30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast
June 2018 Edition
INSIDE
THIS EDITION New calicivirus
p3 Calving
p16 Earthmoving
Photo: Mike Isle
Winners: West Melton Young Farmers Club members celebrate their success after taking out the Tasman Club of the Year title.
Young farmers club finalists p26 NZ Dairy awards
p36
West Melton Young Farmers club is in the running for New Zealand Young Farmers Club of the Year following its stunning win in the Tasman regional final of the competition.
❚ by Mike Isle Club chair, Bex Legat, said 20 members, almost all the 26-strong club, will be heading to Invercargill on July 5 to attend the 50th FMG Young Farmer of the Year awards presentation. Ms Legat said the win was particularly stunning because as far as she can recall it is the only time West Melton had entered the club competition. “Eighteen of us went to the presentation at the regional awards night, and the Club of the Year award was the last presented on the
night. When our name was read out, we were really stoked.” Ms Legat thinks the West Melton club had the edge over the ten other clubs in the Tasman region because of its involvement in the community. “We have a very enthusiastic membership. We always have the largest turnout for Young Farmers events, and we volunteer for quite a lot of community and charity events helping with the traffic management and things like that. We are always looking at ways to support other clubs and the region,” she said.
Recently the club organised the National Ploughing Association event hosted by the Courtenay Paparua Ploughing Association. Association chair, Jeff Cridge, described West Melton Young Farmers’ involvement as “fantastic.” All gate takings from the event were returned by the club to the National Ploughing Association. Earlier in the club’s busy schedule, they volunteered at the recent Jump for Cancer event in Hagley Park. The club is heavily involved with charity work, Ms Legat said.
TO PAGE 2
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June 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
West Melton Young Farmers ‘hoping for best’ at finals FROM PAGE 1
The club’s community spirit doesn’t stop at volunteering. Coming up there is the prospect of the club publishing a nude calendar as a fundraiser for Rural Support Network in Canterbury. “That’ll be a bit of a challenge,” Ms Legat said. “But it is all part of the fun of being in the club and shows what a little bit of imagination can do, and it is for a good cause.” Ms Legat said the club was hoping for the best at the national finals. In all, there will be seven regional finalists competing for the coveted prize. “We are certainly hoping that we will be right up there, and the club executive will meet over the next couple of weeks planning
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We have had such a huge year and an awesome membership growth. Bex Legat Club chair
our strategy and content for the finals.” Ms Legat, who is into her third term as the club chair, believes a win at the national final, becoming Club of the Year at its first attempt, will be a huge stimulus for the club. However, she said for her and the club members, the ultimate satisfaction is being part of such a vibrant club and organisation. “There is a lot of reasons to be a member of Young Farmers. It’s a great organisation to belong to. Very social. “Here at West Melton, we have had such a huge year and an awesome membership growth. You don’t even have to be a farmer. Up until recently, we didn’t have a single farmer in our group.”
Trophy holders: West Melton Young Farmers Club chair Bex Legat and secretary Chris Foster with the Tasman Club of the Year trophy. Anyone interested in joining Young Farmers can go to the organisation’s website youngfarmers.co.nz or contact Bex direct on 027 958 9242. The West Melton branch meets every second Monday at The Rock restaurant Rolleston from 7.30pm.
CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
New virus: MPI says the discovery of a new strain of the rabbit calicivirus in the wild could impact on pet rabbit owners.
New strain confirmed
June 2018
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A new strain of the rabbit calicivirus has been confirmed in a single wild rabbit found on a Malborough farm.
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MPI response manager John Brightwell said the strain, called RHDV2, is widespread in Europe and Australia, but this is the first time it has been found in New Zealand. “The virus affects rabbits and the European hare. It has no impact on human health or other animals, but we can’t rule out a potential risk to pet rabbits. “We understand this will be worrying news for many rabbit owners, and we want to give people as many tools as possible to minimise the risk to their animals. “As a precaution, we began work at the end of last month to import the latest vaccine for the strain from France. We expect the first 1000 doses to be in the country soon and are working with importers to secure a long term supply.” Brightwell said so far their testing programme has only identified a single wild rabbit. “But we know the virus spreads quickly. At this stage we don’t yet know how widespread it is, or how long it has been in the country. “We are working to answer both those questions but our key focus right now is to
minimise the risk in front of us and support rabbit owners to take the right precautions, including making a vaccine available. “Because of the difficulties involved in pinning down a virus, we may never know exactly how it came into New Zealand and where it came from. However, we know that the strain was not brought in from Australia because it is sufficiently different to the RHDV2 strain prevalent there.” Brightwell said they have ruled out that the new strain came in with the RHDV1-K5 strain which was released nationwide in a planned rollout through March and April because of extensive testing at the time. He said there were a number of steps people can take to minimise the risk to their pets. “If you own rabbits, you should: keep them separate from wild rabbits, wash hands between handling rabbits and control insects around pet rabbits as they can spread the virus between rabbits “For any specific advice about your rabbit, talk to your vet.” For more information, call the MPI media phone on 029 894 0328 or email media@mpi.govt.nz.
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June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
Getting dairy into shape
Damien O’Connor ❚ by Minister for Agriculture, Biosecurity, ❚ Food Safety and Rural Communities ❚ Dairy Industry Restructuring Act
In simple terms the DIRA recognises that Fonterra has an important market position within the New Zealand dairy landscape and makes sure it operates in the long term interests of farmers, consumers and the wider economy. It needs to be fit-for-purpose in our quickly changing environment and we need to look ahead to see what trends and potential disruptions are coming our way, and get ahead of consumer trends. We can’t do that effectively with a review that is too narrowly scoped, so this month I released wide-ranging terms of reference for the review taking all of this into account. Among other things, it looks at open entry and exit for farmers, the raw milk price setting price, contestability for milk, the risks and costs for the sector and the incentives or disincentives for dairy to move to sustainable, higher-value production and processing. Environmental issues will be examined as part of the review and I encourage everyone
The review of the 17-year-old Dairy Industry Restructuring Act, DIRA, will help our biggest export sector get in shape for the future. to have a say – we want to learn from the experiences and perspectives of as many of you as we can. You can go online for more information: www.mpi.govt.nz/DIRA-review
Biosecurity Biosecurity continues to take up much of my time as Government and industry work together towards a decision on how to manage Mycoplasma bovis. We want the best information possible to make decisions around eradication or longterm management and no matter what road we go down later this month – farmer and animal welfare will be front of mind with a concerted on-the-ground effort to support those caught up in this outbreak. Eradication has always been the aim and every action we’ve taken – the cull, the Cook
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FARMING NEWS
CANTERBURY FARMING
June 2018
5
Synlait supports scope of review Canterbury dairy company Synlait Milk is supporting the New Zealand Government’s terms of reference for the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 review.
❚ by Kent Caddick The Government has released the terms of reference for a review of the 17-year-old Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIRA), which regulates Fonterra to protect the long-term interests of farmers, consumers and the wider economy. “We are glad to see a comprehensive scope in the terms of reference and are pleased it will look beyond the current regulatory framework to address some of the fundamental issues facing the future of our industry,” Synlait CEO and Managing Director John Penno said. “We look forward to contributing to the DIRA review process. We can provide a unique perspective as a successful value-add nutrition company in the industry,” Penno said. “At the end of the day, we want any outcomes to support a sustainable and high value industry in New Zealand. “We’re confident this will allow the industry to continue to flourish while delivering a sustainable future for dairying.” Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor says the review of dairy industry legislation will help the country’s biggest export sector get in shape for the future. “The Ministry for Primary Industries will consult widely throughout the review, including surveys and formal consultation later in the year and I encourage you all to get involved and have your say,” O’Connor said. “The review will allow us to take a strategic view of issues facing the dairy industry. “In particular it will look at open entry and exit for farmers, the raw milk price setting process, contestability for milk, the risks and costs for the sector, and the incentives or disincentives for dairy to move to sustainable, higher-value production and processing. “The whole dairy sector needs to look ahead to see what trends and potential disruptions are coming our way and get ahead of consumer trends. “Only through a frank appraisal of the is-
Support: Synlait Milk CeO John Penno says they are backing a Government review of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act. sues will we come to the right conclusions,” O’Connor said. “The dairy industry will be fully consulted throughout the review so that any issues can be given full consideration before any changes happen. “A high-performing, innovative and sustainable dairy sector is vital to New Zealand’s economic wellbeing,” he said.
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June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
BlueGreens look to the future
Recently I attended our BlueGreens National Party forum near Darfield. It’s been going for 20 years and has been highly successful.
nathan Guy ❚ by National Party spokesperson, ❚ Primary Industries ❚ We had a packed day that saw discussions about the environment, climate change, conservation and water storage. It was a great opportunity to hear from guest speakers and engage with environmental groups. Being part of BlueGreens is about realising that the environment and economic growth need to be closely balanced. The one area that I was most interested in is how water storage can enhance the environment. The Central Plains Water storage project has seen two Lake Taupos of water left in the ground which will have a positive impact on Lake Ellesmere. This is because prior to the scheme most of the water came from bores (ground water aquifers). This ground water is replaced by an abundance of river run water and it looks like the piping will be able to help replenish the Selwyn River as well. Farmers also realise they need to meet strict nutrient levels as par t of their consents and realise that environmental performance is a growing par t of their social licence to earn a return from our natural resources. It was disappointing to see the ArdernPeters Government recently announce that financial support for irrigation projects is drying up. This was just after six regions in New Zealand were declared in drought this summer.
Water on the move: The Central Plains Water scheme will help to boost groundwater supplies in Canterbury.
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Water storage projects are critical for food security and helping farmers mitigate
Unfortunately what is forgotten is that farmers dealing with droughts have proven water storage projects are critical for food security and helping them mitigate against climate fluctuations. Looking at the books from Budget18 heaps of money has been raided from Crown Irrigation and projects will now stall and find it really challenging to progress. Most take about 15 years to get water
flowing so they are long term investments made by farmers, growers, councils and Government. They provide jobs, boost regional growth and often supply water to towns. The recent budget didn’t do much to change the sentiment that this Government doesn’t really care about rural communities. Get ready for new taxes, higher petrol prices to pay for Auckland’s trams and more compliance costs inside the farm gate.
against climate fluctuations. Nathan Guy National Party spokesperson Primary Industries
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CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
June 2018
7
Alliance’s hogget pilot ‘promising’ Leading food company Alliance Group has reported promising outcomes from a pilot programme marketing hogget as a premium product as the co-operative seeks to capture more value for farmer shareholders.
❚ by Kent Caddick A number of farmer shareholders asked the co-operative to explore the development of a market for hogget because of the large price differential between lamb and mutton. The co-operative carried out the pilot in the UK food service sector, with a particular focus on the ethnic foods market, from November 2017 to February this year. Alliance Group sales manager John Rabbitt said the UK has one of Europe’s largest markets for ethnic foods, so is accustomed to using both New Zealand lamb and mutton. “The product has been very well received, with recently-conducted testing on Alliance hogget rating the taste and succulence. “The market is looking forward to ongoing supply and development of our hogget cuts. Some pilot product has also been sent to Asia and we are awaiting market feedback.” The group’s Livestock and Shareholder Services general manager, Heather Stacy, said traditionally lambs are distinguished from mutton when their first adult teeth come through. “However, the response to the UK pilot, and growing demand for hogget from New Zealand chefs, demonstrates this is not the only approach and the value should be determined by the quality of the meat.” She said the pilot initially saw a large number of previous season lambs, which had incisors erupt, capturing a hogget grade in November. “The schedule for the trial gave these significantly better returns than mutton prices.
Promising: An Alliance Group pilot programme marketing hogget as a premium product has received some promising feedback.
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The schedule for the trial gave these significantly better returns than
“A number of cull breeding hoggets were also supplied for processing as farmers drafted off lighter stock due to the dry conditions.” Rabbitt said the key to the success of marketing hogget as a premium product, was
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June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
RURAL PROFESSIONALS
Economics trumping concerns Andrew Wyllie ❚ with ❚ Forsyth Barr
Financial markets continue to be mindful of geopolitical issues, inflation and interest rate risks, however, fears eased over the last three months.
Financial market concerns surrounding the backlash of the implementation of various tariffs by the United States are fading; as tariff threats are increasingly seen as bargaining chips in the various trade agreements being renegotiated. Even concerns around hard-line foreign policy statements have eased, as tensions with North Korea have calmed. Meanwhile, economic data continues to support a positive outlook for global economic activity. The early estimates for the United States April manufacturing activity indices indicate growth is the strongest in 43 months. Tariffs have impacted input prices, but these increases have been more than compensated by revenue growth. The equivalent European measures were flat, but Europe is still experiencing good growth. Meanwhile, Japan’s manufacturing activity measures are up slightly from March’s reading. Better growth has meant higher United States interest rates, with United States 10 year bonds breaching the psychological 3%
level. Encouragingly, this has not been accompanied by any expansion in corporate spreads. This suggests revenue growth is off-setting the risks of higher funding costs. This should be viewed as a positive for the longerterm sustainability of the current economic expansion, with the increasing United States Federal Funds Rate providing a buffer for the next economic downturn. Equity markets appraise risks 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. April local currency returns, in contrast, were positive and in most cases boosted further by the weakening of the New Zealand dollar. This reflected the positive earnings being delivered, as well as an easing of concerns surrounding United States trade and foreign policies. Looking forward, given the underlying
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When you are thinking about your investment options, talk portfolio management specific to your investing needs, talk to Investment Adviser Andrew Wyllie in confidence on (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.
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global economic backdrop and our muted expectations for inflation, returns for equities are expected to reflect fundamentals. In this context, we believe that global markets offer better growth prospects and better value-for-risk. Global interest rates up, but short rates on hold in New Zealand New Zealand shorter-term interest rates remain subdued reflecting the lack of inflation. Little change is anticipated this year, with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand expected to leave the Official Cash Rate unchanged. This is despite the United States lifting its rates in response to strong economic growth. Longer-term bond rates are expected to follow global bond rates, as New Zealand Government 10 year bond rates tend to track the direction of United States rates over time. There has been a break in this trend in the last year. However, with the differential between New Zealand and United States 10 year rates now -12bp, compared to a historical average differential of +100bp, there is less room for New Zealand movements to be contrary to those in the United States. The change in the differential to United States interest rates also impacts the attractiveness of Australasian currencies and
has led to some weakness in both the New Zealand and Australian dollars over the last quarter. 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.
CANTERBURY FARMING
RURAL PROFESSIONALS
June 2018
9
Enforcement of civil debt ❚ with Bessie Paterson LLB ❚ Ronald W Angland & Son
If the debtor fails to pay the debt, even after a District Court, Disputes Tribunal or Tenancy Tribunal has declared that the debt is payable and has ordered payment of the debt, the creditor may invoke enforcement procedures in the District Court. There are three main options to enforce payment of a civil debt. First, either the debtor or the creditor may apply to the Court for an attachment order against the debtor’s wages or WINZ benefit. An attachment order requires the debtor’s employer or WINZ to deduct a certain amount each week from the debtor’s income and pay it to the creditor. The creditor needs to know who the debtor’s employer is to have an attachment order lodged against the debtor’s wages. Secondly the creditor may wish to find out how much a debtor can afford to pay on an instalment arrangement. Either the creditor or the debtor can file a statement of the debtor’s means and the Court Registrar is authorised to make an order for payment of the debt. The Court Registrar may also carry out an assessment of the debtor’s means in a telephone call and make an order for payment or a hearing may take place where the creditor may ap-
When debts are owed to a company, retailer or person by some other person, they are known as civil debts.
pear and ask questions of the debtor as to their means to pay the debt. If the debtor has a few dollars left over after payment of their weekly allowable expenses, the Registrar who conducts the hearing will make an order or if there is nothing left over after the debtor’s rent, electricity bills and other outgoings are taken into account
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The Court Registrar is empowered to make orders for debt recovery.
the debtor and creditor may come to an agreement for payment of a weekly amount to be paid by the debtor. The Court Registrar is empowered to make suitable orders for all or any of the above methods of debt recovery. Thirdly, a creditor may apply to the Court for a bailiff to seize property which is owned by the debtor.
However, this process is limited as many debtors do not own non-essential property which could be seized and sold to pay the debt. Motor vehicles or other property which is subject to a hire purchase agreement may not be seized under this type of process. The Court processes for debt recovery attract filing fees but they tend to be an effective means of recovering civil debts. This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a Partner at Ronald W Angland & Son, Solicitors, 2 Chapman Street, Leeston.
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10
June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
Farmer research highlights hill country risks and opportunities Farmers from Canterbury have shared their stories on their hill country development experiences with research company UMR through an anonymous survey.
❚ by Kent Caddick The survey is part of a research project commissioned by Environment Canterbury, and supported by Beef & Lamb New Zealand and South Canterbury Federated Farmers. The in-depth interviews were undertaken to understand current hill country development practices, as Environment Canterbury considers approaches to help farmers determine whether and how to develop their hill country pastures. Some sheep and beef farmers are improving hill country productivity by planting older hill country pastures with higher producing pasture species. This commonly involves one or more years in winter feed, and creates an increased risk of sediment losses during this period. Environment Canterbury’s zone delivery manager, Paul Hulse, said the interviews found that some farmers have already changed their land development practices after previous experience with soil loss, and many are now using direct drilling to establish the pasture or crop and reduce risk of soil loss. “The interviews also highlighted that many farmers are taking care to avoid or mitigate sediment loss risks through paddock selection, use of direct drilling, and excluding erosion prone land from the development. “Some farmers expressed concern about the much greater risk of soil loss and soil damage from winter grazing dairy cows, particularly from kale crops on steep hillsides,” he said.
Questions answered: Interviews with Canterbury farmers will help environment Canterbury to assist farmers in determining whether and how to develop their hill country pastures. “The survey also discovered that while farmers are aware of an increased use of heli-spraying to sow hill country pastures in New Zealand, it seems to be more used in Manawatu than Canterbury. “Farmers see less erosion risk from helispraying as the remnants of the old pasture help reduce the risk of soil erosion. “However, they are acutely aware of the risks in steeper hills and the importance of getting the timing right, especially where
higher risk winter feed crops are involved.” Hulse said farmers report that better management practices on hill country developments enable them to reach target weights for ewes and young stock. “They achieve higher lamb growth rates, and the result is healthier and heavier stock. “We know the decision making around whether to develop hill country land requires farmers to assess financial, productivity, and environmental risk.
“This Ministry for the Environment-funded project has been developed to help farmers through this process, so that sediment loss caused by winter grazing on farmed hill country land can be reduced and managed.” It is expected that the project will result in creation of a decision tool to aid farmers as they consider the benefits and costs of development of their hill country blocks. The project is mainly funded through a grant from Ministry for the Environment.
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FARMING NEWS
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2018
11
Drought will bring more crop disease New Zealand’s land-based primary industries need to get ready for more, and more serious, crop disease as climate change causes more and longer droughts, according to new research.
❚❚by Kent Caddick In the journal Australasian Plant Pathology, the authors say that climate change is expected to bring more droughts in many parts of New Zealand, and more droughts are “likely to increase the severity of a wide range of diseases affecting the plant-based productive sectors”. Scientists from the Bio-Protection Research Centre, Scion, Lincoln University, AUT University, Landcare Research, and the University of Auckland analysed the potential impact of climate-change-induced drought on several commercial plants and their diseases. They found that in most instances “increased drought is expected to increase disease expression”. The probable negative effects of drought include “a predisposition of hosts to infection through general weakening and/or suppressed disease resistance”. More frequent and more severe droughts could also lead to “emergence of enhanced or new diseases of plants that can reduce primary production”. “New plant disease pressures are expected to occur... with potentially devastating impacts for New Zealand’s productive sectors,” the authors said. However, the news is not all bad. “Drought may reduce the severity of some diseases, such as Sclerotina rot of kiwifruit and red needle cast (RNC) of radiata pine And in some cases it could “activate systemic defence mechanisms resulting in increased resistance to infection”. In an extended case study the authors
New research: Drought conditions could lead to more serious crop diseases.
said the effects of increased drought on New Zealand’s Pinus radiata industry would depend on many factors, including whether drought happened early or late in the season. “There is urgent need to study the impacts of the different levels of drought and different levels of RNC severity to understand the thresholds at which radiata pine plantations would still accomplish their economic and ecological roles.” Lead author Dr Steve Wakelin, of the BioProtection Research Centre and Scion, said it was essential that more research was carried out so each industry could prepare for the effects of drought. “Many industries, such as agriculture and horticulture, may have time to gradually change over the next 20 or 30 years, to avoid the worst effects of drought or even take advantage of any opportunities the changing climate may bring. “However, plantation forestr y does not have the luxur y of flexibility. What is planted now will need to not just sur vive but thrive in whatever climate and disease con-
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ditions are prevailing in the next 20, 30, or 40 years. “It’s essential that primary industries with
a long production cycle start assessing and addressing the risks and opportunities a much drier climate will bring.”
12
June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
❚ with John Arts
What causes osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of joint pain. All chronic disease starts with damage to certain cell types. This then damages tissue which causes the symptoms we feel.
Part 1 The real driver behind cartilage loss is the health of specialised cells called chondrocytes. These amazing cells secrete and repair cartilage matrix. Anything that affects chondrocyte cells could cause cartilage damage. Mechanical force (injury) can trigger an increase in free radicals which can cause the death of chondrocytes. In some cases it is as much about a failure of cell antioxidants defences. The problem is that chondrocytes cannot replicate. Once a chondrocyte dies, the tiny patch of cartilage it maintained will eventually disintegrate. The body tries to fix the problem through the process of inflammation which is ineffective it ends up making the problem worse. In my experience the inflammatory part of OA causes more pain and discomfort than the actual cartilage loss. Just a note that commonly prescribed cholesterol lowering medication can either cause joint pain or worsen the pain from
existing arthritis. In these cases I add a high grade Co enzyme Q10 (CoQSol) to replace that lost by the medication. Call me for details. I have many clients that are largely symptom free despite having significant cartilage loss. I have been dealing with a couple where one has an arthritic knee while the other has OA in the spine and hip. I started them on a double dose of my joint supplement. This meant that they were initially taking 1600mg of both chondroitin and glucosamine and 400mg of a potent 95% curcumin (turmeric) extract. I put both of them on a double dose of my high chondroitin/turmeric joint product and both are much more comfortable. The sore back is much better and the hip and knee pain have significantly reduced. 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
Wanted: Biosecurity new Zealand is asking Canterbury farmers to report any sightings of the invasive weed Great Willowherb.
Discovery of invasive weed
The invasive weed, great willowherb, or Epilobium hirsutum, has been found growing in several areas in Canterbury.
❚ by Kent Caddick New enhanced formula
Abundant Health
Great willowherb has not previously been recorded as present in New Zealand. Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI) said the initial discoveries occurred in and around the lake at Pegasus township in the Waimakariri District, and near the Kate Valley landfill, located approximately 40 kilometres north of Lake Pegasus. A field team has been searching all likely places in the wider area to determine the extent of the incursion. To date, great willowherb has been positively identified at five sites. Great willowherb is characterised by its aggressive growth, and there is concern it may crowd out native wetland plants. It can form dense stands, impeding water flow in waterways and wetlands. It may also spread to undisturbed damp areas and invade existing vegetation. However, Biosecurity New Zealand said at present there is no risk to fresh water fish or agriculture. Biosecurity New Zealand Response team manager, John Brightwell, said once the extent of the incursion is understood, officials will be in a better position to determine what response actions can be carried out. “We’re in the early stages of determining the severity of this incursion,” Brightwell said. “Once we’ve determined this, we’ll work closely with Environment Canterbury and the Department of Conservation to develop an appropriate response.” In the meantime, Biosecurity New Zealand is urging all Cantabrians especially to be on the lookout for great willowherb, and to report it to Biosecurity New Zealand’s pest and diseases hotline if they think they’ve spotted it anywhere on public or private property. “If you think you’ve seen great willowherb, don’t remove it,” Brightwell said.
“Take a close-up photo and call 0800 80 99 66 to report it. It’s extremely important that members of the public do not attempt to remove this weed on their own. They may mistake it for other, similar-looking native plants and, just as importantly, they may risk spreading the seeds.” Great willowherb is a flowering plant also commonly known as the hairy willowherb, or great hairy willowherb. It is a highly invasive weed in parts of North America and in Victoria, Australia. It is closely related to and sometimes mistaken for a rare, endangered native herb (Epilobium hirtigerum) that goes by the common name of hairy willowherb. Overseas, great willowherb typically grows in wet or damp places without dense tree cover, up to 2500 metres above sea-level. Common habitats include marshland, ditches and the banks of rivers and streams. At this time of year, most of the flowers will be gone, and the plant will be partially covered in seed. Great willowherb reproduces by wind-dispersed seeds and spreads by its thick rhizomes (underground stems). It tends to spread most rapidly in early autumn. The rhizomes can grow submerged in water or water-saturated soils, but can also spread into meadows and other upland areas.
Other characteristics of great willowherb: • grows up to two metres tall • stems are erect and branched • large, showy pink-purple flowers (three cm diameter) with white centres and notched petals • leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, tooth-edged, and attach directly on the stem • long, narrow seed pods split open to release numerous seeds with long white hairs
CANTERBURY FARMING
June 2018
13
❚ with Rob Cope-Williams
M-Bovis: you think you are confused?
Smoke and mirrors are one thing, but the confusion about Mycoplasma, or M-Bovis as it seems to be known now, is certainly confusing to me. I am very confused about how many farms it has now affected; just over 100 to now 299, but every report seems to be different. Where it has hit also varies with several reports over a few weeks saying it has now hit the north island. Surely it can only hit once and that’s it? Then there’s the number of cattle that have been slaughtered. That varies from day to day as well. There was even a report that the total number was 50,000. Initial reports suggested that the cattle were slaughtered on farm, and I might add in secret, but now we are told that they are slaughtered in processing plants. If I were to be an overseas consumer I’m not sure I’d be happy that infected cattle were being handled in the same processing plant as cattle that I was going to consume. OK. Mycoplasma affected cattle have no side effects for humans, but as soon as cattle are slaughtered to stop the spread of an infectious decease, warning bells ring out louder than Big Ben.
So is the problem containment? It is obviously too late for that. Eradication? Initially perhaps, but with reports that cattle can be affected without showing symptoms, that seems a long shot. We accept that we have to live with it, but sadly that seems to be the answer, as we have a very mobile national herd. Imagine for a moment if we were to bring down a blanket movement control. Firstly stud breeders would hit the wall. Secondly sharemilkers would be unable to build their herds at the pace they’d want to, but most importantly I think, what would happen on Gypsy Day when herds move all around the country and mix with others? Naturally the national media are pointing to some farmers affected trying to rip off the system and pretending more cattle were slaughtered than they owned, and whole families charging for a holiday in Aussie. Like the IRD, any compensation will come under careful focus so why try to push the boundaries? Incidentally, did we ever find out how it got into the country? Rumours abound but nothing concrete.
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June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
Employment law amendments undermine flexibility, goodwill It’s a huge positive that proposed amendments to employment laws retain the 90-day trial period for employers with 19 or fewer staff, but it would be even better if it remained available to enterprises of all sizes. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Federated Farmers
‘
Farm owners can end up
That was a key point Federated Farmers put to the Education and paying the cost of giving Workforce Select Committee at a hearing submission on the Employsomeone a chance. ment Relations Amendment Bill. Feds Dairy chair Chris LewChris Lewis is said the 90-day trial provisions Federated Farmers Dairy chair are highly valued by farmers as a means of giving them confidence to take on staff when the potential applicant has no experience, or a history as they strive to be fair employof anti-social behaviour or poor job perfor- ers moving staff along a career pathway.” mance. The Federation’s submission “Anyone can turn over a new leaf but without the security of the 90-day trial business said too many clauses in the owners can end up paying the cost of giving Bill pit employer and employee against one another rather than someone a chance,” Lewis said. Most farmers employ only a handful of facilitating an environment for staff but the Federation’s submission said it negotiation and agreement. “For example, farmers had no would be “unfortunate” if this option is removed for larger companies “because it is quibble that employees are enexactly those businesses that can afford to titled to paid rest and meal breaks but put resources into extra training and support proposed amendments say that unless employer and employee agree an alternative for those who need it”. The Federation’s farmer members do not in advance, such breaks must be taken at have a hire and fire mentality, Lewis told times set out in the Bill. “This is unduly restrictive, because unexthe committee. “Many find it hard to attract staff to remote areas, and work hard to bring pected situations can arise on the farm. “If a cow requires attention during calving, along employees who have the right attitude. “The Federation’s employment contracts or there is an urgency to finish harvest beare industry-leading, and farmers make use fore rain sets in, it is reasonable for an emof an 0800 service and peer-to-peer advice, ployer to ask that an employee works on for
Dairy chair Chris Lewis says retention of the the 90-day trial provisions in the employment Relations Amendment Bill is vital for farmers. a reasonable amount of time, and recoups their entitlement elsewhere.” He said farmers have no objection to employees joining a union or any other association, but current provisions in the Act requiring union representatives to obtain the permission of the business owner before entering the workplace should be kept. “These farm properties are our homes,” Lewis said. “On top of that farmers are being bom-
barded with messages to treat their property as a fortress because of biosecurity risks – most recently the devastating cow disease Mycoplasma bovis. “Health and Safety is another reason why visitors should be briefed and escorted into work areas. “Given the hazards on farm, the presence of an individual who is in what could be a very large area without the knowledge or permission of anyone else on the farm is extremely dangerous.”
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June 2018
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16
June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
CALVING
Dusting – gone with the wind Make paddock dusting this Spring a thing of the past. Article supplied by fever causes, not to mention the effect on milk production, can be downright disheartCP Lime Solutions Ltd
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Dusting can be a bit ‘hit and miss’ and can also be hard on gear – let alone your frontline staff. Nobody likes to get covered in mag and lime dust and nor do they enjoy the job either. I am sure there is the odd paddock timetrial going on, particularly when it’s raining. And when it’s raining... who can be bothered and is the mag and lime getting into the cows?
There is an easier way. If you want to avoid the hassle of dusting, reduce the incidence of milk fever and other metabolic issues, improve cow health and performance, maximise calcium and magnesium intakes from less, then an all-in-one calcium and magnesium pelletised supplement could suit your farming operation. There is no doubt about it, time is precious in the Spring and so is sleep. The time and effort that just one cow down with milk
ening. Having the ability to conveniently and consistently administer calcium and magnesium through an in-shed feeding system can help remove one of the headaches over the busy calving season. Happy cows, happy life, which means a bit less stress for you, and more time to get onto the other nagging list of jobs. If you are looking for a better way of supplying calcium and magnesium to your milking herd as well as reducing your work load, then you can make life easier by using Vitalise – pelletised mineral supplements. Not only is Vitalise an effective means of feeding calcium and magnesium, trace elements and DCP can also be added to suit your herds requirements. All-in-one, job done. Keep costs and work load down on farm. From only 6 cents per cow per day with a typical feeding rate of just 100gm. This has been a game-changer for many farms. Call to find out if using Vitalise will work for you.
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CANTERBURY FARMING
CALVING
June 2018
17
Keep a watch at calving time
Cows close to calving, or springers, must be inspected frequently and most farms arrange for them to be checked at least every six hours and sometimes more frequently if conditions require it.
❚ Article supplied by DairyNZ
If calving is not proceeding normally, remedial action must be taken and a moving vehicle must not be used to provide traction to assist calving. Check springers for signs of labour regularly, quietly and thoroughly and record what you observe. Walk quietly through the springer mob – when cows are feeding is best. Don’t walk through the mob when cows are hungry and are waiting to be moved to fresh grass or a new break. Look for cows that are showing signs of labour. Check cows at least four times a day. Your manager will set a routine for springer checks. Check all areas of the paddock and, depending how good the fencing is, check the paddocks next door as well. Check drains, hollows, long grass, hedges – anywhere a calf could be sleeping. Note the number of any cow or heifer that has started to show signs of calving, or has calved, and report to your manager so you can keep an eye on her progress.
Early signs of labour • Swelling of udder can happen up to a month before calving. • Milk dripping from teats. • Mucus string from vulva (from plug of mucus that seals the vulva). • Restless. Calving will progress at different rates for different cows. Some may show all the signs whereas others may show very few signs. Generally labour can be broken into two stages; preparation for labour and delivery.
The preparation phase can take up to six hours in cows and 72 hours in heifers. Look for these signs when observing springers: • away from herd and reduced appetite • pelvic ligaments relaxed – vulva looks swollen and flabby • dip between tailhead and pin-bones • tummy less full as calf moves into birth canal/ birthing position • mothering other cows’ calves • discomfort – swishing tail, arched back, restless, peeing, kicking and nosing at her side, tail raising • straining/contractions • water bag protruding.
Delivery Cows should take 30 minutes to one hour to calf – no more than two hours. Heifers should take two to three hours to calf – no more than four hours. During a standard delivery the following process will occur: • The cow starts straining and pushing – two feet are visible within the water sack. • Once the feet are 10cm clear of the vulva the head has cleared the pelvis.
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June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
Federation supports direction of climate change report Federated Farmers says proposals to tackle climate change can work as long as there is cross-party support backed by a Climate Commission which has informed science.
❚ by Kent Caddick The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, has outlined recommendations in a report, ‘A Zero Carbon Act for New Zealand’, which are aimed at ensuring New Zealand sets effective carbon budgets, establishes a credible Climate Change Commission and drives plans and policies that actually turn into action. Federated Farmers climate change spokesperson Andrew Hoggard said they support the thrust of Mr Upton’s report. “It’s particularly pleasing to see that the Commissioner’s report acknowledges the complexity there is around different greenhouse gases and how each gas, whether methane, nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide, has different effects on the climate, and how they need to be managed,” Hoggard said. “For example, the report regards methane as a less urgent problem against more persistent greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.” He said the Federation wants the government to consider the commentary in the report supporting potential use of targets for different greenhouse gases to ensure that emission reduction targets are achievable and fair. “It is worth noting that carbon dioxide emissions related to road transport have increased by 78% since 1990, compared to methane, which has increased 5%. “This surely emphasises that while agricultural emissions are par t of the problem,
Some support: Federated Farmers climate change spokesperson Andrew Hoggard is calling on the government to ensure emission reduction targets are achievable and fair.
there needs to be a pragmatic and balanced approach to tackling how this countr y manages and reduces all greenhouse gases.” He said Federated Farmers seeks public policy which supports New Zealand’s natural advantages in agricultural production, such
as further investment in research to reduce biological agricultural emissions, where costeffective mitigation technologies can assist farmers. “Farmers have and continue to make reductions in their greenhouse gas emissions per unit of product. We are particularly effi-
cient at this compared to other countries. “It’s important that the Government pursues a Zero Carbon Act and establishes a Climate Change Commission that makes decisions which aren’t detrimental to our international competiveness as a food producer,” Hoggard said.
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CANTERBURY FARMING
TV coverage for Young Farmer final
A new deal will see MediaWorks broadcast New Zealand’s longest running agricultural contest the FMG Young Farmer of the Year final.
❚ by Kent Caddick Previously the country’s two main national networks had said they wouldn’t be covering the final for the second year in a row. However, under the new agreement an edited version of the 50th Grand Final of the iconic contest will be broadcast on ThreeNow, which is MediaWorks’ free video on-demand streaming service available on smart TVs and mobile devices. Head of MediaWorks’ rural programmes, Nick Fisher, said the broadcaster is proud to be partnering with New Zealand Young Farmers to produce the programme. “Many New Zealanders grew up watching the Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final on television,” he said. “It’s fitting that on the 50th anniversary of the contest, Kiwis will be able to view the milestone on more devices than ever.” The deal will see a total of three commercial episodes on the contest filmed for ThreeNow. They will be produced by Perriam Media, a production company owned by popular Rural Exchange host Sarah Perriam. “Being asked to front television coverage for the 50th FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final is a huge honour,” Perriam said. “I consider it to be the pinnacle of rural
Coverage confirmed: Rural exchange host Sarah Perriam (centre) will hosts this year’s television coverage of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year final. Ms Perriam is photographed with this year’s finalist, from left: Logan Wallace, Josh Cozens, Cameron Black, Sarah Perriam, Daniel Bradbury, Patrick Crawshaw, Will Taylor and Andrew Wiffen. broadcasting in New Zealand. I’m from the country and love attending regional finals. My aim is to showcase the inspirational talent which will be on display in Invercargill,” she said. The main hour-long programme will air a week after Grand Final in July. The programmes will include interviews with past winners and showcase key parts of Grand Final such as the fast-paced agri-knowledge quiz. The prestigious event will see seven finalists go head-to-head, with only one being crowned the 50th FMG Young Farmer of the Year. NZ Young Farmers’ Events and Marketing Manager, Carolyn Bennett, said it was fantastic to have a major media partner on board at such an important time in the contest’s history.”
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June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
Environment takes centre stage Last year’s election campaign highlighted the importance of the environment to all New Zealanders.
Phil Smith ❚ by Director, ❚ Beef + Lamb New Zealand ❚ As farmers, environmental management has always been part and parcel of farm management, but like our urban cousins, we all want to reduce our environmental footprint. Increasingly, consumers in our overseas markets also want to be assured that the red meat or wool products they purchase are produced on farms with environmental credentials. Similarly, our government is demanding our sector play its part in improving water quality nationally. In response to all of these, Beef + Lamb New Zealand launched its Environment Strategy last week in Wellington and the response to the strategy has been overwhelmingly positive from government, farmers, industry and environmental groups. The Minister for the Environment, David Parker, spoke at the launch and I took the opportunity to ask him about some of the issues concerning farmers. He assured me that they won’t be asking farmers to reduce stock numbers, but they will be asking them to reduce their nutrient losses. The Minister accepts that this will take time, but most importantly he wants to see farmers start to take action now. Minister Parker appreciates that many farmers have invested heavily in developing their businesses and said he did not want to see these businesses compromised by environmental regulations. Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Environment Strategy lays out a progressive long-term vision for the sector based around four priority
‘
Beef +Lamb new Zealand will roll out a range of environmental initiatives to support sheep and beef farmers.
areas – healthy productive soils, thriving biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions and cleaner water. As part of the plan, B+LNZ has identified two key goals – every sheep and beef farm having a tailored and active environment plan by the end of 2021, and the sheep and beef sector as a whole moving towards carbon neutrality by 2050. Over the next three years, B+LNZ will roll out a range of environmental initiatives to support sheep and beef farmers. This includes establishing a Collaborative Catchment Communities programme to help communities work together to target water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, and soil health issues. The Environment Strategy launch follows
hard on the heels of the launch of B+LNZ’s Red Meat Story and Origin Brand and “Taste Pure Nature.” This launch marked a new era for our industry, as for the first time our processors and industry have come together to support this NZ brand under which their individual brands will sit. Again, this brand has been very well received by farmers and industry. If you haven’t seen the Taste Pure Nature video clip, go and have a look. It makes you proud to be a farmer, a red meat producer and a New Zealander.
On a more sombre note, Mycoplasma bovis (Mp.bovis) continues to be found in new areas and this explosion in numbers has changed the discussion at government and industry level around eradication. It is an incredibly tough time for those farmers affected. We all need to support them. B+LNZ met with Minister O’Connor recently and is continuing to work with DairyNZ and MPI. Our focus is on getting a clear direction about the future of the response and learning everything we can to avoid our farmers going through this again.
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CANTERBURY FARMING
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Beattie Insulators was started by Doug Beattie in 1958 (60 years ago). Doug lead the way in permanent electric fencing and set a benchmark that many in the industry still aspire to. The insulators which put Beattie ahead of the pack are the ‘Permanents’. These feature Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) with a high strength Nylon Insert. Beattie Insulators is a family run business which was based at the home farm, ‘Haldon Downs’, Kaikoura. Doug’s daughter Linda and grandson Matt managed the business for many years before and after Doug passed away in 2014. In July 2017, brothers Ivan and Roger Beattie bought Linda’s shares in Beattie Insulators and moved the business from Kaikoura to Christchurch. Ivan is the Production and Sales Manager and Roger heads Marketing and Strategy. Beattie Insulators now has total control over materials and manufacturing and as a result has the confidence to have a 50 Year Guarantee on its Permanent Insulators – the No8 Y Post and No18 Wooden Post. These are the strongest and longest lasting plastic insulators on the market. Like a mooring chain that is only as strong as its weakest link, electric fences are only as good as the weakest insulator. You wouldn’t compromise on your boat, why compromise on your electric fence insulators. Poor quality insulators are one of the major reasons for electric fences not working properly.
Uncompromising: Ivan and Roger Beattie
‘
You wouldn’t compromise on your boat, why compromise on your electric fence insulators? Roger Beattie Beattie Insulators
Both Ivan and Roger are farmers and fully understand the cost saving and peace of mind that comes from not having to check or fix their permanent electric fences. If you are building new or replacing broken insulators, think intergenerational farming and buy Permanent Beattie Insulators. Beattie Insulators – Protecting Your Property “Fences never break down when you have spare time.”
Protecting Your Property No:8 Permanent Y
No:18 Permanent Wooden Post
Proudly
NZ MADE
www.beattieinsulators.co.nz
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Available Nationwide
CANTERBURY FARMING
FENCING
June 2018
23
Choosing the right fencing
When deciding on what type of fencing you need for your farm or lifestyle block, there are a variety of materials and methods which can be combined to provide a suitable fence for any situation.
❚ by Kent Caddick There are several types of stock fences commonly used in New Zealand:
7-9 Wire post and batten Used commonly for boundary fencing and as a general all-purpose fence, as it is strong, durable, and secure. Posts are usually four metres apart, and five battens are spaced evenly between the posts. Although one of the most expensive and labour intensive fences, it will contain sheep, cattle and horses adequately in most cases.
Multi-wire electric Depending on the type of stock being contained, different number of wires can be used, which are then electrified. Posts are spaced further apart, sometimes up to eight or ten metres between posts. A wide range of both wooden and steel posts can be used. Electric fences create a mental barrier to stock. The shock that they get from the fence acts as a deterrent in future escape efforts. This is opposed to the post and batten fence which simply provides a physical barrier. Because electric fences require fewer materials, they are usually cheaper, easier and faster to erect, however security and longevity can be sacrificed.
Sheep netting Sheep netting is wire netting, about a metre high, with wooden posts. It is ideal for sheep, and other small or young stock such as calves. It is also adequate for large stock when one or more outriggers are added to either the top or side of the netting. Deer fencing operates on exactly the same principles as sheep netting, except on a larger scale.
Post and rail Used commonly with horses as it is highly visible. Spooked horses have been severely injured after running through wire fences, particularly fences using high tensile wire. Most horses are kept within wire fences however, so it comes down to a personal choice. Post and rail fencing is also used around houses and driveways as it is aesthetically pleasing. Posts are usually two metres apart, with between three and four wooden rails. It can be difficult to get it looking straight and level without a high level of expertise. Post and rail fences are very secure with larger animals, especially when accompanied with an electric wire to prevent stock rubbing. It has a high cost per metre when compared to other fences.
Semi-permanent There are a wide range of materials available, such as electric tape and poly-wires, varying in different sizes and thicknesses. As well there is a range of semi-permanent type steel posts, such as Warratahs and Kiwitahs. Often used on lease blocks, or as a quick fix option. This type of fence is very cheap and easy to build. The disadvantages are the deterioration of the fence over a few years, and these fences require more regular maintenance.
Temporary Electric plastic tape usually wound up on a hand held reel. It is used mainly for cattle and horses to sub-divide an existing paddock, usually on a day by day basis. They are put up, and taken down, at the pace at which you can walk. They are the
Secure: Post and rail fences are not only extremely secure for larger animals like horses they are also aesthetically pleasing. least secure of any type of fence and require a good electric current and stock which are trained with electric fences.
Over the long term, it can be more profitable to invest in good quality fences from the start.
If unsure of the best type of fence for your situation, speak to other people and find out what works for them and what doesn’t, have a look at other properties and think about your budget. Talk to us today about your farms soil fertility. We offer a soil testing service and will recommend and supply you with a fertiliser program to suit you and your farms individual needs.
FERTILISERS
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 03 308 9623 • grayeng@xtra.co.nz Dave Stockdill
Roundwood
Southbrook Rd Rangiora Ph 03 313 8339 Fax 03 313 3767 Email roundwood@mcalpines.co.nz
● More Total Feed CUSTOMIZED ● Even Spread of Growth FOR YOUR FARM ● Increased Production FROM OUR INDEPTH ● Less Pest & Disease pressure SOIL TESTING ● Healthier Crops & Stock ● Less Reliance on Fertiliser “N” ● Improved Soil Structure ● Increase the Water & Nutrient Holding capacity of your soil ● Feed your Soil with Products that remain available for longer ● Better for the Environment
0800 65 65 88
info@sustainablesoils.co.nz
www.sustainablesoils.co.nz
POSTS
• Deer Posts • Stays • Strainers • Poles • Sheep Posts • Trellis Posts
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June 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2018
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June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
The power to move mountains When the first European settlers came to Canterbury the best means at their disposal for moving earth was the application of blood, sweat and effort – the simple mechanics of men and shovels.
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bly assisted by bullocks and Clydesdale horses, these hardy pioneers set to taming the land – and while some of their undertakings defy belief when considered in the light of their existing technology, it would be steam and finally diesel which truly forged the infrastructure of the region. The first machines to replace manpower and beasts were the traction engines which found a popular market in the Canterbury colony. Initially used for agricultural purposes as well as heavy duty work, these iron behemoths were employed in numbers never before seen to undertake a massive earthmoving and engineering achievement – the construction of the Coleridge dam, New Zealand’s first hydro-electric scheme on a large scale. In this era the diesel engine had already been invented, but there was little supply of either internal combustion machines or their fuel to the Canterbury region. On the other hand, the veterans of an entire steam-powered gold rush and their machines were at
hand – massive steam shovels and of course the traction engines themselves. Something more was needed, though, before earthmoving on a truly epic scale could occur, building up the city of Christchurch as well as the rural infrastructure of the plains. A step forward was taken during the horrors of the Somme, when, a century ago, the fruits of the soon-to-be-legendary Winston Churchill’s gloriously titled ‘Imperial Land Ship Project’ were unleashed on the German lines at the battle of Flers-Courcelette. Hard-bitten Kiwi troops were chosen to back up the first ever tanks, and many would have noted the Caterpillar tracks which made short work of tough terrain. A combination of those linked tracks and diesel combustion proved just the ticket in the years between the world wars - as the big yellow Caterpillar brand came to these shores in force. Combining the diesel engines which had advanced by leaps and bounds as maritime power plants during the war with the tracked layout pioneered in America in the 1920s gave us the Caterpillar bulldozer
Steam power: Steam gave way to diesel power for earthmoving and other farming activities. and its many variants. New Zealand took to the ‘Cat’ in such a fashion that for three heady years from 1937 to 1939 Kiwi Caterpillar distributor Gough, Gough and Hamer topped world sales figures. From ‘small’ steam-driven projects like the Coleridge dam we moved on to bigger and better things - such as the mighty Benmore dam, commissioned in the 1950s and
to this day the largest earth-filled water retaining structure in the country. Today we’re entering a new age of earthmoving machinery, as hybrid and electric machines slowly catch up and overtake the mighty diesel. Just as steam replaced the old colonial ‘navvies’, and was in its turn replaced by diesel power, it may well be electricity which carries the industry into a cleaner, greener and more powerful future.
STONE CRUSHING Our Heavy Duty Machinery is Perfect for Roading and the Development of Stoney Farm Land • Stone paddocks upto 300mm in diameter down to 25mm • Laneways and Driveways • Raw River Bed Gravel (unscreeened) • Coarse Lime Rock • Recycled material - concrete, brick etc.
MURPHY CONTRACTING Who are RYCO? When you hear RYCO think quality high pressure hydraulic hose and fittings. RYCO Hydraulics started manufacturing hoses and fittings in 1946 in Melbourne Australia, forging their name amongst the world's leading high pressure hydraulic; hose and fittings manufacture and suppliers with the belief that “Higher Technology Equals Greater Performance". Who can buy RYCO? RYCO quality range of hydraulic hose and fittings are supported by a network of loyal and committed distributors worldwide. Hoseman are the RYCO 24•7 franchise and distributor for RYCO in Canterbury.
Servicing North Canterbury – Phil Sleeman: phil@hoseman.co.nz • 027 801 3724 1418 Main North Road, Waikuku (Gemmell Contracting Yard)
RESURFACE DAIRY LANES Contact Graeme & Kay Murphy Ph (03) 693 9406 • Mobile (027) 451 8553
Stahlton offer rapid and cost effective rural bridge systems throughout the South Island. Contact us today for a customised solution to keep your operations moving. 03 344 3014 www.stahlton.co.nz info@stahlton.co.nz
CANTERBURY FARMING
June 2018
27
Getting the best work done on-time With a workplace that is as varied as the geography – and that Will the company help with the means, in New Zealand, extremely varied – it’s always a case of the disposal of debris? Your construction and demolition activities right machine for the right job when earthmoving. will result in a great deal of debris which you
C
onsequently, a contractor needs various types of earthmoving equipment from time to time. And if you are simply a landowner wanting earthmoving done, it pays to have a little background information. Machinery can open a huge capital investment window, but the smart operator today has hiring in mind, because there are obviously different types of machinery for different tasks – moving materials including rock, concrete, asphalt, clay, loam – this list goes on. Projects need to be efficiently carried out in specific contract times and that of course involves earthmovers and other related heavy equipment. Experienced industry operators well know if you are a contractor then you’ll need to hire different types of earthmoving equipment from time to time. Forget great capital investment, which also includes protection and maintenance and insurance. That’s the role of the hirer. It does not make sense to buy the gear when your requirements might change from time to time. Besides, the company that owns the equipment will take care of their mainte-
nance and upkeep. In addition, the company will have professional operators to handle the equipment, if you don’t simply dry hire and have your own operators. So what do you need to look for in the hire marketplace? Deal with a company that has the equipment that you require and can offer you tandem tippers, semi tippers, excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, graders, wheel loaders, dump trucks etc. It is no secret that requirements can change as a project develops, so going in well prepared can avoid the necessity of changes in plans leading to changes in contractors. A firm with a wide range of machinery is better than a lone operator who may mean days of delay with the required machinery tied up in jobs elsewhere. Preparation is a guardian of time and should ensure that you will always get the equipment you require in order to complete different stages of your project.
are required to dispose of in a safe manner. Be sure to check if the company that hires out equipment for earthmoving will do this for you. This will save you a great deal of effort.
Is the equipment in good condition?
And finally, cost effectiveness is a no-brainer so ensure the company you choose is affordable, with nothing hidden in the small print. You’ll obviously want to
If you hire well-maintained equipment then you can be sure that your work gets completed on time. You won’t have to worry about lost opportunities caused due to downtime.
keep your costs down in order to maintain profitability. However, you should not compromise on quality just to get a good discount. Good hiring should result in good work being done on time and within budget.
DIRTY DEEDS Done Dirt Cheap
Does the company pay sufficient attention to safety? Always deal with a company that follows industry safety standards. The equipment you hire should come with completed maintenance log books. They should also have well-maintained brakes, headlights and horns.
Is it within budget?
13.5T KOBELCO DIGGER TIP TRUCK AND TRAILERS EXPERIENCED OPERATOR
EXCAVATORS Ltd
Contact Gerard on 027 584 5895 or 03 688 2888
BARRY WHITTAKER CONTRACTING LTD.
THE MAINTENANCE MASTER Workplace safety, stock health, happy contractors... everything is covered with the Rutmaster.
The Rutmaster provides a simple and cost-effective solution. Shingle, clay or lime chip is dropped into the ruts, filling them in no time. The Rutmaster fills 400/500mm wide ruts and material can be sourced either from the farm or can be supplied. Rutmaster blade - Returns shoulder soil into the rut, reducing the amount of material required. Great end results.
Contact Barry for your maintenance solution today.
LET US SOLVE YOUR POND EROSION AND TROUGH GRAVEL PROBLEMS. ALSO OPERATING A 20 TONNE DIGGER. RUTMASTER | INSTIGATOR P: 03 302 3888 M: 027 480 3380 E: b.jwhittaker@xtra.co.nz
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June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
Replenishing the workforce
The earthmoving and heavy machinery industry is a vital one, both in urban and rural New Zealand. From the ‘grass roots’ of farming, where roads, races, dams and more must be constructed with the aid of diggers and bulldozers, through to the multi-billion-dollar roading projects dictated by central government, there’s always a need for those wheels and tracks to keep rolling.
T
hat’s why it’s vital to ensure that a new generation of machinery operators come up through the ranks, filling the drivers’ seats in years to come. A ‘crunch’ in the industry is predicted as the demand for earthmoving operators increases – for example, $13 billion was slated for national roading alone in the last five years – but not only is the current skill base ageing, it’s also slow to be replenished by new graduates. Part of this comes down to the require-
Insurance Work
Specialising
ments to get into the industry now as opposed to in the past. The old method of advancement through opportunity, learning on the job and upskilling when new machines were commissioned has been replaced with a fixed tertiary-level training pathway in civil plant operation. Part of this is for reasons of health and safety, and part reflects the relative complexity and power of modern machines as opposed to their forebears. Nevertheless, with over half of bulldozer
in
PANEL BEATING
SPRAY PAINTING of
&
Cars, Trucks, Buses, Horse Floats & Motorhomes, Caravans, Trailers, Farm Machinery, Jet Boats, Light Engineering and Aluminium Welding 17 Range Street (Industrial Estate) Ashburton Phone 307 0378 l 0274 274 007 Email: busandtruckbodywork@xtra.co.nz 060815
1885835
drivers and near to half of grader drivers over the age of 55, it’s a sea-change in attitudes which may see young people adopt this profession. With most courses in civil plant and heavy machinery operation boasting an 85 percent rate of flow-through to good, well paid employment, there’s certainly an incentive there for young people not interested in purely academic tertiary training. A basic course in civil plant operation is also relatively inexpensive by comparison with other tertiary studies, and can last only 26 weeks on average – a fast track to real employment. This acknowledges the fact that there is still much to learn once the new operator first gets behind the controls on a ‘live’ worksite. Seasoned drivers will agree that a lifetime of skill and practice is what teaches finesse
when operating a multi-ton excavator, for example. And, as new machinery becomes available or familiar designs are modified for ease of use, more versatility or more power, this is also a career which lends itself to constant up-skilling, with internal training programmes undertaken by many large earthmoving and construction companies to keep their team up to date with the most cutting-edge tech in the business.
CANTERBURY FARMING
June 2018
What lies beneath?
Heavy earthmoving machinery, and of course just a simple trench digger, can have an impact which can spread unwanted ripples far outside their operative zone.
S
imply digging up old posts on a fence line recently cut the telephone services to a wide rural area, when the telecommunications cable was severed. So it behoves contractors, machinery operators and indeed landowners to make sure they know what’s in the ground they are working on. There are rules and regulations aplenty and a wise landowner will acquaint him or herself to the presence of cables, drains, water pipes, and the like. Before commencing any excavation work, including tunnelling or boring, it is the duty of the ‘person in charge’ to make the necessary enquiries by contacting the various authorities, who could have an interest – usually best identified by the phone company and then the local or regional council, to find out the exact location of any underground pipes or cables laid within the proposed work area. A record should be
made of the enquiries and replies. The greatest source of damage to underground cables and pipes is the use of earthmoving plant such as excavators, backhoes, gradalls, bulldozers, and similar equipment. When it is known that any underground facility exists, pipes, drains, or cables, then it is again the person in charge who needs to make exactly sure of what’s underneath by trial excavations, particularly in the case of signals and communications cables.
Mt Somers Excavation Ltd
Then it’s probably a case of flagging these so that they are obvious to all involved on the site, explaining the location and marking positions on the surface. The serious consequences of broken pipe and cables is underlined by the industry standard warning that it’s essential that there be a detailed investigation in every case, of earthmoving, trenching and excavation work, even though the project might be of a minor nature. The cost of repairing damage is frequently extremely high and in addition the loss of the facility can affect a very wide area, and in the case of cut communications, can in fact be life threatening. At the very least it leads to expensive delays and a serious loss of goodwill. And when hazards such as electrical cables, or gas or fuel pipelines have been identified as existing – all staff working on the site must be told.
Phone Jason
027 495 5732
“Local knowledge that counts” Specialists in all types of : • Earthmoving/Excavation • Borderdyking (Laser and GPS) • Dairy Conversions and Underpasses • Farm Maintenance • Irrigation Trenching and Pipe Laying • Pond Construction and Design • Tree and Stump Removal
GENERAL FARM MAINTENANCE • ALKATHENE PIPE IRRIGATION MAINLAND TRENCHING • 8 & 20 TONNE DIGGERS TIP TRUCK & TRAILER • GRADER SCREEN SHINGLE SUPPLIES • TREE REMOVAL
Alistair Parris Owner/Operator • Ph: 027 434 7278 20 Hinds Gorge Rd RD8, Ashburton 7778 E: mtsomersexcavation@xtra.co.nz www.mtsomersexcavation.co.nz
FARM DRAINAGE | TRENCHING WATER AND IRRIGATION RACE CLEANING ROOT RAKING | GENERAL FARM WORK
Waimate 03 689 7881 | Timaru 03 687 4699
Earthmoving
Oamaru 03 433 1246 | Ashburton 03 308 6011 enquiry@rooneygroup.co.nz | www.rooneygroup.co.nz
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June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
FORESTRY
Making forestry farmer friendly DairyNZ is welcoming a move by the Government to look closely at how industry groups can help meet the Government’s One Billion Trees programme.
❚ by Kent Caddick DairyNZ strategy and investment leader for Responsible Dairy Dr David Burger said the dairy sector has a strong role to play in supporting the Government’s One Billion Trees policy. “We know that increased on farm planting throughout New Zealand will be vital for New Zealand to transition to a low emissions economy, as well as having positive effects for soil, air and water quality,” Dr Burger said. A draft report released by the Productivity
Commission recently, entitled “Low-emission economy, focused heavily on carbon sequestration from forestry. The report said until long term technological solutions are found to reduce biological emissions on farms, the sector will be looking at options to increase on-farm planting. The Government has already announced the appointment of a Ministerial advisory group to provide independent advice on the forestry sector and how Government and industry can work together to deliver outcomes for New Zealand.
Forest Management
Getting with the programme: Dairy industry leaders are looking at ways to assist the Government in its One Billion Trees programme.
LTD
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With 25 years experience in the industry, the Forest Management Team offer services in:
All riparian planting and wet land species could be accepted as ‘trees’ for the purpose of the One Billion
• Woodlot and shelterbelt harvesting
Trees programme.
• Timber sales to domestic and export markets
Shane Jones Forestry Minister
• Forest establishment of harvested and greenfield sites • Forest valuation • Emission Trading Scheme advice and management • Trainer/Assessor in NZQA forestry related units Our highly experienced teams aim to ensure value optimisation in all aspects of forest management.
To find out more call us on 03 343 4101 or visit www.forestmanagement.co.nz
TREE HUGGER TREE TOPPING SERVICES LTD • Grabs, cuts trunks up to 500mm diameter, and lowers them in a controlled way • Can top to 8m high • Minimise damage to buildings fences, garden etc • Tree & hedge removal • Free quotes Canterbury wide
“Many dairy farmers are small forestry block owners, and many more already plant for several reasons including planting for shelter, for fodder, and to improve water quality, or to retire land,” Dr Burger said. “Simple changes could significantly increase the uptake of different types of onfarm planting by New Zealand dairy farmers.” He said in order for the greater farmer uptake, the Ministry need to be more flexible with their land size criteria. “Many farmers have the ability to plant on farm, but in more spaced out or smaller lot sizes. This means the trees or other plant species they plant are not recognised by the Ministry or included in the Greenhouse Gas Inventory scheme which allocates carbon credits for planting. “We would also like to see a broader definition of ‘tree’ considered by the Government.
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Your old Macrocarpa or Gum Trees! Do you have a stand of trees? Would you like these removed? We can offer you competitive rates and cash in return!
Phone Peter Whyte 027 426 5595 03 347 4941 www.treehugga.co.nz
PHONE KENT ON SUPPLIES LIMITED
021 325 661
653 Ellesmere Road, Lincoln www.macrocarpasupplies.co.nz
“This would mean farmers are recognized for the planting species that currently fall outside of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory definition and yet provides similar benefits to the environment as the planting of traditional trees. “For example, all riparian planting and wet land species could be accepted as ‘trees’ for the purpose of the One Billion Trees programme. “With this clarification, we could work more closely with the sector to advise on the optimal mixes of plantings on farm to provide the highest possible environmental benefits.” The new Forestry Ministerial Advisory Group is made up of 10 forestry experts who will provide industry perspectives and advice to help meet New Zealand’s forestry goals, including the One Billion Tree Programme. “The group has been selected for their expertise in a wide range of disciplines that I believe are necessary to deliver New Zealand’s forestry goals,” Forestry Minister Shane Jones said. “They will provide direct industry perspectives on a range of topics, including research, commercial and conservation forestry, local government, farm-forestry, wood processing, education and research. “The group will provide insights on the performance of the overall forestry system, along with advice on future trends, risks and issues,” Jones said. The Forestry Ministerial Advisory Group will be chaired by Dr Warren Parker, chair of the New Zealand Conservation Authority and the former chief executive officer of Scion and Landcare Research.
CANTERBURY FARMING
FORESTRY
June 2018
31
Logging records being smashed
Allan Laurie MnZIF ❚ with Laurie Forestry Ltd ❚
On the China Eastern seaboard, some port off take sales days have exceeded 110,000 cubic metres. Meanwhile during May, average sales have averaged 96,000 cubic metres per day. This smashes all previous records by about 10,000 cubic metres per day. It is even more staggering when we put the average in to context. At 96,000 m3 per day, for the mid May period, in less than 10 days China eastern seaboard consumption exceeded the entire annual log production from Canterbury Forests. Not surprisingly therefore market indicators are generally positive. However, log prices are not surging upward and that is very important at this time. Most commentators have indicated prices unchanged or up US$1 per m3 in CNF sales prices for May shipments. Shipping as softened US$1-$2 per m3 for May voyages and FOREX is back a notch. All of this culminated in very nice lifts of NZ$5 –$6 per m3 at wharf gate basis, taking us back up to about where we were in January/February 2018. Eastern seaboard inventory is sitting at around 4.2 million m3 as at mid-May and falling. Most are suggesting if inventory sneaks under 4 million, further small lifts in CNF prices for June settlements are likely. Recent changes on China side bio-security scrutiny are likely to have some impact. The Trump initiated trade barriers better known as “handbags drawn and at the ready” stoush with China is impacting US log sales with many containers turned away at the border due “bio-security” breaches. My bet is there will be one or two log exporters in the US not overly happy with Mr Trump at present. In the short term New Zealand has escaped elevated bio-security checks and so is on the right side of supply and compliance. Some are suggesting this may not last. India is having one or two “issues” at pre-
Second quarter 2018 log sales statistics have hit some all-time highs. sent with charges of corruption levelled at the very large Punjab Bank likely to have far reaching consequences. Investigations are extending far and wide with credit availability at threat which is hampering Letter of Credit issuance and therefore log sales. Local sawmills in New Zealand are continuing at pace. It has been very exciting to learn of Red Stag Timber near Rotorua expansion in to CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) production. This product is basically a competitor to those nasty environmentally destructive concrete tilt slabs which currently dominate the industrial construction sector, or at least until the next major earthquake. CLT is a very cost competitive, very safe and earthquake proof modular construction with significant robotic and technology inputs allowing multi story construction in very short build times. And of course the process uses a lot of timber. I suggest readers simply hit Cross Laminated Timber on the web search and be prepared to be amazed if you haven’t heard of this one before. The recent Productivity Commission low emissions economy draft report was recently picked up and misreported in the media. The Press article titled “Emissions effect on Dairy, fuel prices” by Madison Reidy refers to Farming, transport and forestry accounting for most of NZ carbon emissions. This is factually incorrect and certainly not to be found in the report. Forestry does not feature as being responsible for carbon emissions indeed quite the reverse. Forests absorb carbon through photosynthesis in an act called sequestration. In so doing, they sequester about one third of NZ emissions currently whilst agriculture is responsible for about one third of our total emissions. The Productivity Commission report draft talks about the possible regulatory and policy framework as we step toward 2030 emis-
sions reductions targets. Indeed farming, transport and forestry have possible key roles to play here: Farming through productivity gains and emissions reductions with a focus on research and best practice; Transport through the adoption of electrification; Forestry through the planting of large areas of plantation and indigenous forests.
Misreporting and inaccuracies do not help New Zealanders to understand the important role the primary sectors have in our collective climate future. 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.
FORESTRY SERVICES - CONSULTING - MANAGEMENT - MARKETING
Laurie Forestry Ltd
Harvesting & Marketing, Consultants & Managers
Specialists in: • Woodlot and Forest harvest - at any scale • Direct log sales in both domestic and export segments • Top quality H&S systems and management • Forest right or cutting right purchases • Planting and silviculture management • Top advice, top people, top service
See our website for information including Market www.laurieforestry.co.nz Reports and Log Price Tables www.laurieforestry.co.nz
COMPANY S E E R T IR E H T D N A E THE PEOPL Office: Phone 03 359 5000 Email: admin@laurieforestry.co.nz Unit 3 337 Harewood Road Bishopdale Christchurch 22 Shearman Street Waimate Phone 03 689 8333 • Cell: 027 432 1420
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June 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING
Cloud-based farm information system
Selwyn based dairy company Synlait Milk has partnered with farm software company FarmIQ Systems to provide certified Lead With Pride dairy farmers with a cloud-based farm information system.
❚❚by Kent Caddick Synlait’s Lead With Pride programme recognises and financially rewards suppliers who achieve dairy farming best practice, and guarantees the integrity of pure natural milk produced on certified dairy farms. Synlait’s CEO and Managing Director John Penno said Lead With Pride enables our world leading health and nutrition customers to differentiate their products as having absolute integrity and superior quality as well as being sustainably produced – critical in a competitive marketplace. “Keeping records in the cloud creates the opportunity for data to drive timely, accurate and more informed decisions on farm in a heartbeat,” Mr Penno said. He said removing the need for paperbased records also brings benefits in terms of system efficiencies and greater access to information. “It’s very easy to create data but it’s much harder to do something valuable with it.” FarmIQ Systems CEO Darryn Pegram said they are delighted to be partnering with Synlait to help farmers gain even more value from Synlait’s Lead With Pride programme. “FarmIQ’s software makes it easier for farmers to record their activities and provides useful, real-time insights to help them make better decisions,” Mr Pegram said. “We expect this initiative to bring Synlait closer to their farmers and to strengthen their enviable integrated supply chain.” As well as using the new system to capture specified dairy farm information, certified Lead With Pride™ farmers can also choose to add further information, allowing
Driving performance: FarmIQ’s software, which includes a mobile app, makes it easier for farmers to record their activities and provides useful, real-time insights to help them make better decisions. them to tailor it to their needs. “Our farmers will have a more robust way to capture farm information and this will ultimately deliver better performance across a wide range of farm activities,” Synlait’s milk supply manager David Williams said.
“Beyond their individual farm, they will also be able to benchmark against other farms through comparable aggregated data. The extra insight is something they can actually use and benefit from every day.” As well as covering the subscription fee for the FarmIQ Dairy+ pack, Synlait is investing in development of the software to address specific Lead With Pride requirements.
“Ultimately, adding these features into Farm IQ’s system will further improve the transparency of our value chain and builds on our commitment to add value and differentiate milk behind the farm gate,” Mr Williams said. The new cloud-based software system, which includes a mobile app, will be available later in 2018.
CANTERBURY FARMING
June 2018
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Winter set to be colder than normal
Some very cold southwesterly airflows in the last few weeks of May have been the result of significant but relatively unusual patterns in the Southern Ocean and over Antartica earlier in the month, which have released a shot of cold air into the weather systems over and around New Zealand.
Tony Trewinnard ❚ by ❚ Blue Skies Weather Expectations for winter still favour wide and energetic variation – recent storms and southwesterlies are likely to repeat over the winter, and when it gets colder, the snow will get lower. But there are still strong indications of easterly airflow, westerlies, and large anticyclones all in the mix as well. I would still pick temperatures overall for winter to be near normal or perhaps a little colder than normal, but to feel cold, due to decreased sunshine and increased rainfall. With increased rainfall, inevitably comes increased snowfall for Canterbur y but there are no clear indications that this will consistently reach to low levels. Annoying for farmers, not necessarily disruptive for others. Where might we be heading through the winter and into spring and next summer? It’s still too early to hone in on where El Nino might be heading, and a lot of possibilities are on the table. Perhaps a neutral outcome is fractionally the most likely, but not so likely I would base a forecast on it just yet. One year which keeps popping up in the analogues for this season is 2006, and it’s interesting to note how the 2006 winter, spring and 2006-07 summer evolved as a weak El Nino, like an El Nino Modoki event, developed. So what is an El Nino Modoki? This is a particular flavour of El Nino which affects New Zealand in a different way to the plain vanilla El Nino we get most of the time. It tends to be colder, and wetter, it doesn’t bring severe drought to the east in the way a regular El Nino often does, and it tends to be over fairly quickly. It’s interesting to look back at 2006 and see what happened. The 2005-06 summer was warm, wet in the nor th, dr y and sunny in the south and west of the South Island, so similar in many ways to our recent summer. Autumn 2006 was ver y wet in nor thern areas, dr y and sunny in the south of the
South Island, and with near normal temperatures for most. Again, a reasonable match. So, where did the 2006 winter go? It was described as a winter of extremes, with snowstorms in the South Island, very wet in parts of the North Island, dry in parts of the South Island, frequent storms and high rainfalls, and temperatures a little colder than usual. A very mixed bag of weather. If we take 2006 further on, the spring was full of westerly and southwesterly airflows, so wet, cloudy and cool in the west of both islands, but drier, sunnier, and milder in the east. The 2006-07 summer was dry (but not droughty) in most places, but with some areas
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.
wetter than usual (including parts of Canterbury). Temperatures were colder than usual, and sunshine hours above normal. Golden Bay Dolomite Again, I want to emphasize NZ’s most loved magnesium. that 2006 is just one of several analogues for the current season, and they didn’t all turn out that way. But for now it is perhaps the strongest match to the call 0800 436 566 or visit current season (taking into www.dolomite.co.nz account where the Southern Oscillation is at, the low solar cycle and a few other global or semi-global patterns).
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34
June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
DAIRY
Tinkering won’t fix the ‘N’ issue The reason for excess Nitrate entering waterways and aquifers is that too much ‘bag N’ is being applied.
❚ with Peter Burton
ter is usually uneconomic, due to lessened response, and it is prone to leaching during The total amount being applied varies de- periods of wet weather. The summation of the hundreds of trials pending on the source with a figure of undertaken by MAF was that the use of nitro750,000 tonne regularly appearing. Nitrogen is sold as a growth stimulant, gen fertiliser on permanent grazed pastures with each kilogram of nitrogen providing ex- was seldom worthwhile. The most common reason given for the tra kilograms of pasture with the response varying depending on the time of the year seemingly widespread refusal to discuss a reduction in ‘bag N’ applications is that it when applied. MAF data going back as far as the 1970s would lead to fewer animals resulting in lowshows two things that are important in this er farm production and causing a severe fidiscussion. Firstly, the time when the re- nancial recession in rural New Zealand. Under the current mainstream regular apsponse to applied N is greatest is when pasture is naturally growing rapidly ie Sep- plications of nitrogen, pasture growth has steadily declined from a high of 18,000kg in tember, October and November. The second important point is that af- the late 1970s, to at best 15,000kg DM/ha ter the burst of growth provided by nitrogen now, with speed of decline accelerating. It is therefore just a matter of time bethere is a depression in growth, usually due fore pastoral farming becomes uneconomto suppression of clover. This means that the application of N in ic. Another five years should be enough to spring is of little, if any, benefit as growth at see a severe contraction, particularly as the that time already exceeds animal require- costs of production and compliance steadily increase. ments. There’s always an upside to extreme chalFurther boosting of growth at this time leads to clovers being shaded, and from ear- lenge, and the farming community has ally November onwards it is clover that natural- ways found ways to prevail. The first step is to drag the nitrogen issue out of the shadows ly outperforms grasses. Nitrogen applied in late autumn and win- for rigorous debate. Much better that than have its use regulated. There are a group of farmers already ahead of the Electrical Problems or Maintenance? game. They have steadily increased annual pasture production, less pest and
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disease pressure, higher per animal production and markedly lower overall costs. The ten years of measured monthly pasture production from the Berryman property close to Edgecumbe show steadily increasing pasture performance over that time, with total farm production to match. It’s an intensive dairy operation with production in excess of 1300kg MS/ha and 500kg/cow, with the herd wintered on the property. Pasture production for the twelve months ending 30th May this year was 19,278kgDM/ha, down from 21,151kgDM/ha last season. The farm is not reliant on fertiliser nitrogen and less than 30kg/ha is applied annually. Typically, a small amount is applied in autumn to help transition the pasture from summer to a more grass dominant sward. A little sulphate of ammonia is sometimes applied in mid-winter to encourage early season growth. It’s a pragmatic system with nitrogen fertiliser regarded as a strategic input, however at an average daily growth rate of 55kgDM/ha its use is seldom considered. Nitrate N concentrations, when measured as part of a project comparing the property with a high N input property, showed losses to be 70% less.
The cost of the total nutrient package is no higher than that of a conventional nitrogen dependent programme growing 15,000kgDM/ha per year. The soil fertility system used is Functional Fertiliser’s ‘total nutrient package’ based on CalciZest and DoloZest. Both products contain a wide range of selected beneficial fungi and bacteria and results in nutrient cycling more rapidly, and improved physical soil structures allowing plants to root deeper, extracting more nutrient including nitrogen before being lost to groundwater. For more information call Peter Burton on 0800 843 809.
DAIRY
Fred Hoekstra ❚ with VeeHof ❚
CANTERBURY FARMING
June 2018
35
OAD or TAD?
... that’s the question
When you hear a farmer talk about OAD (Once-A-Day) milking it is often noted that cows are so much happier. Milk production does not seem to drop that much, and they have a lot less lame cows. If you go by that, why wouldn’t you go OAD milking and on some farms that may well be the best option. The question that nobody seems to be asking is “why are cows so much happier and why are there much less lame cows”? I think there is a ver y good lesson to be learned from the OAD milkers. The reason why cows respond so well to OAD milking is because their basic needs are being better catered for. A cow needs water, food, air, light, space and shelter. The better you cater for those needs the better the cows can function and therefore the cow becomes more productive and profitable. So, when you go OAD milking what basic need are you catering for better than you did with the TAD (Twice-A-Day) milking? Air, light and space are not usually a problem for our pasture-based dair y cows. On the other hand, water, food
and shelter can be a big challenge. The water situation does not change when you go OAD milking, but food and shelter does. The key here is the time budget. With time budget I mean that a cow has 24 hours of time each day. How is she spending or how should she be spending her 24 hours? In that time, she needs to eat, drink, rest, socialize, walk to and from the cow shed and be milked. When you look at a well-fed herd in a paddock on a dr y day you see cows grazing, laying down, drinking and socializing – this is normal, natural behaviour for a cow. When you take the cows out of the paddock and put them on the holding yard, cows take on a different behaviour: they bunch up on the tracks and just stand on the yard. As this is different behaviour to what they show us when they are not controlled by people we can conclude that just standing is not a natural behaviour. When we talk about shelter as a basic need for a cow we talk about ever ything that shelter is for, eg a barrier
in wet and windy conditions, but also a place to be able to lay down comfor tably. The shelter itself has not changed when you go OAD milking but the amount of time available for a cow to lay down has because she is spending less of her time on the track and in the cow shed. This is also true for food. OAD cows spend more time in the paddock eating and spend less energy walking. These are the main differences from a cow’s perspective between OAD and TAD milking. Basically, the cows are telling us that the way we manage them in a TAD system is often not catering for their basic needs sufficiently. So, we can go OAD or we can change our management to improve the paddock time to better cater for their basic needs. If you cater for their basic needs to the same level as you would under OAD, you will find that the per formance difference between the OAD and TAD cows become much greater.
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36
June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
Award winners living the dream
The 2018 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winners are smart people who are technologically savvy, care about people, the environment and cows and who are doing very well at dairy farming according to the event’s organisers.
❚ by Kent Caddick In front of nearly 550 people at Invercargill’s ILT Stadium, Dan and Gina Duncan from Nor thland were named the 2018 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year, Gerard Boerjan from Hawkes Bay-WairaraTop team: Gina and Dan Dunpa became the 2018 New Zealand Dair y can from northland were named Manager of the Year and Simone Smail the 2018 new Zealand Share from Southland-Otago was announced as Farmers of the Year at the 2018 the 2018 New Zealand Dair y Trainee of new Zealand Dairy Industry the Year. They shared prizes worth over Awards. $202,000 . “This year there have been a few trends amongst the 33 finalists competing for honours in the awards programme,” General Manager Chris Keeping said. “The finalists are acutely aware of the importance of biosecurity and health and safety with regards to both environmental issues, animal management and sustainThe judges said New Zealand Share ability. It’s extremely positive to see such dedication to these issues within the indus- Farmers of the Year Dan and Gina Duncan can be summed up in three words – pastr y.” Share Farmer head judge Kevin McKin- sionate, professional and committed. “They are a friendly, out-going couple who ley, from Dair yNZ, said the judges were impressed to discover how educated the en- are working on an exceptionally challenging trants were, either ter tiar y educated or look- farm. They epitomise living the dream. They left secure jobs as registered valuers and ing to upskill themselves. “We’ve been from one end of the coun- made the career change to dair y farming, tr y to the other and we have met a stunning and they’re excelling at it. They’re the comgroup of people excelling within the indus- plete package.” The Duncans are 50:50 Sharemilkers for tr y,” McKinley said. “We met people who genuinely value oth- the Pouto Topu A Trust milking 1020 cows er people and how they can help them pro- on the 460ha Pouto proper ty. In winning the national title and $49,700 gress through the industr y. They realise you have to look after staff and value them if in cash and prizes, the couple demonyou want to keep them. The winners will be strated strengths in pasture management excellent ambassadors for the dair y indus- and financial management. They also won three merit awards; the Primar yITO Intertr y.”
SAFETY
view Award, the Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award and the Westpac Business Per formance Award. The runners-up in the Share Farmer of the Year competition, Papakura 50:50 sharemilkers Chris and Sally Guy are described by the judges as traditional and solid who are cow and grass focused. The couple are in their second season 50/50 sharemilking on Allan Guy’s 80ha Papakura proper ty, milking 200 cows. They also won the Ecolab Farm Dair y Hygiene merit award and $23,300 in cash and prizes. ‘Excellent attention-to-detail and an allrounder’ is how judges described the 2018 New Zealand Dair y Manager of the Year, Gerard Boerjan. “He takes a systems approach to the way he manages the farm, he has good systems in place to ensure nothing gets through the gaps,” judge Mark Shadwick from Dair yNZ said. “Ever ything is well documented, he covers health and safety to an exceptional level and his financial understanding is of the highest calibre.” Boerjan, aged 50 years, has successfully
farmed in Portugal and Brazil and is currently Farm Manager for Trevor Hamilton on his 553ha Takapau property. He won $22,600 in cash and prizes. He also won the DairyNZ Employee Engagement and the Westpac Financial Management and Planning merit awards. The Dair y Manager runner-up, Will Green from Canterbur y, aged 32 years, also won the Ravensdown Feed Management Award. Green is the farm manager for Kieran and Leonie Guiney on their 240ha, 830-cow farm at Fairlie and won $11,300 in prizes. The judges noted that he is an extremely focused manager with a real emphasis on his team, and has a philosophy of efficient milk production within the system he works, which he adheres to. The 2018 New Zealand Dair y Trainee of the Year title went to Simone Smail, who is the herd manager on an Invercargill City Council farm, working for Steve and Tracy Henderson on the 780-cow, 310ha property at Invercargill. Visit www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz for more information on the awards and winners.
Up and comer: Southland’s Simone Smail took out the 2018 nZ Dairy Trainee of the Year title.
The forest industry has invested millions making our forests safer to work in. Most of our harvesting operators are working inside specialised machines, instead of wielding chainsaws like they all used to. Our serious injury rate in forests has fallen. We put a high priority on learning from our mistakes. No other primary industry makes more of a safety effort than we do.
www.nzwood.co.nz Managing success: Gerard Boerjan celebrates with partner Marlene after being named Dairy Manager of the Year at the 2018 new Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.
CANTERBURY FARMING
WATER & IRRIGATION
June 2018
37
Data needs to be more accessible Irrigation New Zealand says data collected from water meters on farms needs to be made more accessible to the public and irrigators.
❚ by Kent Caddick A recent report from the Office of the Auditor General, monitoring how water is used for irrigation, reported on the use of water meters across the six regions which account for 90% of irrigation consents nationally. Approximately 99% of high-water use permit holders in these regions now have water meters installed according to the report. “Farmers and growers using irrigation have been required nationally to collect data from water meters since 2012, however six years on there is still no national dataset around water use,” IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis said. “Farmers have invested in water meters and associated software to comply with regulations and are using this to monitor and improve their water efficiency. “With an increasing volume of information coming out of farm environment plans we are now gathering more data. “We would like to see the government take the lead on establishing a consistent national data management framework and reporting system for monitoring water use. This would enable the public to have a clearer picture of how water is being used on farms,” Curtis said. The recently released 2017 Agricultural Census shows that over 90% of New Zealand’s irrigated land area uses spray or drip
Efficient irrigation: Drip micro systems are commonly used in new Zealand and are an efficient irrigation system. This system is being used to help grow apples.
irrigation which is the most efficient form of irrigation. The Agricultural Census data also showed a significant drop in the amount of surface irrigation used which reduced by over 50 percent from 2012 to 2017. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, worldwide 86% of irrigated land uses surface irrigation which is the least efficient form of irrigation and only 14% of land uses spray or drip irrigation. “New Zealand irrigators are continuing to switch to modern irrigation systems to become more water efficient and reduce nutrient losses into groundwater and waterways,” Curtis said. He said IrrigationNZ has been championing the need for water metering since 2008.
It established a code of practice for water management and led the establishment of a blue-tick programme which accredits water meter installation and verification companies.
‘
We want to see a consistent, national data management framework and reporting system.
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38
June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
WATER & IRRIGATION
Clarity on farm water use needed The Office of the Auditor General recently released a report into how water meters were being used to monitor water use for irrigation.
Andrew Curtis ❚ by ❚ Irrigation NZ The report focused on their implementation across the six regions which account for 90% of irrigation consents. It showed that meters are now widely used to monitor water use, with 99% of high-water use permit holders (>20 l/s) having water meters installed and most low-water use users (<20 l/s) also have meters operating. The pre-election period last year resulted in a number of debates about water use on farms, with some exaggerated claims made
Information wanted: IrrigationnZ would like to see the data collected from water meters on farms made more accessible
about how much water is being used by irrigators. The lack of transparent information meant commentators found it difficult to be accurate about water use, and there were a range of assumptions put forward of how much water an ‘average’ dairy farm would use as a result. Unfortunately some of the examples cited were well-off the mark. IrrigationNZ would like to see the data collected from water meters on farms made more accessible to the public and irrigators to provide clarity about what’s really going on. Farmers and growers using irrigation have been required to collect data from water meters since 2012, however six years on there is still no national dataset around water use. There has been a consid-
erable amount of money and time invested in installing and monitoring water meters and associated software to comply with regulations. Farmers use this data to monitor and improve their water efficiency. With many regions requiring Farm Environment Plans there is an increasing volume of information now available. We would like to see the government take the lead on establishing a consistent national data management framework and reporting system for monitoring water use. This would enable the public to have a clearer picture of how water is being used on farms. That way, if we are going to have a debate about whether farms are using too much water, at least we can have an informed discussion. The Agricultural Production Census was also released recently and it shows New Zealand has some of the most modern irrigation systems in the world.
Over 90% of New Zealand’s irrigated land area uses spray or drip irrigation which is the most efficient form of irrigation. The Census showed there had been a significant drop in the amount of surface irrigation used which reduced by over 50 percent from 2012 to 2017. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, worldwide 86% of irrigated land uses surface irrigation which is the least efficient form of irrigation and only 14% of land uses spray or drip irrigation. More modern irrigation systems are also good for the environment as they help reduce nutrient losses into groundwater and waterways. As an organisation, we have now trained over 3,000 irrigators and irrigation service professionals. This demonstrates the real commitment irrigators have to becoming more efficient and to investing in upskilling their knowledge.
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WATER & IRRIGATION
CANTERBURY FARMING
June 2018
39
For all your irrigation needs Water is a commodity that is very much in the spotlight and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings has the knowledge, products and ability to ensure that your irrigation needs are well taken care of. Founded in 1991 and based in Ashburton, the family orientated company is the exclusive importer and distributor of Reinke Manufacturing and Snap-tite Irrigation Hose. With the wide variety of Reinke and Snap-tite products available, you can be assured there is a system right for you. Since its introduction into New Zealand, Snap-tite has proven to be an extremely hard wearing lay flat hose for many irrigation farmers. Having a tough, durable, smooth unified polyurethane outer cover ensures the hose has excellent abrasion resistance and superior tensile strength. With its unique continuous extrusion process, continuous lengths of up to 350m have been manufactured and are being used in many places in New Zealand. There are many drag hose irrigators operating with 350m x 5” Snap-tite hoses. The outer polyurethane cover has been formulated to resist high ozone and ultra violet conditions, the polyurethane cover also ensures that there in much less drag which is why longer lengths can be successfully used. With each hose comes with a 10 year factory warranty. Goods stocks of Snap-tite hose are held in Ashburton, with containers arriving regularly in the next few months to ensure all diameters and lengths are readily available
for the expected irrigation season ahead. Reinke and the team at Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings can design and supply the desired irrigation system to suit all needs. With the advancement in technology, you can be assured that irrigation water will be applied where you want it and when you want it. Their experienced design team can design all your irrigation requirements for all irrigation requirements for any farm types or improvements to your existing irrigation system, utilising the best products with the best after sales back up. GPS Guidance is the ultimate form of irrigator guidance and Reinke and Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings have been leading the way with GPS guidance for many years. There are numerous pivot and lateral combinations working off single Trimble GPS base stations. Another major feature is the “touchscreen” Main Control Panel. This touchscreen panel allows the operator to quickly and easily adjust the application rates of any of the systems. A recent addition is the introduction of Reincloud Ag-Data Services. Reincloud is an online software pack-
age, designed by Reinke Manufacturing that helps combine field data and irrigation data into one easy to use dashboard. This includes soil moisture or weather
data and other environmental data. It is safe and secure; the operator can be advised by either txt or email. Everyday access is available on multiple devices – smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. Reincloud is easy to use and informative. Some of the options available are soil moisture, air temperature, ground temperature, wind direction, wind speed, rainfall, humidity and water pressure. All this information is easily accessible to the operator. Reinke pivots and laterals have been sold throughout New Zealand, on many varying farming types.
40
June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
Dr Tony Davoren ❚ with ❚ Hydro Services
WATER & IRRIGATION
Done and dusted
While early April brought about the need for some irrigation depending on your irrigation system, the thought of irrigation is in the past.
Temporarily I’m soaking up some Australian agriculture press while I’m on grandparental duty. Rainfall, cooler/cold soil temperatures (now hanging around 10degC) has long meant
irrigation is “done and dusted” – thanks to the Cambridge English Dictionary for the definition” to be complete and finished”. A broken foot (not mine but our daughter’s) has brought me to Melbourne for taxi,
grandson and appointment duties and it has been a chance to catch up on agricultural stuff across the Tasman. Early-mid May in Melbourne, Gippsland and Tasmania was characterised by sensational autumn weather with little rain and mid-20degC temperatures. One event that caught my interest in the press was AgFest in Tasmania. Not because I went but because Tasmania has many similarities to New Zealand (wet west coast, dry east coast) and having spent a day at AgFest in Greymouth on 13 April the name caught my eye. I really had no idea where Carrick was, and probably you too unless you had been there. Interesting reading and the weather “ensured bumper crowds at AgFest 2018 with just over 65,000 people flocking to Carrick; 3,000 more than last year”. As one reads about AgFest it is so similar to SIFD at Kirwee and Southern FD at Waimumu. Carrick is all of about 500 residents according to the official website for the town and is about 20km from Launceston – much smaller than Kirwee (about 38km from Christchurch), but not dissimilar to Waimumu (about 600 and 13km from Gore). The similarities didn’t stop there – 700 exhibitors at Carrick, 756 at Waimumu and in 2017 just over 600 at Kirwee. Scan through the list of exhibitors and all the same themes are there regardless of which
side of the Tasman or the South Island – machinery, pumps, pipes, banks, vehicle and tractor dealerships, fertiliser companies, pest and disease consultancies and so the list goes on. All the same providers we are used to seeing as exhibitors. And those addressing the same issues in the rural sector – like “Rural Alive and Well Inc.” addressing suicide prevention and mental health outreach for rural and remote Tasmanians and “Dial Before You Dig” to ensure before you dig or excavate you know what is there. If there is a dissimilarity it is the number attending – wouldn’t 65,000 through the gates of SIFD or SFD be great? Unsurprisingly AgFest Tasmania is also all about the investment in the farmers of the future with the event run by young volunteers from Rural Youth Tasmania – ring a bell with both the South Island run events organised, managed and run by volunteers from Young Farmers? The overview of the site could have been at either of the South Island events. I feel a future visit to Tasmania coming on to compare in more detail, if only to confirm they too face the same issues we face here – water, environment, finding a profitable crop to grow, pests and diseases we didn’t want, the stress of farming and the remoteness of farming.
LIVESTOCK
Rob Cochrane ❚ with Procurement Manager, ❚ Wool PGG Wrightson Wool ❚
Market improvement welcomed
The crossbred wool market has witnessed a continued improvement over the past few weeks due to renewed interest from China but also assisted by a softer Kiwi currency. With solid volumes of crossbred wools on offer, the improvement has been welcomed not only by growers, many of whom have held onto wool stocks for around twelve months or longer, but also by brokers, many of whom have had their storage capacity tested as stockpiles of grower-owned and buyer-owned wool grew in the face of a sluggish market both on and off shore. During the past month, auction catalogues in both North and South Islands have, in most cases, exceeded the originally rostered bale quantities, however, with the better market tone, the higher than anticipated supply has not impacted negatively on pricing, and clearances from the auctioneers’ rostrums have been high, in percentage terms. Crossbred wool types continued their slow-but-sure upwards trend at the most recent auction, at time of writing, held in Christchurch on May 10 with most fleece types improving by between three and six percent compared to the previous auction held in April. Considering that the Kiwi dollar had “devalued” against its US counterpart by approximately one percent comparatively, price increases were definitely due to increased competition. A reflection of improved competition from exporters representing Chinese buying interests was the very buoyant market for finer crossbred wools in the thirty-one to thirty-five micron ranges, plus the continued hot-market for crossbred lamb’s wool measuring finer than approximately thirty-three microns saw prices improve by up to nine percent in the same time frame. The limited offerings of Halfbred and Corriedale (midmicron) wools at Christchurch in late April and early
May, were greeted with enthusiasm by the exporting trade here, as the market for similar types at the three auction centres across Australia had remained fierce with prices inching up every day. Locally, prices here improved for most micron ranges and could be quoted as being between one percent and four percent dearer on May 10 compared to April 27. With more of these types coming on stream from the middle of May onward, expectation is that demand will continue. Merino wools offered in Christchurch during late April and early May, consisted mainly of second-shear types, shorn mainly from old ewes, which were obviously very short in staple length. With the Merino wool auction market in Australia continuing to go from strength-to-strength, demand for all fine wool types was immense and the short second-shear wools were certainly not excluded. Consequently, prices received for these short wools were very
well received by growers. As we near the end of the current wool selling season (final New Zealand auctions held June 28 in both Napier and Christchurch) the trend of more “old” wools being offered for sale looks unlikely to dissipate, and with the new wools to-date looking to be well grown and of good character, the mix of types should offer exporters ample opportunity to deliver to their customer requirements. Looking towards the new wool season beginning on July 1 (first Christchurch auction scheduled for July 19), and in my view, fine wool markets look set to continue their strength, although there is appearing some price resistance from selected manufacturers, whilst crossbred adult wool types are probably likely to continue at close to current market levels, however, despite predictions, the market’s fate will be determined by demand versus supply. That’s my view.
June 2018
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The potential in alternative protein ❚ by Solis norton Here’s an idea worth digesting with a cup of tea and a good muffin. Recently I’ve listened to farmers, academics, and many others including futurists (I’m still not entirely sure what futurists are, but they take themselves seriously and their numbers are building) on these ‘alternative protein’ meat sources. Large scale production is coming without doubt. The impossible burger is now the inevitable burger. On your plate within five years, according to the future of meat report by Beef and Lamb. The US burger chain White Castle already has some 50 stores selling burgers with a vegetation patty masquerading as meat. The key drivers of these new foods are the environmental impacts of red meat production, together with projected human population growth, and the affluent desire for exceptional food. All commendable and good. But generally speaking farmers see alternative proteins as a threat. Consider that the direct opposite may be true. They could be the most critical step missing on New Zealand agriculture’s path toward genuine sustainable farming. In my view we’re some of the best and most adaptable operators in the world and we’re using exceptional systems. But some of our systems need reconfiguring, often only slightly, for a more sustainable fit. Some need to go altogether. Animals removed to achieve this better
fit should be replaced with alternative protein source plants. We grow the ingredients of these inevitable burgers at a level of intensity and in ways that fit the environment, the consumer, and the practical nature of farming. We’re not retiring the land, or abandoning it to little more than aesthetic value. We’re growing the food of the future on it. And we’re charging more for it exactly because we aren’t using (much?) fertiliser in the process. Produced and marketed by the likes of ANZCO and others, our new proteins leverage off our reputation and existing brands for a top premium. Why not ten times the cost of Californian start up products? No GMO, no this, no that – whatever the consumer wants. The White Castle burger is $2.99 they report with delight. No joining that race to the bottom. Our market should, as always, be the people who pay top dollar for top product. Our fine-tuned industries in meat and nonmeat primary production have both the position and experience to take new proteins to the market. The New Zealand Deer Industry is a fine example with strong progress in the US with venison and positioning velvet as a functional food ingredient. In comparison the start-ups are only now groping toward scale up opportunities, though groping rapidly, one must admit. The expensive small scale exploratory work proving the concept of alternative proteins is over, what remains is to take it and run. The timing could not be better for New Zealand agriculture. And I can finally call a meal of burgers and steak a balanced diet.
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To help make and assess your deer management decisions contact DeerPRO for your report 0800 456 453 or info@deerpro.org.nz
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Deer farmers improving water quality To keep waterways clean, deer farmers are fencing their deer out of streams and taking measures to keep valuable soil where it belongs – on the farm, growing grass.
❚ by Trevor Walton Dr Ian Walker, chair of Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), says deer love playing in water and creating muddy wallows, so farmers have had to be creative in order to improve their farm environment. “Many novel and practical ways to do this are detailed in our new Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice,” he said. He launched the Code, the first for a New Zealand pastoral industry, at the deer industry conference in Timaru in May. “It is intended to keep the deer industry at the forefront of efforts to improve water quality,” Walker said. “While we strongly encourage farmers to adopt it, we won’t have to do much prodding. Most farmers are already highly motivated to have a great environment on their farms.” Walker said the NZ Deer Farmers Association first published a Landcare Manual in 2004 that was updated in 2012. The new Code builds on this work. “It draws many of its case studies from the Deer Industry Environmental Awards initiated by Fiona Lady Elworthy and the late Sir Peter Elworthy in 2000. “These awards continue to throw up great examples of the work farmers are doing to improve the environment.” Walker said much had changed in the last two decades. “While many farmers have fenced off their waterways and retired erosion-prone areas, regional councils, customers, visitors and our fellow New Zealanders want proof that
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David Morgan, outgoing chair of the NZ Deer Farmers’ Association (NZDFA), farms deer at Raincliff Station, South Canterbury. He said the code is a “fantastic resource” that’s practical and easy to follow. “Good environmental management goes hand in hand with good animal husbandry. Deer that are healthy, wellfed, not stressed and given the room to act like deer are a lot easier on the environment than a poorly managed herd,” Morgan said. “I’ve noticed on farms that are actively making changes to improve the environment that they don’t have to wait long before they start seeing results.” Morgan said it was hard to put a price on the pride that deer farmers feel when
they see a healthier stream or more bird life appearing on their property. The lead authors of the Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 were Janet Gregory (NZ Landcare Trust) and Edmund Noonan (NZDFA). It was published by DINZ as part of the Passion 2 Profit programme, the industry’s Primary Growth Partnership joint venture with the Ministry for Primary Industries. The Code is available online at: deernz.org/ environmental-management-code-practice.
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June 2018
CANTERBURY FARMING
New name, all game There’s nothing quite as annoying as finding out that you’ve been beaten to a great name.
❚ by Andy Bryenton
How many bands have foundered because there’s already a Nirvana or a Black Sabbath? How many times have you had to add a horrid little alphanumeric to get that name you wanted on a Gmail account? I myself have a namesake who writes books about playing the cello. Still, it has to be worse when you have a wildly popular, globally respected vehicle out there with a catchy name – and your arch rival owns that name in the Kiwi market. That’s what’s happened to Ford with their new Endura – the local branding for the world wide success story they call the Edge elsewhere. Have they let it faze them? Not in the slightest. Hitting a sweet spot in size between the mighty Everest with its grand cabin space and seven-seat school run affinity, and the smaller Escape with its compact command of urban environments, the Endura has been such a hit in overseas markets that a facelift is ready to roll out of the Canadian production facility just as it’s ST Line variant hits New Zealand. That means a 2.0-litre biturbo-diesel lives under the sculpted hood of this well-propor-
A rose by any other name: The Ford endura has been a hit in overseas markets and is sure to do the same here.
tioned mid-sized SUV, delivering a handy 154kW and 450Nm of torque. Toyota may hold the rights to the name ‘Edge’ here in the antipodes, but the real cutting edge belongs to the new Ford’s fuel economy figures – a frugal 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres. This hasn’t been achieved via radical slimming – the Endura actually manages to be both more spacious and slightly wider tracked than the old Territory. It’s a factor of engine wizardry and a slippery aerodynamic profile which seems like black magic considering the aggressively angular grille and high stance of the glasshouse.
Indeed, technology has been lavished on the Endura in all quarters, with a battery of advanced safety assists and warnings to keep the driver in command and alert. Sync 3 infotainment makes connectivity a snap, and even putting power to the ground gets a technological boost, with a very smart allwheel-drive system deploying torque vectoring to make the most of traction across a range of surfaces and conditions. Here, then, is Bill Shakespeare’s classic ‘rose by any other name’. It might just be Ford’s best looking SUV, it’s loaded with features, it sips fuel in defiance of forthcom-
ing taxation worries, and it’s no fake when it comes to actually using all four wheels to maximum effect. It may have a different name from the overseas Edge – and we can look wistfully at the twin turbo petrol V6 version of that marque on American roads - but as the Endura Ford’s latest has what it takes to impress. Those who were sad to see the Territory go will be happy to see the Endura arrive, and those who found the Everest too big or the Escape too small will be in the famous Goldilocks zone with the ST-Line variant going on sale now.
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To the ends of the earth Comfortable, long-range cruiser that it was, the old early-2000s Suzuki V-Strom always faced comparisons to the big BMWs which ferried celebrities like Michael Palin to the geographic middle of nowhere on huge knobbly tyres.
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0800 38 44 50 All weather: On wet roads and gravel, the stability and grip of the V-Strom shine through, inspiring confidence. lights ride height, is in fact lighter than its rivals. Light enough to dance rather than lumber when the asphalt rolls out smooth and curly. And on wet roads and gravel, the stability and grip of the V-Strom shine through, inspiring confidence. Worldwide, there may be folks who prefer the hard-core adventure bikes
make by the likes of KTM. But here, where wet roads and graded gravel are as common as oxygen, the V-Strom makes perfect sense. It’s like Suzuki have made a bike for New Zealand touring. Ask me which motorbike I’d pick to survive a zombie apocalypse, and this all-rounder would be first choice.
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This replacement, carefully constructed to sit in the market in a very different way, made its debut in 2014 and has been further refined to become the kind of motorcycle which is perfect for exploring New Zealand. Because while you can certainly find the road conditions of outer Mongolia here (insert a joke about your local civic council), the blend of damp, overshadowed tarmac, sweeping and winding country two-lane roads and gravel which predominate here are devoured by the big 1000cc v-twin. It will literally take you to the ends of the earth with a combination of a copious, camel-like fuel capacity, satisfying low down torque, and an ABS and traction control system which was a first for Suzuki on arrival, but which excels on our sometimes patchy roads. Part of the key to this, of course, is electronic wizardry, and while dirt thrashing demons will bemoan the inability to completely be free of the ABS, this is really not a hard core off roader. If some bikes may be compared to a baja truck, this is more of a Range Rover – far more refined and comfy for a long trip, with Suzuki hallmarks like a smooth gearshift and easy to use controls. Rather than wrestling the V-Strom through the terrain, you proceed calmly to anywhere you wish to arrive, while the big 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90º Vtwin uses surprisingly little fuel to get you there. For exploring New Zealand, then, where most of us will wish only to traverse picturesque but sometimes poorly patched back roads and metaled country lanes, this is quite a machine. And that previous Range Rover analogy? Well, there’s one way in which it’s none too apt, sorry. That’s in weight – because the V-Strom, for all it’s tip-toes at the traffic
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June 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING
Are you distracted and dangerous? AA is challenging everyone to change one thing they do which will make them safer on our roads. “Whether you’re a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist there will be something you can change that will make a difference,” AA’s Motoring Affairs general manager Mike Noon said. “Our road safety has been getting worse rather than better in recent years. It’s likely more people will die and be seriously injured on roads this year than last year,” Noon said. This year’s Road Safety Week focussed on risks from distractions and also the dangers of not wearing seatbelts. “We’re all guilty from time-to-time of getting distracted when we should be focussed on the road,” Noon said. “Whether you’re driving, cycling or walking, roads aren’t forgiving places if you’re not concentrating on what you’re doing.” It’s estimated that distractions are a factor in at least 12% of crashes. “Cellphones are an obvious distraction for drivers and pedestrians. Even hands-free conversations can be a problem. It’s not the same as talking to another passenger because the person on the other end can’t see what else you’re trying to concentrate on. “We’ve all followed drivers whose speed fluctuates, or they start drifting in their lane, and when you pass them you see they have a phone stuck to their ear. Phone calls take more of your attention than you might realise, meaning you are less focussed on your driving.
Buckle up: For Road Safety Week the AA is reminding motorists to stay off the phone and always fasten that seat belt.
“If you’re going to take a call, make it short. And absolutely never text while you’re driving – your eyes will be off the road longer than you think.’ Noon said pedestrians also need to be really aware of how vulnerable they are when they’re texting and walking. “For drivers, changing the radio station, eating, or trying to calm down children in the back seat is just as dangerous. You need to
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pull over if something in the car demands your attention,” he said. The AA also believes that we could save up to 50 lives a year if everyone wore their seatbelt every time they drive or are a passenger in a vehicle. “Although wearing a seatbelt is a habit for most Kiwis, around 5% don’t. Last year 100 of the 380 people who died on our roads weren’t wearing a safety belt.”
The AA recently published research that looked into who these people are and found that it’s not just one group. “You’re much more likely to die or suffer serious injuries if you’re in a crash and not wearing a safety belt,” Noon said. “Crashes happen in a split second but can cause a lifetime of pain and loss. It’s not worth underestimating roads risks so always buckle up.”
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Thumbs up: Federated Farmers President Katie Milne is pleased with the recommendations which have come out of a review of the national Animal Identification and Tracing scheme.
Feds welcomes NAIT recommendations Federated Farmers says its members will jump at the chance to contribute to the drive for improvements to the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme.
❚ by Kent Caddick A report detailing a major review of NAIT, with 38 recommendations aimed at streamlining processes and boosting access and compliance, was released today after a long process involving OSPRI, MPI and a host of industry groups including Federated Farmers. President Katie Milne said the Federation’s position is that anything that can be done to improve the system and make it more effective and easier for farmers to use will be valuable. “We don’t believe that the recommendations should be treated as some sort of smorgasbord, to pick and choose from,” Milne said. “The comprehensive suite of recommendations has been closely debated and
scrutinised by experts and industry body representatives and they deserve to be adopted as a whole.”
Recommendations include: • Enabling direct access to NAIT core data by police and other crown agencies to support stock theft and wandering stock enquiries. • Development of mobile and lightweight web applications to improve accessibility for end users. • Addition of other attributes in response to farmer/industry requests to support disease management, food safety, marketing assurance and animal production needs. Milne said Federated Farmers is looking forward to contributing to the consultation process when it kicks off in June.
CUT DOWN – please consider removing tall trees that could fall through power lines. TRIM EARLY – if you can’t cut down the tree, keep remaining trees trimmed to at least 2.5m from low voltage lines or at least 4m from high voltage lines. Ideally further. BE SAFE – please call Orion on 0800 363 9898 for a list of qualified contractors. PLANT WISELY – ask us about safe planting distances and power line friendly trees and shrubs. oriongroup.co.nz
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❚ with Rob Cope-Williams
A slow wet week
You will have worked out that I am very supportive of mental health, having been to the bottom of the barrel and thankfully avoided ending it all. Running the risk of you thinking I am thumping away at an old drum, please forgive me, but despite all the publicity there are still those who can’t or won’t reach out. There are, I understand, a lot of reasons people will drop into the dark hole, and we must understand that it can hit without warning at any time. We recently had a long week of dull and miserable weather, that is just one of the keys that bring on depression. The sun is a great healer, when we aren’t in the grips of a serious drought, and those in the UK will admit they get a medical condition from weeks of dull weather. There are those who would suggest that there are two seasons in the UK: Winter and June, but that’s a bit naughty. Back to my thoughts, and as winter looms, special care should be taken with our mental condition. Dairy farmers are under their own pressure, as the industry fights Mycoplasma with many producers having no idea if or when they get hit.
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Cold weather has always been known to slow people down, apart from skiers of course, and with the cold weather comes the viruses that run rampant. All I and your family and friends ask is please take care of yourself and when you don’t want to talk, that’s the time when you should. “There were no signs that they were thinking that way” is a phrase that is used far too often, simply because those at the end of their tether simply don’t. We are very good at hiding it, and as the world closes in on us, we talk less and certainly don’t want to reach out. Having missed on being a statistic by a cat’s whisker, I can assure you that it is nice to not take your own life, and there is sunshine on the other side. I went to a doctor as he wasn’t family or a friend, and I was able to cry openly in front of him without losing face. Beware, winter is one of the best weapons depression uses, and yes, it can happen to you Take care please.
June 2018
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