Canterbury Farming, March 2019 by Canterbury Farming

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

March 2019 Edition

INSIDE Field days take centre stage THIS EDITION Deer numbers up

p7 Biosecurity risks

p13 SIAFD 2019

p21 Water tax

p65

Organisers of this year’s South Island agricultural Field Days are promising the event will be bigger and more diverse than ever. Over 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the three day event in Kirwee, running from 27 to 29 March, making it the largest field day of its kind in the South Island. Exhibitors have been clamouring to stake their spot at the event to show off the latest in agricultural products and machinery and visitors can expect to see a wide variety of demonstrations and state of the art machinery. For more on the South Island agricultural Field Days see our feature, page 21.

Farmer confidence drops on back of uncertainty A recent survey shows farmers remain gloomy about the general economic outlook along with a growing concern about recruiting able staff.

❚ by Kent caddick The findings were part of the results of a January Mid-Season Farm Confidence Survey carried out by Federated Farmers. Federated Farmers Vice-President and economics spokesperson Andrew Hoggard said the survey found the lowest level of confidence in the economy since July 2009, when the country was just emerging from the Global Financial crisis.

“As with the wider business community, I think we’re seeing concern about the impact of global uncertainty and instability on our key export markets, with the likes of Brexit and US-China trade relations.” He said just 5.1% of the farmer respondents expected general economic conditions would improve over the next 12 months, while 45.9% expected they would worsen. The level of pessimism is a fivefold increase on the July 2017 survey.

“Continuing difficulty recruiting staff is another finding which stood out, with a net 40.1% of respondents finding it harder over the past six months to recruit skilled and motivated staff as opposed to easier, up 4.2 points on the July 2018 survey. “While that might reflect seasonal factors, it’s also driven by the generally tight labour market and immigration restrictions,” Hoggard said.

TO PAGE 2

March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Meat and wool farmers ‘most positive’ FROM PAGE 1

“Dairy and arable farmers have found staff recruitment particularly hard. This indicator has steadily worsened over the 10-year life of the survey and is at a record level of difficulty.” He said it was the 20th time Federated Farmers had commissioned the twice-yearly survey and the 1,462 responses to agricultural market research company Research First was one of the biggest yet. Just on 56% of respondents said they were currently making a profit, down from 62.3% in July 2018. Meanwhile 9.3% are making a loss, up from 7.8% and 32.4% are just breaking even, up from 27.8%. “Meat and wool farmers continue to be the most positive about their current profitability, and their sentiment improved a little since July.” Hoggard said. “But dairy’s worsened which is no surprise given the fall in dairy commodity prices and farmgate milk price forecasts in the second half of 2018. Arable also fell slightly.” Andrew said.

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Meat and wool farmers continue to be the most positive about profitability, and their sentiment improved a little since July. Andrew Hoggard

Vice-President, Federated Farmers

Almost 30% of respondents expected farm profitability would worsen out over the year ahead against 18% who expected profit improvement. That was- a 21.8% fall on July’s 10.4% net positive score. “Optimism about future farm production has decreased over the past six months, particularly for dairy and arable farms. Dairy farms have seen the largest net negative change between July and January, down 20.2%.” Hoggard said for this survey drought did not register as a concern which was most unusual for a January 2721 survey.

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Outlook: Federated Farmers Vice-President andrew hoggard says the survey found the lowest level of confidence in the economy by farmers since July 2009.

Other key ﬁndings: • Farmers overall expect their spending will increase slightly over the next 12 months, particularly meat and wool farmers. • Farmers in most regions expected their debt levels to increase over the next year, with the North Island’s East Coast the exception. • Continuing a finding of the last four surveys, regulation and compliance costs remain the greatest concern for farmers. • Concerns about climate change policy and the ETS that became increasingly prevalent over the past three surveys has levelled out, and concern about the political situation has also decreased.

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

March 2019

Hot, dry summers will increase demand for water and storage New Zealand’s recent heatwave is likely to repeat in future years as hot, dry summers become increasingly frequent and that will require urgent planning to improve water storage to cope with future demand according to IrrigationNZ.

❚ by Kent caddick “New Zealand is water-rich by world standards, but we often don’t have enough water at the time it is most needed unless we store more water,” IrrigationNZ chair Nicky Hyslop says. New Zealand’s recent average annual rainfall is estimated at around 550km3 by NIWA, and 2% of this is abstracted for human use. Just 1km3 is enough water to fill 400,000 Olympic size swimming pools. “We experienced a relatively wet spring in many areas but in January our landscape has dried out,” Hyslop says. “Soil moisture levels are now significantly below average in most of the North Island, particularly the Upper North, over Canterbury, Otago, Marlborough and Nelson and this is increasing demand for water for both domestic and agricultural use.” The drier conditions are forecast by NIWA scientists to continue in future summers, according to a report on Climate Change impacts on agricultural water resources and flooding. The report highlights that soil conditions are projected to become drier over much of the country, including Auckland, during spring and summer during this century. Average river flows are also expected to decrease in the east and north of the North Island. “The changes will mean that we will need to re-think how we manage water in the future,” Hyslop says.

Stored: More water storage schemes such as the central Plains Water irrigation scheme in canterbury will be needed to cope with demand brought on by climate change and population growth according to IrrigationNZ.

“Our population will continue to increase, and this, along with drier soils and lower river flows in places like Northland and east coast of the North Island, will mean that demand for water will increase in cities and in rural areas and we need to plan to respond to this. “Water availability is a critical issue for New Zealand and we need to be planning at a national level for how we will meet this increasing demand for water. “There may be opportunities to develop multi-purpose water infrastructure which serves communities and farmers and growers and also has environmental benefits.”

Hyslop says the Kerikeri Irrigation Scheme is an example of a water storage project which has delivered multiple benefits for a community including higher household incomes, more employment and environmental benefits. “In many countries worldwide, developing water storage is increasingly being seen as key priority for governments and is centrally funded. “ Hyslop says during dry conditions such

as these, irrigation plays an important role in ensuring Kiwis can continue to have access to affordable local food, but irrigators will need to manage their water allocation carefully over this period. “Irrigators have a limit on the amount of water they can use in their resource consent. A number of irrigators will already be operating under river restrictions, while others will need to be planning for the likelihood that water restrictions may be introduced soon.”

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

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

FARMING NEWS

The importance of adapting NZ’s biosecurity systems

The recent discovery of two different kinds of fruit ﬂy in suburban Auckland highlights the importance of adapting New Zealand’s biosecurity systems to increasing trade and climate change. The Queensland Fruit Fly, found in Devonport, and the Bactrocera facialis fly found in Otara can both damage our horticultural crops. New Zealand’s unique place in the world has traditionally protected us from bugs that cause problems in other, warmer, climates. Increasing trade, the rise of items purchased online, more visitors and rising temperatures are changing the biosecurity environment, essentially upping the risk we face. I’m focused on keeping bugs out, but that requires new ways of doing things. We’re increasingly looking to technology, such as hi-tech X-ray machines that use complex algorithms to identify the shapes of insects in luggage or mail. Technology can sit alongside more traditional methods such as dogs to find unwanted pests. Added to technology, we’ve introduced new requirements for imports liked used cars to be treated offshore by certified operators before they can be put on a ship to New Zealand. We’ve turned bulk ship carriers around several times to keep things like the brown marmorated stink bug out and will continue to do so. If we have to pay a little more for a car to protect our multibillion-dollar horticultural in-

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imports to prevent damage to our primary sectors from pests. For many Kiwis, biosecurity is something they only think about when they see it in the news when they hear about how much it will cost to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis or en-

sure fruit flies don’t establish themselves here. I’d ask that you spread the word about how important biosecurity is and that it is a responsibility for all of us to share. If you see someone with an apple in the bag on a plane inbound for New Zealand, then gently remind them to throw it in a bin at the airport. Have a look at the Biosecurity New Zealand website and do a little reading about what biosecurity threats we face. While I’m committed to boosting the biosecurity system, which the Government did in last year’s budget, it will require all New Zealanders to take a keen interest and help us protect our primary sectors and unique flora and fauna.

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FARMING NEWS

Primary sector hit by tax proposals Last month Sir Michael Cullen released the Tax Working Group’s report and it was a shocker for the primary sector.

Nathan Guy ❚ by Party spokesperson, ❚ National Primary Industries ❚ Eight new taxes are being suggested and almost all of them will directly hit farmers in their back pocket. Damien O’Connor has been clear that more costs on farmers would be coming from this Coalition Government, and they’re living up to his word. The new taxes include a capital gains tax, animal emissions tax, water tax, fertiliser tax, environmental footprint tax, natural capital tax, a waste tax and tax on vacant residential land. These taxes would hammer rural New Zealand and add to the already considerable costs that are being heaped on farmers at the moment. They’re being treated as a cash cow and it shows how completely oblivious the current Government are to the realities of farming. Farmers would be expected to pay to water their stock, feed their crops and even when they sell up for retirement. These proposals are going to hit middle New Zealand the hardest. The land that they’ve worked hard to develop over the years will get its value severely depleted yet the billionaire who sells the mansion and art collection gets taxed nothing. The Capital Gains Tax is expected to pull $700m a year from farmers alone and then there’s the extra environmental taxes on top of this adding to the outrage. Valuers and tax advisors will be licking their lips at all the work that is being creat-

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Valuers and tax advisors will be licking their lips at all the work that is being created for them. Meanwhile, farmers are going to be tied up in red tape.

ed for them. Meanwhile, farmers are going to be tied up in red tape by the army of bureaucrats enforcing these taxes. Farmer confidence is already at rock bottom as a result of this Governments policies and approach to the primary sector. The last thing farmers and growers need right now is more taxes. Let’s not forget any new taxes impacting farming will have to be supported by Winston Peters who is the one propping up this tax and spend Coalition Government. It’s going to be a fascinating few months in politics – while hard working farmers remain very apprehensive.

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FARMING NEWS

March 2019

Bounce in farmed deer numbers Farmed deer numbers, including the number of breeding hinds and fawns, increased in 2018 according to provisional agriculture census ﬁgures released by Statistics New Zealand. This follows a small recovery in stag numbers in the 2017 census.

❚ by Trevor Walton Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) chief executive Dan Coup says the trend is a strong indication of growing farmer confidence in the viability of deer in a drystock farming operation. Hind numbers in the year to 30 June 2018 recovered to 413,400 from a low of 392,300 in 2017, according to the provisional figures. It is the first firm indication that the long-run decline in deer numbers that began in the late 1990s has ended and that a recovery is underway, Coup says. “But what’s even more interesting is that the statistics indicate a dramatic increase in hind productivity. “Farmers reported that 84 per cent of hinds weaned a fawn in 2018, compared with fewer than 73 per cent in 2008. This increase probably reflects the efforts farmers have been putting into improving hind nutrition and management. “It also means deer farming, along with strong product prices, is able to compete better with alternative land uses. This has been a key objective of Passion2Profit, the deer industry’s Primary Growth Partnership programme,” Coup says. The 2018 increase in hind numbers of around 5% is seen by DINZ as sustainable if it continues in coming years. “If this growth rate continues, it’s one that our venison markets should be able to handle. By and large it is coming from the expansion of herd numbers on existing deer farms and to a lesser extent from newcomers to the industry.” However, Coup says we should not expect to see a large influx of new deer farmers. “Modern deer farming is a specialist business. To successfully farm deer you need to

On the rise: a rise in deer numbers is an indication the long-run decline in deer numbers that began in the late 1990s has ended.

make a significant investment in fencing, facilities and skilled staff. Velvet harvesting facilities need to meet the high standards of world markets. “The modern generation of deer farmers are highly skilled deer managers, as well as being savvy business people. They share information and experience and most of them have close working relationships with their venison marketers and velvet buyers.”

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The Fed taketh and the Fed giveth ❚ with andrew Wyllie ❚ Forsyth Barr

After the worst December performance of United States equity markets in many decades, the ﬁrst month of 2019 saw the best January performance of the Standard & Poor’s 500 since 1987. And again, the market movement was all due to comments from United States Federal Reserve (Fed) chair Jerome Powell.

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After spooking the market in early October last year with his hawkish views of increasing interest rates, Powell reversed course in early January by commenting that the Fed was willing to be “patient” and that to keep the United States economy on track, “there is no pre-set path for policy.” By the end of January, Powell confirmed this stance with the first meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee keeping United States interest rates on hold and confirming the outlook was now data dependent, with global risks having increased to the downside. The market responded positively to the perception that the much publicised “Fed put” (that interest rates will potentially decrease) is now back in play. While a constructive start to 2019 counters the destructive last quarter of 2018, economic risks remain. Financial conditions are expected to remain supportive of markets for the foreseeable future. This includes low interest rates and supportive levels of liquidity provided by Central Banks. The reason Central Banks will continue to underpin the financial system is that the cyclical part of the global economy (the part of the economy most affected by demand for goods and services) is slowing. China continues to transition its economy from fixed asset investment and exports to consumption, services and sustainable energy. This change in direction by China is impacting on the demand for global commodities and industrial resources. At the same time, China’s aging workforce and highly indebted households are slowing demand for consumer items such as cars. China’s drive to substitute globally manufactured products for those made locally, is also impacting on the import demand for electronics and technology. This trade contagion is hurting manufacturers in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Germany. The manufacturing downturn is also spreading throughout the wider Euro area and other parts of Asia. This is

We prefer income over cyclical growth in 2019

why we believe financial conditions will remain accommodating (interest rates will remain low) throughout most, if not all, of 2019.

Reasons to remain invested While cyclical challenges have emerged in the global economy and impetus is lacking on the trade front, there remain some positives that will support investment activity, particularly for the generally defensive, higher-yielding nature of New Zealand equities: • Labour markets around the world remain strong with capacity constraints related to skills shortages. • Inflationary pressures have moderated as global energy prices have stabilised. This is providing comfort to Central Bank policies of maintaining accommodative monetary conditions (low interest rates). • Equity valuations in many sectors have corrected to below longterm averages. Assuming economic growth doesn’t collapse and earnings hold up, many equity markets are now regarded as fair-value. • The two powerhouse global economies (the United States and China) are being supported by a renewed dovish stance by the Fed (less concern about inflation) and financial stimulus from policy makers in China.

If our concerns about China slowing more than expected are correct, any weakness in financial markets during 2019 will be due to economic rather than just financial market reasons. China’s emergence as an economic powerhouse resulted in huge demand for raw materials and industrial commodities, boosting global trade. Cyclical sectors and producers of commodities were major beneficiaries. As China transitions and attempts to reign-in its debt, its growth drivers will change. This will have a major impact on global manufacturing and trade. With stable financial conditions expected this year (low inflation and low interest rates), we don’t expect a major credit event to disrupt markets. Labour markets should remain relatively firm, which will ensure consumption ticks over. But tightening credit conditions as financial institutions increase their capital strength, and slower or weaker growth in house prices, will result in defensive income-generating investments outperforming cyclical growth investments this year. This report covers the three months ended 31 January.

If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www.forsythbarr.co.nz/investingwith-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. Disclosure Statements are available for Forsyth Barr authorised Financial advisers on request and free of charge.

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March 2019

Moral obligations

Bessie Paterson LLB ❚ with ❚ Ronald W Angland & Son It is fair to say that over my life-time in the law much of the law which reflected Victorian morality has been repealed and not replaced. However, there are still moral obligations which are recognised by the Courts and the Family Protection Act provides a remedy for eligible family members to make a claim for provision from a deceased relative’s Will or further provision if their original bequest was inadequate. It is probably fair to say that many claims arise from families where there has been matrimonial disharmony and children have observed their parents’ behaviour towards each other. The children will then have a stronger bond with one parent to the exclusion of the other parent. A Will-maker who has been estranged from the children of a former marriage still has a moral obligation to make adequate provision for those children in his or her Will. Otherwise it is more than likely those children will pursue a claim against the estate. When a case comes before the Court, the claimant’s evidence is considered including their relationship with the deceased and their financial position. The Court will also consider any evidence which may be available about the deceased’s reasons for excluding the claimant from any benefit under their Will including the reasons for the estrangement.

CANTERBURY FARMING

Over the centuries legal philosophers have mulled over whether our laws should reﬂect the morality of the day.

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a Will-maker has a moral obligation to make adequate provision for those children in his or her Will.

It is always helpful to have a written memorandum from a will-maker giving reasons for excluding family members from his/her Will. The Court also considers the size of the estate and the financial position of a surviving spouse. In a recent case a farmer had been estranged from his two daughters for about 30 years. The first marriage had broken up and he had remarried. By the time the case came before the Courts one daughter had been estranged from him for approximately 30 years. She was not mentioned in his Will and the other daughter was only to receive a benefit if the second wife died before him. The second wife survived so the other daughter received nothing under the Will. Both daughters applied for a share

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of the estate. Neither applicant was in financial straits. There was general agreement that their father had failed in his moral duty to his daughters and they were awarded a 10% share of the estate, which was substantial sum. When making a Will it is essential to have a discussion with an independent person who is able to have an objective discussion with you about your rights and obligations to your family members. This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a Partner at ronald W angland & Son, Solicitors, 2 chapman Street, Leeston.

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Taratahi and the long run of play The future of Taratahi hangs in the balance, the same old chestnut emerging again.

❚ by Solis Norton I’m watching with interest for two reasons. First, my career is split between academia and the primary industries, second it’s at the midpoint, where past experience and future opportunity are about equal. My grey hairs recently outnumbered the brown ones which are migrating down my back in protest but I’m still keen and ‘sprightly-ish’. That chestnut is a gradual decline in our power to educate about agriculture and perhaps more generally too. Let’s be clear, this is not a reflection on the people delivering that education, for whom I have great respect and admiration. Looking back, it is a reflection on the long term systemic simplification and erosion of the education system to cut costs and meet budgets. Rather dauntingly the view ahead is filled with the challenges of climate change, water quality, consumer perception, pressures to increase efficiency and many other factors, all the while attempting to double our export earnings [muffled laughter]. We’re going to need a lot of smart cookies.

I simply cannot get my head around how to marry these two situations up. Sure, increasing technology will help. But it’s no silver bullet. I confess to a nervous twitch watching the burgeoning tech savvy population, while the people who understand why the technology actually does what it does dwindle away. Education minister Chris Hipkins was recently quoted as saying ‘I don’t think land based industries have done a good job of selling themselves to young people’. Chris, young people are sold on earning power and lifestyle. If agriculture cannot provide that earning power, its lifestyle alone will struggle to attract the people we so desperately need. If it was truly competitive things would be different. I mean what normal human would prefer being slouched in a stuffy stew of body odour and electrical pong writing computer code all day every day when the alternative was the diverse, challenging and deeply satisfying roles in the primary industries? Education builds the ability to think through problems as much as it builds knowledge of a topic. It’s this ability that will make a success of the next 20 years. It’s this ability that comes from the Taratahi graduates of tomorrow. It’s this ability that people in positions of power need to demonstrate by creating a system that reflects the true value of agriculture to New Zealand and the true value of natural, healthy, sustainable food to the world.

Gareth hughes ❚ with ❚ Green Party Spokesperson for Primary Industries

Support for MPI independent review announcement Biosecurity has been in the headlines recently with the detection of two different species of fruit ﬂy. The Queensland and Bactrocera facialis flies were detected in Auckland, in several of the more than 8000 traps set for this purpose. I’ve been heartened to see the swiftness of the response and MPI officials out in force to restrict the movement of fruit and vegetables. It was great to see the Minister for Primary Industries cut short his international travel to respond to the intrusion. The Green Party is supporting the operation to halt establishment of a population, which could have significant negative impacts on the horticulture industry and our natural environment. Horticulture is an important contributor to our national wealth and earns $5.5 billion a year. In the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee that I sit on, we heard of the developments coming out of Planet and Food Research, for

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example the SunGold Kiwifruit variety that alone is now worth $1 billion in exports. New Zealand is a country that takes biosecurity seriously but it is also a nation that knows the cost, as we’ve experienced with the Mycoplasma bovis bacterium and the impact it has had on dairy farmers. Returning to this newest pest, given that the fruit fly has turned up on our shores several times in the past few years I welcome the announcement that there will be an independent review of MPI’s biosecurity systems to identify any gaps. I think it’s prudent to conduct that review, and the Greens support ongoing assessment and improvement of our biosecurity regime to support our farmers and growers. I’d like to thank and acknowledge those working to protect our borders and on the ground right now as part of the biosecurity response in Auckland.

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

March 2019

North Canterbury’s increasing Nassella tussock problem As a council, people sometimes think we can just ﬁx things. In most cases, however, if there’s a problem it needs a community response with help and resources from councils and other agencies.

Steve Lowndes ❚ by ❚ ECan chairman A perfect example of this is Nassella tussock which has been a problem in North Canterbury for many years. If left alone this unpalatable tussock spreads quickly across productive pasture and makes it unsuitable for stock. The only way to eradicate this pest is to remove plants by late October before they seed. Mature plants can produce a huge number of seeds which are spread by wind, water, stock, clothing or vehicles and machinery. To help control Nassella we ask landowners to eradicate plants on their properties by 31 October each year. Environment Canterbury’s role is to search for new Nassella infestations, ensure farmers are taking steps

to remove plants, and monitor plant numbers (reported as plants per hectare). Last year has potentially seen a significant rise in Nassella tussock plant numbers and the monitoring programme in autumn this year will confirm whether this has occurred. It seems, from initial visual estimates of the number of plants, that Nassella tussock is not being controlled adequately on some properties and is continuing to spread across many of the Hurunui district’s higher density properties. While an increase in Nassella population was expected, as most plants come from seeding in the previous two or three seasons, other factors have also contributed. These include more bare ground caused by previous dry seasons followed by a mild and wet winter last year. Thorough and timely Nassella control is essential as leaving hundreds of plants, because of poor or late control work, can result in millions of seeds being dispersed across the host property and neighbouring properties. It only takes a couple of years of late or less than adequate control, by only a few people, to create a significant step backwards after what has been decades of heavy investment by our community.

‘

It only takes a few people to undo decades of heavy investment by our community.

The overwhelming wish of the community is for this weed to be contained and if possible reduced. But to do this we are heavily reliant on land-owners to do the right thing to support our statutory responsibility to ensure Nassella tussock is sustainably contained within the Canterbury region. It’s not too late but we do need a consistent effort this year from all land-owners to ensure we can continue to contain and ultimately reduce Nassella tussock infestations.

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❚ with rob cope-Williams

Helping arthritic joints Global warming: Cows or aerosols? As people still jump up and down about global warming, despite the northern hemisphere having some of the worst winter conditions in living history, the main target seem to be cows. Reduce numbers is the plaintive cry from people who think they have the answer, after all surveys show that dairy cows belch lots so they must be causing the problem. Surveys can be used to provide any results needed. For example a survey shows that women who are carrying a bit much weight will live longer than any man who mentions it. Often surveys are simply a waste of time and effort - grass grows better on the warmer northern slopes of a hill than the shaded side. What I want to have happen is a survey looking into the use of aerosols and what the propellants are doing to the atmosphere. Fly sprays, deodorants, hair sprays, oven cleaners, things such as CRC and vehicle grooming materials plus a raft of other things come in spray cans that use a substance to force out and deliver the product. You’ll note that on the can it will state that the material is highly inflammable and should not be disposed of in a fire. Wow, what is that

stuff, and how much damage is it doing? So let’s compare the effects of cows burping a bit of methane and the concentrated effect of aerosols. Small boys will confirm that a fart will burn, but they won’t be sure about a burp being flammable, probably because they are harder to light. My apologies to parents whose sons have started to experiment with cigarette lighters. Take a look around your own home and property and count up the number of aerosols then multiply that by the number of homes in our towns and cities and you start to get some idea of the blast that is let out every day. Actually I think most urban homes are likely to have a lot more cans than rural folk who aren’t as likely to use hairsprays and things every day. Anyway let’s give the cows a break and let them chew their cud in peace. As I have suggested before, we will have a ban on beer next because that is inclined to add to the methane levels.

Many who contact me with joint problems have already tried joint health supplements with little or no success. We make what appear to be minor changes in dosages and within a few months most have signiﬁcant beneﬁts.

Part 2 Most joint supplements are heavily weighted towards glucosamine sulphate (GS). The reasons are that some of the original research into supplements that can help joints was mostly focused on glucosamine. A second reason could be that glucosamine is relatively inexpensive. Older style formulations typically have something like a 4:1 ratio of GS to chondroitin sulphate (CS). The most recent research shows that the most effective compound is actually chondroitin but glucosamine is also important. I started experimenting with different ratios of GS to CS. I found that a 1:1 ratio had a huge impact on joint health. I later started to review the scientific literature and found there were many studies on the benefits of CS. It is also worth noting that CS is available as a prescription medication in over 20 countries including Europe. On the basis of this research I re-formulated my joint supplement that a daily dose has 800mg of CS, 800 of GS and 200mg of a 95% curcumin (from turmeric) extract. In most cases I start people on a

double dose delivery 1600 mg of CS and GS and 400mg of 95% curcumin. Scientific evidence is helpful in understanding of disease processes. However, the real test is to whether something actually helps people. I spoke to a client yesterday who experienced significant improvements in her thumbs and knee after only 8 weeks on higher doses. Next week we will continue this discussion and look at more benefits CS has on cartilage function. Feel free to contact me for personalised advice. John arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of abundant health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Spotlight on import facilities to manage biosecurity risks The Coalition Government says it is taking action to ensure a key part of New Zealand’s biosecurity infrastructure is up to standard.

❚ by Kent caddick Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor says he has asked Biosecurity New Zealand to take a fresh look at the facilities where containers of imported goods are initially emptied and checked for biosecurity risks. “I’ve also asked Biosecurity NZ to investigate new ways of dealing with the increasing threat posed by the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and other emerging biosecurity risks. “We must ensure the biosecurity risk is as far off-shore as possible. We will work with industry to ensure every part of the biosecurity system is bolstered so it is agile enough to deal with new threats as they emerge.” O’Connor says the move comes after an imported stink bug was found in Tauranga late last year. “There were 29 transitional facilities handling imports within two kilometres of where the stink bug was found. “These facilities are dotted around our ports and airports, and are a key component of New Zealand’s biosecurity infrastructure. They are on the front-line for keeping out unwanted pests like the stink bug, which could destroy our horticultural crops, cost our economy billions of dollars and literally be a plague on our houses if they become established in New Zealand.” He says while no further bugs have been found in Tauranga following intensive trapping and detector dog surveillance, we can’t be too careful or hands-off when it comes to biosecurity.

Fresh look: Biosecurity Minister Damien O’connor wants Biosecurity New Zealand to relook at the way he treats incoming shipping containers. “That is why I have requested Biosecurity New Zealand to take a fresh look at the country’s 4,518 transitional facilities to make sure they have the capacity and expertise to properly handle increasing numbers of imports in a riskier global biosecurity environment.

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“This builds on work last year bringing new fines into force for facilities that don’t have operators approved by Biosecurity New Zealand. “We will do what it takes to keep pests like the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug from establishing here.”

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We can’t be too careful or hands-off when it comes to biosecurity. Damien O’Connor Biosecurity Minister

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Grant Edmundson ❚ with ❚ Helmore Stewart (Partner)

The dangers of dealing with a single director

During the ‘cut and thrust’ of contract negotiations, the excitement of establishing a commercial venture or simply with the sale and purchase of a property, it is often (wrongly) assumed that a director of a company has authority to act and contract on behalf of a company. This important aspect of company law was addressed in the case of Autumn Tree Ltd v Bishop Warden Property Holdings Ltd [2017] NZHC 2838 concerning the validity of a sale of a property in Auckland in August 2017 and subsequently clarified in the Court of Appeal last year. Where a sole director constitutes the board of the company, he will have the full powers of the board to conduct the business of the company (Section 128 of the Companies Act 1993) and ultimately bind the company. However, this is not necessarily the case in circumstances where a director is one of a number of directors constituting the board of that company. A single director on

a board formed of a number of directors enjoys only ‘very limited’ customary authority. This often comes as a shock to third par ties entering into or conducting commercial negotiations as generally speaking, third par ties rely on the common law ‘indoor management rule (presumption of regularity) as affirmed in section 18 (1) of the Companies Act 1993 where a person engaging with a company is entitled to do so in the belief or the assumption that the company’s internal corporate governance requirements have been complied with thereby empowering that director to conduct the affairs of the company (unless they have information or knowledge to the contrar y). The Court of Appeal concluded that “One of two directors of a property development company does not customarily have authority to unilaterally to enter into a significant property transaction”.

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Although a contracting third party’s reliance on an apparent authority of a director will only be defeated by an actual knowledge of a defect in the authority, to be perfectly safe, it is essential for a third party to ensure that the director (with whom a party is negotiating or contacting), has express authority to enter into the agreement. This is especially true where a third party does not have an ongoing relationship with the company. In addition, it is important to consider whether the transaction constitutes a major transaction under Section 129 of the Companies Act 1993 which would then trigger the need for a special resolution of shareholders to be executed. It is understandable for these compliance and governance issues to be overlooked but asking probing questions, seeking affirmative evidence of authority etc. may save a lot of hardship in time to come.

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Choosing a location for your shed 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.

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. Try 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 visiting the space less often.

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

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Stop and think before renovating Renovating can be costly and inconvenient, but can also increase the value and enjoyment of your home.

supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Consumer NZ

peal, and how much you should spend without overcapitalising. Tip: Take care to renovate to the existing style of the house and neighbourhood. People search in particular neighbourhoods because they like the age and style of houses found there. Giving your older villa-style house a very modern aspect, which is inconsistent with the other houses in the street, will lessen the range of potential purchasers.

There are two main reasons people renovate, to add to the comfort, use and value of the home or to tidy it up to sell. Renovating can be a costly and inconvenient business. Before you launch into renovations, take time to consider whether the expense and disruption is justified.

Staying in the home If you intend staying in the home you may want to: • Add extra space to accommodate an expanding family, or simply to add a sense of spaciousness. • Add rooms for special purposes, such as an office or games room. • Change the configuration of the house for better flow, ease of use or orientation to sun and views. • Update and remodel to give the house a fresher, more modern look – this could involve major changes such as taking out walls to enlarge a room, putting in a new kitchen, or installing new wallboards and ceilings. • Or it could simply be a matter of painting or wallpapering. • Restore the house to its original style (while adding modern features in some areas, like the kitchen and bathroom). • Add value to increase your investment.

Beware of overcapitalising

Renovating to sell If you are renovating to sell, it is likely that you’ll want to give the house an inexpensive makeover to freshen it up and make it more attractive to buyers. For example, repainting, repapering, or changing dated or damaged fixtures, such as a cracked basin in the bathroom. You need to consider the tastes of potential buyers, which really means keeping everything fairly neutral to appeal to a wid-

er range of people. Not everyone warms to bright feature walls or pink bathtubs. Renovations that will increase the appeal of your home may include painting the kitchen and bathroom, or putting in some decking to give an indoor-outdoor flow and an increased sense of space or some landscaping. Don’t spend money that you won’t get back in the sale price. Ask a real estate agent for ideas to increase the house’s ap-

If you don’t intend selling, the money you spend on renovating will be an investment in the comfort and enjoyment of the house. Whether you increase the value of the home may not be an important factor in how much you decide to spend. However, it is easy to get carried away with the excitement of doing up a home and overcapitalise by spending money that can never be recouped if you do end up having to sell. You may regret the $60,000 kitchen you put into your $300,000 house should unexpected life changes occur, such as a marriage breakdown, or a business failure. It may be money you never get back if you have to sell and apportion the proceeds. If your house needs a great deal of work to get it how you would like, decide whether you want to go to all the trouble and expense, or whether it would be better to sell and buy something more suited to your needs.

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CANTERBURY FARMING March 2019

Why use a quantity surveyor? Before you invite tenders from builders for your renovation or new build, you may want to get some costings for the job to get an idea whether you can afford to go ahead.

❚❚by Kent Caddick You can use a quantity surveyor (QS) to get an accurate costing before you put the job out to tender. Then when the tenders come in you have a good basis to evaluate them. A quantity surveyor (QS) is a person trained in construction methods and costs. They work closely with you and the architect/ designer, engineer and builder to itemise the quantities of materials and labour needed to build or renovate a house, using the design drawings. The quantity surveyor’s estimate can give you a reasonable idea of the costs and it can be used by the builders when tendering their quotes. (Note that the builder should only be given the QS estimate of materials required, not the price.) Make sure that when you engage a quantity surveyor you know what sort of service they are providing. If you ask a general question, such as “how much to build a garage?” you will get a

best guess which may be way off target. But if you ask for a precise costing, you will get more accurate information. A QS can also be used to calculate progress payments and to cost variations during construction. They can also advise on the type of contract or the meaning of any special clauses that should be included in the contract. You can buy part of a QS service, for example, you might only use them for progress payments. You would most likely use a QS if you are only getting one quote or if you are managing the project yourself. That way you have a benchmark to see if the quote is fair. The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors represents QSs. A full member of NZIQS is entitled to use the initials MNZIQS (Member of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors Inc). Article supplied by Consumer New Zealand

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

No such thing as maintenance free Some house styles and wall claddings require less maintenance than others, but there is no such thing as a ‘maintenance-free house’. supplied by ❚ Article BRANZ ❚ All homeowners should inspect their homes regularly. The maintenance you need to carry out on the exterior walls of your home will largely depend on the type of house you have – a 1905 weatherboard villa and a 1997 home with monolithic cladding and no eaves come with very different maintenance needs and risks, for example.

Cleaning Almost all materials and finishes on the exterior walls will last longer if they are cleaned from time to time. Cleaning removes dust, dirt, mould, mosses, chemical residues and salt spray, all of which can hasten deterioration. Wash down the exterior of the building yearly. Increase cleaning frequency to 3-monthly in geothermal or severe marine areas. Where unpainted steel cladding is used, wash down areas not rain-washed at 6-monthly intervals. Clean glass every 3–4 months, more frequently in severe marine areas. Carry out cleaning with a low-pressure hose, a soft brush and a gentle detergent. Water-blasting might sound like a good idea, but it can lead to long-term damage if it forces water through gaps into the wall assembly.

Painting External paint coatings don’t last forever, and recoating must be carried out routinely to maintain decorative and weather-resistant properties. How long external paint will last depends on the: • quality of surface preparation and condition of the old paint. Paint will last better when the old paint is still in a reasonably sound condition and the surface is well prepared for the new paint • quality of the paint used. Typically, you get what you pay for – extremely cheap paints are likely to deteriorate faster than better quality (more expensive) paints • amount of sun shining on it – paint on the south side of a building gets less UV light exposure and will last longer than paint on the north or west side • colour – lighter colours tend to last longer than darker because they absorb less heat, so expand and contract less • size and type of material under the paint. Paint on wide timber boards won’t last as long as on narrow boards because the overall movement in wide boards is greater. Paint properly applied to cement-based ma-

terials (concrete, cement plaster, fibrecement products) tends to last longer than paint on timber • cleanliness of the painted surface – wash down often to remove airborne chemicals and dirt from the surface

• number of coats applied • underlying colour – applying a dark colour directly over a light one can cause a previously sound paint to lose adhesion because of the higher surface temperature.

CANTERBURY FARMING March 2019

Creating a peaceful sleeping space Sometimes we forget that a bedroom is primarily a private place for resting and recuperating from a hectic world.

❚❚by William Milnes

As we carry on our busy lives, bombarded with information fed through ever increasing portable technologies it is becoming ever so important to define spaces in our lives that are restful. We need places to unwind and clear our minds of the clutter of the day. A peace filled haven with little to interrupt us from the express need to switch off and rest. There are many things we can do to create such an oasis. First declutter your bedroom of any unnecessary technology. This may be hard for some who have a compulsion to being switched on to the world at any time. The idea of having no television, mobile phone or land line, laptop, iPad or even radio with hourly news update and radio announcer commentary may cause a sense of anxiety at the thought of the empty space this will leave. Having a zone where you are unplugged may be a challenge but one that will be rewarded with a freshness of the mind. Decorate your room simply and choose colours that promote feelings of peace and relaxation. Natural fibres such as sheep wool, alpaca fibre and cotton are reminders of nature, as can be mementoes from a trip to the beach or a walk by the river. Do not bring your work into your bedroom, even on cold winter nights when it’s more tempting to sit up in bed to finish your paper work, rather than sitting at the kitchen table. Define your bedroom as a work free space where you can leave the worries of the world at the door. Studies have shown that looking at bright screens and having too much artificial light inhibits good sleep patterns. Soft lighting in the form of lamps and down lights with dimmers set to low will help promote an atmosphere of restfulness.

At peace: Decorate your bedroom simply and choose colours which promote feelings of peace and relaxation.

‘

Define your bedroom as a work free space where you can leave the worries of the world at the door.

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Smell is another impor tant sense that can be overlooked. Air your room daily. Ensure that your room is fresh and clean and that any strong odours are removed. Change your linen regularly. A gentle spray of lavender water room mist is a lovely way to enhance the positive vibe of your room.

Ensure the temperature is right to promote good health and comfort. Too stuffy and you will sleep fitfully and risk becoming dehydrated. Being too cold will not help your muscles to relax for sleep. Creating a peaceful space will help you get the rest you need and deserve.

March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

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March 2019

SIAFD: more pull than a tractor Organisers of this year’s South Island Agricultural Field Days are promising the 2019 event will be bigger and more diverse than ever before.

❚ by Kent caddick The South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) is well known as an invaluable opportunity for farmers and contractors to see the latest agricultural machinery. SIAFD, which this year runs from March 27 to 29 at its purpose built site in Kirwee, is one of the oldest and largest agricultural events in the South Island, going back more than 65 years. Every two years it attracts about 30,000 members of the farming public. SIAFD organising committee chairman Rodney Hadfield says this year the event features something for the whole community with a greatly expanded lifestyle section and a Tractor Pull competition. He says interest in this year’s event has been strong and virtually all exhibition sites have been sold. “We have done a lot of work since last time in terms of gravelling all the laneways and improving infrastructure, but the format will be the same as always.” Hadfield says the field days provide huge opportunity for people in the agricultural industry to network, meet customers and view new machinery. “With its focus on presenting working machines, SIAFD reinforces the relationship between farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and technical experts. “The field days are all about getting the people who want to buy to come along and look. It is an event for people who are really ready to make financial decisions and spend their money. We want them to come to our event and get their field days deals.” Power Farming Canterbury dealer principal Geoff McCabe says the company has doubled the size of its site at this year’s SIAFD. “The field days are very important to us. They are a great place to show off our machinery and we showcase our new gear that people haven’t seen before,” McCabe says. “People come from far and wide to the field days to look at machinery. They are very important for customers because they get the chance to compare all the brands.” Trevor Goodeve is with Canterbury manufacturer Taege Engineering Limited, and he says SIAFD provides an invaluable opportunity. “Because it is in our own area, we can get feedback from our customers on the machinery that we design, build and develop. This ensures we are able to work directly with those farmers and contractors to improve our business.” Goodeve says the timing of the SIAFD at the end of March directly helps Taege Engineering showcase its new equipment and set up its winter machinery build programme. At its 2017 event the SIAFD organising committee introduced a lifestyle section on a trial basis and its popularity has led them to expand it this year. SIAFD lifestyle section coordinator Michaela McLeod says there will be more than 100 lifestyle stalls.

Up to date: South Island agricultural Field Days gives farmers and contractors the chance to see the latest products and exchange ideas with machinery dealers and manufacturers.

The latest: Demonstrations of the latest in agricultural machinery will be a feature of the South Island agricultural Field Days.

“They will showcase a wide variety of products – from garden sculptures and outdoor furniture to jewellery, clothing, art, plants and food products. Some of the noteworthy stalls include Vege Pods, Container Pools Canterbury and Mt Hutt Pods,” McLeod says. “Local producers including Kirwee Bees will also be participating, and we will also

have a food court in the lifestyle section with Funky Monkey Bars showcasing their jungle gyms and play equipment next door.” This year will be the first time Tractor Pull has been held at SIAFD since they moved to their new home at Kirwee thanks to Diesel Tune NZ, which is sponsoring the event and providing prizes. Tractorpull NZ Inc general manager Vaughan Coy says the first two days of the field days will be practice days and day three will be the competition day. “We will have three classes of competi-

tors – standard, modified and pre-1985. Already a number of people have said they will bring their modified tractors from different parts of the South Island, so it should be an exciting event.” Coy says tractors in each of the three competition categories pulls a sled that weighs a percentage of its weight, which means tractors of different horsepower ratings can compete against each other. Entry forms for the event are on the Tractorpull NZ website www.tractorpull.co.nz. There is a 15 tonne weight limit on all entries.

March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

New Defender arrives With Can-Am Defender HD8 maintaining its leadership position in the Side by Side market in 2018, a new Defender HD8 PRO package has arrived with practical accessories to meet consumer needs in New Zealand following the feedback from customers.

❚ Article supplied by Timaru Can-am The additional convenience equipment that includes brake holding mechanism, sports roofs, ﬂip glass windscreen with wiper kit, rear hitch and tow ball and a clear rear deﬂect comes standard to improve comfort and functionality, making long working days more enjoyable. The new Defender hD8 Pro would add additional value to the customer. With a price of $22,173 ex-GST ($1,750 more than the Defender hD8 DPS) and a total additional Pac value of $3,939 customer will enjoy a vehicle with additional value at a very competitive price.

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Welcome to the South Island Agricultural Field Days 2019 It is the pleasure of the committee and I to invite you to the 68th South Island Agricultural Field Days.

Popular: The South Island agricultural Field Days boasts the biggest machinery demonstration exhibition in New Zealand and over 30,000 people are expected at this year’s three-day event in Kirwee.

rodney hadfield ❚ by of the ❚ Chairman SIAFD Organising Committee ❚ I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee for their many hours of work that they put in to make these Field Days a success. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their continued support.

This year we have upgraded our power provisions to permanent power boxes on the poles making the site easier to set up. We have also developed approximately 2km of shingle lanes giving us better access to sites, and in the event of wet weather,

better entry to setup and dismantle. We will continue to enhance the site in the years to come. Once again, we are proud to have the biggest machinery demonstration exhibits in New Zealand, displaying all the latest hi-tech

and innovative ideas and methods. We invite you to enjoy taking part in these dynamic and diverse field days we offer you. The committee and I thank you for your continued support and wish you a productive and safe year.

The soil pH was 5.4 and and we wanted to raise this quickly and affordably. In just one year the pH increased to 5.8 with Optimise and the clover is unreal. It works!

March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

NIR: What it is 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 the fact that 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, 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

The Inframatic 8800 by Perten of Sweden uses solid state components and diode array technology.

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 costeffective 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 Ltd today on 03595236 for more information or a trial.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Primary industries central to Selwyn growth Selwyn district is delighted to be hosting the South Island Agricultural Field Days in Kirwee.

Selwyn is now the third-largest territorial authority in the South Island, with a population of more than 62,000. While much of the district’s recent growth has been in our townships and urban areas, our primary industries and related sectors continue to be central to our thriving economic activity. Selwyn’s economic growth has been accelerating well ahead of regional and national averages over recent years, with agriculture and the primary sector a leading contributor to this economic activity.

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Cow country: Selwyn is home to three of the country’s largest dairy businesses: Synlait (pictured above), Fonterra and Westland Milk. scapes right on our back doorstep. We welcome everyone attending the field days and trust that you will enjoy Selwyn’s hospitality and take time to see and experience something of what our district has to offer. If you are looking to invest in New Zealand’s productive rural sector, from primary growth to innovative processing and export, then Selwyn is the place. Take a look at the opportunity while you’re here.

‘

The district continues to perform well across the board in retail, tourism and commercial development.

F ully R estored C ast I ron C ookers Repairs, Maintenance, Second Hand Logﬁres & now stock Tiny Fires. Come see us at the South Island Agricultural Field Days 27-29 March

Garry Ham 027 445 6534 Email: info@gmhcookers.co.nz Website: www.gmhcookers.co.nz

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Sam Broughton ❚ by Selwyn ❚ Mayor

The district hosts productive industries from large scale pastoral farming right through to intensive production, horticulture and innovative, value-added producers. Our infrastructure is well placed to support the primary sector, with the completion of the Central Plains Irrigation scheme and the development of inland freight hubs as recent prime examples. Innovation is further supported by Lincoln University and its role in leading primary sector learning, on-farm research and practical solutions for farmers today. The district continues to perform well across the board in retail, tourism and commercial development. Our maturing economy is providing the commercial infrastructure that our people need while creating job opportunities in Selwyn for local people. Alongside that, our quality of life is second to none, with residents enjoying a high standard of facilities, education and recreation opportunities and well-connected communities – and of course the most stunning of land-

March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Heartland sheds set Darﬁeld ITM ahead of the pack Darﬁeld ITM has a growing reputation as the place to go for all farming shed needs.

❚ Article supplied by Darfield ITM

The staff at Darfield ITM pride themselves on being knowledgeable and going the extra mile for their clients, and with Heartland Sheds being a subsidiary of ITM, it has the product to back up those claims. With over 500 satisfied shed clients Ross Bourhill is the Shed Manager at Darfield, looking after all aspects of the shed business from quoting, ordering stock and organising deliveries of materials to site. Ross and the team are currently gearing up for the South Island Agricultural Field Days in Kirwee, getting the site organised

and ‘Fieldays’ specials locked in with suppliers. “We are looking forward to meeting with Field day attendees to discuss their shed needs,” Ross says. Ross previously worked for Arrow International as a project manager on the Christchurch rebuild, and is a qualified builder. “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 we are also able to obtain soil tests and act as an agent with councils as required.

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. “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.” Ross says they now have three habitable kitset shed options added into their portfolio to meet the needs of lifestylers, extended families or even as a bach/holiday home. “All our sheds are designed site specific, so there are no nasty surprises or extras,” Ross says. “With Medium density H5 poles, H3 VHG certified timber, which has been developed specifically for shed construction, Mitek hardware and barge flashings as standard (we don’t roll our iron) they are built to last.” Installation is included with all doors (Pa, Roller, tilt or sectional) supplied by Domina-

tor, and their shed plans and specifications are council recognised. Darfield ITM will deliver all materials to site. “All our kitsets come with detailed plans, so you can build it yourself or use one of our dedicated builders,” Ross says. “We are able to supply kitsets South Island wide and have sent sheds to Te Anau and Twizel, and recently supplied a shed to Auckland.” Keep an eye out for us at the upcoming South Island agricultural Field Days, as we will be looking to offer some sharp deals during the event and also into april.You can find heartland Sheds at site 414-364 right next door to the SIaFD office. heartland Sheds, Darfield ITM, 85 North Terrace Darfield. Phone 0800 88 74 74, or visit www. heartlandsheds.co.nz

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Awards recognise innovation and new technologies To help encourage innovation and new technologies in the agriindustries organisers of this year’s South Island Agricultural Field Days will be handing out two awards, one of them for the ﬁrst time.

❚ by Kent caddick The Agri-Innovation Award will recognise the innovation or invention which has improved farmers ability to do their job and this may include machinery or tools. New this year is the inaugural Smart Farming Award which is being sponsored by Agri Magic Ltd. This award will recognise the impact new Smart technologies have made on the lives and businesses of farmers .

Agri-Innovation Award The 2019 SIAFD Agri-Innovation Award seeks to award New Zealand-made innovation or invention that provide benefit to the farmer and includes machinery, implements or attachments, or tools for use in agriculture or other forms of primary production. The award winners gain considerable prestige and publicity and they may use the award in their marketing. A cash prize of $2500 will be awarded to the winner of the 2019 SIAFD Agri- Innovation Award. Depending on the number of entries, a second and third place may be awarded or

Merit Awards presented as the judges see fit. The Field Days Committee will appoint expert, independent and unbiased judges, with knowledge in agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering and practical farming. Judging will begin at 9am on Wednesday 27 March 2019, an email will be sent to the contact name listed on the entry form with an estimated time of judging for an entry at least one week prior to judging. Testing of entries will be done where possible, entrants should supply an experienced operator to carry out demonstration and testing. Awards will be made to any entries gaining a sufficient degree of merit and the judges reserve the right not to make an award. The judges’ decision will be final. Award winners will be announced at 4.30pm on Wednesday 27 March.

Inaugural Smart Farming Award: Sponsored by Agri Magic Ltd Farming businesses are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The incorporation of new technology to support great operational and

Award: The Philip Van de Klundert Trophy will again be up for grabs at the SIaFD for the best-run demonstration and commentary. strategic decisions is enabling farm businesses to deliver and respond to changes driven by communities and customers. The South Island Agricultural Field Days acknowledges these changing times and is keen to showcase exciting Smart farming innovations that can enable farmers to make better decisions and communicate this to others. The organising committee is calling on companies and individuals to enter the inaugural award to demonstrate how their innovative technology can support great decision making on farm. A prize of $1500 will be presented to the winner and $500 to second place.

A panel of three industry representatives will judge the contest and the winner will be announced via press release during the week prior to the Field Days event to enable the winning organisation to take full advantage of publicity during the SIAFD event. In addition to these two awards SIAFD is sponsoring the Best Comparative Demonstration Award for the best-run demonstration and commentary. The winner will receive a prize of $500 and the Philip Van de Klundert Trophy. Entry forms for the awards can be found on the SIaFD website www.siafd.co.nz

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

John Deere technology on show Drummond & Etheridge will have a complete showcase of John Deere technology products on-site at SIAFD, as well as third-party offerings, to help farmers generate valuable data from their operation.

supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Drummond & Etheridge The John Deere technology suite contains not only the highest-achieving GPS receiver in the market and easiest display to operate, but also includes a multitude of virtual tools to help you collect, manage, and utilise in-field and machine data wirelessly. Some of John Deere’s virtual tools include: • MyOperations – an app allowing the farmer or contractor to manage his machinery and maps in one place. • MyJobs – an app for live management of staff and jobs. • MyMaintenance – an app to keep track of service schedules and repairs These apps allow customers to keep track of operations on the go and are synced with John Deere’s suite of online tools – MyJohnDeere.com D&E also partner with several third-party companies that allow growers to capture data from applications that have previously been near-impossible to obtain. This includes Greentronics, which enables growers to create yield maps from root crops such as potatoes, onions and carrots. Another example is how they can map ef-

The John Deere technology suite includes a multitude of virtual tools to help you collect, manage, and utilise in-field and machine data wirelessly.

fluent spreading, showing true proof of placement – no more guessing how much effluent went on which paddocks. Visit the Drummond & Etheridge John Deere site at SIaFD to learn more about managing your operations on-the-go.

MyOperations is an app which allows the farmer or contractor to manage his machinery and maps in one place.

FOR THE LATEST IN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY & PERFORMANCE SEE YOU AT THE SIAFD

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Get a new perspective on building Visit us at the SIAFDs to see commercial builds differently.

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Electric vehicles on the farm Over the past year electric cars have moved from quirky alternatives to the mainstream. Electric vehicles on the farm reducing carbon emissions and costs. Quite simply, they are the future of motoring.

supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Premium Stockyards While companies like Tesla and Hyundai race to be king of the roads, Hisun are aiming to be king of the paddocks with their fully electric Sector E1 side-by-side. The technology behind electric vehicles has come a long way in recent years and Hisun have been at the forefront of this. The Sector E1 provides exceptional performance travelling at speeds up to 45kph and covering 80km on a single charge. “We have been looking for a high performance electric side-by-side for a while now and the Hisun Sector E1 ticks all the boxes” says NZ agent Thomas Mitchell. “NZ farmers and lifestyle block owners love their side-by-sides and we know they are increasingly environmentally conscious. “We have already seen a fantastic uptake from NZ customers, they love the high performance, quietness and low maintenance aspects of Hisun as well as the convenience of simply plugging it into the wall to recharge”. With a 48 Volt 27HP AC drive train, nitrogen-assisted independent suspension and four wheel hydraulic brakes the Sector E1 is ideal for ever ything NZ farmers can throw at it. From hill country lambing, bringing the cows into the shed or simply feeding out around your lifestyle block, all with zero carbon emissions. The hisun Sector E1 will be on show at the South Island Field Days at Kirwee from March 27-29 at stand 425.

The hisun Sector E1, a high performance electric side-by-side, ticks all the boxes when it comes to farm work.

''We haven't used any spares in 10 years'' - South Waikato Farmer

March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Restoring horse pastures back to health, made easy When did you last go into your horse paddocks, look at the ground beneath their feet and see more than just dirt? supplied by ❚ Article CP Lime Solutions Ltd ❚ Getting familiar with your piece of dirt could sound like a dirty job to some, but the realisation when dirt is transformed to soil – a living, breathing foundation for growth -– is when you start to positively impact your horses health. With many of us under constraints of grazing space, it is important to understand how continued paddock pressure can be working against the health of your soil and pastures, throwing out of kilter the nutrient status of your soil. This can have a significant effect on your horse’s health and behaviour, which is why it’s important to restore and manage this balance. Maintaining a soil pH of between 6.0-6.5 is important for the availability of key nutrients and is foremost an indicator to assess the health status of your soil. Urine and dung deposits lower the pH and cause sour pastures and poor growth rates. Typically lime is applied to change or maintain pH. Lime, which provides calcium helps aerate and sweeten sour ground too. Magnesium also contributes to pH and more palatable grazing. Adding both simultaneously improves photosynthesis and phosphorus uptake.

Well balanced soil has a major impact on horse health.

The combination of both calcium and magnesium helps the soil attract and hold onto moisture and improve compaction. When a soil is well fed and aerated it supports a thriving microbiology, a key part of your soil and your horses’ wellbeing. If you are wanting an effective and

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Vigolo mulchers:

Built tough, built to last ‘Best on the market’, ‘indestructible’ and ‘value for money’ are some of the superlatives that roll off the tongue of Rangiora farmer Francis ‘Pecka’ Hammond when describing his new purchase, a Vigolo high body TST-300DT mulcher.

❚ Article supplied by Agriline

After buying an extra block for his sheep and beef operation Pecka had some serious clearing to do on his new paddocks, with gorse being the main culprit. He needed a heavy duty mulcher and for advice he turned to Gerry Hamlin and his team at Agriline. The result of those discussions resulted in Pecka walking away with his new Vigolo mulcher, a decision he has never regretted. “This is a once in a lifetime purchase,” Pecka says, “I reckon this machine is indestructible as it is so well built. “I have used mulchers plenty of times before but nothing compares to this beast, it is awesome and way superior to anything I have used previously. “Because it is three metres wide it is a double drive, so there’s no belt slippage or anything like that, and having the larger rotor in the machine makes it bigger and

heavier than its predecessors but it handles beautifully.” Pecka says one of the biggest factors in making this machine the right one for him is that in addition to having the skids on the outside of the machine it has 273mm rear roller on it. “This means that with the undulating land I am clearing you don’t have any scalping off of the topsoil. I mean we’re not trying to level the paddocks, it does the job we want.” Pecka says it has dealt to gorse up to two metres high and reckons it would do the same to bullrushes on wetter land. Vigolo Mulchers are built in Italy with a strong emphasis on quality. They are also manufactured to Agriline specs for New Zealand conditions, making them the ideal mulcher for our conditions. The TST-DT high body mulchers are ideal for gorse, broom, matagouri, kikuyu and general clearing and topping.

Vigolo mulchers make short work of gorse, broom, matagouri and kikuyu.

Vigolo TST-DT Mulcher fact sheet • Large Diameter Rotor – gives better momentum • 220hp rating • Dual Drive, 8 Belts driving • Double row of chains in the front for better protection • Over-run clutch in gearbox – gives maximum length driveshaft • Heavy duty construction – built to last

• Triple Y Flail – fine mulch and easy to drive • Available in 2.5, 2.8m, 3m, 3.2m and 3.8m • 273mm rotor • Wide skids standard • Large 273mm roller standard (optional on 2.5m) contact Gerry hamlin and the team at agriline for more information on Vigolo Mulchers. Phone: 0800 24 74 54 or 03 422 2242, or email: sales@agriline.co.nz

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Infrastructure upgrade for SIAFD 2019 While the South Island Agricultural Field Days is just around the corner organisers have been busy over the last 18 months making improvements to the event site in Kirwee.

❚ by Kent caddick Every two years the three-day South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) attracts about 30,000 members of farming public. It runs from 8am to 5pm, Wednesday 27 March to Friday 29 March at the field days’ permanent home near Kirwee. Alastair Robinson, a dairy farmer from Waikuku, is the chairperson of the SIAFD Executive Committee, which has financial and governance oversight of the SIAFD Society. In 2015 Robinson chaired the SIAFD Organising Committee, which runs the field days, when the event was first held in Kirwee. He says the organising committee has been improving infrastructure at the venue over the last 18 months. “We have a new secretar y and event coordinator, Tineka Johnstone, and she is doing a good job getting things up and running. “Sites have sold well, which is important because income from registrations helps us carry out the work we want to do to improve our facilities.” Robinson says they have upgraded the electrical infrastructure at the Kirwee venue, which will make it easier and safer for exhibitors to set up their sites and clean up afterwards. “We have gravelled all the laneways,

Well watered: rX Plastics supplied the pipe which the SIaFD Organising committee has used to extend the irrigator at the field days venue.

which will make life more pleasant if we get wet weather during the field days. We have also extended our irrigation system and planted native trees along the boundaries of the property. “We want to thank RX Plastics in Ashburton for the 150mm pipe that we used to extend the irrigator, Cresslands Contracting and Porter Group for digging the pipe

Thinking of subdividing your property?

Working hard: chair of the South Island agricultural Field Days executive committee alastair robinson says they have been improving the infrastructure at their Kirwee site. trench, Tony Redmond, Andrew Walker and Rodney Hadfield for helping lay the pipe, and Orari Nursery for the native plants.” Robinson says a number of businesses have been very

generous with their support and others will step in with help as they get closer to the event. He says it is important to remember that the SIAFD is organised and run entirely by volunteers who do that work on top of their busy work lives.

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March 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

CANTERBURY FARMING March 2019

March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Growsmart® Precision VRI is the world’s most environmentally savvy precision irrigation system. It’s an efficient method for saving water because you apply exactly the right amount of water needed to specific areas of your land. You can target irrigation for certain soil types, avoid watering unproductive land such as waterways and wetlands, and water around obstacles underneath your pivot like buildings, tracks, drains and roads. With Growsmart® Precision VRI, you will make a positive contribution to the world’s food bowl, while saving New Zealand’s vital natural resources. Find your Zimmatic® dealer at your regional Field Days and find out how Growsmart® Precision VRI can work for you or visit www.growsmartprecisionvri.com

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Ironman 4x4: Full range accessories Ironman 4x4 offer a full range of automotive accessories including bull bars, suspension upgrades, side steps and rails, rear bars, underbody protection, lights, winches, snorkels and camping gear.

❚ by Terraquip NZ Limited

See us at the SIAFD at Kirwee on the 27th29th March (site W341) for helpful advice and over 50 years of 4wd industry experience.

Why are our bars so good? Ironman 4x4 offer a range of replacement winch bull bars which are designed, engineered and tested in Australia. Every Ironman 4x4 bull bar is carefully crafted from premium grade materials and components to deliver the most comprehensive frontal protection and styling available Ironman 4x4 bull bars are carefully modelled using 3D vehicle scanning techniques to achieve optimal cosmetic design whilst providing maximum vehicle collision protection. All bars are made from the highest quality SPHC oil and pickled steel (not mild steel) to give maximum strength and rust resistance. Along with winch and air bag compatibility, Ironman 4x4 bull bars offer affordable protection for your utility or wagon. Bars can also be colour coded to match your new truck colour. Ironman 4x4 bull bars have a high strength mounting design utilising a replacement cross member that goes in the front of the chassis to which a winch can be mounted. The bar is then bolted to the new cross member. This design gives the ultimate in strength

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when winching as the winch is mounted to the chassis and not the bull bar itself. The majority of bars for late model vehicles are full replacement meaning the original whole front bumper is removed and replaced. This avoids the need to cut the bumper and results in a perfect fit. Very few other bars on the market offer the same features.

The gearbox on the Ironman monster winches has an upgraded design with hardened gears to eliminate ﬂoat for precision operation.

Winches Ironman monster winches are becoming very popular with two in the range, a 9500lb and a 12,000lb. The gearbox on the winches has an upgraded design with hardened gears to eliminate float for precision operation along with an improved sliding clutch with straight cut gears which eliminates any gearbox slip. The rotatable gearbox allows positioning of the clutch handle to allow fitment to most bars easy hand access. Winches come complete with a wireless remote with a 40m range as well as a 3m lead remote. The 12,000lb monster winch has a 6hp (4.5kw) motor which is fully sealed and is supplied with a breather tube for mounting high on the firewall away from water. Winches have 28m of steel cable or have the option of 28m of synthetic rope.

jacks. All come in sturdy carry bags and you can feel confident of having the right equipment should you get stuck.

Suspension Suspension kits and components with raised height, long travel and improved performance are available for most makes and models. Ironman 4x4 shock absorbers are available in 35mm Nitro gas or 41mm Foam cell. These have longer travel and are built stronger to deliver performance in all conditions. Leaf and coil springs are made from high quality SUP9 steel and are available in different load ratings from ‘comfort’ to ‘extra constant load’.

Recovery equipment

Underbody protection

Ironman 4X4 have an extensive range of recovery equipment including snatch straps, recovery kits, highlift jacks and exhaust

Ironman 4x4 have developed a range of underbody protection kits which give enhanced protection from rocks, mud and debris.

These kits are made from 3mm and 4mm pressed steel, have easy bolt on installation with no drilling or welding required, allow oil changes without removal and are semi-gloss powder coated for long life. Kits are available for most late model 4wd vehicles including Nissan, Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Isuzu and Mitsubishi.

Camping accessories The range of camping accessories from Ironman 4x4 is always expanding with the proven rooftop tents and awnings available and a new range of fridges from 30-50 litres, camping chairs, tables, swags, tent lights and picnic sets recently released, there is something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. The Ironman 4x4 range of accessories is extensive. For a full run down see the website www.ironman4x4.co.nz or phone 0508 IrONMaN.

READY FOR YOUR FARM Find us at the South Island Agricultural Field Days at Kirwee Site: 341

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Parts and accessories available for most makes and models of 4x4 utes. Check out our website to view the selection available for your vehicle.

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Products available from over 40 stores NZ Wide call 0508 IRONMAN for your nearest dealer Family Owned Australian Company Since 1958

March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Sebco is the number one solution to your fuel storage issues Sebco diesel stations, Blue stations for AdBlue® and Waste Oil Tanks are proudly manufactured in Ashburton by Fuel Storage Systems Ltd – manufactured in New Zealand for New Zealand conditions. supplied by ❚ Article Fuel Storage Systems Ltd ❚ The company has been distributing their Sebco products all over New Zealand to the farming and industry sectors since 2007. Their products are New Zealand’s number one choice for fuel storage and dispensing. End users all over the country are impressed with the products that make meeting compliance issues and day to day fuel handling easy. These units are designed to ensure the cleanest possible fuel is pumped efficiently to protect expensive engines. The Sebco Diesel Stations come in sizes from 1300 litres to 4800 litres, and is the only EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved plastic bunded diesel storage tank in New Zealand. This makes it fully HSNO compliant in New Zealand, a hugely important issue in today’s safety conscious and regulated environment. Their tanks are even featured on the front of Worksafe NZ’s “Above Ground Fuel Storage on Farms – Good Practices

Guidelines”. See their website www.sebco. co.nz for more details. As well as Diesel Stations, Sebco also manufacture a range of Waste Oil Recovery Units and Blue Stations. Sebco continue to develop products, striving to meet the needs of an ever changing market. An example of this is the latest addition to the Oil Recovery line up. Sebco has just introduced the Sebco 1000l Commercial Oil Recovery unit. This is a little brother to the 2000l version that has been popular with commercial users. The 1000l unit is designed for farmers and smaller commercial users of oil. It is a fully bunded system designed for clean storage of used oil ready for recycling. Sebco will be at the upcoming South Island Agricultural Field Days in Kirwee in March. They will be displaying a good range of products and are looking forward to seeing new and existing clients. For more information visit the Sebco website www. sebco.co.nz or phone 0800 473 226.

EMERGENCY

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We need your help as much as you need ours Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust. PO Box 20262, Christchurch 8543

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

The Feds want to hear from you There’s a lot more to farming in New Zealand than the stereotypical farmer bloke in his black singlet, gumboots and sidekick dog.

Let’s hui: Farmers like to talk, and Federated Farmers want to be in on the conversation at the South Island agricultural Field Days.

cameron henderson ❚ by Federated Farmers North Canterbury ❚ provincial president ❚

We are one of the few farming countries in the world that is self-sustaining and quick to pick up new technology and education when it becomes obtainable. You just need to attend an event like the South Island Agricultural Field Days in Kirwee this March to see how the hard work in environmentally sustainable farming is paying off. I encourage you all to come to one of the oldest and largest agriculture events in the South Island. This is a fantastic opportunity for Federated Farmers members to come down to our stand to talk to our local Feds executive about the work Feds is doing in the farming

advocacy space. Every one of my team would enjoy the opportunity to engage with members to find out what the big issues are for individual farmers and to make sure that members are happy with the work we are doing – and if there are any blind spots that could do with some work. We would also love to meet with non-Federated Farmers members to hear about the challenges they’re facing when farming and to also encourage them to join our national advocacy group.

Being part of Feds means access to legal advice. It means access to the latest in sound employment contracts. It means someone else picks up the challenges of dealing with local and central government so the individual can just get on with doing what they love – farming. Field Days are part of the New Zealand country calendar everyone should take part in when given the chance. They give farmers an opportunity to step off farm to socialise with their peers in a warm and constructive environment.

Field Days are also an opportunity for our urban friends and relatives too. Although it can be difficult to get out of the cities, if you can, you won’t be disappointed in what there is to see. There are displays and talks that demystify farming and make knowledge accessible to all. Plus you get to meet real farmers. The people who help you put food on your plate. This is a chance to talk to people about food cycles and what goes into producing what you eat.

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Federated Farmers has a full range of employment and sharemilking agreements at member and non-member prices. Order by phone 0800 327 646 or visit www.fedfarm.org.nz Come and visit our site at the Kirwee Fielddays to have a chat.

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Work safely with dairy cows The rate of injury in dairying is over 50% higher than in sheep, beef or deer farming and ACC reports that there are high rates (up to 27 per 1000) of workers who are crushed or kicked by an animal.

❚ Article supplied by The Wrangler

Those types of injuries can cause significant economic hardship for farmers. Thankfully there has been a downturn in the ‘week-off work’ category of injuries as dairy farmers are turning to safer ways to do things. Dairy farmers are doing what beef farmers have always done, and now see the need for a good crush to safely treat their cows. However the requirements for working with New Zealand dairy cows are quite specific. New Zealand cows walk great distances so hoof care needs to be done on a regular basis – little and often. They are strong animals so need to be well contained but with lots of access to them for treatment. They are not used to a closed-in crush, after all, they can be held for milking with just a breast-rail. Kiwi cows also tend to vary a lot in size within the herd and finding something that fits each well is important. Wilco Klein-Ovink, faced with the frustrations of trying to treat his lame dairy cows designed the Wrangler in 1993 after finding only beef crushes available in New Zealand. He wanted something that “safely held the cow so she couldn’t go down, break free, or hurt herself or me”. Wilco said he also wanted something that would be an easy one person job, freeing up others on the farm from having to

The Wrangler has winches and a back leg support which holds the leg securely for examination.

hold the hooves. It also needed to be robust, and able to cope with any procedure. He built one for himself and before long the local vets were saying they wanted all of their farmers to own one. That was 26 years ago and the Wrangler is now an essential piece of equipment on thousands of Kiwi dairy farms. The Wrangler has winches and a back leg support which holds the leg securely for examination. Belly girths prevent the cow

from falling during treatment. The front hoof can likewise be winched onto a support and held in place with webbing. With two feet up, the cows head in the head-bail, and two belly girths under her she can’t move at all and examination can be conducted quickly, easily, and safely. Calving, caesareans, or other procedures can also be performed in the Wrangler. In addition to the Wrangler for cows, the company also have Alpaca Shearing tables, a range of

head-bails, motor cross starting gates, rubber matting, and the automatic opening/ closing Ride Over Gate which is great for centre pivot Irrigators. Cows and people are the backbone of every dairy farm and good cow handling facilities that keep the cows healthy, and the staff safe, are a must. See the Wrangler at South Island agricultural Field Days site W231.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

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

suit the client. The client comes in to discuss what they need, a design is drawn up and then a price is put on it. There is a vast options list to choose from, therefore have many more components and specifications than other brands, as well as having the option to keep with the baseline model and develop it further at a later time when the client is ready. The H-D Series is one of the popular

ones in the range for New Zealand farmers and contractors. They are a triple disc direct drill of sowing widths from 3.0m up to 6.0m, row spacing’s can be as narrow as 125mm or 150mm. “We can fit up to four hoppers per machine and we can mount a self-loading crane so operators can work independently if they are out in the back blocks,” Craig says.

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

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

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KILOMETRE 4. Warranty conditions apply. Warranty periodRd, commences on| CHRISTCHURCH the date of delivery|except where vehicle655 is a dealership, demonstration or service loaner vehicle, in which case it commences on Cnr Main South Rd and Epsom Sockburn 03 348 4129the or 0800 551 A Rshorter RANTY the date on which it wasService first registered anIvory Authorised Dealer.| avoncityford.com Tyres, tubes and supplier branded parts and accessories are excluded. Shock absorbers and batteries are subjectWto Rangiora Centre |by 78 St | 03Ford 313 7059 warranty periods. Visit www.ford.co.nz/owners/warranty for further information.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Federated Farmers and Gallagher forge new business relationship Long-standing contributor to New Zealand agriculture Gallagher Ltd and Federated Farmers are joining forces to form a new business partnership.

supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Federated Farmers Federated Farmers says it recognises Gallagher as a leader in its field, having more than 80 years’ experience as a leading technology company in the animal management, security and fuel systems industries. Federated Farmers GM Commercial Graham Hill says Feds and Gallagher’s shared values of providing solutions for rural communities has sparked the new relationship. He says Feds members can expect to benefit from the business partnership in 2019 with innovative on-farm solutions from Gallagher, which include EID (NAIT) tag readers and insulated line posts. “Gallagher’s long history with the rural sector and its focus of improving life on the farm aligns well with what Feds does every day. “Our partnerships are an important part of our business and we look for like-minded culture and values, for our partners. Gallagher clearly fits this profile. We look forward to working with the Gallagher team into the future.” Gallagher Marketing Manager Darrell

Helping hand: Gallagher Otago territory manager Lindsay Whyte (left) working with a farmer on site.

Jones says the partnership aims to find ways to better align innovative solutions with what’s happening on farm. “We want to give Federated Farmers members suppor t in assisting with com-

pliance and legislation. “So we see great value in Federated Farmers providing us with sector insights around on-farm legislative updates and changes to help us with this. We believe in the power of

technology-based solutions to transform the lives of farmers across New Zealand.” Bill Gallagher famously invented the first electric fence in 1930s, quite literally sparking innovative electric fencing systems.

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The way of the future Vaughan Irrigator New Zealand has introduced the new Quadx4 traveller irrigator, the only true four-arm irrigator. supplied by ❚❚Article ❚❚Wharb

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Along with Vaughan’s other great range of low pressure travelling irrigators, the Quad x4 is the latest in the Vaughan Irrigators. With four rotating arms the irrigator is able to throw twice as much water as other irrigators, and with four speeds it can travel at over two to four times faster than other irrigators cutting down on expensive running costs. Other imported irrigators claim the same capacities but with only two outlets and small nozzle sizes this is not possible, so, the same application, but only half the time. The Quad x4 is manufactured in Australia by Vaughan Irrigators so you can be assured of a quality product. This Irrigator will be the way of the future. For more information and a video demonstration contact Wharb Ltd – Email: sales@wharb.co.nz or phone: 027 955 779

The Vaughan Quadx4 traveller irrigator features: • Extra heavy duty • Low pressure • 20,000 Gallons per hour capability only achieved by having 4 outlets • Sensitive four-way steering for accurate directional control • Automatic drive shut off • Four speed selections • Four wheel configuration • Hot dipped galvanized for extreme stability • 300metre Run • Low centre of gravity

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CANTERBURY FARMING

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March 2019

An ‘A’ for environmental performance Selwyn dairy farmer Tony Dodunski has been rated ‘A’ for his farm environment plan audit by Environment Canterbury. He’s also achieving his production goals even though he’s farming in an environmentally challenging part of Canterbury.

❚ by Tony Benny Having worked his way up the dairy farming ladder via management, contract milking and leasing out cows, Tony and his wife Clare, a doctor, bought their 190ha farm next to Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere two years ago. To start with they thought that under Environment Canterbury’s tightening environmental regulations, it would be too difficult to comply as well as make a profit. But they needed to be within half an hour of Christchurch hospital so Clare could commute to work. “There’s not a hell of a lot of farms within 30 minutes of Christchurch,” Tony says. A land agent persuaded them to view the property next to the lake. “He said, ‘Tony, come and have a look at this farm and at least think about it’.” Farmers in the area are in the environmental spotlight. Under the Canterbury Land & Water Regional Plan, the property is in the Selwyn Te Waihora Cultural Landscape Values Management Area’s Phosphorus and Sediment Risk Zone. In this zone, dairy farms are required to have a nitrogen budget done, and those leaching more than 15 kg of nitrogen per hectare per year are required to cut their leaching by 30% by 2022. The tight environmental regulations didn’t faze Tony. He figured that’s how farmers

Audited: Looking after the environment is an essential part of Tony Dodunski’s farming philosophy.

should be operating anyway. “Some people have been doing it for years and definitely my family’s farming philosophy is always be at the forefront environmentally rather than on the back foot.” Tony says the property’s previous owner was a very good farmer who had fenced off drains, planted flax and put in effluent storage. He has added to that, planting 4000 trees and shrubs as well as deepening and digging a further 8.5 km of drains. In his first year on the farm he built a 700cow concrete feed pad. The farm’s heavy soils turn to mud quickly in wet weather so Tony gets cows off pasture on to the feed pad quickly when that happens. After less than a year on the farm, Tony’s farm environment plan (FEP) came up for audit by an Environment Canterbury-approved auditor. “I was really nervous because of the envi-

ronmental stigma this area has and because I’d put so much emphasis on the environmental side of things when I was talking to the bank and the other shareholders, so to get an A was choice,” he says. Auditors rate farms from A to D, depending on whether farmers achieve the targets and objectives set in their FEP, meeting good management practice guidelines, achieving of nitrogen loss limits and keeping records. As well as meeting his environmental tar-

gets, Tony is hitting the production mark too. In his first season the farm produced 251,830 kg of milk solids from 570 cows at peak milking. This year, with 660 cows, production so far is up 16% and on target to achieve 280,000 kg MS. Looking after the environment is an essential part of Tony Dodunski’s farming philosophy. His “A” audit result shows he’s well on the way to achieving environmentally-friendly farming.

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March 2019

Long term corrosion protection Prolan prevents rust and maintains agricultural machinery and equipment.

❚ Article supplied by Prolan

Prolan, which is a lanolin-based industrial lubricant and corrosion inhibitor made in New Zealand, has many uses within the agricultural and industrial sectors for preventing corrosion and lubricating machinery. Commercial operators, as well as farmers, have found Prolan Enduro Heavy Grade when applied to a vehicle chassis is excellent as a rust preventative on 4WD, fertiliser loaders, truck, bus and motorhome chassis. In fact, it works that well that many vehicle-testing stations are recommending a coating of Prolan to prevent corrosion. A spray of Prolan on moldboards and ploughing equipment prevents rust and keeps them clean and in good condition. It is the unique ability of the lanolin in Prolan that penetrates into metal components that prevents corrosion. Prolan saves the life of machinery exposed to air and moisture whilst out in the field or during storage. Around the workshop and for general maintenance Prolan’s ‘Enduro Medium grade’ works well as a general lubricant – penetrating into seized bolts – chains and other moving parts. Prolan is so versatile it replaces many other workshop lubricants and is used to stop squeaks as well as to prevent rust long term.

Rust never sleeps: Prolan Enduro heavy Grade when applied to a vehicle chassis is excellent as a rust preventative.

Farmers and contractors have noticed that Prolan stays on once applied, saving repetitive maintenance. For example, an orchard mulching contractor found by applying Prolan to his flails on his machine he saved time on repeat applications, instead of lubricating daily he used Prolan once a week for maintenance. A coating of Prolan Enduro Medium grade is excellent on quad bike chassis as it prevents corrosion caused by manure and salt. With the added benefit that a cold water blast will not remove the Prolan coating, it stays on preventing corrosion and keeping the frame in top shape. In the Prolan product range, there is al-

so an anti-seize grease, which is very popular for assembly of components. A small smear of Prolan grease applied to bolts or pins when assembling equipment ensures they can be undone years later. It also minimises parts replacement as these can be removed easier instead of by force which results in breakage if no antiseize has been applied.

The Prolan product range is made up of natural New Zealand wool lanolin, which ticks the boxes for environmentally friendliness and biodegradability – safe on the environment as well as the user. Prolan saves time, work and money. By applying a spray of Prolan to farm machinery and equipment, it lasts a lot longer and increases its resale value.

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

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Demo: Working demonstrations are a big feature at the South Island agricultural Field Days.

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

SIAFD 2019 Event Programme Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Wednesday, March 27

Thursday, March 28

Friday, March 29

• 8.00am: Gates Open

• 9.00am: Judging of the Agri-Innovation entries

• 9.00am: NZFC South Island Doubles Fencing competition

• 9.30am: Cultivation demonstrations

• 9.30am: Cultivation demonstrations • 11.00am: Drilling demonstrations • 11.30am: Fodder-beet lifting demonstrations • 12.00pm: Lunch break at the Demo area • 1.00pm: Maize Harvesting and Silage demonstrations • 3.00pm: Feed Out Equipment demonstrations • 3.30pm Spraying and Agricultural Drone demonstrations • 4.30pm: Announcement of the Agri-Innovations award at the main catering marquee • 5.00pm: Gates close • All day: Diesel Tune NZ Tractor Pull practice; NZFC Fencing demonstrations

• 9.30am: Cultivation demonstrations • 11.00am: Drilling demonstrations

• 11.30am: Fodder-beet lifting demonstrations • 12.00pm: Lunch break at the Demo area

• 11.30am: Fodder-beet lifting demonstrations • 12.00pm: Lunch break at the Demo area • 1.00pm: Maize Harvesting and Silage demonstrations • 3.00pm: Feed Out Equipment demonstrations • 3.30pm: Spraying and Agricultural Drone demonstrations • 3.30pm: Presentation of the awards for best small and large sites • 3.35pm: Presentation of the Hamish Reid Memorial Trophy for the Best Overall Site • 5.00pm: Gates close

all times are approximate and subject to change.

• 11.00am: Drilling demonstrations

• All day: Diesel Tune NZ Tractor Pull practice; NZFC Fencing demonstrations

• 1.00pm: Maize Harvesting and Silage demonstrations • 3.00pm: Feed Out Equipment demonstrations • 3.30pm: Spraying and Agricultural Drone demonstrations • 3.30pm: Honda Motorbikes draw for the Kids Honda CRF50F Motorbike • 3.40pm: Presentation of the Phillip van De Klundert Memorial Trophy for the Best • Demonstration. • 5.00pm: Gates close on the 2019 South Island Agricultural Field Days • All day: Diesel Tune NZ Tractor Pull competition followed by the prizegiving; NZFC Fencing demonstrations

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March 2019

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Innovation and reliability with Rata Rata Equipment (Rata Industries) of South Canterbury are known throughout the country for its innovative and reliable products, often taking an idea or a product that’s been around for a while and breathing fresh life into it with new design features or functionality. supplied by ❚ Article Rata Industries ❚ Rata will be at the South Island Agricultural Field Days in Kirwee, displaying two products they have done just that with. Although not the first globally, Rata manufactured the first beet bucket for harvesting fodder beets in New Zealand back in 2011 when approached by a farmer who was taking a chance on the little-known forage crop. In many areas of New Zealand it has gone on to become a celebrity of supplementary feed with Canterbury being host to one of the biggest fan bases. The popularity of the Rata Beet Bucket has been no exception. After first being displayed at SIAFD in 2013, this will mark the sixth consecutive year that New Zealand’s first home grown Beet Bucket will be displayed. Over these years the Rata R&D team have acted on feedback from our farmers to make this the most user-friendly Beet Bucket on the market, including making the base long enough to lift as much beet as possible per run whilst balancing the need to load directly into a wagon on the average tractor’s front end loader. Other features, such as cutting edges

rata Panerazers are ideal for removing compaction after break feeding fodder beet without working up the pasture surface. and 25mm bars (instead of pipe), mean New Zealand farmers, with the No.8 wire way of thinking, can use it for other tasks such loading tires onto silage stacks, picking rocks from paddocks, lifting down cows and also as a sieve bucket. Rata’s Panerazer soil aerator has also been making waves not just in subsoils but the agricultural machinery circles lately. This is another product where Rata took the conventional aerator and put their own innovative twist on it.

rata Beet Bucket design is such it can still load into wagons on front end loaders whilst harvesting the maximum quantity of beet per run.

The ‘V-formation’ of the Panerazer legs has made it one of the easiest subsoilers to pull along whilst making the cleanest job due to staggered V formation of the legs. This helps to make the subsoil aeration process more efficient along with enabling it to exit the ground at headlands with no heaving and minimal sur face disturbance. Panerazers have proven popular with farmers who break feed fodder beet. High concentrations of stock in wet paddocks

over winter feeding on this root crop leave behind highly compacted and pugged soils that would hamper and reduce the spring growth. The Rata Panerazer provides a way for farmers to restore their pasture to a healthy state after break feeding fodder beet. rata will be at site 610 over the Kirwee South Island agricultural Field Days, make sure you drop in to say hello to the team, see the Beet Bucket and find out more benefits Subsoil aeration has to offer you.

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Benefits of Captain Crimson clover Captain Crimson is a highly vigorous and versatile annual clover. It is a tap rooted legume, is capable of producing exceptional biomass, and is a leader in nitrogen production. supplied by ❚ Article Pastoral Improvements Ltd ❚ Captain Crimson’s high annual production, good winter activity and low bloat risk make it a perfect complimentary companion species for annual ryegrass and cereal forage. The establishment vigour of Captain Crimson significantly aids weed suppression and early flowering offers maximum nitrogen fixing during early Spring to further boost companion species. Captain Crimson Clover has taller flower stems, grows more quickly and has larger seeds than the more commonly used red clover. Crimson Clover’s primary advantages are rapid growth during cool weather, shade tolerance and good reseeding potential. Late Summer or Autumn is the best periods for sowing. Spring sown does work but the plant goes reproductive as with most Spring sown annuals. Crimson will go dormant (but stay alive) in the cold of winter before re-

suming growth in Spring up to 1m high with a mass of crimson bloom in early summer. Captain Crimson Clover can be planted as a cover crop and with rapid Summer or Autumn growth in cool season areas make it ideal for weed suppression, green manure and Nitrogen fixation purposes. Recommended sowing rate 1-5kg Ha Mixed or 8-12kg Ha standalone crop. Minimum average annual rainfall for Captain Crimson clovers is 600mm.

Captain Crimson Clover Fact Sheet • Capable of fixating 80-160 units of Nitrogen per Ha • Captain Crimson Clover feed is low bloat risk • Recommended sowing rate 1-5kg Ha Mixed or 8-12kg Ha standalone crop • Captain Crimson Clover has good frost tolerance. • Crimson Clover grows more quickly than the more commonly used red clover. • Extremely high production potential

Quick growing: captain crimson clover is a complimentary companion species for annual ryegrass and cereal forage.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Looking for a quick winter feed? If the dry spell continues longer than expected, farmers will be looking for quick green feed options. In this article we look at annual (not Italian) type ryegrasses that are currently on the market.

Stephen Finch ❚ by Speciality Seeds ❚ Often confused with the more persistent Italian ryegrasses that are also typically used at this time of the year, annual ryegrasses will only last 9-10 months. Like most seed types currently on the market in New Zealand, there is a wide range of cultivars from which to select. They each have some common traits; these include being tetraploid ryegrasses, being very quick to establish and providing a bulk of high-quality feed during winter and spring. Because of the above traits, these grass options can be sown late (into May) for winter feed, and then used for spring options which include grazing, silage, etc. As mentioned, most of these grasses are tetraploids and normally have 250,000 seeds per kg, notably different from diploid types which have 500,000 seeds per kg. The reason they are still successful when sown into less-than-perfect or later-than-normal situations is because they are tough seeds. Due to this fact, we suggest a minimum sowing rate of 25 kgs per hectare. Being quick growers, they respond to frequent nitrogen applications.

Ideal to use in after maize, in a mix with brassica or used to top-up run-out pastures or following summer brassica as part of a pasture renovation program. Annual ryegrasses are very useful products for our clients, and we recommend them. Below is a summary of most of the cultivars currently available. • Bullet: Is a densely-tillered, uprightgrowing and highly palatable tetraploid. Westerwolds’ annual Ryegrass has outstanding performance. Key features are the speed of establishment, high growth rates over autumn, winter and late into spring, coupled with high-pasture quality and palatability. • Devour: Tetraploid Westerwolds type, selected for increased dry-matter yields — very high, dry-matter production. • Hogan: Tetraploid annual ryegrass. Very fast establishment, high dry-matter yield from start to finish and is a high-value feed. • Jivet 4n: This tetraploid Westerwolds ryegrass, bred by DLF Seeds, was selected for its fast establishment and winter productivity. • Prowgrow: Italian-type with good recovery from hard grazing and vigorous establishment.

Ideal maize to maize feed Reason 1 to use Devour... Maize After maize harvest the same paddock is often sown back into maize the following spring. Devour is the ideal ryegrass to use for grazing/silage during this time.

• Sultan: Fast-establishing diploid Westerwold ryegrass with strong Autumn/ Winter/ Spring activity. • Tama: Tetraploid Westerwolds type, very old cultivar still used for short-term production though becoming outclassed. • Winter Star II: A Tetraploid Westerwolds, annual ryegrass, suitable for quick winter

feed with improved late season quality, making it ideal for silage and hay production. • Zoom: An exceptional, new, denselytillered and highly palatable tetraploid, Westerwolds annual ryegrass specializing in winter feed has outstanding cool season performance.

March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Canterbury onion farmers at the forefront of global breeding efforts A delegation of Onion Breeders and Research Scientists descended on the Canterbury region in late January, visiting local farms and talking to growers about new trends in hybrid onion varieties. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Bayer Australia and New Zealand Ltd Led by Texas-based Onion Breeder, Dr Rick Jones, the group from Seminis Vegetable Seeds met with several growers in the region, looking at new and emerging onion varieties and how they measure up against local growing conditions. “We make the journey to New Zealand around this time each year, to assess how new varieties we have developed are performing and to listen to local growers about what they need from their onions,” Dr Jones said. In January 2018, Seminis opened its new Onion Breeding Station in Pukekohe, New Zealand. This world-class facility successfully supports key onion markets including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Brazil. Growers from the local onion community have been particularly impressed with Seminis’ investment in the station and the pipeline of hybrids the company is developing, with root disease resistance and storability improvements receiving thumbs up. Dr Jones explained the importance of the breeding station.

“From this station, we can tap into a global breeding network, both in terms of knowledge transfer and genetics. We then use this insight to breed onions that we know will perform well for New Zealand growers,” Dr Jones said. “For the Canterbury area and NZ growers in general, we are focussed on ensuring our new varieties perform on several fronts. “Firstly, skins and storage. Good skin retention through grading and processing is vital, as is ensuring onions store well. Secondly, superior bolting resistance is very important as it gives growers more flexibility and confidence in sowing windows, especially during inclement weather. Third, bulb uniformity is critical. For growers, getting as much into a box or crate as possible is vital and consistent bulbs give more certainty in this regard. Fourth, of course we want to see as few defects in our bulbs as possible to minimise waste. Finally, we are absolutely focussed on breeding hybrids with strong disease packages. “At Seminis, we’ve spent a lot of time ensuring our hybrids stand up to root diseases. Pink Root and Fusarium are two of the most common, robbing growers of yield and

Learning curve: canterbury onion growers learnt a lot during a visit from Seminis Vegetable Seeds staff from the United States.

‘

It’s enjoyable to witness the work Seminis is putting into breeding new varieties for local growers. Kenny Wilson Seed and Field

performance. That is why all our new hybrids have intermediate or high resistance to one or both diseases,” Dr Jones said. Local growers in the Canterbury region were particularly impressed by new early Seminis variety Harrier (SV1752NH), which was a standout performer. Harrier offers a wide planting window thanks to its bolting tolerance and provides insurance against common root diseases such as Pink Root and Fusarium Basal rot, given its strong disease package. Seminis welcomes growers to visit its station in Pukekohe. To arrange a tour, contact Seminis’ regional Business Manager, Nick Williams on 021 961 707.

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Fusarium head blight in wheat crops ❚

In recent months there have been widespread reports of fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat crops throughout Canterbury. Article supplied by FAR Samples from two wheat crops • Consult the combine manual: Com-

Fusarium head blight of wheat, also known as head scab, is most easily recognised on immature heads where one or more spikelets in each head appear prematurely bleached. Sometimes large areas of heads may be affected, and where infection is severe, pink or orange spore masses can be seen on diseased spikelets. Fusarium damaged grains are pink or chalky white and shrivelled. This disease can cause significant yield losses where conditions favour the disease, and grain from affected crops may be less palatable to stock than healthy grain and may contain mycotoxins (a toxin produced by fungi). It is important to know that not all species of Fusarium produce mycotoxins. F. crookwellense, F. culmorum and F. graminearum can produce mycotoxins but other species are not considered major producers. The incidence of different species of Fusarium fungi in New Zealand grain varies from year to year and by grain type, harvest date, region and the weather conditions in the season. A survey in 2000 found that the Fusarium species present in Canterbury were not major producers of mycotoxins.

grown near Methven in December 2018 were identified as Monographella nivalis (snow mould), a species usually included with the Fusarium group of fungi that does not produce mycotoxins. However, since we do not know if all the recent reports of FHB are caused by non-mycotoxin producing species, it makes sense for growers to take precautions to minimize the risk of harvesting and storing Fusarium contaminated grain. Wet weather promotes Fusarium development and during flowering (GS6069) crops are particularly susceptible to head blight infection. The higher the rainfall through flowering the higher the risk. Rainfall through December was high in Canterbur y ranging from 62 mm at Cher tsey to 177 mm at Methven. At har vest, Fusarium mycotoxins may increase if wet weather causes delays. Also, mycotoxins may increase if the grain has a high moisture content in storage.

Suggested actions:

•

• •

•

bine adjustments should follow the manufacturer’s manual when first going to the field. Once in the field, operators should invest the time to sample the grain and make adjustments. The most important adjustments include concave clearance, screen openings and cylinder and fan speeds. This is particularly important when dealing with compromised grain quality. If it is determined that grain quality is not an issue, more conventional settings should be used to minimize grain loss. Fan speed: Many, but not all, Fusarium-infected kernels are shrunken and have lower densities. Increasing the combine’s fan speed can greatly increase the number of lighter kernels blown out the back of the combine. Harvest and store grain with fusarium contaminated grain separately. Good farm practices will minimise the risk of mycotoxins. Damp grain needs to be dried to minimise risk.

Telling sign: heads which are partly or fully bleached indicate a crop may have fusarium head blight.

• Harvest fusarium affected wheat crops as soon as possible once ripe.

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March 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

New way of applying fertiliser may benefit the environment A new guide has been released which will assist farmers and the irrigation industry to adopt the use of fertigation – a new way of applying fertiliser which is likely to reduce nitrogen leaching and save labour on farms.

❚❚Article supplied by IrrigationNZ

Fertigation allows irrigators to be used to apply liquid fertiliser or liquid soluble fertiliser in small quantities at the same time as water. In New Zealand, most fertiliser currently used is solid and applied through ground spreading or aerial top dressing. Internationally, fertigation is increasingly being adopted as good environmental practice. Outgoing IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis said last year IrrigationNZ organised a study tour to Nebraska which included farmers, irrigation designers, environmental consultants and irrigation scheme representatives. “Farmers in the state were encouraged by authorities to use fertigation as a tool to help reduce fertiliser use and reduce nitrogen leaching and also save costs by reducing the labour involved in applying fertiliser,” Curtris said. “Our tour group were very excited about the opportunities to adopt fertigation here, so the new guide will provide farmers and those working in the irrigation sector with advice on how to correctly use fertigation.” The guide is available online at www.irrigationnz.co.nz for IrrigationNZ members.

New path: Pamu’s newly installed fertigation system will help trial whether using fertigation can reduce nutrient losses.

In addition to the new guide being available to farmers, Pamu (formerly Landcorp) is working with IrrigationNZ to trial the use of fertigation in New Zealand over two irrigation seasons to see whether the practice results in less nitrogen leaching, and has other benefits on farms through cost or labour savings. The trial focuses on reducing Pamu farm’s nitrogen consumption and loss to the environment on irrigated Canterbury dairy farms. Pamu’s GM of Innovation, Environment

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and Technology, Rob Ford, said by injecting soluble fertiliser through the pivot irrigation systems - little and often - we are still maintaining farm profitability, productivity and growth of high feed value pasture. “This is one of many ways Pamu is using innovation to reduce our environmental footprint. We also rely on strong partnerships with others in the sector to make these strides.” The trial is being supported through a grant from the Sustainable Farming Fund. “A small number of irrigators are already using fertigation successfully in New Zealand. If the trial shows fertigation to be a better environmental practice as well as practical to implement on farms we would like to

see it more widely adopted,” Curtis said. “Fertigation can also be used to apply products like seaweed and selenium to crops and pasture as well as fertiliser.” Andrew Paterson of Matakanui Station in Otago is one of a small number of Kiwi farmers who have already adopted the use of fertigation on his sheep and beef farm. Paterson sees applying fertiliser via pivots as a much more convenient option which allows him to save time through not having to spread fertiliser through trucks and also allows him to use his fertiliser more efficiently. “With fertigation you’re not putting on large amounts of fertiliser in one hit. You’re putting on smaller doses mixed with a little water, so you’re not losing fertiliser into the ground. “We’ve had a tremendous response from the clover and grass. Over spring we had 4,000 hoggets on 130 hectares and they were booming away.” Paterson said independent testing of waterways on Matakanui Station has also shown that water quality on most areas of the farm and in areas where fertigation is being used is generally good.

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

March 2019

❚ with Fred hoekstra, VeeHof

Keeping cows cool Temperatures have been very high over the summer months and people are enjoying their summer holidays with long days at the beach, water skiing and swimming. At home we turn on the air conditioning or have a fan blowing through the night helping us sleep. We enjoy temperatures of around 20-25 degrees, and I am amazed how many people believe that to be the same for cows. The optimum temperature for a dairy cow is between 5-15 degrees. It does depend on the humidity but when the temperature rises above 15 degrees a cow is starting to feel warm. The reason why this is so much lower than for people is because a cow’s rumen produces a lot of heat as it is digesting food. As external temperatures rise, it is not unusual to see cows congregating around the water trough - just standing. Somehow this gives them a measure of relief or minimises the effect of the heat on them. It doesn’t take long to find cows panting in the paddock or in the holding yard. When you have the cows in the yard you can often feel the heat radiating off them.

Heat stress has been shown to have a big impact on lameness. The heat itself is stressful but also the dehydration that often goes along with it. Dehydration does damage to the soft tissue in the body and this can occur within a few hours. It is important to do whatever we can to minimise the heat stress on our cows. Shelter in the paddocks would be great but often trees give minimal shade for the cows to stand in - if we have trees that is. It is hard to supply enough shelter for the cows but there are many other things we can do including: more water troughs in the paddock, on the tracks and by the cow shed. One thought is to seal off the meal troughs in the cowshed and fill them with water if you don’t feed meal any more. This would help cow flow in the shed and it would provide water for all cows. Even the less dominant ones will have an opportunity to drink as much water as they want without being pushed away. Milk production will also improve when the most important nutrient is properly provided for.

Some other suggestions are: make sure the longer walks are being walked in the cool of the day. It can be tempting to have the cows closer to the shed overnight, so you don’t have to get up quite so early to get them in in the morning but this is not so cow friendly when we have such hot weather. Having sprinklers on the yard to cool the cows down is very helpful. It needs to be said that it is better to use slightly warmer water as cold water is too much of a shock to the system. Misters in the cow shed is also helpful alongside fans to suck out all the warm air in order to cool the cow shed down as much as possible. This will also help keep fly population down, which is another considerable stress factor for the cows in the heat. Undoubtedly there are other things we can do to make the cows’ environment more cow- friendly. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money either but the benefits to the cow are enormous and therefore the benefits to you as well. I would be interested to hear how you are managing the heat stress in your cows, email me at info@veehof.co.nz.

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Why urban folk are confused

❚ with Peter Burton

It’s been fascinating talking recently with smart intelligent people that have no direct farming connection.

They’re keen to embrace a more environmentally focussed future even if that means having the inconvenience and extra cost of less plastic, and more time and effort spent recycling household waste. However, the ‘all farming is environmentally negative’ message doesn’t resonate with them, and it’s not about losing the cream for their coffee and replacing meat with alternative protein.

It all just sounds a little too simplistic. Even though a significant proportion of those aged 45 and younger haven’t spent time on farms and don’t have close contact with practical farmers, replacing all farms with trees just doesn’t sound right to them, with good reason. The ultimate test of whether individual farms are environmentally positive lies with their ability to sequester carbon, and it is un-

der permanently grazed pasture that carbon may be most rapidly sequestered. Whether it’s a one to one ratio or not, for every kilogram of dry matter produced there’s dead root, dung, and old leaf matter being actively broken down with the carbon content being stored in the soil, and in a healthy situation forming humus. Humus is a term no longer used by the local scientific fraternity and they will have their reasons which in time will become apparent. Humus as most understand it is what is left after full biological degradation of organic matter, and as the material from which it is formed naturally varies, it is perhaps not easily defined. Humus in its true form is extremely stable and not easily lost from the soil, even during droughts and extreme wet. It is where nutrient and moisture for plant growth is held, and farmers pay a premium for soils with high levels of humus. In regions dominated by cropping long term pastoral properties are keenly sought when available, as crop yield in the first three years is always superior, often considerably so. Excellent physical soil structures mean less cultivation is required initially, nutrient

inputs are better utilised, and the crops initially require less water and therefore yield, and crop quality is higher. The question is why is it that pastoral farming is receiving such a hard time? It may possibly be justified on the fact that in general terms all irrigated land is losing carbon, however that is not the case with every farm. Ultimately it comes down to the amount and regularity of nitrogen applications. Years ago, when growing peaches, apples and nectarines for sale it was recommended that a high concentration urea spray was applied as soon as the trees had lost their leaves in autumn. The reason given was to clean up the trees destroying any old leaf matter lodged in the forks of branches, and it proved highly effective. It does the same to organic matter in the soil and when the loss of organic matter is greater than the amount gained soils degrade and yield steadily decreases over time. It may take 20 years for that decline to become obvious but long-term growth figures will show it to be the case. The answer is to provide plants with all their required nitrogen with that fixed naturally by clover. And an increasing number of farmers are joining those that have been successfully doing that twenty years or longer. Some of the characteristics of these operations is they have higher levels of total farm performance with lower costs, as well as enjoying more reliable annual pasture production. Mating performance and overall animal health is generally better. Water drains more freely after wet periods, with pastures growing longer into a dry spell and recovery taking place more quickly after rain arrives. There is a theory, regarded as fact by some, that nitrogen fixed by clover is just as readily leached as that applied in the form of urea. That is not the reality and there is already enough data to refute that, with more measures to come. Clover fixes nitrogen in response to declining plant-available levels and therefore the supply and demand equation is far more finely balanced than in a regular urea application situation, and that nugget came from a senior soil scientist running soil fertility courses at Ruakura Research Station in the early 1990s. For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

March 2019

Back to basics through embracing agro-ecological efﬁciencies Let’s bypass the ﬁnger pointing, and take a fresh, new approach to the whole nitrogen leaching issue.

❚ Article supplied by Qlabs

Any nitrogen that finds its way into waterways and aquifers from our farms is a lost opportunity, and money down the drain. Profits from farming do not just happen by chance, they are managed. Agro-ecological efficiency is based around managing two resources that are free: the Carbon Cycle and the Nitrogen Cycle. All our food production needs nitrogen and carbon, without either one there is basically no life. Natural processes have checks and balances in place to ensure the Nitrogen/Carbon Cycle is never destroyed. Nitrogen is captured and converted by the living soil from which a proportion is available for plants to take their share. Plants capture carbon from the atmosphere and this captured carbon is returned to the living soil. This plant produced carbon is the only carbon that the living soil can use. The soil breathes, just like we do, and the expelled CO2 is returned for plants to feed off. So how can we manage this process? It all comes down to how farmers manage soil fertility. Too much nitrogen destroys the Carbon Cycle and too much carbon will lock up the Nitrogen Cycle, both scenarios have nasty effects on the environment and farmers profits. Qlabs has patented, scientifically evaluated and proven trademarked programmes

that any farmer can utilise. We offer a service to analyse your soils and from that analysis, provide a formula for a custom designed fertiliser mix, specific to the nutritional needs of your soil. Qlabs does not sell fertiliser, this ensures we focus on what we do - working with farmers to build soils that act like giant sponges drawing up nitrogen from the surrounding environment. Your soil will scrub the environment of excess nitrogen adding value to your bottom line, at the same time optimising your plants ability to draw carbon from the atmosphere, thereby reducing your carbon footprint. As the two cycles increase in their respective efficiency and functionality, better quality food is produced, increasing animal health, thereby reducing your vet bills, and increasing your profitability. Qlabs technology has a short lead-in time frame with quickly discernible results. If you want to increase food production for less financial output, reverse your nitrogen losses, increase your carbon uptake and reduce your carbon footprint, quickly becoming legally compliant then you want to put us to work for you now. We have a limited number of appointments available for those who are first in. This technology is available now, it is working on farms throughout New Zealand, it is field tested, and farmer proven.

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Log prices reach historical high

allan Laurie MNZIF ❚ with ❚ Laurie Forestry Ltd

February may go down in the Forestry almanacs as the month when log prices reached an historical high point. This reﬂects a combination of both domestic and export segments.

Whilst the domestic log prices at the mill door NZ are the highest they have ever been, logs landed at the wharf are now just very slightly below where they were at the peak in September 1993. The big difference is the high price points

in the market in 1993 lasted about six weeks. Older readers might recall the peak was promulgated by the discovery of a rapidly declining Spotted Owl population in the Pacific North West. Wood fibre markets went in to a panic buy, believing forest harvest would

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cease and the planet would run out of wood fibre. This caused prices to escalate. Price escalation resulted in flooded supply channels and prices quickly dropped. Within six months they were actually below where they were before the spike began. During all of this, it didn’t help when the US Forest Service did some due diligence and discovered Spotted Owl populations seemed amazingly confined to within a kilometre of all major highways. Ultimately of course, the realisation was the Owls found were no further than it took surveyors to walk between smoko breaks from their vehicles. Once the surveyors were required to pack a lunch it was discovered the populations were not declining at all. In February 2019 we believe we are a little smarter and markets react mostly to real events. Thus price stability has prevailed and we have been hovering close to the current highs for over three years. In terms of the present situation, all eyes are focussed on China. With new-year holidays in full swing port off take has been minimal but ahead of expectations. Consumption is currently running at 45,000 m3 per day when everyone is supposed to be on holiday. Log vessels arrivals ex New Zealand and Australia have also been below expectation. The net consequences are the overall China eastern seaboard inventory has climbed to 4+ million m3, as at mid-February, an increase of 1 million in four weeks. All of this

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is pretty much as expected with most commentators agreeing it will need to go well over 5 mil m3 before the market starts to react negatively. Shipping costs have had the most impact on the higher prices at the NZ wharf gate. Rates have continued to soften with spot rates hovering close to the mid US$20’s. These rates were around about five years ago so I suspect shipping companies will be hurting. Low shipping rates are the direct consequence of low Northern Hemisphere fixtures and an abundance of Handy Class vessels following a significant number of new builds exiting China ship yards. In fact we recently loaded a vessel in Lyttelton, M/V Crystal Palace, with our logs being the second cargo she had carried after bring fertiliser down to NZ. We are seeing many of these spanking new China built vessels coming in to NZ. Right now the Baltic Index, which is a trend data set that is first put on the table at ship fixture negotiations, is the lowest seen for a long time and most commentators suggesting little change through in to Q2. Indeed it will likely last as long and trade tariffs continue to restrict trade in the northern hemisphere. China CFR price settlements (log prices in US$ landed in China) were up US$1 – 2 per m3 for February sales at US$140/141 standard A grade shorts basis, across most customers. Some NZ companies are trying to push higher. In the face of the uncertainties over trade and what will happen post New Year, we think this very unwise. Domestic sawmills appear to be hanging in there with increasing discussion around log prices a function of squeezed operating margins. It is also evident that a suite of lumber price increases being promoted by some of the bigger players late last year have not “stuck” with discounting back to prior levels for “favoured” customers appearing to be the order of the day. As always please remember the thoroughly important message relating to this wonderful 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!

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Government must be in for the long haul over wilding pines The continuing spread of wilding pines is a serious menace to New Zealand’s back country as well as a ﬁre risk, according to the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association.

❚ by Kent caddick “We join other public groups in asking the government to tackle them now and in the foreseeable future,” NZDA spokesman Bill O’Leary says. “If left unchecked, they will forever change our unique high country landscape. The biggest impacts will be on our unique biodiversity, pastoral farming and soaking up our precious water resources.” “Wilding conifer forests will make access to the high country increasingly challenging for recreationists, including hunters.” O’Lear y, who is from Nelson, says recent events have also highlighted the fire risk. “We have every good reason to be concerned. Hunters had already reported seedlings growing in remote places from the

northern Ruahines to the Marlborough back country and the Mackenzie basin.” He says individual hunters and trampers pull some up but not in a systematic or comprehensive way. “The scale of the problem is immense and it has to be tackled on a large scale. The way that pines can seed and multiply very rapidly makes it a different challenge compared to possum control programmes.” He says communities and government must consider this a priority for future funding and control. “Proven control methods of including spray and helicopter wanding and the work of ground based personnel are having the desired effect. “Costs of these operations are significant, but hunters believe there is no alternative; we need to be in for the long haul.”

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Inspiration and water issues Firstly water in the wrong place – last year we had a washing machine faucet fail and water leaked onto a genuine Turkish carpet downstairs. The dye seeped out into the carpet and soaked the gib in the ceiling and walls. The result was to re-carpet and those who have done this will know the house has to be emptied. Sorting through hoarded material I came across a flip folder of newspaper cuttings and one in particular caught my eye – an article from 2009 outlining the virtues of Lake Coleridge as the storage for Central Plains Water scheme. The segue is my travelling into midCanterbury over the past 2-3 weeks and driving across the Rakaia River – every time wondering if it was on restriction and the implications for those irrigator on CPW. On each occasion I checked the ECan website “Irrigation Restrictions” and breathing a “whew” for Lake Coleridge with Band 4 and 5 water on restrictions every time. Coleridge was always seen as the “no brainer” storage as the then mayor of Ashburton (Bede O’Malley) noted in the David Williams article a “pragmatic”. As we all know it wasn’t sorted or confirmed as the storage mechanism in 2009 – it took much more time and dol-

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Looking at the restrictions for February, much of the month has required use of stored water; i.e. about ¼ of the irrigation season.

lars to finally reach this “no brainer pragmatic” storage decision, and without the derogation of the Conservation Order minimum flow levels. Many will not have forgotten the anguish, time and dollars spent of seeking consent to dam and store water in the Waianiwaniwa valley before decline and the chance to use Coleridge. During the irrigation season, especially from mid-December onward, when I am crossing the alpine rivers (Waimakariri,

Rakaia and Rangitata) there is always a glance to estimate the flow. The question “I wonder if anyone is on restriction?” is subconsciously asked when the rivers are clear and only one or two channels are running. So it has been for much of February when the flow has been below the Conservation Order flow of 168.8m3/s (for Band 5 water – the dashed red line in the Rakaia River flow plot). While CPW also has Band 4 and smaller volumes of more reliable water, restrictions have been the order. And without Coleridge and the water stored by shareholders February would have been a tough irrigation month. This season might serve as a good learning exercise and the chance to review the volume shareholders store in Coleridge. I’ve always considered for pastoral irrigation storage of around 40-45% of the annual volume and 35-40% for arable irrigators was about right. Looking at the restrictions for February, much of the month has required use of stored water; i.e. about ¼ of the irrigation season. One of the outcomes from this coming together of events is that I might just hang on to these hoarded cuttings – sort of “what goes around comes around”.

Canterbury Farming Option3

Down: For much of February the flow has been below the conservation Order flow of 168.8m3/s for Band 5 water, the dashed red line in the 128mm x 100mm rakaia river flow plot.

Newspaper clipping from The Press, 20 Oct 2009.

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16HMDG1610047-OPTION3

Dr Tony Davoren ❚ with Hydro Services ❚

One is always looking for inspiration each month to pen an article. This month was no exception and thanks to water in the wrong place a little spark lit up. The segue that followed may seem a little unusual but given the weather conditions since Christmas it is entirely relevant.

16HMDG1610047-OPTION3

WATER & IRRIGATION

CANTERBURY FARMING March 2019

Water tax would affect all IrrigationNZ says a proposed nationwide water tax would affect all Kiwis, and there needs to be more discussion about how this would impact households, farmers and businesses.

❚❚Article supplied by IrrigationNZ

“The Tax Working Party has recommended the government consider introducing a water tax on all types of water use including hydro-generation, household use and commercial water use,” IrrigationNZ chair Nicky Hyslop says. “This would result in higher power and food prices for households and businesses and higher rates bills to pay for the irrigation of parks and reserves as well as a direct water tax on household and business water use.” The working party is proposing that the water tax could be used to fund the restoration of waterways. “While we all want to see cleaner rivers, often the solutions to improving rivers require people to change their existing practices both on farm and to prevent urban wastewater discharges into rivers. Just allocating money will not be the most effective solution,” Hyslop says. “We need to think about whether a water tax is equitable as water use varies hugely across regions based on rainfall.

For example a Christchurch resident uses an average of 146,700 litres of water per year, while the average for a New Zealander is 82,800. Someone living in Christchurch would pay nearly twice as much in a water tax as someone living elsewhere and would also pay more in rates because in a dryer climate the Council will use more water to irrigate their local parks. “Is taxing lower rainfall regions such as Canterbury, Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough more heavily through a water tax a fair way to fund river restoration nationwide?” Hyslop says there are similar equity issues for farmers and growers. “Some regions receive a significant amount of rainfall and farmers don’t need to use irrigation. “Central Otago receives less than half the rainfall of Auckland, so farmers and growers rely on irrigation to grow stone fruit, wine and for pastoral farming to provide feed for animals. “Only 7% of farmers use irrigation nationwide – why are those farmers being targeted to pay a tax which 93% of

farmers won’t pay when there are many regions which have very poor waterways but little use of irrigation?” Hyslop says that a water tax on hydro-electric power generation would also add to power bills for households and businesses and this tax doesn’t make sense at a time when the government wants to encourage the use of renewable energy to meet climate change targets. “We also have concerns that farmers and growers in many regions may face significant water tax costs in excess of $10,000 a year which will make it more difficult to fund the environmental improvements we all want to see occur to improve water ways,” she says. “Farmers and irrigation schemes have already invested $1.7 billion to modernise their systems since 2011, resulting in significant improvements in water efficiency. “Introducing a major new tax will reduce the ability for a farmer to replace an older irrigation system with a more water efficient model.”

Costly: IrrigationNZ chair Nicky Hyslop says a proposed nationwide water tax would result in higher power and food prices for households and businesses.

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March 2019

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The most recent South Island wool auction (at time of writing) recorded an improvement in prices for most combing wool types including several lines of crossbred lamb’s fleece, as well as good colour crossbred fleece types, influenced to a degree by the recent Chinese ban on wool imports from South Africa due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease there.

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While the increase was not completely across the board, due to the still high volumes of poor colour crossbred fleece catalogued, the over-all tone to the market was much more positive compared to the previous few months, and all good colour wools fared well. The auction had a much more healthy tone than previously, crossbred fleece and oddment types generally continue to deliver poor returns to growers when compared to the cost of production. Through no fault of growers, summer shorn crossbred fleece wools have tested high in colour (yellowness) with most wools measuring, at best, around 3.5 (y minus z value) or poorer. It has not been uncommon to see readings of between 7.5 and 9.5 attached to lines of fleece wool, something usually reserved for wool drawn only from, normally, wet climate areas. Oddment types have also been affected with those usually expected to test at around 7 or 8, returning readings of around 10 to 12 or worse. As a result, any wools which have been very good visually and supported by a low colour reading, have sold very well in comparison to the poorer types with prices well over 300 cents clean recorded. Crossbred lamb’s wool has continued to be in strong demand as exporters struggle to fill their forward sold commitments, with those measuring 30.5 or finer in particularly high demand. Stronger crossbred lamb’s wool has also enjoyed good pricing but certainly discounted in comparison to finer types. Fine wools, both merino and halfbred types, have continued to enjoy solid interest from the export trade. The last significant quantity of merino wool was catalogued on the 21 Februar y by PGG Wrightson, with the robust

‘

There remains a substantial quantity of unsold grower wool still to filter through.

competition evident within the auction room reflecting also the strength of the Australian market, which continues to surprise. A Chinese ban on South African wool imports, due to the recent animal health issues in South Africa, certainly had a positive effect on auctions on either side of the Tasman. Most of the merino wool types offered through the Christchurch auction room on 21 February were of good strength and length however a few second-shear types drew very healthy competition with several eyebrows in the

room raised over the prices received at the fall of the hammer. Halfbred and Corriedale wools were also well supported and growers were happy with their returns. With the crossbred wool market continuing to disappoint there has been much debate and discussion about the way forward, but in the meantime, and in my opinion, challenging times for the crossbred wool industry are likely to continue well through the current wool season and maybe beyond. There remains a substantial quantity of unsold grower wool still to filter through the system, some of which is now a couple of seasons old, plus exporters are holding stocks of wool from both the current and previous seasons, in either greasy or scoured form, awaiting shipment. No doubt there are also stocks of semi or un-processed crossbred wool sitting in places like China, which could keep the pipeline relatively stretched for a while yet. Time will tell. That’s my view.

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

March 2019

Spring premium likely to return

Deer farmers can expect a return this year to the normal pattern of seasonal demand which sees venison schedule prices peaking in spring.

❚ by Trevor Walton Price point: Venison finishers photographed in early February. This season the traditional price premium is expected to return for deer processed as chilled venison in spring for the European game season trade. Photo by Phil Stewart

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with fewer than 73 per cent in 2008. “This enables deer farming, along with strong product prices, to compete better with alternative land uses. This has been a key objective of Passion2Profit, the deer industry’s Primary Growth Partnership programme.”

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sions” between the individual venison companies and their marketing partners in Europe, some of whom are carrying over stocks of frozen venison from the 2018 game season. “Each company makes its own decisions, but everyone clearly sees the importance of farmers getting a spring price premium if Europe is to get the chilled NZ venison it wants for its game season.” Assisting the transition to a more typical seasonal pricing pattern is an easing of demand from the North American premium petfood market. “The premium petfood market is still important, but prices have settled to levels that are more sustainable for customers,” Coup says. “The move to a more traditional schedule price curve was predicted by DINZ and venison companies last year, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to farmers. “The peaks and troughs during the year will probably be less pronounced than in the past. This is because of the success of the venison companies in developing yearround markets for chilled venison, especially in North America and under the P2P programme, in Europe during the summer.” Meanwhile, the latest agricultural statistic figures released by Statistics New Zealand reveal that farmed deer numbers increased in 2018. Hind numbers in the year to 30 June 2018 recovered to 413,400 from a low of 392,300 in 2017, according to the provisional figures.

Carcass weight (young deer)

“This premium rewards farmers who are able to carry finishing deer through the winter for processing from September to early November as chilled venison. This is highly sought after by northern European customers during their game season,” Deer Industry NZ chief executive Dan Coup says. “We have already seen an easing in the venison schedule since December, but noone is expecting it to fall out of bed. It is simply a return to a typical seasonal pricing pattern, albeit at a much higher level and with less of an Autumn dip than has been the case in the past.” In early February the average schedule price for prime venison stags was $9.51 a kg, down approximately $2 a kg from its peak in early October 2018, but well above the long-run average for this time of the year. In 2016 the spring price premium was much reduced. In 2017 there was a short price dip after Christmas, followed by a steady climb in schedule prices from February to October 2018. Coup says there were two main drivers for this. “There was strong procurement competition between venison companies for a much reduced deer kill and an unprecedented appetite for lesser grades of venison from the United States premium petfood market. “With their spring price premium gone, farmers decided it was in their interests to hold more of their deer on-farm and kill them in the autumn at heavier weights. This increased the proportion of venison that was frozen after processing. It also reduced the supply of chilled venison to the northern Europe game season market by 40 per cent over two years.” Coup says that with NZ venison at record prices and prices for premium beef cuts falling in Europe during 2018 some European customers switched from venison to beef. Others substituted NZ frozen venison with European feral venison. This, combined with a long hot European autumn that reduced the game season from 12 to six weeks, led to reduced sales of frozen NZ venison. “In contrast, game season sales of chilled venison were very strong and if more had been available, it would have sold at excellent prices.” Since the end of the season, Coup says there have been “very constructive discus-

March 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

Meating of minds in the US I’ve just returned from a trip to the United States where I attended both the American Sheep Industry Convention and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s convention.

Phil Smith ❚❚by ❚❚Director, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Both were in New Orleans, but that’s where the similarities ended as each sector is facing different challenges. Sheep Farmers in the US are far from happy with the $1.20-$1.30/lb they are currently receiving for their lamb and say they need $1.50/lb to be profitable, but would like the $1.60-$1.70/lb they were receiving 18 months ago. According to Rick Stott, the CEO of the lamb processing company Superior Farms, this softening in price is due to a fall in demand in the wake of high retail prices. On a positive note, there are no large stocks of sheep meat in the US, but lamb is competing against increases in beef, poultry and pork production.

The US Sheep Industry does expect lamb prices to increase due to a fall in imports of lamb from drought-stricken Australia, although the same quantity of lamb will be imported from New Zealand. Interestingly, sheepmeat is the only red meat in the US with country of origin labelling. Another positive is that lamb burger consumption has grown by 24 per cent since 2014 – Americans love their burgers. I was asked to speak at this convention and the attendees wanted to know about Brexit, our sheep meat markets, levels of production and returns we are receiving for our crossbred wool and pelts. The Cattlemen’s Convention was quite a different beast, with 10,000 people attending. The outlook for beef is good driven by huge demand for beef in the US (those hamburgers again) and cattle numbers have increased, returning to 2008 levels, although numbers are likely to stabilise. Beef breeding cow numbers have increased by three million since 2014 so this will have a flow-on effect by making more animals available for slaughter. There is expected to be a 1.4 per cent increase in the number of beef cattle processed this year.

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Profitable: In the US, beef exports are increasing year-on-year which is helping both price and demand. Again, drought in Australia is likely to decrease the number of beef imports from that country and levels of beef imported from NZ are also expected to be back. Ironically, recent floods in North Western Queensland are thought to have killed an estimated 500,000 cattle. I know I speak on behalf of all farmers when I express my heartfelt sympathy to all those affected. In the US, beef exports are increasing year-on-year which will help both price and demand. The US cattle industry will remain profitable, but there is a cyclical price risk to watch out for in the early 2020s. Closer to home, summer has been summer with hot temperatures and fine weather and while the countryside has dried out,

I am hopeful autumn rains will drive pasture growth and water winter feed crops. On 21 March, Beef + Lamb New Zealand is holding it’s Annual Meeting in Timaru. We have a day of activities planned around the formal part of the day and these include a field day to the Hayward family’s mixed cropping operation and a panel discussion looking at the issues that are affecting our industry. One of the highlights will be insight into the Taste Pure Nature Launch in Californiawhich is happening at the same time as the Annual Meeting. It’s a great opportunity to hear about what we do on behalf of levy payers and promises to be an interesting day so please register on our website.

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

Lexus’ brave new evolution in small SUV segment The all-new Lexus UX sets the agenda for the luxury small SUV market with a stunningly brave design and imaginative technology thoughtfully packaged up with the unique touch of takumi craftmanship.

Options: There are plenty of power and drive options for the all-new Lexus UX including a self-charging hybrid electric engine. P

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Lexus New Zealand will offer seven variants of its eye-catching, bold UX urban crossover when it is launched here in February next year. Comprehensively equipped in base, F Sport and Limited grades, the all-new UX is also offered with a complementary range of specification that amplifies the vehicle’s imaginative technology, safety and luxury specifications. Silky smooth performance is available through a highly tractable and efficient 2.0 litre, four cylinder petrol engine in the conventional UX 200 or self-charging hybrid electric UX 250h configurations. Customers have a choice of front wheel drive in both powertrains or all-wheel drive in the self-charging hybrid electric powertrain option, with prices starting from $59,900 for the UX 200 FWD petrol model. The innovative all-wheel drive E-Four provides electric motor drive to the rear axle, automatically providing extra grip in slippery conditions at lower speeds. “It will be the gateway model into the Lexus family,” says Paul Carroll, Senior General Manager of Lexus New Zealand. “The UX will offer Lexus possibilities to introduce new customers to the brand and increase our total sales from an area of the market we haven’t been in before.” “The renowned Lexus attention to detail and quality execution makes the UX a standout vehicle,” Carroll sdays. Five of the variants are powered by Lexus’ fourth generation self-charging hybrid electric engine. “The advanced drive platform, aerodynamics and refined powertrain create a more responsive steering feel and elegant ride comfort to make driving the UX a truly amazing experience,” Carroll says. “The UX design team have thoughtfully designed interior features that add to the depth, richness and playfulness of the vehicle, elevating the pleasure of every drive.” Some of the colour and trim combinations

in the cabin are inspired by Washi which is the paper used in traditional Japanese interior sliding doors to provide a modern sense of décor. While the interior layout is derived from the concept of Omotenashi, with the steering and instrument panel controls all placed for ease of operation for the driver. There are 12 exterior colour options available including the distinctive new Terrane Khaki, Blazing Carnelian and Celestial Blue. The Lexus Safety System+ package comes as standard including a pre-crash safety system with day and night-time pedestrian detection and day-time cyclist detection, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist with lane centering function, automatic high beam (adaptive high beam system for F Spor t and Limited), and road sign assist.

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March 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

New Ford Endura arrives in showrooms ❚ ❚

The new Ford Endura, which the automobile manufacturer says is the company’s most technologically advanced sports utility vehicle yet, has started to arrive in New Zealand showrooms. Article supplied by Ford New Zealand

The new Ford Endura offers a comprehensive range of Ford Co-Pilot360 Technologies. Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 Technologies are a suite of camera- and sensor-based driver assist technologies all designed to give drivers more confidence on the road, be it the driveway or the motorway. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Post Collision Braking and Evasive Steering Assist, and Lane Keep Assist enacted via the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) with pull-drift compensation to keep the vehicle within marked traffic lanes. There’s also Traffic Sign Recognition as standard to help alert the driver to the local speed limit. The Endura ST-Line and Titanium include Enhanced Active Park Assist. “With the addition of the new Endura, Ford is offering a complete, no-compromise range of SUVs to fit the New Zealand lifestyle,” Ford New Zealand’s managing director Simon Rutherford said. “It’s a vehicle that has stand out presence on the road and will further impress with its attention to detail inside and out. “The new Endura is squarely aimed at customers wanting something a bit more special, a bit more than the usual, yet still retain the pragmatic element,” Rutherford said. The Endura sits on 2849mm wheelbase, enabling one of the most spacious SUVs offered in the Ford line-up; head and shoulder room is greater than any other Ford SUV. Engineers have also focused on comfort in the

More tow: The Endura has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg with towing made easier with trailer sway control.

cabin to ensure offers unmatched levels of refinement. Rear seat-room is also expansive and behind the rear seats an electronic tailgate gives access to the 800L of stowage space. The tailgate can be operated by either the key fob or dash-mounted push-button. The ST-Line and Titanium add the popular handsfree tailgate, allowing another access option with the swipe of your foot. The Endura’s interior brings not only a high level of content as standard on every model,

Options: The new Ford Endura offers a comprehensive range of Ford co-Pilot360 Technologies.

but a premium ethos at every point. The 10way adjustable driver’s seat allows personalised comfort while enabling easy viewing of the 10-inch instrument cluster. A sweeping centre console crosses to an elegant, space-saving rotary e-shifter and electronic park brake. A suite of seven airbags with an expansive suite of Driver Assist Technology is fitted to ever y Endura. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Roll-Stability Control and Post-Collision Braking and Evasive Steer Assist joins Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection as

standard across the range. The 2.0-litre commonrail turbodiesel produces 140kW and 400Nm and is fitted exclusively to an eight-speed paddleshift automatic. Customers can choose from front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on the entry Trend variant, while all models boast Torque Vectoring Control. The AWD and FWD powertrains both have a combined fuel figure of 6.7L/100km. In addition, the Endura has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg with towing made easier and safer with Trailer Sway Control.

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2019

A feed for a read Dear Editor,

Great to read Rob Cope-Williams’ article on how uninformed us thick townies are about animal welfare issues. I say great because the amount of times he’s shot himself in the foot in one article can only boost support for better treatment of animals on farms. Point one is it’s not only the ‘pin bones’ that poke out on cows (are they the big black and white things or the fluffy white ones? I’m never sure) it’s the rest of their bones too. Then it’s avoiding the stock/waterways problem because cameras and social media are somehow to blame for that one so let’s not talk about that eh? Next up it seems only ‘townies’ are taught how to avoid skin cancer perhaps because we are not so hard and tough as farmers who don’t require such sensible things as hats and sunblock in the country with the worst UV and cancer problem in the world. Or is it a case of farmers and farm journalists having such thick skins? We need to take a concrete pill and harden up I reckon. Here comes the best bit. He agrees it is ‘ideal’ for stock to have shade plus lots of clean water but, (quote) “that isn’t always practical”. In a very brief moment of common sense he says the water should be practical but then spoils it by stating unequivocally (big word for a thicko) that shade just isn’t attainable so tough luck. This unsolvable problem, he says, is the cause of lack of trees and maybe more could be planted. Errr pardon me but are we talking about the same trees that were ripped out by the forest load, bulldozed into massive heaps and set on fire a few years back supposedly to make centre pivots possible but in many cases the same treeless pad-

docks have reverted to ‘K Lines’ anyway? Wind did not destroy many shelter belt trees but lack of trees and wind certainly did shift a lot of top soil about. (Duntroons all ended up in Kurow). Then there is the mention of the awful media daring to highlight people who do abuse farm animals. How dare they! Just stop reporting such incidents and the Dairy Fairy will make it all better. Back to the lack of sufficient water for stock if there’s not enough how about this for a radical spur of the moment idea: Reduce the amount of animals. There you go, just a thought from an uninformed townie, feel free to use my idea, no charge as I realise a drop in profits may be a by-product of such a scheme. So to the crux of the matter. Every problem mentioned by Mr Cope-Williams is a direct result of the push for bigger and bigger profits. Nothing more, nothing less. American style feedlots are heading our way so that even more cows can be squeezed into smaller spaces. That’s OK they can suck moisture out of the mud. It’s patently obvious that ever increasing herd sizes is putting a strain on farming in general and on the animals in particular. Recent diseases are just the start, there’ll be worse to come. To anticipate the probable reply to this email, no I am not a greenie nor am I a vegetarian, however I am fussy about what animals have to suffer in the name of my steak, lamb joint etc and the world wide increasing tendency towards a meatless diet is beckoning. Keep up the articles Mr C-W you are doing us a huge favour and I bet you a steak meal your newspaper doesn’t print this unedited if at all. Cheers.

Steve Cooper

❚ with rob cope-Williams

The price of a steak meal Steve, Thanks for your letter and great to think that you read our special paper, even if it has cost you a steak meal. Perhaps a lamb roast would fit better as per the history of your area being a sheep run set up in the 1800s, but either will suffice. Cows are the black and white ones, the fluffy ones are the sheep and it’s hard to see if they are thin because of their wool. Yes, dairy cows ribs also show, but that’s the breed not the lack of condition. Farmers are renowned for wearing hats and not working stripped to their waists, townies are just catching on as they become aware of skin cancer in humans. No need for a concrete pill, you are catching on. Shade and water. Good points Steve, but rest assured farmers are very busy planting trees and putting in troughs where there’s no natural water flowing. And yes, centre pivots were the catalyst for massive tree clearances, but thankfully there are low growing shelter belts being put back in. K lines for broad

Tokarahi

The power of being prepared Reduce the risk of power cuts

CUT DOWN – please consider removing tall trees that could fall through power lines. TRIM EARLY – if you can’t cut down the tree, keep remaining trees trimmed to at least 2.5m from low voltage lines or at least 4m from high voltage lines. Ideally further. BE SAFE – please call Orion on 0800 363 9898 for a list of qualified contractors. PLANT WISELY – ask us about safe planting distances and power line friendly trees and shrubs. oriongroup.co.nz

acre watering? Must be an Otago thing. Thanks for the idea about reducing stock numbers. The funny thing is that it has been happening for years as dairy farmers in particular are finding that less animals means more feed for the others and therefore they produce more. The same as cropping farmers planting less plants so the sun can get a better coverage of the leaves. Yes Steve, it is all about more production, and more production leads to more funds for the Government to pay out to whoever they want to pay it too. New Zealand type feedlots are very different to the overseas ones; ours are covered building with constant feed, water and even massage brushes for the cows, which incidentally, have access to outside but they rarely bother. So, once again Steve thanks for your letter and for your concern about animals welfare. Be assured that so are farmers and the Ministry for Primary Industries. Happy animals mean happy farmers. Plus concocted substitutes will never replace the smell and taste of real meat.

March 2019

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