise your farm inputs by better understanding your soils 2022 EM Surveying season underway - book now

Talk to your local Vantage Precision Ag specialist to find out how EM Surveying can optimise your farm system 0800 482 682 | www.vantage-nz.com

measures soil conductivity by emitting an electro-magnetic field. It’s a fast, non-invasive way to map your paddocks, as we tow the implement behind a vehicle without having to dig into the

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

ground.

EM Soil Survey will give you detailed information on your soil variability at different depths, as well as topographic information which can be used for watershed

simulations and environmental management.

When should I do an EM Soil Survey?

Typically, Autumn through Spring will have the best soil conditions.

It’s best to perform your EM Survey at the planning stage, especially for permanent crops such as orchards and vineyards.

Understanding your soil changes your block or paddock management: from landlevelling, drainage, irrigation design, and the type of crop being planted (e.g., some grape species may better suit drier soil areas, whereas some may better suit to where soil is a bit wetter).

The good news is that your soil texture and properties are unlikely to change at all over time, which means a one-off EM Soil Survey will keep providing planning tools and returns over time.

To learn more about how an EM Survey would set your farm/block up for success, get in touch with one of our Precision Ag specialists today. www.vantage-nz.com | 0800 482 682