Canterbury Farming, October 2017 by Canterbury Farming

30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast

October 2017 Edition

INSIDE

THIS EDITION Alliance to invest in plant

p7 CPW responds to protest action

p10,11 Demand for wools poles apart

p43 CONTACT US 03 347 2314

Well received: Synlait has rewarded milk suppliers and confirmed its total average milk price for the 2016-17 dairy season is $6.30 kgMS, an increase from FY16’s $3.91 kgMS with premium payments totalling $8.9 million.

Synlait hails strong performance

❚ by Kent caddick

Synlait has reported its strongest performance yet with a net profit after tax of $38.2 million, double digit growth in profit margins and revenue increasing 39% to $759 million. The results for the financial year ending July 31, 2017 (FY17) were achieved alongside several initiatives to prepare for future growth according to company chairman Graeme Milne. “Our shareholders supported this growth focus in September 2016 when we successfully raised $97.6 million to invest in our business,” Mr Milne said. “Synlait’s current balance sheet is in a very good position with net debt down from $214 million to $83 million, and along with retained earnings, the company is in a good position to fund its growth strategy.” He said demand for higher margin products

continued to rise, with finished infant formula volumes growing 17% to 18,776 MT and margins before tax increasing by $10 million. “We will continue to grow both top and bottom lines at pace. We see considerable opportunities to solidify our current ingredient and infant formula positions, and to enter new categories. “A more profitable, more diversified and lower risk business is our goal and we will make good progress towards this in FY18,” Mr Milne said. Innovating across the value chain has allowed Synlait to develop strong customer partnerships with category-leading according to managing director and CEO John Penno, who said, FY17 was a year of consolidation ahead of an expected period of solid growth. “We own and control every step in our value chain, right from differentiating the milk supply behind the farm gate through to man-

aging market access for our customers,” Mr Penno said. “We guarantee an unrelenting focus on quality, integrity and value in this system, offering a powerful point of difference for our customers and their consumers. “Our attention is on accelerating our infant formula business, and preparing to launch into new high returning dairy categories. We are also working to reinvigorate our ingredients business, and add value by systematically moving our milk products into consumer packaged formats.” Synlait’s partnership with The a2 Milk Company has continued to grow in volume and value and both companies remain confident that registration of their infant formula with the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) will be received before 1 January 2018.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Milk forecast ‘well received’ – Synlait FROM PAGE 1

“We continue to be excited about the potential of our partnership with Munchkin Inc. and their range of Grass Fed infant formula products,” Mr Penno said. “Once we’ve completed the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registration, it will be one of a very small number of imported infant formulas in that market.” Synlait has confirmed that its total average milk price for the 2016-17 dairy season is $6.30 kgMS, consisting of a $6.16 kgMS average base price and a seasonal and average value added premium payment of $0.14 kgMS. Synlait’s forecast milk price of $6.50 kgMS for the current 2017-18 dairy season remains unchanged. Mr Penno said the increase from FY16’s $3.91 kgMS will be well received by Synlait’s Canterbury milk suppliers and the premium payments totalling $8.9 million (FY16: $5.7

million) rewarded milk suppliers who created value behind the farm gate with programmes like a2 Milk, Grass Fed and Lead With Pride. “Our milk suppliers go above and beyond by designing their farm practices to meet the needs of our customers. “We’re coming out of a period of low prices and I want to acknowledge the relentless work they’ve done to adapt their business during this time and their on-going commitment to making the most from milk with us.” He said underpinning the expansion of Synlait’s infant formula business is the acquisition of a second site in Auckland to double blending and consumer packaging capacity and a substantial investment to double the capacity of their wetmix kitchens in Dunsandel. “Investing in Synlait Auckland and our wetmix facility at Synlait Dunsandel will relieve any capacity constraints for the second half of FY18. “We are also investing in three high specification

Rural & Urban Subdivisions Cross Lease/Unit Surveys Resource Consents Topo/Site Surveys

Expanding: Synlait’s wetmix facility at Dunsandel

sachet packaging lines in Dunsandel. In the same way we offer our customers finished infant formula in retail-ready packaging, we will offer a range of modern sachet formats.” Mr Penno said to bring new product options and ever-improving product quality, Synlait’s increasing scale and earnings will see investment in research and category development rise from 1% of revenue to 1.5% in coming years.

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“Focusing on new product development for existing and new customers and markets, improving production processes and reducing production costs will lift our earnings in the short to medium term. “Alongside our preparation for another phase of rapid growth, we’ve achieved a solid increase in profit and balance sheet strength in FY17. “We intend to increase margins and operational efficiency, as well as canned infant formula volumes in FY18 to 30,000MT – 35,000MT, as a result of our preparation in FY17.” “We expect to announce further plans in due course. These plans will allow us to keep up with medium to long term infant formula demand, as well as signal new high-returning product categories we intend to move into in the coming years.” A copy of Synlait’s FY17 Annual report can be found at www.nzx. com/markets/NZSX/securities/ SML/announcements

Focussed on quality: Synlait managing director and ceO John Penno.

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

OctOber 2017

Recovery fund application successful Federated Farmers is delighted a joint application made to the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Earthquake Recovery Fund has been successful. The Federation led the application towards a Farm Business and Land Recovery Programme, which will give direction to recovery research following the Hurunui-Kaikoura earthquake. “We just want to see funding work for those who really need it,” Federated Farmers’ North Canterbury Provincial President Lynda Murchison said. “We want to deliver research that helps farmers to make informed decisions for the next steps of their quake damaged farming businesses.” The establishment group for the programme consists of affected local farmers, Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb NZ and the Hurunui District Council who are working closely with MPI, Environment Canterbury and local agricultural support businesses. The programme proposes to coordinate research on the key areas of land stability and future land use options across three research areas: Leader Road/Cheviot, Inland

Delighted: A successful application to MPI’s earthquake recovery Fund will assist farmers in North canterbury.

Road/ Kaikoura and South Marlborough. It will assist those farmers who have significant ongoing business impacts arising from land movement and destabilisation. These are primarily hill country farms in sheep, beef and deer, with some forestry, dairy and tourism.

“This programme will ideally work with local farmers to target research to their needs. The community will also be involved through documented reports, field days and through community-based farming groups,” Lynda said.

The Ministry for Primary Industries’ funding is estimated at $3.54 million and will support 8 community projects. Environment Canterbury and Beef + Lamb NZ are providing financial support essential to the programme.

South Coastal Canterbury plan change operative The South Coastal Canterbur y plan change has become operative. The South Coastal Canterbur y Plan Change to the Canterbur y Land & Water Regional Plan, which came into effect last month, addresses both water quality and water quantity in the catchment. Environment Canterbur y councillor, Professor Peter Skelton said the main focus of the plan change is on nutrient management. “The plan change sets limits for improving water quality, par ticularly in Wainono

Lagoon, while also providing oppor tunities for economic development,” Professor Skelton said. “A new schedule sets out good farm practices relating to nutrient management, irrigation management, grazing of intensively farmed stock, cultivation and collected animal effluent.” The Plan Change attracted one appeal, from Federated Farmers, but the appeal was withdrawn in May, leaving the way open for the Plan Change to be made operative.

Professor Skelton said Environment Canterbur y will contact all farmers affected by the Plan Change in the next few months to help them understand what they need to do the meet the rules. Information sessions will also be advertised and farmers can also visit www.canterburywater.farm or call 0800 324 636 for assistance.

ecan councillor Professor Peter Skelton said the plan change sets limits for improving water quality in the region.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Fieldays gearing up for 50th party Record numbers: Over 133,500 people visited Fieldays this year.

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of exhibitions and features we had,” says Mr Nation. “The Fieldays Careers & Education Hub is a good example of this, where you’ve got

Results from a recent visitor and exhibitor survey has New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays celebrating another successful year as preparations begin for their 50th anniversary event in 2018. In the survey, 96 percent of visitors rated their experience of Fieldays 2017 as ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ and 92% of exhibitors said they would exhibit again. The iconic event, billed as the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, saw a record 133,588 people through the gates – its highest visitor number yet. Chief executive Peter Nation says he’s pleased with the survey results and proud he and his team pulled off another world-class event. “This year we wanted to highlight how broad the primary industries sector is and I think that really came through in the variety

thousands of school students seeing and learning about what goes on in the industry in terms of jobs and education opportunities. These are the kinds of initiatives where you see just and how much the industry contributes on a global level.” This year’s event was held over four days, from June 14 to 17. Visitors came from more than 40 countries, with the biggest visitor day of 40,104 on Friday 16 June. There were 988 exhibitors across 1473 sites, nine of them international exhibitors. Unexpectedly, Fieldays also reported 10 skin cancers found via the Health Hub visitor app. The Health Hub was a new area for 2017, designed to educate and inform Fieldays visitors about health issues affecting rural and urban communities. “The Health Hub was an interactive, fun space designed to put rural health in the spotlight,” says Mr Nation. “The fact that 10 skin cancers were picked up, along with several other significant health issues, was astounding. We’re proud to have

been able to provide such a positive platform to raise awareness of the importance of rural health and possibly save a life.” He says as with other years, hundreds of volunteers ensured the four-day event ran smoothly. “There were 232 volunteers who generously gave their time to help this year. “Every year we’re fortunate to have a large group of committed, skilled people help make Fieldays a success. We’re hugely appreciative of their efforts.” Mr Nation says the theme for Fieldays’ 50th anniversary next year will be the ‘Future of Farming’. He says the 2018 event is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet, and will also celebrate the wide-ranging contributions Fieldays has made to the agriculture industry since its inception in 1968. “We have a really proud history as a worldclass agricultural showcase and it has come a long way from an event aimed at getting farmers together and bridging the rural and urban gap,” says Mr Nation. “Fieldays is continually looking to the future and the advancement of agriculture, agribusiness and agritech, and promoting the primary industries in New Zealand and around the world.” The 50th New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays will take place from 13-16 June 2018 at Mystery Creek Events Centre near Hamilton.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

OctOber 2017

Planned changes for foundation Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) CEO Nick Pyke has announced plans to step down from the role in the next 12 months. Mr Pyke, who has led FAR since it was formed in 1995, says that making the decision to leave was not easy, but that the time is right. “Following a positive external review in 2016 and our recent successful referendum result, I am able to leave, confident in the knowledge that FAR is strong, positive and well-focused with strong suppor t from its grower base and industr y par tners,” he said. “I came to FAR for two years and ended up staying for 22 years. I think that is an indication of just how much I have enjoyed the role. “I have loved working with a great team dedicated to research and extension and alongside some of the best farmers in the world, and hope to maintain contact with

Job well done: FAr chief executive Nick Pyke is stepping down after 22 years in the role. them through continued involvement in some aspects of the industry.” FAR Chair David Birkett said Mr Pyke will

year’s external review identified that FAR is in be greatly missed and difficult to replace. “However, we are fortunate that his deci- good shape in terms of governance, managesion to leave has been well planned, allow- ment and research and extension strategy.” ing plenty of time for the Board to identify a suitable replacement and for Nick to carry out a well-managed handover. “He won’t just be walking out the door, it will be more of a transition process. He • FIREARMS will remain in the job until a new appointment is made, • AMMUNITION and after that will continue • RELOADING GEAR on in specific project-based roles for a period of time. • STONEY CREEK CLOTHING We expect him to be involved • CAMPING & TRAMPING GEAR with FAR for at least the next 12 months. • SUPPLIER TO LANDCORP “In the meantime, it will • FARMLANDS & RURALCO be business as usual. Last

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Farmers support manure ban Sanity based on sound science has prevailed. That’s Federated Farmers response to the Government’s announcement it would no longer be permitting impor ts of products containing animal manure. The decision follows a Ministr y for Primar y Industries’ (MPI) investigation which discovered impor ted compost from the Netherlands, intended for mushroom growing, contained animal manure. MPI had put the impor t on hold until it developed a new impor t health standard to cover animal-based manure Federated Farmers’ biosecurity spokesperson Guy Wigley said the banning of products containing animal manure was the right decision. “We are glad the Government has taken this step. Federated Farmers made a strong submission earlier in the year against these imports,” Mr Wigley said. “The initial measures outlined in the proposed impor t health standard were simply not robust enough or science based in our

Backing ban: Federated Farmers’ biosecurity spokesperson Guy Wigley is supportive of the Government’s decision to halt the importing of animal manure products.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Positive vibes amongst arable farmers The arable industr y is optimistic and looking for ward after a wet har vest and a period of market uncertainty according to Federated Farmers. In the recent Arable Industr y Marketing Initiative (AIMI) sur vey, yields for the 2017 har vest are above average indicating a return to better for tunes for the countr y’s 2,800 arable farmers. Federated Farmers’ Arable Chair Guy Wigley said looking ahead, the industr y can take hear t from this year’s final yields. “The weather patterns were challenging but wheat yields were up 12% and barley up 8%, while the milling and feed oats have each returned 10%. “We are also seeing healthy interest from feed mills and those looking for animal feed, which places the industr y in good shape as preparation for the 2018 har vest gets under way.” The sur vey also indicates confidence is high for future sowing and predicts a 13% increase for the 2018 har vest.

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“Feed barley is cer tainly on the rebound and is returning to normal areas with a 51% increase likely compared to the 2017 har vest.” He said the dair y industr y revival was

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also a factor with arable farmers returning to staple crops to meet demand. “We encourage farmers who have planted milling wheat to get in contact with the flour millers to star t a dialogue about the coming har vest.” Mr Wigley said while there was reasonable tonnage of feed barley still available at the time of the sur vey in July those in

the market should be taking steps to secure grain before that surplus runs out. “If you want to secure quality domestically produced grain, which is traceable, get in contact with your arable farmer. “Current trends are suggesting there may soon be no uncommitted grain left in farm silos, especially in Southland, North Otago and the North Island.”

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OctOber 2017

Alliance invests in plant improvements Leading food company Alliance is to invest $1.7 million in its Pukeuri plant in Oamaru and Lorneville near Invercargill as it seeks to capture more value from its products. The investment will improve the recovery of offal at Pukeuri in North Otago, which at its peak employs more than 920 people. The beef pet food area will be upgraded and a new facility created to help boost the recover y of blood based products for sale to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. The blood products are used in the development of vaccines, cancer treatments and drugs to treat neurodegenerative, haematological and endocrine disorders. Meanwhile, the company is also investing in its Lorneville plant to extract more value from blood products. The co-operative has installed a laborator y-standard blood processing facility at the plant. Alliance chief executive David Sur veyor said the range of beef offal captured at Pukeuri is currently limited due to the size of the space at the plant.

“Par t of capturing more value is optimising the collection of blood products from processed animals. This upgrade will boost the capacity of our bovine offal and blood capture facilities significantly.” He said there has been a substantial lift in demand from the pharmaceutical industr y for New Zealand-sourced blood products. “This is another example of our business strategy in action as we seek to capture greater value and improve our operational per formance. “We expect to collect greater volumes of blood products this year, representing real value-add for our farmer-shareholders.”

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Investment markets update

Andrew Wyllie ❚ with Forsyth Barr Global backdrop – improving mix for growth ❚ The current ‘bull market’ is now eight and a half years old, with plenty of commentators anticipating a further correction. We have already seen two major corrections, the first being in 2011 when Greece’s economy crashed and the second in 201516 following the energy price drop. Mixed between these major events, we have also seen the market refreshed by a number of minor pull-backs. However, the bull market has continued throughout this period, and has so far shrugged off concerns relating to North Korea launching a missile over Japan. While some of this may be complacency, earnings have been solid and economic growth continues to trend higher. In its April Economic Outlook the International Monetary Fund projected global output to grow by 3.5% in 2017 and 3.6% in 2018, with advanced economies expected to grow a little over 2.0%. July estimates have resulted in some of the expansionary fiscal policy in the United States being backed-out, but there is no underlying change being made to growth forecasts after positive revisions to

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Japanese and Euro area growth. China’s growth projections have also been revised up, reflecting a strong 2017 first quarter and expectations of continued fiscal support. Globally, synchronised growth is therefore becoming more apparent and supported by positive momentum in the world’s three largest economies (United States, China and Europe). We still have to be mindful of changes in the monetary policy, with short-term interest rates expected to move higher and quantitative easing measures to be pulled back. However, given low absolute interest rates levels, we would not expect any issues to emerge until the latter part of 2018. Equity markets refocus on earnings With perhaps the exception of European markets, returns for the quarter ended 31 August 2017 were generally positive in local currency terms. Even Japanese equities managed a flat outcome after giving up a mere -1.4% in August. This reinforces our view that equity markets are focused on improving economics and largely ignoring the political and geopolitical issues. This has also started to be reflected in the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). It weakened significantly in the last month against most currencies, benefiting returns in NZD terms. In the United States, the

reporting season saw revenue growth better than expectations and good operating leverage evident at the earnings per share (EPS) line. European earnings were also positive, although the sharemarket response was muted, due to the stronger Euro vs United States Dollars (USD). The Australian market reporting season was mixed, but earnings on balance have been revised downwards with earnings growth (ex-resources) back to mid-single digits. Domestically, New Zealand equities generally beat expectations, but forecast revisions were pulled back. Defensive and Cyclical sectors were impacted the most, while structural growth companies saw net upgrades. Central Banks changing commentary Globally we are starting to see a change in rhetoric from Central Banks. The United States has already started along the path to slow interest rate policy normalisation, and the European Central Bank is expected to commence tapering of its quantitative easing programme later this year. Higher long-term interest rates are therefore expected, driven by global economic strength. The speed and quantum of any interest rate rise is likely to have moderated, given weaker inflation expectations. New Zealand interest rates should follow global trends however, given the RBNZ is awaiting the appointment of a new Governor;

we expect the Official Cash rate to remain around 1.75% until well into 2018. this report covers the three months ending August 31. this column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available for Forsyth barr Authorised Financial Advisers on request and free of charge. If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at http://www.forsythbarr.co.nz/investing-with-us/ new-to-investing or to discuss your investment options please contact Andrew Wyllie, an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth barr in christchurch. He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz.

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The Trust’s Bill

There has been concern for some time that many people have set up trusts to protect their assets without fully understanding what a trust is and how it should be administered.

bessie Paterson LLb ❚ by ❚ Ronald W Angland & Son The Government has introduced a new bill which will replace the current 60 year old Trustee Act and abolish the Perpetuities Act. The bill is likely to pass through Parliament and become law whichever party has the majority in Parliament after the election. The current law relating to trusts is included in the Trustee Act 1956 and many legal cases which makes it difficult for laypeople to access. The intent is that the bill only refers to express trusts which are governed by NZ law. However there is provision for the Court to apply the provisions of the Act to resulting trusts, constructive trusts and other trusts which do not satisfy the definition of an express trust but are recognised at common law or equity as being a trust. The bill also provides that the trustees must keep proper accounts and all documents and provide basic information to the beneficiaries of the trust. Also included are the powers of trustees to manage the trust property and the investment of trust funds and to use the trust property for the benefit of the beneficiaries. There are also principles of trustees’ liability, indemnities and protection. One of the most important considerations when setting up a trust is who to appoint as the trustees of the trust. The new law will set out very specific details of who may be appointed and how they are appointed, what is to happen when a trus-

tee dies or wishes to retire or if the trustee is to be removed as a trustee. The resolution of disputes may be referred to Alternative disputes resolution to try to resolve disputes and the bill provides which matters can be referred to that process. The Court will still retain a significant role in trust matters. The abolition of the Rules against Perpetuities cannot come quickly enough. It was always a difficult concept to explain and deal with in practice. The proposal is that trusts shall have a maximum life of 125 years except for Charitable Trusts which can continue indefinitely. The duration of the trust can be less than 125 years. On the expiry of the term of the trust, the trust property must be distributed in accordance with the terms of the trust. this article has been prepared by bessie Paterson, a partner at ronald W Angland & Son, Solicitors, 2 chapman Street, Leeston

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Helping farmers grow for tomorrow Farmers can no longer rely on New Zealand’s reputation alone in the international market. Instead, they’re being urged to think strategically if they want to grow. Institute of Directors General Manager Commercial Kirsten Ralph says the solution is good governance. “It’s about providing farmers with the big picture where good decisions can be made. The best governance is not about putting the brakes on. It’s about getting ahead. It’s about knowing where you want to be and how you’re going to get there.” What has worked for farmers in recent years is no longer the basis for increasing value in the future, ASB’s Head of AgriCapital, Ray Parker says. “With offshore competition increasing demands to innovate and deliver products customers want, our traditional approach of simply coming from New Zealand for mainstream farming outputs is no longer enough,” Mr Parker says. In November IoD will host the IoD’s Rural Governance Essentials Course in Oamaru. The course has been specifically designed to support rural businesses to achieve good governance. The course provides practical tools that can be immediately applied to the running of a farming business, with attendees focusing on strategy and managing risks, as well as having the opportunity to network with others in the rural and agri-business sectors. “Governance is critical, as it fundamen-

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tally forces owners of businesses managing large amounts of capital to step away from the day-to-day of the business – to work on it rather than in it,” Ms Ralph says. “Without governance, businesses will operate as they always have, but the reality is that they’re already going backwards. I don’t believe farming is any different in that regard.” “There is growing recognition of the important role that governance structures and long term thinking play in the creation and protection of shareholder value in farming businesses.” Say Jason Te Brake (pictured) Chair, NZ Young Farmers. Directors must be able to challenge ideas, ask hard questions, and offer a different perspective at the board table. They need a broad mix of skills and a particularly strong grasp of strategy, risk, finance and compliance. Whether owners face structural changes, price volatility, or are dealing with compliance to new regulations, good governance prepares rural businesses for the future, and allows the farm to do what it does best. “Our agricultural industry is critical to the nation’s future economy, and governance is a good way of identifying and removing roadblocks to ensure the farm’s future success” Ms Ralph says. Supplied by Institute of Directors

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OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

CPW responds to protest action

Over the last couple of months the Central Plains Water scheme, Canterbury’s largest irrigation project, has come under ﬁre from the Greenpeace environmental group. Since August Greenpeace has staged a number of protests at CPW’s construction site including erecting a makeshift campsite. While police were quick to remover the protestors, with eight arrests, Greenpeace has vowed to continue the protests as part of its “anti-big irrigation scheme” campaign. KENT CADDICK looks at CPW’s response to the protests and takes a look at an overview of the construction plan.

Derek crombie, ❚ by Central Plains Water Chief Executive ❚ Greenpeace has called for Cantabrians to take part in a peaceful civil disobedience demonstration against ‘big Irrigation’. Early in August they targeted a Central Plains Water worksite in a protest, unfortunately, many facts they were espousing were incorrect or coloured.

To balance these claims, Cantabrians need to fully understand projects like the Central Plains Water Scheme and its positive impact on the Selwyn Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) catchment and its role in restoring it. A study undertaken by Irrigation NZ, shows there is no correlation between areas of high irrigation development and regions with poor water quality. In fact, here on our doorstep, Environment

Canterbury has already identified that the restoration of Te Waihora cannot be achieved without the CPW scheme and its ability to protect the aquifers. Concern about our waterways is high and to say that irrigation and/or Central Plains Water is responsible for the condition of the Selwyn River or Te Waihora is wrong. CPW has been operating for only two years. The Te Waihora issues have been known for decades.

Key to the establishment of CPW, is our desire to protect and enhance Canterbury’s water quality. We want to be recognised environmentally as a world leader and we will do this, over time, by protecting and enhancing the surrounding waterways. If we fail in this aspect, then the scheme has no future. Just like farmers, we are caretakers protecting the quality of our land.

Under ﬁre: central Plains Water Ltd chief executive Derek crombie.

How will we do this? There are two key ways.

Protecting the aquifers

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By taking water from the Rakaia River in a controlled way, we are protecting the aquifers as farmers no longer have to rely on groundwater wells and artesian supplies. Stage 1 has already completed its second successful irrigation season and is showing some exciting benefits such as existing groundwater irrigators only abstracting 25% of their groundwater allocation during the 2015/16/17 season, leaving 60 million cubic meters of water in the aquifers. Year-on-year, these quantities of water flowing through the aquifers will have a dramatic positive impact on Te Waihora and the surrounding waterways. An indicator of our ambition to be a guardian of the environment is that we have recently agreed with ECan to provide a discharge of 3.5 cumecs or 45 million cubic meters per year of water into the Selwyn to replenish the flows. The claim that irrigation is all about dairy conversions is not correct. Yes, some farms will convert but they will have to manage within acceptable nutrient levels, as already mentioned. Many farmers do not want to go dairy farming and some soils are not suitable, so cropping, sheep, beef and deer will continue to be a major land use. In our Stage 2 area, indications are that only 15% of the area will convert to dairy and the remainder will continue to be top quality cropping land.

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Nutrient levels on farms inside the CPW scheme are monitored and audited yearly and with every farm having its own management plan, the reduction in nutrient application is one of the key environmental pillars on which the scheme is built. In the long term, even with the completion of Stage 2, our nutrient discharge levels will be lower in 2022 than they are today because of the advancement of new management practices and consent requirements. As part of this environmental focus, we have established over 50 monitoring points downstream of the scheme, have established an Environmental Management Fund of approximately $160,000 per year and also the Te Waihora Enhancement Fund ($160,000/year). We also work closely with the Selwyn Waihora Water Zone committee, which is implementing the Canterbury Water Management Strategy in the area. Today’s water issues are the result of problems that have developed over several decades but, with today’s greater knowledge and understanding of environmental issues, the creation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, the introduction of the Land and Water Regional Plan and the effort and desire of companies like CPW, more constructive steps are being taken to address and remedy our water issues.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

Overview: Central Plains Water scheme stage one With stage one complete work has begun on stage two of the Central Plains Water scheme. With a total cost of $385 million dollars the scheme is be one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in Canterbury. Stage 1 of the Central Plains Water Scheme irrigates approximately 20,000 hectares of farmland in the Canterbury Plains in an area bordered by the Rakaia and Hororata Rivers. An intake at the Rakaia River directs water into a 17km long gravity fed headrace, or canal. A network of underground pipes then distribute water to shareholders downstream of the headrace. The key components of Stage 1 are: • An intake and headworks at the Rakaia River to bring water into the headrace. • A headrace alongside and traversing ‘up’ the northern bank of the Rakaia River to the top of the main Rakaia Terrace. • A level headrace along the plains to convey water north and into the reticulation system. • A piped reticulation system providing pressurised water to all shareholder properties in the scheme area.

the cPW canal, built as part of stage one of the irrigation scheme, winds its way across the canterbury Plains through Selwyn.

the cPW headrace intake near Hororata.

Intake Structures The river intake is located approximately 8km downstream of the Rakaia Gorge Bridge. It intercepts the stable river braid in this location. The intake water is conveyed into the flow control structures, sediment retention ponds and fish barrier before entering the main headrace. The intake structures and fish screens are scaled appropriately for Stage 1, but designed so that they can be increased in size for future scheme stages.

Headrace Once past the intake structures water is conveyed into a level headrace, which commences an 8km traverse ‘up’ the northern bank of the river terrace. The headrace crests the terrace at the 235m contour line around Earlies Pond, near Steeles Road. The terrace headrace was constructed within an engineered fill embankment ‘bench’ rising to around 15m high and then into a bench cutting into the terrace face for the remainder of its length to eventually rise onto the upper terrace. Around two million cubic metres of earth were moved to form the bench and headrace. Once up onto the upper terrace the headrace travels north for approximately 10km through to Leaches Road following the most practical route through farmland. The water level in this section is approximately at ground level. Throughout the length of the headrace a liner was used to control seepage from the canal.

Construction

Reticulation A piped reticulation system distributes water to the Stage 1 area, providing water to the farm gate at a pressure equivalent to a head of 40 metres. A number of pump stations have been installed where necessary to boost line pressures. The reticulation system comprises a network of approximately 100km of pipeline, ranging in diameter from 1600mm to 100mm. The pipeline was trenched on farms and along road easements in order to deliver up to 5m3/s of water through the pipe. Various control and measuring devices are installed along the pipe route as well as a telemetry system and central control building for the purposes of monitoring and controlling water flows to each of the farms within the Stage 1 scheme area.

Distribution network The pipe distribution network largely consists of a number of pump stations and four main pipelines extending from the headrace canal down the Canterbury Plains to supply the various farms. These main pipelines were constructed between May 2014 and August 2015. With 130km of pipe to lay, contractors worked simultaneously on all main pipe lines at the same time, up to six days per week. The pipes will be buried at a depth of no less than 900mm to prevent pipe floatation and to avoid impact from agricultural activities.

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Contractors had less than 18 months to build the 17kmlong headrace canal and 130km-long pipe distribution network. For the headrace and canal, 1.9 million cubic metres of earth was moved, which includes 377,000m³ of topsoil, the equivalent of removing the topsoil from 125 hectares. 550,000m³ of HDPE Liner was also installed. Thirteen bridges were built, each spanning approximately 25m each (10 on farm bridges and 3 public road bridges).

OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Highest conﬁdence since 2014 There’s a spring in the step of those who work the land according to a recent Federated Farmers Farm Conﬁdence survey shows.

tion of farms making a profit has doubled (55.4% percent versus 27% in July 2016). Notably, the percentage of all farms making a loss has substantially decreased by a factor of four (9.6% in July 2017 compared to 42.5% in July 2016), particularly within dairy and ‘other’ farm groups (goats, rural butchers, high country, bees), and those farms based in the Auckland-Northland and OtagoSouthland regions. Federated Farmers Economics and Trade spokesperson Andrew Hoggard says this is consistent with strong recovery in commodity prices and farm incomes since mid2016 for most farm produce, and the continued absence of farm expense inflation. Registered Broadacre “Good news for the Spraying Contractor nation and the provinces is that a net 32.3% of farmers Based in the expect their farm production Selwyn district

The responses to Research First from nearly 800 farmers show the highest level of confidence in current general economic conditions since 2014. Dairy and arable farmers are the most optimistic looking forward and all regions are demonstrating more optimism compared to the last survey, in January this year. Compared to 12 months ago, the propor-

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to increase over the coming 12 months (up 16 points on the Januar y sur vey) and a net 19.1% percent expect their on-farm spending to increase over the coming 12 months

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(up 17 points on Januar y). “A net 35.9% of farmers expect to be able to retire some farm debt over the next year but on the downside, a net 25.6% say it has been harder to find skilled and motivated staff this year. “The survey showed the biggest concern for farmers is regulation and compliance costs, which has leap-frogged over farmgate and commodity prices (now in second place). The public perceptions of farming is third on the list of concerns and the environment is fourth.” Mr Hoggard says the survey shows that farmers rate reducing regulation and compliance costs as the highest priority for the government, followed by the economy and business environment, gaining re-election, and biosecurity.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

OctOber 2017

Horticulture NZ welcomes funding Government funding for a nationwide project to better protect waterways, by measuring and managing nitrogen on cropping farms, has been welcomed by Horticulture New Zealand. The funding of $485,168 from the Freshwater Improvement Fund, will go toward completing a three-year project known as Protecting our Groundwater – Measuring and Managing Diffuse Nutrient losses from Cropping Systems. Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman says the aim of the project is to improve groundwater quality to contribute to the overall improvement of the management of New Zealand’s freshwater bodies. “Food consumers world-wide are increasingly wanting information about the environmental impacts of the food supply chain, particularly when it comes to healthy food such as fresh fruit and vegetables. “Environmental sustainability is paramount as it relates to freshwater and the horticulture and cropping industries are ver y aware of this,” Mr Chapman says. “So it is impor tant to have funding to apply science and research to ensuring the best management practices for our growers to this end.

“This project, throughout New Zealand’s key cropping areas, gives us really useful information to target on-farm management practices to meet environmental impact expectations. “Ultimately, we are looking to give growers the tools to manage and reduce their environmental footprint and long-term, robust data and science will allow us to do that. “For arable and vegetable cropping, we are looking to minimise nutrient leaching and sediment run-off – preventing it from entering water ways.” The project accesses a network on arable and vegetable farms to measure nutrient losses and collect information about the crop rotation and farm’s management practices. This detailed, unique dataset will have increasing value for farmers and scientists over time, providing evidence to drive management changes on the farm and improve environmental outcomes.

It is managed by the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) with funding from Vegetable Research and Innovation (V R & I), industr y and regional councils, and the project cost is estimated at a total of $1,040,168. Horticulture New Zealand is part of the project team.

Funded: Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike chapman is welcoming Government funding which will go toward a project aimed at protecting groundwater quality. ®

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OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Snap-tite irrigation hose

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Canterbury Farming Option3

irrigation, vary from potable water transfer to fuels, chemicals, mines, and offshore fluid or air applications. The approach to engineering, research and development, manufacturing, quality control and product support sets Snap-tite apart from normal industrial standards.

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Quality control procedures exceed that stipulated in BS 5750, ISO 9000 and AQUAP the NATO standard. Consequently, there is extensive technical expertise behind Snap-tite Irrigation Hoses. These hoses are manufactured with a circular woven synthetic textile reinforcement, which determines the longitudinal strength and operating bursting pressures. This reinforcement – called the ‘Jacket’ is pulled through an extruder and through this unique process the internal lining and outer cover are formed at exactly the same time, thus creating a completely bonded hose, ensuring that cover/lining separation problems are eliminated. The material used is Thermoplastic Elastomer (polyurethane). Extensive research was undertaken by Snap-tite several years ago, into this relatively new material which is now used extensively in many aspects of our daily life. Results indicated that in irrigation applications, polyurethane has several advantages over PVC and rubber; • Superior resistance against abrasion or cutting, • Highly resistant against deterioration from ozone, weathering etc. • Operating temperature range – 48°C to 65°C

It is also a very stable material. The same hose that is used in New Zealand for irrigation purposes is used as water transfer hoses in the United Kingdom. It is fully UK approved and listed. In irrigation use, many farmers prefer to use Snap-tite Irrigation Hose. It is lightweight and easy to handle. Just as important, it does not kink when in use and is particularly suitable for narrow trackways. Continuous lengths up to 350m can be used with the knowledge that the hose has a very high designed theoretical end tensile strength. It is Snap-tite’s policy to have only experienced and knowledgeable importers and distributors handling their product. In New Zealand there is only one importer and distributor who meets Snap-tite’s criteria, Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings Ltd, and they have the full technical and administrative support services of Snap-tite. Article supplied by ray Mayne Hose and Fittings. For the most competitive costings on Snap-tite irrigation hoses contact ray Mayne Hose and Fittings today.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

Water, irrigation ignorance

❚ rob cope-Williams

It’s interesting just how ignorant city folk are about water, irrigation and farming. I was driving back from the Hanmer rally past all the work being done at Mouse Point, when my friend asked what was happening there, and that lead onto him saying he was thrilled that Labour wants farmers to pay for their irrigation water. Several kilometres later I took my second breath and sailed back into putting him right about what farmers already pay for consents, power and capital equipment, before putting him right about the new regulations limiting fer tiliser usage and the fact that fer tiliser is ver y expensive and farmers would rather not pay for excess. By the time we got to Culverden he had a ver y different view of farming, the environment and why expor ts of fresh produce keep his taxes down. Sadly he is only one person to be conver ted by the actual facts rather than what is fed to the general public. I know I can’t trap ever yone in a car and give them the benefit of my knowledge, which means the rest of the population have the oppor tunity to turn off and not listen. Just how the farming industr y gets the message across is a huge challenge. The old saying about “there is no one so deaf

as he who doesn’t want to hear” is ver y real. With respect to our rivers, they have always been a war zone. I remember well the fight over the Opua dam in South Canterbur y with town verses rural being close to a civil war. However, once the lake was formed and filled with salmon, the river not needing to be subject to fish recue sessions because of the constant flow rates plus families enjoying boating on the lake and having picnic on the shore, there was never a word spoken about the negatives that had caused major headlines. The other thing is that no one ever mentioned the fact that there were many more jobs in Timaru due to the extra production. I suppose its human nature to have an opinion on ever ything, most of us with have an opinion on the President of USA, but ver y few of us would have the actual facts of what is happening over there. I also where our thoughts would be if the media didn’t repor t things in a way that suited them. Figures are used to stir up a stor y; six percent of the population do whatever, with no mention of ninety four present of the population don’t do whatever. Oh well, we can only keep on tr ying to get our message out there.

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OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Putting one’s hand up

Dr tony Davoren ❚ with Hydro Services ❚

Finally groundwater levels have recovered to a level where there will be few worries for irrigation in 2017-18. There is still more recharge to come for the deeper bores following what has been a very wet winter. I’ll put my hand up for those who are struggling through the wet and struggling to get crops sown and having to renovate paddocks damaged during the winter. To put one’s hand up is “to admit that

something bad is true or that you have made a mistake”. While I put up my hand I certainly don’t admit to a mistake or something bad – quite the opposite because without the winter rainfall irrigation would have been a difficult proposition from groundwater this season. Back in February and March I wrote “the

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rainfall required to raise water levels from February 2017 levels to a safe level will require close to 500mm rainfall”. Since 1 April there have been significant (aka recharge type) rainfall events every month as shown in the figure of rainfall from Christchurch Airport, Lincoln and Hororata. Since 1 April these three stations have had: • Christchurch Airport 544mm; • Lincoln 557mm; and • Hororata 625mm Exactly what I ordered. Though I can’t claim any divine intervention. Has it helped groundwater levels? Most certainly but, in

the deeper aquifers it is still arriving. At a 40m deep West Melton bore water level has risen from a record flow of 42mbgl to 25mbgl at the end of the 2nd week of September, but not quite back to record highs of 20mbgl. In deeper bores, like BX23/0623 that is 109.75m deep recovery is much less rapid – with only about 10m of recovery. I’m sure there is more to come because recovery in the deeper bores is much more delayed than in the shallower bores. Phew, OK for this season but time will tell whether this winter will give us respite for more than the 2017-18 season.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

World-leading course puts Will on track When William Bragg left school all he wanted to do was work with horses, but he soon realised his ﬁrst passion wasn’t going to be his fortune.

Graduated: William bragg (right), who has reaped the benefits of completing a New Zealand certificate in Irrigation Design, with rob Kirk of Kirk Irrigation (left).

e was working on his father’s dairy farm milking and herding cows in Waimate in 2014 when his father heard about a possible job at local irrigation firm Kirk Irrigation and suggested William applied for it. “I passed my NCEA and got university entrance but I wasn’t interested in going to university when I left school,” says Will, now 25. “I’ve always liked the idea of design and engineering, and one of the things I excelled at in school was technical drawing. I thought, I have no experience in irrigation, but what’s the worst that could happen? So I went in to see them anyway, and the rest is history.” Will’s boss Rob Kirk, of Kirk Irrigation, says it was obvious right from the start that William had huge ability. “Will was clearly a person of huge potential and he picks things up so quickly,” Rob says. “There’s a lot of maths and physics in irrigation design. You need to know about computers and hydraulics and soil moisture, among other things, and do all sorts of calculations and modelling. “When the course came up with Irrigation New Zealand, Will had been with us 18 months. “I thought it was a good thing for Will and a good thing for the company. He was already way ahead of where I’d expected him to be after such a short time.” Will studied for 18 months for the first ever New Zealand Certificate in Irrigation Design, and graduated in August along with 14 other students at a ceremony held in Christchurch. New Zealand is the only country in the world to have a national qualification in irrigation design, something that Irrigation New Zealand and the irrigation industry is extremely proud of. “New Zealand is leading the world in irrigation design training,” says Irrigation New Zealand project manager Steve Breneger. “The course is nationally recognised and

‘

Will was clearly a person of huge potential and he picks things up so quickly. Rob Kirk Kirk Irrigation

very rigorous. It tests the students ability to not only design the infrastructure, but challengers them to identify and mitigate any potential impact it may have on the environment. “There is increasing demand for project managers and qualified designers in the industry, particularly with the increasing amount of compliance reporting that’s required to improve freshwater management and monitoring,” Breneger says. Students work through designing systems from beginning to end, starting with identifying customer needs, environmental impact, integrating technologies then designing an highly efficient irrigation system. Will really enjoys visiting customers on their farms to understand their requirements and see the process through to installation. He still remembers when his first irrigation system went live, a small K Line system. The K Line system, a flexible hose line sprinkler system, was invented by Rob Kirk’s brother Jon. “I got to do the final installation and push the button myself,” Will says. “It was extremely satisfying and everything worked as it was meant to. When I went

home my partner wondered what I was so excited about. Sounds a bit silly really, but I was so excited.” Will now leads projects himself, from start to finish. With a baby due in November with partner Sonia, and already owning his own home, he’s not letting the grass grow under his feet. “I see a really good future for William,” Rob says. “He joined the irrigation industry when compliance requirements were increasing. “A lot of theoretical proof is required now when proposing a system to client, to demonstrate how it will meet requirements for environmental monitoring, which is very technical and time consuming. “That’s what Will’s grown up with, so its second nature to him. The course has lifted him to another level.”

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October 2017 CANTERBURY FARMING

Onfarm Data has the solutions

Neill ❚❚Andrew Onfarm Data ❚❚

Born out of the Onfarm Solutions company, the ‘teat wand’ specialists, Onfarm Data Ltd specialises in the manufacture and supply of onfarm data and control solutions. Feedback from our great customers has shown us they are wanting to monitor and control multiple devices and machines around the farm with a one stop solution, from providing the equipment to installing and monitoring performance. All farmers with irrigation consents have been introduced to a low level of data in the form of compliance monitoring for ground or surface takes for irrigation. This is great to know what is going on with the consent but adds little onfarm value. The overriding request is for a single point of login for data, data management solutions and control. The 10 year history of the Onfarm Solutions team in providing an integrated solution was the basis for the forming of Onfarm Data Ltd. The current team consists of hardware and software designers, manufacturing and fully qualified installation team, along with an experienced sales and solutions team. Now we have the ability to offer a customized integrated onfarm solution to the individual farmers’ requirements. This involves reviewing current farm practices and looking to see what improve-

ments and additions can be made in the future. A farm visit is required to fully understand the current issues and solutions installed. Then we find a workable solution to incorporate any existing infrastructure if possible (flow meters and soil monitoring). This is then broken down into stages of capital expenditure to suit the farmer and the budget. One of the current needs has been on working with farmers to ensure they have enough information and data to meet their immediate FEP requirements. The rush has been on to install soil monitoring equipment, rain gauges and weather stations. From this the many farmers are quickly moving to control of their pumps

and pivots from their smart phones. Onfarm Data Ltd’s ability to offer a very cost effective solution of control and visibility of data has seen a strong uptake in this area. The Onfarm Data solution goes from controlling a single pump to a full SCADA control system managing multiple irrigation machines (pivots, laterals), pumps and multiple sites. A solution for managing water more effectively such as when an end gun turns off the fixed grid will activate. Once the end gun needs to start again the fixed grid program is put on hold and reactivates when water is available again. Working with our customers we have developed solutions for effluent proof of

placement for pivots. The ability to control and collect data to help record effluent placement, along with the data to up skill staff and prove GMP practice has been warmly welcomed. Should you be interested in any on farm control or data collection solution. Please give us a call to arrange a visit. We install, monitor and service everything we sell. Onfarm Data Ltd has solutions for: flow (effluent, irrigation, stock); soil monitoring (Enviroprobe and Aquaflex); rain fall and weather stations to suit; milk vat monitoring; levels monitoring of silos (grain, molasses, feed silos); Kg monitoring of feed silos; effluent proof of placement; control of pumps and irrigation from your smart phone.

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

Precision nutrient management with irrigation

Sarah elliott ❚ by ❚ Lindsay NZ

Precision agriculture technologies continue to push the limits and allow farmers to sustainably manage natural resources and reduce negative environmental impacts. Lindsay Corporation, the manufacturers of Growsmart® Precision VRI (variable rate irrigation), have recently released new nutrient management tools giving farmers advanced control and reporting capabilities when applying nutrients through their Precision VRI system. The exciting new features enable farmers to create irrigation plans to apply effluent, fertigation and/or chemigation to specific areas under an irrigator with Precision VRI technology. The intelligent system will automatically switch to a specified plan when the nutrients are being injected into the irrigation water line. This enables farmers to target resources to maximise yields, ensuring efficient use of inputs such as water and nutrients, yet preventing leaching and run-off. The Precision VRI technology individually pulses sprinklers on and off, while also controlling the irrigator speed to modify the application depth along the length of the irrigator. Control of the irrigator speed and individual valves allows the amount of water and nutrients applied to each area to be carefully regulated, optimising application efficiencies. As well as varying irrigation and nutrient

application according to spatial variations in soil characteristics, Precision VRI can also be used to avoid irrigating over buildings, tracks, roads and non-productive areas. Buffered avoidance zones can be placed around environmentally sensitive areas and

waterways, which may be particularly prevalent for farmers choosing to apply effluent, fertigation or chemigation through their irrigator. Lindsay understand the expectation that farmers are under to demonstrate they can manage natural resources responsibly – to

WE MAKE NUTRIENT APPLICATION THIS SIMPLE

the community, to government and to their neighbours. Proof-of-placement reports, analysing individual nutrients applied, help farmers to justify responsible nutrient application. Growers can produce reports from a 24-hour period right up to an entire irrigation season which can also be helpful for future decision-making. Growsmart Precision VRI is compatible with centre pivots, laterals, pivoting laterals and reverse pivoting laterals. It can be installed on new irrigation systems or as an add-on to existing systems. Lindsay Corporation is a leading provider of automated mechanical move irrigation equipment and of transportation safety products. The company manufactures and markets center-pivot, lateralmove and hose reel irrigation systems which are sold through its worldwide network of dealers. The Company’s Zimmatic, Growsmart and FieldNET brands are highly recognized for their quality and technological leadership. For more information, contact your local Growsmart by Lindsay dealer or visit www.growsmartvri.com for more information.

Growsmart® Precision VRI with FieldNET® now enables you to use your irrigation system to apply nutrients exactly where they are required, all while continuing to control the irrigation of your crops and pastures. Individual, specific irrigation plans can be created for effluent, fertigation or chemigation. The innovative technology will automatically switch to the appropriate plan when the ingredient is injected into the irrigation water line. Proof-of-placement application reports will ensure you meet regulatory requirements and help with future decision-making. This amount of control makes improving the sustainability of your operation effortless, so you can spend less time in the field, giving you more time for what matters.

CALL YOUR LOCAL ZIMMATIC® DEALER TO MAKE IRRIGATION CHILD’S PLAY! 0800 438 627 • growsmartvri.com

OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

EAL AgriServices Group, the silage specialists Founded by Tim Ridgen and Doug and Dave Turner in 2002, EAL AgriServices began operating in Southbridge as Ellesmere Agricultural Ltd.

he business has grown steadily over the years and in time it became clear that another depot was required to service the existing and future clients in the Malvern and Darfield area and so, earlier this year, the land at the old substation in Hororata was purchased. “I originally come from the Malvern district and we have established clients in that district and further afield and I felt to do justice and to take up further opportunities a closer depot was needed,” Tim Ridgen says. Alongside EAL AgriServices Group at the new depot are contracting business Malvern Agricultural Spraying Ltd and Central Plains Water. “It’s all about providing our clients existing and into the future with the best possible service. This is a business very much about performance and I can only see benefits in agricultural contracting companies sharing facilities to provide the best service capabilities.”

Core business remains baled silage although Tim foresees an expansion over time in company activity on the slip-stream of the new irrigation system servicing Malvern and surrounds. EAL AgriServices is able to offer an additional silage service with their two Bergmann loader wagons, which are a highly cost-effective way of processing silage and offer a number of additional benefits, including: a consistently longer chop length, high throughput and higher volumes per load. These wagons have one of the shortest cutting widths in the indus-

try, which results in more consistent compaction at the stack and grass that is considerably easier to handle both when building the stack and feeding out. There has also been the addition of McHale Fusion 3 Plus baler which Tim describes as having unique attributes in its technological field. “It makes a far better bale and the dry matter losses are much less than what occurs with the more common baling machines.” EAL AgriServices is delighted to be associated with the Hororata Highland Games and are proud sponsors of the Clan marquee.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Grass silage

supplied by ❚ Article ❚ DairyNZ

What is pasture silage? Silage is pickled pasture. When pasture is ensiled, its sugars are converted into lactic acid by bacteria. It is the lactic acid which pickles the pasture, allowing it to be preserved for a lot longer than it would have been if left in the open air. With well-preserved silage, losses in feeding value during fermentation will be small, and the final silage will be only slightly lower in feeding value than the original pasture. Minimum values for high quality silage is 10MJME/kgDM and 16% crude protein. Good quality pasture silage is a good source of energy and protein for a milking cow and can be used as a fibre source when feeding high sugar or starch feeds. However, a poor quality pasture silage (made from low quality pasture, or ensiled with low quality fermentation, or both) will not support high milk yield and will only be suitable for dry cows, or as a fibre source to reduce risk of acidosis.

Losses when making pasture silage Losses occur as sugars and protein in the grass is broken down by enzymes, and bacteria. This process starts as soon as the grass is cut. Losses decrease quality as well as quantity, because it is the highly digestible components which are most rapidly broken down.

Losses depend on the dry matter (DM) of the pasture. The optimum DM for silage is 25-30% because total DM loss is minimised. Cut in the morning of a sunny day, for rapid wilting. Cutting after 1-2 days’ sunny weather will result in good sugar levels in the pasture, even when cut in the morning. Avoid wilting for any more than 24 hours. Compact the silage well.

Losses while grass is in the stack, pit or bale Once the silage is sealed, nothing can be one to change the fermentation process. Poor fermentation (e.g. air in the stack) leads to major losses of protein quality. In poorly preserved silage protein is broken down into ammonia, which decreases the feeding value of the silage. Getting things right while the grass is being harvested will maximise the chance of having a good fermentation: A fast wilt to 25-30% DM will leave good sugar concentrations in the pasture.

Quick compaction and effective sealing will keep out oxygen, making conditions more suitable for bacteria to convert sugars into lactic acid. Fast production of lactic acid will quickly reduce the pH, to prevent protein losses.

Cows will be able to eat more of the silage they are offered if it is fed out on dry paddocks or feed out areas, along fence lines, or in feed bins or troughs.

Feeding out losses

To assist your management. An analysis will tell you the quality of the silage so you can decide whether to feed milking or dry cows and allows you to value silage based on it Metabolisable Energy (ME) content.

Silage begins to break down once exposed to air, and will begin to heat up as microorganisms turn the remaining sugars and protein into heat and energy. When feeding out, aim for as little time as possible between exposing the silage to air, and the cow eating it. Do not allow cows access to spoiled silage. There are several ways to limit losses from silage while feeding out: Remove at least 20 cm off the whole stack face each day, so silage at the face is not exposed to air for a more than one day. Cut silage off the face, rather than pulling it off. This keeps a smooth surface at the stack face, which reduces air penetration into the stack. Leave the stack face open on dry days to avoid heat build-up under the polythene. Do not feed out more than 1 day in advance, especially in summer.

Why analyse pasture silage?

How to sample silage Take at least five handfuls of silage from different places and mix them together. Send a subsample of one litre (half a bread bag) for analysis. The sub-sample should be representative of all the silage in the stack or bale. You can take silage sampled from unopened stack or bales to tell the quality of the feed before it is fed out or sample silage as it is being fed out.

Assessing silage quality by sight and smell If you don’t have a feed analysis for your silage, you can estimate quality from its appearance.

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It is impossible to produce high quality silage from low quality pasture, no matter how good the fermentation is. Both the quality of the ensiled pasture and the quality of the fermentation must be considered.

In a stack or pit, use the heaviest wheeled vehicle available. Tractor wheels should not sink into the pile of pasture any further than the depth of rubber. For baled silage make sure that a high density baler is used. Seal the stack completely with a weighted, airtight cover. Wash old polythene before use to avoid contamination with the wrong bacteria. Don’t re-open a covered stack to add more pasture on another day

Losses during harvesting

OctOber 2017

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• Silage / Maize • Cultivation • Cartage • Drainage • Mulching • Driveways • Foundations • Cow tracks • Site clearing • Stump removal • Farm maintenance cresslandscontracting@gmail.com www.mccarthycontracting.co.nz Ph 03 329 6655 or 0274 848 564

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Phone: 027 357 5655 Phone: 03 313 6864

OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Passionate about walnuts

❚ by trudi Meyer

Trees are an essential part of any lifestyle block and the beneﬁts extend beyond our lifetimes and beneﬁt to the lives of our descendants.

Domestic Water Wells • Free Site Consultation • Professional Job at a Competitive Price • Prompt and Efficient Team • Workmanship Guaranteed • Over 20 Years Experience • NZ Drillers Federation Member Ph GLEN DALY (Owner Operator)

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Trees have been grown on lifestyle blocks for a number of reasons including food production, shelter, shade, erosion prevention, aesthetic appeal or just for firewood. Trees help improve water quality, provide shade, stabilise eroding slopes, filtering sediments and nutrients from runoff, provide a financial return for nut crops or timber. The secret to successful results is to match the tree to the purpose and the locality and there is a lot of information out there to help you get the best outcome. Becoming a walnut orchardist after more than 20 years of dairy farming has had its benefits but also its challenges. Walnut trees are dual purpose trees grown for food and also for timber and very long living, more than 100 years. In commercial orchards walnut trees are grown 7 to 10 metres apart and some trees have been planted in hedge rows. It is essential to protect the young trees from rabbits and stock nibbling away as sheep and cows, especially calves, will happily munch on a tree sapling and kill it.

Shelter from strong winds will help the trees to grow strong and straight as whippy branches can break or twist in strong winds. Shaping and pruning is an essential task in the younger years to set up a good frame and encourage growth. I am told that this can also be therapeutic. Growing walnut trees for crop or tim-

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ber production makes financial sense as the development costs for walnut orchards are reasonably high at the start and returns from crop (or timber) is slow in coming for a number of years. From the age of about six years old, the trees will start to produce walnuts, a handful at first but up to 2 tonnes per ha (approx. 10kg/tree).

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

Horticultural safety toolkit H

or ticulture New Zealand has teamed up with WorkSafe New Zealand to create a health and safety toolkit specifically designed for hor ticulture businesses. Hor ticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman said managing health and safety in the workplace is a critical issue for hor ticulture businesses. “Working with WorKSafe, we have been able to customise a toolkit, called Keep Safe, Keep Growing, which includes both a written booklet and an easy-to-work-through online guide to help growers identify and manage health and safety risks. “The guideline is targeted at those who are responsible for the management of

health and safety in a hor ticulture business. It covers the steps that growers should take to build a health and safety system. “Features include a guide for visitors to a proper ty, tools and training resources for workers and contractors, and the ability to create risk assessments for Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) audits that are par t of many hor ticulture businesses.” Hor ticulture New Zealand represents 5,500 commercial fruit and vegetable growers who employ 60,000 people. A copy of the Keep Safe, Keep Growing guide will be posted to all growers and additional copies are available from Hor ticulture New Zealand on request.

Keeping safe: Horticulture New Zealand has launched a safety toolkit for horticulture businesses.

Walnut trees makes sense FROM PAGE 22 There are a large number of 10 acre blocks suitable for a walnut orchard. Planting walnut trees and harvesting the grass in between the rows for hay or silage will mean that you don’t have to look after animals and in 15-20 years will provide a retirement income. It is quite feasible to establish a walnut orchard in the country while working in the city and doing the orchard work over the weekend, which would generally involve pruning (winter) and watering (summer). Once the orchard is coming into commercial production it could be a very profitable enterprise that still leaves enough time to do all the things you could not do during the busy working life. There is scope for large plantations of walnuts. The operation can be completely mechanised and as such lends itself to large-scale production. With crop yields increasing over the coming years, financial viability is expected to improve year by year. Demand for walnuts is growing. Just under 800t of walnut kernel (2000t of walnuts in shell) were imported in 2015, up from about 500t a few years previously. But the taste of fresh, New Zealand grown, walnuts is superior to the imported ones, and remember walnuts are considered a very healthy food.

Growing demand: the superior taste of fresh, healthy New Zealand-grown walnuts.

For further information: www.walnuts.org.nz and www.walnutsplease.nz

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OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

A Balancing Act Sweetening Sour Horse Pastures Why can some horses be let out on pasture, unrestricted and for others, you wouldn’t dare? There may not be a silver bullet answer to these troubles, but you can cer tainly make a star t in the right direction by giving your horse soured paddocks a little TLC. Healthy horse pastures and healthy horses rely on healthy soils. A lot of the problems we see with ‘grass affected horses’ can be caused by mineral deficiencies. The grass might look healthy, but lacks key minerals especially calcium and magnesium. There are huge health benefits to horses and other livestock by having correctly balanced soils. Horses are particularly hard on pastures. They “sour” paddocks by overgrazing and with their daily deposits of dung and urine.

These areas become rank and are high in nitrogen and potassium, throwing the soils mineral balance out of whack. Bringing your soil back into balance needn’t be a chore. A simple way of providing the necessar y calcium and magnesium is by using Equi-lise. Equi-lise also contains phosphorus, ulphur and a small amount of Selenium too. Being in pellet form and 100% plant available means the amount required is much less compared to using straight aglime! It is super easy to apply to small horse paddocks either by hand or a small push spreader or tow behind spreader. Using Equi-lise will raise the pH of your paddocks. This will help increase the microbiology in the soil, helping to break down the manure and remove the ‘sour’ patches in the paddock, enabling your horses to graze your paddocks more evenly. Sweet!

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CANTERBURY FARMING October 2017

OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Drills built with passion and precision T Designing new air seeder drills is Craig Allen’s passion and Allen Custom Drills business.

he Ashburton company builds seed drills from the ground up and is proud of the success farmers and contractors have enjoyed from their H-D (Heavy Duty Drill) Series. The way that Allen Custom Drills began was on the theory that “we were never happy with what we had so we started building our own”, Managing Director Craig Allen says. Craig and Deb Allen have been running Allen Custom Drills together since 2010. The air seeder drills can be seen all over New Zealand and Australia, accurately and efficiently planting all sorts and not breaking the bank for the new owners, with each machine being designed with extremely low future maintenance costs in mind. Craig designs all the drills himself with a state of the art CAD (Computer Aided Design) programme, then manufacturing the majority of each machine is done in their Ashburton workshop. Metal cutting and CNC machining work is contracted out to local businesses, this has helped to speed up the time needed to build the drills. Turn around on average is 3-4 weeks for specific build to order.

Allen Custom Drills have established a strong base of five drill models, however, they build them to order and make additions or alterations to the base model to suit the client. The client comes in to discuss what they need, a design is drawn up and then a price is put on it. There is a vast options list to choose from, therefore have many more components and specifications than other brands, as well as having the option to keep with the baseline model and develop it further at a later time when the client is ready. The H-D Series is one of the popular ones in the range for New Zealand farmers and contractors. They are a triple disc direct drill of sowing widths from 3.0m up to 6.0m, row spacing’s can be as narrow as 125mm or 150mm. “We can fit up to four hoppers per machine and we can mount a selfloading crane so operators can work independently if they are out in the back blocks,” Craig says. Seed metering units are Accord, which are renowned for accuracy and have been further enhanced with E-Drive to run off radar for ground speed and eliminate any mechanical

drives. The seeding units can handle sowing rates from 0.5kg to 400kg per hectare. C-D drills are ideally suited for undulating land and will work efficiently on any ground from flat to hilly. An Allen drill costs roughly the same or even less than imported drills. Starting from NZD$41,999 (+GST if applicabl)e. “It’s a strong robust product. We pride ourselves on quality and durability and won’t compromise on reliability or strength. We’re confident we’ve got the most efficient running disc drill on the market as far as running and maintenance costs go” Craig Says. Craig and Deb are available 24/7 if customers need advice or replacements for wearing parts, they have all the parts on the shelf at realistic prices and most parts can be couriered over-night. Allen Custom Drills aims to use the best technology and parts with components being sourced from New Zealand and overseas. “We are very proud of our product, and proud to source as many components and services as we can locally. Supporting locals and providing exceptional customer service is very important to us,” Deb Allen says.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

Reaping the beneﬁts ❚ by Andy bryenton

Modern farming has become an intensive blend of science and hard work, with technology allowing savvy farmers to increase their yields through the application of precise data. In this field, one name stands out internationally above the rest. Those who remember the Remington shaver advertisements of the 1980s will recall the spokesman for that brand insisting that he was ‘so impressed that he bought the company’. It takes a lot to make that kind of impression, but when it comes to great results on the land, farmer Colin Hurst can certainly relate. He was so impressed by the performance of Ag Leader’s suite of self-steering and soil testing technologies that he’s become an avid advocate - and local supplier – of these American-sourced productivity solutions. Colin’s farming operation spans cropping wheat, barley, grass and vege seed as well as a livestock operation focusing on cattle rearing. With a variety of facets covering the spread of agricultural disciplines, he was keen to look into two modern advancements to help boost productivity. The first was soil analysis - literally drilling down into the substrate of what makes a healthy and abundant crop. The second was an auto steer system for his tractors, allowing greater precision when performing tasks in field. When sourcing an steering system for

Precision added: Ag Leader’s input helps generate precise mapping to guide machinery, meaning less passes and more accuracy.

his big John Deere, Colin came across the Ag Leader brand, a top name in the United States. It was on a later visit to that nation to look into cutting edge soil analysis that it all came together -because Ag Leader were ahead of the pack there, too. “The whole thing clicked,” he says. “Ag Leader covered the whole gambit of high tech ag equipment. But despite being a household name in the States, they were not widely known in New Zealand.” Like that famous Remington boss, he decided to take matters into his own hands. First up came an easy-to-use and simple to learn self-drive system, allowing Colin to cover every inch of the field while reducing operator stress behind the wheel. When spreading fert – a vital chore – Ag Leader’s system shuts off the spreader on the turns, leaving the headlands clear. This ties back to the soil analysis program which can map the interlinked micro-ecologies which make up each field, and the yield monitor data from the combine harvester.

Ag Leader offers a complete line up of precision farming products to help you plan, plant, apply, harvest and manage water and data more efficiently and accurately. Our product range covers auto steering through to yield monitoring, data management, displays and much more.

The entire system helps Identify efficiency in field, build a data record to empower the farmer and aid better decision making in the future. In these challenging times, when farmers

are encouraged to look into every possible option to boost efficiency, a combination of just these two Ag Leader products – out of a vast and expanding suite- is a tool too good to ignore.

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OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Two new tools to rejuvenate pasture T Two new well-engineered machines from Ireland will give Kiwi farmers and contractors more options to rejuvenate pasture and aerate their soils.

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16 Robinson Street, Ashburton 7700 Phone/Fax 03 308 9623 Dave Stockdill

It has 10 individually sprung levelling boards that scarify and scratch the surface to remove dead grass, expose the soil and create a shallow seed bed. The levelling boards are followed by a heavy duty roller drum with teeth that break up surface pugging and allow air and water to enter the surface layer of the soil. An air seeder broadcasts the seed behind the roller using splash plates. Behind the seeding zone the Auctus can be specified with grass harrow finger tines or heavy duty prismatic rings that set the seed in the soil. A shield over the roller stops soil from the rollers getting into the seeding area. We Buy, Sell & Trade Machinery Ring to Hire Machinery! Mr McIsaac said the Alstrong Auctus is a very Hustler 4000 Bale Feeders 3 to pick from �� $10,500 well-built machine. Furrow press 2 available ��$500 Hubbard Multi Max Cultivator �� $17,500 “It has a strong structurClough Contora 18ft 3ptl Maxitill �� Coming in al steel frame and weighs Hustler 8000 Bale Feeder, carry 4 bales �� $22,500 Agrimaster RMU 2000 ��Coming In 4.5 tonne. You can increase Sulky DPX 28 Fert Spdr 2013 ��$6,900 its weight to 5.2 tonne with Alo 1�5 Silage Grabs Shipment Arrived ��$5,000 water ballast. Vogel Noot 5F Plough Release Legs & Hyd Vari Width �� $11,000 Cambridge Roller 22ft��$7,500 “It is a trailed machine Alo Multi purpose Grabs 2�1 & 2�3 �� From $6,100 that follows uneven contours Gregoire Besson 5 Mtr�Dusc Hyd Fold �� $16,000 and the 15mm blades on the Kverneland 18FT Harrows 3ptl ��$1,250 Celli 2�5Mtrs Roto Hoe��$6,500 roller drum are made of hardHay Feeders, 1�4 &2�4Mts long �� From $500 ened steel.” Rata Silage Grab 1�5Mtrs �� As New $3,750 Taege 2 Bale Feeder ��Coming In The Auctus comes standGray 10FT Water Ballast Roller �� New POA ard with a French-made Duncan 734 Direct Drill ��$9,750 Delimbe air seeder or DunAgrimaster KA1750 Mulcher Hammer Flails New ��$4,950 Duncan 26 Tyne 3PTL Grubber ��$2,500 can Ag can fit it with an APV Duncan 701 Drill C/W Eclispe Box ��$4,250 seeding unit. Uni & Glitrap Silage Wagons �� From $4,000 Alstrong Aerators are also Cattle Ramp ��$2,400 Nobili BNG 310 Mulcher New Hammer Flails ��$8,250 heavy duty machines. Double Sheep Ramp �� New $4,150 They have a unique design Dunhill 8 Furrow Plough ��$3,500 Watson 6�3 Rollers www�walter-watson�co�uk �� In Stock based on a large drum with Penrose Bale Feeder ��Coming In 15cm (6”) blades that can Read 2 Bale Feeder ��$3,250 break up soil pans and shatSubsoilers 5 leg Rata and Davidson with crumblers �� From $9,000 Auger 4 1/2 Mtre c/w Electric Motor ��$1,300 ter the soil structure to a Fuel Tanks �� From $300 depth of 30cm (12”) when Campbell & Bowis Square Bale Feeder ��$3,750 used in dry conditions at the Tandem Trailer 4�1x2�45 Reg & wof ��$3,500 Grab been used for picking up anything euro hitch ��$1,350 correct speed. In pasture it Kverneland NG300 H4 Power Harrow ��$7,900 does its job without disruptMcHale Soft Hands �� New $3,150 Fiat 215 Tractor ��$2,500 ing the grazing system. Clough 13Ft 6” Maxitill ��$3,700 The blades are set almost Hay Trailer 2 axle turntable �� $10,000 perpendicular to the direction Roller rings 24”X2 1/2& 26”x3 �� From $60 Calf Trailer 4 Wheel ��$1,000 of travel but at a slight angle, CF Sheargrab ��$3,750 which adds a twisting motion that helps break soil pans. Just a Small Selection of our Stock • We Buy, Sell & Trade Machinery The weight of the roller is All Prices + GST • www.midcanterburymachinery.co.nz concentrated on each blade as it enters the soil, and the 172 Wills Street Ashburton • Tel/Fax: 03 308 9889 fast working speeds (up to Mob: 0274 341 040 • E: n.stockdill@xtra.co.nz 20 kph) also help shock and fracture the soil.

hat’s according to Duncan Ag which has just introduced the Alstrong Auctus overseeder and Alstrong Aerator. Duncan Ag chief executive Craig McIsaac first saw the Alstrong products at the FTMTA Field Days at Punchestown in County Kildare, Ireland. He said they could see that they offered something different to what other manufacturers offer in Australia and New Zealand so Duncan Ag became the

Australasian distributor for Alstrong. “The Alstrong company was set up by farmer and agricultural engineer Alan Winters, who designs and builds the machines himself and tests them on his own farm. “The 3.0m-wide Alstrong Auctus pasture rejuvenator has a unique design that allows it to carry out several operations in one pass. It can be used in sprayed out pasture or cultivated ground,” Mr McIsaac said.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

Heavy duty: the blades of the Alstrong Aerator are set almost perpendicular to the direction of travel but at a slight angle, which adds a twisting motion that helps break soil pans.

Multi-purpose: the Alstrong Auctus pasture rejuvenator has a unique design that allows it to carry out several operations in one pass

Aerator: the Alstrong aerator has a drum with blades that can break up soil pans to a depth of 30cm.

The aerators come in three different versions: trailed models are 2.5m wide or 3.0m wide and the three point linkage model is 3.0m wide. The 3.0m models weigh 4.0 tonnes dry and 6.0 tonnes with water ballast while the 2.5m model weighs 3.5 tonnes dry and 5.5 tonnes with water ballast. Mr McIsaac said Alstrong Aerators are a versatile machine which can also be used to prepare a seedbed in ploughed ground or they can be fitted with a broadcast seeder.

“There are a number of benefits to aerating pasture,” he said. “By reducing compaction from stock and equipment it increases tolerance to drought, releases nitrogen in the soil, and improves surface drainage. “Alstrong Aerators complement the other equipment Duncan Ag supplies, and will enable us to better meet the needs of our customers.” For further information contact Duncan Ag at 0800 177 171 or admin@duncanag.co.nz

Rejuvenating: the Actus pasture rejuvenator scarifies the soil, breaks up pugging and broadcasts seed in one pass.

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17COC004

FROM PAGE 28

OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Lifestyle Market - Spring the season of change Warm and near normal rainfall... By the time this newsletter is printed we will have been through another general election, regardless of the outcome we are in the season of change, so what does this mean for our rural lifestyle market here in Canterbury? Well, if the first nine months of this year are an indicator we may be in for a period of “normality” in our local rural property market, sure the volume of sales* is down ever so slightly in the combined districts of Selwyn, Hurunui and Waimakariri. But this can be a result of several influencing factors; land availability, there isn’t the large volume of new land remaining for lifestyle blocks, our weather through winter was very wet and we all know how this makes us feel, and a few people will have been holding the trigger on property decisions until after the election. Regardless, there has been a further lift in the price of local lifestyle property values year ending 31st July, indicating the demand is

still strong. And with the improving motorway network into Christchurch from both South and North one of the major issues identified with country living (time spent travelling) is being mitigated. Our weather experts tell us we’ll probably be slightly warmer during the next few months with around normal rain fall, so maybe the same can be said of our lifestyle market, near normal conditions... (*Reinz sales data for Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch, Selwyn and Banks Peninsula District Councils) Our Canterbury lifestyle properties will be stunning in the coming months as spring growth takes off, and of course this is the busy time of the year when the warmer and longer days provide an impetus for interest in Lifestyle Real Estate. Look out for our spring edition of the popular “We Sell Rural Lifestyle” due out late October, our team of Rural Lifestyle experts can help secure your spot in this now, and are happy to undertake a free no obligation appraisal of your lifestyle property.

Introducing Katie Harrison

From a farming family originating in Otago, Katie has been in the Selwyn district of Canterbury since returning from years spent in

We’re going to the show what about you? Candy floss, wood chopping, the grand parade and much more...we’ll be there. Our team will once again be attending many of the Canterbury A & P shows kicking off with the Ellesmere show on Saturday 14th October. And once again as well as showcasing some wonderful Canterbury properties for the fourth year running we’ll be giving away amazing outdoor equipment in conjunction with the team at Fosters STIHL Shop, fill out your entry form and go in the draw to win. Our team of Canterbury Rural Lifestyle experts will be on hand to provide guidance and answer all your property questions.

Events Calendar 2017

Canada and London. Raising her children on a lifestyle block in West Melton she has been actively involved in both the West Melton and the Rolleston communities.

Katie joined Harcourts two years ago, and brings a high level of energy and enthusiasm to her Rolleston team. She operates with absolute integrity and professionalism and is excited to work within the award winning Harcourts model to deliver the Real Estate results you are seeking.

A & P Shows

In addition to her community and sporting involvement Katie’s business interests have included a food manufacturing business, residential property investment and a personal highlight has been the establishment of, and acting as a Trustee for the Canterbury Earthquake Children’s Trust. This is a charitable trust that was established after the Christchurch earthquakes raising funds to directly assist the children who lost a parent in the earthquakes. Having raised close to $300,000 for this charity, Katie is still actively involved in the ongoing fundraising and management of this Trust. Katie has a passion for real estate and an innate ability to gain the trust of those who she works with. She is driven by the desire to meet her client’s expectations and results have shown a true commitment from her.

Darfield Farmer’s Market Saturday 10.00am - 1.00pm Main Street, Darfield Kaiapoi Farmer’s Market Saturdays 10.00am - 12noon Morgan Williams Reserve, Charles St Leeston Market 1st & 3rd Saturday 9.00am - 12noon Cooperating Church Grounds, High St Lincoln Farmer’s Market Saturday 10.00am - 1.00pm Gerald Street, Lincoln Ohoka Farmer’s Market Fridays 9.00am - 12.30pm Ohoka Domain, Cnr Mill & Whites Rd Oxford Farmer’s Market Sundays 9.00am - 12noon Main Street, Oxford Waipara Valley Farmer’s Market Saturdays 9.00am - 12.00noon Outside Hurunui District Council Offices, 66 Carters Rd, Amberley.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

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OctOber 2017

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OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY

Export prices on the improve

Allan Laurie MNZIF ❚ by Laurie ❚ Forestry Ltd

September wharf gate log export sales prices have improved on the back of an exchange rate movement downwards over the last month from mid US$/Kiwi $0.74c, to a mid $0.72c.

At current sales levels in US$ terms in the market in China, a 1 cent movement in exchange rate adds about NZ$2 per JAS cubic metre to the NZ wharf gate price. Hence an overall increase of NZ$4 per cubic metre on September wharf gate sales. The NZ average daily plantation forest cut is about the 125,000 cubic metres.

That means on an average work day, about 125,000 trees are being felled erstwhile earning income directly for about 20,000 of our citizens and adding to the income of about 100,000 others. And the other 3.7 something odd million people get to live in homes which are made from timber due to the foresight of some pio-

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neers about 100 years ago. Staggering really when you consider our sustainable plantation forests occupy about 7% of our land mass, earn in excess of NZ$4 billion a year in export earnings (3rd largest of all exports) and all of that on land farmers didn’t want at the time. A couple of shaky aspects to the market this month with some continuing softening in the retail lumber segment in the key Shangdong province in China furrowing the brow of some. Although only a RMB10 per sawn cubic metre decrease over the last week, this is on the back of some earlier similar declines. Whilst consumption across the eastern seaboard has lifted to about the 68,000 cubic metres per day mark, retail softening is suggesting some segments are becoming saturated. Shipping has made a very nasty turn for the worst for exporters with a 10% increase in daily hire rates in the Handy class (bulk log carrier) segment over a 2 week period. As New Zealand production lifts slightly and the northern hemisphere continues at pretty good volume levels, the old story capacity shortage becomes the order of the day. And so it is settlements turns to a consistency of yellowish goo and nobody in this space likes each other anymore... at least for the moment. Meanwhile, on the domestic scene whilst some cities have clearly come off the boil in new house starts, particularly Christchurch, sawmills are struggling for supply and nationally, mill stoppages waiting logs have been common place. Not good for these very important players in the overall market. I couldn’t help myself responding to some clear lack of knowledge displayed by politicians at the recent NZ Institute of Forestry Conference in Rotorua. Of the five parties represented, it was clearly evident most had little understanding of what makes the New Zealand plantation industry tick. The one that really gets up the gander is the normal have a slag at getting more on shore processing and “adding value” to NZ wood commodities. Let me put the record straight here. Of the 125,000 odd cubic metres per day harvested, a little under half is consumed domestically and little over half exported as logs. New Zealand producers mostly target the better grades destined to produce construction lumber and others target the top of the

‘

the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees. Allan Laurie Laurie Forestry Ltd

tree to be used for the likes of MDF and Pulp. Export logs are mostly the lower grades from the middle of the trees targeted at often lower quality end uses. China comprises 75% of the log volume exported and roughly 70% of those logs are milled in to plywood and lumber for apartment construction, essentially to hold up concrete until it dries. This means on average every day we cut down about 36,000 highly profitable trees in New Zealand to be shipped to China to be milled to hold up concrete. The average cost of milling in China is about NZ$6 -8 per cubic metre against $38-40 (on average) here. Unlike some of our politicians, who should really know and understand this stuff, it will be then abundantly clear our sawmillers cannot compete in a space currently occupied by close to 30% of all trees we harvest. Another important point here is it would cost about $200,000 to go through a resource consent process in New Zealand for a significant new sawmill operation. For about the same money you could set up 5 sawmills in China capable of milling 250 cubic metres of logs per day with the land and buildings provided by the Government. For those politicians who would wish to achieve their misguided lofty vote winning ideals via a range of mechanisms including log export tariffs together with trade and production barriers I say no. Any such mechanism would strip value from our forests and deny key strategic customers wood fibre supply. Always important to remember of course, if you have lofty ideals, don’t forget to take a parachute. This proves once again, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees, despite the politics.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY

OctOber 2017

Contractor checklist for farm foresters

When it’s time to tend or harvest your woodlot, it’s far safer to hire a competent forestry contractor to do the work. You may even decide to pay for a forestry management consultant to provide advice and manage the work.

by Safetree ❚ Supplied ❚ www.safetree.nz To do the forestry work yourself for any project that’s part of a business you need to be professionally qualified to use all the necessary machinery. Here are some things to think about when hiring and working with a contractor.

When hiring

• Do they have the right plant and equipment for the job? Some jobs are bigger than others and require specialised or heavier equipment. Check your contractor has what they need to do your job properly and safely. • Do they have safety management systems in place? These are things such as holding daily tailgate meetings, having safe systems of work to identify and manage workplace risks, and

• Is the contractor competent and reputable? Ask the contractor about jobs they have done around your area. Check with those customers to see how the job panned out. • Is the contractor a member of an industry association? The Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) supports safe operations by providing practical workshops, regional networks, information on industry developments and field visits. Membership is voluntary, but it should give you some peace of mind that they have access to such resources and are backed up by their industry body. • Has the contractor ever received a Safety Infringement Notice? Ask if they have had any notices issued by WorkSafe and if so what did they do about them. Notices are used to highlight and fix unsafe work practices. • Is their crew trained and qualiﬁed? Forestry work is skilled work, and all forestry workers should have completed qualifications to do their tasks.

processes to handle upset conditions (changes that can affect the safety of the work being done). For example, changes in the weather, broken machinery or absent crew.

• Do they have the necessary insurance? Is the contractor insured to cover your losses if a fire or other damage is caused by their operations?

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OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER

Avoiding irrigation accidents In your average paddock there’s plenty of room for both your irrigator and your tractor right? Well not always – given how often the two seem to meet each other with costly consequences.

Paul ralph ❚ by FMG ❚ Risk Services Manager

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In the last five years, rural insurer FMG has received close to 300 claims, costing more than $4 million for impacts and accidents involving irrigators. This amount doesn’t even include related damage and liability claims for farm bikes, fencing or third-party property. The vast majority of these losses could have been prevented or minimised, saving the businesses concerned a whole lot of money, time, hassle and the loss of production. Irrigator damage isn’t cheap to fix; the cost of repairs can seriously affect cash flow. Just a few examples we’ve come across include: • tractors being driven into irrigators causing damage upwards of $35,000 • travelling irrigators colliding with other irrigators, resulting in claims for damage costing up to $65,000 • irrigators hitting a strainer post causing spans to crumple, resulting in repairs of more than $18,000.

A few other common causes of loss include: • irrigators hitting fences, over grown shelter belts, pump sheds and water troughs • vehicles being left unattended in paddocks in the irrigators path resulting in collision • irrigators hitting other debris left in the paddock. The extra time taken to walk the irrigator track before flicking the ‘on’ switch, could mean saving thousands of dollars. It makes sense to check the paddock for foreign objects and any changes to the ground or surrounding trees, shelter belts and hedges. This is particularly important before making the first run of a new season, as there will undoubtedly have been some growth since the last time the irrigator was used. And don’t forget about any new fences. Keep your workers safe. Make sure all your staff are confident around using the irrigator properly. Almost $12 million of our irrigator claims in the past five years were wind related, including the devastating wind storm of September 2013. If you can’t move your machinery out of the wind, irrigators should be pointed downwind, parked and anchored down. IrrigationNZ also recommends install-

ing anchor points to chain irrigators to the ground when they’re not in use. Read the operating instructions thoroughly and walk the track with any employees before they operate the machine for the first time. This will also ensure all users avoid any obstacles including trees, hedges, fences and buildings. If you’re thinking about installing irrigation, you should first assess your farm’s requirements and suitability. Obtain site assessment services to ensure you’re getting a system that meets your requirements. It’s particularly important to think about topography and soil composition. Also, think about what small buildings or fences you might have to move in order to allow your new irrigator to operate safely and effectively. Ensure all materials and repairs are installed/completed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and properly tested. Ask manufacturers to install and commission your equipment and to provide you with full documentation including the system specifications, results of testing and commissioning and how to operate and maintain the system safely and effectively. For more information on best practice and tips for the season visit www.irrigationnz.co.nz

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CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER

tony trewinnard ❚ by ❚ Blue Skies Weather

OctOber 2017

We are nearing the end of a spell of westerly dominated airﬂow, and with it the frequent rain events for the ranges and regular southwest changes in Canterbury.

For most of the next six weeks pressures will be higher than usual in the Southern Ocean and to the southeast of New Zealand, which will mean weaker westerly airflows and less changeable weather (although not always fine). Once these current westerlies die out, expect to see low pressure systems over the country from time to time till about the end of the month. These will probably affect the North Island and northern parts of the South Island the most, but some rainfalls can be expected in Canterbury along with periods of cloud. However, from near the end of the month anticyclones will become more common over the South Island, and for most of October these will disrupt the usual spring westerlies, bringing long dry periods with near normal temperatures and probably increased sunshine hours, at least inland. Looking further ahead, the October to December period looks likely to see two nontypical spring months and one westerly one, for an overall three-month period less westerly focussed than usual. October is expected to see low pressure systems dominant in the central Tasman Sea, with higher than usual air pressures to the south of the country. These are likely to disrupt the usual westerly air flows over New Zealand. Expect to see a drier than usual month for Canterbury with increased sunshine in inland areas and near normal temperatures. November switches back to the more usual northwest/southwest pattern with anticy-

clones more dominant in the Tasman Sea and frequent fronts likely to bring at least normal rainfall to the west of the South Island, but in Canterbury this could be a dry, sunnier than usual month with more periods of northwest winds than usual and consequently, warmer than normal temperatures. However, this is the type of month which can bring intense southwest changes, with brief periods of thunderstorms, hail and colder temperatures with a risk of late frosts. December flips back to the pattern of higher air pressures south of the country, with the westerly flow likely disrupted again as anticyclones become the dominant feature over the South Island. This will likely be a low rainfall/high sunshine month for Canterbury, and may herald a series of similar periods throughout the summer and early autumn when the westerly airflows are disrupted by anticyclones over the South Island and the occasional low pressure system affecting the North Island. Looking at the summer period (December to February) and the currently expanding La Nina pattern brings a fairly confident expectation of weaker westerlies, with more frequent anticyclones over the South Island bringing long settled spells with only brief west to southwest changes. From January onwards periods of easterly airflow may start to make an appearance, with the associated periods of cloud, higher humidity, and potentially above normal rainfall. This may well end up being a good summer for grass growth, but a troublesome one for crops and grapes.

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October 2017 CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Show attracts overseas judges

Livestock and equestrian judges from across the globe will descend on Christchurch in mid-November as the Canterbury Show, New Zealand’s largest A&P Show, turns 155 years old. Over 500 people volunteer at the Canterbury A&P Show every year and around 120 of those volunteers are judges, with some coming from as far as the USA in 2017. Canterbury A&P Association President, Peter Gilbert, said the calibre of judges is one of the reasons the Canterbury A&P Show is seen as New Zealand’s most prestigious A&P event. “Bringing these judges in from overseas is a huge draw card for our competitors,” Mr Gilbert said. “Not only do they bring extensive international experience, it’s also extra confirmation for our competitors that their stock is the best of the best as they’re being judged by someone completely new.” This year the Canterbury A&P Show will host a Royal A&P Dairy Cattle Event, which has prompted the appointment of Mark Rueth from Wisconsin, USA. Mark owns Rosedale Genetics, has sold embryos in ten countries and has judged at top level shows and expos in the USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, France, Switzerland and Mexico. He also currently serves on the World Dairy Cattle Show Committee.

High calibre: Judges are a vital part of any A&P Show.

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careers in genetics, owning their own studs or just being incredibly passionate about stock judging. “Some have volunteered for many years at our Show too. We can’t thank them enough for lending their time and expertise.” Mr Gilbert said for exhibitors not only is the show a great opportunity to win prizes and awards, it’s also a chance to swap knowledge and ideas with other exhibitors

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and learn from judges too. “Plus, you can’t beat the chance to catch up with old friends and meet other likeminded people. It’s a very special event and my family and I cherish the friendships that have come from the Show over the years.” The 2017 Canterbury A&P Show will take place from 15 to 17 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park and $100,000 of prizes are up for grabs across 3000 classes and 6500 entries are expected to be received for the 155th Show.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Reﬂecting on a ‘fantastic job’ When Canterbury dairy farmer Alister Body became a director of DairyNZ, it was a desire to be part of industry decision-making which attracted him to the role. duction, now the south is catching up with 43 percent. Mr Body said it has been those changes, and the aligned need for sustainable farm systems, that has kept him motivated to work for dairy farmers through DairyNZ. “The industry has grown incredibly and so has DairyNZ,” he said. “There has been a tremendous increase in the demands on farmers over those years, and DairyNZ has a key role in supporting them from policy and advocacy through to

Outgoing: canterbury dairy farmer Alister body is stepping down from his position as a director of DairyNZ after 12 years in the role.

information and tools for the farm.” And his enthusiasm hasn’t waned one bit as he’s worked with seven other directors in navigating the industry’s future. “Looking ahead, we must stay competitive, profitable and farm within environmental limits, and that is a huge challenge. “Our farm systems research will be increasingly important going forward.” When he began on the Dairy Insight board (one of DairyNZ’s two predecessor organisations) he was a Methven dairy farmer, wanting more industry involvement. A highlight in his role turned out to be the successful merger of Dairy Insight with Dexcel (which undertook work funded by Dairy Insight). “There were two organisations for industry good and it was believed putting them together would be better for farmers by being more efficient and effective.” He said DairyNZ has done just that with an impressive breadth of work now covered off for levy-paying dairy farmers. “I have enjoyed my time with DairyNZ, it really does make a difference for farmers and the industry. As a board member, you

are right across whole gamut of the industry. “It’s a fantastic job and working with people who live and breathe dairy farming, it’s great to be part of that.” In his time, Mr Body has also clocked up roles as chair of the Dairy Environment Leaders Group, the former Human Capability Leadership Group and the newly-formed Canterbury Dairy Leaders Group. He is also a Pastoral Genomics board member. After DairyNZ, he will continue as Ashburton Trading Society (RuralCo NZ) chair and pursue other opportunities in governance. DairyNZ chair Michael Spaans said Alister’s industry experience and commonsense around the Board table has been invaluable. “Alister has always had dairy farmers at heart and understood the impact DairyNZ can have for them, which has added value for levy payers,” Mr Spaans said. “Being the only South Island director also gave us a great connection to Canterbury, along with his drive to expand our role in Southland. “The Board thanks him for contributing to DairyNZ’s direction on behalf of dairy farmers, and wish him all the best for future.”

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r Body steps down this month after 12 years in the position. As DairyNZ’s longest-standing elected director, he has had a front-row seat as New Zealand dairy farming transitioned into a world-leading industry for producing food. In those 12 years, the industry has grown – from an average 322 cow herd to 419 and the national milking herd from 3.8 million to 5 million cows. And where the North Island once dominated with 69 percent of milk pro-

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

OctOber 2017

Dealing with Digital Dermatitis

❚ with Fred Hoekstra

I have recently returned from the International Lameness in Ruminants conference in Munich. This is a conference where scientists, veterinarians, hoof trimmers and interested parties come together to talk about lameness issues, and the latest research results are presented. It is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with what is going on around the world from a lameness perspective. It is very obvious that the biggest problem facing most farmers worldwide is Digital Dermatitis (DD). Most of the presented research was about this disease and has been every time I have been to this conference. In fact, if it wasn’t for DD there probably wouldn’t be a conference. DD is a nasty skin disease that seems to be very difficult to understand. It was first described by an Italian professor in the early 1970s. Since that time there have been more questions raised than answered. Fortunately, in New Zealand we don’t have the problem to the same extent as our colleagues overseas and I have yet to see a cow in New Zealand who was actually lame because of DD. However, there are reports that between 60% and 70% of farms in NZ may have low occurrences of the disease - maybe 1%-4% with the occasional exception. DD lesions have been observed in dairy

cows in New Zealand for at least 10 years without any significant consequences, which is quite different to the experiences of farmers in other parts of the world, and this probably contributes to the sense of apathy over the potential risks and consequences it could cause in our industry. What strikes me is that not many people in New Zealand seem to be overly worried about DD. Yet if, and that’s a big if, DD gets established in NZ, like it has in nearly all dairy countries in the world, it would make farming much trickier and less profitable. Now in contrast to DD, the Mycoplasma Bovis bacteria has got farmers much more on the edge of their seats. We have had several farmers calling us to find out what measures we have put in place to make sure we are not contributing to the spread of the disease. I can totally appreciate the concern farmers have about this issue but I wonder why we are so much more relaxed with DD. Is it because Mycoplasma bovis got much more airtime? Or is it because of the frog syndrome? If you put a frog in a pan of cold water and you warm it up slowly to the boil the frog will boil to death as it doesn’t notice the problem until it is too late. Mycoplasma bovis would be much more like dropping a frog

Potentially damaging: Fred Hoekstra encourages farmers to recognise and treat Digital Dermatitis.

into warm water. The nastiness of the disease is instantly noticeable and that triggers a response much earlier. I would encourage you to become more educated about DD: how to recognise it and what treatments are most effective, and the

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CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

How pastoral farming can be the answer

❚ by Peter burton

The loss of soil carbon means less filtering ability and nutrient storage capacity, and The assertion by some farmers that a loss for water in drier times to be rapidly flushed of short term income justifies continued through the topsoil, rather than being held for land and water degradation, is wrong on two use by plants. This means a steady reduction in annual counts. The increase in nitrates and phosphorus pasture production and, although bag N is an in our groundwater is a result of the over effective development tool, the current reliapplication of bag N, partly compounded by ance on it for the maintenance of permanent grazed pastures (the backbone of our farmthe resultant loss of soil carbon. ing systems), means a continued on-going reduction in low-cost production. Electrical Problems or Maintenance? This results in less income or higher costs for land owners, reducing the amount of genuine cash surplus at the end of the season. It’s only a matter of  Irrigation time, possibly within the next Member five years, before some cur Farm MASTER rently well regarded intensive ELECTRICIANS  farming enterprises become Industrial Electrical Contractors Association of NZ uneconomic.  It’s also wrong because Municipal continuing to apply an aver-

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age of 160kgN/ha to our best land isn’t necessary. There is available technology to replace it, which recent testing indicates a steady building of soil carbon, reducing nutrient lost to groundwater, and increasing pasture and total farm production. The replacement is simple stuff which has been developed in this country using knowledge gained from work by DSIR, MAF, and Landcare Research, from as far back as the 1940s when the physical soil structures, nutrient content and living organisms were examined and recorded in detail. Farming systems, using clovers to fix the required nitrogen, for the sustainable production of over 18,000kgDM/ha have been in place for much longer than systems based on fertiliser N. There are a number of other well-documented production benefits to a system founded on legume production, but ignored and largely forgotten in the stocking-rate-first driven systems of the last 25 years. Under astute management carbon can be rapidly sequestered. In fact, potentially, intensive pastoral farming is the quickest 0800 843 809 www.esi.org.nz

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and most efficient way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, allowing oxygen to be released while the carbon is stored, and ground water purified. The importance of this process is reinforced by the statement made by Dr Graham Sparling in the 2004 Norman Taylor Lecture. “The soil biological process is the only process whereby we can get reactive nitrogen from the soil and water back into benign nitrogen gas. But at present we seem to be headed in the opposite direction, adding ever more nitrogen and phosphorus to our soils.” As Philippa Stevenson wrote at the time, “Only 0.1 per cent of 5 million researchers worldwide make the scientific community’s international highly cited list. Dr Sparling is one.” The initial change required, for New Zealand’s pastoral farming to again be regarded internationally as ‘the best in the business’, is primarily one of focus. The way forward is to put soil fertility systems in place that genuinely build top soil, and then stock and manage appropriately. Shifting to a genuinely sustainable system can be seamless, with an increase in pasture production available in the first twelve months. It does involve taking on board some new information and adjusting a few management practices. However, those that have already made the switch find the new processes surprisingly simple and intuitive, with the results both satisfying and rewarding. For more information contact Peter on 0800 843 809.

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

❚ with John Arts

Improving joint health

A cruisy way to walk the Queen Charlotte I had the opportunity recently to join onto one of Affinity’s cruises along with my eight-year-old daughter so I choose the Cruise and Walk cruise. As I haven’t done a lot of exercise over the past few months being winter and all, I was excited but a little apprehensive... Will I be fit enough? Will I be able to keep up with everyone? And will my daughter behave? Well I didn’t have to worry about any of that as it turned out. We all walked at a pace that suited us, there was no pressure to be quick or slow and yes Brooke, my daughter was very well behaved. The crew welcomed us all on board at Picton – we had all come from different parts of New Zealand. There were three lots of mother and daughters, a set of sisters and a gentleman by himself. As we departed Picton, Brian the Captain, told us that we would be cruising to

the outer Queen Charlotte Sound for our first section of the Queen Charlotte Track but would stop on the way for lunch. The scenery was great with views to die for and well worth the blisters I ended up with (I had the wrong socks on, they were to thin). Brooke was delighted with the cheeky wekas that followed us along the track and trying to pick at her shoe laces each time we stopped. My overall thoughts of walking the Queen Charlotte Track with Affinity Cruises: We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country and have such easy access to this walker’s paradise and just as well we were walking most days because the food on Affinity is just delicious. And the best thing was, we had the same bed each night, we didn’t have to worry about our luggage and the showers are fantastic.

I spoke to a client today who had been affected by osteoarthritis in his hips and shoulders. We created a personalised joint health programme that included supplements that can help promote healing in arthritic joints. After speaking with him today he said that he is mostly symptom free. The real hero however is not so much the dietary changes and supplements but his body’s own healing processes. All disease starts with changes to cell functions. If this is left unchecked it can lead to tissue damage and eventually to disease. Our bodies have incredible healing properties that can become overwhelmed by a disease process. While physical damage to joints can cause arthritis it is important to see it as a real disease and not just wear and tear. Joint cartilage appears as tough lifeless tissue. A closer look reveals something quite different. Cartilage matrix is secreted by specialised living cells called chondrocytes. These cells maintain small pieces of cartilage. Anything that negatively affects chondrocytes will eventually damage cartilage. Loose enough cartilage and you have osteoarthritis. Chondrocytes can become damaged by several processes. Firstly free radicals can damage them to the point that they cannot function properly. If left unprotected by antioxidants the chondrocytes will die and the piece of cartilage it maintained will eventually be lost. Secondly, corrosive enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMP’s) attack the colla-

gen matrix of cartilage and thirdly unwanted inflammation can damage chondrocytes. What we need to do is to protect chondrocytes, reduce inflammation, reduce free radical activity and reduce MMP activity. What this does is to allow our natural cartilage healing processes to spring to life. The result is less pain and improved mobility. The answer is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant dense diet. We then add antiinflammatory supplements that can help restore joint healing processes. Please contact me for personalised advice. John Arts (b.Soc.Sci, Dip tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his full weekly newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz

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OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

Turning ‘grass into dollars’ W

ilfield Stud aims to produce Corriedales that turn ‘grass into dollars’ for farmers Founded in 1992, the stud is owned by brothers Robin and Gavin Wilson whose main focus is on the breeding of Corriedale 2.0, a breed based on 130 years of development for both meat and wool production that the brothers see as the sheep of the future. Corriedale 2.0 are open headed, more fertile, better milking, meatier and finer woolled sheep, bred for putting more money in sheep farmers pockets, says Robin. To breed them he says the stud brings together the use of traditional breeding practices of good stockmanship with modern technologies of objective measurement and analysis as well as gene marker technology to identify the most productive and profitable animals for meat and wool production. Robin says that Corriedale wool is currently netting three times the value on the market compared with crossbred wool. As an added bonus the carcass weight of Corriedales is comparable to any other breed. Wilfield Stud has also done a lot of meat scanning testing at Lincoln University and has consistently scanned in the top of Corriedales being scanned for meat. The Corriedale breed also has a long productive life – it is not uncommon for breeding ewes to last 5-10 years producing 8-20 lambs in a their lifetime. Wilfield Stud rams are also extremely

footrot resistant after the brothers chose to focus on using footrot DNA technology. Robin says Wilfield Stud sheep are very fertile. The flock has produced over 150% lambing for the past 15 years and 170% scanning in the past five years. The farm’s two tooth ewes are now breeding as many lambs as their older ewes.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

OctOber 2017

Demand for wools poles apart

rob cochrane ❚ by Wool Procurement Manager, ❚ PGG Wrightson Wool ❚

Anyone involved in growing and selling wool knows only too well how the crossbred wool market has struggled to hold its head above water for a very long time, and whilst there have been a few ‘highs’ along the way, the ‘highs’ have too often been outnumbered by ‘lows’.

When thinking about this month’s editorial, I looked back to the same time last year, when the crossbred market was feeling the pressure from its negative trend and beginning its further downward spiral. I then wrote: “Although the local wool market has continued to face pressure during the past several weeks, generated by obvious financial restrictions from Chinese buyers, the majority of growers offering wool at New Zealand wool auctions have faced reality and met the market”, and, “the early October auctions brought audible sighs of despair from a large proportion of wool growers as prices for crossbred and many mid-micron types slumped to levels well below the cost of production”. On reflection, there have been some considerable changes to demand since October 2016, however, those changes have been ‘poles apart’ when considering fibre diameter or micron. The demand for crossbred or coarse wool has continued to decrease, to a critical level, while demand for mid-micron and fine wool has increased substantially. Growers of crossbred wool who met the market at this time last year were correct in their decisions, although at the time many probably thought otherwise. Some crossbred wool growers decided to place reserve prices on their wool in October

2016 rather than accept market levels and although many have since sold their wool, there remain many growers who are still holding wool waiting for the market to recover. In the hope of being proven completely wrong, I struggle to see how the market can recover, at least in the short to medium term, to the point where growers who have held wool for so long will be rewarded handsomely, due to the intervention of the stockpile of grower-owned wool being added to daily by new season’s wool, plus the still to be shipped forward-sold wool sitting in wool stores, much of which was purchased by exporters for processor/manufacturer contracts agreed several months ago. While history has proven that wool markets can alter quite quickly, fundamentally crossbred enquiry is not strong enough to sustain a huge rebound in raw wool prices.

General wool trade opinion currently is that there is reasonable enquiry for some of the softer (34 micron and finer) traditional Chinese crossbred types, which may indicate a slight improvement in sales of finished goods. However with fine wools remaining in very strong demand and mid-micron enjoying positive assistance from that fact, there could be grounds for assuming that wools on the shoulders of micron ranges between breed types are enjoying a short-term benefit. With a percentage of station-bred fine wools (merino) seemingly forward contracted by growers via their broker(s) prior to the current wool season’s opening, and on the back of a strong auction market for Australian wools there, exporter interest at auctions in Christchurch has been extremely pleasing with all

global processing countries represented on the buyers’ bench. Livestock traders of fine woolled hoggets from around the South Island, to date have returned excellent results for their wool sold through the Christchurch auction room, and with the frequency of auctions available this has proven to be the attractive selling option. After the very successful wool auction held on site during the 2016 Canterbury A&P Show, South Island auction brokers intend to repeat that event on November 16 this year, when there will be approximately 8000 bales on offer. That’s my view.

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October 2017 CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

Birth of the Nortilus My grandfather was both foul mouthed and obnoxious, but he had his eyes open and knew a spade when he saw it.

❚❚by Solis Norton

Through strings of expletives he said opinions are like noses, at least I think he said noses, ever ybody has one and there are more types than there are fish in the sea... some beautiful and shapely, others cute, or racy, or even agricultural but all ser ving largely that same purpose of expelling hot air. He said opinions grow out of the facts, like flowers and vegetables grow out of the soil. It’s a source of constant amazement what will grow where and how well or how poorly. He also reckoned the best of both opinions and crops were reasonably sized and fair in taste and free of stunting, deformity and pestilence. After 40 odd years I’ve come to think he was about right. This column is the Nortilus, a deep sea vehicle for my own opinions. We should start with the soil test results from whence they came. I was born in Matamata, raised in Dun-

edin, and spent a while at Massey. I’m no brilliant scholar but grandad told me if you bother to start you ought not to quit, and do a good job if you can. I laboured away through a Bachelors in Agricultural Science, a Masters in Applied Science, and a PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology looking at Johne’s disease in dairy cattle. In that time I met wise and far sighted people. They were all working hard towards a world we can pass on to our children and all the other hairy little critters with pride and satisfaction. The moment I saw them doing that I knew I had to join them. Not so much by waving placards and shouting at people, but more chipping away with others of a like mind to do what we know is the ‘right thing’. I’m 43 and live with my wife Emily near Port Chalmers. We enjoy working together on our small patch of land. I also enjoy my work, karate, and hunting and I have an affinity for steam punks. I was very fond of my grandfather. I’ll try to do him justice, and my kids justice too in my coming columns.

Polls apart

❚❚by Rob Cope-Williams On the hunt: Solis Norton and his dog on their patch of land near Port Chalmers.

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Well the election is over and done with, and we all move on for better or for worse depending on what side of the fence you sit on. What does stay the same, however, is the perception of animal welfare. As in the subject of water and farmers paying even more for it, the power of the media still rules in many cases. I have found that there seems to be two schools of thought with respect to animal welfare; there are those who have never given it a thought and probably never will, and those who think they are modern day Saint Francis’s who insist on thinking that farmers are bordering on gestapo tactics and treat animals with cruelty and distain. Now we all know that there are some people who, for whatever reason, have been drawn into the situation where MPI and the SPCA have been alerted and have taken the appropriate action, but it’s interesting that it is a very small minority, and very rarely a commercial farmer. Let’s be realistic, farmers are very fond of their stock and value them and their welfare, plus no commercial farmer in their right mind are going to be cruel to their potential incomes.

There are millions of sheep and cattle in this country that are well feed, provided with shelter shade and kept healthy with preventative medical treatments that no one even considers, but put a couple of dairy cows in a paddock by the side of the road that look a bit thin and you can expect your phone to go because a member of the public have complained. What the righteous townies remember is the TV footage of a worker ‘mistreating’ bobby calves, taken with a hidden camera. Those hidden cameras never show a dairy farmer scratching a cow behind the ear in a show of affection, or deer eating nuts out of a farmer’s hand. I have even had people say that the Government should ban the farming of livestock and we should only grow niche crops for human consumption. And they weren’t vegetarians! When I challenged them on that they simply said it is the way farmers mistreat their animals. A quick conversation followed but there is no one as deaf as those don’t want to hear, but a quick comment about the fact I have never heard of a farmer dropping off kittens to look after themselves because the owners wanted to go on holiday or because they were no longer cute. But again, sadly the gap widens.

CANTERBURY FARMING October 2017

LIVESTOCK

Docking tool redesigned A re-designed lamb docking or tailing iron has won the New Zealand leg of the prestigious James Dyson Award for design engineers.

Winner: Industrial designer Nicole Austin has redesigned the traditional lamb docking or tailing iron.

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any sheep farmers can experience repetitive strain injuries from using traditional tools during the seasonal process of removing lambs’ tails, commonly known as docking. And it’s not just the farmers who have been suffering as fluctuations in blade temperatures can cause considerable pain for the lambs, often leading to ineffective cauterisation and stock mortality. Auckland-based industrial designer Nicole Austin has helped solve these problems by inventing Moray, an innovative hand-tool designed to help improve usability, performance and stock wellbeing. The current docking tool still commonly used was conceived in the 1960s with the design remaining unchanged for over 40 years. Nicole says the current docking tool is primitive and arduous on farmers’ hands. “I’ve refined the tool to be 35% lighter and to use 60% less hand span than the docking iron currently used by New Zealand farmers. “Repetitive strain injury occurring to the hands of ageing farmers is very common, and my new design aims to overcome this,” said the Massey University industrial design graduate. Using piezoelectric igniting, Moray has a specialised double-chamber dampening shaft for reliable weather-proofing and consistent blade temperatures for clean cauterisation. Effective docking significantly reduces lamb morality and has a positive impact on the health and productivity of the animals involved. The product prototype has been developed, and Nicole is now hoping to enter Moray into the next development phase of functional testing. James Dyson Award New Zealand head judge and president of The Designers Institute, Mike Jensen, said the judging panel was impressed by Nicole’s deep exploration into how the product may provide significant improvements for animal welfare and user comfort. “Nicole visited a series of farms to interview farmers, ran surveys and undertook rigorous design workshops during the research phase,” he said. “She also spent time docking to truly understand the process and the current challenges faced by farmers during the highly labour-intensive docking season. “The result is a prototype design that will save time and definitely effort, and is a major advancement on what is currently being used by farmers. “Moray is a relatable product for our agricultural country. It’s exciting to see a functional and rugged design that has been well researched, and that holds much commercial potential for domestic and international markets,” Mr Jensen said. Nicole’s entry has won her £2,000 (approximately NZD$3,500), with Moray progressing to the international round of the James Dyson Award competition with a chance to win the grand prize of NZD$50,000 to put towards commercialising their ideas, plus NZD$8,000 for the designer’s university. The international winner will be announced late this month. Supported by the James Dyson Foundation, the James Dyson Award is run in 23 countries to recognise emerging designers who have developed inventions that solve real world problems. The competition brief is to design something that solves a problem, big or small. The New Zealand runner up entries include a sustainable chair made from fungus, a vein finding device to reduce time and anxiety when inserting intravenous needles, a live streaming system for watching amateur sport and an electronic log drum that can be digitally recorded.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

Succession planning the hardest part is starting David Haigh ❚ by ❚ Partner, Wynn Williams

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Farm & Business Succession Property & Ownership Employment Health & Safety Wills & Estate Planning Resource Management Forestry Operations Transport Matters Irrigation

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Succession planning is becoming an increasing area of concern for many farming families. The average age of New Zealand farm owners continues to increase and many farmers are holding on to their farms longer that they would like or should. Dealing with farm succession is not a simple task, par ticularly when you consider the family farm often has a ‘heritage’ element with emotional ties not only for the owner but the wider family. This is compounded by the fact that the capital tied up within the farming business is high. The ability to remove that capital from the business while still retaining its profitability is often difficult, with owners having to consider the future needs of themselves and their children without compromising the viability of the farming business. Succession is much more than just handing over the ownership and control of the farming business to a child or children. It is a detailed process that should involve the whole family and provide the framework for the business to be transferred on terms acceptable to all par ties, while treating the interests of all stakeholders ‘fairly’. It takes into account the needs and aspirations of all that allows the succeeding ‘child’ to have confidence that the business is viable and stable in the longer term. If the process is delayed then unfortunately, more often than not, time only makes the issues worse.

This puts time pressures on the process and family members feel that the process is rushed or slanted with a particular outcome in mind. The hardest part of the succession process is starting. If farm succession is done successfully then all family members will consider that they have had a say in being treated fairly. Communication is the key to achieving a successful outcome. It is important to realise that all families are different and that there is no one size fits all approach to succession. Rather it is a matter of the family deciding what works best and implementing a farm succession plan and legal structure that underpins that plan. With different forms of family now we have seen a wide variety of farm succession plans, however each starts with the decision to begin the process. Having a professional adviser lead the family through the process can add significant value to the process. Whether they are providing legal or accountancy advice, the professional often removes the fear of starting the process and can provide valuable input throughout the process by dealing with different family needs and creating a clear pathway towards a final outcome. The professional’s role is one of facilitating the family discussion and implementing the agreed plan. If you want to discuss what farm succession means for your family then please contact me for an obligation free discussion now. call 03 379 7622 or email david.haigh@wynnwilliams.co.nz

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

Great value rides again There was a time, and it’s not all that long ago by the standards of history – when it was common knowledge that the Japanese auto industry couldn’t build a ute.

❚ by Andy bryenton This was in the heyday of the big one-tonne Kiwi and Aussie flat-decked V8, the owners of which were quite surprised to find the bosses of construction firms and big civil engineering businesses buying something called a Datsun which came with ‘half an engine’ but worked from dawn to dusk on the smell of the proverbial oily rag. Pretty soon, most off road machines were Land Cruisers and Patrols, most utes were Hiluxes, and most everyone began to take the Japanese auto industry very seriously. The same thing is happening again with China, after a brief period of underestimating the auto industry in South Korea (and then coveting the neighbour’s Santa Fe or Sportage). We’re told that China is going to be the next big player in auto manufacturing – and we know this in the same way we know that winter will come each year or that one day we might need to buy a shampoo that cures baldness. It’s inevitable, but we’re in denial. Even now, the MG brand is being produced in the People’s Republic, and it’s only a few short decades since predicting such a thing would have had one locked up in the Tower of London. Enter the latest offering from the Chinese motor industry, then – the Great Wall Steed – a better looking, more powerful replacement for what was, for a time, a more cost effective option than almost anything else with wheels, there’s a lot riding on this new foray into the Kiwi market. The first Great Wall ute garnered a reputation for being both no frills and no nonsense, a good combo for tradies and farmers look-

Charging in: Great Wall’s Steed light commercial is all about value for money – and surprising extras for a nice price. ing to make their budget go further. The Steed now comes with either a 100kw petrol engine or a 2 litre turbo diesel, and while neither is a monster when it comes to power there’s no sense that the Great Wall is weak where it counts. It’s also been upgrades in terms of handling and suspension, so that even rutted, washboarded back roads won’t make it panic. Double wishbones at the front, five-leaf springs at the back, discs brakes all round, and plenty of space to lug everything a working day demands. What you might not expect – but will be pleased to get – is a cabin with leather accents, heated seats and wheel-mounted audio, bluetooth integration and cruise con-

trol functions. There are, in fact, some who think the Steed should come with less features and an even lower price. But it’s the added luxuries which might put this new Great Wall head and shoulders above competitors like Mahindra and Foton when it comes down to what you get for your money. At its core, the Steed is a tool made for a practical job. Those who see a ute in this light will love the price - still thousands of dol-

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lars below the big players in the market. But it’s also a tool that’s advanced in its design and abilities in one generation faster than it took some of those other auto makers of yesteryear to get up to speed. The Steed is a clear evolution, and it’s still a great option for the price conscious. In other words, for those who call a ‘manually operated timber linkage facilitation tool’ a hammer, Great Wall’s latest hits the nail on the head.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Wild west via the outback Ford’s Ranger ute continues to pose a lethal threat to all comers in the light commercial sector, defeating the mighty Hilux in New Zealand and cementing a place in the Aussie ute hall of fame as well. But there’s one market where this popular machine won’t be found – America.

❚ by Andy bryenton Perhaps Ford USA’s choice to exclude the Ranger is something to do with the popularity of their flagship F150 pickup truck – a badge that’s topped sale charts in the States for decades, and which legendarily sells a new unit every few seconds. Big, brash, broad and boisterous, it’s a v8 muscle truck which appeals to those who work in the big open country of the midwest, and it’s become as much a part of the American way of life for many as baseball, second amendment rights and that form of rugby where everyone wears helmets. If the F150 is beloved, then, its wicked twin the Ford Raptor brings the shock and awe. Able to rip across the desert and scrubland of the American West like a certain cartoon roadrunner, this is a no-holds-barred exercise in engineering for a purpose, sharpened to a point. And while many American

Original ﬂavour: the current raptor is based on a modified Ford F150, but a smaller, more potent ranger raptor is in the works.

customers would love a Ranger for practical purposes and fuel economy, many Kiwis would surely love to drive the mighty Raptor. So the news that Ford down under are putting together a Ranger Raptor comes as a very pleasant surprise. So far all we’ve

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seen is a tantalizing glimpse of the camodecked ute thrashing the red sands of the Aussie outback, but even this little teaser is enough to have Ranger fans buzzing. Speculation is rife as to just what a Ranger Raptor may have under the hood, with guesswork

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filling the gap between the radiator and the transmission case with everything from the Mustang’s powerful v8 through to the twinturbo unit from the Le Mans winning GT. The fact is, Ford’s engineering knowledge base is deeper than its parts bin, so it’s anyone’s guess as to how the Ranger Raptor will be powered. All we know is that the truck in the video carves up the rough stuff like a Baja champion. The timing is also spot on for this to be a heavy metal swansong for the current Ranger. With a new ute in the works and set to meet the market here in two years’ time, creating an ‘ultimate’ ranger for the purists, petrolheads and die-hard fans makes sense. If the original Raptor is anything to go by, it won’t be cheap, but it will be packed with the very best of off road technology from its custom tyres all the way up through a tricked out suspension setup to a re-imagined cabin space. The rumble of its approach may also cause local ute buyers to hold onto their dollars until Ford’s antipodean masterpiece breaks cover. Best of all for the American market, which would otherwise have to wait for the brand new Ranger, the Ranger Raptor will indeed be available alongside the F150 and the rest of the Ford USA fleet at the same time as it makes its Kiwi debut. check out the video at www.ford.co.nz/commercial/ ranger/raptor

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

Good things come in threes Holden used to be all about big cars – at least in the cult of perception which surrounded the brand.

❚ by Andy bryenton Ask any bloke with a sunburned right elbow and a serious singlet collection to rattle off the names of the Big Red Powerhouse’s greatest hits, and they’d regale you with One of the family: icons like the SS Commodore, the HQ, the the Astra Wagon is mighty Torana and the burly Clubsport. Which part of a range which is fair in a sense – these cars were and still includes three stylistiremain Kiwi (and Aussie) milestones in auto cally different but engineering. Some of us were even conneatly proportioned ceived because of them, which is a sobering siblings. thought. But cracking the small car market- well, there’s some unfairness there, because, despite the immense success of Holden parent General Motors with small cars in Europe, Kiwi drivers have stuck to the mythos of the big V6 and V8 Holden like one of their ubiquitous police cruisers behind a boy-racer’s forth a design for chapter three – the Astra right, and it’s packed with practical features tricked out Civic. While the Astra has gone from strength wagon – that’s clearly not a clone-stamp with like a hands free tailgate, lane assist, keyless entry and a rear vision camera. to strength as a Vauxhall and an Opel, it’s a little extra steel. That 110kw 1.4 turbo is on tap from the It’s easy to mess up turning a small car only just lighting up the small car scene here sedan and hatch variants, and the whole into a station wagon. about... well, right now. It can be all too easy to fudge the roofline package comes together That’s thanks to a seventh generation that builds on massive wins in Europe under or simply give the whole car a case of the thanks to the team at GM’s the Vauxhall badge, and a three-pronged ‘rear implants’, but the Astra wagon looks plant in Liverpool, England. approach that’s still got one last trick to deliver. The Astra hatch came first, and while it’s actuDEFENDER HD5 ally been stylistically toned down a little from the short * lived sixth-gen Delta-II platform based model, it’s still a world away from boring. + Sleek and with a distinctive European flavour, the Astra hatch is surprisingly different from its sedan counterpart, released mid-year. While other manufacturers are constrained by budget to build their sedan and hatch versions as virtually OFFER ENDS OCTOBER 30th the same car with more or MAKE TRACKS BEFORE THEY RUN OUT less doors, the Astra ‘twins’ share the common option of UP TO $2,000 REBATE ON SELECTED CAN-AM MODELS www.timarucanam.co.nz a 1.4 litre turbo engine, but have different lines and cues Ben: 021 533 144 or 03 688 7517 Timaru all over. 127b Hilton Highway Washdyke Timaru CAN-AM Now the twins are about *Offer only available for participating authorised Can-Am dealerships, for vehicles sold between July 1st 2017 and August 31st 2017, MY17 Defender HD5 DPS and HD5 Base. MY15, MY16 and MY17 Outlander 450, 570, 650 and 1000. MY15, to become triplets, and once MY16 and MY17 Commander 800 and 1000 including Max models. MY17 Maverick X3 including Max models. ^3 year warranty covers MY13/14/15/16/17 Can-Am Outlander, and MY16/17 Can-Am Defender models only. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always wear protective gear & approved helmet. BRP reserves the right to change the promotion at any time. again Holden have brought

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OctOber 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Front line despatch ❚ by Andy bryenton

With all eyes internationally on the tension ramping up in North Korea, one could be forgiven for being a little distracted from events south of the border. But despite the threat of a nuclear-armed madman right on their collective doorstep, the South Korean people remain unbowed. And their auto industry is planning for a future when the battle lines are drawn not close to home on the map, but halfway around the world on highways and forecourts. Exhibit A – the Kia Stinger – is more than just a case in point. If you’re old enough to remember a time when Japanese cars were not taken quite as seriously as they should have been, you’ll recall the slap in the face that came from offerings like the howling mad Skyline Godzilla, the Honda NSX and the Toyota Supra. Suddenly Japan were knocking on the door of the big brands like Ford, Holden and even BMW and Mercedes. The Stinger is Kia Motors’ step-up vehicle in exactly this mould. They’ve proven their chops building quality small cars and cleaned up with their excellent small to medium sized SUVs. Now it’s time to unleash the full power of a chief designer who used to sculpt Audi’s

Sting in the tail: Kia’s Stinger represents a new direction for Korean auto manufacturing, as does the Genesis G90.

best, and an engineer who worked at the heart of BMW’s formidable M Division. That power distills directly into a sharp-looking twin turbocharged v6 grand tourer with 365 horsepower and an automatic eight speed transmission that will spin the rubber on all four wheels. The international press were thrown for a loop by Imprezas and Evo Lancers with less power and frankly more pedestrian looks in the none too distant past – this is a car which will have executives from Tokyo to Detroit and even all the say to Stuttgart worried.

Meanwhile, fellow countrymen Hyundai have taken a leaf from another old Japanese playbook – the one which caused a tectonic shift in luxury motoring in the 1990s. By launching a new prestige brand known as Genesis Motors, Hyundai are stepping up to the plate in the style of Toyota when they launched Lexus. Of course, the golden L badge got started with the now-classic LS400, a car deemed ‘impossible to build’ at the time. It spawned infinite copies like the Nissan Cima and Laurel, the Honda Legend, and even informed

the style of the Cadillac Seville, if you’re to believe the rumours. Now the Genesis G90, the company’s flagship luxury sedan, is to be joined by a sports coupe and a top of the range SUV. Whether or not Genesis joins other ‘halo’ brands seems only a matter of time. This all means great news for local drivers – who will have the choice of an entirely new option or two at the fast and comfortable end of the market. But it also raises the question of just how long it will be before those other brands out of Asia – the fast-rising Chinese automakers – present their own ‘breakthrough’ performance and luxury models to the world.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2017

Canterbury Spring Rural Comment Spring rolls along, summer is now in sight, and the election has happened. Despite any changes resulting from the election, on the land it’s business as usual, with the full range of various spring activities in full swing.

at an all time low, those that have “hung in” and and the manuka Definition/testing arguments persevered are receiving the benefits. are not helping. Growth in the industry continues Wool - is very much a mixed bag. Merino is again with both numbers of beekeepers and bee hives on a bit of a roll. Probably not to the levels we increasing. After the poor honey flow last year, have sometimes seen in the past, but hopefully apiarists are hoping for a decent crop this year.

they are at sustainable prices and will stay that way, How crossbred farmers can have long term confidence in wool is doubtful. Stronger wools are having major problems, poorly prepared wools being almost impossible to sell. Mid micron wools are strong and the contracts available Sheep - The outlook for Lamb is being talked seem to be underpinning the market here. up at the moment. What the long-term outlook Wine Industry – continues to show steady is, with the Brexit & the Korean issues, becomes growth in exports - $1.629 billion to March 2017 anyone’s guess. These issues could effect the - with strong demand for land in Marlborough whole economy, and more. continuing. Sales of land elsewhere in NZ also Beef – The market has dipped below the 5 year happening and new entrants to the market average for US Bull beef. The live market still also active. Expansion still occurring in terms of appears strong, although the margin for growers increasing vineyard area. who paid high prices for calves in the Autumn Kiwifruit – in a strong position with interest and may be slim. demand steady. Growth in exports continues Deer - Venison is looking good with prices up on with sales of $1.67 billion to June 2016. last year, at an all time high. With deer numbers Manuka Honey – some ripples in the industry Dairy – continuing to hold steady and with some prospect of gain. The political “hot potato” of dairy expansion and water continues to be aired in many cases by biased and ill-informed opponents.

Timber - is holding the strength it has gained over recent months. Long may it last. At a recent Forestry Real estate seminar recently attended there are predictions of a shortfall in 25 years so planting now is predicted by the experts to be a good investment. Harcourts has formed some strong relationships in the forestry industry and is growing the strength of marketing of this sector of the Real Estate market. For more information talk to Andy Nurse 021 437 143 or Bill Dowle 029 358 3175.

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