Canterbury Farming, May 2019 by Canterbury Farming

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

INSIDE

May 2019 Edition

A fine day in the field

THIS EDITION Mahinga kai

p11 Gypsy week

p16 Eco-friendly babies

p28 Supplementary feed

South Island agricultural Field Days volunteers (from left) Henry Willams, andrew Stewart, and Tim Wilson with the fodder beet crop grown for the machinery demonstrations. SIaFD 2019 had ten hectares devoted to machinery demonstrations, and this year more machines were on display during the demonstrations than in previous years. Machinery demonstrations organiser andrew Stewart said the demonstration area included four hectares of grass, one hectare of fodder beet, one of maize for harvesting and three hectares of grain stubble for cultivation. For a wrap up of SIAFD 2019 see the full story on Page 7.

New research shows farmers focused on climate change New survey research shows farmers are focused on sustainability and the impacts of climate change more than ever.

❚ by Kent Caddick p37

The survey, by Nielsen Research, was commissioned by the Ministry for Primary Industries through the Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Research programme. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the results were heartening. “These latest results show that 92 per-

cent of farmers are focused on making their farm more environmentally sustainable, up from 78 percent in the last survey of 2009,” O’Connor said. “Some of the specific actions farmers mentioned were riparian and shelter planting, waterway control, improved fertiliser management and more efficient irrigation systems. “This gives us a really valuable under-

standing of what is front of mind for farmers. “Slightly disheartening is that only 23 percent of farmers anticipate an increased focus on reducing their greenhouse gas emissions in the next five years, so that’s something for us all to work on.’’ Minister for Climate Change James Shaw said the results of the survey are consistent with expectations.

TO PAGE 2

May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Farmers say more information on greenhouse gas emissions needed FROM PAGE 1 “The survey shows that farmers have a better understanding of what they are able to do on-farm to be more environmentally sustainable, with the exception of greenhouse gas emissions reduction – an area where we know farmers feel they need more information and advice,” Shaw said. “The Biological Emissions Reference Group (BERG) report told us that there are lots of solutions emerging, but that the situation varies from farm-to-farm and so solutions need to be tailored. “That’s why we are now investing in developing that advice and integrated farm planning tools. We need to support farmers and growers to transition to sustainable land-use through planning and informed decision-making.

Christchurch Office 03 377

“Last year the government consulted on the Zero Carbon Bill, which showed the need to give certainty and direction on the pathway to a low-emissions economy. We will also soon receive the recommendations of the Interim Climate Change Committee on addressing agricultural emissions. “This will help us move forward and provide the certainty that will enable rural communities to make long-term decisions,” Shaw said. O’Connor said farmers are facing a changing climate. “They need to prepare to cope with the intensifying weather effects of climate change and at the same time reduce their environmental footprint – that takes investment in infrastructure, and means you need to be financially viable,” O’Connor said. “The Coalition Government is scoping the development of resources and information for farmers to fill the knowledge gap in ways to reduce emissions, working with the sector to develop practical on-farm knowledge.” 2721

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Key survey findings

• 92% focus on making their farms more environmentally sustainable. Specific actions mentioned show an increase, notably riparian/ shelter planting, waterway control, improved fertiliser management and more efficient irrigation systems (up from 78% in 2009).

• 63% of farmers express interest in further information or advice about improving resilience to climate change. Managing severe weather events such as droughts, floods, and harsh winters is most commonly mentioned. • Half of farmers think their farm and business is moderately or majorly impacted by current climate or severe weather patterns – this has not changed since 2009 (52% vs 51%). But the proportion of farmers reporting no impact at all has halved, from 19% to 10%. • 59% anticipate a moderate or major impact over the next 20 years. • 46% say that clear government policy guidelines will help them take action.

• 27% of farmers have placed a moderate or major focus on reducing their GHG emissions in the past 5 years (compared with 31% doing so in 2009). • 46% of farmers have actively sought information about land management practices or climate change issues in the last 12 months than in 2009 (down from 62%). • 58% said financial assistance, incentives or subsidies are most likely to encourage action to make their farms more environmentally sustainable. Seeing initiatives work on other farms/businesses similar to theirs increases farmer confidence that actions will be effective. The full report is available on the MPI website.

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

May 2019

These free farmed piggies went to market A guarantee of quality and animal welfare is at the heart of the business relationship between two family-run Canterbury businesses.

❚ by Jonathan Miller Started in 1998 by Steve Sterne and Jens Ravn, piggery Patoa Farms near Hawarden has grown rapidly and is today the country’s biggest provider of free farmed pig meat. It is also an important supplier to Kaiapoi based Hellers, founded by Todd Heller 33 years ago. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, on the back of increasing consumer demand for free farmed, ethically produced products. Hellers, which produces more than 300 deli, bacon, sausage, pork and ham products, is counted as the country’s biggest buyer of New Zealand grown pork. Hellers marketing manager Brydon Heller says the focus on local New Zealand supply reinforces the integrity of Hellers and its underlying pork products. “People like to know where their pork and bacon comes from, so it ticks the box as far as the assurance of animal welfare and sustainable production.” The main challenge for Hellers and other manufacturers is in sourcing enough locally produced pork. New Zealand farms are capable of producing only about 40% of local demand, or around 45,000 tonnes. The majority of that is grown in indoor, intensive farms. Patoa sends between 1,800 and 2,200 pigs to market each week, around 18% of total New Zealand pork consumption. Patoa’s pork is labelled as ‘free farmed’ and not ‘free range’, because it uses open ended eco-barns where the pigs are kept pri-

On the range: The wide open spaces of Patoa Farms which labels its pork as ‘free farmed’. or to slaughter. The farm can have around 40,000 pigs on its 450 hectares of paddock blocks and pine forests at any one time. “We are an intensive farming operation, but our main focus has been on creating a sustainable, eco-friendly system and an ideal growing environment for pigs,” says Holly Sterne, Patoa Farms managing director. Food represents the biggest of the farm’s running costs. Patoa’s pigs gobble up around fifteen 38- tonne trucks worth of food a week, made of a nutritionally balanced recipe including wheat broll barley and milk powder. Patoa employs 50 staff, from stockmen to builders and butchers. The farm’s workforce also has a real international flavour. “It’s like the united nations sometimes,” says Holly, who estimates there are people from across nine different nationalities represented on farm. Outside of food, straw is another major input. Around 12,000 bales per year are trucked in, to be used for the pigs bedding. The trucks leave with a used straw and pig manure compost. “What we don’t use in our own paddocks goes back to our supplier farms, providing high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other organic material as an alter-

Wanted: Brydon Heller says one of the challenges they face is sourcing enough locally produced pork.

native to conventional fertiliser,” Holly says. The compost is aged to reduce odour. At the heart of the farm are the 5,500 breeding sows. Each produce around 24 piglets a year, a gestation period of 115 days. Piglets are weaned at three or four weeks and pigs being finished are located in the 30 eco-barns with deep litter straw. “Free farmed pork comes at a premium, but price isn’t the only variable,” Holly says.

“We work closely with Hellers, Countdown and other customers so we all understand the pricing dynamics, but an equally important part of the equation is getting pigs into the market at selected sizes. Each customer has quite different requirements by the time the product gets onto the retail shelf.” To achieve the tight specifications of its customers Patoa has invested in computerised weight scales from the US, enabling it to pick out pigs in a specific weight range for different buyers. Hellers opts for slightly larger carcass weights, much of which is manufactured into a range of natural middle and streaky bacon and 4kg-8kg hams. In adapting to consumer demand, Heller says the company has also moved to nitritefree natural bacon. “It uses a natural cure made from citrus and yeast extracts and has attracted a loyal following.”

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

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

FARMING NEWS

Further improvements to identiﬁcation scheme

Proposed law changes to further improve the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme have been unveiled. The NAIT Review, released in 2018, and the Mycoplasma bovis Eradication Programme highlighted significant flaws in the NAIT scheme. These proposals are the next step to create the animal tracing scheme New Zealand needs to keep our primary sectors and economy safe. The proposed changes will: • tighten rules for handling untagged animals • improve the use of data • align penalties with other Acts to reflect the seriousness of non-compliance • make changes to the performance framework for the organisation running NAIT (NAIT Ltd). This follows changes made last year to improve the NAIT scheme, including operational changes within OSPRI, and some minor technical changes to the Act. Farmers and industry were widely consulted on proposals in late 2018 and the feedback was considerable, and overall positive. I have heard the calls from industry for common sense changes to make NAIT an effective business and biosecurity tool. The proposed changes will ensure there is proper oversight of the agency managing the

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When there is wilful noncompliance with the NaIT scheme, the entire sector is put at risk.

scheme, and gives the Government the ability to deal with any performance issues that affect biosecurity or food safety. NAIT compliance has improved in recent months and that helps in tracking and tracing animals in the M bovis eradication programme as we step up our efforts and try to trace every possible infected animal. However, more work is required to improve NAIT. The next step is to draft the new law, which will then go through the Parliamentary select committee process, giving people yet another avenue to express their views on the final proposals. Meanwhile, efforts to get more farmers fulfilling their NAIT obligations have ramped

up with NAIT putting a big focus on educating farmers about their obligations and how to use the system. Compliance is important, but we should also make it easy. This means we need to do more work to ensure we have a world-class traceability system that is future proofed.

When there is wilful non-compliance with the NAIT scheme, the entire sector is put at risk. This is unacceptable and I know MPI is focusing on holding those people to account. Combined, these steps will see real changes for the industry and improvements to our biosecurity system.

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Irrigation industry looks to future IrrigationNZ is hosting a new event called IF.2019 next month.

❚❚by Kent Caddick The event takes place in Christchurch and will showcase international and local irrigation technology through a Trade Show which will be open to farmers and event attendees. “This two-day event will bring together leaders from across all sectors of the irrigation industry to attend this professional development event and also discuss some of the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector,” IrrigationNZ Chief Executive Elizabeth Soal said. “New Zealand is already an international leader in irrigation as we have widely adopted modern irrigation systems. “However, there continues to be pressure on our sector to evolve – whether it’s from

community expectations that we will continue to improve our environmental performance or to continue to improve health and safety practices,” Soal said. “IF.2019 is a great opportunity to see some new technology on display and get an insight into how we can meet changing needs such as the demand for more energy efficient irrigation systems.” Six professional development and thought leadership workshops will look at how those involved in the irrigation sector can continue to innovate and adapt best practice. Workshop topics include incorporating farm systems into irrigation design, designing energy efficient irrigation systems, planning the future of the irrigation sector and practical training on working at heights, safe

asbestos handling, and irrigation pumping and hydraulics. The workshops are suited to those working in the irrigation industry, irrigation scheme representatives and agribusiness professionals. Soal said irrigation already contributes over $5 billion to New Zealand’s economy. “Climate change is expected to create more challenging conditions for farming with more severe and prolonged periods of drought and more flood events. “In a changing climate irrigation will actually become even more critical for the future of farming in New Zealand and there will be more demand for new irrigation projects such as the Waimea Community Dam, as well as a greater focus on improving the efficiency and

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New Zealand is already an international leader in irrigation. Elizabeth Soal IrrigationNZ Chief Executive

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Farmers dodge a bullet Last month’s decision by the Government not to implement a capital gains tax will have many farmers breathing a sigh of relief.

Nathan Guy ❚ by National Party spokesperson, Primary Industries ❚ It’s an enormous backdown by a Government who spent millions trying and failing to shift public opinion on the issue. National’s strong opposition to the tax and the lack of public support meant they had no choice but to ditch it. While farm gate returns are solid, farmer confidence has dropped through the floor according to Rabobank and Fed Farmers recent surveys. Having a Capital Gains and environmental taxes hanging over them for the last few months won’t have helped this negative sentiment. Despite farmers dodging a bullet on these taxes there’s still real concerns. A water and fertiliser tax has only been parked for this term. With only 18 months until the general election the Greens will demand it in any deal with Government next year. Ever y farmer knows extra taxes slow down regional growth as they lock away their chequebooks, which hits rural towns hard. They also reduce good environmental work farmers are already doing like fencing off stock from water ways and riparian planting – paid for out of their own back pocket. Environment Minister David Parker will now be on a crusade as he has instructed his officials to look into further regulations to restrict hill country cropping and winter grazing. Despite these challenges farmers already deal with unfavourable weather, swings in export prices, and high rates.

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Despite farmers dodging a bullet on these taxes there’s still real concerns. a water and fertiliser tax has only been parked for this term. With only 18 months until the general election the Greens will demand it in any deal with Government next year.

There’s plenty on their plates without the current Government adding more red tape and new taxes – like an animal emissions tax that is just around the corner. National stands strong in its view that hard working New Zealanders should be able to keep more of what they earn, and will continue to oppose any new taxes in the primary sector.

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FARMING NEWS

May 2019

Exhibitors on the increase at SIAFD Despite some literal and figurative clouds overhead, the 2019 South Island Agricultural Field Days was a success according to the event organisers.

❚ by Kent Caddick The bi-annual event took place in late March at the SIAFD’s permanent site outside of Kirwee. SIAFD media spokesperson Daniel Schat said despite the tragic events in Christchurch and flooding that prevented some West Coasters from attending the event, the car parks at the field days were near capacity and attendance was strong. A moment of silence was held at noon on the opening day to honour the memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks at the Christchurch mosques. “We had 640 exhibitors this year compared to less than 600 at our last event in 2017,” Schatt said. “Feedback from them has been very positive. The introduction of the Diesel Tune NZ Tractor pull was another positive addition with crowds of people gathered there throughout the field days.” The SIAFD site has 20 hectares of exhibitions and 10 hectares devoted to machinery demonstrations, and this year more machines were on display during the demonstrations. Machinery demonstrations organiser Andrew Stewart said the demonstration area included 4ha of grass, 1ha of fodder beet, 1ha of maize for harvesting and 3ha of grain stubble for cultivation. “We had good buy-in for the demonstrations this year,” Stewart said. “Twelve different companies demonstrated their machines and that included four companies who demonstrated four different machines. “We had five balers on display this time

Much to see: Visitors to SIaFD 2019 enjoyed more displays and machinery demonstrations than ever before.

Award winner: Ravensdown’s Carl ahlfeld with the agri-Innovation award for the company’s Clear Tech efﬂuent treatment system. and only two at the last field days. We also had four or five machines that were new to New Zealand. They included the Weaving disc drill from the UK, a drone that does spot spraying with a five-litre tank and a fire suppressant system for combine harvesters.” Stewart said not only were there more machines, there were also a number of larger machines at work during the demonstrations. They included several cultivators that were more than 10m wide. Norwood won the award for the best cultivation gear demonstration and Claas Harvest Centre won the best harvest gear demonstration, with Claas also taking out the overall best machinery demonstration award. SIAFD secretary and event coordinator Tineka Johnstone said the quality of the dis-

plays at the 2019 event was very high. “PGG Wrightson won the award for the best large site. They had pre-grown crops to demonstrate their products and all of the different sections of their site were nicely demarcated,” Johnstone said. “Maxxis Tyres won the best small site because of their dynamic display of four wheel drive tyres and their welcoming, friendly attitude.” Tractorpull NZ Inc general manager Vaughan Coy said although he would have liked to see more farmers and contractors putting their tractors on the line, re-introducing the tractor pull to SIAFD was a successful step. “It was a lot of fun and we had good crowds parked up on the bales watching the

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action for considerable periods,” Vaughn says. “And whenever the super-modified tractor started up, people would flock in.” The winner of the Tractor Pull’s standard class was Baylee Horn in a Massey Ferguson 8240, second was his father, Andrew Horn in a Massey Ferguson 3645 and third was Tim Rowe in a Fendt 716. Winner of the modified class was Gavin Millar in Who Deeres.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Some bad news, is good news The market ethos that ‘bad news’ is ‘good news’ has returned.

andrew Wyllie ❚ with ❚ Forsyth Barr

set to increase its holdings of United States Treasury securities from October 2019; • the European Central Bank has anThe response to weaker economic data has nounced fresh long-term financing for been for Central Banks to again move to unEuro area banks; and derwrite economies, or at least asset prices: • the People’s Bank of China has inject• the United States Federal Reserve has ed more liquidity into China’s financial paused hiking interest rates and is system to bolster lending growth. Reviewing economic growth forecasts, the action of Central Banks is easy to understand. Over the past three months there has been a dramatic fall-off in economic growth expectations, particularly for developed economies. Until there is evidence of growth being revised upwards, accommoWhen you are thinking about your dative monetary policies, investment options, talk to Forsyth Barr. such as low interest rates, will continue. To get personalised investment advice and portfolio Markets shrug off management specific to your investing needs, talk to Quarter Four declines Investment Adviser Andrew Wyllie in confidence on (03) 365 4244 or email andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz In response to Central Bank policy decisions, equity markets have responded posi0800 367 227 tively, largely reversing the forsythbarr.co.nz negative returns delivered Disclosure Statements for Forsyth Barr Authorised Financial in the December 2018 quarAdvisers are available on request and free of charge. ter. Chinese equities saw the largest reversal with New CHC5019-03 - © Forsyth Barr Limited March 2019

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Zealand equities benefiting from the positive performance of higher yielding securities. European and Japanese equities were the laggards. While equities have been bolstered by the return to accommodative monetary policies, the lower growth causing this has increased the risks to corporate earnings growth. For example, in the recent New Zealand company reporting season, downgrades to FY19 forecast earnings outpaced advances by 2 to 1. This reflects the weaker economic growth outlook in Australasia and rising cost pressures for businesses. In Australia, the weaker housing market is likely to see a similar result from companies exposed to the Australian economy. The trend of Australian companies to increase dividend payments and share buybacks at the expense of investment is likely to provide a further challenge to the achievement of their earnings growth forecasts. Given the price-earnings-ratio (PE) expansion implicit in many share prices, we believe value-for-risk assessments will become increasingly favoured by market analysts. While higher PE multiples for companies can be supported by lower interest rates and weight of money arguments, earnings growth is still required. For companies with defensive characteristics, the growth hurdles are low and therefore easier to attain, however companies in other sectors that are able to grow earnings will become even more valuable in a low interest environment. Overall, we see the best opportunities for “growth” in international sharemarkets, rather than in Australasia.

Monetary policy and redemptions Global Central Bank policy responses have resulted in New Zealand interest rates falling to record low levels. Further impetus was

provided by the latest Reserve Bank of New Zealand monetary policy statement which (while leaving the Official Cash Rate unchanged) stated that the next move in interest rates would be downward. This meant New Zealand Government 10-year bonds fell by 60 basis points in the quarter and 80 basis points in the last six months. Near-term bond maturities are likely to reinforce these lower rates. While issuance of new bonds has increased, we believe overall market supply will be limited by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s bank capital proposals, which will eliminate any new issuance of bank capital securities. These were previously used for regulatory capital adequacy requirements, but under the new proposals will no longer count for this purpose. The proposals (if adopted) are also likely to impact both the cost of debt and credit growth. This would add weight to expectations that New Zealand’s Official Cash Rate may be lowered. This report covers the three months ended 31 March 2019. If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www.forsythbarr.co.nz/investing-with-us/ new-to-investing or to discuss your investment options please contact andrew Wyllie, an authorised Financial adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available for Forsyth Barr authorised Financial advisers on request and free of charge.

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Bessie Paterson LLB ❚ with Ronald ❚ W Angland & Son

May 2019

Our civic responsibilities

I well remember a visit to East Berlin in the early 1970s and there was nothing democratic about the DDR at the time. However, with the privileges of democracy we also have responsibilities to ensure that we provide the Government and Local Authorities with information they require to enable them to plan and provide services for the country and the regions within it. This is the purpose of the Census which is held every five years although the Census which was to be held in 2010 was postponed as a result of the Canterbury Earthquakes. It was felt that with the population of Canterbury in flux at the time it would not be practical to gather data at the time so it was postponed until 2013. The Census surveys the population and dwellings in the whole of New Zealand. This requires a personal form from each person in the country whether they are residents or visitors and also one form for each dwelling. The information provided is then used by the Government to plan for hospitals, schools, roads, public transport and all works and organisations which the Government is responsible for providing. The Government also uses the information to alter

We are lucky to live in a country which is overall, democratic. I can think of many countries which call themselves democratic but, in fact, they are anything but that.

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It is compulsory for every individual who is in New Zealand on Census night to complete a Census form.

the boundaries of the parliamentary electorates if the information gathered in the census warrants a change. Up to, and including the 2013 Census the Department of Statistics engaged temporary staff to undertake the job of visiting every household to distribute census forms for everyone who was in the house on Census night and one form for the dwelling. It was a ritual on census night to complete the forms and over the next week or so the person who delivered the blank forms would return and collect the completed forms. It was a massive undertaking by all employees.

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Then the forms were processed and the data saved and later presented to the government of the day. The procedure changed for the 2018 census and was to be completed on-line but that has not proved satisfactory and the data obtained is not available to date. It is compulsory for every individual who is in New Zealand on Census night to complete a Census form. The legislation provides for penalties for anyone who refuses or avoids completing a form although there have not been many prosecutions over the years. Some people object to completing the forms no doubt on the grounds of privacy but having regard to the Government’s need of the details it is difficult to understand why anyone would take such a stand.

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This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a Partner at Ronald W angland & Son, Solicitors, 2 Chapman Street, Leeston.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Closed minds on GE potential ‘unhelpful’

The Green Party’s apparent unwillingness to even have a discussion on the potential of genetic engineering to provide solutions to some of our most pressing environmental issues is extremely disappointing according to Federated Farmers.

❚ by Kent Caddick Federated Farmers climate change spokesperson Andrew Hoggard said terse answers from Climate Change Minister James Shaw to Parliamentary questions recently indicate the Greens find the GE topic too hot to handle. “But discussions on pragmatic and science-based policies should not be held to ransom by merely trying to keep a vocal section of your political party’s membership happy.” Hoggard said there have been plenty of media reports about a ryegrass developed by NZ AgResearch using gene editing. “It can substantially reduce methane emissions from cattle which eat it. Under our current laws the grass cannot be grown in New Zealand, and field trials are having to take place in the United States.” He said National’s spokesperson on Climate Change Todd Muller asked Mr Shaw if he agreed with a statement by the former Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Sir Peter Gluckman, that NZ agriculture would struggle to be sustainable in the long term without using gene editing. “Mr Shaw’s one word reply was ‘No’, the same reply he gave when asked if he agreed

with Sir Peter that ‘there is no way that we will get a reduction in methane production, and I can see no way that we will see an economic advantage for farmers as we shift to more plant-based foods, without using gene editing’. “Mr Shaw didn’t have to agree with Sir Peter Gluckman but we do hope he won’t be so quick to shut down discussion of GE’s potential in talks with groups such as Federated Farmers and others,” Hoggard said. “We’ve already had Green MP and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage tell Predator-free NZ not to pursue the option of GE technologies as an answer to eradication of possums, rats and other pests. “Farmers are being called on to make deep cuts in emissions from their livestock. Just about the only way were going to be able to do that, without crippling the viability of many farms, are breakthrough technologies still being worked on. “Federated Farmers’ position is that we should at least be open to the potential of GE, and we need to continue scientific and field research on its advantages and disadvantages, at the same time as having an open-minded and rational debate with all New Zealanders.”

Gareth Hughes ❚ with ❚ Green Party Spokesperson for Primary Industries

The need for smart, clean, evidence based agricultural practices Federated Farmers climate change spokesperson has stated that the Green Party finds the GE topic “too hot to handle”. I’m willing to take on this hot topic and respond. We know that most in the agriculture sector want to play their part in fighting climate change, through methane emissions reduction. There are a number of options without needing to go down the GE path. We’re seeing the sector take on shorter term solutions such as precision farming, increased use of nitrogen fixing pasture, optimal pasture utilisation and effluent management. Then there are breakthrough technologies such as methane vaccines and inhibitors and even promising seaweed-based feed. The list goes on. I know this, because as Primary Industries spokesperson for the Green Party, I meet with farmers, researchers and sector leaders often. These initiatives have come from Kiwi ingenuity, game changing research and the combined efforts and leadership of major industry players. I’m

committed to supporting the advance of their work. Introducing GE in to agricultural system is a risk to organic production and our consumer brand. The organics sector is another high value niche, with consumers paying a premium for organic. In New Zealand, the sector has grown 30% since 2015, buoyed by consumer demand here and globally. In the conservation space I am glad Eugenie Sage, my Green Party colleague and Conservation Minister, has ruled out GE for pest control because it’s unproven yet poses big risks. The Green Party’s position is similar to the other parties and is built on the Royal Commissions report. We are for smart, clean and evidence based agricultural practice. With so many solutions already on offer, why would we risk our fast-growing organic sector and national brand?

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

May 2019

Mahinga kai an opportunity for farmers to add value I went to a presentation recently about mahinga kai followed by on farm environment plan audits and came away highly impressed with the progress being made both by farmers and Environment Canterbury.

Steve Lowndes ❚ by ❚ Environment Canterbury Chair The concept of mahinga kai may be new to some farmers but simply relates to the traditional Ngai Tahu value of food resources and the supporting ecosystems, as well as the work to produce, gather and protect those resources. This is what farmers already do. Most farmers will have areas that are valuable for traditional mahinga kai, for instance if you have freshwater crayfish in your drain, lizards in your flax, or whitebait in your creek. If you’ve been through the process of developing a farm environment plan, or have even had your first audit, there is probably a section about mahinga kai (most FEPs in Canterbury are now required to include mahinga kai values). What I got from the presentation on mahinga kai – which was made by two Environ-

couragement as possible. So, my message around mahinga kai is there is nothing to be afraid of and if you are already doing your farm environment plan it may be as simple as identifying areas and actions that align with mahinga kai and thinking about how you can add to those. When it comes to audit time it’s about being well prepared – it should be a discussion about how to build on and improve what’s already been done.

ment Canterbury cultural advisors – was their enthusiasm for what farmers are already doing, which presents a real opportunity for the rural sector to show how it is aligned with the wider community’s desire for environmental protection and enhancement. Like Ngai Tahu, farmers embrace their role as guardians of their land and water resources, and many are already implementing the good management practices needed to protect freshwater quality and ecosystems, which in turn will be contributing to mahinga kai values. Mahinga kai areas on your farm are likely to be places where you are already taking special care by keeping stock out of waterways to avoid contamination, by planting alongside streams or ponds, or by fencing off and protecting wetlands, spring-heads, or significant areas of native bush. I would also like to call on farming leaders, irrigation companies, and other industry players to take a more active role in promoting the value of mahinga kai for farmers as well as encouraging them to be well prepared when it comes to audit time. We recognise that farmers are being asked to do more with nutrient budgets, land-use consent to farm, as well as farm environment plans and audits and they need as much support and en-

‘

Like Ngai Tahu, farmers embrace their role as guardians of their land and water resources.

Food for thought: If your property has waterways, drains, springs or wetlands then it’s very likely you already have mahinga kai.

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

❚ with Rob Cope-Williams

Are we really on the edge of destruction? A recent release from the Government says we are. It says there are thousands of species on the verge of extinction, our rivers are unsafe for swimming in, there is a loss of productive land because of urban spread and global warming is likely to cause problems in many parts of the environment. The details are outlined in the ‘Environment Aotearoa 2019’ produced by the Ministry of the Environment and the Stats Department who produce such a document every three years. There are several things that will spring to mind as you read the headlines. Firstly, what will it do to our overseas image with respect to exports selling our wonderful clean and green world and what will the Government do about it? The first answer is simple. Other countries will use that to get orders and take over our markets... “New Zealand has major problems with their environment, even the water that stock drink is not safe”. The second isn’t as easy to answer. Having ministers of everything environmental, even including a minister of clean rivers, hasn’t made any difference to our situation. Let’s take a hard look at things that do endanger our image and productivity, even

though I am probably opening the door for a raft of reaction from those who sit on different sides of the fence. Damage to our forestry areas from opossums and other vermin is subject to much debate over the use of 1080. That is a debate that will rage for a long time yet, with both sides adamant that they are right. Water pollution is obviously a biggie as well and again there are two sides to the debate, those who have stock and those who see them as the problem to our pollution. Sadly there will always be a percentage of people who won’t live by the rules and let the other 98 percent down and so divide the population. Urban spread is a fact of life as folk exercise their right to have a small holding to give their families the wonderful experience of rural life. Anyone brought up in the country with animals and fresh air will know exactly what I mean. The Global warming issue is as controversial as the 1080, and pollution of our rivers with those who say it is caused by humans and others who will say that it is cyclical and that we will swing back to glaciers covering the land form in years to come. Gee, I don’t have the answers, but I do hope that someone does and we can get a pass mark in three years’ time.

❚ with John arts

How much better can I be? Part 2

Despondency is a common obstacle to healing. The nagging thought that you will not be able to improve can affect our ability to make decisions. After speaking to so many people you get the feeling that some people are just stuck in their problem. However, my client files are full of stories from people who had the courage to try something different. Last year I helped someone really troubled by joint pain in her hands, feet and hips. This had restricted her to the point that simple things like gardening were a challenge. To make it worst she had a lot of pain at night affecting the quality of sleep. She had been taking a traditional high glucosamine joint product with little result. She had been doing lots of good things such as a diet high in Omega 3. While I made further dietary suggestions most of the benefit came from adding a high chondroitin supplement. A therapeutic level of high grade chondroitin is the single most important measure to improve comfort with arthritic joints. In Europe medical doctors regularly prescribe chondroitin.

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We started at 1600mg of high grade chondroitin which also had 1600mg of glucosamine and 400mg of high grade curcumin (from turmeric). After only a few months she had much less pain both in the daytime and at night and was able to enjoy gardening and other things that had become difficult. I see healing a three step process. The first is to gather important information and an honest appraisal of the situation. We then create an action plan based on healthy eating, appropriate supplements and lifestyle changes. The third is re-evaluation to make sure that the client is getting the best possible results.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

May 2019

OnFarm Data acquires Streat ❚

Christchurch based company OnFarm Data Limited has acquired the assets of Streat Instruments, the well-known manufacturer of moisture measurement equipment, also based in Christchurch. Article supplied by OnFarm Data

The sale, between Alan Brydon, CEO of the Garnett Group of Companies based in the UK and Andrew Neill, MD of OnFarm Data is the result of a long relationship. Streat Instruments is the manufacturer of the Aquaflex Soil Moisture Sensor and associated telemetry equipment. With over 5000 installations in New Zealand alone this has become a proven and preferred irrigation management solution for farmers. Streat Instruments also manufactures the Drycom Industrial Moisture Measurement system with installations in over 40 countries. The final Streat product is Equi-pF, a soil testing device which has also been sold extensively overseas. Alan Brydon, who purchased Streat Instruments from founder Garth Streat in 2000, said the acquisition was a very satisfying outcome for him as there are good synergies between OnFarm Data and Streats which should see significant growth for the combined operation. “We will continue to have a close relationship with my UK operation representing the Drycom products in the UK and OnFarm Data representing us in NZ.” OnFarm data and Streats have worked closely over the last few years in the domestic agriculture market as OnFarm data have been a distributor of Aquaflex. OnFarm Data specialises in providing one

stop shop solutions for farm data collection and automation requirements including the control of pumps and irrigation, proof of placement for effluent and fertigation, managing exclusion zones, remote monitoring of grain and milk silos and farm security. “This is an exciting development for us and will enable us to broaden the portfolio of top level products and services we can offer to our clients,” OnFarm Data managing director Andrew Neill said. “Aquaflex is the leading soil moisture sen-

sor on the market and the acquisition gives our clients access to a greater range of products and services. “We are committed to providing complete solutions for farm automation needs. We will continue to offer a high level of engagement and support to our clients. “Our intention is to further support and grow the domestic market and contin-

ue expansion into key, high-growth international markets,” Neill said.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Grant Edmundson ❚ with ❚ Helmore Stewart (Partner)

Augmenting due diligence by asking the right questions If you are considering buying farm land, it is important to work closely with your legal advisor to make sure that there are no unforeseen issues in relation to the proposed purchase. Listed below are examples of practical issues that you should consider before confirming your contract. • Have a robust chat with your lawyer as to what is included, and what is excluded in the lawyer’s due diligence checklist. This will provide you with a firm foundation for launching your enquiries. • The purchase price should be apportioned appropriately. Ordinarily, your accountant will be pleased to see that you have turned your mind to itemising and valuing plant, livestock, farm buildings, forestry and so forth. • A comprehensive investigation of the title should be undertaken. It is not uncommon in the context of farm transactions for there to be anomalies between areas defined on the title and the land occupied by the vendor farmer. Similarly, despite the best intentions of local authorities, farm buildings have been known to be constructed on paper roads, which could cause serious headaches for a proper-

ty owner down the track. One way to mitigate risk in this area is to obtain an aerial photograph of the farm and overlay this on the title plan. • Are there encumbrances or easements registered against the title? If so what do they mean? Occasionally, the more important question might be are there any easements missing from the title? By way of illustration, water pipes might be physically present on the farm property, but they remain unprotected in terms of conveying water across a neighbour’s property by a registered easement. • More often than not, when livestock is being purchased, the real estate agent will incorporate clauses in the Agreement that deal with valuation method and condition scoring. However, it is impor tant to turn your mind to the provision of an independent person to establish value if the valuers appointed by the vendor and purchaser cannot agree. It is likely that more farms

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than usual will be put under restriction as Biosecurity New Zealand and the M. Bovis eradication programme partners increase winter activity. In this context, it will also be important for you to understand to what extent the vendor is providing warranties that there are no unresolved issues in relation to the presence of M. Bovis on the proper ty. Enquiries should be made as to herd movements (including introduction of new stock) and how recently these movements took place.

• Finally, water, nutrient management and fertiliser history checks are almost invariably indispensable as part of your due diligence process and there is growing dependence on consultants’ reports as a fundamental component of the future use of the farm. The above list is just a brief snapshot of a small number of the various considerations that need to be factored into a farm purchase, and the early engagement of relevant professionals will ensure that the due diligence process is a successful one.

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

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

What to look out for on the roads Gypsy Day, the annual ritual of sharemilkers and livestock owners moving their cows to new paddocks, happens around 1 June and there are reasons you should be careful if you’re driving in a rural area on that day or during the following week.

❚ by Darren Cottingham

being moved in herds using underpasses and culverts. This won’t cause a road blockage. The next best option is that the cows are Motorists must be vigilant and watch for signs of stock being moved such as mud on simply crossing the road at one point raththe road and signage warning them of cat- er than being herded down the middle of the road. The road will be blocked off and there’s tle ahead. The best case scenario is that the cows are no chance of damage to your vehicle but you will have to wait. The worst case scenariRURAL BROADBAND PLANS FROM os is that you come across a large herd of up to 600 cows coming in your direction with a farmer riding ahead on a motorbike or in a ute. FULL SPEED - NO PHONE LINE REQUIRED There should be warning signs well in advance – Why wait for Broadband? the law is three times the NetSpeed is installing RBI Broadband connections in your speed limit in metres, e.g. area now so join the revolution and call us now for a FREE if it’s 80km/h, there will be site check for your home or business. a sign at least 240m before NetSpeed is a locally owned broadband network the herd. operator dedicated to delivering affordable city If you come across a herd speed broadband to urban and rural New Zealand. like this, follow the farmer’s instructions. This will usually be to either stop where you are and let the livestock pass by your vehicle (something that can result in damage because cows are heavy and clumsy), or to turn around and wait further back up the road, beyond the Available within the NetSpeed RBI coverage area. paddock where the farmer is Installation/Equipment charges & Netspeed T & C apply. For more info see www.netspeed.net.nz/rbi heading. Of course, if you

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catch up with a herd you’ll need to wait until it leaves the road before you can pass. Don’t use your horn. There may be a limit on the distance a herd can be moved, but this could be as much as eight kilometres, so the delay can be significant. Some stock is moved in stock trucks (for example, when it has to be moved across a busy main road and there are no underpasses, or where it must be moved longer distances). Stock trucks have effluent tanks therefore no slippery effluent should spill on the road, however loaded stock trucks tend to be slow up hills and around corners. Anywhere the cows have walked is likely to have mud and cow dung all over it. If the weather is wet, which it often is seeing as it’s the first day of winter, this road will be extremely slippery and it will be very diffi-

END UR A

cult to see the hazard at night. Motorbike riders should take extra caution for a few days afterwards and at least until significant rain has washed the road surface. Occasionally an animal will be lost from the herd or could bolt in another direction. If you’ve just been past a large herd that’s being moved, watch for stray animals in the next few kilometres. Farmers are usually aware of blind corners and will have signage or will station someone ahead of the herd to warn oncoming motorists, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be vigilant in ensuring you can stop in the distance of clear road you can see ahead of you on a road with lanes or half the distance if it’s a single-lane narrow road. article courtesy of www.drivingtests.co.nz 2

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CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2019

Cows on the move for Gypsy Week Hundreds of cows will be on the move for the start of the new dairy season, also known as Gypsy Week.

❚ by Kent Caddick Gypsy Week marks the changeover of the dairy seasons when farms change ownership and families move entire households, farm equipment and cattle to a new property. Cows can be moved around Gypsy Day or from May to July as they are moved on to winter feed. Care should be taken when driving on rural roads in Canterbury and the West Coast over winter as many cows will be moving between farms if it’s a short distance, or shifted in trucks if they need to travel further. Motorists also need to be patient. When approaching a mob of animals being moved on the road, motorists need to slow down and assess whether they can wait for the mob to reach their destination, or quietly move through the mob if it is safe to do so. Drivers should not sound the car’s horn as it may cause the animals to panic and behave unpredictably. Farmers who are droving their stock will need consent from the New Zealand Transport Agency to move cattle along State Highways, and council consent for roads with a 70kmh speed limit and other high volume roads. It is highly recommended that drovers wear high visibility garments to ensure they are clear-

Warning: Thousands of cows across Canterbury will be on the move for Gypsy Week.

ly visible from 150 metres. They should use flashing lights and temporary warning signs. Gypsy Week tips for farmers: Plan ahead – choose the most direct route to move cattle and only cross or follow the road if it is necessary. Move stock in the day

time and avoid peak driving times. Keep the stock off well maintained verges. If you need consent from the council for the move, apply for one at least two working days in advance. Be particularly cautious when moving stock on roads with bends. Signs or a pilot

vehicle will be needed around the corner to warn motorists of the stock ahead to avoid a crash. If moving machinery drive slowly and, if necessary, have a pilot vehicle to warn other drivers of the wide vehicle following.

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Latest research presents strong vision for New Zealand’s rural communities The steady decline of our rural communities often grabs headlines.

❚ by Sarah Thornton Declining populations, an ageing demographic and a lack of jobs: does this really spell ‘last one to leave, turn the lights off’ for many communities? The Government has embarked on a rural growth strategy to combat this decline. But has it got the formula right? Heartland Strong, the title of an important and timely new book published by Massey University Press, has been carefully chosen. New Zealand’s rural communities are indeed its heartland, and not only do they have enormous strengths but those strengths can also be maintained and enhanced despite the inexorable forces of demographic change. In short, where a community has resilience it can cope with and manage change so that life is still vital and rewarding for its residents. The book is anchored by a ten-year study led by AgResearch senior social scientist Dr Margaret Brown and involving a team from PWC. Their research into levels of resilience found that New Zealand’s most resilient communities had in common: • Strong social networks and resources • Highly-developed digital technologies and innovations in rural entrepreneurship

• A functioning and progressive informal economy From Wairoa to Southland, the book’s team of 14 writers found great examples of resilience and of ways in which it was built by different communities. “It came up repeatedly that relationships, connectedness and support networks were what made each town,” the book’s editors say. They argue that the lessons learnt by successful communities could be shared more widely. And they also point to the opportunity that lies in changing the way government services are delivered in rural areas. “One overlooked opportunity is the interest and capability of many rural people, who would like to be engaged and valued in making decisions about rural resilience that directly affect them.” With clearly written case studies located in a range of New Zealand settings, Heartland Strong offers invaluable information and inspiration for politicians and policy makers, farmers and businesspeople, economists, planners and investors. Its messages are critical. According to the editors New Zealand has a disconnect between urban and rural. “Only around 20 per cent of the population lives in the countryside, and decisions

Connected: Research for this book discovered rural communities have strong levels of resilience.

are being made about them and for them by predominantly urban people, many of whom have little understanding or empathy for their rural neighbours. “The continued centralisation of govern-

ance and resources to New Zealand’s major cities, away from rural communities, can create a ‘skeleton staff’ feel in the regions, which can begin or exacerbate a cycle of decline.”

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2019

Vets gear up to help farmers comply with new animal welfare regulations Veterinarians are gearing up to help farmers comply with new legal requirements to use local anaesthetic during the removal of any horn tissue from cattle that are coming from 1 October. Article supplied by $3000 for an individual to $25,000 for a NZ Veterinary Association body corporate.

❚ ❚

NZVA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Helen Beattie says the NZVA has been educating members so they are ready to help farmers comply with changes to the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations. “We support these changes as they are a win for animal welfare. They mean that the immediate pain associated with these common procedures should be eliminated for all cattle.” Beattie says it is important that farmers are aware of their obligations and how best to meet them. Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) regulation 57 (disbudding, which is the removal of horn tissue in calves) and regulation 58 (dehorning in cattle) require cattle undergoing disbudding or dehorning to be under the influence of appropriately placed and effective local anaesthetic pain relief (as a minimum). Failure to comply may result in fines from

In many cases horn removal is performed by veterinarians or technicians but farmers with appropriate training and a local anaesthetic veterinary authorisation may also perform the procedure. “We have been working hard to ensure that veterinarians and farmers are well supported regarding these changes to make sure veterinarians can help farmers meet these requirements on-farm,” Beattie says. This has involved delivering a series of workshops to member veterinarians around the country outlining the new regulations and ways that veterinarians can help to ensure farmers can comply with them. “We have also developed new and updated existing policies, guidance and standard operating procedures, which include stepby-step best practice instructions for these common procedures.” Only veterinarians are legally mandated to authorise non-veterinarians to use registered

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veterinary medicines such as local anesthetic. Veterinarians can support farmers to comply with the new regulations in various ways. Veterinar y staf f (including veterinar y technicians) can per form the procedures, a veterinar y authorisation can be issued to the farmer (or person in charge), or veterinar y operating instructions can be given to someone who is not the animal

owner or person in charge. “We encourage farmers to speak to their veterinarian about which option will work best for them.” More information on the new regulations, including guidance materials, policies and standard operating procedures for veterinarians (only accessible to NZVa members) can be found on the NZVa website.

May 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2019

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

❚ Article supplied by Medbury School

With traditional values and a strong emphasis on manners and respect, Medbury’s vision is to provide an education which prepares boys for life in the 21st Century. At Medbury the focus is on the ‘whole boy’, and small class sizes enable teachers to deliver a personalised learning programme. Boarding at Medbury has been an integral part of the school since it was established in 1923. It offers boys unique life opportunities, enabling them to develop independence, make good friendships, discover inner strengths and enjoy the full benefits of Medbury’s culture. The Medbury Boarding House really is a welcoming ‘home away from home’ for up to 43 boys, aged seven to thirteen years. The dedicated and experienced boarding team, which includes the Director of Board-

ing, Boarding Masters, two Matrons and Gap Year tutors, ensures that every boy receives the attention and support he needs to flourish. Teachers also supervise and assist the boarders with their homework within a regular scheduled time. A ‘big brother’ system provides boys new to the Boarding House with friendly guidance and advice. Many boarders return home for the weekend after Saturday sport, though those who ‘stay in’ are well catered for with a diverse and engaging weekend programme. ‘Boarders’ Weekends’, regular outings, barbecues in the summer, and extra-curricular activities, all keep the boys busy. For more information please contact the Registrar on 03 351 6169, email registrar@medbury.school.nz or visit www.medbury.school.nz

at Medbury there are plenty of extra-curricular activities to keep the boys busy.

Thinking Boarding Think Medbury You are invited to attend the Medbury School Open Day to discover what makes a Medbury education unique.

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Ensuring educational opportunities for all supplied by ❚ Article ❚ St Bede’s College

St Bede’s is a Catholic College for boys founded by the Society of Mary in 1911 and it is also the only Catholic boarding school for boys in the South Island. Catholic, Marist and Bedean principles and values form the basis of a holistic education at the College. We aim not to make the College great but to ensure every boy has the opportunity to be great, and we endeavour to develop young men of Catholic hearts and minds through the experiences the boys have in their time here at the College. St Bede’s is a College for all... a place where gospel values are practised to help

form principled men; a learning environment where everyone achieves; a place that teachers want to come to because of the strength of the community; a place also, where boys can embrace spiritual, sporting, cultural and community activities, which all combined shape boys into men. That’s the priority and that is in our DNA. We welcome parents and boys to the College’s Open Day on Wednesday 8 May between 9.00am and noon, where you will have the opportunity to tour the College and meet staff and students. Parents are also invited to attend the Information Evening, commencing at 7.00pm, where Senior Management and students will provide further information about the College.

St Bede’s is the only Catholic boarding school for boys in the South Island.

Garin College yr9 students take to the water off Kaiteriteri Beach, one of the many recreational opportunities in the Tasman Bay region.

Garin College boarders kept busy ❚ Article supplied by Garin College

It’s often said that ‘a busy boarder is a happy boarder’. At the heart of the beautiful Nelson and Tasman Bay region, Garin College’s hostels offer boarders a really great place to be busy. With our wonderful beaches, safe rivers, world class walking and cycle tracks – even the chance to get to a ski-field, once in a while – our region offers a range of sporting, recreational and co-curricular opportunities which are second to none. Our twin hostels, Mother Teresa and Francis Douglas House, are modern, vibrant, stimulating places offering students the chance to meet in a spirit of friendship and discovery. As the region’s only co-educational Catholic secondary school, Garin College has a history and reputation of which it can be justifiably proud. Founded in 2002, we have grown

steadily as a school sustained by Gospel values, living out our motto of ‘Faith and Wisdom’. Often recognised for strengths in music and the arts, Garin’s students also have an enviable track record of sporting achievements, as well as excellent academic results curriculum-wide. In this context, we hold our own with the best, but it’s a sense of ‘special character’, of learning occurring within a faith community, which makes Garin and its students really stand out. Our teaching is never dogmatic. Instead, we see our students as individual learners, discovering their God given potential for generosity, aroha, rangimarie, integrity and new life – the Garin values. For more information, visit our website or contact our Hostel Manager directly.

GARIN COLLEGE 35 Champion Rd, Richmond

Ph 03 543 9488

www.garincollege.ac.nz

Faith and Wisdom Garin College is a Catholic Co-educational College with boarding for boys and girls years 9 to 13, based in Richmond, Nelson. Not only does Garin College consistently deliver academic results above its decile 8 rating. Your child gets all the benefits of attending a smaller Catholic College. This along with outstanding Arts, outdoor education and sports programmes, makes Garin College the smart choice for your child’s college education. Wait list only places available for 2019.

Academic www.garincollege.ac.nz +64 03 5439488 excellence ENROL NOW FOR 2020 AND BEYOND To enrol or to find out more go to or contact Marianne at Garin College on

Email: achieve@garincollege.ac.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2019

Learning to ﬂy and living the dream “If you love your job, you’ll never ‘work’ a day in your life”. Have you ever wondered what it feels like to live that dream? supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Garden City Helicopters If you could imagine your dream job, what would it be? Would it be out and about, involving travel around our beautiful country? Would you describe it as challenging, but insanely exciting? Varied, with a different scene every day? Would you be helping people, whether it’s saving lives, or helping them achieve their goals? Many people think a career as a helicopter pilot is something that’s out of reach too hard to get into, not a ‘realistic’ goal. And for those who just want to take their family away on an aerial holiday, or maybe use a helicopter to help them get around, getting a license can be a daunting prospect. Garden City Helicopters has been providing the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service for the Canterbury/West Coast region for over 30 years. We also provide the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter service. Most of our Rescue helicopter pilots have instructor ratings, so they will pass that experience on to our students. You are in the best hands. As part of our Civil Aviation Authority Part 141 Certification, we are authorized to pro-

vide Private and Commercial License training, as well as advanced training, including aircraft type ratings (R22, R44, EC120, EC130, BK117), Night Vision Goggle (NVG) ratings, Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), and more. GCH Aviation’s purpose-built facility, adjacent to Christchurch International Airport, brings together all aspects of our operation. This allows our students to benefit from being surrounded by staff with extensive experience from different parts of the company – Garden City Helicopters Air Rescue, Commercial (lifting, powerline inspection, sluicing, firefighting, air charter flights and scenic tours), as well as our Flying Doctor service. Our students can get involved in our operations, for amazing on-the-job experience. We also have our own team of aircraft engineers, giving students excellent exposure to the technical elements of aircraft maintenance. Garden City Helicopters are the only helicopter company to hold the prestigious New Zealand Helicopter Association Diamond Safety Award. We are a family owned and operated business that adheres to and promotes the highest industry safety standards.

Our company, and therefore our students, benefit from the knowledge and wisdom of our Chief pilot Neil Scott, an A & E Cat Instructor and Flight Examiner, who with over 50 years flying experience is highly respected, and regarded as a leader in the industry. Neil is a recipient of the Aviation

Industry Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, for his service to the industry. Whether you want to take passengers for the trip of a lifetime on a Private license, or you want to get into that dream career, come and talk to us. www.gchaviaiton.com.

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Nelson College, a progressive and innovative boys’ school We nurture each boy’s individual interests and potential across all areas of academia, sport, arts, culture and leadership.

❚ Article supplied by Nelson College

Our learning environment focuses on ‘inspiring young men to take their place in the world by fostering the values of manaakitanga through quality education’. Set alongside the main college campus are Nelson College’s two boarding houses – Rutherford and Barnicoat. These impressive heritage buildings have recently undergone major refurbishments so that we can offer the very best in boarding for our local and International students. Our houses have a range of different sized dorm-rooms, comfortable common rooms, and full kitchens. Our experienced staff are committed to creating a strong community within the boarding fraternity. We aim to ensure that our boys not only feel supported throughout their educational endeavours, but that they can also take advantage of everything the Nelson region offers. As one of the country’s thriving regional centres, Nelson is renowned for its access to outdoor adventures of mountain biking, kayaking, skiing and tramping; as well as the numerous cultural festivals throughout the year.

Nelson College students are supported throughout their educational endeavours.

“We’re incredibly proud of our boarders,” says Director of Boarding Samme Hippolite. “We know how formative these years are, and we want them to have every opportunity to develop their interests. We al-

Young men taking their place in the world

BOARDING OPEN DAY Nelson College offers the very best in boarding. We invite all interested families to our 2019 Boarding Open Day. The schedule includes a tour of the two boarding houses and college facilities; as well as presentations by Headmaster Gary O’Shea, our Curriculum Manager, and key boarding staff.

SATURDAY 11 MAY 10am - 2.30pm

Waimea Road, Nelson Year 11 Boarding Scholarships available for 3 years.

Visit the Nelson College website for further information or to register for the Boarding Open Day www.nelsoncollege.school.nz | boarding@nelsoncollege.school.nz

so want them to have fun, make lifelong friendships and make some unforgettable memories within the context of a clear and safe structure.” An education at Nelson College is set within a climate that fosters tolerance, compassion and excellence for every student.

Nelson College students get the advantage of some of the country’s best outdoor activity environments.

CANTERBURY FARMING May 2019

Getting access to boarding allowances If your child lives in a remote area or faces other barriers to achieving at school you can apply for funding so that they can board away from home and focus on their studies.

supplied by ❚❚Article ❚❚Ministry of Education

A boarding allowance is funding from the Ministry of Education so that your child can board away from home, either at a boarding school or a private boarding arrangement with someone who is not your child’s legal guardian. The Government provides around $11 million for boarding allowances every year to help young people achieve a great education. There are two different types of boarding allowance, the access barrier and the multiple barrier. The one mostly commonly accessed by rural families is the access barrier allowance which is for students who live too far away from an appropriate school and the Ministry’s school transport does not provide a solution. The multiple barriers allowance is where a student experiences more than one of the following difficulties in their life that makes it hard to go to school or do well at school: Poor participation at school, Poor relationships, Behavioural issues, Low educational achievement, and Environment. The allowance might not cover all of your child’s boarding fees. If it doesn’t you have to pay the rest yourself. The boarding allowance continues for as long as the student is at school, or until the barriers they are facing no longer exist. If your child goes to a boarding school the

Can I choose what school my child goes to? Yes. You can choose any state, state-integrated school, kura or private school. You will have to still have to meet the school’s usual enrolment and acceptance criteria, and there will need to be a space available in the boarding hostel.

How much is the allowance?

allowance is paid directly to the school at the beginning of each term. If your child is boarding privately, it is paid directly to the school at the beginning of each term. The person providing the board needs to arrange to receive their payment from the school.

Is my child eligible for an access barrier allowance? Your child is eligible if they live too far away from an appropriate school and the Ministry’s school transport assistance programme

does not provide a solution. “Too far away” is defined as living an unreasonable distance from the nearest appropriate school (eg more than 60km) and: • the closest school transport service to get to their nearest school is unreasonable (eg 20km), or • they have to travel longer than 60 minutes one way to their nearest school each day, or • they have to drive an unreasonable distance (eg 60km) to the nearest school.

It depends on the type of boarding allowance. • Access barrier: Boarding school and private boarding $3,200 per year. • Multiple barriers: Boarding school – up to $8,000 per year (which includes $500 for pastoral care to help your child address the barriers they face). Private boarding – $4,500 per year (which includes $500 for pastoral care).

How do I apply? You apply online, by email, or post. Phone: 04 463 8085, Email: boarding.allowances@education.govt.nz, Post: Boarding allowances team, Ministry of Education, P O Box 1666, Wellington 6140

For more information on boarding allowances go to: parents.education.govt.nz/secondary-school/ your-child-at-school/boarding-allowances

May 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY & LOGGING

Century Farmers to be inducted The New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards committee in Lawrence is busy preparing for its May awards dinner where it will formally honour 40 New Zealand families for their significant achievement in farming their land for 100 years or more.

❚❚by Kent Caddick Chairperson, Karen Roughan says the NZCFSA committee are delighted that interest in the awards continues to grow. “Our application numbers actually reached 50 this year, but for various reasons some families have decided to hold off receiving their award until next year. The last time we reached this number was in our inaugural year in 2005. ” Award recipients from throughout New Zealand will be arriving in Lawrence over the weekend of 24-26 May to join in the celebrations. Families attend a welcome function on the Friday night and then the awards ceremony on the Saturday evening at which around 300 people are expected to attend. During the day there is a town and farm tour which has become increasingly popular. There are seven sesquicentennial awards this year recognising those families who have been farming their own land for more than 150 years. Land that was distributed under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act in 1915 allowing returned servicemen to be granted farmland is also starting to filter through. Roughan, who has been involved in the awards programme since its conception, says the committee and Lawrence locals are immensely proud of this important annual event in the agricultural calendar. “It is a real honour to be able to host these families in a small town like Lawrence,” she said.

Century farmers: The Beck family of Otautau, Southland, receive their award at last year’s ceremony in Lawrence.

“We feel very privileged to be able to recognise the contributions these families and their forebears have made to New Zealand’s agricultural industry and economy.” The late Russell Brown from Lawrence heard of the initiative through some North American visitors and launched the New Zealand programme in 2005, honouring its first group of families in 2006. The programme’s purpose is to capture

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and preserve the family history which might otherwise be lost through the generations. Families submit narratives of their farm history, together with copies of related photographs and supporting documents which are then archived at the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington, ensuring all records are kept in perpetuity. At the awards dinner families have a chance to meet other recipients and formally

receive a distinctive bronze plaque and certificate to display on their property. Applications are now open for the 2019 year and any families who have owned and farmed their land since 1919 or earlier are encouraged to apply. For more information on Century Farmers contact Mel Foster on 027 232 9963 or info@centuryfarms.co.nz or Karen Roughan on 03 485 9696.

CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY & LOGGING

May 2019

Forestry market begins to soften

allan Laurie MNZIF ❚ with ❚ Laurie Forestry Ltd

For the first time in some time, export prices have come under downward pressure as markets respond to a combination of weaker demand and competitive log supply sources.

As at mid-April the situation looks to be of a small correction status. However there are plenty of factors that could continue to tip the scales against the New Zealand forest owner. At the outset we must remember any correction is not to be unexpected given a very long run of firming. Many market fundamentals suggest the next six months should largely be business as usual with no significant shifts either way but both Micro and Macro economic factors could yet impact. CNF prices (cost per m3 landed in China in US$) have come off US$5 this month as traders look to claw back margins following a RMB20 drop domestic lumber prices. Shipping has remained flat to slightly firm with the net result being a NZ$6 – 7 per m3 at the wharf gate for April. Throughout the balance of 2019, my crystal ball is very cloudy and hard to read. If I take a mix of all the commentary including some international trade exports, it looks like we are not headed for a calamity or melt down or other unpredictable force majeure. But of course they don’t call them unpredictable for nothing.

A review of the key elements to the market at present: • Domestic sawlog markets are good. No major price changes to report with standard S34-S40 (unpruned structural) logs

Photo: Stephen Weir

generally trading at $1-$3 up • Pruned log prices and demand remain subdued to flat as broad combinations of niche market opportunities and expansion are mingled with China being definitely off the boil in this space • We have come through Chinese new year pretty much as predicted with demand now picking up to expected levels but inventory falling back to slightly higher than comfort levels • Overall export prices have fallen back to very close to where they were in December 2018/January 2019 Taking a closer look at China, as at mid-April, eastern seaboard inventory has dropped down to about 4.4 million m3 with most commentators suggesting a level under

4 million would be preferred. Meanwhile daily uplift has risen rapidly to 95,000+ cubic metres per day broadly just above the arrivals primarily from NZ Australia and Russia. In terms of the global picture and the broader softwood log supply, there are very much some warning shots being fired across our (Kiwi) bows. The historically high and stable CNF log prices in China have been great for NZ but now we are also seeing others also take advantage. The traditional Pacific Rim log supply sources are now being challenged by Venezuela, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Poland and Lithuania who are collectively contributing 600,000+ cubic metres per month to China. Whilst still about half the NZ/Aust supply, the volumes are significant

and therefore broadly impact the market and appetite for price increases. Fortunately a slowing of supply of both Log and Lumber from US and Canada is helping to balance an otherwise very high tide coming on to China shores. The European logs are often old growth high quality Spruce from forest being devastated by a beetle attack. The site of container after container of 10 meter plus logs, dead straight with small branches and small end diameters exceeding 30cm being sold below current Radiata log prices is extremely sobering. Some reports suggest there could be in excess of 6 million cubic metres of such logs heading to China in 2019. This supply situation in tandem with falling RMB prices for lumber in China and overall negative sentiment could potentially weigh heavily on this key market for 2019. For our domestic sawmills life struggles continue in the face of competitive supply sources with discounting to get market share a typical modus operandi. Log supply does appear to have settled down with most getting the supplies they require and comfortable inventories in log yards. Please remember the thoroughly important message, “It remains, as always, fundamentally important, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees”.

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY & LOGGING

Pulp keeping babies eco-friendly Wood pulp is a key ingredient in the manufacture of New Zealand’s first plastic free and plant-based disposable nappies.

❚ by Kent Caddick The nappies are now available across New Zealand, from Kiwi start-up company Little & Brave. Unlike conventional disposables, Little & Brave Eco Nappies are made without oilbased plastics. They use wood pulp sourced from sustainable forests, and plant-based bio-film made from corn, which has the added benefit of being breathable and better for baby. The nappies are also low allergen and free from perfumes that could irritate young skin. These revolutionary products were launched by Little & Brave in late 2018, where they became the country’s first fully commercially compostable nappy. The Little & Brave team also set up a dedicated composting facility in Auckland – a world first, where over 30,000kg of nappies and organ-

ic waste has already been diverted from landfill, turned into nutrient-rich compost instead. Co-founder Semisi Hutchison says that Little & Brave was set up after he and his wife had their second child and realised just how many nappies were being sent to landfill, where they can take centuries to break down. “Cloth nappies are an awesome option, but they didn’t work for our family. We know people want the convenience of a conventional disposable but without the impact on the environment. This is our solution.” Little & Brave originally launched in Auckland, where they have set up a collection service to pick up and take used nappies to their purpose-built composting facility. This service was recently extended to Whangarei. However, overwhelming demand from the rest of the country has inspired them to launch national sales online. “We’ve had customers from around New

Feels good: Kiwi start-up company Little & Brave is using wood pulp to make the country’s first plastic free disposable nappies.

Forest Management LTD

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Zealand asking friends and family to purchase our nappies in Auckland, and post them to their homes,” Hutchison says. “Some found that our nappies are the only ones that don’t cause their babies painful nappy rash, while others simply want a more sustainable option. “Situations like this, where our customers are going to extra effort and paying additional courier charges, is the main reason we are making our nappies available nationwide. We

want to support Kiwi families, not cost them extra,” he says. “It’s become clear there’s a real demand for nappies that are better for the environment but quick and easy to use as well, which is incredibly exciting for us and for New Zealand too.” To try Little & Brave, visit www.littleandbrave.co.nz. Packs start from $20, with nationwide release specials available.

FORESTRY & LOGGING

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2019

One Billion Trees creating a number of wider beneﬁts According to Forestry Minister Shane Jones the Government’s One Billion Trees programme is realising economic, environmental and social benefits across regional New Zealand through its forestry joint venture agreements.

❚ by Kent Caddick In the 12 months since the programme was launched a total of 21 joint ventures have been signed between Te Uru Rakau Forestr y New Zealand, the lead agency of the programme, and landowners across the countr y. The latest joint ventures to be signed are with Te Uri o Hau which will see 2843 hectares of plantation forestry planted on the Pouto Peninsula in Kaipara; and Tapuwae Inc covering up to 800 hectares in the Tapuwae Forest in Hokianga. “Te Uri o Hau is the second largest planting initiative for the One Billion Trees Programme to date,” Jones said. “This brings the total planting area across joint ventures to 13,000 hectares – over halfway to our total of 24,000 hectares. “These agreements are seeing planting and silviculture jobs created that weren’t there before, they’re offering landowners, including Maori, the ability to diversify income and improve land productivity, and they’re creating real environmental and social benefits too.

“We are seeing a huge amount of goodwill and interest with over 260 enquiries from a wide range of landowners and a further 35 properties totalling 10,000ha currently under negotiation. “Along with these joint ventures, the new One Billion Trees Fund launched in November is offering simple and direct grants to landowners who are looking to integrate trees into their landscapes with over 700 enquiries to the Fund.” Jones said the wider One Billion Trees goal to plant at least one billion trees by 2028 is an ambitious one. “But is a commitment from the Government to drive regional revitalisation and deliver benefits to our people and our environment.”

More trees: Forestry Minister Shane Jones says the One Billion Trees programme is providing huge benefits through its forestry joint venture agreements.

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Committed to a better environment DairyNZ says the recently released Environment Aotearoa 2019 report gives honest insight into New Zealand’s environment and where the opportunities lie for the dairy sector, particularly for water quality, biodiversity and climate change.

❚ by Kent Caddick Strategic leader for DairyNZ’s environmental portfolio, Dr David Burger, said while the report shows the dairy sector has work to do, there is no doubt farmers are working hard to look after the environment, with significant work already undertaken over the last 10 years to improve environmental practices across New Zealand. “The Environment Aotearoa report helps us understand the changes over time. There are some areas where more work needs to happen or where current initiatives will take time to deliver results,” Burger said. “There is also an opportunity for the dairy sector, government and conservation groups to work more closely together to support farmers in making changes and understanding the effects downstream. For example, in Southland’s Aparima Catchment we are working closely with all land users to collectively improve the estuary. “Dairy has a clear vision – we all need to improve our environment and that’s why we’re actively in the community, talking about the role we all play. “We have been on a journey for many years to look after the environment, and we will continue that good work. Cow numbers have now stablilised so our focus is managing our farm systems more sustainably. “We farm in areas of immense cultural value, as well as where people come to connect and play. Our farmers take their responsibilities seriously and are working toward leaving the environment in a better state. We know this will take time but we are committed to this kaitiaki.” Burger said the Dairy Tomorrow sector

Stable: DairyNZ says cow numbers across the country are stabilising.

strategy launched in 2017 includes a strong commitment by dairy to protect and nurture the environment for future generations, including leading efforts to improve river and stream health, and enhance biodiversity. “As part of the strategy we are developing a 50-year vision for sustainable dairy land use in New Zealand,” he said. “Dairy farmers, individually and as a coordinated sector, strive every day to protect the environment. “Many dairy farmers are working incredibly hard on their farms and in their communities to turn around the effects of many years ago, as science and research has begun providing greater understanding of our environment. “Water quality is a big one for us but we all

have to acknowledge it is a really complex issue, as also highlighted by the report. “In any New Zealand waterway, there are contaminants from multiple sources and each catchment is different – neighbouring land use, soil and land type, the key issues and the how each waterway functions are all part of finding the right solution.” Burger said the Environment Aotearoa 2019 report is an opportunity for everyone to think how to better the environment. “Improving environmental impacts caused through land changes over the last 150 years isn’t a quick fix and solutions aren’t a onesize-fits-all approach. Identifying the right way to meet community expectations takes time to research the contributing factors and find the right solution.”

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A for effort: Dr David Burger, the strategic leader for DairyNZ’s environmental portfolio, says while the Environment aotearoa 2019 report shows the dairy sector has work to do, there is no doubt farmers are working hard to look after the environment.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

May 2019

❚ with Fred Hoekstra, VeeHof

Identifying pressure points Last month I attended the International Lameness in Ruminants Conference in Tokyo, Japan. This is a conference where the latest research in lameness is presented from all over the world. You wouldn’t necessarily think of Japan as a dairy country, but dairy is actually a significant industry there and so with that comes lameness, which means that Japan has professional hoof trimmers, vets, researchers and everything else they need to keep up with the rest of the world. In Japan they organize hoof trimming competitions for professional hoof trimmers. The aim is to trim a cow using a chisel, hammer and a hoof knife. The trimmer is not allowed to use a crush, instead he or she has an assistant who helps controlling the cow. The cow is then trimmed in a very similar manner as to how a horse gets trimmed. It is interesting to see but if we had to trim cows that way I probably would have very long arms and a very sore back – just google ‘Japanese Hoof Trimming’ for a demonstration. This conference is held every two years in a different country in the world

and Digital Dermititis usually takes up a lot of the conference time however, this time the biomechanics of the foot got significant attention. I was asked to run a workshop with Professor Dr C. Mulling from Germany. Dr Mulling is a well-respected dermatologist who does a lot of work with horses, cows and pigs. In our workshop we looked at the weight bearing between the medial and lateral claw before trimming, after trimming and on rubber matting. We had a digital pressure plate similar to what some shoe shops use. The pressure plate is basically a thin flexible mat with lots of sensors in it that is connected to a laptop. When a cow’s foot stands on the mat the sensors measure the weight in such a way that we can see where the hoof touches the ground, how much weight is on each spot and what area of the hoof doesn’t touch the ground. We used a hydraulic press equipped with a custom made clamp that held cadaver feet in a natural position. With this setup we could simulate the pressure applied to a cow’s foot as she

stands and measure the pressure points of the feet on the ground and also the load bearing difference between the medial and lateral claw. It was interesting to see how correct trimming considerably increases the surface area of the hoof that touches the ground. But more importantly it showed the improved load bearing difference between the medial and lateral claw before and after trimming. This demonstrated very nicely why preventative trimming is so beneficial for our cows because we were able to trim feet that had had a 30:70% load bearing difference between the medial and lateral claw back to a 50:50%. Reducing the load on the lateral claw makes this claw less vulnerable and therefore less prone to lameness. Please feel free to send comments or questions about lameness to me at info@veehof.co.nz, or contact us if you have enquiries about our trimming services as the end of the season is a good time to consider doing preventative trimming to ensure your cows feet are in the best possible shape to face the challenges and stresses of the new season.

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

The successful farmers’ secret

The last two springs have been excessively wet in most regions resulting in slower overall growth in part due to treading damage.

❚ with Peter Burton In prolonged periods of wet weather animals will cause a mess, that’s inevitable. The choice is whether to make a big mess in a small area by confining stock, or a smaller mess over a larger area by dropping the fence and providing animals with more space. There’s no correct answer, which is one of the truly endearing aspects of farming. The only report card that matters is the one we set and mark for ourselves. The consequence of treading damage is slower growth due to too much water and too little air in the soil. Ideally soils are 25% air and 25% moisture. This means the spaces between soil particles are sufficiently large enough for excess moisture to drain freely and for air to enter from above, with carbon dioxide and other gasses to be released back to the atmosphere. Soil is a living breathing organism and when air is squeezed out and ponding results pasture growth is significantly reduced, not just at that time but often for several months while natural recovery takes place. In the regions that endured a wet winter and spring all farms were short of leafy digestible pasture in spring, however some fared better than others.

On some properties animals had largely retained their condition throughout winter and spring animal performance was little changed from that experienced after a ‘normal’ winter and early spring. Although animals tell part of the story it wasn’t just the most highly stocked that had lighter animals and lower than expected overall performance. The difference between the two groups was almost entirely due to the amount of pasture built during autumn and pushed ahead into winter, with top operators accurately calculating their feed requirements for up to six months ahead. The growth data for regions is available and a spread sheet can be put together that contains pasture covers, animal requirements, along with available supplement. It takes some initial work, and a season or two of fine tuning, however once in place it becomes an invaluable resource. A number of dairy farm clients use this tool, along with cow conditioning, to determine their drying-off date. Sheep and beef operator using the same system are able to decide in advance how many animals they will be able to fully feed through winter. As soil temperatures drop pasture growth slows and the intervals between grazings necessarily lengthen if a wedge of feed is to

be pushed ahead. Long pasture is excellent winter tucker and initial recovery after grazing can be quite astonishing. Back fencing animals where practicable increases the speed of pasture re-growth after grazing. People often want a simple recipe however it will be different for each operator in every district. Often the amount of land area grazed on any day in winter is as little as 1% of the total available area. A client with a grazing property in a warm coastal situation successfully maintains a winter grazing interval of 50 days, or 2% of the total farm area. Winter crop on hand further alters the equation, however that is easily factored in. Many people may argue that most farmers already plan well in advance, yet very few have any idea of the amount of pasture grown on their own property in a 12 month period, or how to calculate the daily maintenance requirements for different classes of stock. Aside from the obvious financial benefits of planning feed requirements several months in advance, the value that comes with knowing that regardless of in all but the most extreme situations, winter and early spring is already in-the-bag. For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2019

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Water tax off the table, time to think about winter maintenance In a positive development for irrigators, we saw the government announce recently that they won’t introduce a water tax.

Maintenance: Winter is the best time to schedule maintenance checks on your irrigation system.

Elizabeth Soal ❚ by IrrigationNZ Chief Executive ❚ The Tax Working Group had recommended a suite of new taxes to the government, and although a Capital Gains Tax received the most public attention, the group also recommended a new water and fertiliser tax be introduced. We know new taxes would reduce the discretionary spend available for farmers on things like upgraded technology and infrastructure, and environmental enhancements. There are many drivers which improve the way we use and manage water, from on-farm irrigation systems to effective governance and catchment management processes. The irrigation sector is an active participant in managing our impacts and we will continue to have positive discussions with government on ways we can address issues aside from blunt tax instruments. The water tax is a topic which IrrigationNZ has been very actively campaigning against

and we made two submissions on the issue and also spoke with Tax Working Group representatives and politicians about our views. Like our irrigator members, we are very pleased this has been taken off the table for at least the near future. Turning our attention to what’s happening on farm, winter is now just around the corner. The irrigation season is usually a busy time on farm. Operating an irrigation system adds another task to the activities that need to take place on the farm. The last thing you want to happen during an irrigation season is for your system to be out of action when you need it the most. Like every other piece of equipment on

farm, an irrigation system does need regular maintenance and components of the system will wear out and need replacement. Over summer if you operate your irrigation system 24/7 for four and half months, then it will have been going for over 3,000 hours that season. Winter is the best time to schedule maintenance checks on your irrigation system and replace any parts which have worn out. It’s worth the investment to get a technician in to give your system the once over and identify if there are any faults. There are a range of things they need to check including tyre pressure, gear boxes, u-joints, alignment and the control panel.

Even simple actions like checking that the sprinkler nozzles are working correctly can have a big impact on how well your system is operating and therefore your production levels. A faulty nozzle can result in water being over or under-applied. Significant energy and water savings can be made over the course of a season if water is applied at the appropriate rate for optimal plant growth. The older your irrigation system the more important regular maintenance becomes. As the life of your component parts age they are more likely to develop faults so, like older cars, older irrigation systems require regular checks and maintenance work.

CANTERBURY FARMING May 2019

WATER & IRRIGATION

Testing irrigation systems We’ve had a number of clients asking us about irrigation system testing over the last month.

Andrew Curtis ❚❚by Water ❚❚ Strategies Ltd

Given this the Water Strategies team thought it would be useful to explain the different irrigation system tests available, when they should be used and who should undertake them. Regardless of the test being undertaken, testing must occur with the irrigation system operating how it would ‘typically’ be run, this includes water supply and position in the paddock.

Annual checks An annual check should be undertaken for each irrigation system at the beginning and ideally midway through (‘wet-walk’ only) the irrigation season. The purpose of the check is to ensure the system is mechanically sound and operating correctly. There are two parts to the check: • A ‘dry-walk’ visually checking componentry (particularly sprinklers) • A ‘wet-walk’ visually checking for leaks and blockages, listening for strange noises, undertaking pressure tests at key points and checking telemetry is operating correctly. Annual checks need to be undertaken by someone who has good knowledge of irrigation systems and their operation.

Bucket tests Bucket Tests were originally designed as a quick ‘self-check’ of an irrigation system. They provide indicative information on the depth, uniformity of application and instantaneous application rate. They are required to be undertaken every three years as part of a Farm Environment Plan. Many irrigators are engaging people with little or no irrigation system knowledge to undertake Bucket Tests. Whilst this is the cheapest way of ticking the regulatory box, if issues are found this approach provides no insight into the why. It is therefore advisable that a Bucket Test is undertaken by someone who has good knowledge of irrigation systems and their operation.

Full evaluations A full evaluation should be undertaken, when you know you have issues with your irrigation

Testing time: Regardless of the test being undertaken, testing must occur with the irrigation system operating how it would typically be run, this includes water supply and position in the paddock. system (crop production, energy use or water consumption); post a Bucket Test indicating there could be a problem; or every 3-5 years depending upon the age and use of the irrigation system. The evaluation should start at the pump, move through the headworks and then analyse each irrigation system in turn. Detailed testing of pump performance, pressure and flows, depth and uniformity of application, regulator and sprinkler performance alongside visual and noise checks should be undertaken. The evaluation report should provide both findings and solutions. Full evaluations should be undertaken by someone with specialist knowledge of irrigations systems and their operation and preferably with a qualification in irrigation evaluation. A skilled evaluator is able to quickly focus in on any issues and target testing accordingly.

Commissioning Commissioning is the systematic analysis of an irrigation system post its installation to ensure it meets the specifications in the contract. A full commissioning requires the following: Pre start-up: • All electrical certificates need to be sighted

• Visual inspection of all componentry and sprinkler installations • Confirmation the distribution system has been systematically flushed Post start-up: • Visual inspection of pumps, valves, other fittings, pipes, hoses and each irrigator for leaks and noises • Pressure testing at the pump, headworks, beginning and end of the irrigation system • Verification the flow meter and telemetry equipment is accurate

To sum up – if you are engaging a service provider to undertake testing of your irrigation system, make sure you check out their capabilities first. Anyone can put out buckets under an irrigation system and gather data, however this is a worthless exercise unless the person doing the testing can interpret what the data means and more importantly provide you with solutions.

Report • Summary of the commissioning results as compared with the contract specifications • Overview of any corrective action required Commissioning must be undertaken by someone with specialist knowledge of irrigation systems and their operation and preferably with a qualification in irrigation evaluation.

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

To irrigate or not to irrigate Dr Tony Davoren ❚ with Hydro Services ❚

It’s the back end of the irrigation season and more thought needs to be given to irrigating (or not). Days are shorter, solar radiation is on the downward trend and temperatures are generally lower. Mostly this is why growth slows, not because soil moisture is limited.

It is (and has been for 2-3 weeks) time to seriously consider the need to irrigate and the benefit to be gained. The autumnal equinox (22 March) is long past, day light hours are significantly shorter and solar radiation (the driver for growth) is very much on the wane. The time (duration) when crops can transpire and photosynthesise is much more limited in say mid-April than in mid-February. Take, for example, the potential evapo-transpiration (PET, mm/hour) on 17 February and 17 April 2019. There are a number of interesting facts from the comparison: • PET started about the same time (7:45am) but continued for a further three (3) hours on 17 February until 8:45pm • PET (mm/hour) peaked mid-afternoon (2:30-3:30pm) in February, but around noon-19m in April • Peak PET was more than double in February c.f. April (partly accounted for by the air temperature in February 20.5degC c.f. 16degC in April • PET doesn’t just continuously increase, peak and then continuously decrease during the day – passing clouds and variable wind speed and/ or direction affects the hourly rates.

Message: PET is half of what it was in February and plants transpire for 3 hours less each day (and increasingly so).

As demand (PET) decreases then so the ability of the crop/plant to abstract water from the soil increases (and vice versa). So while we think of a crop having a “stress point” there is a relatively wide band of soil moisture content over which soil moisture can be abstracted to meet demand without any decrease in production. The soil moisture content at which stress occurs can and does vary from day to day, but it is impractical to manage in this man-

ner. Rather we should manage demand for water (aka irrigation) on a seasonal basis. Once we leave the autumnal equinox (22 March) behind we should begin to manage the soil moisture toward the bottom of the grey shaded area in the soil moisture plot. At this location there is a nearly 10mm soil moisture band without any drop in production. And as demand decreases from 3-4mm/day around the equinox to 1-2mm/ day a month later, then so the return inter-

val stretches out – it adds about 6-10 days to the rotation. And if you think a little laterally, so does the amount of any irrigation applied decrease. 10mm goes a whole lot further now than a month ago and any more is a complete waste of time.

Message: That should be enough information for any thought(s) of irrigation to be “put to bed” or at best be one last little 8-10mm application.

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May 2019

Farming relies on a varied toolbox Paraquat has been used in New Zealand agriculture for around fifty years and is widely used throughout the world.

Mark Ross ❚ by Chief ❚ executive of Agcarm It has some unique characteristics which make it necessary to control weeds in many crops of significant value to our economy. Its use is limited to agriculture and can only be purchased by a WorkSafe certified handler. In these circumstances, it is a safe and effective herbicide when used as directed on the label. It is used for a variety of crops including green leafy vegetables like lettuce, silverbeet and spinach as well as stone fruit, strawberries, brassica, celery, kumara, onions, potatoes and seed crops. Paraquat is not sprayed onto food crops – Instead it is only applied to weeds between plants before fruit or vegetables appear. Weeds are a massive cost to primary producers. Not only due to the loss of production caused by a select group of prominent weeds, but also in costs associated with weed control itself. The herbicide keeps kumara crops commercially viable. Without it, kumara paddocks would need to be hand weeded as no mechanical weeding machines exist. This is also because kumara is particularly vulnerable to competition from weeds. Alternative products would need to be used at higher rates to be efficacious. As this damages the kumara crop, yields would decrease. Clover seed and lucerne also use benefit from the herbicide.

Clover seed is essential to the New Zealand pasture based economy. The use of paraquat in its production reduces competition and contamination with weed seeds and aids harvest. Lucerne is an important forage crop and is growing in popularity due to its high feed value. Paraquat can be used to remove weeds from lucerne crops, even at low temperatures, unlike alternative contact sprays. Its specific advantage over other herbicides is that it kills the plant tissue it makes contact with. Other products, like glyphosate, are systemic and could kill the whole plant. The product is rapidly absorbed into green plant tissue and is rainfast within 15-30 minutes of application. This is particularly useful for weed control in winter and spring in New Zealand, as application windows are often very narrow. Paraquat also works rapidly in the presence of light to desiccate green plant tissue. This reduces weed competition for water and nutrients more quickly than alternatives. It is also rapidly absorbed in the soil. This minimises the risk of it leaching from the soil to contaminate waterways, and also allows for rapid replanting without adverse herbicidal effects on following crops. Where total vegetation control is required, it is used to control multiple grasses and broadleaf weeds in a site. This reduces the need for multiple selective herbicides. It’s mainly applied by tractor mounted or boom spray. In fact, more than half of the paraquat

Well used: Paraquat is used as a weed control for a variety of crops including potatoes.

sold in NZ is applied by professional spray contractors. As part of their chemical review programme, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority reviewed the herbicide. The Authority concluded that the continued approval of paraquat is unlikely to be harmful to people. It is important that farmers have access to a wide range of crop protection tools to ensure they are able to sustainably manage pest resistance. Paraquat is an important tool in dealing with the threat posed by weed resistance to selective herbicides. Growers rotate between herbicides with different modes of action wherever possible

to prevent the development of resistance in a weed population. The threat posed by resistance means it is important to retain approval of a broad range of herbicides, both so that the development of herbicide resistance can be delayed, and so that there are control options available that can be readily deployed, if resistance does develop in a weed population. For these reasons, it’s important that New Zealand keeps a good toolbox of products including paraquat to manage pesky weeds. That way, the best suited product can be chosen depending on the situation. This is vital for the sustainability of arable and horticultural production in New Zealand.

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

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

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Decades of woolly views

When asked by Kelvin Green back in April 1998 to contribute a column about wool for a brand new local agricultural monthly publication to be delivered to Canterbury rural addresses the following month and, reluctantly, agreeing, I had no idea that 21 years on I would still be scratching my head every 30 days or so to put together something interesting. However, here I am still commenting on an industry which has had more than its fair share of ups and downs during those 21 years, but continues to survive in a world which is full of competition from farm gate to retail, whether it be from wool handling and processing facilitators, or from other fibres competing for retail sales. The face of Canterbury agriculture since May 1998 has altered significantly as irrigation has poured across the province bringing with it much more intensive farming practices which, obviously of necessity, require higher output and demand higher value than the earlier traditional dry-land farming methods. Whilst we often tend to associate the irrigation boom with dairy and intensive cropping, there are also excellent examples of sheep and beef farming operations across Canterbury which now deliver impressive outputs of both meat and wool. Diversification has become necessary for pastoral farmers to survive and the way that farmers have adapted to new ideas and farming practices is, in my view, extremely pleasing. During the 1990s the New Zealand wool industry was the subject of reports looking to the future, changes with the Wool Act which in effect began the eventual demise of the New Zealand Wool Board, new entrants to wool broking, and in general was a time of quite significant change. At times during the ‘90s the New Zealand wool industry was described as ‘a sunset industry’ and there were several observers and commentators who had no hesitation in making recommendations as to how the industry needed to split into three marketing arms to ensure survival. Some of those recommendations were implemented from the mid 1990’s and into the 2000’s, often with limited success due to either lack of support and commitment by growers or from the wider industry, however the result today

“There is plenty of frustration across the entire New Zealand wool industry, whether it be at farm production level or exporter level.” for most wool growers does not, in my view, appear to be too much different from what it was prior to the 1990s. Demand for, versus supply of, wool fibre continues to drive global market prices and although a number of forward contract initiatives within the New Zealand procurement system have been developed to assist growers and processors to stabilize pricing, mostly since the turn of the century, volatility continues to be present creating nervousness around sustainability for the majority of New Zealand’s wool growers who have little choice other than continue to farm coarse wool sheep due to the nature of the environment, primarily for meat production. Those growers who have the ability to change sheep breeds, due to their specific farming environment, towards (currently) higher value wool production whilst maintaining meat output, have taken the opportunity to experiment and, as better genetics have evolved

to, at least in part, overcome relevant animal health issues, some have been successful. With current high demand for apparel wools driven to a large degree by tough climatic conditions in Australia preventing stable production of such wool types, and low demand for interior textile wool types, there is plenty of frustration across the entire New Zealand wool industr y, whether it be at farm production level or expor ter level. Has there been far too much emphasis placed on supplying one major export destination in the past? I’m sure everyone agrees that in a world which appears to be more accepting of naturally produced and sustainable products we should expect to be in a much better position than where we are right now? Oh, and if you’re wondering about a market update, the word is “sideways”! That’s my view.

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

May 2019

M. bovis programme focused on eradication and supporting farmers The three partners working to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving eradication and support farmers through the eradication process.

❚ by Kent Caddick The Ministry for Primary Industries, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand have recently released the 2019 M. bovis National Plan. The plan sets out three clear goals: to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis from New Zealand; to reduce the impact of the disease and the eradication programme for everyone affected; and to leave New Zealand’s biosecurity system stronger. M. bovis programme Director Geoff Gwyn said that the National Plan is an important step in making sure that eradication is successful, and that farmers are properly supported the whole way. “The eradication effort is on track, but there is still a lot of hard work to get done. There will be more farms put under movement restrictions, and more farms that need to be depopulated,” Gwyn said. “Finding out that your farm might be, or is, affected must be incredibly hard news to receive, and we know that the process to get clear of M. bovis causes hardship for farmers and their families, and interruption to their business. “We want to provide as much support and assistance as we can, as well as working to continually improve the processes that farmers have to get through to get clear of M. bovis. “No country has attempted to eradicate M. bovis before, so there is a lot we are

Working together: Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor says they are working with MPI and Dairy NZ to ensure the M. Bovis eradication programme has the greatest chance of success.

learning and developing as we go. The farmer and public meetings we’re holding over the next month are an important way for us to hear from farmers about what is working and areas that can be improved.” DairyNZ’s chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said M. bovis has created challenges for all farmers who have had to increase their biosecurity measures on farm. “The alternative, to let this disease spread throughout the dairy and beef stock,

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Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chief Executive Sam McIvor said although M. bovis has had a less direct impact on beef farmers, the risks to friends and neighbours with dairy farms means Mycoplasma bovis is a challenge that they can’t ignore. “We will continue to sit at the table with government and DairyNZ to ensure this eradication programme has the greatest chance of success, and that farmers are represented every step of the way.”

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LIVESTOCK

Impacts of policy changes can be far-reaching The prospect of rules, regulations and taxes relating to climate change, the environment and capital gains has certainly captured media attention recently.

Phil Smith ❚❚by Director, Beef + Lamb New Zealand ❚❚ Collectively they paint a daunting picture, but farmers can be assured that they have a number of people and organisations, such as Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ and Federated Farmers, representing their interests at government level. We really are doing all we can to get a fair deal for our farmers and to protect the primary-sector businesses that contribute so much to our economy – while acknowledging that we all have a part to play in protecting our environment. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton has released his comprehensive report ‘Farms, Forests and Fossil Fuels’, and it needs to be seriously considered by policy-makers. It recommends changes to the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), so that fossil-fuel greenhouse gases can no longer be offset simply by planting trees. The Commissioner also recommended a

science-based approach which fits with the principle of each sector being responsible for its own emissions, and for tackling them. This means different sectors should not be able to off-load the impact of their emissions onto other sectors. It is essential that policy drives the right kinds of behaviour for fossil-fuel and biogenic greenhouse gases; to do this policy must reflect the differences between those gases and how they can be effectively mitigated. Industry groups can advise and push-back against potential policies, but we never know how successful we have been until the Government announces its decision. After the major economic reforms of the late 1980s which included the removal of agricultural subsidies, it took over a decade for rural New Zealand to recover- such were the social and economic impacts. Farmers had to intensify their farming operations and increase production in order to be profitable and this, in some part, has impacted on our environment. Under today’s proposed regulatory changes, increasing production will not be an option in order to remain profitable. Policy makers need to model and consider the social and economic impacts any proposed policy will have on rural communities. These impacts go well beyond farmers and include the many rural support provid-

ers whose livelihood depends on a thriving farming sector. On a positive note, the annual round of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards is underway throughout the country and Canterbury held its Awards evening last month. I was thrilled to see North Canterbury dryland sheep and beef farmers Duncan and Tina Mackintosh take out the Supreme Award. These Awards have now been running in some regions for over 15 years, but their relevance has grown exponentially as farming practices come under increased scrutiny from the wider community as well as our export markets. Our consumers are demanding to know that the food they consume is produced in a manner that has minimal impact on the environment while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare. The Ballance Farm Environment Awards celebrates farmers doing exactly that.

‘

These impacts go well beyond farmers and include the many rural support providers whose livelihood depends on a thriving farming sector.

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May 2019

New improved hybrid technology The new-generation Ford Escape SUV will bring a highly efficient hybrid model to one of the most popular segments in New Zealand, offering customers an advanced powertrain alongside greater practicality, improved cabin space all wrapped in distinctive style.

❚ Article supplied by Ford NZ

The Escape will be the first electrified Ford model offered in New Zealand, with significant investment in advanced technology filtering through to local customers. On sale in early 2020, the all-new Ford Escape is the second model – after Focus – based upon Ford’s advanced C2 platform architecture, which uses high-tech materials, manufacturing techniques and strategies to deliver direct customer benefits that Escape is known for: driving dynamics, user-friendliness, yet with up-to-the minute technology. “Ford has a strong global strategy in electrification and hybrid technology, and we’re proud to bring our first hybrid SUV to New Zealand customers in such an advanced, capable vehicle as the all-new Escape,” Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO, Kay Hart said. “We know our customers love technology, many of whom are often early adopters, so the combination of user-friendly hybrid technology with a practical, stylish and capable SUV is a significant step for us towards meeting these demands.” The all-new Ford Escape Hybrid will enable customers to take full advantage of the next-generation Escape’s engineering, design and functionality, which will deliver bold, distinctive design, greater occupant spaces, improved cargo area flexibility with a strong

emphasis on safety and technology. Available from launch in New Zealand in early 2020, the all-new Escape Plug-In Hybrid delivers the driving range and freedom offered by a traditional combustion engine alongside the efficiency and refinement of an electric powertrain. The power-split architecture combines a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, electric motor and generator, and 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery to produce 165kW. Ford’s first plug-in hybrid in New Zealand will deliver a pure-electric driving range in excess of 50 kilometres. The Escape Plug-in Hybrid’s battery can be recharged using an integrated charging port, and is automatically replenished on the move using regenerative charging technology that captures kinetic energy normally lost during braking. Drivers can choose when and how to deploy battery power using EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge modes. When the battery reaches its lowest state-of-charge, the Escape automatically reverts to EV Auto mode – supplementing petrol engine power with electric motor assistance using recaptured energy for optimised fuel-efficiency. Efficiency is key to New Zealand SUV buyers, and was a core element in every process of development for the next-generation

Efﬁcient: The all-new Escape Plug-In Hybrid delivers the driving range and freedom offered by a traditional combustion engine alongside the efficiency and refinement of an electric powertrain. Ford Escape. The Escape’s chassis uses ad- tomers, while also bringing improved driving vanced materials to be significantly stronger, dynamics though handling and responsivemore rigid and electrification-ready, deliver- ness thanks to a 10-per cent increase in toring real-world improvements to safety and fu- sional rigidity. el efficiency. The all-new Escape is 44mm wider and Demonstrating this advantage is the in- 89mm longer than the outgoing model, while crease in wheelbase, enabling a roomier, the wheelbase has increased by 20 mm. more comfortable interior – with additional cargo and occupant space – in comparison Further specification and New Zealand-market details to the previous Escape. including pricing will be announced closer to the nextDespite this, the new Escape also posts generation Ford Escape’s launch in early 2020. a significant weight reduction of up to 90kg against P H O N E the equivalent of the existing model. Such a significant www.simplicityimports.co.nz weight reduction further reduces running costs for cus4x4 Side by Side

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May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Mustang celebrates milestone This year Mustang owners have been celebrating 55 years since the birth of the iconic muscle car.

❚ by Kent Caddick While Mustang owners around the world will be celebrating perhaps with a cruise behind the wheel of their favourite Mustang, Ford is also celebrating the fourth year of the Mustang being the best-selling sports coupe in the world. From New Zealand to Peru, Mustang reigns as the best-selling sports coupe in the world for 2018, selling 113,066 cars, according to data from IHS Markit. 2018 not only marks the fourth straight year of Mustang’s global leadership as world’s best-selling sports coupe, but also as best-selling sports car in the United States, where Ford sold 75,842 Mustangs last year. “We broke the mould when Ford launched the Mustang 55 years ago,” said Jim Farley,

Ford president, global markets. “Nothing says freedom, the wind in your hair and the joy of driving like Mustang, it’s an icon. The roar of its V8 on a spring day, there’s nothing better. “No wonder it’s the most popular sports coupe in the world.” Mustang was available for purchase in 146 countries in 2018, based on worldwide Ford sales data. More than 500,000 sixth-generation Mustangs have been sold worldwide since 2015, with the pony picking up an additional half point of global share last year to capture 15.4 percent of the segment. This was fuelled in part by the new Mustang Bullitt, which exceeded global sales forecasts by 25 per cent. Global sales data are based on IHS Markit 2018 total new vehicle registrations for all sports car segments. US sales are based on 2018 industry reported sales.

Number one: The 2018 Mustang has helped Ford to grab the best-selling sports coupe in the world for the fourth year in a row.

Power Pony: The 1965 Shelby GT350 helped consolidate the Mustang as one of the world’s leading sports cars.

CANTERBURY FARMING

On the night shift ❚ by Solis Norton

There is always an issue to keep me awake at night. Usually without any real answer, the ambiguity compounding my angst into such despair that I give up. I immediately focus on a new issue with the same characteristics. It’s a disappointing kind of a cycle and you may well laugh but I tell you it’s no job for the faint hearted. Most recently the midnight hours are spent on February’s edition of The Economist magazine. Despite the usual afflictions of bias and myopia, a plague of all such periodicals, it has reasonable coverage of most issues important to the ‘developed’ world. The centrepiece is this: ExxonMobil plan to pump 25% more gas and oil in 2025 than in 2017. They symbolize a global oil industry planning multi-trillion dollar investment to meet annual growth in demand of 1%-2%. But the IPCC, the intergovernmental climate– science body, assert oil and gas production should fall by about 20% by 2030 and by about 55% by 2050 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. So a gap of 40%, at least, between expected oil use and safe oil use is plain to see, and in only a decade. This next perspective appears on the ceiling as I stare upward in the dark. Global investment each year in renewable energy sources at $300 billion is three orders of magnitude less than the multi-trillions earmarked for oil and gas in the coming years. What transition to renewables? The energy firms are not evil, says the Economist, just responding to incentives set

by society. It is not just legal for oil companies to maximize their profits, it is a requirement of their shareholders. Last year profit from Saudi Arabia’s oil company Saudi Aramco at $111 billion topped every single other firm on the planet. That’s a whisker over half of New Zealand’s total GDP. Face down in my pillow and not really content, I struggled to join these dots. A 40% reduction in oil consumption by 2030 would incur an industry wide drop in profit so profound it is hard to describe. To date those profits support development of renewable energy sources and support big investment groups like, maybe, banks, retirement funds, or insurance funds. Staring out the window at the stars I can only see our debate on the treatment of methane in our Zero Carbon transition as excruciating tedium. The changes we and our global community need over the next decade or two will be of a scale and nature to dwarf our cows and sheep completely. Furthermore, to project that GDP will double along with these changes must surely be teasing a big dog with a bone it will never get. I remain convinced the right approach will let us thrive far and long into the future but I am equally convinced that avoiding these core issues makes finding this approach even more difficult. And I do actually sleep alright, to be honest. But this stuff worries me all the same.

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

❚ with Rob Cope-Williams

Archive yourself With winter looming and so longer nights, there’s a great chance to write your life story for your following generations, but also as a reminder for yourself in years to come. Ancestry has become very fashionable these days and with good reason; stories and experiences die with those who were part of them. I’m doing my own life story, named ‘Coping with being a Cope’ and I get countless hours of fun remembering the characters I have met and been associated with, as well as my own experiences in TV and my hobby of motorsport. I suggest you start by outlining your own childhood: the sort of food you ate, the work you did as a child to help the family, the games you played and holidays. Then progress through your teens and what you wore, how you socialised and your work history. That is obviously followed by later experiences normally by decades as in “during the 1980s...”. Computers are great because you can simply keep adding bits as you remember them without ending up with sheets of paper all over the desk. Photos are ver y important. If you don’t know how to scan photos ask your

The power of being prepared Reduce the risk of power cuts

May 2019

Grandchildren to do it for you. Old photo albums are a vital link to you family past and get them into your story with names and where they fitted in. So many lovely and historic phots are thrown out because no one knows who they were. Future generations will love looking at photos of you dressed in what they think is crazy gear and the hairdos that look ridiculous to them but were the trend years ago. Identify the make and model of the cars in the photos including the price paid if you can remember it. The most important thing is you visit the story regularly because that will prompt other memories. Plus remember that it doesn’t matter if you have never written anything before, it is your story in your words. Write as you would talk to someone, you are simply telling your story to people who are close to you and who you want to know all about you. The important thing is that your history is reserved and there for generations to come. The other wonderful thing you’ll discover is you have had a great and interesting life, one you weren’t aware of as you were busy living it.

May 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

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