Canterbury Farming, September 2018 by Canterbury Farming

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

September 2018 Edition

INSIDE

THIS EDITION Top cup

p5 Bee checks

Photo: Kent Caddick

New chair: Dunsandel Young Farmers Club member Ash-Leigh Campbell is looking forward to her role as chair of the New Zealand Young Farmers board.

p15 Seed & grain

Dunsandel young farmer elected chair

Dunsandel Young Farmers Club member Ash-Leigh Campbell has become the ﬁrst woman to chair the New Zealand Young Farmers Board in 12 years.

❚ by Kent Caddick p31 CEO’s message

p42

Ms Campbell was elected chair of the eightmember board recently, replacing Jason Te Brake. The 27-year-old is a technical farm manager with Ngai Tahu and she helps oversee the management of eight dairy farms. “I feel extremely privileged to be elected chair. I’m really looking forward to the role,” Ms Campbell said. “New Zealand Young Farmers plays a vital part in connecting communities and helping to grow future leaders.” The last woman to chair the NZ Young Farmers Board was Hilary Phillips. She filled the position between 2004 and 2006. “Hilary was hugely supportive when I served as chair of the Tasman Region. She

has watched me grow and develop and I think will be proud to see another woman follow in her footsteps,” Ms Campbell said. Ms Campbell was elected to the board in July and is a previous Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award finalist. The Dunsandel Young Farmers member has a Diploma in Agriculture and a Diploma in Farm Management from Lincoln University, and she is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture. “A key part of my career development has been studying while working in the industry,” she said. “I really enjoy the correlation between learning in a classroom and putting that knowledge into practice.” Ms Campbell is one of four women on the eight-member board. Wellington-based airline

pilot Hannah Cameron, 28, was elected vicechair. The pair is joined by Jason Te Brake, Hamish Best, Rebecca Brown, Sharon Angus, Sam Robinson and Renata Hakiwai. The board’s first major task is to appoint a new chief executive to replace Terry Copeland. “We are entering the final stages of interviews for the chief executive’s position,” Ms Campbell said. Trevor McIntrye will continue as the acting chief executive of NZ Young Farmers until the position is filled. NZ Young Farmers has a network of almost 80 clubs, runs the iconic FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest and works in schools to get students excited about career opportunities in the primary industries.

September 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Māori Freshwater Forum a step forward in resolving water rights IrrigationNZ says the government’s announcement that it will establish a new Maori Freshwater forum to address Maori rights and interests in water may help provide future certainty for all water users.

❚ by Kent Caddick Environment Minister David Parker has also said that a non-Maori freshwater forum would also be formed. Chief Executive of IrrigationNZ Andrew Curtis said the Waitangi Tribunal has previously declared that Maori have rights in relation to freshwater. “The new Freshwater Forum is potentially a step forward as it is in everyone’s interests for those rights to be clarified sooner rather than later so that all water users have certainty for the future.” Curtis said the forum needs to represent a wide variety of interests in freshwater and

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It’s good to see the government acknowledge the importance of access to reliable water sources. Andrew Curtis Chief Executive, Irrigation NZ

must have a close working relationship with the Maori freshwater forum. “We need to see environmental, community and science organisations as well as councils, farmers and water users involved in the freshwater forum. “The forum needs to be solutions orientated, informed by science and foChristchurch Office 03 377 2721 cused on the implementation of practical changes. To be successful everyone needs ¡ Rural & Urban Subdivisions

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to be part of the discussion from day one.” Curtis said Maori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta said at the announcement of the new forum that one of the biggest inhibitors of developing Maori land is the lack of acGolden Bay Dolomite cess to water. NZ’s most loved magnesium. “With climate change bringing less reliable rainfall in the future, irrigation will become incall 0800 436 566 or visit creasingly important to www.dolomite.co.nz enable all farmers and

growers to produce a consistent supply of food.” He said it was good to see the government acknowledge the importance of access to reliable water sources for agriculture and he hopes that this will be included in the new forums discussions.

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

September 2018

Economic outlook ‘sour note’ Pessimism about the economic outlook is a sour note among the otherwise generally positive indicators in the Federated Farmers July Farm Conﬁdence Survey.

❚ by Kent Caddick This is the nineteenth time the twice-yearly survey has been conducted. Federated Farmers vice-president Andrew Hoggard said for the first time farmer optimism has increased in all areas except their continuing negative perceptions of the economy. “We should take heart that the perceptions of farm profitability, production and spending have become more positive, and that farm debt levels have dropped slightly since the January survey,” Mr Hoggard said. “The concern is that when asked how they feel general economic conditions will fare over the next twelve months, nearly half of the more than 1,100 farmers who responded expected conditions would worsen. “That’s the lowest level of confidence since July 2012, and a five-fold increase in pessimism in the last twelve months.” Mr Hoggard said there seems to be a fear factor at play. “Farmers are feeling very uncertain about what the coalition Government will do next on key issues such as water regulations, climate change and industrial relations.” In spite of this, the survey showed expectations for farm profitability over the next twelve months are up slightly, with 30% anticipating an improvement and 48% expecting profits to remain stable. Dairy and arable farmers are noticeably more optimistic about profitability than they were in the January survey. “However, meat and wool farmers are noticeably less optimistic, perhaps reflecting a concern that the past season’s excellent farmgate prices might not be sustained this season,” Mr Hoggard said. The survey, conducted by Research First, found four to six times more farms across the sector groups (dairy, meat & wool, arable and ‘other’) are making a profit vs making a loss. However, more arable farms are just breaking even compared to making a profit, and the number making a loss (9.7%) is equal highest with dairy.

Conﬁdent: Federated Farmers vicepresident Andrew Hoggard says for the ﬁrst time farmer optimism has increased in all areas except in terms of the economic outlook.

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more arable farms are just breaking even and the number making a loss is equal highest with dairy. Andrew Hoggard Vice-president, Federated Farmers

In a ranking of their greatest concerns, regulation and compliance costs remains number one (down three points to 18%). Heightened concern about pests, diseases and biosecurity (up seven points to 12%) is thought to be driven by the stress and uncertainty caused by the campaign to eradicate the cattle disease mycoplasma bovis. “Climate change policy and the ETS is at number three, up three points to 10%,” Mr Hoggard said. “That reflects farmer uncertainty over the Government’s more ambitious approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and concern agriculture biological emissions may be included in the ETS even though there are, as yet, no significant mitigating actions farmers can put in place.”

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September 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Gearing up for a busy spring

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

A busy Spring beckons for farmers after some good winter grass growth across the country. In the past month I’ve visited many regions and there are a few things at the forefront of farmers’ minds – from ongoing efforts to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis to how farmers can get more value from the good work they do. Over Spring, nationwide bulk-milk testing will take place for M.bovis. The testing regime will include six tests over 12 weeks. The good news is that to date, the phased eradication programme has not identified any new strains of the disease or found infections that can’t be linked back to source properties. More than a dozen farms that were once Infected Properties are now back to business as usual. It is tough for those farmers, and their families, and I’m constantly testing to see where we can improve our response efforts. I want to thank all those farmers who are working with the Ministry for Primary Industries and sector groups to eradicate the disease. The Government wants to help farmers get more value for what they do. The Primary Sector Council, which I appointed earlier this year, has started its work and I’m impressed with their enthusiasm and ideas. The coun-

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more than a dozen m.bovis-infected farms are now back to business as usual.

cil’s members will talk to farmers and growers as they develop their thinking. For too long, I think New Zealand has bought into the notion that more production is the key to success when we should focus on maximising our returns. I know our farmers and growers are flexible and innovative, it’s just a matter of focusing our energy where we get the most benefit. In July, I attended the Horticulture NZ awards honouring their growers and pro-

ducers. Of note at the event was the number of people who were committed to finding new and innovative ways to boost revenue, be sustainable and make the most of our unique Kiwi story. To help that shift toward sustainability the Government recently held a consultation on a national organic standard for New Zealand. More than 80% of the submitters who responded backed the idea of a change in regulation to make it clear what is accepta-

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ble for industr y participants. A national standard will allow consumers here and overseas to trust the products we sell and should help attract a greater premium for them. I will take a paper to Cabinet soon seeking to introduce legislative change for a national organic standard. Keep up the good work and I hope that healthy winter grass growth I’ve seen around the country made it to your farm.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

September 2018

Zespri chair awarded top cup An outstanding leader in the kiwifruit industry, Peter McBride, has been awarded horticulture’s premier award, the Bledisloe Cup.

❚ by Kent Caddick Very similar to the famous rugby Bledisloe Cup, horticulture’s version was one of three cups Lord Bledisloe presented to New Zealand in 1931. The Cup was presented to McBride, whose involvement with the kiwifruit industry spans 40 years, at an awards dinner by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor. “The Bledisloe Cup celebrates a person who has made an outstanding and meritorious contribution to the New Zealand horticulture industry, and Peter McBride certainly epitomises that,” Horticulture New Zealand President Julian Raine said. “In 1978, Peter was first exposed to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry through his family’s orchard in Te Puke, in the Bay of Plenty,” Raine said. “He went on to purchase his first kiwifruit orchard in 1989, and today he has responsibility for several large farming companies and heads one of New Zealand’s key horticulture companies, as the chairman of Zespri Board. “He has fought hard for horticulture and is a key interface between growers, industry and the Government. He is focused on innovation and also represents Zespri International as a Director on the New Zealand International Business Forum, and as a member of the New Zealand-China Council.” Along with his work for the kiwifruit industry, Peter McBride has had an equally long history of service to charitable organisations. He was a former director of Longview Charitable Trust Board (Dairy) in the Waikato and was also a Director of Centrefarm Aboriginal Horticulture. For the first time Horticulture New Zealand presented an Environmental Award, with the winner James Trevelyan from Te Puke, in the Bay of Plenty. “On considering the nominees for this award, the Horticulture New Zealand Board was heartened by the vast amount of environmental work underway and the focus

Meritorious contribution: Zespri board chair peter mcbride and his wife Linda with the bledisloe Cup.

growers have on sustainability,” Raine said. Other awards presented at the Horticulture New Zealand conference were: President’s Trophy: Tim Egan, a grower and orchardist who has been heavily involved in the promotion of horticulture in the Gisborne region. Industry Service Awards: Garry Elliott and Graham Martin. Garry Elliott has been involved in bringing new chemistry to the horticulture industry since his career began in 1964. He is one of the pioneers of the early years of herbicide applications on onions, changing the approach for New Zealand onion growers. Graham Martin is a stalwart of Canterbury horticulture. He organised the first Young Vegetable Grower of the year competition and awards dinner in 2007 and has continued to do so for most of the years since then. In 2014 he was presented with a Life Membership of Horticulture Canterbury.

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September 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

September 2018

European pest control ‘worrying’ Growing regulatory and political pressure for more sustainable agriculture in Europe is causing concern for local farmers.

mark ross ❚ by Agcarm chief executive ❚ Restrictive regulatory processes and political decision-making based on gaining votes, rather than good science, means very few new active substances are introduced. A gradual loss of these substances will see farmers struggling to control pest populations in coming years. Trade barriers, threats to intellectual property, hazard-based assessments, and political change are all causing regulatory uncertainty. With these drivers, an uncertain future prevails. Recently adopted European Union standards on endocrine disruptors resulted in complaints to the World Trade Organization from trading partners, such as Canada, Australia and the United States. The criteria are deficient due to being based on hazards – without considering exposure – ignoring the principle of sound risk assessment. As a result, more substances could be banned, leading to restrictions in trade. Some of New Zealand’s fresh produce exported into Europe could come under greater scrutiny, due to a reduction in maximum residue levels (MRLs). It is critical that decision-making on MRLs and import tolerances are based on complete risk assessments. Currently, if a compound is identified as an endocrine disruptor or meets other hazard-based cut-offs, such as for reproductive toxicants, the classification decisions trigger regulatory non-approval and default MRLs, regardless of the actual risks. Farmers support strict pesticide regulation and are well aware of the need to adopt a range of measures to discourage the growth of pest populations.

Take control: Dwindling european pest control is a worry for New Zealand’s ability to control incoming threats according to Agcarm. This keeps pesticides and other interventions to economically-justified levels and minimises risks to people and the environment. However, taking valuable tools away from farmers without sound risk-based science is ludicrous. Withdrawing products is sensible when it’s due to outdated chemistry, but not when it is brought about by political pressure, media ‘untruths’, or misinterpreted assessments. Regulation needs to focus on science and safety, not political popularity. Europe’s conservative approach to approving new agrichemicals is longstanding, but the current regulatory environment is out of control. To add fuel to the fire, the European Commission is initiating a legislative proposal to make scientific assessments and decision-

making on approving pesticides more transparent – mainly in response to the renewal of glyphosate. The Commission is proposing a rulechange to make scientific studies publicly available, so people can understand how farreaching decisions to authorise or ban substances are made. Political responsibility and greater transparency are two sides of the same coin. The problem is that it eventuates from pressure by activist groups, rather than sound risk assessment. The additional information will inadvertently give competitors information on what products are being introduced into the European market, earlier and in quite specific terms. This could erode confidentiality

and allow competitors to undermine the new products via copycat formulations. Additional market concerns in Europe include delays in the approval of crop protection products at European Member State level and the increasing costs of EU authorisation. The political sympathy towards biological and non-chemical options, and reducing the use of conventional solutions, is leading manufacturing companies to focus on markets outside of the European Union. A highly politicised environment, with increasingly conservative evaluations by regulators (and some Member States), means the future of many products already in use is unclear. A major concern is New Zealand regulators adopting EU practices for assessing products. Agcarm and its member companies are keeping a close watch on the situation. We remain focused on stewardship and ensuring that regulatory processes and decisions are sensible. Sensible regulatory systems allow the use of agrichemicals that are proven to be safe, environmentally-friendly, effective and targeted. This allows a variety of new products that offer pest control solutions for farmers – now and into the future.

mark ross is chief executive of Agcarm, the industry association for companies which manufacture and distribute crop protection and animal health products.

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September 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Comfortable with uncertainty ❚ with Andrew Wyllie ❚ Forsyth Barr

Markets started the quarter with concerns around elections in Europe, the potential for rising interest rates in the United States, higher oil prices, protectionism and trade tensions.

There has been little evidence of changes in investor asset allocation despite the uncertainty. We believe this reflects investors’ views that the business cycle remains intact and robust labour markets continue to strengthen household disposable incomes. Importantly given the election cycles, protectionist policies are currently popular. It is therefore less surprising that there is political posturing around tariffs and other measures. Recent United States-European trade negotiations have also helped to deflect When you are thinking about your investment options, talk concerns, given the recent to Forsyth Barr. To get personalised investment advice and decision by the United States portfolio management specific to your investing needs, talk to retreat from its hard-line rhetoric and back-down from to Investment Adviser Andrew Wyllie in confidence on the implementation of auto(03) 365 4244 or email andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz mobile tariffs. The take-out appears to 0800 367 227 be that the hard-line tacforsythbarr.co.nz tics employed by the United Disclosure Statements for Forsyth Barr Authorised Financial Advisers are available on request and free of charge. States hastened a negotiated outcome. In the end that may ac-

This has led to global economic growth expectations being pared back. Despite these concerns, equity markets appear comfortable and volatility levels remain near lows.

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tually be more positive, although escalating tensions ahead of negotiations is unsettling. Equity markets calm Equity markets remained remarkably calm and again managed positive returns over the quarter, with the exception of China and Hong Kong. Trade issues hurt Chinese equities, although most of the damage was done early in the quarter as there was no further deterioration in July. United States and Australian equities topped the return list in New Zealand dollar terms. The United States equity market was driven by strong gains in the Technology (even including recent declines in some larger names), Healthcare and Consumer sectors. Australian equities were helped by a rebound in Banks while Healthcare and Resource sectors benefited from the United States dollar strength. Thematically, Cyclical and Structural Growth sectors generally have been the best performers, while Defensive sectors have been dragged back by Telecommunication companies. Reviewing relative value, growth stocks in Australasian markets appear expensive, while defensive equities appear priced similar to international comparatives. For exposure to growth, we therefore prefer international equities. Interest rates remain low In New Zealand, both short and long-term interest rates have eased. Credit spreads also continue to narrow given the excess of demand for bonds relative to supply. This provided a boost to returns over the

quarter, with Government Bond returns outperforming Investment Grade bonds. The stronger performance of Government Bonds reflected stronger North American investor flows, which are being attracted to the New Zealand market. This arises from the likelihood that the outlook for interest rates in New Zealand is more benign than elsewhere given the New Zealand business cycle is more mature. An additional benefit for these investors is the change in interest rate differentials. While it has been rare for United States interest rates to exceed those in New Zealand, United States investors now receive a benefit from hedging their New Zealand investments. With United States short-term interest rates expected to increase, and New Zealand short-term interest rates unlikely to change before late-2019, differentials are expected to widen and add to the hedging benefit and potential demand. 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.

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

bessie paterson LLb ❚ with ❚ Ronald W Angland & Son

CANTERBURY FARMING

September 2018

Protecting our assets Fools and their money soon part. How true this Shakespearian wisdom is in the 21st century.

There are some important steps we should all be aware of to protect ourselves and our accumulated assets in the event of a downturn in the economy or an unexpected disaster. It was apparent after the Canterbury earthquakes that a significant number of homeowners did not have insurance or their cover was entirely inadequate on their homes. It is now every homeowners responsibility to make sure that their home is insured for a figure that would cover a re-build and all of the associated costs. Gone are the days of replacement cover. Most companies and brokers are only too willing to assist their customers is calculating adequate insurance for their property. Insurance on household goods and vehicles is also important as liability can be a major risk especially with vehicle accidents. Tenants should also be aware that if they do not have insurance on their chattels and their heater sets fire to the house causing damage, it is likely that the landlord’s insurers will endeavour to recover the cost of repairs from the tenant. It has become common for parents to enter into guarantees to assist their children to purchase a property and raise a mortgage. No-one should ever sign a guarantee without asking themselves “will I be able to pay this debt if the borrower defaults on their loan conditions ie payment of the mortgage instalments?”. It is extraordinary how many people simply sign guarantees without giving a thought about their personal liability and what will

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... people simply sign guarantees without giving a thought about their personal liability.

happen if the borrower fails to pay the instalments under the loan. Kiwi-saver will probably provide the next generation with a nest-egg for retirement. Apart from the obvious advantages of having Kiwi-saver for retirement funds creditors cannot normally access those funds to pay debts. It is also a major help when young people want to buy a home and they can use some of their savings as a deposit. If hardship arises as it does in many households Kiwi-saver will consider a partial withdrawal for payment of debt.

For the entrepreneurial who wish to run their own business good professional advice should be sought from tax experts, accountants, insurance providers and lawyers. It is all very well to be an expert in a chosen field but it is also important that the basic business aspects of the enterprise are looked after correctly. Many will set up a limited liability company which is a separate legal entity from the promoters and will give financial protection from creditors. If the directors sign guar-

antees they need to ask themselves the above question about payment of the loan instalments. A Trust is also a suitable entity for some types of business venture. this article has been prepared by bessie paterson, a partner at ronald W Angland & Son, Solicitors, 2 Chapman Street, Leeston.

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KVERNELAND QUALIDISC

Designed for primary and secondary cultivation the Qualidisc comes in 5, 6 and 7 metre widths, has a 600mm disc and an exclusive actipacker roller to ensure an even finish, call us today to arrange a no obligation demo on your farm.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL RANGE OF USED GEAR ON OUR WEBSITE. HERE’S A SELECTION... READY TO GO

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VOGAL AND NOOT 6 FURROW

OZDOKEN 6 ROW

reversible plough in great condition

26,990+GST

beet and maize planter on 3m tool bar with stainless fert bins. In great condition.

26,990+GST

VADERSTAD ROLLEX 620S

roller c/w breaker rings and levelling boards, very good condition. 6.2m wide.

21,990+GST

SIMBA SL 5M

12 tines and two rows of discs in very good order. Great results.

62,990+GST

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CELLI 3.5M POWER HARROW

in excellent order, 200hp gearbox and $ only around 50ha use 19,990+GST

READY FOR THE SEASON

GREGOIRE BESSON SXDL

4m tandem discs. Hyd height and angle, low use by arable farmer

23,990+GST

SIMBA UNIPRES 4.6M

two rows of HD tines, levelling boards and large 700mm DD roller

34,990+GST

CLAAS LINER 3500 just been fully refurbed and is ready for its second life

34,990+GST

Terms and conditions apply. All pricing excludes GST. Advertised imagery may differ from product. Contact your local dealer for further details. Normal lending criteria and conditions apply. While stocks last. All offers and prices valid until 31/07/18. * Monthly payments for Deutz-Fahr based on 30% plus total GST deposit or/and use trade-in, then 36 monthly payments at 3.75%. Kioti finance based on 40% deposit or trade in plus GST up front and 36 equal monthly payments.

FA586CF

Your Power Farming Canterbury Team

Geoff McCabe Dealer Principal, Sales 021 220 9544

Joel Parris Sales 027 435 0884

Jimmy Leigh Sales 027 405 6941

Colin Lee Service Manager 03 349 5975

www.powerfarmingcanterbury.co.nz Facebook powerfarming canterbury 1 George Holmes Rd, Rolleston | Phone 03 349 5975

Roger Hunter Parts 027 501 022

Canterbury

NOW LOCALLY OWNED

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

September 2018

ATTENTION DAIRY FARMERS ROTARY PLATFORM SLIPPING, WE CAN HELP SERVICING CANTERBURY A POWERFUL FINISH

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Could ducks replace sprays?

Bradley 027 344 4847 Email: advancedsandblastingandpainting@gmail.com

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I was intrigued to see an item about some parts of the world which are using ﬂocks of ducks instead of sprays to control bugs and weeds. It was suggested that several Asian countries plus France and some in the Middle East are doing it with great success. It was a great chance for the ‘greenies’ to climb onto their band wagon and push the ‘no sprays’ barrow. On first sight it was a great idea and of course you can sell them as meat after they have done their job and your crops have been harvested, something you can’t do with a spray unit. What it didn’t say was that the farms, or holdings, were about the size of a paddock our local farmers keep their rams in. It mentioned in passing that the ducks are trained to not eat the crop, but just the weeds, however they were taken

out of the paddy field before the rice matured to stop them eating it. Yeah, my thought exactly. However, there is something in what they were suggesting that did ring a bell with me. As a young boy I remember very well people with orchards keeping chickens or ducks under the fruit trees to combat things such as coddling moths and other bugs that would destroy the fruit. As deep freezes took hold and supermarkets offered fresh fruit and veges at very cheap prices, the fruit trees on farms drifted away and have been lost, apart from a few old homesteads inhabited by folk who still value the old traditional values. Added to all that is the fact that few

people bottle fruit anymore, actually how many farming folk make jams or keep their cake tins full of baking? Perhaps I am inclined to live in the past a bit, but that is probably because they were such fabulous days before instant everything, preservatives, cell phones, computers and all those other things that make our present lifestyles easier. I am, of course, part of the new world, but I also am very happy to have lived through the times when things were simple, and when compliance was obeying your parents. I often think that we have lost sight of working with nature rather than trying to mould her into something we can benefit from.

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• Two fully serviced and rebuilt used loader wagons must be sold • Save thousands on buying new • New rotors, combs and shafts installed • Sold with Warranty Select from two used Schuitemaker loader wagons that we’ve priced to sell, and as we are determined to get them working for you this season, we’re offering a finance deal normally only available on new gear. The Schuitemaker SR165 Loader Wagon with a 38m3 capacity and a SR135 with 34m3 capacity are available for delivery now, with a warranty and we’ll assist with freight.

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Richard Clarke Phone: 07 889 5059 | Mobile: 027 563 7307 email: richard.clarke@powerfarming.co.nz

Murray Barclay Phone: 07 870 2411 | Mobile: 0274 753 690 email: mbarclay@powerfarming.co.nz

* Terms and conditions and normal lending criteria applies. Standard interest rates apply. While stocks last and for a limited time only. Finance option is 20% of purchase price (and/or trade-in) as deposit + entire GST month three, then a second payment paid in January 2020 and a third payment in January 2021 and final payment 2022. Images shown are representational and may differ from product. Contact Richard or Murray for further information.

September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

Fertiliser for horse paddocks ❚ ❚

Article supplied by CP Lime Solutions Ltd

“Equi-lise is super easy to apply yourself, no big trucks needed and no white dust flying everywhere,” says Sarah Morgan from CP Lime Solutions. Sometimes it is hard to get advice and suitable fertilisers for horse paddocks. Lifestyle blocks are usually too small for any fertiliser company to be bothered with and fertiliser trucks have trouble manoeuvring around small paddocks. Horse paddocks need lime and Equilise is ideal. Not only does this pelletised form of fine lime reduce application rates to 250kg/ha, it also contains magnesium, phosphate, sulphur, and a bit of selenium. All key ingredients for keeping horse paddocks healthy and palatable. Because Equi-lise is finely ground and made into a pellet, it makes it highly plant available meaning you need much less to do the job. The pellets reduce the dust and mess of fertilising your paddocks. Equi-lise can be applied with a small tow-behind, walkbehind spreader, or by hand. “We love how Equi-lise is an all-in-one lime and fertiliser. It helps to sweeten the pasture and encourages the horses to graze the paddocks more evenly, recycling nutrients from dung and urine patches. It is also comforting for horse owners to know that Equi-lise contains no synthetic chemicals or acids,” says Sarah. It is a super easy, convenient and cost effective way of looking after paddocks and making the most of the nutrients that horses deposit there.

equi-lise is a lime-based fertiliser which can look after your paddocks and your horses.

‘

We love how equi-lise is an all-in-one lime and fertiliser. It helps to sweeten the pasture and encourages the horses to graze more evenly. Sarah Morgan CP Lime Solutions

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CANTERBURY FARMING

September 2018

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September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

CANTERBURY FARMING September 2018

FARMING NEWS

Health check for bees to begin Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor is urging the Canterbury and West Coast beekeepers to complete a survey checking the health of bee stocks.

❚❚by Kent Caddick

Bee colony losses in New Zealand continue to be lower than many other countries, however, annual hive losses have been repor ted at 9.84% overall compared to international results which consistently see rates well over 10%. Mr O’Connor said they are urging beekeepers in Canterbur y and around the countr y to take party in the Ministr y for Primar y Industries’ (MPI) Colony Loss and Sur vival sur vey. “Pollination underpins our primar y industries and the apiculture sector estimates the bees’ busy work is wor th $5 billion a year to the New Zealand economy. Bees are also vital visitors to our gardens and parks. “The MPI Colony Loss and Sur vival survey is an impor tant par t of the work the Government and beekeepers do together to understand bee health, losses and beekeeping practice. “Typically only a third of the hard-working apiculture sector of nearly 8000 registered beekeepers, who look after nearly 900,000 hives, complete the sur vey. “A united sector builds resilience and can take action on the big issues such as hive overstocking rates, access to floral resources, queen bee per formance, seasonal variability in climate and production, and pest and disease management.” Mr O’Connor said while bee colony losses in New Zealand are lower than many other countries, they need to monitor trends and collect as much information as possible to protect our bees.

Survey for survival: Canterbury beekeepers are being urged to take part in the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Colony Loss and Survival survey.

“Working with the thriving manuka honey industr y, we recently introduced the science definition to protect the integrity of expor ts and I strongly believe there is more value to extract from our other native honeys,” he said. “We need to work together to protect the long-term viability of the sector and get more from what we do now.” He said the sur vey is being held now as losses are anticipated over winter because

there are ver y few nectar sources at this time of year and give MPI the most complete picture. “Bees are solely reliant on the stocks of honey they have accumulated during summer or supplementar y feeding from beekeepers. “Honey reser ves need to be kept high enough to ensure the colony can stay warm and sur vive. Even in the absence of any disease, there are likely to be colony losses.”

Reasons for colony losses include Queen problems, such as death, disappearance or not laying eggs; management of the varroa mite; suspected star vation of bees (weather and other causes); and wasps and other bee-robbing behaviours. Registered beekeepers will receive the sur vey from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research in September. For more information email apiculture@mpi.govt.nz.

New season stock available now Some disc mowers may look like a KUHN from the outside. However what is on the inside is more important. KUHN’s design and construction standards ensure a long life and reliable operation.

For more information, or to view, contact: Ashburton 03 307 8027 Leeston 03 324 3791

Amberley 03 314 9055 Timaru 03 688 2179

www.cochranes.net.nz

COCHRANES

your farm machinery specialist

September 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

The right shed can save thousands Hay is one of the most important resources in the farming world, however, it’s one that gets overlooked too often. Improper or inefﬁcient storage can cost you thousands of dollars, whereas a key investment can improve the usability of your hay each season. supplied by ❚ Article Alpine Farm Buildings ❚

While there are many options for storing hay such as wrapping or storing under a tarpaulin, the best method of storing hay is in a barn or shed. The additional shelter provided by permanent storage solution reduces weathering and dry matter loss, while allowing the bales enough ventilation to dry properly. Hayden Mackenzie from HM Contracting in Geraldine recently enlisted Alpine Buildings to supply a 27m x 55m hay shed. The farmer and contractor had been using covers, but found they were losing a lot of hay and needed something safer for his staff to work with. The design criteria for this project included the use of clearspan steel rafters as Hayden didn’t want a ‘forest of poles’ when loading bales in. The shed is 6m high and bays are 5m wide to easily fit the 7ft bales. The 15m centre is fully clearspan with a 6m lean-to off each side. This minimises the centre poles and makes a cost-effective cover.

Why choose Alpine? A key feature of the Alpine design is the birdproof steel rafter system which elim-

Alpine buildings sheds provide best protection for your hay as well as easy and convenient access for your machinery. inates the need for centre poles, making access and storage a lot easier. With joist hangers that are pre-welded to the hot dip galvanised rafters, the Alpine Buildings design saves on install time while giving the best long-term investment. Other stand-out features include plumbcut beams, superb quality control, free delivery direct to the building site and superior after-sales support. All timber used by Alpine Buildings is stacked and dried before packing into kit-

A key feature of the Alpine design is the birdproof steel rafter system which eliminates the need for centre poles

sets, making it stronger and lighter. Hayden noticed this and says, “the timber is another good thing. Your poles are spot on and the timber up there is brilliant. We’ve used other shed companies before and I just found Alpine easier to deal with. And it’s actually designed for a purpose we need, no-one else could build a shed like this. The plans are easy to read, and everything is in the kit; it’s a piece of cake. The builders really love it and they said to me, if you have another shed to build

make sure it’s an Alpine one.” Not only does choosing an Alpine Buildings shed provide the best protection for your hay and reduce forage losses, but it provides easy and convenient access for your machinery and the ability to scale your storage needs as your farm grows. Call the team at Alpine on 0800 428 453 for expert advice on your next farm shed or building, or visit our blog at www.alpinebuildings.co.nz to read up on design tips & tricks.

CANTERBURY FARMING September 2018

Choosing your farm shed location When farmers deliberate about the construction of a shed on their property, they often focus on which materials to use, as this is what will take up most of their budget.

❚❚by Kent Caddick Although selecting the right construction supplies is crucial, it is imperative that you make an effort to ensure proper placement of your shed. A mistake that is commonly made is choosing an empty area on your property under the assumption that all you need to bear in mind is the availability of space. In reality, several aspects should be contemplated as this can affect the convenience and even durability of farm sheds. Here’s a guide to choose a location for a farm shed.

On site: As much as the design of your shed is important, so is its location.

Consider the terrain of the location Before you have your shed constructed, you need to determine if the terrain is suitable. If you have your shed built on rocky ground, it is likely that it will not have a stable base. Depending on the state of your property, you may have to prepare the site so that any obstacles are excavated, mainly if you are buying a prefabricated shed. However, rocks are not the only issue that affect the terrain. Extensive root networks could also affect the placement of your shed, and trees in the area will have to be addressed before the structure is built. Generally, flatter surfaces are best for the erection of your farm shed. Furthermore, take note of the incline of the terrain. Tr y your best to avoid constructing your shed at the bottom of a slope, as you will end up having to contend with drainage issues.

Consider your accessibility to the shed Accessibility to your shed may or may not affect your needs depending on what your primary application for the farm shed is. For instance, if you are building your shed with the intent of utilising it as a living space, whether as a home office or ‘man cave’, accessibility may be critical as you want to be able to access the building easily in all weather conditions. On the other hand, if the principal application for your shed is storage, accessibility may matter less because you’ll potentially be

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visiting the space less often. Keep in mind though that transporting bulky items such as equipment or tools can quickly become tedious if your shed is located a distance away. In this situation, you will be better off seeking out a central location

that makes it easier for you to move between the shed and the rest of your property. Before you construct your shed, make sure you check with any local bylaws and regulations which dictate where on a property a shed can be built.

September 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

Heartland Sheds set Darfield ITM ahead of the pack With over 500 satisfied clients, Darfield ITM has a growing reputation in the region as the place to go for all your farm shed needs.

❚ Article supplied by Darﬁeld ITM Knowledgeable staff The staff at Darfield ITM pride themselves on being knowledgeable and going the extra mile for their clients. Ross Bourhill is the Shed Manager at Darfield ITM. Taking over the role from Steve Borrie at the start of this year. Ross previously worked for Arrow International as a project manager on the Christchurch rebuild, and is a qualified builder. Ross looks after all aspects of the shed business from quoting, ordering stock and organising deliveries of materials to site. Having one contact involved right from the start until the shed is built is crucial for getting it right, resulting in many satisfied customers. “Heartland Sheds is a one-stop shop for your kitset shed requirements,” Ross says. “We provide a design and supply service for the kitset shed and can also act as an agent with councils if required. “We provide an obligation free quote, engineering design specific to your site and a

shed design that meets your needs. Whether this is a lean-to shed, gable, American barn, pole truss or a one-off design.”

Quality construction guaranteed All Heartland Sheds are designed site-specific, so there are no nasty surprises or extras. Ross explains in more detail, “Our sheds are built to last. We use medium density H5 poles, H3 VHG certified timber which has been developed specifically for shed construction, Mitek hardware, and barge flashings are standard. “All our kitsets come with detailed plans, so you can build it yourself or we can put you in touch with one of our experienced farm shed builders. “We are able to supply kitsets South Island wide. We have supplied sheds to Te Anau and Twizel, and recently a shed was even sent to Auckland,” Ross says.

Habitable Sheds Heartland Sheds are currently looking at bringing a couple of habitable shed options

Planning: Heartland Sheds kitsets come with detailed plans, to build it yourself or use one of Darfield Itm’s dedicated builders. Experienced: ross bourhill, shed manager for Heartland Homes at Darfield Itm is a qualified builder and worked as a project manager of the Christchurch rebuild. into their portfolio. These sheds will meet the requirements of a secondary dwelling. So will be ideal for that lifestyle section, extended families or even as a bach/holiday home. If you need a quote for your new shed jump on-line at heartlandsheds.co.nz and complete the shed quote request form or give Ross a call on 0800 88 74 74.

mention you have seen this article in Canterbury Farming and you will get a free Heartland Sheds jacket with your shed purchase. Heartland Sheds, Darﬁeld Itm, 85 North terrace Darﬁeld. phone 0800 88 74 74, or visit www.heartlandsheds.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

September 2018

Why steel studs are preferred When you visit a hardware store, you are likely to ﬁnd only two main types of studs to choose from: steel and wood studs.

❚ by Kent Caddick Commercial builders tend to prefer steel studs over wood studs. Wood was the traditional choice for framing in the construction industry. Not anymore – construction companies prefer steel studs. What’s with the preference?

Structural strength and integrity Though wood is tough, it is not as tough as steel, as it is vulnerable to delving insects like borer. Wood absorbs humidity, expanding and contracting as it soaks up water. This leads to attached coverings cracking and warping with the wood. Steel stud framing is immune to pests and resistant to fire. It can withstand extremely high winds; one of the reasons why municipal buildings, metal schools, and churches are usually used as rescue centres in areas susceptible to natural disasters or tornadoes.

Saves labour cost The more time spent on labour to cut lumber to size, boring holes for wiring among other

things the more money spent. Thus, the saying time is money, which definitely applies to labour costs as well. Wood stud framing requires skilled labourers who must spend more time working on the wood, for example, cutting lumber to size. With steel stud framing, you can have steel frames and panels done before it gets to the work site for walling to be completed using just a set of instructions and reasonably trained labourers. Wall panels can be pre-constructed at the manufacturer to ensure hole spacing and fitting will be meticulously completed at the site.

Convenience Steel is lighter than wood and its hollowed shape means it occupies less space – half the space of wood. This translates to easier transportation and storage. Cutting of metal studs with aviation snips means no sawdust is produced, which translates to a cleaner environment. Metal cutting saw blade and a mitre saw can be used to cut in bulk.

Tougher: the structural strength of steel framing makes it the builders’ choice. Steel studs have superiority in commercial buildings or large structures construction as it is relatively easy to pre-fabricate offsite, rather than doing onsite welding during the construction process. Patterns and hardened bolts can be prepared in advance for easy setup and con-

nection of beams and posts to one another quickly, once they arrive on site. This goes to save time and promotes efficiency at a construction site. Steel stud framing allows creating of uniquely shaped structures that are much taller than wood framing could allow.

CANTERBURY CONTINUOUS SPOUTING LTD “Whether it’s a homestead or a farm shed CONTINUOUS has the solution for you.” • 21 years experience installing throughout Canterbury and Westland. • 6 spouting profiles to suit your requirements. • Installation crews servicing your local area. • Strong brackets and robust snow protection to handle the rural climate.

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September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

Broadband Made Easy!

Gearing up for growth Local Christchurch based company Ultimate Broadband is gearing up for its biggest expansion to date and owner/operator Mike Smith is excited about the opportunities soon available to rural customers in South and Mid Canterbury.

Fibre Broadband Urban UFB fibre from $79 per month, Rural Fibre from $135 per month on Enable or EA Networks fibre.

Wireless Broadband Rural Wireless Broadband from $69 per month, No Cap Wireless from $119 per month.

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supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Ultimate Broadband Ultimate Broadband is an official partner in Canterbury for the Rural Broadband Initiative 2 – essentially a funding mechanism provided by government to expand Internet services in remote rural areas with poor or non-existent coverage. Ultimate Broadband will expand their wireless network to provide broadband at higher speeds and connect more customers. Sites are being built or upgraded in Tai Tapu, Selwyn, Hororata, Lake Coleridge, Ashburton Lakes, Rakaia Gorge, Upper Rangitata Gorge, Huntington, Wakanui, Greenstreet and one of the biggest sites in the upgrade will be located at Peel Forest. In South Canterbury the expansion extends from Hunters Hills down the coast as well as Mt Dobson, Fairlie and along to the Lindis Pass. “Ultimate Broadband has been working with the rural community for over five years,” says Mike. “We’re committed to providing the most efficient Internet solutions for our customers.” Mike describes Ultimate Broadband as a hybrid Internet service provider that uses a combination of copper, fibre and wireless technology to deliver the highest quality of service. Mid Canterbury’s leading rural fibre provider, Ultimate Broadband works with local operators Chorus, Enable, Alpine and EA Networks fibre. They are also resellers of Rural Broadband Initiative 1 – wireless broadband based on the Vodafone 3G and 4G network which is often the option to connect customers in areas where Ultimate Broadband have yet to roll out their network expansion. By using different options of connectivity Ultimate Broadband customers are guaranteed a more fixed consistent speed service with very large data allowances – in fact the majority of plans have no data caps.

Not just an ISP: Ultimate broadband will analyse your home, business and farm as a whole.

“We pride ourselves on designing networks to fit with customer’s specifications. We’re not just an Internet provider—we will analyse your home and business as a whole. We like to take it to the next step and develop a package to fit your entire needs.” While this involves obvious home broadband connection, it’s also about connectivity to areas such as dairy sheds, monitoring systems, irrigation and security cameras. Ultimate Broadband can connect farm workers accommodation and provide Wi-Fi in areas where staff need to be and cannot rely on the 3/4G Vodafone network. New customers signing up with Ultimate Broadband will receive a Wi-Fi assessment from their technicians.

“Poor Wi-Fi is the main reason for poor internet connectivity and most people don’t realise this. A bigger router or extra Wi-Fi access points often helps Internet function much more efficiently – while this can incur extra cost it leads to a much better service.” For the majority of customers while a high-speed Internet service is a priority they also expect a high level of customer service when there is a problem. Mike and his team operate a 9-5 customer helpdesk and a 24-hour after hours message service that is regularly checked, issues resolved quickly and customers regularly updated via Facebook and email alerts. The company also has obtained its own radio spectrum to further increase service performance to customers.

NEED TO TIDY UP YOUR BLOCK? We do: • Removal of hedges and stumps • Professional Excavation • Drainage • Road Works • Drain Cleaning • Driveways and Carparks • Farm tracks

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EXCAVATION

P O BOX 69198 LINCOLN CANTERBURY 7640 Steve: 021 338 247 | AH Phone: 03 325 7922 | Fax: 03 325 7923 Email: epsltd@xtra.co.nz | Web: www.paulsexcavation.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING September 2018

Professionals who can manage your house-building project In this article we look at the professional help you can get when designing and building your home.

supplied by ❚❚Article www.consumerbuild.org.nz ❚❚

Architect or designer-managed If you are using a registered architect to custom-design your home, they will probably offer a full service which includes managing the project. In fact, they may prefer this option. If the plans are being drawn by an architectural designer or an architectural draughtsperson, they may also offer this service. Keeping on the architect/designer means paying for their services and you may be tempted to stop using them once the plans are drawn to make some savings. This could prove to be false economy. The plans are only written instructions. Are you confident that you will be able to interpret them when the builder asks a question about them? If they are interpreted incorrectly, there could be costly mistakes, and it may not be clear who is liable for the costs once the architect has stepped away from the project.

Company-managed When you use a group housing company, or kitset/pre-built home, the price usually includes the services of a project manager.

Often you are buying the section, plans and building services as part of the package and don’t have to organise any of this yourself. But it doesn’t mean stepping away and not taking any interest in the project.

Builder-managed When you hire a builder on a full contract, depending on what is in the terms of the contract, they can manage everything from getting a designer, hiring the subcontractors, liaising with you on variations and getting materials on site. Or, you might have a hybrid arrangement where you use an architect or designer to do the plans and have an overview of the entire project, as well as monitor the budget and progress payments, but the builder takes on the hiring, and acquiring of materials and organising inspections. The responsibilities need to be clearly spelt out in the contract.

Other professionals Other professionals, like quantity surveyors, sometimes take on the project management task. This can happen by default, for example, when the project manager you engaged lets you down.

Helping hands: Get professional help when designing and building your home.

Project management companies There are companies that specialise in providing project management services for building construction. They are usually involved in apartments or commercial sites but often manage ordinary home-building where the house is a complicated design or at the expensive end of the market. Or they get called upon by busy people who want someone to take the whole project off their hands. Most project management companies are

happy to be approached and discuss your new house with you. Small firms, or people working alone, also offer their services as project managers. You will pay a fee for their services. Check with the individual companies and managers to see how their fees compare to those of the architect, or the margin you pay the builder to manage the project. But, as with any project management, what you pay in fees can often be saved by avoiding the expensive mistakes on a badlymanaged building site.

September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

Natural timber houses built tough For over 20 years Sunshine Homes has been crafting affordable homes and cabins. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Sunshine Homes From the very first Sunshine home, built over 22 years and thousands of houses ago, the company’s aim has remained the same – to build houses which are great to live in, homes that really last and that everyone can afford. Sunshine Homes offer the best value natural timber houses anywhere, using the longest lasting, toughest materials available. They don’t just offer natural timber interiors, or one type of exterior cladding, they can help you choose the specifications and finishes that ideally suit your taste and budget. For example a coloursteel roof looks great for years, while their weatherboards and aluminium joinery are easy to clean. Solid timber interior walls stand up to the harshest of treatment, and people love living with sustainable pine timber and cosy insulation. Sunshine Homes services both the North and South Island. Their homes are easily transportable, and the best thing about their range is the fact the Floor Plans can be easily altered to suit your needs Feel free to contact Stacey (027) 828 3372 to learn more about Sunshine Homes.

Your choice: Sunshine Homes offer classic board and batten cladding for that natural look, as well as palliside cladding that adds a touch of class and comes in a variety of colours.

CANTERBURY FARMING

September 2018

Harnessing nature to reduce waste The NaturalFlow wastewater system is revolutionising domestic water waste and sewage treatment processes in New Zealand.

❚ Article supplied by Natural Flow

Using a power-free aerating process – as opposed to mechanical pumps – NaturalFlow harnesses Mother Nature’s recycling processes, in an enclosed eco-system stimulates the natural forest floor. NaturalFlow marketing manager Dean Hoyle says nature is one huge recycling mechanism. “Our system harnesses those natural processes and forces that have been quietly working together for thousands of years to break down and decompose waste all around us to treat and break down your wastewater until it is safe to be re-introduced into the environment.” Waterflow NZ spent almost a decade researching and developing the NaturalFlow system before integrating it into the

New Zealand market. Home owners from Cape to Bluff now have access to advanced water treatment solutions that are synonymous with clean, green 21st century ideals. The NaturalFlow System uses vermiculture to reduce the solids by up to 95%, creating in the process valuable water soluble nutrients that can be recycled safely back into the environment. “No other system has the capacity to reduce solids by this amount,” Hoyle says. “We are very much working with nature in our processes, keeping it simple, and using power free natural aeration processes instead of mechanical pumps; reducing maintenance processes to practically zero.”

the NaturalFlow System uses vermiculture to reduce solids by up to 95%, creating in the process valuable water soluble nutrients which can be recycled safely back into the environment.

Testimonial “We have lived with a Naturalﬂow waste water system now for four years. We chose Natural Flow because we wanted an environmentally friendly system that didn’t require expensive, ongoing maintenance. Our system has delivered exactly what we wanted. We have a system which requires no electricity, no pumps, makes no noise. I can’t recommend Naturalﬂow enough. If you want a simple, low cost, environmentally friendly sewage treatment system you really can’t go wrong with Natural Flow.” — Adam and Karen

September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

Multi Purpose Portable Buildings. • Portable site office & retail space. • Storage • Very competitively priced. • Low energy costs and maintenance. • Transportable to your own site.

FOR HIRE OR BUY

• Ideal as a Granny Flat in your back yard. • Temporary or permanent accommodation.

Sales contacts: Jim Webster Sales Manager 027 931 2884 Russley Portables Office 03 357 2950 Office and Construction: 656 Wairakei Road Christchurch New Zealand. russley.portables@xtra.co.nz www.russleyportables.co.nz

Future facing with farmers and Laings Ensuring a business spans generations requires 360 degree thinking. That means, scaffolding from the foundations of the past and visualising a blueprint for the future.

❚ Article supplied by Laing Homes

Owner of Laing Properties Grant Laing, supports farmers to build on their vision with his unique insight of the building and civil works industries. Grant’s in the heart of a building and construction business that spans three generations. This allows him to drill into years of knowledge – while having his finger on the pulse of future trends. In addition to requests for farm-worker accommodation, and with the growth of agritourism in Canterbury, enquiries for Airbnb and farm-stay buildings are trending. “With farming it can be hard to look beyond traditional income streams but considering the growth of the tourist market and Airbnb, it’s definitely something farmers should consider,” Grant says. With Laing’s specialist expertise and equipment, their transportable (prefab/

modular) and relocatable (re-furbished) homes are ideal solutions. When farmers have bought additional land or require buildings to be shifted to make way for irrigator paths, Laing’s relocatable homes fit the bill. “We’ve helped several farming families retire comfortably by helping them subdivide off a small parcel of land and building a relocatable home on it. This gives them the option of staying on farm or moving if desired,” says Grant. With over 30 staff, and over 30 years’ experience, Laing Properties are Canterbury’s trusted provider of transportable and relocatable homes and are members of MasterBuild. Visit www.laing.co.nz for more information.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

September 2018

StructureWise: the home of the Steelbone Bird Proof Purlin Leeston based Structure Wise Ltd is a Kiwi owned and operated company which designs and supplies buildings speciﬁcally to their customers’ needs.

❚ Article supplied by Structure Wise

Managing director Phil Williams has over 25 years’ experience in construction as well as an expansive rural background meaning Structure Wise is well equipped to help clients (both rural and commercial) with all their building needs. Phil says Structure Wise is proud to announce the release of New Zealand’s latest engineering innovation to eliminate roosting birds in steel farm buildings and sheds. “Currently we are working in Mid Canterbury on rural and commercial projects, utilizing the Steelbone Bird Proof Purlin, which is another cost efficient solution that is not limited to the smaller spans of timber, nor cumbersome flashings for steel purlins.” The patent pending Steelbone Enclosed Steel Purlins provide an enclosed steel section with no visible roof or wall fixings, which is bird and vermin proof. This range has a greater capacity than other bird proof options including sawn timber solutions and recommended for bay widths up to 8m. Steelbone is simple to install, hence reducing construction costs. The clean design partnered

with the strength and durability of steel provides a new option for farm, commercial and industrial buildings. Benefits of the Steelbone Building System: • Fully enclosed section means no birds perching • Cleaner design options • Spans up to 8 Metres • No warping with steel • No wastage during construction (no offcuts) • Reduced labour and machinery costs during construction • Simple to install Structure Wise normally services the greater Canterbury region but has completed projects across New Zealand. It also has the option to design and send kit sets to customers nationwide. “We take pride in calling Canterbury home and have a strong commitment to our environment and our community.” Next time you consider investing in a building, think Steelbone, and contact Structure Wise to discuss options or to request a free no obligation quote.

September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

Building a new garag

Your legal obligations fall into two main areas: complying with your co coverage; and obtaining a Building Consent, if applicable, and complying

peter thorby ❚ by ❚ Refresh Renovations First, you should check the District Plan rules to determine the allowable site coverage, heights relative to boundary and distance from the boundary. If you are following the profile of the existing garage, you may have ‘existing-use’ rights, but it’s important that you check with your local council. If your proposal does not meet the District Plan rules then you will need a Resource Consent from your council. In some cases, for example when replacing a carport of up to 20 square metres, you may be able to build without having to get a building consent. Discuss your proposals with your council to determine whether or not a building consent is required. Regardless of whether a building consent is required, the replacement garage or carport must comply with the New Zealand Building Code. In most cases, for a stand-alone garage or carport, the Building Code requires it to be strong enough to resist all likely loads including earthquake, wind and snow. Rainwater needs to be controlled and disposed of without affecting your neighbour’s property, and the garage or carport needs to be built so that fire is unlikely to spread to neighbouring property.

When you apply to the council for a building consent you will need to provide detailed drawings and specifications for what you are proposing to build. These will need to show how your building complies with the Building Code.

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ge or carport legally

ouncilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rules about building height, distance from boundaries and site with the Building Code for how the garage is designed and constructed.

Check list: When planning your new garage or carport check whether you need a building consent.

If you are using a building company to design and supply your garage or carport then they will usually be able to apply for the building consent on your behalf, and provide the council with all the information that is required.

Provided your replacement garage does not include a sleep-out, designing and building a stand-alone garage or carport is not restricted building work and does not need to be carried out by licensed practitioners. Any electrical work must be done, or signed off, by a registered electrician who will issue an Electrical Certificate of Compliance on completion. If you did get a building consent, the council will need to inspect the work at various stages of construction, so that they can issue you with a Code Compliance Certificate. Information about the Building Act, Restricted Building Work, and the Building Code can be freely downloaded from the Department of Building and Housing website. Article supplied by Refresh Renovations. For more information on your building needs go to their website, www.refreshrenovations.co.nz or give them a call on 0800 00 45 44.

September 2018

South Island Rural Team

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When you list your farm with our rural team, there are Property Brokers’ team members across the country working alongside them to get you the best result. That’s because every one of them has signed a binding agreement to work together to sell your property. It’s a New Zealand first for the rural real estate industry that means we put your best interests first. Which is exactly where they should be. Find out more at propertybrokers.co.nz/rural

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Four active ingredients that combine to control weeds in your fodder beet crop in one easy-to-use and convenient spray. Too easy! Insist on Betanal quattro from Bayer.

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September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

UNEXPECTED BREAK.

IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN YOU’D THINK. At FMG, we’ve been looking after rural people for over 100 years now. So we’ve become really good at recommending the kind of cover that looks after the most important piece of equipment on the farm – you. It’s the sort of advice that really makes a difference in the country. If you’d like to know more about it, go to fmg.co.nz. Or better still, call us directly on 0800 366 466.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

September 2018

NIR: what is it and how testing protein is now affordable? NIR is the commonly used term for Near InfraRed spectroscopy, an analysis technique which has been used in the food and agricultural industries since the late 1970s. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ FF Instrumentation Ltd Over the years it has become very widely adopted worldwide, as it offers signification benefits over the chemical analysis methods it replaces.

How Does NIR Work? Components such as moisture or fat have their own unique infrared colours which we cannot see. An NIR instrument can see these colours and recognise there is moisture and fat in the material it analyses. NIR can also measure the level of these components by looking at the intensity of their infrared colours. Infrared colours of compounds come from how certain molecular bonds absorb specific wavelengths of infrared light. The higher the concentration of a compound, the more infrared light is absorbed and less is reflected to the NIR instrument. The NIR instrument measures the proportion of light which is reflected by the material which is analysed. Compounds such as protein, fat,

the Im 8800 portable NIr machine by perten is available from FF Instrumentation Ltd.

starch and sugar can be measured by NIR. Perten Instruments from Sweden are constantly working on improving the capabilities and applications that NIR offer.

Why doesn’t every farmer, miller, storage facility or grain handler have an NIR? The restrictive aspect of NIR has always been the cost – until now. Perten’s latest addition to their range, the Inframatic 8800, solves this problem. IM 8800, by Perten of Sweden, is the next generation portable NIR instrument for protein, moisture and oil determination in grain and oilseed. The instrument has been designed with portability in mind to give users freedom to measure grain in-field, at grain storage sites and at grain processing locations. It is even equipped with GPS, enabling point specific sampling to generate protein maps on-the-go to make informed harvesting and binning decisions. An on-farm grain analyser has been desirable for some time. The demands on such an instrument are high, however, and must balance many requirements. It must be rugged and robust. It must be portable to carry around the field. It must be simple to operate, but sophisticated enough to provide accuracy similar to elevator and lab instruments. And it must do it all in a cost-effective manner. Recent technological developments have allowed Perten to develop just such an instrument. The Inframatic 8800 uses solid state components and diode array technology meaning no moving optical components. The instruments are accurate, repeatable, and reproducible. A price of less than $15,000 NZD makes it truly affordable. Contact FF Instrumentation today on 03 962 2960 (ext804) for more information or a trial.

September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

It’s Fodder Beet time again At this time of the year, we start to think about growing fodder beet for another season.

Steve Finch ❚ by ❚ Specialty Seeds

It always seems funny to me that we need to start thinking about a new season crop when we still are grazing many paddocks of fodder beet off... but that’s farming for you. This season crops have been better than the average, and our clients across the board are happier this year with crops than the last years, with some crops being exceptional. Fodder beet is truly a great crop to grow, and I think fodder beet has some often overlooked benefits for our clients but the bottom line for me is simple, if you are going to grow a crop for winter dry matter production, the higher the yield, the cheaper the cost that dry matter will be. Is there another crop a farmer can plant that can potentially yield the same as fodder beet? The simple answer to that is no. If farmers are looking to maximize production off smaller areas as many are then a well-managed crop of fodder beet is very hard to better. Fodder beet as we all know requires care and attention to detail from the time it goes in until the time you are finished with the paddock.

either summer turnips or a forage brassica/ rape crop, however, now chicory can be included as a very real option as well. Many of you will be using chicory and regard it as a traditional crop, but for some particularly in the South Island chicory will be a new concept for summer. Below is a summary of what is available to you along with our suggestions on cultivars you should consider. These summer options provide an ideal path to new pasture establishment:

Summer turnips Fast maturing, nutritious and a highly palatable feed sum up summer turnips as a crop. Summer turnips are high in M/E (typically 12+) and with good management can within 60-100 days of sowing often produce yields of between 8 and 12 tonnes dry matter per hectare. Summer turnips are sown during September/October at two kgs per hectare. The cultivars we sell the most of are either Barkant, Dynamo, Marco (tetraploid) or Rival.

Forage brassica

Forage brassicas are crosses between turnips and related leafy brassicas. This blend results in very quick growing crops normally described as leaf turnips. Forage brassicas Summer green feed options are a very flexible crop to grow as most culIt’s certainly time for us all to start to tivars have very few days to maturity and are think about what the options are when a high- multi sometimes grazed up to 4 times. Yields of 10-12 tonnes DM/ha are often achieved in quality summer feed is required. CANTERBURY 260W X 180Hwell-managed MM 1/2 PAGE crops.ADVERT However, they do tend Traditionally we FARMING have normally suggested

to perform better in better soil types or with irrigation. Forage brassicas are suitable for all stock types. They are normally sown at 4-5 kgs/hectare, and the ones we sell the most of are either Hunter, Pasja 2 or SF Pacer.

Chicory Chicory has over a relatively brief time become the summer feed of choice for many of our farmer clients. Proven to be an exceptional plant regarding feed quality and animal performance chicory is suitable for all stock types and has been shown to boost milk production in dairy cows. When used as a replacement for summer forage crops chicory provides minerals and nutrients that other crops cannot owe because of its deep taproot system. This deep taproot also helps chicory in areas with dry soil types or in dry summer environments. Other benefits are that a chicory is a multi-graze option, doesn’t cause stock health issues, i.e. grass staggers or facial eczema and don’t suffer from insect pests typically found in the brassica mentioned above crops. Chicory crops are sown between 8-10 kgs per hectare. The cultivars we recommend are Chico, Choice, Puna 2 or Punter. Should you be considering planting a crop of fodder beet, then please feel free to contact us.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

September 2018

Stimulate growth with nitrogen Applying nitrogen fertiliser in a liquid form is a convenient way of applying nitrogen to crops or pastures.

❚ by Kent Caddick

Liquid N can be used in various scenarios:

Liquid N is suitable for a wide range of farm types, including pastoral, arable and horticultural systems. Liquid N is a solution, not a suspension, which means that the nitrogen component is fully dissolved in the water and there is no particulate matter to clog nozzles or sprayers during application. Liquid fertiliser is an important ‘tool’ that allows farmers to apply significant amounts of nitrogen and other important elements strategically within a growing season. Understanding the fertiliser formulations and their relative strengths and weaknesses enables farmers to utilise the products available to them to maximise productivity. Knowledge of available application methods and ideal environmental conditions for uptake also enables the best chance of success with Liquid N products. Liquid fertilisers are widely used throughout the world, with nitrogen being the most commonly applied major nutrient in liquid form.

• As a post-grazing nitrogen source to boost pasture growth. • To build your feed wedge. • Apply to high-value pastures to grow more dry matter to ensure sufficient feed is available both before and after lambing and calving. • Apply to pastures that are being shut up for conserved feed. A wide range of other products, fertilisers and fungicides can be mixed with Liquid N and applied at the same time. It is really important to seek advice about their compatibility before mixing any products. Liquid N can be applied with gibberellic acid. Gibberellins are plant hormones that activate dormant enzyme systems. Applied to pasture, they can stimulate out-of-season growth or accelerate growth through reserve mobilisation, leaf and stem elongation, and promotion of flowering.

Gibberellins have the potential to decrease tillering above ground and root production below ground. To amend these negative effects, gibberellin application should be restricted to pastures where prior management has resulted in adequate energy reserves and good mineral nutrition status and by applying nitrogen fertiliser with gibberellic acid to assist in amending side effects.

To minimise stress on pastures and to avoid negative effects, the lower the rate of application, the better.

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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.

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September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

Average yields down on last season ❚ ❚

The latest Arable Industry Marketing Initiative (AIMI) Survey of cereal areas and volumes has revealed the average yield for crops was down on all six crops surveyed. 2018 New Zealand harvest of wheat, barley duction Statistics. These figures reflect the down 12%, malting barley yields down 9%, Article supplied by and oats as well as sowing intentions for the position at July 1 and there will have been feed barley yields down 10%, milling oats Foundation for Arable Research

The objective of the AIMI survey of cereal growers in New Zealand was to determine, among other things, the final size of the

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changes since this time. Unsold and sold grain carried over from the 2017 harvest was not estimated in this survey, however, in the April survey this carry-over grain was only 1.5% of the 2017 harvest, so adding any grain remaining on farms from 2017 would do little to change the complete picture.

Key Points (Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100) Average yields were down on last season on all six crops surveyed while unsold stocks of feed wheat are higher although feed barley stocks are lower than this time last year. Unsold stocks of milling wheat, malting barley, milling oats and feed oats are also down on last year. The area sown in wheat and barley is expected to decrease this season (predicted to be down 8%). It showed that autumn and winter sowing has proven difficult in some areas, with autumn/winter sown area being 15% down on intentions as at April 1. Some crops have been drowned out and some of these may not be re-sown. Wet conditions have also delayed sowing in some regions. Final estimated average yields were down this season compared to last season for all six crops, with milling and feed wheat yields

yields down 17% and feed oats yields down 6% on last season. The tonnages of unsold feed grain were estimated at 68,300 t of feed wheat and 72,400 t of feed barley, and in addition, there was an estimated 19,200 t of unsold milling wheat. The predicted 2019 harvest hectares, when totalled over all six cereal crops, are 8% down on the 2018 harvest hectares (from 105,300 hectares to 97,300 hectares).

Milling wheat Estimated final total tonnage (81,100 t) was down 24% compared to last year’s harvest. Of this total, 76% has been sold (61,900 t), although a large amount of the sold grain is still stored on farm (54%). The amount of unsold grain is 19,200 tonnes (24%), which is less than at the same time last year (25,000 t). The amount of unsold grain decreased between 1 April and 1 July 2018 by 11,600 t (or 38%), as compared to a 9,700 tonne decrease in unsold grain between the same dates last year.

Feed wheat Estimated final total tonnage (296,100 t) was down 1% compared to last year’s harvest. Of this total, 77% has been sold (227,800 t), with 47% of the sold grain still stored on

CANTERBURY FARMING

down by 48%, and feed oats (4,100 t) was down by 56%. Malting barley had 2% of the total harvest unsold (1,200 t) while milling oats and feed oats had 2% (300 t) and 8% (300 t) unsold, respectively, as at 1 July, 2018. Of the sold grain, 9% of malting barley was still on farm, as compared to 95% of milling oats and 47% of feed oats. Between 1 April and 1 July 2018, the amount of unsold grain decreased by 60% for malting barley, decreased by 18% for milling oats, and decreased by 30% for feed oats.

September 2018

while the harvest area for feed wheat is predicted to increase by 20% and the harvest area for milling wheat is predicted to decrease by 33%. Over this same period, the harvest areas for malting barley, milling oats and feed oats are predicted to decrease by 0% (no change), 41% and 28% respectively. When totalled over all six cereal crops (including oats), the 2019 harvest hectares are predicted to be 8% down on the 2018 harvest hectares (from 105,300 hectares to 97,300 hectares).

Sowings and sowing intentions

Crunching the numbers: A survey of cereal areas and volumes has revealed the average yield for crops is likely to be down on last year’s harvest. farm. The amount of unsold grain is 68,300 tonnes(23%), which is more than at the same time last year, 1 July 2017 (63,600 t). The amount of unsold grain decreased between 1 April and 1 July 2018 (down by 30,800 t, or 31%), as compared to a 25,600 tonne decrease in unsold grain between the same dates last year.

Feed barley

of the sold grain still stored on farm. The amount of unsold grain is 72,400 tonnes (23%), which is less than at the same time last year, 1 July 2017 (89,800 t). The amount of unsold grain decreased between 1 April and 1 July 2018 (down by 33,900 t, or 32%), as compared to a 30,700 tonne decrease in unsold grain between the same dates last year.

Other cereals

Estimated final total tonnage (308,900 t) was up 32% compared to last year. Of this Compared to last year, estimated final total total tonnage tonnage for malting barley (63,000 t) was CANTERBURY FARMING 180Hdown MMby1/22%, PAGE ADVERT 77% has been sold (236,600260W t), with X 47% milling oats (13,400 t) was

The actual area sown in autumn/winter wheat or barley, was down 15% overall on autumn sowings plus intentions as at 1 April, with some growers saying it had been too wet to sow and with some crops drowned out. When autumn/winter sowings were combined with spring sowing intentions, the area sown or to be sown in wheat or barley was predicted to be down overall by 8% as compared to the area harvested in 2018, or up by 13% on the area harvested in 2017. Over the two year period (2017 harvest to predicted 2019 harvest), the harvest area for feed barley is predicted to increase by 24%,

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September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY

Processing timber during harvesting Processing is a very important step in the harvesting process, as that is where the real value can be recovered from the tree.

supplied by ❚ Article ❚ NZ Farm Forestry Association With so many different local and export processing options, most harvesting operations will process the stems into ten or more different log sorts. A log sort is defined by both quality and physical dimension characteristics such as length and diameter. A nice overview of the different grade types and what they are used for is provided by NZWood. Processing on the landing is typically done by a machine being an excavator with a processing head attachment. These machines can delimb by using powerful rollers to pull the stem through the knives (also the holding arms of the head). All processing heads have both length and diameter measurement capability and this data is fed into the on-board computer. It is typically done in 10cm increments so a high level of detail is provided for the computer to optimise the cutting strategy for the stem.

The log-maker If the stems are processed on the landing by chainsaw, then it is the log-makers task to decide how the stem should be cut. They will have a tape to measure length and callipers to measure diameter, and use a set of cutting instructions to decide which log sort to cut. The advantage of using a log-maker, instead of a machine, is that they can better assess the quality of the stems. The disadvantage is that measuring length and diameter is cumbersome, and true value optimisation decisions are limited by the experience of the log-maker.

Adding value: real value can be added to the tree during the processing part of harvesting.

‘

A log, if cut too short, will have no value when delivered to the customer.

Value recovery The term ‘value recovery’ refers to the process of ensuring the optimum amount of value is obtained from the stem. Value recovery has many aspects, including marketing and delivering the timber to the customer prepared to pay the most. Because the harvesting contractors are

typically paid by the volume of wood they process, and not the value, an important part of managing a logging operation is ensuring that due care is taken during processing, so that the logs are being cut correctly. A log, if cut too short, will have no value when delivered to the customer.

Fleeting Fleeting refers to sorting the logs after processing and placing them into their correct stacks. However, for high production operations, and when landing space allows, a front-end loader is quicker to load the trucks.

Loading The final step in the harvesting process is loading the cut logs onto logging trucks for

transportation to market. An excavator with a grapple commonly called a ‘loader’ is by far the most common loading machine found in a New Zealand logging operation. They can work in tight space, such as in between log stacks, and are very good at ‘fleeting’ the logs. One loading alternative that can be considered for smaller harvest, or cut-to-length operations, is the use of a self-loading truck. Self-loading trucks are very versatile in that they can pick logs from the landing or roadside without the need to interfere with the harvesting operation. The reason they are not popular is that the truck has to carry the extra weight of the integrated boom and grapple, which reduces the maximum payload it can carry.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY

September 2018

Domestic scene strong, export prices fall

Allan Laurie mNZIF ❚ with Laurie Forestry Ltd ❚

Late July and August has been somewhat tumultuous with export log prices falling with reasonable signiﬁcance for the ﬁrst time in several years.

This drop has been the direct consequence of a currency shift between the China currency (RMB) and the US dollar. Prices fell variously around New Zealand with wharf gate drops in a range NZ$10 to $14 per cubic metre. Over the space of the first two weeks in August, the China market responding very bluntly to what has been about a 6% movement in the RMB/US$ cross rate. New Zealand exports of log and lumber to China are in US dollars and in the absence of any movement in China domestic prices, the market basically folded its arms and refused sales until the sales prices of logs dropped. And before anyone suggests a conspiracy theory here, this situation is not about a country adopting a rule the world policy. But it is about a market dynamic that involves a large number of customers who all on their phones waiting to see who folds first. It is also about holding out to see where the bottom of the market ends up thus avoiding buying over valued cargo and taking big hits on margins. As can often happen in these situations, the market can over correct. As an example, at the top of the cur ve, CFR prices (landed in China) were around US$145 per cubic metre. The currency shift was suggesting the correction needed to be about US$135 but final settlements have been as low as US$130. The weaken NZ$ and slightly softer shipping rates have meant the full effects of a US$15 per cubic metre drop in sales prices has resulted in an average NZ$12 drop at the NZ wharf gate. Just to put this in context, at current exchange rates Kiwi$ v US$ at an average US$15 per cubic metre drop in CFR prices

this reflects in a NZ$20mil drop in the value of log sales in August. Of course it is easy to get all emotional about such drops but it is important to look back over the last two years and realise even at the new lower levels, prices are still in the top 85 percentile of the market of the last three years. The fundamentals in China remain very strong. In August, daily softwood log consumption on the eastern seaboard has ticked along at 80,000 cubic metres and inventory has continued downward. As at midAugust this was sitting at 3.8 million cubic metres, a drop of 300,000 in a month. The big unknown is of course the illustrious (not) US leader and just what stupidity he espouses next. The unpredictability of tariff impositions together with shifting currencies has significantly impacted international confidence and world trade. Some commentators have suggested we are entering, or have already entered unchartered waters on the economic 101 front. A tariff battle is actually playing out as a currency battle and might even be described as an attempt by the US to reposition the Green back against the imposing tide of the RMB. Such chest beating creates division and uncertainty and we have seen this play out in Turkey in the last couple of weeks. European economies whilst often small, can have a major impact on dynamic market shift. And the one big unfortunate thing here is the US consumer is going to wake one morning and and realise paying 15% to 20% more for the Chevrolet and the dish washer and the new kitchen furniture wasn’t such a good idea after all. As stated, if the red headed one reins it in a little or gets reined in a little, the cumula-

tive effects on NZ should be momentary with many of the fundamentals and key indicators suggesting wood fibre markets remain robust and strong. It is important to remember the current situation is a function of currency and not log prices or demand. The New Zealand domestic scene remains very strong. Demand is through the roof, prices and holding and it is nice to see a small

tweak upward in some lumber segments recently. A lower NZ currency will ensure we see a lot more of the same in this highly important part of the NZ Forestry economy. Meanwhile, in the land of great promise and opportunity, it remains as always fundamentally important, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees.

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September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY

Look up before you plant

Thinking of planting trees or shrubs near power lines? Choose a power line friendly variety.

Examples of power line friendly trees are shown below. Ask your local nursery for some advice on suitable species for your area. BOTANICAL NAME

By planting the right tree in the right place you will be protecting your local community’s future health and wellbeing.

COMMON NAME

Natives Coprosma propinqua

Mingimingi

Coprosma robusta

Karamu

Corokia cotoneaster

Korokio, Wire-netting bush

Phormium tenax

Flax, Harakeke

Fuchsia excorticata

Kotukutuku, Tree fuchsia

Griselinia Littoralis

Broadleaf, Kapuka

Hebe salicifolia

Koromiko

Leptospermum scoparium

Manuka

Macropiper exelsum

Kawakawa, Pepper tree

Olearia lineata

Small-leaved tree daisy

Pittosporum tenuifolium

Kohuhu

Psuedopanax arboreus

Fivefinger, Whauwhaupaku

Pseudopanax crassifolius

Horoeka, Lancewood

Sophora microphylla

South Island Kowhai

Exotics

Please call Orion on 03 363 9898, 0800 363 9898 or email info@oriongroup.co.nz for help and advice.

Escallonia sp.

Apple Blossom

Malus sp.

Crab Apple

* Cupressus spp.

* Cypress

Acer spp.

Maples

* Thuja spp.

* Thuja

Viburnum spp.

Viburnum

* Choose a true dwarf variety. If planting an exotic hedge, choose a slow growing variety such as Cupressus leylandii, Cupressus arizonica and Cupressus torulosa (Bowral) or Thuja occidentalis “Smaragd”.

CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY

September 2018

Planning for harvesting operations ❚ ❚

No harvest should ever commence without developing a harvest plan ﬁrst. Managing safety, for example how the logger avoids or mitigates known hazards, should be in the plan. Article supplied by For example, if you wish that the logging rain detail as possible. During the planning recovered during the harvesting operation. Developing a harvest plan begins with un- contractor removes the wood waste from the process many different road and landing layNZ Farm Forestry Association

The harvest plan is not just a map, if done well it should be a critical part of the contract with the company, consultant and logger that sets out the expectations in terms of when and how the harvest will be carried out. The harvest planning process is complex and has many aspects. It involves several interrelated processes carried out over a large and sometimes highly variable area, often taking several weeks or months to complete. Money and time spent on effectively planning a harvesting operation is nearly always

processing areas, or restore any fences that were pulled down during operations, then this needs to be in the plan and contract. Also, if harvesting needs to stop for stock movement, this should also be shown. It also allows the logger to cost it into their operation. The second key component of any harvest plan is the map. It should be a contour map showing as much ter-

derstanding the forest being harvested, the intended market for the material, and the available resources required to get the material from the forest to the market. It will finish with the successful completion of the harvesting operation. For simplicity it can be broken down into four main steps: A detailed harvest plan will typically have two components. The first part is a document where perharvest planning considerations, safety and environmental expectations are all written down to be part of the harvest contract.

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out options should be considered so that the best one can be identified. Modern maps are made in GIS software and can be readily changed or modified as required.

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September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

❚ with peter burton

DAIRY

Finding solutions is a simple matter of joining the dots

When farming I had a sneaking suspicion that much of the information received via main stream media, printed material only then, was an overly simpliﬁed version of reality.

Which would you prefer?

Since becoming immersed in the fertiliser industry and having access to research work, that feeling has been confirmed. There’s no question that the attitude “farmers won’t understand, just tell them what to do”, was and still is alive and well. The difficulty is that when farmers accept information without questioning its accuracy and make decisions accordingly, there are unintended consequences which are often worse than the initial problem. People become genuinely confused and tend to stop trying to understand. Quick fixes are then demanded, most of which are incapable of addressing the underlying issues. Farmers are just as capable of understanding complex issues as any other group and have the added advantage of being able to test the effectiveness of prescribed solutions. What’s required is the awareness that this can often be easily carried out in the field without specialist equipment. A strong sharp spade and a quick dig can often provide the information necessary to solve what at first might seem a quite complex problem. I recall a client commenting that although bloat had almost ceased to be an issue after applying the recommended nutrient mix there

was one paddock where it still occurred. A brief history of the paddock provided the likely reason and half an hour in the paddock confirmed the theory. The paddock was two years out of a maize crop and, as is often the case, a pan or hard layer at about 100 -150mm had developed. Few roots had been strong enough to reach the subsoil which meant the plant was feeding almost entirely on what was available above that layer. Moisture and temperature fluctuate rapidly in the top 150mm of most soils which means both growth, and nutrient availability also vary significantly, not ideal for grazing ruminants that operate best when their diet is constant. Potassium is the major nutrient most available for plant uptake when soils are moist. The other major positively charged nutrients are more tightly held as they are bound with other elements. This means that calcium, magnesium, and sodium are down on ideal for plant uptake, and bloat is nearly always more prevalent when there are high levels of potassium and low levels of sodium. Having identified the likely issue the fix was relatively straightforward. In the short term ensuring salt was available in bins when stock next grazed the paddock reduced the likelihood of animals being severely affected.

Several options were discussed as the longer-term solution. Aerating using an implement designed specifically to lift the top 200 -250mm of the soil allowing air to enter and plant roots to penetrate to a greater depth was considered as an option. As a recent soil test indicated that plant available calcium levels were lower than optimum an application of lime was recommended. Calcium stimulates the activity of earthworm and other beneficial soil dwellers. Earthworms alone can be enough to break hard pans and provide long-term relief. Fungi and bacteria in their absence can and do provide that function should the soil be too abrasive for earthworm proliferation. The underlying principle is that animal health is directly linked to the mineral content of the pasture, which is dependent on soil-held plant available mineral, and that is largely governed by physical soil structures. A spade and some time in a paddock examining the physical nature of the soil and the activity of plant roots can often be enough to unlock the reasons for sub-optimal animal and total farm performance. There is excellent printed material, and people with the necessary experience to help take farm performance to the next level, when there is a genuine desire to do so. For more information contact peter on 0800 843 809.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

September 2018

Fred Hoekstra ❚ with VeeHof ❚

Reducing risk of lameness during calving time Calving has started, so what are the important issues to minimize lameness at this time? At the start of the season it is important to realise what the risk factors are, and how to manage them as this has an impact on the whole season and possibly beyond. Spring is a particularly important time because there are lots of things happening in the cow’s life that are stressful. At calving there are lots of hormonal changes in the body, their diet often changes suddenly, getting into a different routine etc. This is even more so for R2’s. They have never calved, or been milked before and, the more dominant heifers, in particular, will struggle with finding their place in a new herd where they suddenly are not the dominant animals anymore. So, at this time of the year a big focus should be on minimizing stress on our cows. This is important at any time of the

year but particularly so at calving time. You need to make sure cows are fully fed, keep heifers in a separate herd, practise excellent animal handling skills and make sure your cows have comfortable dry resting areas. I can hear some of you thinking that this just isn’t practical and we need to eat out the paddocks properly to make sure we have a good quality grass in our second round. Don’t underestimate the importance of resting and of fully feeding your cows. Of course, there is a balance between fully feeding and wasting grass and that needs to be managed properly as well. But if you hold back on your cows in order to gain a better quality grass, then it will cost you more than you probably realize. Why not use a mower? That is what they are made for and it doesn’t cost as much. It only feels that way because you can see and calculate the cost and it is a lot hard-

er to calculate the gains of properly fed cows. The resting opportunity is a big challenge for most farmers, especially on irrigated farms where all the trees had to be taken out to give way to the centre pivot. On top of that, many cows in New Zealand are now wintered on winter crops. You may have noticed that those cows spend a lot more time standing particularly when we have had some rain. Those cows haven’t had the rest over the winter that they needed. They are ‘coming to work’ after their holiday already tired, and it’s only going downhill from there. That is why I have big problems with the way winter crops are being fed. It is too hard on the cows, and you will be paying for it in loss of production, lameness, mastitis and the image that you create to the public.

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September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Synlait CEO’s parting message Synlait Milk’s outgoing chief executive ofﬁcer, and company co-founder, John Penno recently handed over the reins of the company to incoming CEO Leon Clement.

❚ by mike Isle However, before doing so, he had a special message for the people of Selwyn, and particularly those in Dunsandel where Synlait chose to build its first manufacturing plant. John Penno is emphatic in his fondness for the area. He lived and farmed for a time on the north bank of the Rakaia River. When Synlait’s time came to buy its first farm, the choice of Dunsandel was for him a no-brainer. “We were drawn to the area because of the great soils, fantastic water and proximity to amenities and infrastructure. Plus, in my experience there is no place better in the

Simple choice: Dunsandel was a ‘no-brainer’ as the choice for Synlait’s ﬁrst site in Canterbury according to out-going CeO and company co-founder John penno.

world for growing grass than the mid and north-Canterbury region,” he said. “When we decided to get into the manufacturing business, the same drivers made Dunsandel the logical place to site our plant.” Penno says that from the start it has been a partnership between Synlait and the community. “Synlait has been able to attract good people to the area, attracted by the lifestyle and the employment opportunities Synlait offers, and with 600 employees, many of whom are local, we have been able to make a major contribution to the economy. “It’s also been our privilege to work with and assist community groups such as the fire service, schools and sports clubs.” Penno says that it has been reciprocated. “[Synlait] has always enjoyed good support from the community. There are some good people out there. We have always been able to work constructively with our neighbours. I really don’t think we could have done

what we have without them, and I thank them for that.” Penno retains a role with Synlait, the company he helped start 18 years ago, as he remains on the board as a director. He also retains a strong link with Selwyn – he and his wife, Maury, are restoring a farming property on neighbouring Banks Peninsula. Nevertheless, he has one further message for Selwyn. “It’s been a privilege to lead a great team at Synlait and for Synlait to be part of this community. Best of all, it has really only just begun.”

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

tony trewinnard ❚ by ❚ Blue Skies Weather

Too close to call

Alert readers will remember my initial comments about possible trends towards El Nino this coming summer. Well, the atmosphere evolves, and so do my ideas about what might happen. This current situation is an intriguing one indeed. First point – we will either see a weak Modoki El Nino this summer (an El Nino which is warmest in the central Pacific near the dateline, not in the usual spot off the South American coast), or we will have a neutral season. I don’t really see any other alternatives with the current state of the atmosphere and ocean. Neutral seasons can be tricky to predict, but so can particular flavours of El Nino. In the current state of the atmosphere (and ocean don’t forget, because El Nino is a coupling between ocean and atmosphere, they interact with and affect each other), we are finely balanced. In the tropical Pacific deeper ocean water temperatures are shaping up exactly as we would expect them to be if an El Nino was developing. But sea surface temperatures are not yet following the script, and the reason is largely due to broader wind patterns in the tropics and sub tropics. There is a battle going on between the wind patterns which help bring warm water to the surface, and those which suppress warm

upwelling. Which wind systems win this battle over the next month or so will likely determine the nature of our summer weather patterns. At this stage it’s too close to call. Most computer models are heavily backing the development of an El Nino because they are seeing the warmer waters underneath the tropical Pacific. That’s why Niwa are now calling a 70% to 80% chance of an El Nino developing. But I’m at 50/50 because I think there is more to the story. Firstly, ocean temperatures in other parts of the globe are not in a pattern we usually associate with El Nino. Its just not clear how much impact these “out-of-sync” ocean temperatures in other parts of the world will have on the Pacific. Secondly, there is a tendency for El Ninos which threaten to develop just before solar minimum (the low point in the 11-12 year solar cycle) to fizzle out. We’ve seen it many times before. But the computer models assume a constant solar input, so don’t see this elephant in the room. Currently we are near solar minimum, but with the expectation we won’t hit it for about 12 months. So, an anti-El Nino sign.

September 2018

For more seasonal and long range information, visit: www.facebook.com/BlueSkiesWeather least normal, and often warmer as the southwesterly flow faded, or event reversed. Rainfall was drier than normal in the east of the South Island, but not droughty-dry. Sunshine hours were up. So putting this all together: It’s currently 50/50 whether we have a weak Modoki El Nino summer or a neutral one; We should know in about 4-6 weeks which way it will go; If we get the Modoki El Nino option, we can expect a southwesterly flavoured spring, cool, sunny and dry for Canterbury; If we stay Modoki El Nino, we can expect the summer to have a cold December followed by warmer months, increased sunshine for Canterbury, and probably less rain than the long term normal. But let me emphasise again, we are currently at half time in this particular prediction game. There is plenty of time for these patterns to emerge stronger, or fade away. In my opinion, mid-August is too soon to make a call.

However, let’s say we do end up going down the path of a weak Modoki El Nino event (which is predicted by some of the more sophisticated models). What then could we expect to see for New Zealand this spring and summer? The current best analogues (based on comparison with our current ocean and atmospheric patterns) are 2014, 2009, and 2002. In each of these springs, the main airflow characteristic was increased and more frequent southwesterly airflow. Temperatures for New Zealand were mostly colder than usual. Noticeable was the Novembers in each of those seasons were especially cold (grape growers take note). Rainfall was drier than normal in the east but not droughty. Sunshine hours followed the pattern you might expect – below normal in western areas, normal to above normal in the east. The summers of these three analogue seasons were a little varied but had some common themes. Anticyclones were dominant in the Tasman Sea and often over the North Island. For the most part, airflow was southwesterly in December, and the Decembers were cold (again, an issue for grapes), but the Januarys and Februarys were at

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September 2018

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Nearly upon us

❚ with Dr tony Davoren, Hydro Services

Why would one want to think about irrigation at the moment?. I shouldn’t have spoken or written too soon. Our weather has continued to have a touch of spring about, pasture growth is exceptional for this time of the year, soil temperatures have been on the rise and blossom everywhere is on the early side. Is there any reason? We hear regularly of the plight of the NSW farmers. In June their Bureau of Meteorology predicted a less than 30% chance (20-25% was considered likely) of exceeding median rainfall through the winter. They have great modelers, models or experienced personnel, because as it has turned out the chance was about 0%. Farmers have (to relieve the stress) been putting their rain gauges up for sale in Bunnan, “having a sense of humour to help with

the stresses of the drought”. Little point in keeping it because “couldn’t even remember when we had rain in the gauge”. Parts of drought-stricken NSW are having their driest July on record, and coldest and warmest July in more than 20 years based on maximum and minimum temperatures. How dry – most of NSW has received less than 20% of the usual July rainfall and some places like Forbes only received 0.8mm (the driest July in 143 years of records), and Nyngan and Brewarrina registered their first rainless July since 1970. While our July has been dry it can’t compare to NSW. But the 16mm recorded in Greendale is just 27% of the average July rainfall of 59.1mm at this site.

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If I was writing this back in June I wonder what the chances of receiving the mean rainfall were back then? It would appear the predictions would probably be not much different from those for NSW I expect. And the first 17 days of August haven’t added to the rainfall total – just 2mm. Does it mean we will follow the Northern Hemisphere? Will we have an El Niño? Will the patterns in NSW continue and will we be similar? In June NIWA forecast near normal rainfall (35 to 40% chance) for June – August 2018 and above normal (35 to 40% chance) for this part of NZ. We haven’t quite reached these forecasts to date with 51mm in June (86% of the 59.1mm long-term average), well below average for July and heading for a below average August. There is no evidence in the climate records to date that we follow the Northern

Hemisphere (or vice versa). There is general consensus that northern and southern hemisphere “climates follow the beat of different drummers”. For example: • Only twice over the entire last millennium have both hemispheres simultaneously shown extreme temperatures – once in a global cold period in the 17th century and the second one is the current warming phase since the 1970s. • The ‘Medieval Warm Period’ identified in some European accounts, was a regional phenomenon with temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere only average. Are the dry east coast months of June and July the result of a developing or developed El Niño event? Once again no evidence of that with no dominant SOI index – neither El Niño nor La Niña. All pretty neutral still.

WATER & IRRIGATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

September 2018

Setting achievable nutrient rules behind the scenes with IrrigationNZ

A successful appeal against ECan’s Plan Change 5 has resulted in a win for Canterbury irrigators.

Andrew Curtis ❚ by IrrigationNZ CEO ❚ In August an appeal to ECan’s Plan Change 5 was resolved. IrrigationNZ invested a lot of time on this appeal because it would have required irrigators with older systems to spend $300 million upgrading their irrigation across Canterbury as a result of the nutrient modelling rules relating to irrigation. When the Plan Change was notified such a significant change wasn’t proposed at all, instead only older irrigation systems operating on light soils would have needed replacement at a cost of $80 million. The change in rules was made by the Hearings Commissioners at the request of nobody. In pursuit of some common sense, IrrigationNZ lodged an appeal on this, and was joined by a number of parties. This resulted in a lot of time modelling and discussing impacts. Our organisation commissioned a study on the cost of the change which identified the $300 million cost. The decision was resolved in our favour, but there is still a lot of work ahead on more detailed requirements around nutrient modelling rules for irrigation. Good management practice will vary from farm to farm depending on irrigation systems, soil types, crop types and rainfall zones and the rules need to be flexible to reflect this. Locally, we have also completed some work within the Selwyn and Hinds zones. These two catchments have some of the most ambitious nutrient loss reduction rules in Canterbury. They were also tied up in confusing Good Management Practice rules around nutrient management which needed to be resolved. Two earlier ECan Plan Changes (PC1 and PC2) set targets for irrigators to reduce nutrient losses by up to 36% in Hinds and up to 30% in Selwyn through Good Management Practice expectations. However, in Plan Change 5 tougher rules around Good Management Practice nutrient losses were intro-

duced. This meant that irrigators in Selwyn and Hinds would have had to achieve significantly more nutrient loss reductions than those agreed to in PC1 and PC2. Clearly these changes would have been neither achievable or fair, considering irrigators were already aiming for agreed nutrient loss reduction targets which were already challenging. To address this issue IrrigationNZ convened a working party involving ECan, irrigation schemes and other primary sector stakeholders to identify how the original re-

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a lot of value in having a membership organisation for irrigators. It’s busy enough on the farm without having to worry about a raft of poorly thought through regional rules upsetting your life and costing you a lot of money. We will continue to work on providing advice to help irrigators achieve good management practice. If you want to upskill your team on Gmp irrigation requirements we have upcoming training events at Lincoln, Ashburton and Darﬁeld. Visit www.irrigationnz.co.nz/events for details.

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duction nutrient targets could be provided for. After several months working through these issues a solution has been found which allows the original nutrient loss targets to be kept – the same targets irrigators have already been aware of for some time and have been working towards. Guidelines have been developed for irrigation good management practice modelling rules and ECan have now circulated these around all consultants involved in developing nutrient budgets. I guess the moral of the tale is that there’s

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2018 M AS

S EY FE R GUS O N

September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

Support for Yersinia vaccination

The importance of vaccinating young deer to protect against yersiniosis was endorsed by several farmers at a Regional Workshop organised by the Mid Canterbury Venison Advance Party.

❚ by trevor Walton The workshop was held on Radfield, David and Hilary Ward’s mixed cropping and finishing farm, near Ashburton. Advance Parties are farmer groups set up under Passion2Profit, the deer industry’s Primary Growth Partnership programme, to help farmers increase the performance of their deer operation. David Ward said that if a yersinia problem develops on an intensive deer finishing system you’ll quickly see “a lot of dead deer”. He prefers to manage the risk properly by feeding his animals well and vaccinating. It usually takes only one bad experience to ram the lesson home and in the Ward’s case, this happened about 15 years ago. “We had a mob of stressed weaners. They got their first vaccine shot but not their second. In June we lost about 35. “I never want to go there again. The risk is always there – the vaccine reduces that risk.” He said the total animal health bill for his finishers, including the second Yersiniavax is

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about $18/head. The breeder pays for the first shot. “That’s not excessive. If I can get them up to heavier weights two or three weeks earlier, it’s a cheap investment. “Getting them away for slaughter earlier is also important to fit in with our cropping programme.” Mike Galbraith manages Lilongwe Farm, a finishing property supplied with weaners from Mendip Hills in North Canterbury. Both Lilongwe and Mendip Hills are owned by the Black family. “Back in the 1980s you’d see truckloads of dead deer [from yersiniosis outbreaks],” he said. “We’ve been using the vaccine since it came out. It reduces, but doesn’t completely eliminate, the risk. We lost some weaners last year because they were too stressed and thin when we vaccinated – but we won’t stop vaccinating.” He said that in contrast with the setup at Radfield, the weaners from Mendip get a fairly tough introduction to life as a finisher. They are mustered by helicopter for their first

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and only visit to the Mendip shed. There they are tagged, given Yersiniavax and put on the truck for a four-hour journey to Lilongwe Farm for finishing. “It’s a big ask,” Mike admitted. Once they arrive at Lilongwe, their life gets better fast. They start on lucerne, putting on 335 g/day before moving to fodder beet and ad lib lucerne baleage for the winter. Mike said they have lost only two or three out of 1000 weaners this year. “They’re looking good – bouncing around in the evenings now,” he said. Fairlie deer farmer Tom Macfarlane said you can’t control things like the weather, but you can control other risk factors like feeding, shelter and undue stress. He had also lost vaccinated bought-in weaners to yersiniosis but, like the others, put that down to the animals being stressed and light – another illustration of why managing this disease risk is down to much more than just the vaccine. Advance Party facilitator Lorna Humm noted that the organism that causes yersiniosis is always present in the animal’s gut. “When the animal is stressed and stops eating, the bug quickly grows out of control, causing dehydration and death. Older, fitter, unstressed and better-fed animals can resist infection better.” A Deer Industry NZ Deer Fact sheet on

the disease says yersinia bacteria are widespread in the environment. While most mature deer build good natural immunity to the disease, weaners are vulnerable. Vaccination is not 100% effective, but it significantly reduces the number of deer affected, the severity of the disease and the number of deaths. The timing of vaccination varies, depending on whether a farm pre-rut or post-rut weans. Two doses are needed, one ideally before weaning when the weaners are at least 12 weeks old. The second, three to five weeks later. Deer suffering from yersiniosis usually develop a watery green diarrhoea, stop eating and rapidly become dehydrated and weak. However, some deer may die without showing any obvious signs. Deer infected by other diseases like malignant catarrhal fever and salmonellosis have signs that look very similar to yersiniosis, so the diagnosis needs to be confirmed with a lab test arranged by a vet. Once an outbreak occurs, it is too late to vaccinate. It’s important to move quickly and to treat all deer in the mob, even those that don’t seem sick, because they could carry and spread the bacteria for weeks or months. Isolating scouring deer helps prevent spread of the disease to other deer.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

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At time of writing, the South Island wool auction for week seven of the current season had only just completed and vendors could be reasonably pleased that their wool had received slightly better competition compared to previous auctions held during July and early August. That was principally due to the influence types of good washing colour and good changed compared to the previous sale. With a number of South Island grown of a much softer Kiwi currency and also style improved by around 5% during the to a huge market price improvement at same time frame. Average to poor fleece merino wools beginning to come forward wool auctions held in Australia the pre- types, though selling well, did not expe- locally, and after a stunning series of rience the full benefit of currency move- Australian broker auctions following their vious day. three week recess, fine wool prices at Although delivering reasonable re- ment. Finer crossbred types measuring the Christchurch auction were expected sults for some vendors and exceptional results for others, depending upon wool in the 32 to 34 micron ranges also re- to be very solid. A confident bench of buyers reprebreed and type offered, the sale process ceived good support from the export in Christchurch, from the auctioneer’s trade. Bulky oddments also enjoyed a senting the entire global fine wool trade lined up to do battle in the Christchurch perspective, was a difficult one, due to strong rally at the August 16th auction. Halfbred and Corriedale types were auction room, and from the outset bidthe wide range of wool types catalogued, meaning that pitching calling price levels well supported at Christchurch al- ding was very competitive. By the end of to reflect immediate market movement though buyers were selective, and odd the auction, prices achieved for the stylrequired some quick thinking to not only lines were neglected if preparation was ish offering, compared well to those rulmaintain momentum within the auction not up to scratch. With Australian bro- ing in Australia the day before. The strength of the August 16th aucroom but also to allow bidders time to kers reporting a very solid market for their ‘crossbred’ types (NZ’s ‘halfbred’ tion, however, points towards a good adjust. Having said that however, by the or ‘mid-micron’ types) only 24 hours be- season for NZ fine wool growers who close of the sale and compared to the forehand, it was anticipated that the have enjoyed a brilliant growing season previous South Island auction two weeks Christchurch auction might deliver better despite some of the animal health issues which often accompany plenty of prior, some wool types had remained un- prices than eventuated. However by close of business most at grass growth. changed to slightly buyers’ favour, some That’s my view. had improved marginally, and others had Christchurch had remained generally unenjoyed great improvement. Crossbred wool types have struggled for too long now but with a softening in the Kiwi dollar prices improved at the Napier auction on August 9, and again at Christchurch on August +GST Each 16. Freight free anywhere in NZ Buyer interest in well-grown, well-prepared, full-length pre• Buy 10 receive 12 and 2x service kits lamb-shorn fleece of super style • 3 models available – all the one price • Nearly indestructible was very strong at Christchurch and prices reflected more than • Only NZ Manufacturer providing lifetime guarantee on the body of the ballcock the currency fluctuations over the previous two weeks. Prior to the latest Christchurch auction, similar types had been receiving around the 335 cents per kilogram clean mark, therefore it was a step in the right direction for growers when the market improved to reach up to 365 cents clean. Crossbred second-shear

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65 60 55 50 45 40 2013

2014

2015

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2018

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Wool market on the improve

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❚ by rob Cochrane

September 2018

September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

Solid to the core

The overuse of an old sports metaphor is almost a tradition in automotive writing, but sometimes a machine comes along which just cries out to be described in those terms.

❚ by Andy bryenton

The 6G takes the place of the now discontinued M Series, and it’s similarly intended to be a multi-role powerhouse, with the ability to further upgrade and fettle the base platform to make it perfect for a variety of specific tasks. The core of this design philosophy is having lots of power on tap, making it easy to maintain and upgrade the 6G, and cutting back on those things which a farmer may find unnecessary on a front-line tractor, such as autonomous steering. Under the hood, it’s all about a sublime equation between fuel economy, more important than ever these days, and power output. The 6G range boasts a variety of ponies

Such is the new Deutz Fahr 6G series of tractors – touted as bringing a new level of productivity to farm and field. To trot out the comparison to that other kind of field, this big green machine is a solid all-rounder, the core of the team. It’s been designed to form powerful combos with nearly every kind of ag machinery, allowing truly versatile deployment while never letting the side down on power. The latest big German-designed Deutz Fahr joins a line-up with very practical DNA, as witnessed in the success of the existing 6RC and 6TTV models.

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up front, from 1341hp through to a muscular 203. In every case this power comes from Deutz Fahr’s well proven and now upgraded TCD 2012, 6-cylinder engine. It’s a mill gutsy enough to churn out plenty of torque when it’s called for, but green enough to meet tough Tier 3A emission regulations, thereby removing the need for any after treatments such as SCR. There are two variants of the Deutz Fahr 6G series, the Vista and the Summit, with the latter packing a whole new front suspension setup allowing a road cruising speed of 50kph. An advanced but easy-to-use transmission features 30 forward and 15 reverse speeds, delivered by 5 ranges and 6 powershift steps.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

September 2018

New looks, same legend

The Isuzu DMax has become a bit of a legend in its current generation’s lifespan, picking up a reputation for toughness which goes beyond simple marketing.

❚ by Andy bryenton Looking beyond the updated grille and front end of the newest iteration of Isuzu’s flagship ute you’ll find real truck parts which make this machine very, very hard to kill. Kiwi farmers have tried – not out of malice, but just out of having to tackle our unique blend of potholed gravel roads and back-country mud. The fact that they haven’t managed has led to an interesting marketing campaign for 2018’s updated model - Isuzu are appealing to hard-core drivers to trade up so others can have some fun with their trade ins. Aside from altruism, there are several other reasons to take a closer look at the 2018 DMax. Staying with the formula of ‘smooth on the highway, dauntless off road’, the LS-T double cab retains the look, and the cargo space, of a hard-working utility, while gaining an updated set of headlamps and daytime running lights. Big, bold alloys, a crisp and functional cabin space and little luxuries such as touch screen infotainment make this a sophisticated workhorse, but there’s no

Sophisticated workhorse: the 2018 Isuzu Dmax LS-t double cab retains the look, and the cargo space, of a hard-working utility. mistaking the sound of that big diesel – under the facade of a modern cruiser beats the heart of a truck. Isuzu have not at all messed with a good recipe under the hood, and have retained the combo of a 3 litre diesel mill coupled to a variable geometry turbocharger to develop in excess of 430 newton-metres of torque. Having been in the business of developing diesel engines since the 1930s, Isuzu is a name you’ll see on a whole fleet of massive articulated trucks – but only one ute. That’s a point of appeal for those who know and love the DMax’s

bigger ‘cousins’ as freight, stock and materials haulers. The DMax is less a road car given a ‘shot in the arm’ and new clothes, as the smallest size of working machine to carry the brand’s nameplate. So, a new face, but still plenty of muscle. The 2018 DMax may joke around with the concept that drivers are still hanging on to their beloved original models, but anecdotally, there really are farmers out there who would have to be crowbarred loose, and that alone puts the DMax up there with Ranger and Hilux at the top of the modern ute food chain.

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September 2018 CANTERBURY FARMING

Quad bike safety steps ❚ ❚

Article supplied by WorkSafe NZ

Quad bikes are involved in approximately 28% of all work-related farm deaths, but in most cases death and injury can be prevented – they aren’t part of the job.

Riders must be trained/ experienced enough to do the job

Before anyone rides your quad bikes assess their skills. If they need training the best option is a skills course. Or contact your local quad bike dealer and ask about courses in your area.

Choose the right vehicle for the job When choosing the right vehicle for the job pay close attention to what your quad bike owner’s manual says about carrying passengers. Most manufacturers’ manuals say passengers should

not be carried. Also consider the maximum towed and carried load limits for your quad bike.

Always wear a helmet Helmets can be the difference between walking away from an accident and suffering a permanent, life-changing brain injury.

Don’t let kids ride adult quad bikes Quad bike manufacturers set minimum ages for using their bikes based on the age when young people have sufficient strength, body weight and mental ability to master the safe riding techniques. On all adult-sized quad bikes (over 90cc) sold in New Zealand that age is 16 or older.

Safety ﬁrst: Always were a helmet while operating a quad bike on the farm.

More safety tips Keep quad bikes maintained in a safe condition. Take care on slopes and rough terrain – don’t exceed the capabilities of the bike. Don’t do tasks that interfere with safe riding – keep both hands on the bike, eyes on the ground in front. For information on accredited training providers visit: NZQA or call 0800 697 296.

OUR REPUTATION IS SPREADING With permanent four wheel drive, front, centre and rear differential locks and a powerful yet fuel efficient 360hp Cursor 8 engine, it’s no surprise that IVECO’s Trakker 4x4 is favoured by New Zealand’s leading spreader companies. Add a low tare weight, 15 tonne GVM and a comfortable, ergonomic cabin, and you have all the tools needed for the most demanding applications. To learn more, phone 0800 FOR IVECO (0800 367 48326) Iveco NZ – 21 Vogler Drive, Wiri, Auckland Brendan Taylor – 027 403 2036 – Auckland, Northland Erwin Stoltz – 027 290 8426 – Auckland, Waikato

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CANTERBURY FARMING

September 2018

ECan roundabout To the editor, It was so good reading Rob Cope-Williams’ Last Word column in the August edition. My reason for the compliment is that I have been saying virtually the same thing for the last 15 or so years. It is so refreshing to see that I am not the only one who has concerns about ECan and the role it plays as a local authority that has a prime responsibility for the environment. It is intended to return full democracy to ECan but the problem is the environment along with the people most involved will suffer from the intended method of allocating the number of representatives. The accepted or should I say the traditional method of adopting wards on a basis of dividing the total population by the number of wards is outdated in an area that is heavily populated in urban areas yet sparsely populated in rural areas. Democracy is very similar to a traffic roundabout. Roundabouts only work efficiently when the traffic flow from all roads is equal. When the traffic flow is unequal one can sit for a very long time at rush hours waiting for a gap to enter the roundabout. The same applies to democracy the sparsely populated areas that usually have the most issues are subjected to the will of the higher populated representatives. The plus or minus 10% rule is intended to prevent gerrymandering and that maybe so when the number of people per representative such as territorial authorities (this is also debatable in large rural authorities) but in the case of a regional council it is the land water and air and not the peoples’ needs that require to be well represented.

The problems faced in the rural areas far outweigh the urban ones so there needs to be sufficient elected representatives to ensure that consultation and representation of those affected are not overshadowed by council members that have no idea the extent that the issues affect landowners and people working, living and investing in the land. South Canterbury is a classic case, the ward covers about a third of the total area yet it is proposed to have only one representative as the population figures force this position onto the people who live in that area. Selwyn was similar when I represented it; the ward went from Arthurs Pass to beyond Akaroa. To service those people I traveled thousands of kilometers and ended up on the front page of the Press accusing me of fiddling the system. I was elected to serve those people and I did the same as Bill Penno who is now campaigning to have an extra representative in South Canterbury. Bill knows the problems faced by the magnitude of servicing a massive area with most of the problems encountered by ECan. There is another serious problem regarding the makeup and operation of our local governments but it will have to wait until I write again. Once again, thanks to Rob Cope-Williams for bringing this important subject to the notice of your readers. Maybe just maybe if there is sufficient concern we may be able to persuade the powers that be the system is not working as intended.

Yours sincerely, Bill Woods, Springfield

❚ with rob Cope-Williams

Don’t be taken for granted

Rural folk have a reputation for being loyal and dealing with those they know, but to their own detriment in many cases. I took out a medical insurance policy in 2009 and took it as read that I was getting the best deal. My agent sent a Christmas card and birthday card every year and I contacted her on the two occasions I made a claim but apart from that I assumed I was getting the best value possible. Oh, how wrong I was. When the premium went from $3,000 a year to $3,500 last month with no contact from the company or the new agent, “my business” had been sold too, I rebelled and contacted a lady I had interviewed on my TV programme. Silly me, I should have realised that she had all the options at her figure tips and consequently my premium has dropped by more than $800 and my cover has now got several added features. She was able to explain why my previous insurer charged so much and why the company she chose for me was the best for my situation. She also promised to monitor my cover and, if need be, discuss any other changes with me.

Wow, advice, service and saving lots all at no cost to me. The silly thing is that I heard what she said during the interviews I did with her but I didn’t listen as I thought I was being looked after. My point is, and yes there is a point, I’m not excited about making the move however long it took me to wake up, is that unless ask we won’t know what is available and while trust in relationships with professionals is a wonderful thing, it may well be in their favour rather than yours. The other aspect to think about is that it’s all ver y well communicating with your advisors and professionals but are they able to offer you a wide enough range of advice and products. I know as far as Barbara-Lee and her team at the Insurance Ladies is concerned that they have access to ever y product available rather than someone who is locked into one company with a small range of products. That’s why restaurants have menus and bars have a range of drinks on offer isn’t it?

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700 SERIES

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

says youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re serious.

*Offer ends 30 September, while stocks last. Available on hire purchase agreement with an interest rate of 1.99% p.a. based on minimum 30% deposit, the new equipment GST component repaid in the fourth month and 60 monthly repayments in arrears over a 60 month term. Fees and lending conditions apply to approved GST holders. Finance is provided by AGCO Finance Limited GST 88-831-861.