Canterbury Farming, June 2019

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

June 2019 Edition

INSIDE

THIS EDITION Climate emergency

p7 Earthmoving Trusted: The Waimakariri next Generation Farmers Trust trustees are, from left: Victoria Trayner, Sam Spencer-Bower, Andrew Olorenshaw, Sarah Gard and Scott evans.

p18 Fencing

New farmer-led group to address enviro concerns Grassroots sustainability is being promoted by a new farmer-led group in Canterbury, which aims to collaborate with industry and local authorities to address environmental concerns.

p26 Bremner’s book

p33

❚ by Kent Caddick The Waimakariri Next Generation Farmers Trust (the Trust) was established in response to new plan changes and rules affecting farmers in the district.

It aims to help convey information between local and regional councils, industry organisations, farmers and the wider community.

The Trust is the first farmer-led group in the Waimakariri district. Its seven trustees, aged between 28 and 35, are either farm owners or managers. It is hoped the membership base will eventually represent all 350 farms throughout the Waimakariri.

A key focus is communicating directly with farmers to raise awareness of environmental

policy changes, and ensuring they have support to implement good farm management practices.

It is also hoped a single, united voice will give the Trust credence to be viewed as a key stakeholder working in partnership with local authorities, regional councils and industry groups in addressing environmental concerns.

Chairperson Scott Evans, a dairy farmer in Oxford, says the group was formed to unite the rural community in their goal of protecting the environment for future generations.

“A key objective of the Trust is to work alongside industry and local authorities in the development of environmental policy,” Evans says.

“Farmers have a lot of local knowledge

and we want to ensure this grassroots perspective is not overlooked. We need practical, achievable changes that positively impact the environment and incorporate farmer-driven solutions.

“At the end of the day we all have the same aim, and that is to ensure the environment is protected now and into the future.”

A key impetus for the formation of the Trust is the Waimakariri Zone Committee’s Draft Zone Implementation Programme Addendum (ZIPA), released by Environment Canterbury in December 2018.

The ZIPA features a set of recommendations to address water quality and management issues, with specific priority areas.

TO PAGE 2

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June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Agreement to protect citrus industry Biosecurity New Zealand and Citrus New Zealand have reached agreement on how to prepare for and respond to future biosecurity threats.

❚ by Kent Caddick Citrus NZ represents 320 New Zealand citrus growers producing around 30,500 tonnes of lemons, mandarins, oranges, tangelos, grapefruit, limes and other hybrids annually.

Both parties have signed a Sector Operational Agreement for Readiness and Response under the Government-Industry Agreement (GIA) partnership.

They have committed to undertake a joint three-year programme of work to better protect the citrus industry from biosecurity threats.

“The GIA partnership enables us to work alongside industry to better understand the risks, and how we might deal with them if they reach our shores,” Biosecurity NZ boss Roger Smith said.

“The pressure on our biosecurity system

is increasing and we have to be better prepared for outbreaks.”

Under the agreement, Biosecurity NZ and Citrus NZ will jointly agree and fund readiness activities to improve preparedness for incursions of pests and pathogens that are considered a major concern to the citrus industry.

Biosecurity NZ and Citrus NZ joined the GIA in 2014 and 2016 respectively.

Chair of Citrus NZ, Wayne Hall, said they value the GIA partnership with Biosecurity NZ. “This agreement gives our relatively small sector the opportunity to take action to minimise the risks from diseases that could devastate our citrus production in New Zealand.

“It’s a big commitment for the industry, but shows how seriously Citrus NZ takes our biosecurity to protect our orchards and con-

Signed: Citrus nZ chair Wayne Hall, left, and MPI biosecurity head Roger Smith at the signing of the Sector Operational Agreement.

Photo: Ivor earp-Jones

tinue to provide domestic and export customers with great tasting fresh New Zealand citrus.”

The agreement will cover preparing for and responding to incursions of huanglongbing (HLB), Asian citrus psyllid and citrus canker.

These pests and pathogens have been iden-

tified as high priority by Citrus NZ and Biosecurity NZ. More pests and pathogens may be added over time.

Citrus NZ is also a signatory to the Fruit Fly Operational Agreement alongside Biosecurity NZ and other potentially affected industry sectors.

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According to the ZIPA, some dairy farms will need to reduce their nitrate levels by a further 15 percent beyond Good Management Practice (GMP) come 2030, while all other consented land users will need to make a further five percent reduction. It also recommends that all farmers in the zone reach Baseline GMP by 2020.

The document acknowledges that it will be “very challenging for farmers to meet the new limits”.

“Some farmers may feel that the new limits are unachievable, while other members of our community may feel we are not going far enough or fast enough,” it states.

Evans says the ZIPA in its current for-

mat is not achievable for many farmers.

“We have already taken significant steps forward in terms of reducing nitrates and investing in new technology to enable more efficient irrigation. It’s important that we remain profitable to ensure we can continue with these initiatives and keep heading in the right direction.”

The Trust is actively working with industry organisations to make a case for changes it wants made to the ZIPA, and will be making a submission when public consultation begins in mid-2019.

Many farmers are already “going above and beyond” in terms of protecting their natural environment, Evans says.

“Farmers are some of our best environmentalists. Riparian management,

Farm Environment Plans, stock exclusion, irrigation management, wetland restoration and new technologies are just some of the investments we are making to ensure the land remains viable for the benefit of the wider community.”

Environmental spend by dairy farmers in the Canterbury/Marlborough region was $170,000 per farm in the five years between 2010 and 2015, according to a DairyNZ and Federated Farmers survey – nearly double the national average of $90,000.

“It is part of our social licence and responsibility as caretakers of the land to ensure we stand up and take ownership for the environmental issues we are all facing.” says Evans.

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

June 2019

3

Methane reduction targets ‘unrealistic’ Deer Industry New Zealand is disappointed by the government’s announced methane emissions reduction targets for agriculture.

❚ by Trevor Walton Dr Ian Walker, Chair of Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), says that under current conditions these targets would result in significant reductions in stock numbers.

“Even if tools and technologies were available to reduce methane and nitrous oxide in the future, the level of reduction would effectively mean that the agriculture sector was being asked not just to cease its own contribution to global warming, but also offset the contribution of other sectors.

“The deer industry as part of the pastoral sector is prepared to play its part in climate change mitigation. We do not deny human-induced climate change nor our responsibility to mitigate.

“The pastoral sector is willing to target net zero global warming impact from agricultural gasses.

“But the targets for methane announced by the Government go beyond net zero global warming impact. DINZ cannot support these targets,” Walker says.

“The rationale for methane to be reduced by anything between 24% and 47% by 2050 has not been made clear to us. We can only assume that the Government expects agriculture to make ‘headroom’ for other sectors to continue emitting.”

Walker says this is unfair for the sector, but also a bad choice for New Zealand because in the absence of new mitigation technology, a 47% reduction in agricultural methane emissions will require a 47% reduction in pastoral farming outputs.

“This could reduce rural employment and export revenues from meat, milk and fibre by half, or about $12 billion a year.

“The government has expressed no plan for how this employment and export revenue

Deer Industry new Zealand says the Government’s recently released emissions reduction targets don’t take into account the need to address the fundamental issues of fossil fuel emissions.

Chair of Deer Industry nZ Dr Ian Walker is questioning the emissions reduction targets for agriculture set by the Government. could be replaced and New Zealanders’ living standards maintained.”

He also says reducing agricultural methane emissions is a temporary solution – it buys time, but does not address the fundamental cause of climate change, which is the release of fossil carbon into the atmosphere.

“The deer industry alongside other pastoral industries supports the pastoral sector reducing nitrous oxide to net zero and gradually reducing and stabilising emissions of methane so that its levels in the atmosphere do not increase.

“Accepted atmospheric science suggests that current annual reductions of 0.3 per cent in agricultural methane will result in a ten per-cent reduction by 2050 and ensure

that the gas causes no additional atmospheric warming.”

Walker says the pastoral sector including DINZ, will continue to support research on agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation options and development of a robust framework to enable farms to transition to lower emissions.

“But DINZ considers there is little sense in sacrificing New Zealand’s economic backbone, when all this does is delay the need for New Zealand and all other countries to address the fundamental issues of fossil fuel emissions.”

‘

Reducing agricultural methane emissions buys time, but does not address the fundamental cause.

Dr Ian Walker Chair, Deer Industry NZ

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June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Apiculture conference to focus on growing value New approaches to bee breeding, the latest international research on Varroa and understanding the challenges of the honey market are just a handful of this year’s pressing topics at the Apiculture New Zealand Conference & Trade Exhibition.

❚ by Kent Caddick The annual industry event returns to the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua from Thursday, 27 June to Saturday, 29 June 2019 with the theme ‘Growing value, sharing knowledge’.

“With the challenge of a difficult marketplace, it’s more important than ever for industry to come together, hear from the experts and discuss the issues and opportunities,” Apiculture New Zealand chief executive Karin Kos said.

Keynote speakers at the conference include two renowned entomologists from the United States, Dr Samuel Ramsey and Dr Juliana Rangel-Posada. Dr Ramsey’s awardwinning research focuses on the bee-killing Varroa mite, while Dr Rangel-Posada’s expertise is on the reproductive quality of honey bees.

Kos said beekeepers, packers, exporters and suppliers will find a range of presentations and seminars useful for their business or hobby over the three days.

“They will also have access to one of the largest national tradeshows in New Zealand, featuring exhibits and stands from over 80 companies.”

In addition to the popular National Honey Competition, the conference will feature new competitions such as one for honey-based foods.

“Competitions and awards have been a

Focus: new approaches to bee breeding, including the latest international research, will be among the topics discussed at this month’s Apiculture new Zealand Conference & Trade exhibition.

great way to showcase the range and quality of New Zealand bee products,” Kos said.

“With our new categories and revised

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

June 2019

5

Young Canterbury women lead national seed company The New Zealand arm of an international seed company is now led by two young Canterbury women, challenging the status quo of their traditionally male-dominated industry.

❚ by Kent Caddick Germinal, an agricultural seed company based in Ireland and the United Kingdom, has supplied the New Zealand market with clovers and grasses for the past 15 years.

Since last year the company’s New Zealand team has been led by General Manager Sarah Gard.

The 28-year-old Gard holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Lincoln University, with Honours in Plant Science.

She started working for Germinal in 2014 to establish the company’s New Zealand research programme, and was soon promoted to Trials and Product Development Manager.

She took over the role of General Manager in June 2018.

Gard also manages two North Canterbury dairy farms with her husband Will, and sits on several committees for the New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association.

The company recently appointed 28-yearold Kate Peddie as Research Agronomist, a new position reinforcing the company’s focus on research and development.

Peddie will help Gard coordinate Germinal’s national plant breeding programme, managing its dedicated research site in Canterbury and several on-farm plot trials. She’ll draw on practical pastoral experience gained from working on large high-country properties and stock finishing operations in North Otago and Manawatu.

Peddie graduated from Massey University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science. She now lives in Ohoka, North Canterbury.

The women’s practical rural backgrounds means they understand the needs of farmers.

“It’s important that Germinal’s seed technology and research translates into tangible results on-farm,” Gard says.

“Ultimately, pasture quality can play a significant role in improving animal output and long-term farm productivity.”

The pair are currently developing a new breeding programme to ensure Germinal’s products are perfectly suited to New Zealand’s unique conditions. Initial breeding development figures – or genetic gains – indicate that Germinal is achieving improvements of up to two percent per year for specific traits, compared to the industry average of 0.76 percent.

Gard says purpose-bred grasses and clovers are improving animal performance and

Seed leaders: Cantabrians Kate Peddie, left, and Sarah Gard are helping to lead the way in seed research for new Zealand conditions.

leading to significant economic benefits for farmers.

“We are developing new varieties with important agronomic characteristics such as high yield, persistence and tolerance to environmental extremes. This work is unprecedented, as it’s the first time any genetic material has been taken outside of Germinal’s research and development partner, the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) in Wales.”

“Using IBERS material we are selecting for the traits we want in a New Zealand environment, such as increasing the early spring growth in our perennial ryegrass,” Gard says.

“We are not just a supplier, but a researcher with vital knowledge of seed development. Our primary focus is to develop new varieties for New Zealand, in New Zealand.”

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June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Split gases ‘right approach’ for the primary sector National has consistently taken a principles-based approach to climate change. Those principles are science based, technology driven, with long term incentives, global response, and economic impact.

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

Looking at the Zero Carbon Bill and our response, you will see those principles in action. We support the establishment of an independent climate change commission, and support a net zero target by 2050 for both carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. These will be tough targets to meet.

A split gases approach is the right one for the primary sector so that methane could be recognised separately from nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide as both short lived and long lived gases respectively, having vastly different effects on global warming. In the Zero Carbon Bill, a biogenic methane reduction of 10% has to be achieved by 2030, which industry and most farmers believe is achievable.

The second target, a 24% to 47% reduction of methane by 2050, seems unrealistic, and will hurt rural communities and the New Zealand economy. Interestingly, new technologies exist that will help farmers wrestle these emissions down.

AgResearch’s ryegrass, which drastically reduces methane emissions, but because it involves genetic engineering the Government won’t allow any law changes, which is so short sighted.

As a country, we have been global leaders in agricultural sustainability, both embracing change and leading the way to reduce climate change. These methane reduction targets go well beyond what has been recommended by credible science.

According to official analysis, it looks like New Zealand’s economy could potentially miss out on about $50 billion in economic growth.

A report from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment called ‘Farms, Forests and Fossil Fuels’ suggests a reduction in emissions of 10 to 22 per cent is realistic. This is a much more efficient target which is within our reach, while still embracing change without being too aggressive or reckless.

I’m concerned that the Government is going to put agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme, and pay a tax at processor level which won’t help to change behav-

iour inside the farm gate.

Right now farmers are second guessing this Government, who appear dismissive of the primary sector, especially when Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones recently said “...if they’re not milking cows or chasing cows... they’re moaning”.

‘

Right now farmers are second guessing this Government, who appear dismissive of the primary sector.

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June 2019

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Environment Canterbury declares climate emergency Environment Canterbury has become the first regional council in New Zealand to declare a climate emergency.

❚ by Kent Caddick ECan deputy chair Peter Scott said the move highlights both the urgent need to address the issue, and the work already being done to help the region respond.

“Climate change presents significant challenges, risks and opportunities to Canterbury and we’ve long acknowledged the urgent need to address climate change for the benefit of current and future generations,” Scott said.

“The council’s role is to support the region and its communities to better understand and proactively respond.

“We have no doubt at council that urgency is required. The science is irrefutable and we have for some time now, been responding accordingly”.

In making the declaration, the Council noted it already demonstrated climate change leadership, including establishment of the Climate Change Integration programme; incorporation of climate change considerations into all Council’s work programmes and decisions; working with regional partners to ensure a collaborative response; advocating and engaging with Central Government; and leading by example in reducing its emissions.

“There are no additional immediate financial implications for ratepayers associated with the decision,” Scott said.

“An increasing number of governments around the world have recognised a climate emergency in some form, including the UK and Welsh Parliaments, and a large number of local governments in Australia, the Unit-

‘

environment Canterbury recognises the importance of an urgent need to address climate change for the benefit of current and future generations.

ed Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

“There will inevitably be those who say we are still not doing enough.

“I’d encourage those people to find out more about the wide range of work we, the territorial authorities, and central government are already doing, and what is planned before they draw that conclusion,” he said.

The Council affirmed the following statement: “Environment Canterbury recognises the

importance of an urgent need to address climate change for the benefit of current and future generations.

“The science is irrefutable – climate change is already impacting ecosystems and communities around the world, with increasingly frequent and severe storms, floods and droughts; melting polar ice sheets; sea level rise and coastal inundation and erosion; and impacts on biodiversity including species loss and extinction.

END UR A

“The IPCC’s Special Report in October 2018 stated that we have twelve years to turn greenhouse gas emissions around to limit global warming to the Paris Agreement target of 1.5-degrees, or face an uncertain future.

“This requires ‘rapid and far-reaching transitions in energy, land, urban and infrastructure (including transport and buildings), and industrial systems. Everyone has a role to play in delivering the change required.”

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June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Global consumers cautious

❚ with Andrew Wyllie ❚ Forsyth Barr

The flattening of global yield curves (a smaller difference between short-term and long-term interest rates), has investors concerned about an impending economic recession. Yet the current global economic expansion is about to become the longest in recent history.

this significant policy reversal.

However, macro-economic indicators continue to cause concern. Global manufacturing has slumped, capital expenditure has slowed, unemployment has hit cyclical lows (it is unlikely to go lower), and there are signs of fatigue in the credit cycle with wider interest rate spreads and stricter lending standards.

Service sector activity, aided by robust labour markets, has offset some of this weakness. However, global consumers are becoming more cautious, as evidenced by slowing housing markets When you are thinking about your and a reluctance to take on investment options, talk to Forsyth Barr. more debt. Further monetary support may therefore To get personalised investment advice and portfolio be needed, particularly if the management specific to your investing needs, talk to expected growth surge later Investment Adviser Andrew Wyllie in confidence on this year fails to materialise.

(03) 365 4244 or email andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz

Central Banks responded to last year’s asset price volatility by reversing asset sales and their bias toward higher official cash rates; they are now renewing monetary stimulus.

Asset prices have responded positively to

0800 367 227 forsythbarr.co.nz Disclosure Statements for Forsyth Barr Authorised Financial Advisers are available on request and free of charge.

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Looking at off-farm investments?

Markets reverse Quarter Four declines

In response to Central Bank policy decisions, equity markets have responded positively, broadly reversing the negative returns experi-

enced in the December 2018 quarter.

Chinese equities saw the largest reversal, helped by lower interest rates as well as tax cuts and targeted lending. New Zealand equities performed well over the combined period but this was largely due to the market comprising a greater weighting to companies with defensive earnings streams. This dampened the extent of market losses during the December quarter.

Elsewhere, returns year to date have been strong, with European and United States equities topping developed market returns, in local currency terms. Japanese equities were the laggard.

While the positive year-to-date returns are normally what we would expect to get over a year (with much of this offsetting the fourth quarter sell-off), markets are not necessarily over-bought. Unfortunately while equities have been bolstered by the return to accommodative monetary policies (low interest rates), the lower economic growth causing this has increased risks to future corporate earnings growth.

In New Zealand, the last reporting season saw downgrades to FY19 forecast earnings out-pace increases by two to one and in the upcoming reporting season, earnings growth expectations are minimal.

We expect inflows from corporate activity to help underpin equity prices over the next

three months, however finding value for risk has become more difficult. Australia appears likely to fare better.

Even excluding commodities, earnings growth is still expected to be positive. Global earnings growth expectations are also higher and are generally being priced on lower Price to Earnings (PE) multiples.

The likelihood of New Zealand’s continued market outperformance therefore appears lower, meaning that we see the best opportunities for “growth” in international share markets.

This report covers the three months ended 30 April 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.

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June 2019

9

Forestry land and the Overseas Investment Amendment Act

The Overseas Amendment Act legislation came into force in October 2018. Its main purpose was to extend the definition of sensitive land to include ‘residential land’ with the effect that foreign buyers would be excluded from buying homes in New Zealand unless they were able to obtain the Overseas Investment Office’s consent to the purchase.

The legislation has also imposed new rules for overseas purchasers and lessees of forestry land and forestry rights for land over 1000 hectares in area. A proposed purchaser or lessee must therefore obtain the OIO’s consent to the transaction.

When a foreign purchaser makes an application to purchase or lease forestry land or forestry rights they will need to satisfy one of the following tests: 1. The Standard Benefits Test applies where an applicant intends to use the land for forestry and another purpose, such as a holiday park or farming. The OIO will also require that the proposal will provide a major benefit to New Zealand.

It will also make a comparison between the benefits which the proposed purchase would bring and the benefits which could apply if a New Zealand investor were to undertake the development.

2. Special Forestry Test is probably the test which will be used most. It is a much broader test than the Standard Benefits Test and is suitable where a purchaser wants to continue with a forestry operation which is already in place or to commence a new activity. It will also require that arrangements for public access and other public activities either continue or start-up.

This test also requires a purchaser/lessee to re-plant the forest following the harvesting of the tress. The OIO will not be required to consider a comparison between the benefits which a foreign investor may bring to New Zealand and that of a New Zealand investor.

3. Modified Benefits Test. Where an applicant for consent to use the land only for forestry purposes they may apply for consent using this test. Other activities which may occur on the land will have to cease.

Again the OIO will compare the intended use between foreign and New Zealand investors. There is also a re-planting requirement and use the land almost exclusively for forestry activities.

In all agreements for sale and purchase of land for forestry purposes a vendor should

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The law: A purchaser or lessee must obtain the OIO’s consent to the transaction for overseas purchasers and lessees of forestry land over 1000 hectares in area. be sure to include a clause requiring the purchaser to keep the vendor informed of progress with the application as the OIO will not discuss progress with the application with anyone but the purchaser. However, the OIO may ask the vendor for information in respect to the land.

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June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Returning to the Rats and mice farm subsidy are on the march There’s many a friendly pub yarn which goes rabid and begins to froth on the topic of farm subsidies. They polarize most reasonable folk and turn the more excitable barking mad.

❚ by Solis norton So it’s hats off to Turi McFarlane, Nuffield Scholar, and Ravensdown senior farm environmental consultant, for tackling the issue recently in the Farmers Weekly. He feels the lack of subsidies are a double edged sword.

While being subsidy free encourages a quick response to our environmental challenges, he reckons the increasing cost of this compliance could hobble progress.

Soon after, the Interim Climate Change Committee released estimates of the cost of a ‘gas tax’ on farmers, for example $4.60/ cattle beast and 43 cents/sheep etc, etc.

Enough to make any farmer shudder.

There’s no doubt these costs are real, will increase, and should be paid, but by consumers, not farmers. Farmers aren’t here to subsidize the cost of food, they’re here to produce it. Placing these costs on them perpetuates the tortured myth that food will always be fabulously cheap. It won’t be and here’s why.

Over the last 40 years or so farming has enjoyed an unusual sweet spot created by several fundamental factors. Past subsidies around the 1970s to develop and improve and stock huge areas of farmland created massive increases in productivity. We boost-

ed further still with steady intensification and expansion of markets. But critically; with pretty gentle limits to progress, for example land class suitability or water availability. The result has been an idyllic period of growth.

So now as we exceed the biophysical boundaries of our farming systems, this sweet spot is turning sour.

It is part of a natural cycle that subsidies of some form or other must return to meet the increasing cost of staying in the sweet spot. It’s simply making the right thing happen.

Just as they helped make the right thing happen to increase food supply to a torn and weary post-war Britain so many years ago.

This is not farmers being subsidized because they are inefficient or ineffective. But because doing the right thing must stack up economically for us and for New Zealand.

Sounds familiar doesn’t it, a bit like planting a billion trees along with big reductions in stock numbers.

McFarlane is dead right that the government needs to support extension services to help achieve environmental outcomes. Call it a subsidy if you will. Or call it consumers, collectively, paying a little closer to the true cost of their food. At the end of the day it’s doing the right thing.

As many of you don’t have the luxury of a small, ginger rat and mice killing machine at your disposal, as I have, and with winter fast approaching I thought it would be a good time to show you some solutions for what is reported to be coming. supplied by ❚ Article Stephen Finch, Pest Go ❚ I have recently been made aware that the great summer we have just had, has a downside.

It has been reported that the dry conditions most of New Zealand has experienced this summer has led to high numbers of rodents. This has come about by two factors which are: • The rat and mouse populations have done well in these dry conditions. Did you know a female rat can have up to 5 litters of 14 babies each year?

• Native trees have had a very good seed set this year. Rats and mice enjoy and do very well on native tree seeds.

This perfect storm is set to play havoc on our native birds, insects, and plants.

I also read with interest that two-house fires in the Waikato were likely a result of rodents gnawing appetite for electrics.

Pest Go, a sister company to Specialty Seeds, has a wide range of rat and mice control products ready to go for you. Pest Go is an internet-based company where

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The web site is easy to use, and while we don’t have an enormous product range, our products have been selected based on results, ease of use and price.

Because of the current need, we have a great special on, and it includes: • 1 x Pied Piper bait station. This bait station is super tough, keeps the weather out and makes it almost impossible for animals other than the target species to get access to.

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• Two each of rat and mouse traps.

Imported by us especially these traps are easy to use snap shut very quickly and are also easy to open when disposal is required.

To get this great deal, visit www.pestgo.co.nz

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

11

Biosecurity an issue worth getting involved with Everyone who owns, manages or works on the land has an important role in biosecurity – stopping the spread of unwanted pests and containing pests that are already in the environment.

Steve Lowndes ❚ By ❚ Environment Canterbury Chair People living and working on the land will soon get a chance to get more involved in making decisions on front-line biosecurity work.

New advisory groups are being set up to replace the existing Pest Liaison Management Committees and Environment Canterbury will be inviting people to get involved.

There are many legacy pests in Canterbury – Nassella tussock, Old Man’s Beard, gorse and broom to name a few, as well as animal pests such as wallabies, possums, rabbits and many others.

Some pests are contained but others are spreading despite our best efforts. In the past decade other pests have also appeared, such as Chilean needle grass, which shows we can’t slow-down in this fight.

We need better ways to deal with the existing pests as well as new ones threatening our productive systems and natural ecosystems. We also know climate change is likely to make us more vulnerable to new pests and may affect how existing ones behave.

A good example is the response to Horehound: a plant pest that’s been around since at least 1867 but is a real issue for dryland farmers, especially on Lucerne crops.

Affected landowners have been asking for more effective tools to control Horehound and a group is now working with Manaaki Whenua (Landcare Research) on a biocontrol agent.

It’s really encouraging to see community members and research agencies taking the lead on this.

The four new biosecurity advisory groups are being proposed so that we can mount a better and more co-ordinated response to these growing biosecurity threats.

The proposed new groups will have some similarities to the water management zone committees set up under the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

The process to appoint people to the new groups, however, should be a lot simpler and will include appointed community members, as well as council and runanga representatives.

Getting the right people onto these committees will be the key to their success –

‘

Targeted: new biosecurity advisory groups are being proposed to help tackle legacy pests such as Old Man’s Beard.

Getting the right people onto the committees of four new biosecurity groups will be the key to their success.

people who can see the bigger picture, who can work collaboratively with others, and who are focused on finding solutions. The proposed groups will be advisory in nature and not formal committees of council (as the water zone committees are).

But they should drive more effective leadership of the biosecurity programme. The smaller number of groups – four instead of 11 – will allow a better focus on regional issues while also working on local solutions and actions.

The proposal is to have four groups covering: north, central, south, and Christchurch/ Banks Peninsula. Environment Canterbury can do this because it has introduced a single rural targeted rate, rather than local rates which needed to be administered.

It will allow a broader approach to biosecurity, rather than having a production focus. nominations and applications are likely to be called for in June so give us a call on 0800 324-636, or visit our website, for more information.

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June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

❚ with Rob Cope-Williams

GMO or breeding?

There is no doubt that science is providing huge improvements in our crops but the general public are very suspicious and are very scared about what is happening to their food.

Around 80 percent of people surveyed recently want plant DNA improved produce labelled while 83% want anything that has been genetically improved to show that in the labelling.

Don’t lose sight of the fact that the majority of supermarket shoppers do read the labels before buying their groceries, especially the young shoppers and they are the ones who are cresting the wave of pure and antiglobal warming.

The same survey asked if people thought GM produce was safe; only 37% said yes, so 63% think GM produce isn’t safe to eat.

That points to a very real mistrust of science and what our people in labs are doing.

I agree that producing fruit trees that flower 12 months of the year to fast forward plant breeding does sound slightly like science fiction, but it is happening.

So how does the science industry change the thinking of people who are demanding wonderful tastes in their produce, and fruit that will stay fresh and juicy for a lot longer?

If the industry does open the books, as it were, and publicly explain what they are doing and why, the backlash may well be huge.

I suppose the fear of science and what is happening within the lab by those who wear white coats is they seriously don’t un-

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derstand. So the mere mention of GM brings pictures of cells from animals being put into fruit and vegetables with drastic reactions to those who eat it.

Ignorance is not bliss. So perhaps the answer may be to simply change the name.

Drop any suggestion of modifying the plant and concentrate on “cross breeding plants”. That certainly sounds better than genetic modification doesn’t it?

Do the public really need to know how the scientists here in New Zealand have discovered how to use plant DNA to make huge steps in providing amazing results.

People are totally happy with advancements in everything else, whether cars and transport or communication and computers but when it comes to food they are very cautious.

Yes they do want new varieties of fruit and vegetables, they want them to look and taste wonderful, but they seriously want it to be pure and natural.

Ah, pure and natural, totally unaffected by scientists and the new varieties just happen to appear through the wonders of nature.

That’s not unlike thinking there’s money in your cheque account because you still have some cheques left in your cheque book.

❚ with John Arts

Should I take Co Enzyme Q10?

Co Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like substance essential for life. While we normally make all the CoQ10 we need, some people because of age, health problems or medications can benefit from taking extra good quality CoQ10.

Part 1 CoQ10 is essential to make the energy our bodies need. The final stage of making energy needs CoQ10 to shuttle the hydrogen needed to generate energy. If your levels of CoQ10 are low this can be felt as low energy, weak muscles and general fatigue.

CoQ10 is also an exceptional antioxidant protecting cells and fats from free radicals. The most important antioxidant function is to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol as it circulates in the body. This is a critical part in our natural defences against blockages in heart arteries and other blood vessels.

Possibly the most common reason for CoQ10 supplementation is for those using cholesterol lowering (statin) medication.

The side effects of statins are so common that they are a diagnosable disease called statin myopathy. The most common side effects are muscle stiffness, pain and weakness. This can also cause general fatigue which often feels like a lack of motivation.

Statins effectively inhibit the enzyme needed to make cholesterol. Unfortunately this enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) is also needed to make CoQ10. Blocking this enzyme reduces cholesterol but also CoQ10 by as much as 50%.

Drug companies are well aware of this problem and hold patents for combining

CoQ10 with statins. Until such drugs are available I recommend those on statins supplement with 100-200mg of naturally fermented CoQ10. Be aware that our retail market is now flooded with lower grade semi-synthetic CoQ10 usually sold in higher doses at much lower prices.

Adding a good CoQ10 alongside stains will in most cases protect against and often reverse existing statin side effects.

My favourite is the well-researched and patented US product CoQsol®. If you are unsure feel free to phone or email your questions.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his full weekly newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

Gareth Hughes ❚ with Green Party Spokesperson for Primary Industries ❚

Farmers urged to have their say on Zero Carbon Bill Global warming and the extreme and changing weather patterns it causes is one of the biggest risks to agriculture.

Recently Climate Change Minister James Shaw announced the Government’s climate change legislation.

The draft bill commits New Zealand to reduce emissions to limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. That means bringing down all greenhouse gases, except biological methane, to net zero by 2050.

Farmers will be very interested in the split biological methane target.

The split-gas target is the first time that any developed country has set an emissions reduction target that takes into account the different nature of methane. The target for a 10 percent reduction below 2017 levels by 2030 and between 22 and 47 percent further on reflects methane’s shorter life than other gases.

Some are saying it’s too low and others are saying it’s too high but the key aspect is that it is based on the latest scientific knowledge. The IPCC report, on which the target range is based, reflects the consensus of the global scientific community.

Is it achievable? Absolutely. Reports released by industry and government show that this target is ambitious but achievable.

Already farmers are reducing their greenhouse gas emissions about 1 percent a year by using fertiliser more efficiently and optimising stock levels. There’s a host of other solutions available and on the horizon not requiring genetic engineering.

A recent survey by MPI showed that a majority of farmers recognise the importance of sustainability. I’ve met with farmers and seen the great fencing, riparian planting, and wetlands work happening across the country to reduce their environmental impact.

The Government is committed to supporting rural communities and the Government will continue to support climate change research which over the last 10 years has been approximately $20 million a year.

It is crucially important New Zealand pulls its weight in reducing greenhouse gas pollution and every sector does their fair share.

New Zealand can lead the world on sustainable farming and reap the profits.

The bill will shortly go for public consultation at select committee and I urge farmers and their organisations to have their say in the next few months.

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June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Grant edmundson ❚ with ❚ Helmore Stewart (Partner), Rangiora

Forestry, offshore investment and the Overseas Investment Amendment Act The Overseas Investment Amendment Act 2018 (OIAA) came into force on 22 October 2018 and has introduced a raft of new restrictions and requirements for foreign investors looking to invest in New Zealand.

The OIAA, as read with the Overseas Investment Act, addresses five distinct asset classes: residential or lifestyle properties, the development of residential land, the purchase of forestry, investing in significant business assets and investing in other sensitive land.

By way of example, residents who live overseas and businesses that are more than 25 percent overseas- owned or controlled require consent for the purchase of forestry assets.

This is sure to have a bearing or influence for those offshore parties investigating the opportunities presented by the One Billion Trees Programme where the Government has set a goal to plant one billion trees by 2028.

The much publicised Programme is intended to deliver improved social, environmental, and economic outcomes for New Zealand however what is still not clear is to what extent this Programme intended to attract foreign ownership and if so, to what extent the

OIAA will have an impact.

Overseas investments in both freehold and leasehold land which is in forest or which may at a later point, be converted to forest, require consent.

The new changes extend this requirement to investments in more than 1000 hectares of forestry rights in any year.

A purchase of up to 1000 hectares of forestry rights per calendar year, or any forestry right of less than three years duration, will not require approval. These criteria are key parameters for any overseas investor particularly when the profitability of this sector is driven by scale and logistics. This calculation excludes any forestry rights held before the introduction of the new legislation.

The consenting process for forestry investments (including freehold land and forestry rights) can be chartered through two avenues. One of these is an amended version of the “existing benefit test”.

The OIAA heralds a change in direction

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with the new “special forestry test” as it is more enabling legislation and may empower overseas investors to obtain OIA consent in a much more effective manner.

Under the OIAA the “benefit test “ for forestry purchases will be satisfied if the criteria for the “special forestry test” are achieved which include inter alia: 1. Certain existing arrangements (i.e.) protecting indigenous vegetation, prior to the proposed acquisition being continued by the overseas purchaser

2. Conditions of previous OIA consents in relation to the relevant land being continued by the overseas investor 3. Existing supply obligations to any New Zealand based processor will be required to be continued for as long as the original contract remains in place 4. The relevant land will be replanted after harvesting Time will tell whether this enabling test will promote offshore interest and investment in the Programme.

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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2019

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June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIKE TO PUT BACK IN WHAT YOU GET OUT?

THE FEELING’S MUTUAL. Reinvesting into the land is a concept most farmers and growers will be familiar with. Well it’s not so different for FMG. As a mutually owned insurer, any profits we make go straight back into the business, not shareholders’ pockets. If that sounds like the kind of insurer you’d like to have looking after you, ask around about us.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

17

Horses take centre stage at community college It’s all about horses… that’s the feeling you get when you walk into the equine tutorial room at the Community College North Canterbury. supplied by ❚ Article Community College ❚ North Canterbury ❚ Equine anatomy posters adorn the walls and the classroom opens out on to the purpose built equine facility, set up to develop equine industry skills and allow students to gain qualifications.

Horses stand happily munching hay in the yards, while others are being ridden in the arena. A farrier works away sharing his knowledge with the students holding a horse.

The students are involved in all aspects of running the horse facility. Daily involvement in all tasks required sees students well prepared for future equine pathways.

Talking with the students, you get a real sense of their passion, not only for horses,

but also for their experience they are having at the college.

Elisha Blackburn (18years): “It’s a great positive learning environment with a group of likeminded people, both students and tutors.

On the course you are encouraged to try new things which makes you want to achieve.”

The programs focus on working safely and effectively around horses, and provide the skills and knowledge to assist in the stabling, care, exercise and management of horses.

Graduates find employment across the equine disciplines including Polo, Sport Horse, Stud Farms and Equine Summer Camps in America, to name a few.

If you are thinking of a future with

horses then this is an awesome way to gain skills and complete a qualification all while ‘horsing around’.

It’s also a great alternative to school to complete your NCEA qualifications. The Lev-

el three course is taking enrollments now for its July intake.

To secure your spot on this popular program contact Kate 03 313 5874 to arrange an interview.

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June 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

New video shares safety message around rural water hazards

Ashburton irrigation schemes, Ashburton District Council, Water Safety New Zealand and local community members have come together to create a new safety video for rural communities highlighting the need to be vigilant to prevent drownings of young children.

❚❚Article supplied by Irrigation NZ

Two of the stars of the video are Mayfield preschoolers Angus and George Dampney. They live on a farm which has a water race close to their house, as well as duck ponds, irrigation and effluent ponds and an effluent wedge.

“We are around water all the time. Water safety is really important and the danger it can pose to children needs to be taken seriously,” says their mother Hayley Dampney.

She says that the other children at the boys’ pre-school have seen the video and the boys had learnt a lot about being safe around water through being involved in the video production.

The idea to create the video came from local irrigation schemes.

“In January a tragic drowning of a child occurred in a stock water race near Ashburton.

This followed the drowning in September of a small child in a stock water race in Rolleston in the nearby Selwyn district,” says Melanie Brooks, the Chief Executive of MHV Water.

“As a cooperative community, safety is of upmost importance. We have around 320km of water races in our scheme, effluent storage ponds, and many on farm storage ponds 5/8/19 9:16 across ourGregDonald39975.pdf district. Drowning 1is an ever present hazard and we wanted to explore what

Video stars: Mayfield’s Hayley Dampney with children Angus (2) and George (4) feature in an image from the safety video for rural communities.

we could do locally to help prevent further toddler drownings.”

MHV contacted Water Safety New Zealand and the Ashburton District Council, which manages a large network of open water racAMes. The organisations brainstormed options and brought two other irrigation schemes –

Do it Once, Do it Right

Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation and Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation – into discussions.

“We all wanted to create a video which shared some key safety messages for parents to help keep kids safe around waterways and water races,” Brooks says.

The overall numbers of preventable drown-

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ings in New Zealand fell significantly in 2018, from 92 in 2017 to 68 in 2018. However the number of drownings of young children to date in 2019 is already at four – higher than the total of three for the whole of 2018. In addition to the two drownings in Canterbury, two pre-schoolers drowned in a wastewater treatment pond in Gore and in a pool in Riverhead, north west of Auckland.

Water Safety NZ helped create the safety messages included in the video, which were delivered by a range of local residents including local farming families connected to irrigation schemes. Ashburton District Council filmed and produced the video.

Those involved in creating the video say it has been well received by the community.

“We have had some really positive feedback from a range of local organisations and people who have watched the video saying that they’re really pleased to see us working together to promote this safety message,” Brooks says.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

19

New tool to help eradicate M. bovis A new tool for dairy farmers aims to help in New Zealand’s quest to eradicate the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis.

❚ by Kent Caddick The Dairy Risk Assessment tool is an online questionnaire that helps a farmer to get an accurate understanding of the M. bovis risk on their farm.

Used with their veterinarian, the tool can help a farmer make informed decisions about managing M. bovis risks and reduce possible spread of the disease on or off a farm.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association’s (NZVA) chief veterinary officer Helen Beattie says dairy farmers should talk to their veterinarian about using the tool.

“It’s a critical stage in the season when farmers may be considering buying or selling herds, sharemilkers may be considering moving to new contracts, and contract milkers and managers are considering next season’s job,” she says.

“Other than feeding raw milk, the main risk factor in M. bovis spread is stock movement.

Farmers should talk to their veterinarian about a dairy risk assessment consultation before making decisions about buying a herd, or moving cattle on or off their farm.”

During a consultation, farm management practices known to be a biosecurity risk are discussed with the farmer and recorded in the Dairy Risk Assessment tool by the veterinarian. The tool calculates the M. bovis risk assessment score and generates a risk rating of low, moderate, or high.

The result is available immediately and can be shared by the veterinarian with the

farmer, along with recommendations to reduce risk.

Developed by New Zealand veterinary group XLVets and distributed by the NZVA, the tool has undergone almost a year of beta testing across the country, and has been refined as understanding of the disease has developed. It uses known transmission risks, including findings from reports released by the Ministry for Primary Industries about the epidemiology and risk of M. bovis spreading in New Zealand.

The Dairy Risk Assessment tool is used by registered veterinarians during on-farm consultations with their farming clients.

“As a dairy farmer’s trusted on-farm biosecurity advisor, a veterinarian is the right person for a farmer to seek reassurance that their stock, moving on or off farm, will not be exposed to greater risk,” Beattie says.

“Veterinarians have an in-depth understanding of farm systems and animal diseases. An understanding of both is required to make informed recommendations on changes that can be made to the farm system that are practical and will have a real impact on reducing disease risk on-farm,” she says.

“The DRA is informative, affordable and it’s also faster and safer to carry out than surface-swabbing individual animals, which is required for laboratory testing. Individual negative (or not detected) test results are of limited value in understanding a herd’s true M. bovis infection status.”

Beattie says more information about how

‘

Dairy farmers should talk to their veterinarian about using a new tool desined to help with the eradication of M.bovis.

Helen Beattie Chief Veterinary Officer,

New Zealand Veterinary Association farmers and veterinarians can get the most out of the tool can be found on the NZVA website.

“A risk assessment is a snapshot in time and should be conducted any time farm man-

agement practices change (for example, stock is moved or raw milk is purchased) or M. bovis test results are received. Inclusion of a risk assessment is suggested as part of an annual biosecurity review consultation.

“We know that the impact on a farming operation of unwittingly introducing M. bovis, leading to testing and potential culling, is huge. Using a simple tool like this will hopefully mean the spread of disease is reduced and as few farmers as possible in New Zealand have to endure such stress.”

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June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Replenishing the workforce ❚ by William Milnes

The earthmoving and heavy machinery industry is a vital one, both in urban and rural New Zealand.

From the ‘grass roots’ of farming, where roads, races, dams and more must be constructed with the aid of diggers and bulldozers, through to the multi-billion-dollar roading projects dictated by central government, there’s always a need for those wheels and tracks to keep rolling.

That’s why it’s vital to ensure that a new generation of machinery operators come up through the ranks, filling the drivers’ seats in years to come.

A ‘crunch’ in the industry is predicted as the demand for earthmoving operators increases – for example, $13 billion was slated for national roading alone in the last five years – but not only is the current skill base ageing, it’s also slow to be replenished by new graduates.

Part of this comes down to the requirements to get into the industry now as opposed to in the past.

The old method of advancement through opportunity, learning on the job and upskilling when new machines were commissioned has been replaced with a fixed tertiary-level training pathway in civil plant operation.

Part of this is for reasons of health and safety, and part reflects the relative complexity and power of modern machines as opposed to their forebears.

Grass roots: It’s vital to ensure that a new generation of machinery operators come up through the ranks, filling the drivers’ seats in years to come.

Nevertheless, with over half of bulldozer drivers and near to half of grader drivers over the age of 55, it’s a sea-change in attitudes which may see young people adopt this profession.

With most courses in civil plant and heavy machinery operation boasting an 85 percent rate of flow-through to good, well paid employment, there’s certainly an incentive there for young people not interested in purely academic tertiary training.

A basic course in civil plant operation is also relatively inexpensive by comparison with other tertiary studies, and can last only 26 weeks on average – a fast track to real employment.

This acknowledges the fact that there is still much to learn once the new operator first gets behind the controls on a ‘live’ worksite.

Seasoned drivers will agree that a lifetime of skill and practice is what teaches finesse

when operating a multi-ton excavator, for example.

And, as new machinery becomes available or familiar designs are modified for ease of use, more versatility or more power, this is also a career which lends itself to constant up-skilling, with internal training programmes undertaken by many large earthmoving and construction companies to keep their team up to date with the most cutting-edge tech in the business.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

21

Getting the best job done With a workplace that is as varied as the geography – and that means, in New Zealand, extremely varied – it’s always a case of the right machine for the right job when earthmoving.

❚ by William Milnes Consequently, a contractor needs various types of earthmoving equipment from time to time. And if you are simply a landowner wanting earthmoving done, it pays to have a little background information.

Machinery can open a huge capital investment window, but the smart operator today has hiring in mind, because there are obviously different types of machinery for different tasks – moving materials including rock, concrete, asphalt, clay, loam – this list goes on.

Projects need to be efficiently carried out in specific contract times and that of course involves earthmovers and other related heavy equipment.

Experienced industry operators well know if you are a contractor then you’ll need to hire different types of earthmoving equipment from time to time.

Forget great capital investment, which also includes protection and maintenance and insurance. That’s the role of the hirer. It does not make sense to buy the gear when your requirements might change from time to time.

Besides, the company that owns the equipment will take care of their maintenance and upkeep. In addition, the company will have professional operators to handle the equipment, if you don’t simply dry hire and have your own operators.

So what do you need to look for in the hire marketplace? Deal with a company that has the equipment that you require and can offer you tandem tippers, semi tippers, excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, graders, wheel loaders, dump trucks etc.

It is no secret that requirements can change as a project develops, so going in well prepared can avoid the necessity of changes in plans leading to changes in contractors. A firm with a wide range of machinery is better than a lone operator who may mean days of delay with the required machinery tied up in jobs elsewhere.

Preparation is a guardian of time and should ensure that you will always get the equipment you require in order to complete different stages of your project.

Is the equipment in good condition?

If you hire well-maintained equipment then you can be sure that your work gets complet-

Big country: earthmoving equipment in action stripping topsoil for the Central Plains Water Ltd’s irrigation canal in Canterbury. ed on time. You won’t have to worry about lost opportunities caused due to downtime.

Will the company help with the disposal of debris?

Your construction and demolition activities will result in a great deal of debris which you are required to dispose of in a safe manner.

Be sure to check if the company that hires out equipment for earthmoving will do this for you. This will save you a great deal of effort.

Does the company pay sufficient attention to safety?

Always deal with a company that follows

industry safety standards. The equipment you hire should come with completed maintenance log books. They should also have wellmaintained brakes, headlights and horns.

And finally, cost effectiveness is a nobrainer so ensure the company you choose is affordable, with nothing hidden in the small print. You’ll obviously want to keep your costs down in order to maintain profitability. However, you should not compromise on quality just to get a good discount.

Good hiring should result in good work being done on time and within budget.

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22

June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

What lies beneath when you dig?

Heavy earthmoving machinery, and of course just a simple trench digger, can have an impact which can spread unwanted ripples far outside their operative zone.

❚ by Kent Caddick Simply digging up old posts on a fence line recently cut the telephone services to a wide rural area, when the telecommunications cable was severed.

So it behoves contractors, machinery operators and indeed landowners to make sure they know what’s in the ground they are working on.

There are rules and regulations aplenty and a wise landowner will acquaint him or herself to the presence of cables, drains, water pipes, and the like.

Before commencing any excavation work, including tunnelling or boring, it is the duty of the ‘person in charge’ to make the necessary enquiries by contacting the various authorities, who could have an interest – usually best identified by the phone company and then the local or regional council, to find out the exact location of any underground pipes or cables laid within the proposed work area.

A record should be made of the enquiries and replies.

The greatest source of damage to underground cables and pipes is the use of earthmoving plant such as excavators, back-

hoes, gradalls, bulldozers, and similar equipment.

When it is known that any underground facility exists, pipes, drains, or cables, then it is again the person in charge who needs to make exactly sure of what’s underneath by trial excavations, particularly in the case of signals and communications cables.

Then it’s probably a case of flagging these so that they are obvious to all involved on the site, explaining the location and marking positions on the surface.

The serious consequences of broken pipe and cables is underlined by the industry standard warning that it’s essential that there be a detailed investigation in every case, of earthmoving, trenching and excavation work, even though the project might be of a minor nature.

The cost of repairing damage is frequently extremely high and in addition the loss of the facility can affect a very wide area, and in the case of cut communications, can in fact be life threatening.

At the very least it leads to expensive delays and a serious loss of goodwill.

And when hazards such as electrical ca-

bles, or gas or fuel pipelines have been identified as existing – all staff working on the site must be told.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

23

Controlling barley grass weed There are two main periods to achieve good barley grass weed (Critesion sp) control. They are either May until August when it’s in the vegetative stage or, September through to November when the green seed head is present.

Stephen Finch ❚ by ❚ Speciality Seeds However, in my experience winter is the best time to address any issues you may be having with barley grass.

In this article we will deal with the chemicals that are suitable to use between now and the end of August or before the seed head is visible.

The two main chemicals used at this time of the year are either Ethofumesate or Teedal which is a mix of TCA and dichloropropionic acid. While there is only one Teedal type product known to me there are several different Ethofumesate products.

A good way to plan for the control of Barley Grass is for farmers to make a map of the areas that are most badly affected with barley grass in late summer.

Barley grass is less noticeable during this time of year and mapping helps take the guess work out of the areas that need spraying.

Barley grass is a poor competitor and I am sure you will have noticed tends to be worse

Achieving control: Winter is the best time to address any issues you may be having with barley grass.

Photo: Sante Barley

in waste areas, around the paddock perimeter or any area where there is poor pasture cover.

In some cases, you may need to apply the above suggested chemicals twice to achieve control as barley grass can germi-

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nate at different times.

After spraying you will have large bare areas of ground or thinner pastures so you will need to oversow these areas to introduce competition for seeds that remain in the ground.

If you don’t fill these areas after spraying barley grass will re-infest them quickly.

We strongly recommend that you should talk to us, or your local chemical expert before you undertake any spraying operation and always read the label.

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24

June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Rural | Lifestyle Your Country Partner

Canterbury Rural & Lifestyle Market Outlook The weather gurus tell us we can expect temperature levels to be above normal and rainfall to be near normal, soil moisture levels and river flows are about the normal range in Canterbury. So perhaps we should expect a slightly warmer winter with more westerly flows as the weak El Nino influences a warmer Tasman.

Can the same be said about the rural and lifestyle market here in Canterbury, should we expect normal conditions to prevail?

In the 12 months to the end of April, 580 lifestyle and rural properties changed hands in the Waimakariri, Hurunui and Selwyn districts.

This is a very similar outcome to the previous year, so yes, we should expect the same.

However, most sales come within the lifestyle portion of the market with fewer full farm sales, principally due to banks tightening their lending criteria in line with the Australian bank policy and the Reserve Bank. Consequently, we now have a situation throughout New

Zealand where true large farm sales are slowing because the banks won’t lend unless the deal has strong equity levels, or they are swapping farmers, and their position is not impacted.

This means large farm sales are a bit slower, and any expansion is happening with the sale or acquisition of smaller grazing or run off blocks. Hence, we are still seeing good activity in the latter areas.

The property market doesn’t stop regardless of what winter may bring and currently we have a significant number of buyers looking for rural and lifestyle opportunities throughout Canterbury. And as at the 16th of May, Harcourts enjoys 1082 rural listings on Realestate.co.nz throughout New Zealand, being 16% of all rural listings, sold over 1400 lifestyle and rural properties, that’s almost 4 every day, over $1 billion dollars in rural property in the last twelve months.

through that will bring challenges to our rural lifestyle community here in Canterbury...It always pays to be prepared, to plan for our winter livestock movements, think ahead about rotating stock as feed can get low in winter. The livestock nutritional requirements can increase with the colder weather, so be prepared with adequate additional feed if necessary.

Undertake that maintenance to drains, gutters etc you’ve been putting off before it’s too late.

And if you’re thinking about buying a rural or lifestyle property then one of our consultants would be happy to guide you on the path to achieving your real state dreams.

We enjoy everything about our rural lifestyle here in Canterbury and so should you.

Harcourts Four Seasons Realty Your Country Partner

Of course our normal winter conditions means we should expect the odd storm to come

It’s important when undertaking rural real estate transactions that you get the very best advice and service from a trusted source, our local rural specialists Andy Nurse, Bill Dowle and Jon Carswell bring a wealth of farming knowledge with firsthand experience in ownership, development and management in this sector.

Bill Dowle, Andy Nurse

ecialists

& Jon Carswell - Rural Sp

After a long and successful career in farming, Bill ventured into Engineering and Rural Consultancy before finding his calling in Real Estate. Keeping in touch with his rural roots, Bill is Deputy Chairman of the Canterbury Region LandSAR, Chairman of the New Zealand Wool Classers Association and Rural Fire Force volunteer member.

Jon is based at the new Lincoln Branch has an extensive background in Dairy Farming with his career beginning in the Southbridge area, before moving to West Otago where he enjoyed the role as a farm consultant before buying his own dairy farm in eastern Southland. Following the sale of his farm Jon has spent the last four years using his extensive farming knowledge, selling rural real estate through a Gore agency.

Following the completion of an Agricultural Commerce degree at Lincoln University, Andy operated for a 15 year period in private valuation and consulting practice. His diversified “hands on” experience includes management of a sheep and beef farming venture, and the establishment and operation of a deer enterprise. This was followed by the setting up and full-time management of two wine brands – Andy’s knowledge of the Viticulture sector in New Zealand, sets him apart in the Real Estate industry.

Our latest WINTER edition of the popular “We Sell Rural Lifestyle” booklet that showcases the very best Rural Lifestyle properties throughout Canterbury is out now.

For your FREE copy phone 0800 789 1011 or view online @ facebook.com/rurallifestyle.kiwi or www.rurallifestyle.kiwi.

If you would like to advertise your property in our next Spring edition, talk to one of our dedicated Rural Lifestyle consultants.

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0800 789 1011 | www.rurallifestyle.kiwi

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

25

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26

June 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

Supporting those in the industry A group of dedicated fencing contractors and a founding strategic partner – wire manufacturer Wiremark – launched the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand Inc. (FCANZ) in February 2006.

❚❚Article supplied by FCANZ

The fencing industry immediately embraced FCANZ with the purpose of encouraging and developing professionalism and the highest standards of fencing in New Zealand.

Today FCANZ continues to grow and gain respect from all involved with the industry, from the manufacturers who make the product to the staff who construct the fences and the people who receive the services of fencing contractors.

With your support as a member we are able to continue supporting the industry of fencing contractors in the following ways: • to lift the profile and standard of fencing and fencing contractors in New Zealand, • to grow the market for fencing contractors and those associated with all aspects of the fencing industry, • to promote the best interests of fencing contractors, • to foster and promote a high quality of workmanship, • to encourage and promote the knowledge of fencing personnel, • to hold regular meetings to facilitate the exchange of information within the regions, • to ensure FCANZ is the first reference to the fencing industry.

Member Benefits Fencing Contractors Association offers a range of benefits and services to members in the fencing industry.

Becoming a member means you are supporting the industry and helping lift the pro-

Advice: A FCANZ training day in Canterbury.

file of fencing as a recognised profession.

Among the support a FCANZ member will receive are: Advocacy and Advice: By representing all members of the fencing community as a collective, we keep each of our members upto-date on the latest issues that affect the way you do business. We provide members with free advice on regulatory, legislative and compliance issues.

Leadership and Governance: We provide ongoing support and business advice, including issues around costs and pricing, to ultimately increase net profit for our members.

Research and Information: We keep our members in touch with the latest fencing products, technical information, trends and developments – with access to best practice

guidelines, templates and codes of practice.

We also provide access to NZQA knowledge and learning opportunities, as well as providing employment and recruitment opportunities so that members can find great employees when required.

Business Development: We host a variety of informative and networking events throughout the year, such as association days that are free of charge for members.

Other events are available to members at preferential rates.

Our annual conference and association days provide information on new fencing techniques, health & safety, product feedback, pricing and technical information. As well as networking opportunities to share information and help grow your business.

We have also developed a fencing calculator and boundary fencing template which are available for our members to use in their businesses.

Member Communications: We provide regular updates on changes to the fencing industry, including regulatory and compliance changes.

All members receive copies of the Wired magazine, the official quarterly publication of FCANZ and monthly e-newsletters.

All Fencing Contractors are also listed on the FCANZ website. We also have a Facebook page and a monthly e-newsletter to keep members and partners up to date.

For more information go to the FCANZ website: www.fcanz.co.nz.

Talk to us today about your farms soil fertility.

We offer a soil testing service and will recommend and supply you with a fertiliser program to suit you and your farms individual needs.

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0800 65 65 88 info@sustainablesoils.co.nz

www.sustainablesoils.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING June 2019

27

Choosing the right type of fencing for your needs When deciding on what type of fencing you need for your farm or lifestyle block, there are a variety of materials and methods which can be combined to provide a suitable fence for any situation.

❚❚by William Milnes

faster to erect, however security and longevity can be sacrificed.

There are several types of stock fences commonly used in New Zealand:

Sheep netting

7-9 Wire post and batten

Sheep netting is wire netting, about a metre high, with wooden posts.

It is ideal for sheep, and other small or young stock such as calves. It is also adequate for large stock when one or more outriggers are added to either the top or side of the netting.

Deer fencing operates on exactly the same principles as sheep netting, except on a larger scale.

Used commonly for boundary fencing and as a general all-purpose fence, as it is strong, durable, and secure.

Posts are usually four metres apart, and five battens are spaced evenly between the posts.

Although one of the most expensive and labour intensive fences, it will contain sheep, cattle and horses adequately in most cases.

Multi-wire electric Depending on the type of stock being contained, different number of wires can be used, which are then electrified.

Posts are spaced further apart, sometimes up to eight or ten metres between posts. A wide range of both wooden and steel posts can be used.

Electric fences create a mental barrier to stock. The shock that they get from the fence acts as a deterrent in future escape efforts.

This is opposed to the post and batten fence which simply provides a physical barrier.

Because electric fences require fewer materials, they are usually cheaper, easier and

Roundwood

Post and rail Used commonly with horses as it is highly visible.

Spooked horses have been severely injured after running through wire fences, particularly fences using high tensile wire. Most horses are kept within wire fences however, so it comes down to a personal choice.

Post and rail fencing is also used around houses and driveways as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Posts are usually two metres apart, with between three and four wooden rails. It can be difficult to get it looking straight and level without a high level of expertise.

Post and rail fences are very secure with

Secure: Post and rail fences are not only extremely secure for larger animals like horses they are also aesthetically pleasing. larger animals, especially when accompanied with an electric wire to prevent stock rubbing. It has a high cost per metre when compared to other fences.

Temporary and semi-permanent fences: Semi-permanent There are a wide range of materials available, such as electric tape and poly-wires, varying in different sizes and thicknesses. As well there is a range of semi-permanent type steel posts, such as Warratahs and Kiwitahs. Often used on lease blocks, or as a quick fix option.

This type of fence is very cheap and easy to build. The disadvantages are the deterioration of the fence over a few years, and these fences require more regular maintenance.

Southbrook Rd Rangiora Ph 03 313 8339 Fax 03 313 3767 Email roundwood@mcalpines.co.nz

POSTS

Temporary Electric plastic tape usually wound up on a hand held reel. It is used mainly for cattle and horses to sub-divide an existing paddock, usually on a day by day basis.

They are put up, and taken down, at the pace at which you can walk. They are the least secure of any type of fence and require a good electric current and stock which are trained with electric fences.

If unsure of the best type of fence for your situation, speak to other people and find out what works for them and what doesn’t, have a look at other properties and think about your budget. Over the long term, it can be more profitable to invest in good quality fences from the start.

• Deer Posts • Stays • Strainers • Poles • Sheep Posts • Trellis Posts

28

June 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY & LOGGING

Allan Laurie MnZIF ❚ with ❚ Laurie Forestry Ltd

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

29

Export prices soften but not significantly

Overall market factors have stabilised over the last month. The domestic scene is stable to the extent demand is consistently good and prices largely unchanged since November 2018.

Export prices softened very slightly on a wharf gate basis in May, but NZ$1 per cubic metre down can hardly be described as significant. As per normal, China leads the demand charge and NZ Forest Owners can be very comfortable to let them do so, at least for the moment.

Over the last month, across the China Eastern Seaboard, total softwood inventory of logs has remained largely unchanged at about four million cubic metres.

This represents about two month’s supply at the current daily consumption levels which most commentators suggest is about right to maintain the price equilibrium.

There is some concern the most recent tariff increase announcements by President Trump could upset the apple cart. Some have suggested “go Donald”, lauding praise on him for addressing a trade US/China trade imbalance which has long favoured China.

For a New Zealand forest grower, the concerns extend to how a current 10% increase to 25% including on wood products will play out in the broader economic context and how this potentially impacts log prices.

Most commentary suggests the imposition of higher tariffs on goods sold to the US from China could have a many fold negative impact.

A weakening of the RMB (China currency) is inevitable. An increase in the cost of financing for Chinese manufacturers is predicted. The value of China exports will drop significantly and the China economy is already showing signs of weakening.

If these key factors come to pass there could be more log price drops in our near future. But some parallel consequences could include our exchange rate weakening against the Greenback as it rides the coattails of US President with his tariff tail in the air and shipping rates could fall as demand hits the Northern hemisphere sliders.

Overall we would therefore say New Zealand forest owners have one market foot in a bucket of cold water and the other in hot water. Thus the average market temperature is lukewarm and we should remain at peace with the world in the meantime.

‘

For the moment China consumption of our logs is ticking along at about 75,000 cubic metres per day representing just over

land area, erstwhile earning NZ$5 bill+ in export earnings and contributing 3% + to GDP. This is indeed an exciting industry which is on the cusp of significant expansion. Not surprising given returns from commercial forests are amongst some of the most profitable enterprises we can use our land for.

And for my most loyal and faithful readers thus endeth today’s lesson bar one.

As always 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”.

FORESTRY SERVICES - CONSULTING - MANAGEMENT - MARKETING

Laurie Forestry Ltd

Harvesting & Marketing, Consultants & Managers

two full log vessels per day.

The same could not be said for US Western Yellow Pine log suppliers to China who will no doubt suffer the wrath of a Chinese premier likely to impose a counter 25% tariff on US logs exported to China. This would essentially take US softwood logs out of supply with NZ, Australia, Canada and Europe, potential benefactors.

For the moment China consumption of our logs is ticking along at about 75,000 cubic metres per day representing just over two full log vessels per day.

CFR price settlements have remained flat at US$134/135 per cubic metre and unlikely to change much in June.

And for you statistical buffs out there it is worth noting just how the monthly profile of log supply looks. Export v domestic mill/plant supply nationally is running about 60/40.

In April we exported 75 vessels of logs from NZ... 60 went to China (about two million cubic metres), 15 went to Korea and one each to India and Japan.

Last year NZ Inc produced 35.4 million m3 of logs, up from 33 million in 2018. And all of this from forests covering just 7% of NZ

Specialists in: • Woodlot and Forest harvest - at any scale • Direct log sales in both domestic and export segments • Top quality H&S systems and management • Forest right or cutting right purchases • Planting and silviculture management • Top advice, top people, top service

See our website for information including Market www.laurieforestry.co.nz Reports and Log Price Tables www.laurieforestry.co.nz

EES COMPANY

EIR TR THE PEOPLE AND TH

Office: Phone 03 359 5000 Email: admin@laurieforestry.co.nz Unit 3 337 Harewood Road Bishopdale Christchurch 22 Shearman Street Waimate Phone 03 689 8333 • Cell: 027 432 1420

30

June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY & LOGGING

Native forestry expert to help scale up Canterbury planting Clayton Wallwork has been appointed Canterbury’s Regional Advisor for Trees That Count, a national conservation charity which provides free native trees, resources and advice to planting groups and landowners around the country.

❚ by Kent Caddick Wallwork has been working professionally in the native forestry and carbon forestry fields for 20 years and has his own forest (50% pine and 50% native) just out of Geraldine which he uses to hone his forestry and carbon skills.

Trees That Count runs a community marketplace where members of the public and businesses can fund or gift native trees which are then matched with planting groups looking to upscale their work. To date, New Zealand is greener to the tune of more than 250,000 native trees which have been funded through Trees That Count.

Forest Management LTD

In the Canterbury region, Wallwork will be working to identify and target appropriate sites which would benefit from planting or the establishment of permanent native forest.

“Anyone in Canterbury who is interested in native tree planting or forest restoration should contact me,” Wallwork says.

“This is a great opportunity to find out what support Trees That Count can provide. As well as access to native trees from our marketplace, we’ll be developing region specific learning resources and field-based practical workshops for interested planters across the region.”

Wallwork says people don’t need to be an expert tree planter to get involved.

“We know lots of people are interested

in planting more native trees but they’re not sure where to start. That’s where we come in.”

Trees That Count was established in 2016 as a programme of Project Crimson, the charitable conservation trust which led the efforts to restore pohutukawa and rata from near extinction almost 30 years ago.

Trees That Count is also building a picture of the planting efforts in New Zealand every year by officially counting the native trees which are planted by community groups, government agencies, schools and people in their own backyards. This makes it possible to measure the collective impact of native tree planting. The live tree count is now well over 23 million native trees.

With 25 years experience in the industry, the Forest Management Team offer services in: • Woodlot and shelterbelt harvesting • Timber sales to domestic and export markets • Forest establishment of harvested and greenfield sites • Forest valuation • Emission Trading Scheme advice and management • Trainer/Assessor in NZQA forestry related units Our highly experienced teams aim to ensure value optimisation in all aspects of forest management.

To find out more call us on 03 343 4101 or visit www.forestmanagement.co.nz Native planter: Canterbury’s Regional Advisor for Trees That Count Clayton Wallwork is calling on rural communities to get involved.

!

D E ANT

W

Your old Macrocarpa or Gum Trees!

Do you have a stand of trees?

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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2019

Thank you for helping your community

Fall Zones

Notice and Growth limit zones

To all of you who have had your trees trimmed before they became a problem, thank you for keeping all the farms working and families in your community warm, happy and healthy.

You can be proud of the fact that you kept the local cowsheds milking, water pumps pumping and sheep shearers shearing.

You may not think that what you’ve done has had much impact on your neighbours, but from all of us here at Orion, we just want to say thank you.

We’re not exaggerating.

Where do I start?

On our network, 10-20% of all unplanned power outages are caused by trees — including vegetation — coming into contact with power lines. Other than this, fire damage to property from branches sparking in dry conditions and serious injury from electrocution from contact with trees touching power lines are also possible consequences of not maintaining your trees.

Before you begin, remember to keep yourself, and those around you, safe. We recognise that not everyone is experienced in tree trimming and are happy to advise you on what to do. We can arrange for trees near power lines to be trimmed at your expense, however we recommend you hire professionals to safely carry out the work.

How close is too close?

While most damage is caused by trees falling on power lines, significant risk exists from trees merely touching them. This risk increases the higher the voltage of the power line.

The minimum distances that must be maintained between trees and power lines, as defined in the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003, are outlined in the diagrams above.

All vegetation should be kept out of the growth limit zone and preferably the notice zone.

Sometimes it may not be practical to have a tree trimmed at the rate at which it grows and unfortunately, this means it may need to be removed. Other situations may require trees to be removed, most commonly when they are at a high risk of falling due to disease or adverse weather events.

If you or someone working for you intends to work within four metres of power lines, a close approach consent is required from Orion before you start. As a tree owner, you may be liable for any damage caused by carrying out trimming or felling of trees.

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Will I be fined if I don’t comply?

If a cut or trim notice is given to you and you fail to have the tree trimmed and/or advise us of the time and location of the trim without a reasonable excuse, this is an offence. This will make you liable for a fine not exceeding $10,000. If the offence continues, you will be liable for a further fine of not more than $500 for every day or part day during which the offence continues.

Orion New Zealand owns and operates the electricity distribution network in central Canterbury between the Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers and from Canterbury coast to Arthur’s Pass.

31

32

June 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

UN antimicrobial resistance report — immediate global action needed to divert crisis

New Zealand is a low user of antimicrobials in animals, but needs to join intensive efforts required to overcome resistance to these vital medicines.

Mark Ross ❚❚by Chief ❚❚ executive of Agcarm

Resistance is not only a human health issue.

Antimicrobials are used to treat a variety of bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic diseases – in people, animals and plants.

Our farmers and the food industry don’t use antibiotics unnecessarily or routinely to promote growth and prevent disease in healthy animals.

This helps preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics that are important for human medicine. In some countries, approximately 80 percent of total consumption of medically important antibiotics is in the animal sector, largely for growth promotion in healthy animals.

Over-use and misuse of antibiotics in animals and humans is contributing to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. Some types of bacteria that cause serious infections in humans have already developed resistance to most or all of the available treatments, and there are very few promising options in the research pipeline.

Improving antibiotic prescribing and use is critical to ensure that bacteria don’t become resistant to antibiotics. Prescribers should only treat people and animals with antibiotics when they need them for medically sound reasons.

UN, international agencies and experts recently released a ground-breaking report demanding immediate, coordinated and ambitious action to avert a potentially disastrous crisis.

The world is already feeling the economic and health consequences as crucial medicines become ineffective, claims the UN Interagency Coordinating Group (IACG) on Antimicrobial Resistance who released the report, ‘No Time to Wait: Securing the future from drug-resistant infections’.

Without investment from countries in all income brackets, future generations will face the disastrous impacts of uncontrolled antimicrobial resistance.

Concrete recommendations for indus-

try, government and academia are outlined in the report – including increasing funding, prioritising action plans and researching new technologies.

This extends to supporting awareness of the prudent use of antimicrobials by professionals in human, animal and plant health.

An Antibiotic Sales Analysis report, released by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) in November 2018, suggests that prudent use of antibiotics and good antibiotic stewardship is occurring in New Zealand.

This is demonstrated by a reduction in the use of antibiotics that are considered to be critically important to human health, in proportion to increasing animal numbers.

Although New Zealand is a low user of antimicrobials in animals, it’s critical that our government support MPI to make resistance management a priority. We need to ensure that we keep monitoring and researching resistance issues.

It will be disappointing if there is no Government funding dedicated to MPI for antimicrobial resistance management, surveillance and research within New Zealand in the upcoming 2019 budget. We are at a critical point in facing this global challenge to public health, animal health and welfare, and food security. We must all play our part in maintaining access to and efficacy of these essential medicines.

Antibiotics must be part of a broader approach to managing disease – including good animal husbandry, biosecurity and preventative health programmes such as vaccinations – to reduce the need for antibiotics.

“Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats we face as a global community. This report reflects the depth and scope of the response needed to curb its rise and protect a century of progress in health,” says UN Deputy Secretary-General and Co-Chair of the IACG, Ms Amina Mohammed.

“It rightly emphasises that there is no time to wait and I urge all stakeholders to act on its recommendations and work urgently to protect our people and planet and secure a sustainable future for all.”

CANTERBURY FARMING

CALVING

June 2019

33

Farm safety story book launched in wake of tragedy A woman who lost her partner in a farm incident has launched a book to keep children safe on the farm.

Harriet Bremner’s partner James Hayman died in a farm machinery incident in Hakataramea Valley in January 2017.

After James’ death, Harriet wrote a children’s book about the friendship between her partner and his miniature dachshund named Poppy. The book was called Bob n Pops, their nicknames.

Now, her new book, Be Safe, Be Seen, sees Poppy take on the challenges of keeping safe on the farm as a little dog.

Primary School teacher Harriet hopes that kids will heed the safety messages in the book and that families reading the book to their children will be reminded to make safe choices at work every day.

“It’s about looking at the jobs to be done and making sure they can be done safely before you get started on them,” Harriet says.

“If I can keep just one family together, because someone thinks twice about where they take the quad bike or heading back out to get a job done when they are exhausted,

‘

We’re encouraging farmers to make sensible decisions.

Al McCone, WorkSafe Be safe: Author Harriet Bremner and her miniature dachshund Poppy who is featured in a new book on farm safety.

then my story has served a really important purpose.”

Al McCone, WorkSafe’s engagement lead for agriculture said the book told a positive story to get kids thinking about being healthy and safe on farm.

“Three children died on New Zealand farms last year and agriculture continues to have a tragic record for fatalities on farm.

This needs to be turned around,” McCone said.

“We’re encouraging farmers to make sensible decisions and be aware of the risks on the farm and Harriet’s story is one way that families can connect with these actions.”

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34

June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

CALVING

Keep a watchful eye on your cows when it’s calving time Cows close to calving, or springers, must be inspected frequently and most farms arrange for them to be checked at least every six hours and sometimes more frequently if conditions require it.

❚ Article supplied by DairyNZ

If calving is not proceeding normally, remedial action must be taken and a moving vehicle must not be used to provide traction to assist calving.

Check springers for signs of labour regularly, quietly and thoroughly and record what you observe.

Walk quietly through the springer mob – when cows are feeding is best. Don’t walk through the mob when cows are hungry and are waiting to be moved to fresh grass or a new break. Look for cows that are showing signs of labour.

Check cows at least four times a day.

Your manager will set a routine for springer checks.

Check all areas of the paddock and, depending how good the fencing is, check the paddocks next door as well.

Check drains, hollows, long grass, hedges – anywhere a calf could be sleeping.

Note the number of any cow or heifer that has started to show signs of calving, or has calved, and report to your manager so you can keep an eye on her progress.

water bag protruding.

The preparation phase can take up to six hours in cows and 72 hours in heifers.

Look for these signs when observing springers: • away from herd and reduced appetite • pelvic ligaments relaxed - vulva looks swollen and flabby • dip between tailhead and pin-bones • tummy less full as calf moves into birth canal/birthing position • mothering other cows’ calves • discomfort – swishing tail, arched back, restless, peeing, kicking and nosing at her side, tail raising • straining/contractions • water bag protruding.

Delivery

Early signs of labour • Swelling of udder can happen up to a month before calving.

• Milk dripping from teats.

• Mucus string from vulva (from plug of mucus that seals the vulva).

• Restless.

Calving will progress at different rates for different cows. Some may show all

the signs whereas others may show very few signs.

Generally labour can be broken into two stages; preparation for labour and delivery.

Preparation for labour An arched back shows the cow is restless and in preparation for labour. Other signs include: kicking and nosing at her side, restless straining, swishing tail in discomfor t, tail raising, vulva swollen and flabby

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Once the feet are 10cm clear of the vulva the head has cleared the pelvis. The chest of the calf has not passed through the pelvis at this stage and the umbilical cord is still attached so the cow is still providing oxygen to the calf.

Once the head has cleared the pelvis, the cow may rest for a minute or two. Once the calf’s shoulders have cleared the pelvis, the birth will continue fairly quickly.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

35

Keeping dairy farmers up to speed To ensure their message gets through to farmers DairyNZ runs three ‘Hubs’ focussing on the needs of dairy farmers specific to their regions.

❚ Article supplied by DairyNZ

One hub covers the Upper North Island, a second the Lower North Island and the third covers the South Island.

We talk to South Island Hub leader Tony Finch about his team’s focus on the needs of dairy farmers specific to their region.

What areas does your team cover?

The whole of the South Island: Top of the South, West Coast, Canterbury North Otago and Southland South Otago. We have our ‘Hub’ office based at Lincoln near Christchurch, plus offices in Invercargill, Greymouth and Timaru.

What roles are in your team?

Excluding myself, we have 17 consulting officers (two are regional team leaders for Canterbury and Southland), three events and administration staff, a farm business management specialist and three Dairy Connect coordinators, plus animal husbandry, policy, and regional catchment specialists.

We work closely with other regionally based DairyNZ people and also have dedicated staff supporting the Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) response throughout the south.

Going the extra mile: DairynZ’s South Island Hub leader Tony Finch (second from right) says farmers are acknowledging his regional team’s increased connection with them, despite the region’s ‘tyranny of distance’.

Has your team changed its structure or priorities recently?

What regional problems are you trying to solve?

Under DairyNZ’s new national three-Hub regional structure, we’ve increased our contact with farmers and the importance of talking to them directly, especially face-to-face. It’s a challenge in some more isolated, less populated areas where the tyranny of distance can get in the way of meeting farmers’ expectations – we’re doing our best to address that.

South Island dairy farmers have told us their main concerns are ‘people’ and ‘the environment’, so our regional priorities reflect that.

They link to a range of projects, including our sustainability projects within Selwyn and Hinds (Canterbury) and Aparima (Southland).

Both are community projects working with a number of dairy farmers to help them meet environmental regulations.

Another project rolling out over three years is attracting and maintaining a skilled workforce in Canterbury and Southland. We’re also keen to find innovative ways to raise people’s awareness of dairying as an attractive career opportunity, especially among young ‘career-changers’.

What recent achievements are you proud of?

We have done an outstanding job of working and helping farmers through the difficult chal-

lenges of M. bovis – our team has worked tirelessly around that. We’re also connecting with more farmers now and they’re acknowledging that.

Overall, we have a diverse collection of people within our team with strong dairy backgrounds. They are all very passionate and empathetic about the industry and helping farmers.

For further information on DairynZ hubs, visit: www.dairynz.co.nz

36

June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Split gas approach ‘right decision’ Dairy farmers and climate change ambassadors for the dairy sector have welcomed the split gas approach taken in the Government’s Zero Carbon Bill.

❚ by Kent Caddick

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The split gas approach means the main agricultural gas, methane, will receive a different reduction target to carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.

“The science has been clear all along that its fair and appropriate for farmers to reduce and stabilize methane, rather than reduce it to net zero,” says Northland farmer Andrew Booth.

“But this isn’t letting our sector off easily at all. The 2030 target, to reduce methane by 10% by 2030, is a tough ask. It could be achievable if there is a big enough drive and buy in from farmers. But it will be a challenge.

“We are already one of the lowest emissions dairy producers in the world.

For some of our best performing farmers there isn’t a lot of room to move, and other farmers will need support as they figure out what tweaks they can carry out on farm to lower their emissions.”

Canterbury dairy farmer Theona Blom says the emissions intensity of milk solids has decreased over the last 25 years, but dairy farmers are now focused on reducing total emissions.

“This means we need to make a choice not to increase production as our efficiency improves and our on farm emissions decrease. I am certain this is a change that dairy farmers are ready to make.”

She says the biggest obstacles facing dairy farmers are knowledge and time.

“The key to making these changes is ensuring you understand the individual situation on your farm, and where the opportunities exist for making changes that are suitable for your farm and region.

“The 2030 target is a first step. And we need to make the most of the transition period to position our farms to be profitable and sustainable over the long term.”

Theona Blom, along with husband Johan, farm in partnership with Southern Pasture’s on Kowhai Farm between Hororate and Rakaia. They farm an all grass system, with 900 cows on an effective milking platform of 236 hectares.

“The best way farmers can reduce

Right path: Theona Blom (left), pictured with fellow Canterbury based DairynZ Climate Change Ambassador Devon Slee, believes the Government’s split gas approach to the Zero Carbon Bill is the right way to go. methane is by using less supplementary feed, alongside other small changes to the way a farm is managed that can increase efficiencies.

“By operating at best management practice farmers can make some small incremental improvements to their emissions profile.”

Waikato dairy farmer George Moss said every farm is unique and each farmer will need to analyse their emissions profile to understand where there

may be room to improve.

“For some farmers there is a very fine balance between farming in an environmentally sustainable way and still maintaining financial security.”

He said there was a good future in the sector, especially for those younger farmers coming through.

“Many of them already want to do things differently to how we do, just as we do things differently to the generation before us.”

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CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

37

Is science being misused?

Because it is under permanent grazed pasture that carbon can be most readily sequestered pastoral farmers should be excited about an economy that is putting increased focus and value on carbon. And yet we’re not, for the very good reason that intensive pastoral farming as practised on most dairy properties results in a loss of carbon.

❚ with Peter Burton One of our leading research scientists in a discussion a little over two years ago stated that all irrigated land in this country “without exception” was losing carbon.

The question is, how is it that adding water resulting in increased pasture production causes carbon to be lost?

More pasture growth results in more carbon dioxide being sucked in by plants, oxygen is then released with the carbon fraction being stored in the soil. Yet that process doesn’t appear to be working.

Maybe the measures aren’t accurate, or the wrong stuff is being measured. That would seem unlikely. More likely is that something is happening in the soil that is stopping the natural process of carbon sequestration occurring.

It’s an important issue because where extra carbon is stored, more nitrogen can be

captured and held resulting in less being lost via leaching to groundwater.

For this reason, intensive pastoral farming should be encouraged, particularly in sensitive catchment areas. Yet the reverse is the case with the consequence that livestock farming will become less intensive with catchment areas being increasingly planted in trees.

There are intensive, highly productive pastoral properties that are carbon positive, but they are in the minority.

The reason some do but most don’t comes down to the frequency and amount of nitrogen fertiliser applied, and a three year study by a recognised research institute could confirm that and also identify the reasons for it occurring.

Dr Christine Jones states that for carbon to be sequestered in the soil, particularly in a form that is resistant to loss, specific microbial activity is necessary.

The frequent application of fertiliser nitro-

gen creates an environment whereby soil microbes are unable to carry out this function and carbon as a result is steadily lost.

With less carbon in the soil, moisture and nutrient holding capacity is reduced and annual pasture production declines. That’s been the case here for the last forty years and as time goes on it is becoming increasingly apparent.

To counter that loss, farms have become increasingly reliant on cheap brought in feed, and more grazing off. The days of cheap PKE are numbered and unless a fair price is paid for hay, silage, and baleage it will become increasingly scarce and more expensive.

Quality grazing will also in time reflect the true cost of growing that feed and prices will inevitably lift.

Perhaps the greatest concern at present is the price of land. Fewer farms are selling and they are taking longer to sell. The solution is a reduction in prices being asked. If the price

of farms halved more would sell, however the consequences of that would result in huge upheaval.

The obvious solution to all the above issues is to move from a fertiliser nitrogen reliant system to one where the same amount of N is available as a result of natural soil processes.

And for those who think this change isn’t feasible or plausible even folk at the major fertiliser companies acknowledge that change is imminent and probably a good thing.

Many rightly argue that any change must be science driven. Making the science available is just a matter of demanding that the research be undertaken.

The long-term consequence of not doing so is a significant reduction in our pastoral farming industry and resultant land prices that are anyone’s guess.

For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

38

June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Water and wellbeing Water is essential for life – we all know this, objectively and intuitively.

However, it is not often that individually or collectively we stop and think about what water means for community wellbeing.

Wellness: Water is closely tied to the productivity of land which affects community prosperity and wellbeing.

Photo: Andrew Penny (LeARnZ)

elizabeth Soal ❚ by ❚ Irrigation NZ Incorporating wellbeing into freshwater decision-making provides us with a new lens to understand the effects of those decisions and improve how we do things.

Wellbeing is not a new concept – local government was tasked with incorporating aspects of wellbeing into their planning several years ago.

However, it is now becoming a nationallevel priority, with the focus shifting to intergenerational wellbeing, reducing inequality, measuring how we are doing outside of purely economic indicators, and ensuring that decisions are made that improve outcomes across a number of areas at the same time.

How we need think about freshwater and its management aligns well with these wellbeing objectives.

The development and management of water infrastructure is a good example – whether that be for renewable energy generation, municipal supplies, irrigation, or waste and

stormwater. I heard a quote that one does not solve water infrastructure issues once and for all, but that they continually need to be re-solved over time. It is, by its nature, intergenerational.

So, we need to think about the intergenerational aspects of what our communities’ needs and aspirations will be in the future when we consider options such as water storage. This will become even more important as climate change impacts on water availability over time.

How will we manage the predicted periods of prolonged dry, punctuated with periods of more intense, heavy rainfall? This applies as much to urban water as to rural, and we need to think about this now, not once we find ourselves in the midst of a crisis.

Although irrigation may be seen by some as a means of increasing private wealth, it is an important means of improving community wellbeing for many rural areas.

Research has found that irrigation is high-

‘

Irrigation must be thought of in terms of how it contributes to wellbeing.

ly effective at reducing inequality in social and health service provision and outcomes, as well as improving the ‘traditional’ economic indicators of GDP contribution, increased wages, higher status jobs, and retaining tertiary-educated young people within a community.

The critical water-related issues facing communities require innovative solutions that provide for a variety of values and well-

being indicators – from improved health outcomes through clean drinking water supplies, to cultural health, to water for productive purposes.

Irrigation is one part of this and must be thought of in terms of how it contributes to that wellbeing.

If we are to achieve the outcomes that we all want for our freshwater resources, then thinking about water’s contribution to community wellbeing will allow us to better frame debates about investment, development, and regulations that consider and provide for intergenerational outcomes and equality.

As a small island nation, we have the means and opportunity of developing a crosssector approach to freshwater not available to other countries. Such an approach would recognise the importance of water to all measures of wellbeing and guides decisionmaking relating to its use and management – from drinking water, to cultural values, to ecosystem health, to irrigation.

WATER & IRRIGATION

Tony Trewinnard ❚ by ❚ Blue Skies Weather

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

39

Situation normal for Winter

It has not been easy trying to find trends for this coming winter.

As far as the Southern Oscillation goes, a weak El Nino pattern currently exists in the central tropical Pacific, but it appears to be poised to decay over the next month or two into a neutral state.

Broader global patterns currently are not strongly supportive of a move either towards El Nino or La Nina, with both outcomes having occurred from similar initial patterns in recent years.

Not surprisingly, current computer modelling shows a wide range of potential outcomes for the rest of the year from full on El Nino, through neutral, to moderate La Nina. Not much help at this point in time.

The safest option is to consider this winter as likely having neutral Southern Oscillation, with little impact from global scale patterns on New Zealand’s weather.

The one factor perhaps worth considering is the development of a colder than normal eastern Indian Ocean over the last month or two. The downstream impact of this on New Zealand in the winter months is to increase the frequency of southwest airflows, and that is also the one trend that computer models seem to agree on.

Looking at analogs of past similar autumns and extrapolating the subsequent winters has not been particularly helpful this time around, with a range of conflicting outcomes. The only common thread seems to be an increase in winter cloudiness, and reduced sunshine hours.

Putting all this together, I expect a reasonably “normal” winter overall, in the sense that taken over the June to August period as a whole, temperatures and rainfall should be reasonably near normal for most places.

A mix of stormy periods and settled periods of the type experienced most winters is to be expected.

There will be some exceptions, and some trends to look out for. If there is an increase in the frequency of southwesterly airflows that could make western and southern parts of both islands a little cooler than normal, and for the west and south of the South Island, also wetter.

It could also lead to long dry periods for the east of both islands from Canterbury northwards, punctuated more by cold fronts with southwesterly changes than significant storms.

However, western areas of both islands may be cloudier than usual, and this trend may well extend to the east of the South Island as well.

Looking further ahead, it seems unlikely we will see a significant El Nino event develop until we are past the current solar cycle minimum (although once past it, an El Nino event is a likely development, maybe the 2020/21 summer?).

At present there is considerable disagreement about when solar minimum will occur, but best estimates suggest late this year or during our summer, which will make it too late for an El Nino event to develop for the 2019/20 summer.

In contrast, extrapolation of solar

trends suggests the potential for a La Nina event to develop over the coming spring and summer. If this comes about, then expect our spring to be a full on westerly version with plenty of strong westerly airflows, bringing periods of gales, heavy rains in the west of the country, and dry mild weather in the east.

However, a La Nina summer would turn that pattern around, with reduced westerly airflow, and more storms affecting most of the country, especially the North Island. We would also see long fine periods for the west and south of the South Island.

Rainfall could be well above normal in many areas with reduced sunshine.

We need to keep an eye on trends in the next few months to see if the early signals of this pattern emerge further, because potential impacts on New Zealand could be significant (think of our last La Nina summer, 2017/18).

Blue Skies regularly generates six-week outlooks and long range seasonal outlooks (with info like this article) which are being used by many of the country’s largest corporate growers in agriculture and horticulture, and in other fields as well.

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40

June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

The need to be inspired Dr Tony Davoren ❚ with ❚ Hydro Services

It’s the end of the irrigation season and there is limited scope to write about the irrigation season, whether you should be thinking about irrigation (or not) and/or why did you irrigate. At this time of the year it is hard to be inspired for a theme.

May is really not a month when inspiration for something topical about irrigation is obvious. Like you at the end of the season one can feel a little “burnt” out when it comes to irrigation.

Of course this circumstance is not inspiring for an article or the farmer, other than well some maintenance is urgently required before the next season.

I thought a Field Day I ran in Hawarden for potential shareholders for the re-vamped Hurunui Irrigation Scheme might have provided that “sudden brilliant or timely idea” or “mentally stimulated me to do something creative” – like write this article before the deadline. Not so.

While I felt at home talking about: • The contrasting soil types at the property and getting the group to get the soil between their fingers and feel the texture • The irrigation requirements of these contrasting soils (how much water did they need to buy) • How one could or would irrigate the property to maximise the water purchased • The pros and cons of different irrigation systems and makes • The importance of measuring soil moisture and getting good manage-

plenty of soils similar to Waipara and the surety of water in the future (only run-of-the-river initially and lower reliability) that would for good quality production.

What can I grow But they are likely contract growers and not one to to pay for the have a label • Just provide “resilience” water? to the existing farming operation (mostly breeding – A singularly operations at the field day).

I guess if one spreads the great question. cost over all the hectares it looks a little rosier What we do know is in an environment like the Hawarden area in North Canterbur y, it is a whole lot better to be farming with water than withhumidity, virgin arable soils, high sunout, and, to use a terrible cliché, “it will nevshine hours, little NE wind, they would er be cheaper than it is today” (the water have crop separation that is).

• They could grow vegetables – fresh My answers were inadequate and proba(like baby spinach in the photo) or for bly not “inspirational” to those hoping for the processing (peas, beans or potatoes). “golden goose” moment.

But there is no immediate processing But when the arable industry (which was facility and will they (the processors) the focus) is not flush with good reliable highcome to the district? ly profitable options for first time irrigators, • Look at the potential to grow grapes? reality is better than a dream.

Sure there is potential. There are

‘

ment advice to maximise the use of the water; To answer their burning question, “what can I grow to pay for the water?” was not inspirational.

A singularly great question, and I really didn’t have the answer or answers they were seeking. They could: • Grow vegetable seeds like carrots or onions or radish, but will they get a contract? Great environment – hot, low

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CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

June 2019

41

Is my centre pivot at risk of failure?

Almost 50% of centre pivot irrigation systems in Canterbury are over 10 years old. This means they are now beyond half their serviceable life and issues are starting to occur.

There are also many centre pivot systems that have been installed on rolling hill country, or that climb up and down river terraces.

This places increased wear and tear on componentry resulting in a much shorter serviceable life.

Many pivots have had additions to them like underslung effluent systems. If these are not regularly flushed and maintained, they place extra stress and wear on the pivot structure, including corrosion from the buildup of solids.

The Canterbury 2013 windstorm resulted in many components being re-used to get systems up and running quickly. This has resulted in a wide range of componentry age within some pivot systems.

Given all the scenarios above, it means most irrigated farms in Canterbury are getting to a stage where they need a skilled eye run over their irrigation equipment at a minimum of three-yearly intervals.

This will help avoid costly mid-season breakdowns as well as establish an accurate five-year capital expenditure (re-investment) plan – both of which are sensible for your business... and your bank.

Water Strategies has been recently undertaking much infrastructure assessment work for clients, providing each with a detailed report on the remaining serviceable life alongside an associated five-year capital expenditure plan.

The following are the key points we’ve noted from the centre pivot infrastructure assessments we’ve undertaken:

Centre Point Look for loose bolts and cracking. If cracking is observed this is a big red flag as it almost certainly means there’s something seriously wrong and the pivot structure could be starting to fail. The other key consideration for the centre tower is to ensure the pivot point is well greased.

and commonly fail due to the rain cap corroding which allows water to enter into the pump bearings. Endgun sector stops should be regularly checked to avoid overwatering occurring in the overhang zone. The endgun controls also need checking to prevent off target irrigation, particularly if you’re beside 128mm x 100mm a road.

month’s column we’ll be covering off assessing Canterbury Farming Option3Inyournextregulators and sprinklers, alongside the pump shed.

Towers

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Again look for loose bolts and cracking. Gearboxes and motors should be serviced annually and in Canterbury their serviceable life is typically 10 years, but if you have wheel rut issues this will become much shorter.

Drilling GROUP

Truss Rods These are an important component as they provide stability to each spans structure – the span pipe and truss rods should form a well-balanced triangle. Undulating ground places a high degree of pressure on truss rods. Of the pivot spans we assessed last month we found over 40% of them had stretched, which resulted in the span structure being unbalanced and at risk of failing (collapsing).

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Span Pipes and Goose Necks Corrosion is the primary issue with these and it takes a keen eye to know what to look for as they rust from the inside out!

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June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

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

LIVESTOCK

A few holes in the market

Following on from a few weeks when wool prices had been showing signs of improvement, the latest wool auction held in Christchurch on 16 May proved somewhat difficult for brokers as catalogues containing ranges of vastly differing wool types, were carefully scrutinized by the export trade.

With wools catalogued ranging from approximately 17 micron through to well in excess of 40 micron, and y minus z colour measurements recording from approximately negative 2.0 (very good colour) through to positive 15.0 (very poor colour), no-one was prepared to make any real predictions of the possible outcomes, however from the opening call of the auctioneer on sale day it became apparent that there would definitely be some ‘holes’ in the market.

Compared to the 2 May auction, prices for good colour pre-lamb shorn full length crossbred fleece and genuine second-shear fleece improved on 16 May, although buyers obviously had limited requirement.

Poor colour fleece wools, regardless of length, many of which had been stored from earlier in the season by growers not prepared to meet the market straight after shearing,

‘

By the close of the 16 May auction a higher than anticipated number of mid-micron type lots had been passed-in for failing to reach grower reserve prices.

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were another kettle of fish entirely, struggling to reach pre-sale estimate pricing, and eased in value compared to 2 May, often by between four and six per-cent.

A few old seasons’ wools were also offered on 16 May and once again did not gain too much support, however that was dependent upon quality. With the Kiwi dollar also having eased by around 1.25% compared to two weeks earlier, it became obvious that the poor wool types are likely to continue to battle going forward.

Several lines of crossbred lamb’s wool were offered in the May 16 auction with most of those continuing to gain strong competition from the export bench. Prices remained at similar healthy levels to those ruling on 2 May in Christchurch.

A handful of mid-micron wools were offered on 16 May and after the market in Australia having eased a little earlier in the week for similar micron brackets, the local market also was easier than the exceptionally good sale held on 2 May in Christchurch.

Most of the mid-micron types catalogued for the 16 May sale were mixed and several carried high vegetable matter contamination. By the close of the auction a higher than anticipated number of these lots had been

passed-in for failing to reach grower reserve prices, however those better mid micron wools which did in fact sell, reached levels around five per-cent below those achieved on 2 May. A very small offering of merino wool was also offered on 16 May with many passed-in at levels well below the previous sale, probably due to the small volumes actually on offer, meaning buyers would struggle to make container loads for shipment.

The market in Australia earlier in the week had also eased, possibly due to quality issues however there was more likely relevance to the Chinese authorities having lifted their ban on Sth African wool imports earlier in the week, and which had been imposed several weeks previous around a reported foot and mouth disease outbreak in South Africa.

As we approach the last selling month of the current season the outlook for good wool types appears reasonably healthy in my opinion, certainly in regards to demand for wool but probably not in regards to any surge in pricing. Poor wool types will most likely continue to struggle and, in my opinion, growers who have these types should “sell and regret but sell”.

That’s my view.

CANTERBURY FARMING June 2019

LIVESTOCK

43

New velvet tracking tags proposed

Before long it may be possible to electronically track each individual stick of deer velvet back from the marketplace to the farm of origin.

❚❚by Trevor Walton A new tracing system is now being considered by vets, farmers, buyers, exporters and others in the velvet supply chain.

This would see the nylon cable ties that are currently used to tag velvet being replaced with a new type of tag that will carry a barcode and a UHF electronic chip.

Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) science and policy manager Catharine Sayer says the new tags will be more durable than the nylon cable ties that tend to become brittle and break during freezing. They will also add value, by: • Enabling fast, accurate and effortless product tracing for food safety or biosecurity reasons • Indicating that the farm of origin complies with velvetting welfare and food safety rules • Helping farmers, vets and other businesses in the velvet supply chain with their inventory management, which will become virtually paperless, and • Supporting the premium market positioning of NZ velvet, by allowing branding to be added and reducing the risk of counterfeiting.

Sayer says several prototype tags have been piloted by members of the Southland

methods would then change, Sayer says.

UHF chips are cheap. They also enable multiple tags to be read quickly and accurately at the same time, such as in depots and packhouses handling large volumes of sticks of velvet in a consignment or container.

“Under the proposed new system, farmers won’t have to scan tags, keep a note of numbers, nor keep paper records of tags received, applied or transferred. Nor would they have to produce paper VSDs,” she says.

Farmers could still, if they wish, use the barcode to scan sticks on the farm using smartphones or other barcode readers.

The stick’s barcode could then be associated with other information entered into a farm management system, such as the stick’s weight and grade and the stag’s NAIT tag.

Tagged: Wapiti velvet with a wristband-type tag. The deer industry is considering using a similar type of tag to enable velvet to be traced back from the marketplace to the farm of origin.

Photo: Tony Pullar, Elk & Wapiti Society of NZ

branch of the NZ Deer Farmers Association as well as the three largest velvet exporters. Their feedback and that of the National Velvet Standards Body has been used to make some firststage refinements to the proposed system.

“The best format appears to be an artificial paper ‘wrist band’ similar to that used in past years by the Elk-Wapiti Society (pictured),” she says.

In the next (2019-20) season a barcoded version of the new tag will be introduced to

replace the cable tie, but existing tag distribution, recording, paperwork and Velvet Status Declarations (VSDs) requirements will not change. As soon as the selection and design of this tag is finalised, DINZ will advise velvet farmers about the use of remaining stocks of cable ties.

If this new tag works well, DINZ will look to roll out in the 2020-21 season a fully electronic system with UHF electronic chips in the tags. Record keeping requirements and

Fact sheets explaining the system and its advantages are posted at www.deernz.org/ velvet-traceability.

DINZ will hold shed meetings during June and July, where farmers and others will be able get their questions answered about the proposed new system and give their feedback.

For more information, contact: catharine.sayer@ deernz.org, or phone 04 471 6116.

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44

June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Radical new Hiace ‘next level’ Hiace, the dependable ‘go-to’ van and passenger transporter for more than five decades, has been radically re-worked from top to bottom in its new fifth generation guise.

❚ Article supplied by ToyotaNZ

The Hiace is so ubiquitous it’s almost the household word for van. It has played a role in growing and supporting successful businesses and economies around the world.

Hiace vans are part of daily lives, transporting people and cargo, tools and small packages across towns, cities and rural roads.

While Toyota has kept the core functionality in the new Hiace – the great load-carrying ability, easy maintenance and its multiple interior layout configurations – it has also found ways to improve those features and add greater comfort, durability and safety.

Most noticeable about the all-new 2019 Hiace is the shift to a semi-bonnet design. By shifting the engine and front wheels forward of the driver and front passenger the Hiace gains increased quietness and comfort when travelling, and improved egress and ingress.

Secondly, the semi-bonnet platform provides a longer wheelbase with increased exterior length by 570mm for the ZR and 535mm for the ZX over the previous model – and revisions to the cargo area shape allowing drivers to take advantage of the increased payload, by up to 85kgs in the ZR. The width in the ZR and ZX variants has also been aligned, increasing the accommodation for wide cargo such as pallets or

gib board to lie flat in the back between the wheel arches.

With the knowledge that Hiace is used by a myriad of businesses including farming, Toyota have looked for continual improvements that allow for greater customisation as well as providing a range of seating layouts for commuter vans and tourist operators.

All new variants of the Hiace have a height adjustable driver’s seat for increased driver comfort.

Driver and passenger technology have also been updated. All models have a 7” touchscreen audio unit with satellite navigation and SUNA traffic channel as well as Mobile Assistant, Bluetooth and Voice Recognition.

The driver cockpit has a 4.2” colour multi information display with a digital speedometer, and cruise control.

The body of the new Hiace is also wider than the previous model at 1950mm. The wider body has allowed for more useful storage for the driver and passenger and thanks to the semi-bonnet design useful storage for order books, vehicle logs and the like has been built into the centre console.

The new silhouette of Hiace is squarer from the rear profile and more powerful looking from the front. The new semi-bonnet and grille is wide and powerful with relatively high front combined headlights. The combined

Changes: The most noticeable change about the all-new 2019 Hiace is the shift to a semi-bonnet design and a larger cargo area. rear taillights are also enlarged.

With a completely revised platform and body, the new Hiace improves access for passengers and cargo alike.

The front door opening has a wider step, providing greater access. Larger fixed-glass areas on the front doors increases side-toside visibility. A lower belt line gives the driver an improved downward field of vision at the front.

The new Hiace features the Toyota Safety Sense package, which is now standard across the new range. The new model Hiace includes Toyota Safety Sense consisting of Pre-Collision System with Autonomous

Emergency Braking and vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian detection. It also has Lane Departure Alert with brake control (Yaw Assist) and vehicle sway warning, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beam. Other safety features include Trailer Sway control, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

In addition to the reversing camera, the all-new Hiace also gains front and rear parking sensors.

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

45

Prius still fuel efficiency leader Versatile: The Prius features multiple driving modes to suit driving conditions.

By ensuring the best fuel efficiency for the driving environment, Prius minimises its CO2 emissions and contributes to New Zealand reducing its total greenhouse gas emissions.

Prius is rated at 3.4L/100km combined fuel consumption and 80kg/km combined CO2.

Since the 2003 introduction of Prius to New Zealand, Toyota has sold more than 5,500 new Prius, Prius c and Prius v.

The new 2019 Prius is available in two variants, the SX at $39,990 and the ZR priced at $46,990.

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The new 2019 Prius brings cleaner, more engaging lines with revised front and rearend treatments, headlights, tail lights, wheel treatment and two new exterior colour choices.

Inside the Prius has been revamped with new upholstery, and a redesigned gloss black centre console. The instrument panel features a new 7” JBL Premium Audio touchscreen display with mobile assistant.

“For almost two decades Prius has delivered drivers with extraordinary fuel efficiency and reliability,” says Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager Product and New Vehicle Sales.

“It has been the cornerstone of development in advanced hybrid technology and has led to the introduction of Corolla and RAV4 hybrids.”

Updated styling for the 2019 Prius incorporates sharp, slim headlights with bi-beam LEDs. New rear combination tail lights have a more horizontal look to emphasise the car’s low centre of gravity.

Overall, the new Prius has a more dynamic look with a strong hip line running forward from the rear built-in spoiler to the front passenger door. The new styling brings the hybrid Prius in line with the look of the Plug-In hybrid electric Prius Prime.

Toyota has thoroughly updated the interior design and technology to provide a unified feel inside the cabin and hands-free functions.

The Mobile Assistant uses Siri or Google Assistant voice commands to perform simple tasks such as sending a text message, setting a reminder, or to check the weather at your destination through your mobile phone.

All of these upgraded features plus Toyota Safety Sense, Satellite Navigation and a colour head-up display are available in the SX base model. The higher-specified ZR model has leather-accented seat material, an eightway powered driver’s seat and front seat heaters.

Every Prius features multiple driving modes to suit the driving conditions. Power mode increases accelerator responsiveness, ECO mode helps to maximise fuel economy and EV mode gives clean emissions-free motoring using electric power only.

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June 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2019

47

❚ with Rob Cope-Williams

Future of climate change As older generations discuss whether climate change is real or not, whether it is just a cycle, or whether we here in New Zealand can really make a change, the world’s young generation are taking it to the extreme.

The young protesting isn’t new; you will remember the Springboks tour demonstrations, the anti-Vietnam war protests that swept across USA and other countries involved with that conflict and to a degree the “Make Love not War” from the hippie movement.

The differences now is that it’s the very young who are doing the demonstrations.

A 16-year-old in the UK, Cyrus Jarvis, is credited with stirring up literally millions of school children to protest across the world. Yes even here in NZ we had a day of protest over global warming.

While comments from older generations included such things as, “they’d be better off to cycle to school and not travel there in their parent’s cars”, was harmless but ill informed.

The thing is that the horse has bolted so forget about closing the stable door.

I understand that in Europe school children are “striking” over global warming and not attending schools every Friday.

Not just one school, or just one Friday, right across Europe and every Friday.

It is, of course, made easier due to cell phones and the communication channels the youngsters have access to.

The momentum the movement has already is frightening for those who are trying to find solutions. Plus that momentum is building every hour of the day.

I suppose that there are ways of achieving Carbon Zero, and in fact ECan have come out and stated we will be Carbon Zero in five years, a big call, so they must have a plan, and that shows others that it can be done.

Some producers have changed their methods to reduce emissions by using composts, no chemicals and clever use of companion plants, but there’s only a handful of them at this stage and they probably suffer from “mainstay” producers thinking it is another form of organic farming, and you know how that staggered and fell many years ago.

However, since those days, the systems have been fine-tuned and now really do work. The vineyard industry has shown how easy it is and I’m sure that other sectors are looking over the fence and watching with interest as costly chemicals are being phased out, and yields are growing.

This drive for Carbon Zero and the Global Warming issue is very real. To ignore it is simply totally stupid as with a whole generation taking to the streets and demanding the planet they are to inherit has to be of their liking there is no room to debate.

For them it is a done deal. Do what has to be done or walk away. They will be voting before you know it.

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June 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING