Canterbury Farming, May 2018 by Canterbury Farming

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

May 2018 Edition

INSIDE

THIS EDITION Stink bug killer

p5 Students to finals

p11 Education

p16 Gypsy Week

Well fed: a growing demand for pet foods containing venison is pushing up returns to deer farmers.

Pampered pets drive up deer prices Strong demand from the pet food industry has helped underpin a stellar season for venison farmers.

❚ by Trevor Walton p32

Photo: Richard Hilson

Typically, prices to farmers peak in spring when demand from European markets is at its highest, then ease off from November. But not this season, says Deer Industry NZ chief executive Dan Coup. “Average venison schedule prices to farmers lifted steadily in almost a straight line from about $7.90 a kilogram in January last

year to just over $10 in December. Since then, they have continued to rise,” Coup said. In mid-April, a 55kg stag carcase was fetching around $11.00/kg in the South Island, up from around $7/kg in March the previous three seasons. “A growing appetite for venison from the booming pet food market, globally worth more than US$75 billion and growing by

about 4% a year, has been a major factor,” Coup said. “Trim and mechanically deboned meat are being snapped up for premium pet foods at prices that can’t be matched by the human foodservice sector. “They now account for about $80 of the value of a deer carcase.”

TO PAGE 2

May 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Venison in demand FROM PAGE 1

Helping drive the popularity of venison as a pet food component has been a worldwide shift in attitudes towards companion animals from owners who want the best for their pets. This includes an increasing interest in feeding them natural paleo-type diets. Coup said venison is used in special hypoallergenic pet foods for cats and dogs with skin or allergy problems and in premium products like Ziwi Peak ‘Daily-Dog’ Air Dried Venison Cuisine, currently selling in New Zealand for $189.99 for a 2.5kg bag. “The demand from the pet food sector is unprecedented. Like most other markets, pet food is prone to fashion swings so there’s no way of knowing how long the demand will last. “But the word from the market is that prices are probably about as high as they will get,” he said. Not that there’s any suggestion that prices to farmers are likely to fall any time soon. “Venison production is at a historically low

‘

The demand from the pet food sector is unprecedented. Like most other markets, pet food is prone to fashion swings so there’s no way of knowing how long it will last. Dan Coup Chief Executive, Deer Industry NZ

level. At the same time, venison marketers have been making great progress finding new year-round human customers in non-traditional markets. “This combination of low supply and new demand is driving product innovation. Processors and marketers are successfully developing novel grilling cuts that offer a great eating experience at prices that appeal to restaurants, while increasing the overall value of the venison carcase.” Coup said having greater year-round demand is a longterm goal that the industry is making progress against, but noted that the industry’s most important group of consumers is still the Continental Europeans, with their very strong seasonal preferences.

Well fed: Owners of pampered pets are willing to pay a premium for pet foods containing venison. “This pet food phenomenon has changed the shape of the venison schedule this season, but our expectation is that we will see a return to a more traditional schedule curve in the future. “While the spring price premium is expected to return, future seasonal peaks and troughs are likely to be less pronounced than they have been in the past, thanks to the great market diversification work that our companies are doing.” The deer industry views the demand from

the premium pet food sector as a positive development that they expect to continue, albeit at an unknown price level, in the future. “It’s a new segment and we don’t have a good understanding of whether venison pet food is here to stay or not,” Coup said. “With so many pet food companies having invested in product development and marketing, it’s certainly not going to disappear overnight, but we will have to wait and see whether consumer demand and pricing levels are sustainable in the long-term.”

CANTERBURY FARMING May 2018

FARMING NEWS

SI farmers join DairyNZ board Two dairy farmers from Canterbury and Dunedin have been appointed to the board of DairyNZ.

❚❚by Kent Caddick New associate directors Cole Groves and Anne-Marie Wells have been selected to join the DairyNZ board this year, with each working alongside the directors for six board meetings. Groves begins in March and Wells will join the board from October. Ashburton-based dairy farmer Cole Groves is currently involved in a 450-cow equity partnership. Among several sector roles, Cole has strong ties with New Zealand Young Farmers. “The associate role will allow me to continue to develop my governance skills at a board room level in a sector that I am extremely passionate about,” Groves said. “We need young leaders to take ownership and be a part of the sector moving forward with its new strategy.”

Groves has been dairy farming for over 10 years, after completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University. Otago-based Anne-Marie Wells is an owneroperator and director of a 640-cow dairy farm and, with husband Duncan, were the 2015 Dairy Business of the Year supreme winners. “I am thrilled to be appointed as one of the associate directors with DairyNZ and value the opportunity to work with experienced directors and participate in corporate level board meetings,” Wells said. “I am looking forward to gaining first-hand experience in assessing opportunities and strategic decision-making in an organisation of this scale, which will equip me to help others make sound decisions in the future.” Wells’ career ranges from being a software engineer and business analyst to her current role in dairy farming, where she is growing the strategic and operational excel-

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lence of the farming business, while pursuing an interest in governance. DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel said the associate director roles have been in place for five years after being established to support the sector’s future leaders. “These roles are a way for interested dairy farmers to gain governance experience and support the board in decision-making and strategy discussions,” van der Poel said. “Both Cole and Anne-Marie bring tremendous experience to the roles and our board will really value their leadership and drive for the sector this year as we develop and shape plans for DairyNZ and dairy farmers.” Seven other farmers have been associate directors with DairyNZ since the initiative was introduced in 2013. The associate director positions are non-voting roles and are for dairy farmers wanting to move into sector governance.

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No plans to ban rodeos – Government Rodeos won’t be banned in New Zealand according to the Associate Minister of Agriculture responsible for animal welfare Meka Whaitiri.

❚❚by kent Caddick Over the last few months there has been a growing call from animal welfare groups to ban rodeos, with the groups claiming the events are cruel to the animals involved. Meka Whaitiri said she acknowledges that there is public concern about the use of animals in rodeos. “At the same time there are number of communities in New Zealand where rodeos are a well-attended annual event. “It is absolutely essential for those involved in rodeos to have animal welfare at

the forefront of their minds at all times.” ministry officials to see how they can improve animal welfare outcomes for animals used in rodeos. “I have asked that the use of calves, electric prodders, flank straps, tail twisting and rope burning be specifically looked at within this work. “The use of electric prodders, including in relation to rodeos, is already addressed in the animal welfare regulations I am currently considering. Tail twisting is not permitted under the Animal Welfare Act and tail breaking can be prosecuted.”

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Rodeos must operate under the Animal Whaitiri said she has asked NAWAC to Welfare Act 1999 and relevant codes of wel- fast track further advice on rodeos this year. fare. A code of welfare for rodeos was issued “In the meantime, the Ministry for Primary in 2014 on the advice of the National Animal Industries (MPI) continues to enforce current Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), the animal welfare KG requirements, and investiKG KG 11advises the Minister on an- gates KG any 555 expert group that complaints against rodeos. 555 41/82 KG 555 KG 1 1 1 1 imal welfare matters. “I expect all41/82 rodeo41/82 events and particiThe code of 33 welfare contains pants to comply fully with HP ON DEMAND TRUEminimum IRS WITH 24CM 555KG TOWING 41KG FRONT / 82KGtheir REAR obligations ELECTRONIC POWER ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE (AWD) TRAVEL CAPACITY RACK STEERING 33 HP ON DEMAND ONTRUE DEMAND of TRUE IRSOFWITH 24CM 555KG TOWING FRONT / 82KG REAR POWER ELECTRONIC POWER 33 HP prevent IRS WITH 24CM 555KG TOWING 41KG FRONT /41KG 82KG REARCAPACITY ELECTRONIC standards that the use pyrotechunder the Animal Welfare Act, regulations ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE STEERING ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE (AWD) (AWD) OF TRAVEL OF TRAVEL CAPACITY CAPACITY RACK CAPACITYRACK CAPACITYSTEERING nic displays and sheep riding events at rode- and the code of welfare for rodeos,” Whaitios, and sets standards for animal handling ri KGsaid. 555 KG 11 and equipment. It is also a requirement to 41/82 have a veterinarian and animal welfare offic- Rodeos code of welfare can be found on the MPI 33 HP ON DEMAND TRUE IRS WITH 24CM 555KG TOWING www.mpi.govt.nz 41KG FRONT / 82KG REAR ELECTRONIC POWER er present at everyALL-WHEEL-DRIVE rodeo. website: (AWD) OF TRAVEL CAPACITY RACK CAPACITY STEERING

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May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

No time to rest on our laurels

Damien O’Connor ❚ by for Agriculture, Biosecurity, ❚ Minister Food Safety and Rural Communities ❚

I recently attended a great event run by Te Hono, which is a group of primary sector folk who want to ensure we produce the best food and produce for the world.

In my first six months as Minister of Agriculture I’ve spoken at many events around the country and, often, told groups that we must move away from being an export sector based on volume to one that is focused on value. The feedback from many farmers and growers to that message has been positive. At the Te Hono event there were some

excellent and valuable insights from people who are growing their businesses based on the idea that they have great products, which are valued by consumers who are willing to pay more for the best. The primary sector’s export revenue is forecast to hit $42.2 billion in 2018, but we can’t rest on our laurels and ignore where we

want to be in 10, 20 or 30 years from now. Sometimes as Kiwis we can be too polite and shy away from challenging the status quo. Soon, I will announce the membership of a primary sector council. Their task is to form a strategic vision for our primary sectors. The council’s members will have a wide range of skillsets and will hear your thoughts about where the sector needs to go to make the most of our natural advantages. They will be tasked with fostering debate and challenging current thinking. Does that vision coalesce around ideas of sustainability, grower to plate story-telling, pasture-fed protein, smarter use of water

and appealing to consumers who are prepared to pay more for products with a strong story behind them? I do not have all the answers myself, nor does the Government, and I’m excited about the work the council will do. I’d ask you to get involved and have your say once the council is setup. In June, I will attend the 50th annual field days event at Mystery Creek. It is always a great time to hear, and see, some of the creative things happening in the sector. If you are heading up to Mystery Creek, please make sure to come up and say hello. It is invaluable for people to hear people’s thoughts and ideas.

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FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2018

Tiny wasp to combat stink bug

Horticultural industry groups along with the Ministry for Primary Industries are working together to use a tiny parasitoid wasp to combat the Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB).

❚ by Kent Caddick The BMSB Council (a partnership between horticultural industry groups and MPI, under GIA) has made an application to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) seeking approval to release the Samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) as a biocontrol agent against BMSB, but only if an incursion is found in New Zealand. BMSB Council chair Alan Pollard said if a BMSB incursion is found here, the consequences would be disastrous for New Zealand’s horticulture industries and everyday New Zealanders. “The stink bug is one of the biggest biosecurity threats we face, and it could cause hundreds of millions of dollars of losses,” Pollard said. “It feeds on over 300 plant species and can multiply and get to very high population numbers rapidly, destroying crops and gardens and even get into your home. “In the USA and Europe where the invasive pest has become established, it has caused severe damage to the horticulture industries. “It’s also invaded residents’ homes and become a real social nuisance. “We’ve also seen growers overseas use high levels of insecticides as the primary way to control the stink bug. “The wasp provides an opportunity to be proactive in our approach and gives us another tool we can use to control the stink bug. “We believe the wasp will provide a targeted and self-sustaining control tool and provides growers with another option other than increasing insecticide sprays,” Pollard said. The wasp does not sting and is harmless to humans but is a natural enemy of the stink bug. The female wasp lays her eggs inside the stink bugs eggs, killing the stink bug in the process. Studies overseas have shown the wasp can destroy over 70 percent of the eggs in a stink bug egg mass.

Photo: Elijah J. Talamas,

Good parasite: The female Samurai wasp lays her eggs inside the stink bugs’ eggs (above), killing the stink bug (left), a signiﬁcant biosecurity threat.

A NZIER report, commissioned by the Samurai Wasp Steering Group, has estimated that gross domestic product would fall by between $1.8 billion and $3.6b by 2038 if BMSB became established.

Pesky pest: The Brown marmorated stink bug, or Halyomorpha halys, has the potential to be disastrous for New Zealand’s horticultural industries. Photo: Milen Marinov, MPI.

It also estimated the horticulture export value could fall by between $2b and $4.2b. Public submissions on the release approval are open until 5pm, Thursday 24 May.

May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Irrigators let down by Govt

The days are getting shorter and the temperature is starting to drop as we head towards winter. Unfortunately despite the record temperatures and vast amounts of the country that was gripped by drought, the Coalition Government has decided to axe funding for irrigation projects.

Nathan Guy ❚ by Party ❚ National ❚ spokesperson, ❚ Primary Industries

Even projects that were well through development and presumed they had Government support like Hunter Downs, Hurunui and Flaxbourne. Farmers and growers in these areas have invested time and their own money to meet the strict environmental consent conditions required to secure government backing. Now they feel so let down by the Labour Government. This is a clear example of ideological reasons taking precedence over facts and common sense. It has been proven that irrigation and water

storage is not the environmental concern that it has been made out as, and when implemented appropriately it will actually have significant benefits to the environment, like enhance minimum river flows. These projects would have provided much valued certainty for farmers and growers to mitigate against droughts and help provide food security. M. Bovis continues to evolve over time with more still to play out I’m sure. MPI have been closing in on the potential cause of the incursion

‘

This is a clear example of ideological reasons taking precedence over facts and common sense. Nathan Guy

National Party spokesperson Primary Industries

and have had warrants to search three properties. I’m sure if they find the culprits they will throw the book at them for all the damage they’ve done to our Cattle farmers. Farmers now want fast and fair compensation and to hear the Government commit to eradication. The recent Government Policy Statement on transport is another kick in the guts for rural communities. The Government has raided $5 million from state highway investments to build a tram network in Auckland. To make matters worse you will pay another 13c a litre at the pump to help sort Auckland’s congestion woes. It’s becoming clearer by the day this Government doesn’t care about rural communities.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING May 2018

Politicking put aside on rustling Federated Farmers is greatly encouraged by the cross-party support for tougher livestock theft deterrents being shown by members of the Primary Production Select Committee.

❚❚by Kent Caddick Meat and Wool chairman Miles Anderson spoke to the committee on the Sentencing (Livestock Rustling) Amendment Bill recently. He said it was heartening to see there was no politicking on the issue, just determination to work out the best ways of combating the problem. “There’s good momentum to put in place effective measures to tackle this serious and growing scourge,” Anderson said. Current wording of the Bill would make rustling an ‘aggravating factor’ at sentencing, giving judges more leeway to order stiffer penalties. Anderson said Federated Farmers wants the new legislation to go further, and allow powers of seizure of vehicles and other equipment used in the commission of the offence, as happens with poachers under the Fisheries and Wild Animal Control Acts. “We’re pleased that other submitters are in tune with this thinking,” he said. “If stock thieves know they could forfeit vehicles, trailers, firearms, trained working dogs, two-way radios, night vision and thermal viewing imagers, freezers and so on, it gives them considerable pause if they’re thinking of raiding a farm. “Moreover, if convicted rustlers lose such equipment, they can’t go back to such thieving any time soon, and that forfeited gear can be sold, meaning there is some money to reimburse the victims of the theft.”

Anderson highlighted for the committee an anomaly with current laws. Wild deer belong to the Crown until they are shot on land where the hunter has lawful permission to be. If the hunter has no right to be on that land, he or she may be subject to prosecution and confiscation of gear under the Wild Animal Control Act. “But if someone is unlawfully on my property and shoots a farmed deer or a steer or sheep, there’s no seizure of gear on prosecution. Why is my farmed deer treated differently from a deer belonging to the Crown?” The Federation’s submission pointed out that rustling was robbing farmers of tens of millions of dollars every year. It was also an animal welfare, biosecurity and food safety issue, with livestock often killed and butchered at night in the paddock, and no controls over subsequent storage and sale on the black market of meat from animals that may have just been treated with veterinary medicines. Anderson said rustling added huge stress to farmers. “Family farms are also the home of the family and farmers feel obligated to investigate any suspicious activity to protect their property and their livestock while the rest of the family are left along wondering what is going on in the dark. “Farmers who have suffered trespass, livestock theft and wild game poaching report feelings of suspicion and paranoia, loss of sleep and a reluctance to leave the property.”

Rustling up support: Federated Farmers members Miles Anderson and Ewan Kelsall went to Parliament to submit on the Rustling Bill.

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andrew Wyllie ❚ with ❚ Forsyth Barr

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Geopolitical risks in investor sights

Interest rates and inﬂation fears have been side-lined as investors now consider geopolitical issues. United States political policy on tariff implementation and policies aimed at various technology sector companies are of particular concern. The use of tariffs in trade agreement renegotiations with NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), South Korea and others suggests they are bargaining chips, but they are also increasing concerns of protectionism and have hurt financial market confidence. Concerns have been compounded by the prospect of policies being directed at various technology companies, such as Amazon (AMZN) and Facebook (FB). Historically, politics and or trade policies have never caused bear markets. Our focus therefore remains on inflationary expectations and interest rates. Interest rates have increased over the quarter in response to stronger United States economic growth and the additional stimulus provided by the United States tax package. However, inflation remains contained and is unlikely to accelerate quickly given spare

global capacity and competition. Despite recent increases in the United States 10 year government bond interest rates, rates continue to be viewed as unlikely to undermine growth, as they remain substantially below nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth expectations, and have fallen from the peaks in February 2018. United States equity markets sneeze, world follows In New Zealand dollar terms, quarterly returns from global equity markets were negative. The initial market fall in February was a reaction to higher interest rates, followed in March by negative investor reaction to United States trade tariffs and the singling-out of various technology companies as noted above. The February/March correction in New Zealand currency terms has been broadly similar across all global markets.

Looking at off-farm investments?

(03) 365 4244 or email andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz 0800 367 227 forsythbarr.co.nz Disclosure Statements for Forsyth Barr Authorised Financial Advisers are available on request and free of charge.

If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at 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. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Report covers the three months ended November 30. Disclosure Statements are available for Forsyth Barr authorised Financial advisers on request and free of charge.

CHC5019-02 - © Forsyth Barr Limited April 2015

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New Zealand long-term bond rates are expected to follow global bond rates. The compressed differential between 10 year United States and New Zealand rates (-3 basis points versus the usual +80 basis points) means there is less room for New Zealand movements to lag those in the United States. The low differential to United States interest rates is also expected to reduce the attractiveness of Australasian currencies and potentially allow some weakening in both the New Zealand and Australian dollars.

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The New Zealand sharemarket performed best, but this is solely attributed to the performance of a2 Milk over the period. Australian and Hong Kong markets were the worst performers. Looking forward, given the underlying global economic backdrop and our muted expectations for inflation, equities are expected to stabilise, with earnings growth and valuations becoming the focus moving forward. In this context, we believe that global markets offer better growth and value. Global interest rates up but short rates on hold in New Zealand Much of the increase in longer-term rates has been driven by United States economic activity and the intention by the United States Federal Reserve to raise short-term interest rates. This outlook has been incorporated into market interest rates, with some pull-back in government bond rates seen in March. Corporate bonds remained flat, indicating some increase in corporate spreads. Shorter-term interest rates were more subdued with inflation outcomes more muted globally (including in New Zealand). Little change has been seen in New Zealand shortterm interest rates over the past year and no change is anticipated this year.

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May 2018

Lawyer for the child

Bessie Paterson LLB ❚ with ❚ Ronald W Angland & Son

One of the tasks undertaken by Family Court practitioners is acting as lawyer for the child. Lawyers who undertake lawyer for the child assignments are invariably specialists who have completed courses of study to enhance their qualifications in that branch of the law. In families where there is conflict between the parents, many children suffer trauma and guilt, often blaming themselves for the situation which has arisen. They become confused and upset at the inevitability of a change in their day to day living and the separation from one parent. If proceedings are issued in the Family Court and children are affected they have the right to have their views and wishes considered. Their best interests are the Court’s major consideration and the children’s views are important for the Judge to take into account when he/she makes the decision. The lawyer’s role is to provide legal representation which is independent from the lawyers acting for the parents and any other parties to the proceedings. The lawyer’s duty is to ensure that all relevant matters are put before the Court and the Court is required to have regard to those matters. In some instances the Judge will meet with the child to ascertain the child’s thinking on various issues which have arisen. The Court may not always accede to the child’s requests or agree with their views but usually will explain the reasons for not doing so.

‘

The Lawyer for the child has a very important and sensitive role in the legal system.

The lawyer is required to arrange a meeting or meetings with the child on a professional solicitor/client basis with no parents, other relatives or guardians present. The child must be given the opportunity to express their views and he/she must be advised that the lawyer is required to relay

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in guiding a child through the transition to new family arrangements. They have a very important role in the legal system. This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a Partner at Ronald W angland & Son, Solicitors, 2 Chapman Street, Leeston.

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those views to the Court. Lawyer for the child may also negotiate with the child’s parents and their lawyers to try to reach a settlement instead of having a Judge decide the child’s future. Lawyers who undertake appointments as lawyer for the child have a very sensitive role

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Two years in-a-row for Wiffen West Coast dairy farmer Andrew Wiffen has successfully defended his Tasman FMG Young Farmer of the Year title at this year’s regional final in Templeton.

❚ by Kent Caddick Competing in the contest for the seventh and last time Wiffen is now in the running to be crowned the 50th FMG Young Farmer of the Year in Invercargill later this year. The regional final event saw eight finalists tackle a series of gruelling modules, including a fast-paced agri-knowledge quiz. As well as taking out the overall regional tile the 30-year-old Wiffen took out the coveted Ravensdown Agri-Skills Challenge, AGMARDT Agri-Business Challenge and the Meridian Energy Agri-Knowledge Challenge. He won almost $12,000 worth of prizes, including an XR150 Honda farm bike for his efforts, and is now eyeing up another crackj at the national title. “I’m stoked to be heading to grand final

again. It’s an amazing experience,” Wiffen said. “It’ll be a chance for me to rectify errors I made last year.” The 50:50 sharemilker from the Grey Valley placed third in the 2017 FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Feilding but is setting his sights higher this year. “I’d love to be the 50th FMG Young Farmer of the Year, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work to reach that goal,” he said. The keen white baiter plans to work on his fitness and hone his strategy ahead of the prestigious event. Second place went to Jono Satterthwaite,

Pondering: Second-placed Jono Satterthwaite of Culverden ponders a problem.

Skilled: West Coast dairy farmer andrew Wiffen took out the Tasman regional ﬁnal of the young Farmer of the year contest for the second year in a row.

who runs a 1,048-hectare dry stock farm at Culverden and was competing in his first regional final. Dunsandel-based farm consultant Simon Ferguson took out third place and the Massey University Agri-Growth Challenge.

Girl power: Farm solutions manager Vanessa Robinson of Charing Cross shows off her skills on the chainsaw.

Oxford dry stock and cropping farmer Roscoe Taggart won the Agri-Sports Challenge. Livestock Improvement Corporation farm solutions manager Vanessa Robinson of Charing Cross near Hororata took out the award for highest placing female contestant. Robinson, along with partner Martin Bates who also competed in the regional final, contract milk on a 140 hectare farm in Charing Cross. Robinson said she was thrilled to have participated in the regional final of the competition and even more pleased with the award. “I’m excited to have participated. It was what I was aiming for,” she said. “The competition was pretty intense out there and a lot of experience in the field.” Robinson said she enjoyed the quiz segment of competition most, and believes that is where she excelled. “It was pretty technical and quite hard for me as a first-timer to the competition, so I was stoked to get through it. And I want to thank everyone who helped me to get to the regional final.”

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

May 2018

Students heading to grand ﬁnal A talented duo from St Bede’s College has taken top honours at the Tasman TeenAg regional finals. Nick O’Connor and Angus Grant won the hotly-contested TeenAg event in Templeton in which 44 teams clashed at Innovation Park.

❚ by Kent Caddick Tomos Blunt and Finn Taylor, who’re also from St Bede’s College in Christchurch, took out second place. Both teams have qualified for the TeenAg Grand Final in Invercargill. Fifteen-year old Angus Grant said he can’t wait for the finals. “Last year I just missed out on going to the grand final, so I’m stoked.” Flynn Shore, James Crawford and Hillar y Cooper from Oxford Area School in Canterbur y won the fiercely-contested AgriKidsNZ contest. That event saw 24 teams tackle fun challenges testing their practical and theoretical skills. “It was a great day out. I really enjoyed it,” Hillar y Cooper said.

Harr y Carrodus, Jake Lawson and Hannah Buck from Seddon School near Blenheim placed second, while William Knight, Nathan Hodge and Rebecca Lewis from Broomfield School in Nor th Canterbur y were third. All three teams have qualified for the AgriKidsNZ Grand Final in Invercargill. Competition co-ordinator David Highsted said the aim of the events is to get kids excited about a career in the primar y industries. “TeenAg and AgriKidsNZ are a key par t of the work being done by New Zealand Young Farmers to attract students into the agrifood sectors. Both national finals will take place alongside the prestigious FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in July.

Winners: St Bede’s College students Nick O’Connor and angus Grant took out ﬁrst place in the Tasman Teenag regional ﬁnal.

Expectation: The Oxford area School agriKids team of Flynn Shore, James Crawford and Hillary Cooper are looking forward to attending the competition’s national ﬁnal later this year after winning the Tasman regional ﬁnal.

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❚ with John arts

❚ with Rob Cope-Williams

Spotlight on Curcumin Taking heed of folklore and OPC Part 2

I speak daily to people affected by inﬂammation. This commonly affects joints but can affect most types of body tissue. While we can feel the discomfort of joint inflammation we cannot feel inflammation of blood vessels till disease symptoms appear. Our immune system responds to injury and sickness by generating inflammation. This is an essential part of our in-built repair and recovery systems. While we cannot heal without inflammation, unwanted inflammation can not only slow healing but create new problems. The long list of problems with the suffix ‘itis’ are all inflammatory diseases. One of the reasons we are told to eat lots of deep coloured plants is that the anti-inflammatory antioxidants are locked into their bright colours. It is the yellow in turmeric that contains Curcumin. It is the purple colour on grape seeds that contain the potent OPC’s. While osteoarthritis is the most common joint problem, others such as tendonitis, bursitis and rheumatoid arthritis affect many people. The centre of any nutritional medicine programme is an anti-inflammatory diet. Adding well formulated supplements with high grade ingredients can add healing compounds at levels much higher than through diet alone. Two of the most potent are Curcumin from turmeric and the OPC’s (oligomeric proantho-

cyanidins) from grape seeds. For example adding 1000mg of 95% Curcumin has the curcumin in several tablespoons of turmeric. You would need to eat tablespoons of red wine grape seeds to get 100mg of pure OPC. I speak to clients on daily basis that are more mobile and more comfortable by adding potent natural anti-inflammatory compounds. One with rheumatoid arthritis is much more comfortable by adding 1000mg of Curcumin and 200mg of OPC daily. 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 423559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his full weekly newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.

As an old timer within the farming world I have learnt a lot about farming folklore and how nature talks to us. The last summer has been an amazing event with rain when we needed it, growth has kept everything green, well in most places anyway, and a chance to make supplementary feed like few other years. However, what is nature telling us? In my view nature has said here’s a lot of reserve because what is coming isn’t fun and you’ll need every stick of hay and silage you have been able to save. The last ‘weather event’ is surely a shot across the bows and a warning of what is coming. You must admit we did enjoy an Indian summer and there wasn’t really an autumn. The other bit of folklore I have followed with faith is the reason that old homesteads have both an Ash and an Oak tree, normally close to each other. If the Oak comes into leaf first, we are in for a wet summer, as in a soak, if the Ash is first there’ll only be a dash of rain. Laugh if you will, but I have followed that theory for years and haven’t been let down yet. The settlers had a great way of reading nature and her signs and we could all learn from them.

I suppose that we in this modern age think that we must, or even worth, think we can, dominate nature and fight off anything that nature throws at us. We have chemicals that can kill off insects, plant diseases, we can make plants produce tens of times more than they were designed for, and we can change the length of the stem. We still haven’t stopped our need for more of everything as greed hits, or is it simply that with the costs of trying to control nature means producers need to grow more to make ends meet. It may come as a bit of a surprise, but if you let nature work with you, there’s more in it for you. Take sowing rates for example, fewer seeds mean less costs for your seed, plus nature’s daylight gets into the bottom of the plant and therefore all the leaves work to the plant’s advantage. Not rocket science, just a caser of listening to nature just like our forebears did. Listen and work with nature, you will never win if you don’t because nature has all the say and all the tools, but she will warn you if you want to hear.

ric Turme C P with O

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For all your lawn care and irrigation needs Best Water Solutions Ltd is a privately owned company based in Rolleston which provides a customer focused irrigation and lawn care service for the Canterbury area. Article supplied by All of their work will result in an irrigation system workBest Water Solutions Ltd

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BWS has been involved in a range of projects over the years, the last one being the new completed Victoria Square in Christchurch. The company has also been involved in servicing and installing at Tower Junction, also in Christchurch as well as schools, child care centres, motels, and domestic residential and commercial sites, and lifestyle blocks throughout Canterbury. Their range of services is designed to protect the interest of their customers and includes independent, impartial and confident advice, with referrals to third parties when the work is outside of their range of scope. Systems include Dust Suppression, Waste Water distribution, residential and commercial lawn and garden irrigation. As well as water tanks and stock troughs, BWS also has a range of pumps suitable for lifestyle blocks. In addition to irrigation BWS also provides a lawn care services, which includes chemical handling with spray certifications. Weed control in lawns, pest control in lawns, fertilizing and new lawn site preparation are all part of the service and they are Canterbury’s leading installer of the new fully automated WiFi irrigation controller, Sky Drop. BWS supports local and New Zealand made products at every opportunity and says the advantages of a fully automated Irrigation system, ensures the most cost effective and environmentally friendly way to distribute water.

ing to its full potential, keeping lawns and garden looking great. Other services include: Scarifying/De-thatching, seeding new lawns and over seeding existing lawns, cable trenching and moleploughing up to 40 mm pipe. For more information contact Phil on 0274 676 183, email bws2011@ xtra.co.nz or go to their website, www.bestwatersolutions.co.nz.

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Using the outdoors as a classroom

â?&#x161; Article supplied by Garin College

At Garin College we have access to the pristine outdoors environment. Four out of our five year levels have already been on the Journey Programme that is offered at Garin. This involves tramping through the Abel Tasman, sea kayaking, abseiling, mountain biking, camping on the beach and in the bush, and spending time building new relationships within the Garin community. The focus within the Journey Programme is to celebrate the full person God has created. Garin makes an effort to afford students the oppor tunity to explore, problem solve, build relationships, learn new skills, push boundaries through experiential learning and build the whole person. It is important for learners to immerse themselves in a safe and inspiring learning culture, and Garin does its utmost to ensure this experience is, sustainably, the best the top of south has to offer. Garin College is a purpose-built 21st centur y College delivering outstanding academic results and boarding students. It is the only co-educational Catholic College in the top of the South Island. Established in 2002, the College and boarding school are situated in park-like grounds in the beautiful Nelson Tasman region. At its hear t are the founding values of faith and wisdom where students develop a holistic education and a passion for life-long learning.

Outdoor adventures: a Garin College student group launching their raft for the water crossing during Graduation Challenge 2017.

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Faith and Wisdom Garin College is a Catholic Co-educational College with boarding for boys and girls years 9 to 13, based in Richmond, Nelson. Not only does Garin College consistently deliver academic results above its decile 8 rating. Your child gets all the benefits of attending a smaller Catholic College. This along with outstanding Arts, outdoor education and sports programmes, makes Garin College the smart choice for your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college education.

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Fostering a true sense of self

Timaru Girls’ High School and Hostel offers every girl the opportunity to nurture her talents and accept responsibility to become a selfconfident young woman equipped both personally and academically to face the future.

supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Timaru Girls’ High School We proudly maintain strong cultural traditions with an emphasis on self-motivation, high personal values, mutual respect and discipline. These combine to provide our girls with an experience that is not only enjoyable but which also fosters a true sense of self. Timaru Girls’ High School has undergone major building upgrades in the last ten years, with a new administration block, technology block and refurbishment of the majority of classrooms and hostel accommodation. In 2018, a new four-class equivalent collaborative learning space, as well as a major refurbishment of the gymnasium was opened. Having contemporary and modern learning spaces creates a positive impact on teaching and learning in the school. The educational framework in place begins with a broad based programme for jun-

ior girls, leading to a wide range of specialist study areas during their senior years. Programmes are available to cater for the individual needs of girls at each level and to further expand their personal development in preparation for tertiary education or the work force. As a school community we are consistently looking for ways to improve what we can do to support student achievement in the school. We endeavour to utilise the proud history of the school with the wider community we are part of.

Boarding facilities at Timaru Girls’ High School Situated in the park-like grounds of the school ‘The House’ offers a safe and comfortable environment for students from around New Zealand and the world. Students are encouraged to focus on their studies, discover and explore new opportunities and have fun while they are doing it.

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Boarding life at St Margaret’s Creating a warm, caring home away from home atmosphere for 150 very dynamic individuals is what the St Margaret’s College boarding staff excel at. supplied by ❚ Article St Margaret’s College ❚ When school finishes at the end of each day, the boarding houses come alive with the sounds of many voices and laughter. The boarding staff take pride in having the privilege of watching the girls grow and blossom into incredible young women and treasure the moments they capture with them. By successfully providing this home away from home, St Margaret’s provides the students with the opportunity of a first-class education while building strong relationships and learning lifelong values. The three boarding houses are arranged in year groups and structured to the specific needs of each developmental stage. In Julius House (Y7-10) the environment is structured and nurturing for the girls to make the transition into boarding. Kilburn House (Y11-12) encourages the girls to begin personally integrating these skills. Cranmer House (Y13) allows for more freedom to help them develop life skills and become driven, self-managed young

women, all in a monitored setting. These senior girls thrive as they become the leaders of the boarding school and the ‘older sisters’ of the younger girls. The boarding community is at the heart of St Margaret’s and the culture is closely aligned with the school’s vision of a holistic education, embracing the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of the girls, as well as their academic growth and their development in sport and the arts. Each year, St Margaret’s holds the SMC Sleepover where girls who want to try out boarding can come and stay the night and discover life as an SMC boarder. This year it is from 4:30pm on Friday 11 May to 10:00am on Saturday 12 May, coinciding with the St Margaret’s College Open Day on Friday 11 May from 10:30am to 1:00pm. The Principal’s Address is at 11:45am. Pre-booking is essential for the SMC Sleepover at www. stmargarets.school.nz/smc-sleepover-registration For further general information on St Margaret’s College, visit www.stmargarets.school.nz or call Lizzie Dyer on 03 353 2563.

St Margaret’s College boarders enjoy a home away from home.

“A place we can call our own” Boarding at St Margaret’s College is a home away from home. Three boarding houses are structured to suit each age from Years 7-13, all looked after by warm and caring staff.

Have you considered boarding at NCG? 7 day, 5 day and short term options are available. Our boarders enjoy academic success, make lifelong friendships and build strong connections within the school and its community. www.ncg.school.nz/boarding.html | vanessa.white@ncg.school.nz | 03 548 1332

Book your tour of the boarding houses and school today: Lizzie Dyer • Registrar T: 03 353 2563 E: lizzie.d@stmargarets.school.nz

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CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2018

A home away from home Medbury is an independent boys’ school in Christchurch, offering an education for both dayboys and boarders from Years 1 to 8.

supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Medbury School With traditional values and a strong emphasis on manners and respect, Medbury’s vision is to provide an education which prepares boys for life in the 21st Century. At Medbury the focus is on the ‘whole boy’, and small class sizes enable teachers to deliver a personalised learning programme. Boarding at Medbury has been an integral part of the school since it was established in 1923. It offers boys unique life opportunities, enabling them to develop independence, make good friendships, discover inner strengths and enjoy the full benefits of Medbury’s culture. The Medbury Boarding House really is a welcoming ‘home away from home’ for up to 43 boys, aged seven to thirteen years. The dedicated and experienced boarding team, which includes the Director of Boarding, Boarding Masters, two Matrons and Gap Year tutors, ensures that every boy receives the attention and support he needs to flourish. Teachers also supervise and assist the boarders with their homework within a regular scheduled time.

A ‘big brother’ system provides boys new to the Boarding House with friendly guidance and advice. Many boarders return home for the weekend after Saturday sport, though those who ‘stay in’ are well catered for with a diverse and engaging weekend programme. ‘Boarders’ Weekends’, regular outings, barbecues in the summer, and extra-curricular activities, all keep the boys busy. For more information please contact the Registrar on 03 351 6169, email ofﬁce@medbury.school.nz or visit www.medbury.school.nz.

Medbury’s vision is to provide an education which prepares boys for life in the 21st Century.

THINKING BOARDING, THINK MEDBURY You are invited to attend the

MEDBURY SCHOOL OPEN DAY Tuesday 8 May 9.00am - 10.45am

Academic, Boarding & Music Scholarships available for 2019 - See website for full details and an online application form. 03 351 6169 office@medbury.school.nz www.medbury.school.nz

Water Ballast Rollers Spiral Welded Pipe Grain Augers Range of standard sizes available or made to your required size.

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

Medbury School 109 Clyde Road Fendalton, Christchurch

May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

Everything equine It’s all about horses… that is the feeling you get when you walk into the equine tutorial room at the Community College North Canterbury. Act now: The National Equestrian academy is currently taking enrolments for its July 2018 intake.

supplied by ❚ Article Community College North Canterbury ❚ Equine anatomy posters adorn the wall and the classroom opens out on to the National Equestrian Academy facility, which is set up to develop equine industry skills and allow students to gain qualifications from the NZQA framework, including credits towards NCEA Level 3. Horses stand happily munching hay in the yards, while others are being ridden in the arena. A farrier works away sharing his knowledge with the students holding a horse. The students are involved in all aspects of running the horse facility. Daily involvement in all tasks required sees students well prepared for future equine pathways. Talking with the students you get a real sense of their passion not only for horses but also for their experience they are having at the college.

“A great positive learning environment with a group of likeminded people, both students and tutors. On the Course you are encouraged to try new things, which makes you want to achieve,” says Elisha Blackburn, 18 years. “On the course team work is encouraged and we learn not only equine skills but also life skills and people skills. We are encouraged to push our own boundaries and to step out of our comfort zone safely,” says Laura Clyma, 16 years. Students also talk of enjoying their regular off site trips to local equestrian establishments. Visiting the likes of Robbie Holmes Harness Racing, Wai Eyre Stud Farm and Clarkville Feeds opens their eyes to different job opportunities the exist. If you are thinking of a future with horses the National Equestrian academy is currently taking enrolments for its 2 July 2018 intake for its New Zealand Certiﬁcate in Equine Skills Level 3.

NELSON COLLEGE Young men taking their place in the world

BOARDING OPEN DAY Saturday 12 May 10am - 12.30pm Open Day starts with short presentations by Headmaster and Key Boarding Staff followed by guided tour of the Boarding Houses and College facilities. • NCEA results consistently above the national average rates of achievement for boys • Curriculum pathways tailored for boys including Trades Academy courses • Extensive & successful co-curricular/sporting programmes Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

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• Leadership & Mentoring of junior students • Limited boarding places available for Year 7 & 8 students • Refurbished Boarding facilities • ‘Nelson College is a high-performing boys’ school with traditions’ ERO report 2016

COMMUNITY COLLEGE NORTH CANTERBURY

To register your interest or find our more go to www.nelsoncollege.school.nz P: 03 548 3099 E: boarding@nelsoncollege.school.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2018

Traditional agricultural methods still relevant today Maori and Pasifika agricultural methods are an important part of a new Lincoln University diploma. Diploma in Organic Agri-Food Production coordinator Bill Martin says there is a lot of overlap between those methods and modern organic agriculture. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Lincoln University As well as organics, the Lincoln University programme includes mahinga kai, or traditional and cultural food growing practices, and learning about contemporary Maori enterprises such as dairy farming, mussel farming, and grape growing. Lincoln University is also offering $5000 scholarships for Maori and Pasifika students fully enrolled in the Diploma and staying in the University’s Halls of Residence. Lincoln University Director Kaiarahi Maori, Dr Dione Payne, says aligning the scholarships to the Diploma supports the delivery of the programme and acknowledges its Maori content, in particular mahinga kai, which is a key component of Lincoln University’s Maori Strategy.

Traditional meets modern: Lincoln University’s Diploma in Organic agri-Food Production includes Maori and Pasiﬁka agricultural methods. The Diploma programme starts in July 2018, and is a 120-credit level 5 diploma for students with or without University Entrance. Mr Martin says graduates of the Diploma will be able to seek employment

in organic primary production or other sectors related to organics, particularly education and hospitality. Contact the Liaison team at Lincoln University today and learn more about enrolling for Semester Two.

Apply now for

SEMESTER 2 (commences 16 July)

May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

Wanting to train as a tradie? Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) offer courses that can help set you up to go into an apprenticeship, giving you a head start on your paperwork and the confidence to get straight in and be a valued and productive member of the team. Article Supplied by Southern ❚Institute of Technology If the construction industry sounds like something you would like to get into, SIT’s Christchurch campus have an intake for their New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) – Carpentry course starting on 20 August 2018. This programme runs for a year and will give you skills and knowledge in health and safety, trade mathematics, hand tools and project work related to

different aspects of the construction industry. To apply you will need to be a minimum of 16 years of age and be able to complete the physical requirements of the programme. Once you have graduated, you will be work-ready and able to demonstrate essential transferable skills and knowledge applicable to a wide range of construction-related trades. Another area of trade SIT can train you up in is Automotive Engineering. The New Zealand Certificate in Au-

tomotive Engineering (Level 3) will have intakes beginning early 2019, and graduates of this programme will have gained essential health and safety skills, be able to use tools and equipment to complete basic workshop tasks and have knowledge of servicing engine and driveline systems, operations of, and repair work on electrical and electronic systems and the servicing of steering, suspension and brake systems. Get your career off the ground and get in touch with SIT today.

STUDY @ SIT CHRISTCHURCH CONSTRUCTION ª New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) - Carpentry

AUTOMOTIVE - ENROL NOW for 2019 ª New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) ª New Zealand Certificate in Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing (Level 3)

Call today or email sit@sit.ac.nz 0800 TO STUDY

www.sit.ac.nz

Study Forestry at UC Take your career to the next level with a professional degree from NZ's only university based School of Forestry. Study towards a degree in Forestry Science or Forest Engineering at the University of Canterbury. • • • •

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More information www.forestry.ac.nz forestry@canterbury.ac.nz or 03 369 3500

FORESTRY

ADVERTORIAL

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2018

Getting the right machinery Agriline is committed to supplying the right machinery to maximize the returns from your farm.

❚ Article supplied by Agriline

The company achieves this with its range of high quality machinery and extensive knowledge of the industry and products it specialises in. Agriline has a range of machinery for land development including mulchers and rock crushers which can assist in turning stony and overgrown areas into highly productive land. They also have a selection of high quality cultivation equipment. Agriline salesman Gerry Hamlin says using the right equipment and the best advice can both save money and increase yields. “It is a well-known fact that cultivation is not a ‘one size fits all’ application, and we have the product range and the knowledge to assist you with your cultivation requirements.”

‘

Cultivation is not a ‘one size ﬁts all’ application. Gerry Hamlin Agriline

Topping

Mulchers A mulcher is a great tool on any farm. It will cut almost any type of vegetation, and therefor has a large number of uses from topping grass to clearing land or dealing with crop residue.

Land Development Can be used for clearing Gorse, Broom, Matagouri, Teatree, Rice Grass, Tussock, Rushes, Thistles, and most other vegetation and small trees. There are some very distinct advantages of clearing with a mulcher. If you spray the vegetation it can often take years to break down before the land can become effective again and by that stage there is often more of the rouge vegetation coming away. Root-raking will give you a pile of unwanted trash that you have to deal with and will

disturb the soil and you may have to cultivate before replanting. With a mulcher, the vegetation is mulched very fine and will break down quickly so you can over-sow almost straight away with brilliant results.

A mulcher is the ideal machine for topping your pasture. Other topping machines tend to cut the grass and lie it over intact making it very hard for the elements to break it down this is made even worse when there are thistles and other weeds. A mulcher will cut the grass and weeds very fine allowing it to break down faster putting nutrients back into the soil and boosting regrowth. The fungus that causes facial eczema lives in the dry plant stems so mulching these up reduce the risk.

Mulchers will also spread out animal waste and reduce the sour patches of grass. Mulchers are very robust and low maintenance compared to a lot of other topping machines.

Crop Residue Mulchers are the ideal machine to deal with crop residue, they will mulch it up finely to allow you to cultivate easily. Mulching the stubble reduces the blocking of cultivation equipment and allows stubble to break down when buried, if stubble is buried un-mulched it can use up the nitrogen in the soil.

agriline operates nationwide, with yards in both the North and South islands. For more on agriline’s range of machinery visit their website www.agriline.co.nz or give Gerry Hamlin a call on 03 422 2242 or 021 814 761 to discuss your requirements.

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May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

Rural Lifestyle Your Country Partner Platinum Blue Ltd | Licensed Agent REAA 2008

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CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2018

Autumn has arrived! Above average temperatures, average rain fall and average soil moisture levels, the early snow that fell around parts of Canterbury in April may have been at odds with these weather predictions but how does or can one accurately predict such an event? From time to time the property market has similar unpredictable volatility and it’s vital as you consider property transactions either as a buyer or seller (or both…) that you receive professional advice. Unfortunately there’s no crystal ball when it comes to property and no one can ever be entirely 100% precise but a skilled agent with the right tools and market knowledge will provide a supported and accurate evidential appraisal of your property based on factual information…not a guestimate. At Harcourts, our Country Partners have developed a reputation as skilled rural lifestyle agents that work and live in the local market, with access to the very latest information and tools that provide them the ability to more accurately appraise rural lifestyle properties. More people are seeing the benefits of working with Harcourts here in Canterbury, Harcourts agents completed nearly one in three of all

lifestyle sales within the Canterbury districts of Waimakariri, Hurunui and Selwyn over the last twelve months. Prices in the lifestyle market are still solid and we currently have strong enquiry in all areas of Canterbury, whilst stock levels may be expected to drop slightly through the winter months we still have some wonderful offerings if you are looking for a new opportunity. Many of our Canterbury properties will be looking stunning in the coming months as the late autumn colours of our trees provide a differing aspect that is aesthetically pleasing. During Autumn we do however need to undertake our pre winter maintenance, it pays to make sure our drainage is clear, debris removed from our gutters etc. Often it’s too late to sort this out when a winter event hits us, and be extra careful when up ladders...don’t be too proud to get the experts in when needed. If you are looking for expert help with your lifestyle property or livestock then visit our website www.rurallifestyle.kiwi where you will find an extensive list of local Canterbury service providers.

Introducing Richard & Sue Woerlee in being recognised for providing prompt, accurate and valued advice to anyone wanting to purchase and sell Lifestyle or Residential property. Sue and Richard perform their work with enthusiasm and their passion for Real Estate shows in the many repeat clients they work with. They are assisted by Louise Ives who is their administration manager.

Richard and Sue Woerlee are highly regarded as one of the leading sales teams in North Canterbury. They offer top class service and constantly achieve a premium selling price for their vendors. Offering the best of marketing skills, knowledge of the North Canterbury area and being highly trained professionals, this team takes pride

Richard and Sue moved to Canterbury in 2006 from Arrowtown where they had established the award winning Harcourts office. Sue’s previous experience as Director of Sales and Marketing for Millbrook Resort has been invaluable in Real Estate. Richard’s wonderful manner with people along with this team’s hard work and commitment to achieve results ensures you will be in the very best possible hands.

It pays to also again plan for our winter livestock movements, think ahead about rotating stock, feed can get low in the winter, the livestock nutritional requirements can increase with the colder weather, so be prepared with adequate additional feed if necessary.

We Sell Rural Lifestyle Autumn 2018

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We have our winter edition of the popular “We Sell Rural Lifestyle” booklet due out soon. Our team of lifestyle agents can help secure your spot in this now, and are happy to undertake a free no obligation appraisal of your lifestyle property.

Career Opportunity ... Harcourts is New Zealand’s largest real estate group, and we are proud New Zealanders have voted us their Most Trusted Real Estate Brand five years running. Today we have a focus firmly set on the future and are excited about expanding our business by employing the best possible people and making use of the best possible systems. If you are interested in taking your career to the next level, we want to help you. Contact: James Twiss today 0274 211 164 for a confidential chat.

Not only outstanding in their field

Our consultants are your country partner when it comes to rural lifestyle property. like us on facebook: Harcourts Lifestyle Partner Rural Lifestyle | YourRural Country

0800 789 1011 | www.RuralLifestyle.kiwi

May 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

SUPPLEMENTARY FEED

When there is enough pasture, pasture is enough ❚❚ Article supplied by Dairy NZ

In most pasture based farm systems supplementary feed should only be used to fill feed deficits so that cows maintain energy intake and production.

There is no advantage to replacing good quality pasture with an alternative feed source or ‘balancing pasture’, therefore, supplements should only be used to provide energy when there is insufficient pasture available. There is no evidence that supplementing pasture improves mating performance when there is sufficient pasture supply. If feeding supplements results in high grazing residuals, this is wasted feed and the reductions in future pasture growth and quality should be considered. When supplements are required in a deficit situation they can help to optimise the area grazed each day, the rotation length, and the pasture residual. The profitability of feeding supplements varies depending on the situation. • The cost of the supplement • Wastage in storage and method of feeding out. • The associated costs of supplementthese costs associated with feeding supplement can be 50% more than the cost of purchasing the feed, associated costs include capital, fuel/energy, labour, repairs and maintenance and depreciation. • The degree of pasture substitution, which governs the response rate to supplement. Supplement is more like-

ly to be profitable where post grazing residuals are consistently under 1500kgDM/ha (7-8 clicks on RPM) without the supplement and do not exceed 1,500kgDM/ha with supplement. If feeding supplements results in high grazing residuals, this represents wasted feed. It will reduce the immediate profitability of feeding and have ongoing effects through reductions in future pasture growth and quality which must be considered.

Autumn and winter supplement for BCS Feeding supplement in autumn to milking cows is of limited use for achieving calving body condition score (BCS) targets unless cows were to lose BCS if not supplemented (for example insufficient pasture). Cows selected for high milk production preferentially partition nutrients to milk production and not BCS gain. The fastest way to achieve BCS gains is to

dry cows off. The timing of dry off depends on your system, BCS gain required and length of the dry period. If infrastructure exists to achieve high supplement utilisation when feeding dry cows during the winter, this can be a strategy to maximise lactation length while achieving BCS targets. The viability of this strategy depends on supplement cost (incl. associated cost), BCS gain required and time available for BCS gain.

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SUPPLEMENTARY FEED

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2018

FROM PAGE 26 Spring supplement use Cows should be grazing to a residual of 1500-1600kgDM/ ha as they are likely to be able to produce more milk if additional feed is added to the system – either as pasture or supplement. In spring, striking the balance between the needs of the cow and pasture will optimise the amount of high quality pasture grown and eaten throughout the whole season. This means attempting to maximise short-term cow intakes ignores the longer term impact on pasture and production. Maximising intakes to maximise production will result in more pasture being left behind in the paddock. The difference between the feed offered and eaten goes to increasing the residual, signalling a waste in pasture and compromising quality at future grazing events. Any lift in residuals above the targeted 1500-1600kgDM/ha means that the strategy is unlikely to be profitable. Management interventions such as harvesting silage or topping to waste can maintain residuals at the desired level but both incur a cost above the cow grazing pasture. The cost to benefit of the additional feed allowance needs to be carefully evaluated. Achieving reproduction targets is often cited as a reason for feeding supplement over spring. Research tells us that high quality ryegrass meets the nutritional requirements of the dairy cow, provided there is enough of it. If there is adequate feed (pasture residuals of 15001600kg DM/ha with good pasture utilisation) there are no reproductive benefits from feeding additional supplement.

Optimal growth: When supplements are required they can help to optimise the area grazed each day, the rotation length, and the pasture residual.

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May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

Choose the right ryegrass for your farm Choosing the right perennial ryegrass can be a daunting task when all sales reps say they have the best. They tend to avoid the important question of which is the best for you so I’ve put together some options you should look at when choosing your perennial ryegrass.

Jeremy Klingender ❚ by ❚ Ravensdown Seed Product Manager There are four main points you have to consider when choosing the right perennial ryegrass: • Endophyte strain (relative to insect pressure) • Flowering/heading date • Ploidy (tetraploid or diploid) • Lineage/breeding

Endophyte strains Insect pressure is one of the main reasons perennial ryegrasses don’t persist. The higher up in the country you are, the more protection against insects your ryegrass will need. Black beetle, porina, Argentine stem weevil, grass grub and field crickets all have a huge effect, stripping valuable dry matter and can even kill ryegrass pastures. Choosing and understanding the correct endophyte strain is very important for the longevity of your pastures. AR1, AR37 and NEA2 are all novel endophytes and have been developed by plant breeders to help protect grasses from insect attack.

Getting the timing right A heading date is when 50 percent of the plants have emerged seed-heads. It is an important consideration as seedhead development reduces feed quality in late spring and the heading date determines when this occurs. Heading/flowering time is important here as it controls the extent of early spring production and late spring quality. The standard heading/flowering ryegrasses are good for late August-early spring growth as this is when the quality is best,

Seed tips: Ravensdown seed product manager Jeremy Klingender has some tips for choosing the right perennial ryegrass.

and will carry the farm through the typical spring feed pinch. By mid-spring (October), growth rates are often high and the feed supply often changes to a surplus; here pasture quality may deteriorate if grazing management is not precise. At this point, late flowering ryegrasses, such as Ultra and Matrix (+20- +23 days after Nui) come into their own as the earlier flowering ryegrasses lose their quality.

Ploidy Ploidy is a term referring to the number of chromosomes per cell. The two main ploidies

are tetraploid and diploid. Diploids are the most common, normally found on sheep and beef farms, due to ease of management, and have two sets of chromosomes per cell. Tetraploids have four sets of chromosomes per cell, which are larger, and generally grow bigger darker leaves, with larger but fewer tillers. They have a higher ratio of water soluble carbohydrate (cell contents) to fibre (cell wall) eg higher ME and are preferred by livestock. However, tetraploids take greater management as they are easily over grazed by stock, therefore, persistence can be an issue.

Lineage/breeding Like top quality breeding stock, it is important to understand the bloodlines or parentage of your grasses. It’s pointless trying to grow a plant that doesn’t belong in your environment. Most of the breeding lines of grasses in New Zealand come from North Western Spain as the conditions there are very similar to ours. The difference is that the germ plasm is millions of years old so the perennial ryegrass has evolved over centuries to be able to survive those conditions.

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FORESTRY

May 2018

National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry ❚ ❚

Article supplied by Plantation forestry is New Zealand’s third largest primary sector, but as well as providing economic benefits, forestry Forest Management Ltd also delivers environmental benefits such as improving water quality, minimising erosion and providing a carbon sink.

As with most land uses, forestry activities can also have a harmful effect on the environment, particularly during harvest. Currently councils manage the environmental effects of forestry through regional and district plans. As a result there is a lot of variation in the way local councils manage forestry throughout the country, which results in uncertainty about the plan rules and increased costs. The National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) has the objectives of: • Maintaining or improving the environmental outcomes of plantation forestry • Increasing the efficiency and certainty of managing plantation forestry The NES-PF uses three main tools to help council staff and foresters plan and manage forestry operations. These tools identify the risk of erosion, wilding tree spread and disturbance to waterways when fish are spawning. The tools will help operators to identify and plan their forestry operations to avoid or mitigate these risks: • Erosion Susceptibility Classification • Fish Spawning Indicator • Wilding Tree Risk Calculator

Erosion Susceptibility Classification (ESC) This tool is used to identify erosion risk of land as a basis for determining where plan-

tation forestry is permitted or requires a resource consent. Land is colour coded into four categories (green, yellow, orange and red). Most forestry activities cannot be carried out on red zone without a resource consent. Some activities such as earthworks on steep orange zoned land also a consent. The ESC map for New Zealand can be downloaded from the MPI website.

Fish Spawning Indicator This indicator identifies fish species that require protection from disturbance during spawning. It imposes controls on certain forestry activities during these times.

Wilding Tree Risk Calculator The new regulations include measure to control wilding trees spread. This tool is

used when a new forest is to be planted, or a harvested forest is replanted in a different type of conifer. The NES-PF comes into effect on 1 May. The industry will welcome this change, although there will be a settling in phase in which councils and forest operators will need to work through. We in the industry also see that other primary land-uses could be treated in the same way.

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That’s the cost of supplying the world with dairy products. But it doesn’t have to be. Planting forests is an easy way to offset greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. An average dairy farmer could plant nearly two hectares a year in radiata pine to totally offset the gases their cows make. It wouldn’t even have to be on their own land. The farmers profit from the trees at harvest – and then replant. There’s a lot of win in this package.

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May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY

Canterbury start-up cutting paperwork, not corners with new check sheet app Canterbury company HRW Developments Ltd has released version two of its ﬂagship product QuipCheck, the electronic check sheet app for vehicles, plant and equipment.

❚ Article supplied by QuipMan

With release of version two of QuipCheck featuring true offline/caching capability, the team at QuipMan has extended the app’s reach into the forestry market where operators often struggle with cellphone reception and data connectivity.

Originally trialing QuipCheck for their mobile plant and construction equipment, construction company Calder Stewart has begun testing version two of the app in its forestry division. Using the app the company now undertakes daily inspections of its forestry-based processors and forwarders along with its traditional construction-type plant such as excavators, crawler cranes and trucks. QuipCheck is the app for Android and iOS that puts paper forms, such as daily pre-start checks, toolbox talks, plant service notes and health and safety forms on the opeartor’s mobile phone or tablet. Check sheets are received back at the office within seconds – no paperwork to lose, no delays and no excuses. Completely flexible, the app is tailored to work the way its operators expect – whether it be vehicles, plant, equipment, personnel, pre-starts, prehire, maintenance, service, compliance, health

& safety, QuipCheck can do it all. Craig Baynon, Health & Safety Manager for one of New Zealand’s leading crane fleet operators has been working with QuipCheck since early 2017. “It’s the best machine check and safety app out there that I have seen. Now with QuipCheck we have the paperwork back at the office literally within seconds,” he said. The developers at QuipMan are thrilled about the latest release and excited about

where the app might ‘pop-up next’. For further information about QuipCheck, or to get started with a free 30-day trial, complete the online application form at www.quipcheck.co.nz or phone 022 016 2470.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY

May 2018

Shipping rates increase impacts market International shipping rates have impacted the market most significantly over the last month.

allan Laurie MNZIF ❚ with ❚ Laurie Forestry Ltd A combination of a busy northern hemisphere together with an abundance of capacity has seen a lift of US$3 to $4 per JAS cubic metre in just three weeks which has left shippers reeling somewhat. In January 2018 the NZ Forest Industry set another record with 1.1 million cubic metres of logs exported representing a 32% increase on January 2017. This also explains the shipping cost increases with at total 35 vessels required to shift this volume. At a single month lookup, the data is likely to be skewed with the volume being very much a function of timing. However, the indications are we well on track to maintain or increase previous annual harvest volumes. Statistics NZ is still to report but it is looking like total harvest in 2017 exceeded 33 million cubic metres setting another record. At current delivery rates to China, New Zealand log supply accounts for 40% of the total market significantly ahead of the next largest, Russia, at 21%. In this market New Zealand is no minnow, indeed we dominate this market absolutely. Even with these extraordinary figures it is important to remember export logs comprise about 57% of New Zealand’s total harvest with 43% being sold to domestic processors. As I have highlighted many times, whilst many focus on what is happening in China, TREE the good old (and some not so old) Kiwis battling away in sawmills here are a fundamental component of everything we do. A quick round up of sawmills suggests the supply and demand planets are in basic alignment. Sawmill down time due to lack of supply has not been a major issue in recent months likely the consequence of the elevated harvest levels nationally. On the China eastern seaboard, consumption has pretty much followed the route prescribed by most. Daily port off take is heading toward 88,000 cubic metres per day echoing the pattern set in 2017. Unfortunately inventory has not dropped at

time of writing sending one or 2 shivers down the spine of the market. This is largely the consequence of the New Zealand over-supply in January and February. A current inventory level of 5.4 million cubic metres is not healthy and has been increasing when it was expected to decrease. This potentially has the market hanging at the edge of a dangerous precipice. Some are suggesting inventory will start to decline as the market settles back in to its routine. NZ has a key role to play here and will need to rein in the volume stampede in order for market confidence to turn away from the precipice. India has continued at a stable pace having settled down after the implementation of monetisation policies. Prices in the market are stable to slightly soft but shipping cost increases are biting harder here than China. As a consequence wharf gate prices NZ side have fallen to be very much on a par with or slightly below China comparatives. New Zealand wharf gate prices fell by $3 to $4 per cubic metre in April reflecting a small increase in sales prices over all but a significant increase in shipping costs. Price settlements in China for the market indicator A grade have been in a US$142 to $143 per JAS cubic metre band. For the higher cost Canterbury Ports, this equates to a net NZ$122 to $126 at wharf gate, certainly still well up there having regard to year on year comparatives.

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I was asked recently what a JAS was and realised after doing this for 30 years it is easy to forget some people are not exposed to our everyday acronyms. A JAS is a Japanese Agricultural Standard cubic metre. Now don’t get me going on why we sell Japanese cubic metres to China please. History shows that about the mid-1970s the first major export deals were struck with Japan and the common practice has stuck. Whereas a NZ cubic metre is based on a

three dimensional formula, small end and large end diameter and length, the JAS is based on a two dimensional formula being small end and length. The JAS cubic metre does have a small allowance for taper but certainly not generously so. In general terms a JAS is about 0.9 of a NZ cubic metre. Meanwhile in the land of great promise and opportunity, it remains as always fundamentally important, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees.

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May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

GYPSY WEEK

Cows on the move for Gypsy Week

Hundreds of cows will be on the move next month for the start of the new dairy season, also known as Gypsy Week. Gypsy Week marks the changeover of the dairy seasons when farms change ownership and families move entire households, farm equipment and cattle to a new property.

❚ by Kent Caddick

ral roads in Canterbury and the West Coast over winter as many cows will be moving beCows can be moved around Gypsy Day or tween farms if it’s a short distance, or shiftfrom May to July as they are moved on to ed in trucks if they need to travel further. Motorists also need to be patient. When winter feed. Care should be taken when driving on ru- approaching a mob of animals being moved on the road, motorists need to slow down and assess whether they can wait for the mob to reach their destination, or quietly move through the mob if it is safe to do so. Drivers should not sound COMMUNICATIONS the car’s horn as it may cause the animals to panic GET CONNECTED WITH and behave unpredictably. Farmers who are droving their stock will need consent from the New Zealand Transport Agency to move cattle along State Highways, and council consent for roads with a 70kmh speed limit Terrestrial RBI Wireless and other high volume roads. It is highly recommended that drovers wear high visibility garments to ensure ADSL Fibre VoIP they are clearly visible from 150metres. They should use flashing lights and temporary warning signs.

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Gypsy Week tips for farmers Plan ahead – choose the most direct route to move cattle and only cross or follow the road if it is necessary.

Move stock in the day time and avoid peak driving times. Keep the stock off well maintained verges. If you need consent from the council for the move, apply for one at least two working days in advance. Be particularly cautious when moving

stock on roads with bends. Signs or a pilot vehicle will be needed around the corner to warn motorists of the stock ahead to avoid a crash. If moving machinery drive slowly and, if necessary, have a pilot vehicle to warn other drivers.

GYPSY WEEK

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2018

Changes to Gypsy Week timing mooted by industry Broadband ❚ ❚ Made Easy! Article supplied by DairyNZ

Moving Day is entrenched in dair y farming culture but discussion has star ted within the industr y about whether there are less disruptive ways to move farms. For many in the dair y industr y 1 June means one thing – time to move. As the new season star ts around the countr y, thousands of sharemilkers pack their cows into stock trucks and move equipment and families to new farms. It is a familiar sight which sums up the traditional path of progression in New Zealand’s dair y industr y. Recently, more awareness of the disruption the move can have on families, small rural communities and schools, has led to discussion in the industr y about whether there is another way. Dair yNZ strategy and investment leader Mark Paine said discussion stemmed from a workshop involving people from different sectors of the industr y which focused on improving the reputation and experience of working in dair ying.

Getting away from the traditional Moving Day was one of the issues explored. “When we dug into it, there was agreement that it is incredibly disruptive for rural communities and schools,” Paine said. “Secondly it has a fairly negative impact in terms of stock movement for locals.” Paine also questioned whether the emphasis on change ever y 1 June causes unnecessar y uncer tainty in farming relationships. “It’s about tr ying to get the balance right between progression which is a good thing, and continuity in the industr y in terms of making sure that people stay long enough to really stick with the farm system, understand the particular farm they are on and have it really humming, which is really a three year plus experience. “When really effective employment relationships are operating you don’t want to have the expectation of Moving Day bringing that to an end. “If things are going great then focus on the things that will make it go better. “Don’t stop the whole thing because there is this kind of industr y

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expectation that it’s Moving Day, it’s time to move.” Paine said farmers will never get away from the physical reality of having to move stock and equipment on the day itself. But he suggests phasing a family’s move to better suit children and the communities they move into. He suggested more could be made of the weeks before the new season once cows have been dried off. There can even be opportunities to move families over January. DairyNZ Southland/South Otago regional leader Richard Kyte said it is possible for people to move to new farms through the year. “There’s a school of thought that January is a better time because it allows more time to adjust to a new farm and for training, instead of new staff being thrust into the new season and calving when it’s all go,” Kyte said. “You’re still not going to get away from stock on the road and the physical aspect. “From a farming systems perspective you can’t be moving any other time. But it’s at a higher level we’re talking; it’s around families.”

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May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

GYPSY WEEK

Making sure contractual obligations are met during Gypsy Week

Most farmers will know the history and meaning behind June first being labelled ‘Gypsy Day’ — not a reference to the Romany travellers of Europe, but a nod to the migration of farming families in early times here in New Zealand.

eading up to the traditional day of farm sales and new contracts, many families packed up their herd and all their belongings, walking the ‘long acre’ to greener pastures. Today that’s all been changed, but Gypsy Day is still a time for fresh starts. One of the most important comes with the new contracts drawn up for sharemilkers and new staff on dairy farms, which are equal parts home and business in the modern age. With the introduction of new employment laws in April, 2017 concentrating on the details when it comes to farming employment contracts is extremely important for the year ahead. Amendments to the Employment Act 2000 mean that there’s new ground to cover, ensuring that all par ties know their rights and obligations and understand the nature of particulars of the contract they are entering into. It may have an impact well beyond this week of change and new enterprises — indeed, contracts agreed upon now could form the basis for whole farming futures. One major change covers the issue of hours — which must be agreed upon early, rather than on the fly. This requirement for clear definition of hours means that if there is a requirement to be available in busy periods, such as calving, silage making time or harvest, it must be documented along with equitable compensation for workers. This may be difficult to predict in an in-

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dustry at the mercy of Mother Nature, so good advice is key. This new nuance to the law may see the end of seasonal averaging in many roles, as inaccuracies might cause an employee’s wage to ‘dip’ below the legislated minimum.

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Thankfully, the hard work of comprehending and unpacking the new changes to our employment laws has already been done — local lawyers and advisers have been poring over the technical points well in advance to ensure a smooth as possible transition this Gypsy Week. Farmers undertaking new contracts and

unsure of their next move are well advised to seek assistance, as a little work now alongside a professional may save grief later in the year. Putting ‘best practice’ procedures in place now will mean an easier time hiring and retaining good staff this year and into the future.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2018

Good money for old wood

If you have a stand of trees you don’t need, and would like removed, then Kent Renall of Macrocarpa Supplies Ltd is a man who would like to meet you. supplied by ❚ Article Macrocarpa Supplies Ltd ❚ Kent has been so successful in selling his large supply of firewood this year that – despite winter officially still being a month away from even starting – he is completely sold out. So he’s on a mission to find more. “I know there are farmers out there who have old stands of gum and macrocarpa trees which are well past their best, and they’ve probably been putting off removing them because of the cost and effort involved, so I’m happy to come along and do the job for them. “We’re based near Lincoln but are

prepared to travel throughout Canterbury to check out your stand of trees. “We’ll take a look at them and decide if they are suitable for firewood or can be used as saw logs.” These are higher quality samples which Kent would use for other applications such as raised garden beds, posts, beams or outdoor furniture. Macrocarpa Supplies Ltd has been trading for over 15 years and has built up a reputation for providing quality timber and firewood throughout Canterbury. But it’s not the only timber-related company in the close-knit Renall family. Kent’s Dad Steve has his own business selling macrocarpa furniture and

rustic slabs – beautifully-finished slabs of wood in varying sizes which are ideal for use in DIY projects such as tables, bar leaners, outdoor furniture and shelving. Brother Brett, owner of Woodpecker Signs, makes a huge selection of signs, furniture, and even chopping boards from high quality macrocarpa timber. Macrocarpa Supplies are located on Ellesmere Road, just 2.5 km out of Lincoln, in South Christchurch.

Macrocarpa man: For Kent Renall, wood is a family business.

For more information on selling your stand of trees, or if you are after Macrocarpa products such a planter boxes, sleepers, posts or beams, call in or give Kent a call on 021 325 661.

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May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Synlait to double lactoferrin capacity Synlait Milk has secured a multiyear lactoferrin supply agreement which will underwrite an $18 million investment to double lactoferrin manufacturing capacity at Synlait Dunsandel in Canterbury.

❚ by Kent Caddick Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein recognised for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. As a naturally occurring milk protein, it is commonly used in infant formula products throughout the world. Synlait Managing Director and CEO John Penno said the supply agreement is a major step forward for their growing lactoferrin business and delivers on their strategic commitments. “Lactoferrin is a high value, specialty ingredient used in a range of nutritional food products around the world,” Penno said. “We’re deliberately building our lactoferrin business with stable, long-term growth in mind. This agreement is a major step forward in this direction and continues to build our credibility as a producer of specialty dairy nutrition ingredients to world-leading nutritional companies.” Pennos said the decision to double their lactoferrin manufacturing capacity is underpinned by three factors: a strengthening global market for lactoferrin, growing internal demand for infant formula manufacture and a secure portfolio of reputable lactoferrin customers. He said Synlait observed in their FY18 interim results that a demand and supply imbalance is driving global strengthening of lactoferrin prices and demand is notably driven from increasing use of lactoferrin in infant formula, particularly in China. The expansion to Synlait’s lactoferrin facility in Dunsandel is expected to be completed by October. Synlait’s group category manager Dr Elizabeth Reid said as a specialty ingredient, lactoferrin commands a much higher price

Expanding: The expansion to Synlait’s lactoferrin facility in Dunsandel is expected to be completed by October. per metric tonne than many other dairybased ingredients. “This is because of its unique functional properties, as well as the complexity of production processes,” Reid said. She said Synlait’s unique production processes, experience making lactoferrin and access to a range of laboratory and technical

expertise makes them one of the few producers in the world offering reliable access to significant quantities of infant nutrition-grade lactoferrin. “It’s a coveted position we’ve worked towards since we started producing lactoferrin in 2014. Our growing customer base use lactoferrin in a range of products from health

supplements to infant formula,” Reid said. In April 2017 Synlait became the second company in the world to receive a GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) notice from the Food and Drug Administration in the United States to export its lactoferrin to the United States for use in infant formula and toddler formula.

South Island Rural Team

Absent; Rodger Letham, Jude Livingstone, Michael Robb

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CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

May 2018

Fred Hoekstra ❚ with VeeHof ❚

Do stones really cause a problem for cows? We recently held another Hoof Care Expo and the theme was ‘Are stones really an issue for your cows?’. It amazes me how convinced people are that stones can penetrate hooves and that bruises in the hoof are caused by stones. I often ask this question and I will do it again now. How do you know that stones really cause holes and bruises in hooves? The most common answer I get is “because sometimes the stones are still in the hoof”. The problem with that is: I get stones stuck in the soles of my gumboots. However, this is by no means proves that the stones are the cause of the grooves in the sole of my gumboot. So, if that logic does not work with my gumboot, why would it work with cow’s hooves? Therefore, what other evidence is out there to prove that stones are an issue? No-one has ever been able to show me with undisputable evidence that stones are an issue. Just because so many people believe that stones do cause problems with hooves does not mean that they do. Just because it seems like a possibility doesn’t mean it happens.

If stones are the cause of holes in hooves, why do the holes never go deeper than up to live tissue. A nail, tooth, or anything else sharp, goes all the way in but a stone never does. Somehow a stone manages to go through a hard hoof but when it gets to the soft tissue, where the going gets easier, it always stops. Is it possible that the hole grew down into the hoof because of an unhealthy live tissue? Would that not explain why the stone only goes up as far as the live tissue because the hole doesn’t go deeper? What about the bruises? How come we get less lameness issues when we trim the hooves according to the Dutch method? With this method we make the outside claw thinner so that both the claws end up bearing the same amount of the weight of the cow. If stones caused an issue for hooves, then we should see more bruising and

lameness after we trim the cows than we do before the cows are trimmed, and we did formal research a few years ago that shows that not to be the case at all. Lameness goes down the hoof. How is that possible when you make a claw thinner and therefore more vulnerable? How can you still blame the stones? Understanding the causes of lameness better will help you to manage lameness better. Because there are so many negative effects from lameness it makes a lot of sense to spend time thinking about it and make management changes. The problem is much more complicated than stones. It is much more a cow comfort issue. When cows are being pushed, standing in the rain, waiting to be milked, being under-fed, and many other things, the stress levels go up and problems like lameness become more prevalent.

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May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

What will it take to change course?

❚ with Peter Burton

That New Zealand will shift from its present short-term focussed, carbon-depleting mainstream soil fertility model to a genuine sustainable carbon positive one, is a given. It will happen, the only questions are when, and what event will trigger that movement?

That’s a broad generalisation, and not all pastoral farmers fall into the category of ‘environmental vandals’. However, the overall trend is still one of environmental degradation. A senior Landcare scientist was recently prepared to admit

that, “all irrigated land, without exception is losing carbon”. That discussion was around the loss of soil carbon, and he’s not alone with his view. Another leading soil scientists has stated that some New Zealand soils have been losing carbon on average at the rate of 1.0 tonne/ha for the last 30 years. A now-retired internationally acclaimed soil scientist, in a widely acclaimed public lecture, wondered why New Zealand farmers hadn’t learned from their counterparts in the UK and other parts of Europe, and were still attempting to squeeze the very last dollar out of their operations. And that goes to the heart of the present situation - the availability of cheap money - which has been driven by banks. It’s not uncommon to hear farmers justifying their practices on the fact that the bank is still extending their credit facilities. There are a number of reasons why mainstream

bag N driven systems will change. Peer pressure is steadily growing. There are an increasing number of operators who are not dependent on water soluble-nutrient based programmes. They tend to be older farmers with a broader perspective, with involvement in the wider community and, where they have influence, they’re speaking up. The steady decline in pasture production is driving many farmers to buy in more supplement. Pasture is still the cheapest food available and less of it means increased financial pressure. Councils are beginning to squeeze and, as a farmer recently admitted, it looks like death by a thousand cuts. At one public meeting senior staff members said that their council had consulted widely and no-one had argued in favour of a further decline in water quality, and they would therefore make sure that it didn’t happen in their patch. Central government is talking regulation, which will be welcomed by many involved in regional and local councils. The majority of the council staff I’ve spoken with don’t wish to be involved in setting regulation, but see their role as administering policy set by Government, with input from them. Overseas markets increasingly want to know where their food has come from, what’s

in it, and how it’s been produced. They want much better than stuff produced for commodity markets, and they have the money to pay for premium quality – think A2 milk. Then there’s increasing pest and disease pressure. Although there are scientists prepared to argue that there is no known link between soil, plant, and animal health, they’re working very hard to convince an increasingly sceptical wider community. Whether it’s one or more of the above reasons that provide the impetus for the mass uptake of new technology can be debated well into the night, however the shift is already taking place. The technology and farming systems that provide steadily increasing levels of permanent grazed pastures are already available, with all the real-world measures required to provide genuine confidence for those seriously looking to the future. Animal and total farm production lifts, animal health costs reduce, and the requirement for pasture renewal declines as pest and disease pressure lessens. Family gatherings with urban relatives become heaps more enjoyable, and here’s the really good bit - there’s no transition time, it’s all up from day one. For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

Which would you prefer?

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CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

May 2018

Getting your head around riparian management All dairy farms nationwide have voluntarily agreed to put a riparian management plan in place by the end of May 2020. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ DairyNZ To help dairy farmers protect New Zealand’s waterways, DairyNZ has created a free online tool called the Riparian Planner. It walks farmers through an easy step-bystep process to design, budget and prioritise waterway management on their farms. We take a look at the planner and background riparian management. What is riparian management? Any kind of land that borders a river, lake or wetland is called a ’riparian zone’. Riparian zones that are grass-covered or planted help to prevent erosion and filter out sediment, bacteria and nutrients before they can enter waterways. For farmers, managing these riparian zones involves three steps: stock exclusion, weed removal, and maintaining a groundcover of grass or plantings. Fencing stock out reduces bankside erosion and helps plant cover to develop. Excluding stock from seasonally or permanently boggy areas allows wetlands to regenerate and these convert nitrogen leachate into harmless gas. Weed control helps plantings and grass margins be more effective. Choices for weed control include hand-weeding, frilling/slashing, and spraying with broad (glyphosatebased) or specific herbicides. Maintaining good grass or planting cover on drains also protects drainage and reduces costs for clearing. The choice of planting trees or sticking with grass depends on your objective. If you want to create shade for your stream to reduce weed growth and help insects by keeping streams cool, we recommend upper bank shrubs or trees which generally require wider zones (3 metres or more). If you want to reduce nutrient, sediment and bacterial loss by runoff, then smaller zones (1-3 metres) of grass or native lower bank plants are ideal.

Why does riparian management matter? Riparian management improves water quality – it’s a simple answer to a complex problem. We all care about the quality of New Zealand’s waterways. So, to steer farmers in the right direction, industry and regional councils

Filter: Riparian zones that are grass-covered or planted help to prevent erosion and ﬁlter out sediment, bacteria and nutrients before they can enter waterways.

are setting challenging targets for riparian management on-farm. Under the Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord, all dairy farms nationwide have voluntarily agreed to put a riparian management plan in place by the end of May 2020 (backed by your supply company). We’re the only sector to do this; we’re environmental leaders and the new Riparian Planner tool, explained below, shows Kiwis that we’re serious about water quality.

right balance of actions for your waterways and farm. The Riparian Planner project is funded by the $170 million Primary Growth Partnership programme. This is led by commercial partners, including DairyNZ and Fonterra, and partnered by Minsitry for Primary Industries. To give the Riparian Planner a go to dairynz.co.nz/ riparian-planner

What is the Riparian Planner?

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Launched in 2016, the Riparian Planner enables farmers to create a riparian management plan tailored specifically to their farm and catchment. The tool is a world-first in that there’s no other guidance tool for waterways, let alone one that doesn’t require advanced training. In creating it, DairyNZ and Landcare Research worked with farmers, regional councils, water scientists and rural professionals to ensure it would be simple and farmerfriendly. Farmers and advisors can use the Riparian Planner with minimal expertise. It’s intuitive and guides you through the four-steps of good riparian practice. You get to decide the

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May 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Conference provides global perspective on irrigation Our biennial Conference in Alexandra in April was a great opportunity for those involved in irrigation to catch up and share ideas.

Tony Curtis ❚❚by Irrigation NZ ❚❚

It was also a chance to see the latest irrigation technology and scan the horizon. We’re certainly now in a different environment than a decade ago. A change of government, global trends in food and environmental concerns along with our regulatory framework have all shifted quite markedly. Our international guest speakers highlighted that more change is coming from a number of angles. Food consumers are becoming more conscious of where food is sourced from, creating a need for sustainable production that is traceable back to the farm. Automation will become increasingly used in the place of labour, and plant-based options will replace some traditional protein sources. Water scarcity will become a more pressing issue globally. In New Zealand although rainfall is relatively plentiful by world standards, climate change will mean it becomes more of an issue in a number of regions. This could prompt further investigation of water storage – both above and below ground. It will certainly demand that irrigators become more water efficient and new technologies need to continue to evolve to assist this. We are already seeing an increasing shift to assessing a range of impacts when making decisions – like impacts on the environment, communities and cultural values as well as the economy.

Easier: Management of water in New Zealand is less complex than in many countries as rivers don’t span international boundaries.

This trend will continue, and irrigators will need to look at how they better ‘give back’ to communities and communicate what they are doing. Environmental groups are also shifting to a fundraise and campaign model based on specific issues. This may reduce the opportunity for genuine dialogue with them as their income is tied to specific campaign positions. It’s interesting that Dr Terry Heiler, who received an award at the Conference for a lifetime of service in water management projects and policy, noted that he thinks one of the characteristics of irrigators in New Zealand is that they are used to innovation and are always looking for new ways of doing things. Dr Heiler thought this was because agriculture is market driven here, whereas in many countries it is a subsidised industry where farmers farm the way the government tells them to. There will be a lot of change continuing

to come at irrigators through new technology, new regulations and new ways of doing this. There will also be a role for the irrigation service sector to play, with irrigators increasingly looking for a support rather than sales approach. By comparison with much of the world, including many developed countries, New Zealand is much better placed to cope with our future ‘water challenges.’ We don’t need to engage in cross-country negotiations over riv-

er flows. Our irrigation systems are modern. We do have water quality and quantity issues to address, but there has been a shift to farming within limits where the achievement of better environmental outcomes is rapidly becoming part of the everyday business of running the farm. Innovation is considered a hallmark of the Kiwi character and it looks like our irrigators are going to need to keep displaying it well into our future.

WATER & IRRIGATION

Tony Trewinnard ❚ by ❚ Blue Skies Weather

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2018

Drier and sunnier than usual

Expect west to southwesterly airﬂows to have tapered off by late April as an anticyclone takes hold of the weather patterns for a week or so. opinion, but it’s worth keeping at the back of the mind. If it does occur, its impact would be to disrupt jet-stream activity over New Zealand, and potentially inject a significant surge of very cold air into the weather systems affecting the country. This could manifest as an intense snowy low pressure storm, or a lazy frosty high pressure anticyclone, or a spell of very cold blustery southwest airflow. Note that none of these are in the current prediction from the sixweek models, and none look likely outcomes at this point in time. As westerlies subside expect further rain in the west of both islands but dry in the east, and dry also in the north of the North Island. The far south could be cold and windy. From the last week of April onwards expect to see low pressure systems bringing humid airflows over the North Island, with attendant rain and cloud. Expect most of May to see reduced sunshine and increased rainfall in the North Island, especially in the east and north. Temperatures will likely be milder than usual, with high humidity. In the South Island the west and south look to be drier and sunnier than usual throughout May, but in Canterbury, Marlborough and Nelson periods of easterly or northeasterly airflow are

From late April expect to see low pressure systems developing in the Tasman Sea and to the north of New Zealand, and throughout May the westerlies look set to be weak or non-existent, with anticyclones east and south of New Zealand, low pressure systems in the Tasman Sea and near the North Island, and periods of easterly airflow over the country. May looks like a month with few if any periods of southerly quarter airflow, so the month is unlikely to see any serious cold outbreaks (with one important caveat, see next paragraph). The seas around New Zealand and in the Tasman Sea remain warmer than usual for the time of year, which will help to keep temperatures at least normal for most of the next six weeks, and probably a little warmer. These warm oceans can also help storm development, so some of these low pressure systems which I expect to see hanging around the country may be stormy at times. There is a small wrinkle to the above, which is some modelling is suggesting the potential for a Sudden Stratospheric Warming event over the Antarctic in the next few weeks. This is a wild-card event, which the current six-week modelling is not seeing at all, and to be honest, the chances of it occurring are pretty slim in my

likely to reduce sunshine hours, and enough rain will come from the more northern low pressure systems to keep the month’s rainfall at least near normal, perhaps a little above. For Canterbury specifically, from early May onwards, periods of easterly airflow will be enough to keep temperatures and rainfall near normal, and bring increased cloudiness. Look for the beginning of the month and the end of the month as the times most likely to see a significant rainfall. For more seasonal and long range information check out the Blue Skies Weather Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ BlueSkiesWeather. There you will ﬁnd updated six-week outlooks for Canterbury, which are proving popular and fairly accurate. Soon these products will be part of a package of seasonal predictions which you will be able to subscribe to at a low cost and ask questions of your own personal meteorologist.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Irrigation: to be or not to be

Dr Tony Davoren ❚ with Hydro Services ❚

Shakespeare’s famous line in Hamlet “To be, or not to be” is the question, and so the theme applied to irrigation decisions in March and early April. Throughout the poem he questions various decisions and outcomes - one could substitute irrigation in many lines like to suffer the “scorn of irrigating unnecessarily”. One could liken the questions posed by Shakespeare to the irrigation decision, but really it was about was it worth irrigating?

Was it worth it? You needed to consider growth rates, soil moisture deficit, water use by crops and/or pasture, and soil temperature. Looking at a pretty typical soil moisture plot during March-April a few things are pretty obvious: • Water use was 1.2-2mm/day

Tis the time of the season to make wise decisions – to irrigate or not to irrigate. Given the last three weeks of March and first week of April did you consider irrigating? depending of cover and growth stage; and • The deficit reached 20mm by 20 March and irrigation could have been applied; and • The deficit became “large” and reached stress point around 3-4 April and irrigation was needed by early April And what about growth? Crops and pastures were still growing and transpiration (1.2-2mm/day) was an indicator they were still needing to stay ‘cool’. Pasture growth had around 40kg DM/ha/day and forecast to continue around 30-35kg DM/ha/day into the second week of April. That is, if the soil moisture had tended toward stress point and with water use measured at up to 2mm/day, then sure irrigation was warranted. Finally my ‘hobby-horse’ at this stage

of the year – soil temperature. Up until last week (11-12 April) the temperature at 9am was still well above the base temperature of ten degrees celcius. While it had come off the lofty heights of mid-February and early March, the soil temperature was definitely in the range where irrigation could be safely applied. Did all the ‘ducks line up’ to press the green button? Absolutely except for perhaps long rotation -systems; ie systems with return periods greater than 10-11 days. Did you irrigate? If so I hope you only applied 10mm-12mm. Will you irrigate again? Probably not – water use has declined further, soil temperatures are significantly lower and growth rates have declined. The next irrigation would not be required until well into May. Pack it away and get ready for winter.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

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Rob Cochrane ❚ by Procurement Manager, ❚ Wool ❚ PGG Wrightson Wool

May 2018

The tolerant wool market

A substantial quantity of ‘old season’s wool has filtered onto the market over the past few weeks and, surprisingly, the export trade has managed to easily accommodate the large majority of this wool.

If at all, prices have in general improved slightly over that time frame, apart from a few crossbred lamb’s wool types which, dependent on micron, eased slightly after a period of absolute buoyancy. As is often the way during this part of the wool selling season, a fair quantity of poorer crossbred fleece types offered for sale, received solid price support, relative to better style wools, something which can be difficult to understand from a ‘purists’ perspective but, at least, providing reasonable return to those growers from geographical areas which usually cannot produce anything other than discoloured wool types due, mainly, to climatic conditions. With the majority of genuine lamb’s wool (ie short staple) having been traded earlier, most catalogued as ‘lambs’ over the past few weeks were of longer staple length, hence coarser micron, compared to those offered earlier in the calendar year, thus suiting exporters supplying different end-use manufacturers. That said, there remained plenty of interest for, in particular, finer than 30 micron lamb’s wool and or early-shorn hogget types, from the export bench. Second-lambs also drew great support

from the buying trade and several of these types reached extreme levels due to their tested micron. The crossbred adult wool sections of broker catalogues in the past month, have included plenty of old seasons’ wool, with the majority of those actually opening up surprisingly well, although looking a little ‘stale’. When quoting prices from the various selections, averages are used which include the total weight for each type, therefore when new seasons and old seasons are included there is always likely to be some variances and, in my opinion, the ‘new’ wools have generally sold better than the ‘old’ wools on a similar type-for-type basis. Full length fleece wools have sold well at recent auctions, whether old or new season wools, however, as always, a major influence in buyer interest has definitely been how well or poorly wools have been prepared at shearing time. As earlier eluded, some of the poorer scouring colour fleece and second-shear types recently received prices not too far removed from many of the better colour types, but if grab samples displayed a wide variation in length of staple, or an obvious lack of skirting then they have been discounted accordingly.

Bulky oddments recently enjoyed better (than earlier in the season) support from the buying trade, but once again some of the extremely mixed for length oddment types were neglected. Only limited quantities of Corriedale and Halfbred wool types have been offered lately but they have generally all been well sought after by buyers representing Chinese, Indian and European interests. Similarly, a handful of Merino wools, appearing in broker catalogues have been chased hungrily by the trade.

Looking towards the remainder of the New Zealand wool selling season and through next season (without any benefit of a crystal ball!) my opinion is that there could be room for “cautious optimism”, given the slow, but sure, sell-down of the growers’ wool stockpile, plus recent increased wool exports to China and India. In the period from July 2017 until the end of February 2018, China took 43% of NZ’s wool exports with India at 10%, the UK 9%, and Italy 8.5%.

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May 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

A changing industry

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The past six months have been interesting for those working in the sheep and beef sector. While farmers are at last seeing some solid returns for their livestock, there are local and international trends that, depending on how we respond to them, can be seen as a threat or an opportunity. In its mid-season update, Beef+ Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) economic service expects both beef and lamb exports to break the $3billion mark for the first time, as high lamb, mutton and beef prices lift this season’s forecast profit for sheep and beef farmers. But locally, environmental compliance and biosecurity incursions are issues no farmer can avoid and internationally, the development of more sophisticated alternative proteins and more demanding ‘millennial’ consumers are challenges we, as an industry, need to grapple with. To be able to respond to this changing play-field, and to ensure it continues to meet the needs of its farmers, B+LNZ has refreshed its organisational strategy and undergone a restructure- which is where I come in.

Upward trend: High lamb, mutton and beef prices have lifted this season’s forecast proﬁt for sheep and beef farmers with both beef and lamb exports expected to break the $3billion mark for the ﬁrst time.

rather than just doing the same things over and over again. I will be guided by the organisation’s strategic priorities of supporting farming excellence, unlocking market potential, enhancing farmers’ environmental position and government and public engagement. My job will be to empower my team to deliver on all of these. Locally, I know many farmers who offer dairy support are understandably nervous about the risk of bringing Mycoplasma bovis onto their farms. We, alongside DairyNZ, MPI and local vets, have recently supported WinterFeed workshops throughout Canterbury to help provide farmers with practical guidance on managing biosecurity risk on farm. In addition to these workshops, DairyNZ, B+LNZ has released a set of practical guidelines on its website that will help minimise this risk, this includes a podcast interview with Richard Laven, Associate Professor in Production Animal Health from Massey University’s School of Veterinary Science. Dr Laven discusses what farmers should do to reduce the risk of Mp bovis being spread by winter grazing and general stock movements. It is well worth listening to. Biosecurity is an issue all farmers need to think about. Last year’s out+GST Each break just highlighted the Freight free anywhere in NZ importance of keeping upto-date NAIT records and • Buy 10 receive 12 and 2x service kits it made us all think about what we can do at a farm • 3 models available – all the one price • Nearly indestructible level to protect our busi• Only NZ Manufacturer providing lifetime guarantee on the body of the ballcock nesses. I hope the recent bitterly cold outbreak wasn’t a harbinger of what winter has in store. Fortunately, I am seeing some outstanding winter feed crops in my travels and let’s hope there are some more growth days to come before winter really hits. In February I joined the organisation as B+LNZ’s South Island General Manager. My job is to support the members of South Island team to do the best job they can, which is by default, delivering value for sheep and beef farmers. As well as looking after the extension and economic teams, I look after the organisation’s Farmer Council, Innovation Farm programme and chair Kaikoura’s post-earthquake recovery governance group. I am also responsible for stakeholder relations, such as those with the Ministry for Primary Industries, DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and agricultural-related commercial entities. Being an industry-good organisation, we need to ensure all of B+LNZ’s activities meet the needs of a wider audience. This will be one of the challenges of this role as we only have finite resources, so we need to choose what we take on to benefit our levy payers. This will mean taking an objective view of B+LNZ’s activities to determine which are the most effective,

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CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2018

Redeﬁning the name Lamborghini famously used to make tractors. Peugeot started out as a French purveyor of peppermills, then moved on to bicycles. BSA Motorcycles came from the same factory as a wide range of firearms, and long before they dreamed up an Italian plumber called Mario, Nintendo Corporation was making dice and card games.

❚ by andy Bryenton Names can be passed down, sideways and around the world, while what they’re known for changes. Just look at LDV – a new name here in utes and vans, but one which takes its first letter from an institution which was as British as cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off in the 1970s – British Leyland. Down through Leyland DAF – the builders of, among other things, our police ‘paddy wagons’, and on to a brief flirtation with Russian firm GAZ, the LDV name has risen to prominence under the stewardship of SAIC, one of the biggest automakers in China. How big? They own shares in General Motors, and build close to 5 million vehicles per year. With modern production facilities and a heritage which goes back to encompass some of the most reliable working trucks and vans ever made, LDV mean business, and so does their foray into the ute market, the formidably economical and well-appointed T60. LDV have already surprised the Kiwi market with a pair of hard-working vans, but the

T60 treads a different path. It’s tellingly been made available in two distinct levels of trim – one which is made for the pragmatic tradesperson or farmer, and one which offers the comforts of the upscale family or recreational ute. In this latter guise there’s a whole lot to love inside the T60’s roomy cabin – for an outlay that’s well below the entry point of the current top utes in sales volume you’ll take home leather seats, aircon, a huge colour touch screen with satellite navigation, a powerful stereo system and enough space to comfortably seat the whole crew. Under the hood you’ll find a 2.8 litre turbo diesel delivering 100kw and 360nM of torque – an Italian-derived motor which delivers appreciable acceleration via a six speed gearbox – both manual and automatic options are available. It’s a big machine, with a profile that’s wider than the competing Ford Ranger to accommodate a massive rear deck, allowing you to load up 1025 kilos of anything which takes your fancy.

On the farm and off road drivers will note handy approach and departure angles when navigating the rough stuff. And for all its size, the T60 handles well on the road too, with a whole battery of electronic safety features there in the background to make sure everything remains on the straight and narrow. In fact, safety has been a huge touchstone for the T60’s development team, and because of this the end product is a very tough ute indeed. High strength steel construction provides

a passive safety cage, while antilock disc brakes all round, electronic brake force distribution and traction control combine to make stopping distances short and precise. While some others in the inexpensive end of the ute market may have faced criticism for less than stellar safety ratings, LDV have engineered the T60 to be an over achiever in this field. Altogether, the complete package is very sensible – in terms of price, value for money and performance. The icing on the cake is the fact that it looks the business, too.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

The unexpected tourist The new Holden Commodore has been a great conversation starter among motoring enthusiasts – either dismissed for its digression from the classic antipodean formula of ‘big v8 up front, party in the back’, or hailed as a step toward a more fuel efficient and sustainable future.

❚ by andy Bryenton The end of the speedy four door left a gap in the market widened by the end of old rival the Ford Falcon, but now there’s a new Holden in town filling a surprising niche. In this age of the SUV, in every size from sub-super-compact to Buckingham Palace with a spare tyre on the back, it seemed that the classic old station wagon was driving into the sunset. Subaru had become the keepers of the flame as many other manufacturers cut the stretched four door from their range. Those looking for a classic ‘estate’ were forced to trawl the classifieds for de-commissioned hearses. Well, not quite. The new Holden Commodore Tourer proves two points in one as it comes onto the scene. Firstly, that you don’t

Back to the future: Opel derived, but an expression of a Kiwi classic, the new Commodore Tourer is a reminder of family holidays from an earlier age.

need massive ground clearance, mining truck tyres and an industrial turbo diesel just to get the family to school. And secondly, that the new Commodore can still be the icon which generations of dads have recruited to make

shopping, holidays and after school sports happen. First off, it looks great. Not like some far more expensive European wagons which are clearly a sedan with bits tacked on. Second-

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ly, it comes with all-wheel-drive for the same kind of relentless grip and gravel-road, offtarmac chops as those Subarus we talked about earlier. Third, this is no slouch when it comes to power and its delivery. A 3.6 litre V6 under the hood passes 235 kilowatts to a nine speed auto that’s buttery smooth, getting down to the tarmac through that clever four wheel drive system. With the Calais badge dusted off for this model, you know you’re in for a comfortable journey. Of course, the main point of a station wagon is space - ample space. Many modern SUVs would be hard pressed to compete, at least those in the five seater and cargo category. For the traditional family, then, this is a classic option - a car which delivers the luxury and handling of a big grand touring sedan with enough room in the back for adventure gear, big loads of shopping, sporting kit or the family dog. It’s strange to be looking at the Commodore Tourer as a clever innovation in this way, but in a market over saturated with sports utilities and ‘crossovers’, the sight of an understated, elegant wagon is enough to turn heads. There’s not a thing like it on the road today - and definitely nothing competing in its price bracket. For the practical driver who still wants to stand out in the crowd, then, this is a real gem. And for Commodore stalwarts, it’s proof that the big name didn’t need big displacement and big noise to continue to deliver.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

❚ with Rob Cope-Williams

Recreation vs farming Here we go again, Molesworth station is under threat because DOC has asked the general public to decide what should happen to the 180,000 hectare property. When you consider the fact that the Green Party are hell bent on destroying farming as we know it, and Labour have never been farming’s friend, plus the fact that the minority groups such as people who ride bicycles are very organised and vocal, will we see the station closed off to farming and opened up as a recreational park? Sorry DOC, but your track record of looking after land grabbed from profitable and sustainable farming isn’t great. Ask any farmer who borders onto DOC land about what pest control and weed control that doesn’t happen. Bottom line is that DOC admit they can’t keep up with looking after the land they have been given custody of and certainly can’t afford to keep up the maintenance needed to stop gorse, bracken and goodness knows what taking over. I suggest the first thing is that the vegetation will change from pasture to scrub and as gorse and broom takes hold, plus of course unwanted tussock varieties, rabbits will treat the property like a Club Med and take over as the main livestock. Well along with Canadian geese and wallabies that seem to be moving out of the Hunter

hills and travelling north than an Aussie cricket scandal. Perhaps the saddest thing is that the recreational people who are most likely to inherit the station is that they are only likely to look from their bicycles at the changing scenery as they peddle along the road. I doubt, as I am sure you do, that if Molesworth is closed to farming, and becomes a ‘park’ of sorts, that anyone will get allowed to take on pests feathered or with fur. Again I point out that DOC will scream lack of money when Molesworth goes under scrub and gorse and pests rule unchallenged. I think that the fact the road is opened on regular intervals to let the general public enjoy the scenery and marvel at the size of the property should be enough, but when one has people in Wellington who could be accused of being drunk with power and who are very unlikely to ever set foot anywhere near Molesworth, what chance do we have. Perhaps the powers at be should look at land that has already been taken onto DOC control, and see what has happened to that, plus talk with farmers who are struggling to make a living while ensuring the land is guaranteed to be sustainable and clean and green.

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T H E

B I G L E AG U E S MORE TECH. MORE POWER. MORE PRODUCTIVITY.

FENDT 700, 800, 900 SERIES | 145 – 390 H P The intelligent engine technology, the industry leading operators console and record-breaking fuel efficiency put Fendt ahead of the game, time after time. With our heavy hitters known to deliver low cost of ownership and increased productivity, now is the time to take your business to the next level with the best machines for the job.

Contact your local JJ dealer for more information | jj.co.nz JJ Ltd Ashburton 135 Alford Forest Road ASHBURTON Phone: 03 307 6031

JJ Ltd Timaru 280 Hilton Highway TIMARU Phone: 03 688 7401

900 SERIES

800 SERIES

700 SERIES

JJ Ltd Christchurch 36 Hickory Place HORNBY Phone: 03 344 5645

Visit fendt.com.au Fendt is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation.

says you’re serious.

*Offer ends 30 June 2018, while stocks last. 1.99% finance with 30% deposit over 36 months. GST paid in month 4. 3 year, 3000 hour warranty includes standard 2 year 1500 hour warranty. Contact your local Fendt dealership for full terms and conditions.