Canterbury Farming, October 2019 by Canterbury Farming

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

October 2019 Edition

INSIDE

THIS EDITION PM’s Scholarship

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p19 Animal vaccination

p30 Wool uncertainty

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Reuse: Milk from roan Farm will be sold in reusable glass bottles.

Boutique milk business brings back glass bottles A new family-owned boutique milk business is set to bring the clink of glass milk bottles back to Canterbury streets.

❚ by brad Markham James and Chloe Davidson, who have two young children, Angus and Margot, have established Darfield-based Roan Farm. The couple has leased 24 hectares of land where they will produce sought-after A2 milk to sell door-to-door. “There’s something nostalgic about having fresh milk delivered to your door from the farm just down the road,” Chloe said.

Animal welfare, the environment, sustainability and the consumer are a key focus for the fledgling family farm to fridge business. “The conventional dairy industry has some image problems and we want to lead by example and show what is achievable,” said James. “Our cows are grass-fed, our A2 milk will be delivered in reusable glass bottles and we plan to leave calves with their mothers.” Thirty-year-old James is a former FMG

Young Farmer of the Year grand finalist who has carved a name for himself in the traditional dairy sector. “It can be a bit disheartening when you work long hours and your milk gets collected by the milk tanker and you never see it again,” he said. “I want to interact with the people who buy and drink our milk and share with them the story of where it comes from.”

TO PAGE 2

OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Mobile milking shed key to venture FROM PAGE 1

Like many other eager young food producers James and Chloe are educated, skilled and brimming with ideas – but don’t own land, or until recently, a milking shed. The demise of another operator was the catalyst the couple needed to launch their new venture. Last year they spotted the company’s mobile milking equipment for sale on Trade Me. “We knew that if we didn’t take a gamble and buy the milking equipment then, we probably never would,” said James. The equipment James refers to is a unique mobile milking shed on a trailer, which provides huge flexibility for Roan Farm. “We move it every day. So our cows, which are 100 per cent grass-fed, walk up onto the trailer and they’re milked in the paddock,” James said. The mobile shed suits the ‘calf at foot system’. The young calves wait nearby until the cows are milked. Roan Farm is milking 15 cows, including a

Happy: Angus and Margot Davidson enjoy a snack.

number of Milking Shorthorns, with plans to expand as demand grows. Once the milk is harvested, it’s pasteurised then bottled. There are a couple of reasons behind the decision to pasteurise the milk. “Pasteurised milk has a longer shelf life, so there is

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less wastage and it means we can sell it in cafes and supermarkets,” Chloe said. James said he learned a lot about the problem of food waste when he attended the recent Boma NZ agri-summit in Christchurch, which he described as “thought-provoking”. Initially the milk will be delivered to Darfield, West Melton and Christchurch. Routes will increase with demand.

“Our aim is to ramp up slowly. A local café has come on board to sell the milk, as have a couple of small grocers,” Chloe said. The couple said getting the new venture off the ground had been a big learning curve for them. “We’re farming our land organically. We’re in the conversion stage, which is a threeyear process until we’re fully organically certified,” James said. “We’ve been replacing a lot of dryland cocksfoot pastures with a mixed sward of 20odd species of herbs, pasture and legumes.” James and Chloe may not know it, but they’re role models for young dairy farmers in other regions eager to strengthen their connection with consumers.

On the move: roan Farm’s small herd is milked in a mobile milking shed.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Dairy exports up, providing good ‘nutrition’ for the economy The value of New Zealand dairy exports jumped by $1.47 billion to total $18.1 billion in the year ended June 30 – that’s got to be some good nutrition for the New Zealand economy, and help towards providing Kiwis with more of what they say matters to them.

Prof. Graeme Doole ❚ by Principal Economist, DairyNZ. ❚ It doesn’t take an economist to tell you that if we’re to afford more of what is important to our quality of life here in New Zealand, the economy has to grow – and it has to grow sustainably and responsibly to ensure our future generations can continue to benefit and enjoy a high level of wellbeing. Given our relatively small population base, the way to grow a strong and healthy economy is by increasing exports of high-value products. As New Zealand’s largest exporter of goods, the dairy sector currently sits at 31 percent of total merchandise exports, having grown in value over the past two decades at a compound annual rate of eight percent per year. This remarkable growth has been achieved both through increased milk production and by increasing the value of exports through the ongoing product innovation and skilled, targeted marketing by New Zealand’s dairy processing companies. And it’s also important to note is that this growth is being achieved at the same time the dairy sector is stepping forward to embrace greatly improved environmental practices, both on farm and in processing. Dairy exports are a major driver of New Zealand’s terms of trade – this is the ratio of the value of our exports to the value of our imports. An improvement in a nation’s terms of trade increases the purchasing pow-

Performance: As New Zealand’s largest exporter of goods, the dairy sector currently sits at 31 percent of total merchandise exports. er of its people as they can afford more imports for a given level of exports. Due to this effect the export performance of the dairy sector is helping to lower the price of everything New Zealand imports. Take the cars we drive, for example. Thanks to the value of dairy exports, we can afford to import a better quality of vehicle than we would otherwise, and, collectively, we do own more than four million of them – New Zealand coming in at third in the world for vehicle ownership per capita, behind the

tiny European microstate of San Marino and the not much larger Monaco. Then there’s the fuel we import to propel them. Our much-loved, and also imported coffee is a bit cheaper too, so is the imported sugar to stir into it, and even the imported cinnamon to sprinkle on it if your preferred jolt has a little spice on top. The list of imported products and services that are more affordable for Kiwis because of the value of dairy exports is endless. In the year ended June 2019, dairy earned

more than twice as much as the meat and forestry sectors, and 10 times more than wine. As in previous years, our dairy products went to more than 140 different countries, the top markets being China, Australia, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates and Japan. The dairy sector is very strongly entwined with the rest of the New Zealand economy. While urban centres also benefit from dairy’s success, the sector is very much the engine room of rural economies, being the main income earner in the Waikato, West Coast and Southland regions. There are the jobs and incomes dairy provides, as well as the links to the likes of farm consultants, transport, fertiliser and feed suppliers, construction through investment in processing plants and dairy farm infrastructure, and finance through dairy farm loans. Added to this, of course the non-farming sector benefits too – for example supermarkets through the purchase of groceries. Then there’s the benefit of the taxes and rates that dairy pays which help to fund public services throughout New Zealand. It’s reached the point where, today we can say that every one of the 46,000 people employed by the dairy sector brings in the equivalent of $393,000 in export earnings; and every one of the country’s milking cows earns $3,625. Dairy is certainly good nutrition for our economy – as well as our people – and it’s tasty too.

OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

❚ by Damien O’connor

for Agriculture, Biosecurity, ❚ Minister ❚ Food Safety and Rural Communities

Farming for a prosperous and sustainable future

I’m extremely proud of the ongoing performance of our primary sector, and to be part of a Government backing farming for the long term. I regularly meet with people, all over the country, to understand the challenges facing the primary sector and rural New Zealand. Through these hundreds of conversations, I have come to be very sure about a few things. For one, rural New Zealand is thriving. We’re in the second consecutive year of substantial primary sector export growth. Export performance is up nearly $7.5 billion in the last two years. Primary industry revenue is forecast to reach 7% growth on last year. The slowing global economy makes that all the more impressive. Another thing I am sure of is that rural New Zealand has broad-based values and priorities. Farmers care about their bottom lines, of course. But they also care about the quality of what they produce, the wellbeing of their animals and land, and leaving a legacy for the next generation. Rural New Zealand is creative, innovative and forward-looking. If there’s one thing you can expect in farming, it’s that change will come, and we have to adapt. Back in 2015 a KPMG Agribusiness report said, “the picture confirms there is hard work to do”. Unfortunately, the previous Government did very little to tackle these challenges – issues like water quality, climate change and animal welfare. This Government refuses to shy away from the fact that change is coming. We

could bury our heads in the sand, but that won’t stop it and ultimately it will be farmers who are disproportionately affected by our warming climate and our increasingly extreme weather patterns. Sitting back and doing nothing is not an option. If we respond in a smart, coordinated way, we can unlock huge opportunities. We in Government have the responsibility to give farmers the tools and resources to make adaptation a little bit easier. That’s why we’re putting $229 million into supporting farmers’ sustainable land use. We’re establishing a world-class Primary Sector Centre of Vocational Excellence, to build skills and foster new thinking. We’re investing in research into technology that will lower our agricultural emissions. Some would like to paint the values of farming and environmentalism as fundamentally opposed. If you scratch the veneer of that argument, it is quickly revealed as nonsense. If anyone in this country relies on the longterm sustainability of our land and water, it’s farmers. It’s a simple reality that rural people are at the forefront of the fight to protect our productive land for future generations. In my experience, the ultimate environmentalists are the ones who work intimately with our land. It’s true that our farming sector is well ahead of the curve internationally. We always

have been, and that’s what makes our exporters so successful. We turn challenges into opportunities. Our brand is built on environmental best practice, and it’s what international consumers expect of us. It’s not enough to just respond to the changing preferences of the market, we need to be ahead of them, showing consumers what is possible. Negativity and naysaying seems to be the new normal from National. By focusing on limitations instead of possibilities, and by burying their heads in the sand, our opponents are not faithfully serving the interests of farmers. I think National should give farmers much more credit, for understanding the collective challenges and opportunities the sector is facing, and having the common sense and resourcefulness to tackle them head on. I strongly believe that value-growth and sustainability are not a trade-off. In fact, increased sustainability is the only pathway to future prosperity. If we are responsive to international consumer preferences, if we collectively leverage our premium brand, and if we continue to farm smarter, we will make both profitable and environmental gains. I know that all over the country, farmers, as they learn more, are quietly getting on with the job of becoming more efficient with resources and inputs. This Government is backing them, because we know that our

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When it comes to the primary sector sustainability is the only pathway to future prosperity.

economy, our international reputation, and the future of our food production relies on it. Our high quality food and fibre exports are crucial to our economic wellbeing. That’s why the Government is progressing trade deals to open up the world’s largest economies to our primary exports. Because of the generations of hard work by our farmers and growers, we have a reputation of producing some of the finest food in the world. That’s something every New Zealander should be proud of. I think it’s fair to say that the only constants for the primary sectors are change and challenges. Our producers should be really proud of their resilience and ongoing high performance. I’m certainly very proud of them.

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OctOber 2019

Brazil beckons after young farmer receives Prime Minister’s Scholarship Lincoln young farmer Phoebe Topp is counting down the days until she embarks on an educational trip to learn about farming in Brazil.

❚ by Kent caddick The 21-year-old vice-chair of Lincoln Young Farmers has been awarded a sought-after Prime Minister’s Scholarship. She’s one of 65 students from Lincoln University given the scholarships to study in China, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Brazil. “I’m really excited. About 15 of us are going to Brazil in November. We’ll get to attend lectures at several universities and visit different agri-businesses,” Topp said. “It’s going to be interesting comparing Brazil’s farming systems with what I’m familiar with in New Zealand.” The scholarships are designed to help improve understanding of the business practices and culture of New Zealand’s trading partners. “I was awarded the month-long scholarship after applying for it. A motto I live by is ‘you have got to be in it to win it’,” Topp said. “A lot of people don’t apply for scholarships because they think they’re not the smartest or that they won’t get it. My advice is to have a go.” It’s advice the third-year Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) student lives by. She was recently awarded a $5,000 scholarship from Silver Fern Farms. She applied after seeing a post encouraging applications on a NZ Young Farmers social media account. “I was astounded to be named as a recipient. It’s a cool feeling. I’m going to put the money towards my student loan,” she said. Topp got to attend the co-op’s three-day

shareholders’ conference, which had an impressive line-up of thought-provoking guest speakers. “I learned so much. There were lots of forward-thinking ideas, it definitely got my brain ticking over and engaged,” she said. Topp has already secured employment at West Wanaka Station when she returns from Brazil. The station runs 14,000 breeding ewes, 2,000 deer and 1,500 cattle. “I got the job through word of mouth. I’m extremely fortunate. A lot of students still don’t have jobs to go to after their exams finish,” she said. Topp grew up on a sheep and beef farm just out of Martinborough and has experience working on large-scale operations. Over the past summer she spent 11 weeks on Siberia Station near Hunterville as part of a practical work placement for university. The farm has 19,000 breeding ewes and just under 2,000 cattle. “The job involved lots of yard work like dagging and drenching. There were eight of us working during weaning and shearing.” Topp admits she’s going to miss being part of Lincoln Young Farmers, which is the country’s second-largest NZ Young Farmers club. “It’s a very active club. There are 24 stud-

On her way: Lincoln Young Farmer’s vice-chair Phoebe topp is packing her bags for a trip to brazil after being awarded a Prime Minister’s Scholarship.

ying weeks in the university calendar and we have 27 club events during that time. “One of the biggest benefits of belonging

to the club is that you get to know students in younger and older year groups. It’s a great way to make friends.”

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The proposed reforms are misguided and misinformed Recently I reﬂected on the tension and anxiety around our rural kitchen tables as our farmers grapple with the pressures this Government is piling up on their family businesses.

todd Muller ❚ by National Party spokesperson ❚ on Agriculture ❚ Over the last few weeks we’ve seen this further added to by the Government’s Freshwater proposals and unacceptable consultation process. Farmers are still working hard to implement the previous National Party’s freshwater standards, including the first wider ranging set of water quality minimum bottom lines announced just two years ago. Farmers have, and are still fencing off rivers and streams, implementing riparian planting and monitoring their fertiliser usage. These changes are all in the name of improving local catchments with local solutions from local people.

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This is already having a noticeable impact on our water quality, with the Government’s own data from LAWA showing that generally our waterways are improving in eight of nine indicators. Our farmers are not the enemy in the water quality conversation, they are the people who will be implementing the solution. At present, neither the consultation process nor the language from the Government Ministers indicate there is any intention to negotiate or partner with landowners in finding a workable solution going forward. The proposed reforms are misguided, misinformed and need reworking. The purpose of an effective public consultation is to work through the kinks and come out the other side with some workable outcomes. The Government’s own report says the modelling done on what this means for farming is ‘very limited’. Canterbury farmers will be amongst those most affected by these changes with nitrogen usage having to decrease by up to 80 per cent. They deserve answers from the Government. Reports produced by Landcare Research and commissioned by the Ministry for the Environment show that almost 100 per cent of the Clutha catchment would need to be converted to permanent forestry to achieve the policy’s bottom lines. Is this the future we want? This isn’t essential freshwater manage50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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ment, it is economic sabotage that will ultimately be felt by farming families and the wider rural communities in which they live. Water is one of our nations’ critical strategic assets, perhaps second only behind our people. It must continue to be improved, but our farmers must be able to lead the way. Progress will not be made by portraying our improving water quality trajectory as false, imposing targets that can’t be farmed to, providing no economic analysis and limited to no chance to give feedback. David Parker’s legacy will be one of severing any trust between those who farm and his Government.

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Farmers have, and are still fencing off rivers and streams, implementing riparian planting and monitoring their fertiliser usage.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Rural Cantabrian takes political action on emissions scheme

Rural Canterbury blockholder David Moffett has turned from giving advice on farm succession to the future of farming itself by launching a political party to help New Zealand farmers struggling with climate taxes.

❚ by tim Fulton Moffett, a former New Zealand rugby boss, has established the New NZ Party to contest next year’s general election. He says the country’s heavy reliance on International Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) credits makes New Zealand dangerously exposed to one of the world’s most volatile markets. Moffett has a global view of the world and an affinity with rural life. The son of air traffic controller, he lived in Kenya and Tanganyika from age three to 16, living through the last years of colonial Africa. By the age of seven he was spending part of his holidays on large coffee and tea plantations with friends from boarding school in Nairobi. He moved to Australia with his family as a teenager and in working life went on to head several major sporting organisations including the New Zealand Rugby Union. Today he has 10ha across properties at Ashley and Broomfield in North Canterbury, running a small number of sheep and horses. As founder of the New NZ Party, Moffett wants New Zealand to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, which binds the country to a range of targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Paris makes it compulsory for us to contribute tax payments to other economies, many of them of dubious honesty and ac-

countability and rife with corruption”. The cost to Kiwis of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and Paris agreement were considerable, he said. “The Government’s own estimates put the cost at between $14b and $36b from 2021 to 2030 and that is likely to be the tip of the iceberg depending on supply and demand for carbon credits. “To put that into context, ACC raised $5.9b in 2018/19 with operating costs of $726m. “With over 2,000 employees ACC at least contributes to the NZ economy.” Moffett said the agricultural sector long favoured managing its own emissions scheme but had succumbed to government pressure. “The Government recently announced that the agricultural sector would only be slugged with five percent of their actual obligations under the NZ ETS.” He said the New NZ Party didn’t have an issue with the ag sector or other sectors paying this low rate but believed business was being lulled into a false sense of security. “Unfortunately, everyone in every sector will still pay for the full cost of the Paris Agreement. This likely to exceed $4billion per annum over 10 years, and that’s just for starters.” He said the only way to pay for this would be through new taxes or a reduction in services. “As an example, we pay 6.2 cents per litre of petrol and 7.2 cents per litre of diesel as an ETS levy.

Under pressure: New NZ Party founder David Moffett says the agricultural sector has succumbed to government pressure over emissions. “Incredibly we also pay GST on the total fuel excise which means paying an 11 cents per litre tax on taxes. Together that represents 17c and 18c per litre of hidden taxes. “That is what we pay now, and every farming family is saddled with that burden, which is often made worse because of reliance on fuel to not only run their agricultural enter-

prises but also to cover large distances to get kids to school and do important things like shopping and doctors’ visits and the like.” Moffett said the New NZ Party fundamentally believed that declaring a climate emergency based on our emissions was the height of irresponsibility.

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OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Central Banks drive markets Andrew Wyllie ❚ with ❚ Forsyth Barr

Investors should be very satisfied with returns over the last quarter. As Central Banks around the world continued to cut official cash rates and increase monetary stimulus, global interest rates fell. Lower rates lifted the capital value of income generating assets.

trade war between China and the United States. Global growth forecasts for the next 12 months have been lowered by the International Monetary Fund. The United States Federal Reserve made an about-turn from tightening monetary policy to cutting the Federal Funds Rate for the first time in over a decade. Australia cut its official cash rate (OCR) twice in quick succession to 1.0%, and this was eventually followed by an aggressive 50 basis point cut by our own Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), also to an hisWhen you are thinking about your torical 1.0% low. investment options, talk to Forsyth Barr. In Europe, where official cash rates are already negTo get personalised investment advice and portfolio ative, the European Central management specific to your investing needs, talk to Bank is considering further Investment Adviser Andrew Wyllie in confidence on alternative stimulus meas(03) 365 4244 or email andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz ures, and policy makers in China and Japan are also considering monetary and 0800 367 227 fiscal responses to support forsythbarr.co.nz economic activity. Disclosure Statements for Forsyth Barr Authorised Financial Globally, cash rates now Advisers are available on request and free of charge. straddling zero – there is now an estimated US$15 tril-

Central Banks around the world drove markets with an almost seemingly coordinated response to deteriorating global economic conditions. Concerns have been heightened by the

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lion in negative yielding bonds issued; many investors are paying borrowers for the privilege of lending them money. Probably unsurprisingly, high dividend paying equities have continued to find support, despite the softer economic outlook. The equities of defensive dividend paying companies with reliable cash flows such as listed property, infrastructure and utilities, performed particularly well over the quarter. Bonds with longer maturities produced some of the highest returns as falling interest rates pushed their prices up.

Financial Markets: Softer economic growth can be a positive for some assets Over the past 6 to 12 months, interest rates have been heading towards zero across much of the developed world, with Japanese and many European bonds already providing negative yields. Yield curves, which reflect the difference between short-term rates (2 years) and longterm rates (10 years) have also narrowed. On some measures in the United States, long-term rates have fallen below short-term rates. Historically, these “inverted” yield curves have always preceded recessions by 6 to 24 months, although importantly recessions have not always followed these inversions. The current state of interest rates reflects the ongoing sluggish economic recovery since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), and the preference of major Central Banks to keep stimulating financial markets with even lower rates and more money printing. Points to note: • Returns were strong over the past quarter – supported by the relentless march lower in interest rates. • Falling bond yields relative to cash can be a warning sign of recession – though we don’t anticipate this in 2019. • Reliable dividend paying equities, bonds, property and alternatives can thrive in a low interest rate environment.

Investing in a low-rate environment While ever lower interest rates should generally be interpreted with caution, due to the soft underlying economic environment that Central Banks are trying to stimulate, we make some broad observations: • Historically, low rates are positive for assets with reliable cash flows. This

includes high quality investment grade bonds and bond-like equities (utilities, electricity generators, listed property and infrastructure). • While holding cash becomes less appealing, some global currencies tend to perform well in times of uncertainty. These include the Swiss Franc (CHF), Japanese Yen (JPY) and United States dollars (USD). New Zealand cash rates are now well below those in the United States, which is a key cause of the softer New Zealand dollar. • Property should do well in a very low interest rate environment. This includes listed property that generates reliable income streams via rents, as well as traditional bricks and mortar. • Alternative assets can also do well in a very low rate environment and at times of increasing uncertainty. As always, diversification remains the key investment strategy to mitigate market risks and volatility. While a global recession is not our central expectation for the rest of 2019, the current business cycle is mature and a market pullback wouldn’t be a huge surprise. As in the past, any significant correction in markets will present good buying opportunities for those with a medium to long-term outlook. this report covers the three months ended August 2019. If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www.forsythbarr.co.nz/investing-with-us/ new-to-investing or to discuss your investment options please contact Andrew Wyllie, an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth barr in christchurch. He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. this column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available for Forsyth barr Authorised Financial Advisers on request and free of charge.

CANTERBURY FARMING

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bessie Paterson LLb ❚ with ❚ Ronald W Angland & Son Farms in that part of Norway are mostly small holdings and farmers have a variety of ways of making a living. There was a flock of about 100 Norwegian White sheep on the farm which we visited, and at the time of our visit they were away grazing in the mountainous terrain some distance from the farm. Norwegian White sheep are bred for both meat and wool and are good producers. They are shorn twice a year. Towards the end of September, the sheep are mustered on the summer grazing and the farmers take their sheep back to their home block, the lambs are drafted off and sent to slaughter and the ewes take up residence in the big barn for the winter and early spring months. Also stored in the loft in the barn is sufficient hay, silage and other nutrients to keep the sheep fed during the winter. During the winter months the farmers have to deal with effluent and manure disposal. In about December the rams are put into the barn with the ewes and the lambs are then born in the early spring. When the lambs are strong enough they

OctOber 2019

Farming by the Norwegian fjords

On a recent visit to Norway we were privileged to be invited to visit a sheep farm on the steep slopes beside Songefiord. go with the ewes up to the summer grazing land. When the lambs are born they are ear-tagged with a plastic tag which is unique to their particular farmer so when the muster takes place in autumn they are easily identified for their owner. The farmers visit the sheep quite regularly while they are grazing away from home to ensure that there are no predators interfering with the flock. There is the occasional fox or lynx which do not take many lambs or sheep and the steep terrain discourages human interference. The predator which causes most concern is the wolverine which is a vicious animal, similar to a weasel. They kill for sport and if it is apparent that a wolverine is in the vicinity immediate steps are taken to eradicate the pest. Parasites do not appear to affect the sheep to any great extent and most sheep in the area had long tails. In addition to the sheep the farm had 1000 fruit trees. The fruit was sold on the open market and they brewed and sold fruit wines on the premises. The farmer had university degrees in animal husbandry and was a well-known expert with sheep. They also provided

weekend respite care for children who were in state care. Farming in Norway continues to receive substantial government subsidies unlike their New Zealand counterparts. All in all the Norwegian farmer runs a varied enterprise when compared to our farmers. They seem well prepared to deal with the rigours of the climate and the general ups and downs of agricultural ventures.

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Power Farming Canterbury

OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Gareth Hughes ❚ with ❚ Green Party Spokesperson for Primary Industries

Making sure our water is healthy, safe, swimmable and drinkable The health of our waterways is one of most important issues facing our country. The Green Party has long campaigned to improve water quality and we are welcoming the recent fresh water policy proposals announced for consultation by the Government. The Action Plan for Healthy Waterways launched by Environment Minister David Parker is focused on stopping the degradation of our rivers, delivering a noticeable improvement in water quality in five years and restoring our waterways to a healthy state within a generation. The proposals show a comprehensive approach to making sure our water is healthy, safe, swimmable and drinkable. This ranges from reducing soil loss and pollution, enforcing standards and working with farmers to improve practices, and protecting our ecosystems, drinking sources and human health. For too long our water quality has declined, which is a tragedy for a country like ours that values our natural environment. We can’t keep treating our rivers like sewers and our environment as a dumping

Cleaning up: Making sure our rivers are in good health is behind the announcement of the Action Plan for Healthy Waterways.

ground for wastes. We need to find better ways of farming rather than increasing intensification and chasing cheap commodities. I’ve been privileged to meet with farmers who are working hard to reduce their environmental impact through better stock and nutrient management, riparian planting and protecting wetlands. The Government is supporting our rural communities with a $229m package that includes help for the transition to a sustainable, low emissions land-based sectors. I’m glad to be part of a government acting to protect our environment and our precious waterways. I urge you to make sure you have your say on the consultation.

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FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Reﬂections and a message of hope As this will be my last column for Canterbury Farming it’s timely to reﬂect on the past three years as an elected councillor and then chair of Environment Canterbury.

‘

big changes are coming, all of us are now being put under pressure to manage our emissions.

Steve Lowndes ❚ by Environment Canterbury chair ❚ From my perspective, these columns have been an opportunity to build understanding of what we are trying to achieve in our work with the farming sector and I hope that they have been informative. The job of being on a regional council is both rewarding and frustrating. When I confess to friends that I have enjoyed the past three years in this role they express amazement or they say “God, I don’t know how you stand it”. What we do is varied and complex. As well the huge job of freshwater management we oversee bus services in Greater Christchurch and Timaru; we manage air quality and the coastal marine environment; our river engineers provide flood protection, and we are focused on biological diversity and security. As an arm of local government, we operate under acts of parliament and can end up as the meat in the sandwich between central

government regulations and the communities that are affected by them. We are fortunate, however, to have a highly experienced management team, the staff are great to work with, and the councillors are collegial. We have been a transitional council, moving from the era of appointed commissioners to the return of a fully elected council. On October 13 the ECan Act will expire and we will find out who the new Environment Canterbury councillors will be, following the election. Over the past nine years, the most significant achievement is the introduction of a set of RMA regional plans over the whole of Canterbury. These plans are like a korowai or cloak that provides a measure of protection for the quantity and quality of our freshwater.

We’ve known for a long time that land-use intensification was causing rising nitrate levels in Canterbury groundwater (at least since a 1977 report) but this continued unabated for 30 years until matters came to a head. The Land and Water Regional Plan, introduced in 2012, was the first step in dealing with nitrate and other land-use issues. In Canterbury we’ve taken a grass roots approach to planning – there has been a huge amount of community discussion and collaboration to find workable solutions – led by the 10 water management zone committees. The Government’s recent freshwater proposals are likely to kick off a new round of plan changes, in the meantime, our atten-

tion continues with the on-the-ground actions. Zone committees and ECan staff are focusing more and more on fencing, planting riparian strips, restoring wetlands and ecosystems, and conserving soil. We are also moving into the world of big data, drones, GPS, heat sensors and LiDAR. Understanding our environment better means that we have a better shot at ensuring its sustainability into the future. Big changes are coming, all of us are now being put under pressure to manage our emissions. The nitrate issue meant that farmers have been at the forefront of adaptation and have changed many practices. It is now the turn of the whole of society to recognise that we will have to change too. We must clean up urban rivers, move away from the reliance on fossil fuel, curb plastic waste and preserve elite soils as a matter of urgency. As a community we are adaptive and collaborative – we have shown that hugely in Canterbury over the past decade – and by continuing to work together on solutions that benefit all I am sure we will be able to address the pressing issues of climate change and sustainability that we must deal with.

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Power Farming Canterbury

OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

❚ with rob cope-Williams

New directions

I am careful not to mention climate change in my headline in the hope you will read this rather than think I’ve gone to the dark side. As Aussie is hit with a continuing drought and will have to import grain this year, we should be thinking about changing our farming to a less water requirement type of land use. Controversy over the building of dams and the funding of them will always be a factor, but the reality is that we have known we need water storage for years and it is a little like going to the dentist, it’s expensive and painful, but you simply do need to go through with it. So yes, given that we need water storage and it will happen one way or another and that someone will have to fork out for it, (don’t you hate the “user pays” thing) we then need to sort out the best use of said water. Those who don’t understand the finer points of farming, as in about 98 percent of the population, get fizzed up about water being sprayed onto pasture, especially when they are only allowed to use handheld hoses to water their precious lawns. Then we should look at the margins offered for pastural farming verses Horticulture for example. Ah, horticulture does use less water and it is much less visible from the highways. If you really wanted to put up an argument for changes in land use, take a wee look at dairying and the reactions from people who think they should have an opinion; dairying makes smoking look glamourous

I understand that there’s about 165,000 hectares under horticulture of some sort, and research tells us that there is around 2 million hectares that can be used with 85 percent of that 2 million currently under livestock. So, is there a huge golden egg as a reward for swinging away from livestock farming and into growing niche horticultural crops? Well there’s the costs of converting from livestock to horticulture, there’s the root stock that needs to be bred up, the markets need to be set up to ensure we can sell the produce, transport systems in place and expertise gained. Yes, you are right, horticulture can be very labour intensive and seasonal which is probably the main concern. In all my years reporting on the farming industry I have seen many aspects of change come and go. Goats, when you could fence the things in, deer selling for $3,000 a head and syndicates buying them before they settled in price, and even rabbits being bred for meat, and of course the dairying exploding onto the scene in areas that had trouble supporting sheep, but the options about livestock verses horticulture for me is as wide open as the winners of the Rugby World cup... we know who we want to win, but there’s a lot more to it than willing the best to happen.

❚ with John Arts

Dealing with muscle pain Muscle pain can have many causes. It can be anything from injury, genetics, medication side effects and a number of diseases. The most common causes of muscle pain I help with are cramp, restless leg syndrome, Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), Fibromyalgia (FM) and side effects of cholesterol lowering medication. There are a number of effective nutritional medicine strategies we can use to help with muscle function. Our goal is to help relax stressed muscle fibres and improve muscle oxygenation through improved circulation. This is important at night for conditions like cramp and restless legs. Muscle stiffness and pain can be a side effect of statin cholesterol-lowering drugs. Statins slow the rate of the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production. However this same enzyme is responsible for producing Co Enzyme Q10. A high quality Co enzyme Q10 like the US patented CoQsol can really help. Some diseases cause muscle pain. Two more common problems are the inflammatory condition PMR and FM, a noninflammatory muscle problem. With PMR we target over-production of inflammatory immune system chemicals (cytokines and prostaglandins) and help restore immune function. With FM we focus on adding compounds like Magnesium and MSM (Sulphur) to relax and oxygenate muscles.

Once we know the cause of the pain my role is to identify the healing processes damaged or affected by the problem. For example cramp and restless leg syndrome can be an indication of mineral deficiencies or poor peripheral circulation. As an example people with cramp generally respond very well to Magnesium therapy. The best Magnesium supplements use expensive but better absorbed amino acid chelated forms. While Magnesium can be very effective some people need to be careful with Magnesium therapy especially those with digestive issues or on some medications. John Arts (b.Soc.Sci, Dip tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz

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FARMING NEWS

OctOber 2019

South Canterbury school highlights the importance of food production

A South Canterbury school principal is going the extra mile to ensure his students have opportunities to experience the agriculture sector.

❚ by brad Markham Hamish Brown is the principal of Beaconsfield School near Timaru, which has a roll of 104 students from both rural and urban backgrounds. Last year almost 40 of the students visited the 380-hectare Cannington farm of Bill and Shirley Wright. The trip was part of an RMPP-funded resource they were studying on boosting productivity in the red meat sector. Brown said he was very surprised when he discovered one of the Year 8 students had not been on a farm before. “I almost fell off my chair. That revelation surprised me. Our school is in a rural area surrounded by farms,” he said. It made Brown step up his efforts to ensure pupils were aware of the career opportunities in the agri-food sector. The school is weaving teaching resources from the Agrication website run by NZ Young Farmers into its curriculum. “We’re planning another farm visit again soon as a key part of studying those learning modules, as well as a visit to a dairy farm through DairyNZ,” he said. “We had a fantastic time on the last farm visit. Students came back to the classroom with lots of questions.” Brown also runs a Rural Enrichment Group at the school, which includes the student who visited a farm for the first time last year. The group’s made up of 11 pupils who’ve

The group’s students are responsible for the wellbeing and feeding requirements of the school’s chickens and its four sheep. “When the sheep arrived one of the students mentioned they needed a drench, and then told me the reason why based on his experience. So the group organised temporary yards and drench for the school and undertook the process,” he said. “They’re learning about all aspects of farming. They know how much the sheep cost and what the associated costs are. “They are monitoring livestock prices and if we get short of grass they will calculate the profit we could make by selling them.” Brown hopes the school’s efforts lead to more students considering careers in the primary industries. NZ Young Farmers organises free visits to sheep and beef farms for primary schools using Agrication resources.

Opportunities: beaconsfield School principal Hamish brown is making efforts to ensure his pupils are aware of the career opportunities in the agri-food sector.

Land learning: Students from beaconsfield School during a field trip organised with the help of NZ Young Farmers. had a range of rural experiences. “It’s a hands-on way for students to learn about job prospects and the business side of farming and food production,” Brown said. “We’ve been on a number of field trips, including watching veterinary technicians work with dairy heifers and comparing the bene-

fits of kale, fodder beet and grass for cows. “We’ve also attended practical field days which covered topics from beekeeping to wool, fencing and quad bike safety, and we’ve looked at the costs associated with crop farms.”

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Power Farming Canterbury

OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Mark russell ❚ with Partner Helmore Stewart, Rangiora ❚

Importance of succession planning A couple of issues ago, I talked about how important it is for companies to have a Shareholders’ Agreement.

own plans for the future. Since most farms are carried on through a company vehicle or a partnership, you can provide for succession planning through the company’s Shareholders Agreement or through the Partnership Deed. Otherwise, you can enter into separate agreements with family or employees, setting out the mechanisms by which family or

employees can, over time, acquire interests in the business. How succession planning is staged is primarily driven by the twin factors of, first, the existing owner’s ongoing need for money and, secondly, the financial capability of incoming family or employees to fund purchasing an interest in the farm. In fact, though, succession planning goes wider than that: it also comes up when you are mulling over what will happen if you die, become disabled, or suffer some other unforeseen catastrophe such as bankruptcy. There is an enormous amount of thinking that needs to be done in putting together a succession plan. As noted above, you need to have a clear view about your own needs, but you also need to have identified your successor and to have satisfied yourself that the successor has the appropriate skills and enthusiasm. Many of the issues that need to be considered in putting together a farm succession plan are not legal, but ultimately the farm succession plan needs to be clear enough to

be able to be expressed in a legal document. This is where it is important for you to find a lawyer who you are confident is in tune with your wishes, but is at the same time bold enough to give you frank (but constructive) advice about where you might be going wrong. At the end of the day, you as the client are entitled to expect that your lawyer has the necessary technical proficiency to undertake the task. It is a given. What is more important that you are able to form a close and respectful relationship with your legal adviser so that you can have the trust and confidence that your legal adviser can balance all of the many different factors and come up with a succession plan which balances the many competing interests. The most important thing is to begin the succession planning process in plenty of time. None of us can be sure about what might happen in the future, but with careful planning, we can make sensible provision for most future contingencies.

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When people work together to set up a company, they can’t or won’t foresee future difficulties and disputes. They therefore tend to attach little importance to putting in place an agreement which sets out how disputes are to be dealt with and resolved. However, failure to look forward and cater for worst case scenarios can only have the effect of magnifying and prolonging a dispute, with the lawyers usually being the only people who benefit from that. The same sort of need exists when we consider succession planning for a business. If your “succession planning” for your farm is simply to sell the farm on the open market at some future time, then read no further. If, on the other hand, you have family or employees involved in the farm business and you are looking forward to a time when you want to scale down or cease altogether your involvement in the farm, you need to put in place a plan for how that can be achieved. The plan is not only for your benefit but also for the benefit of your family and your employees so that they can make their

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October 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

What is IrrigationNZ and what does it do? Irrigation New Zealand is a national membership organisation that looks after the interests of irrigating farmers, growers and the industry professionals that service them.

❚❚Article supplied by IrrigationNZ

We actively engage with our members and other stakeholders in the delivery of irrigation best practice. We operate as a not-forprofit. IrrigationNZ has been established to: • Facilitate the adoption of best practice in irrigation and water management • Develop a world-class resource base of knowledge, information and statistics on irrigation in New Zealand • Provide effective communication and networks of the organisations and interests involved in irrigation and water management • Promote the story of irrigation in New Zealand

IrrigationNZ strategy IrrigationNZ worked on updating our strategy in 2018. This work was needed as the coalition government has signalled a shift in focus for farming to low emission high value produce, and an increasing focus on nutrient limits. Public interest in water and irrigation also remains high.

Using the strategy, we want to contribute to creating an environment where irrigation is part of a thriving and sustainable New Zealand. Through five pillars of work we want to ensure that water continues to support food production, contribute to the economy and support communities. These are: advocating for the sector; providing thought leadership; connecting people to move our industry forward; setting standards and providing information. As an organisation INZ intends to continue to drive positive change from the ground up. We are doing this through irrigation training, technical standards and related accreditation programmes. We are also a key partner of the Good Farming Practice initiative launched by government earlier this year. We strongly advocate to all our irrigating members to implement Audited Farm Environment Plans. These demonstrate environmental commitment and if robustly audited, will help us show the results of all our effor ts over time.

Job description: IrrigationNZ looks after the interests of irrigating farmers, growers and the industry professionals that service them. IrrigationNZ has developed and regularly reviews a set of principles that guide our advocacy activities: • Nobody owns water in New Zealand, instead a permit is granted for its use. • All users of water have a responsibility to use it efficiently through the adoption of Good Management Practice. • Water is plentiful in New Zealand, however its efficient use requires sound planning, investment and management. • Water quality must not be unacceptably altered through irrigation. • Integrated catchment management underpinned by audited self-management is the optimal approach to water management. • Decision making must be informed through robust science and reflect community values.

• There are multiple benefits from water infrastructure – its development and funding must reflect this. • Water charges in New Zealand should only be set to recover water supply and resource management. IrrigationNZ holds regular forums with our members to ensure we have a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities you face – this ensures we focus on what matters. The forums also enable INZ to gather feedback from our members so that we can understand what training, resources and other activities are required to support the uptake of irrigation best practice. If you’d like to receive information about the forums or you would like to start one up in your region, please contact 03 341 2225 or email: admin@irrigationnz. co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Balance is required in proposed freshwater policy changes The Government recently released its proposals for reform of our freshwater policy framework which will have significant implications for irrigation and the rural sector.

elilzabeth Soal ❚ by Irrigation NZ Chief Executive ❚

I support change and environmental bottom lines for our water are important, but not at the expense of community cohesion, rural resilience, and social development and especially where limits and targets have already been set by local communities and translated into regional plans. So, there are things which need careful consideration. Let me explain four for them. In regions with already complex regulatory frameworks in place, another layer of regulation may be required, and may confuse. In these places, local communities have been heavily involved for several years in the setting of water quality and quantity limits. These processes have been affirmed through RMA hearings processes, where evidence and submissions have been heard, and assessment of the social and economic

implications of changes have been exhausted. Will these communities have to relive this time- consuming process? And will the ‘limits framework’ now suggested skew the outcome? And the RMA which has been guiding these processes is an effects-based statute but moving to a model that estimates farm losses, not calculates environmental harm, may result in previously consented farming not occurring. There are catchments where further development may not have an impact on overall water quality – but modelling on a farm-byfarm basis would show a theoretical increase in nutrient discharge - a ‘no no’ according to the new document. Farming and infrastructure developments are long-term activities with multi-decadal investment timelines. Some of the new regulatory changes will be required to be implemented immediately or by 2025, meaning some farmers will have to implement changes to their systems much more rapidly than they might otherwise have been planning for. There are also virtually immediate rules

limiting land-use change, intensification and cisions for our catchments and communities irrigation development that kick-in at a very now, that allow flexibility whilst protecting our small scale - only ten hectares - which is the unique species and waterways, we can ensure our water resources continue to provide size of a paddock for some large farms. us with the range of values we have always And tough luck some may say. I say, as we face an uncertain climate fu- enjoyed. ture, we need to ensure our policy and regulatory setBARRY WHITTAKER CONTRACTING LTD. tings do not limit our future THE MAINTENANCE MASTER options. We know that water availWorkplace safety, stock health, happy contractors... ability is going to change – everything is covered with the Rutmaster. droughts will become more frequent and prolonged, and rainfall will occur in less frequent, but more severe events. So, water storage and how our resources are allocated are just as important The Rutmaster provides a simple and cost-effective solution. Shingle, in protecting community and clay or lime chip is dropped into the ruts, filling them in no time. The ecological wellbeing as setRutmaster fills 400/500mm wide ruts and material can be sourced either ting water quality attributes from the farm or can be supplied. Rutmaster blade - Returns shoulder soil and limits. We need to be into the rut, reducing the amount of material required. Great end results. planning for all options. Contact Barry for your maintenance solution today. If we can make good deLET US SOLVE YOUR POND EROSION AND TROUGH GRAVEL PROBLEMS. ALSO OPERATING A 20 TONNE DIGGER.

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Extremely timely water report from Auditor-General supplied by ❚❚Article Federated Farmers ❚❚

Federated Farmers has congratulated the Auditor-General’s office on its release of its report Managing Freshwater Quality: Challenges and Opportunities.

Federated Farmers believes the report reinforces many of the points it has been making, including its call to take more time, and care, to get the national freshwater management process right. The report reviewed the performance of four regional councils and shows all four have improved their performance on freshwater quality management since the last review in 2011. It states: “we are concerned that there is not enough information about freshwater at a national level. Decision-makers do not have the information they need to prepare a national approach or long-term strategy to address this significant environmental issue.” Federated Farmers took an enormous amount of heat for expressing similar concerns after the release of the government’s freshwater management ‘discussion document’, Action on Healthy Waterways. Feds expressed significant concerns the ‘discussion document’ reviewing the Nation-

al Policy Statement for freshwater failed to calculate the huge economic challenges it could apply to farming. “Good policy should be informed by good information,” Federated Farmers environment and water spokesperson Chris Allen said. “We’ve been working for over a decade on improving freshwater quality under a ‘catchment by catchment’ approach to meet water quality limits. “The Auditor-General’s report highlights the ability of the councils to build positive day-to-day working relationships with farmers to clean up waterways and that effort from both parties is starting to pay dividends.” Allen said these positive relationships often centre on regulatory work and non-regulatory initiatives that help support more sustainable land-use practices. “Farmers are working hand-in-hand with regional councils everywhere around the country, every day. We are getting on with the job of improving water quality, together.” Read the report here: https://www.oag.govt.nz/2019/ freshwater-quality

Informed: Federated Farmers environment and water spokesperson Chris Allen says good policy should be informed by good information.

ONE NAME FOR IRRIGATION Whether you are looking for a sustainable irrigation advantage or to maximise the potential of your existing system, there is only one name you need to know – Zimmatic®.

Zimmatic® irrigators have been servicing farmers around the world for over 50 years. Add Zimmatic® Precision VRI’s ability for delivering water exactly where it is required and FieldNET® remote management and scheduling options, and you have the most advanced and proven irrigation technology available globally. Contact your Zimmatic® dealer today, they will work with you to save time and money, boost production yields, and meet your compliance requirements.

Find your Zimmatic® dealer at www.ZimmaticANZ.com or phone 0800 438 627.

CANTERBURY FARMING October 2019

First women to graduate from world leading irrigation design programme The latest group of graduates in New Zealand’s Level Five Certificate in Irrigation Design include the first two women to do this course.

❚❚Article supplied by IrrigationNZ

New Zealand is the only country in the world to have a national qualification in irrigation design. “IrrigationNZ is proud to have been part of successfully graduating these students from this important course - which will become critical as farmers and businesses increasingly need state-of-the-art irrigation systems to demonstrate efficient and sustainable use of our shared water resources,” IrrigationNZ Chief Executive Elizabeth Soal said. “The qualification recognises the specialist skills needed to design technically efficient and environmentally sustainable irrigation systems. “The rigorous course not only tests the students’ ability to design the infrastructure, but challenges them to identify and mitigate any potential impact it may have on the environment.” Students work through designing systems from beginning to end as part of the qualification - starting with identifying customer needs, environmental impact, integrating technologies then designing an highly efficient irrigation system. Seventeen individuals graduated at a ceremony in Christchurch in July, and Karla Brown is one of the two women who are the

Course first: Cantabrian Karla Brown is one of two women to graduate from the New Zealand Certificate in Irrigation Design course. first female graduates to complete the qualification, which has been running since 2016. Brown is a mechanical engineer who is

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originally from South Africa. She had been working for Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings for a year before she joined the New Zealand Certificate in Irrigation Design course. She said doing the course has given her a more structured approach to irrigation design and equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted irrigation industry. “The course merges the theoretical knowledge and practical experience of each individual. The workshops provide a platform for discussion between industry professionals and the course material sets a minimum standard for overall best design practices. This course serves to benefit both suppliers and customers in ensuring that all systems being installed are mechanically, environmentally and economically efficient.” Kate Jones also graduated recently. She grew up on a mixed cropping and dairy grazing farm near Hinds and helping with irrigation was always part of the school holidays, shifting the Southern Cross travelling irrigator or setting clocks and dams on the border dykes. “After completing a Bachelor of Environmental Management at Lincoln University an opportunity came

up to start as a junior designer at WaterForce Cromwell where I worked on a variety of landscape, viticulture and horticulture designs and installations,” Jones said. She later returned back to Ashburton with a desire to design centre pivot systems and has worked for PGG Wrightson Water as a Sales and Design Engineer for the past six years. “For me the Certificate of Irrigation Systems Design is an important validation of ten years of experience as an industry benchmark,” Jones said. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, IrrigationNZ Chief Executive Elizabeth Soal said that farmers and growers rely on effective and reliable irrigation to produce high quality products and the service industry plays an important role in enabling this to occur. “Our irrigators and schemes are increasingly being required to demonstrate sustainable and sophisticated irrigation practices which require that the irrigation sector deliver high quality service and advice.”

OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Euroﬂo slotted pipe saves time and delivers better farm drainage Euroﬂo slotted pipe has saved a Southland farmer hours of painstaking manual labour and delivered a real improvement to his farm’s drainage.

❚ Article supplied by P&F Global

Southland farmer Murray Ballantine was preparing to replace decades-old earthenware pipes that had started to crack and had decided to purchase plastic pipes and then slot them himself. “I’d calculated that if I spent about an hour or so every night making the slots in the pipes that I intended to purchase, then after about a month I would have completed enough pipe for the job and could get started on installing it.” Fortunately, before investing in that pipe, Murray discovered he could purchase Euroflo 315mm slotted pipe for a great price and save himself hours of extra work. “The laying of them was really great too. It was so easy to handle because it’s lightweight and we could lay it in a matter of seconds.” Euroflo pipe is made from HDPE (highdensity polyethylene) so it’s strong and robust while still being lightweight and easy to handle. Despite the soft soil in the bottom of

the trenches, Murray says installation was made easy by the 5.8m-lengths of slotted pipe. “Having the extra length to work with in the trench, especially with the soft soil, really helped. “You could position it easily without tilting or tipping and it connected up easily too, and was easy to join into the existing pipes.” Since the installation they’ve seen a real improvement in the drainage. “We’ve had some testing times too with heavy rainfall since we installed the Euroflo pipe but we’ve been really happy with the product and the results we’ve seen. We would definitely use the product again.”

Southland farmer Murray ballantine has seen a marked improvement in his property’s drainage thanks to the euroﬂo slotted pipe he installed on his property. euroﬂo pipe is made from HDPe (high-density polyethylene) so it’s strong and robust while still being lightweight and easy to handle.

For more on euroﬂo slotted piping contact P&F Global on 0800 99 77 33, email to sales@pandfglobal.com or go to the website www.pandfglobal.com

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Time to book your irrigation WOF Spring is here – which means it’s time to start thinking about your irrigation.

y Andrew curtis ❚ bWater ❚ Strategies In mid-September I spent a morning with a client who started out by telling me he would need to start-up his irrigation very soon. He didn’t want to risk getting behind. Given this we had the following conversation. For the ten irrigation seasons I’ve been living and working in Canterbury, I’ve observed the need to irrigate in September is extremely questionable, even for a stony Lismore soil type. Plant water use seldom gets above 2mm a day and typically sits between 1-1.5mm daily. On the plain there is almost always over 20mm of rainfall during September and a lot more than this as you move towards the hills. Even if you were to end up in a slight soil moisture deficit scenario by deciding not to irrigate during September, it would be easy to catch-up when you do start irrigating in October. Most irrigation systems in Canterbury are designed to deliver between 3.5 and 5mm a day and plant water use in October is typically between 2-3mm daily. Alongside the above, when you consider the production losses from not irrigating during September have been shown to be negligible, and then consider the benefits gained through reducing your nitrogen losses, irrigating during September becomes questionable as good practice. It’s October that’s the start-up month for

WOF time: the Irrigation WOF full evaluation is performed by a technical specialist who provides a report of irrigation performance and highlights actions to rectify any issues found.

irrigation in Canterbury. October is the month when you need to start keeping a close eye on your soil moisture sensor or water budget alongside the three-day weather forecast. Instead September should be the month to undertake your annual irrigation system checks. These involve a visual inspection of all irrigation equipment, looking for wear and tear, loose bolts and checking sprinklers against the sprinkler chart. At Water Strategies we call this our ‘drywalk’. This is followed by a ‘wet-walk’ looking for leaks (particularly sprinklers, goose necks, droppers, travelling irrigator hoses and pod laterals) whilst listening for strange noises (pumps and gearboxes). Annual checks are a key component of the Water Strategies Irrigation WOF.

The Water Strategies Irrigation WOF first involves a full evaluation of your irrigation (both the irrigation equipment and scheduling practice). To be clear the Irrigation WOF is not a Bucket Test. The Bucket Test was designed as an indicative look see – you cannot provide detailed recommendations from it, and you should question any provider who is doing this. The Irrigation WOF full evaluation is performed by a technical specialist who provides a report of irrigation performance and highlights actions to rectify any issues found. The irrigation WOF also provide you with an annual monitoring programme (your annual checks), and for those clients that want to take monitoring to the next level, one of

our points of difference is we also work with them to help them understand where the greatest value can be achieved from automation. The move to automation must be carefully considered if the information gained is to be useful and cost-effective. The irrigation WOF approach focuses upon informing farm management and associated decision-making in a way that is beneficial to a farm’s bottom-line. The by-product of this is robust evidence to ensure the irrigation component of your Farm Plan audit is all up to date and ready for inspection. call us today to book in your Water Strategies Irrigation WOF.

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October 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Bowden Environmental covers it all Canterbury owned and operated Bowden Environmental has been in the industry for over 20 years and specialises in all aspects of groundwater and surface water consents, efﬂuent discharges and storage, gravel extraction, management plans, bore and aquifer testing, resource management, site investigation, feasibility and due diligence. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Bowden Environmental They have a broad experience in regional council and environment court hearings, compliance and environmental monitoring programs and reporting. Bowden Environmental, based in Kaiapoi, has significant expertise in groundwater field data collection and analysis, with the team at Bowden environmental often being called on to provide aquifer testing, surface water gauging and water quality testing. This information is often required when farmers take water from a well; you need to test both the wells capacity and determine what affect this will have on other neighbouring wells. We specialise in all aspects of resource management so farmers don’t have to deal with the paperwork. With the skills and knowledge to organise environmental work we have the expertise and understanding to guide you through the process from start to finish; from organising consents, preparing Farm Environment plans to Auditing Farm Environment Plans (ECan accredited). Essentially, we try to take the stress away from the farmers workload so they can do

christine Mawhinney and John talbot of bowden environmental setting up for an efﬂuent pond seepage test. what they love, farming. The team at Bowden Environmental find that assisting farmers with their environmental management and consent requirements to achieve a successful outcome is very satisfying. What we are seeing today is that the rural industry has to comply with new and increasingly more restrictive rules and reg-

ulations, especially for irrigation and nutrient management. It can be quite confusing and stressful for people to meet these requirements, especially now the rules are becoming more complicated, with more assessments required. An example of this is the recently notified plan change 7 to the Land and Water Regional Plan.

Bowden Environmental has been involved with assisting parties within the Waimakariri Catchment to understand what is being proposed and the potential implications. If you are a farmer or farm manager and land and water management is one of your top priorities, contact Bowden Environmental today.

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• Farm Environment Plans (FEP) • ECan Certified for Audits of FEP • Resource Consents • Groundwater • Surface Water • Replacement Consents • Consents Compliance • Effluent Discharge & Storage • Aquifer Testing • Due Diligence • Advocacy 92 Williams Street, Kaiapoi, 7630 www.bowden.co.nz

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OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Ray Mayne and Reinke providing the best Water is a commodity that is very much in the spotlight at the moment – and will remain so for the foreseeable future. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings Luckily, for all of us in New Zealand, we have plenty of water available to us, however, it is important that we are all able to share this commodity. With the combined team of Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings and Reinke Manufacturing we have the knowledge, products and the ability to ensure that your irrigation needs are well taken care of and to ensure that what water is utilised for irrigation is applied accurately. With the wide variety of Reinke products available – Centre Pivots, Swing Arm Corner Pivots and Lateral Irrigators, you can be assured there is a system right for you. Reinke, and the team at Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings, can design, supply and install the desired irrigation system to suit all needs. Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings have large stocks of all components to supply and assemble Reinke irrigation systems from stock in Ashburton. Having the ability to build systems from stock, that is readily available, eliminates the delay of shipping from the USA. Having been the Reinke dealer in New Zealand for almost 20 years, Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings have the staff who have the passion and the knowledge to ensure that all Reinke systems supplied will oper-

ate as they have been designed. With the advancement in technology, you can be assured that irrigation water will be applied where you want it and when you want it. Their certified Irrigation NZ design team can design all your irrigation requirements for all irrigation requirements for any farm types or improvements to your existing irrigation system, utilising the best products with the best after sales back up. GPS Guidance is the ultimate form of irrigator guidance and Reinke and Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings have been leading the way with GPS guidance for many years. There are numerous pivot and lateral combinations working off single Trimble GPS base stations. Another major feature is the “Touchscreen” Main Control Panel, this Touchscreen panel allows the operator to quickly and easily adjust the application rates of any of the systems. A recent addition is the introduction of “Reincloud Ag-Data Services”. Reincloud is an online software package, designed by Reinke Manufacturing that helps combine field data and irrigation data into one easy to use “dashboard”. This includes soil moisture or weather data and other environmental data. It is safe and secure, the operator can be advised by either txt or email. Everyday access is available on multiple

Optimise Water Distribution

Maximise Every Plant’s Potential

devices – smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. Reincloud is easy to use and informative. Some of the options available are soil moisture, air temperature, ground temperature, wind direction, wind speed, rainfall, humidity and water pressure. All this information is easily accessible to the operator.

Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings experienced “spanning crews” have built hundreds of Reinke centre pivot and lateral irrigators throughout New Zealand, on many varying farming types. Contact the knowledgeable team at Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings for all of your irrigation requirements.

Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) technology allows for total control of water applied to your fields. Whether you have multiple crops in one field, rolling terrain or experience a drought, VRI technology provides you with the ability to have multiple prescriptions for each field. Each prescription precisely matches the unique attributes of your fields (soil variables, slope, drainage) crop and changing weather.

Irrigation variables include: • Soil changes

• Crop

• Drought

• Slope

• Seed population

• Yield fluctuations

• Drainage

• Rain events

Did you know? The Reinke Super Swing Arm Corner has the longest reach in the industry; 96m (123m including end gun coverage). Plus Reinke’s exclusive overhead cantilevered design utilises truss rods that provided unmatched strength and stability Navigator GPS - provides sub-centimetre, surveyor-grade precision and accuracy in timing and application. Energy Saver Package (ESP) – is an exclusive, patented option that can save a grower hundreds of dollars in energy costs every season.

Maximise every raindrop and every plant’s potential with Reinke. Chat to the team at Ray Mayne today on 03 308 6022

Call in and see us: 30 J B Cullen Drive Ashburton Business Estate

www.raymayne.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Guide to mulching and mulchers This guide outlines the uses for mulchers, benefits of topping with a mulcher, how to pick the correct mulcher for your situation and crucial features that a good mulcher must have.

Gerry Hamlin ❚ by ❚ Agriline Farm Machinery Mulchers are a great multi-purpose tool on any farm so long as you get the right one for the job. They can be used for clearing Gorse, Broom, Matagouri, Teatree, Rice Grass, Tussock, Rushes, Thistles, and most other vegetation and small trees. There are some very distinct advantages of clearing with a mulcher. If you spray the vegetation it can often take years to break down before the land can become effective again and by that stage there is often more of the rouge vegetation coming away. Root-raking will give you a pile of unwanted trash that you have to deal with and will disturb the soil and you may have to cultivate before replanting. With a mulcher, the vegetation is mulched very fine and will break down quickly so you can over-sow almost straight away with brilliant results. A mulcher is the ideal machine for topping your pasture. Other topping machines tend to cut the grass and lie it over intact making it very hard for the elements to break it down

this is made even worse when there are thistles and other weeds. A mulcher will cut the grass and weeds very fine allowing it to break down faster putting nutrients back into the soil and boosting regrowth. The fungus that causes facial eczema lives in the dry plant stems so mulching these up reduce the risk. Mulchers will also spread out animal waste and reduce the sour patches of grass. Mulchers are very robust and low maintenance compared to a lot of other topping machines. Mulchers are the ideal machine to deal with crop residue, they will mulch it up finely to allow you to cultivate easily. Mulching the stubble reduces the blocking of cultivation equipment and allows stubble to break down when buried, if stubble is buried un-mulched it can use up the nitrogen in the soil.

Choosing the right mulcher Width: Ensure you get the right width for your tractor. You need the mulcher to be narrow enough to drive it easily and do a good job, but obviously, the more ground you can cov-

er at the same time the better. Also in rough er cut, smoother finish and is easier to drive terrain, too wide can cause scalping so take than other flails. Also ensure they are a good solid flail with a large diameter bolt. If you this into account as well. Horsepower Rating: Have plenty of tolerance have a high chance of hitting large stones to give you peace of mind for reliability and or have a very abrasive environment somescope to run it on a bigger tractor should you times a hammer flail is a better option. In these situations, it can be a good idea to get decide to upgrade. Enough Belts: Belts on a mulcher are gener- flails hard-faced as well. ally designed to take up to about 35 HP per Skids & rollers: Where possible in most situbelt. Make sure your mulcher has enough of ations it is best not to have a roller and just them to handle the horsepower of your trac- run on wide skids. To do this you need at tor. Lack of belts will result in belts slipping least 150mm wide skids with rolled edges to stop gouging. Once mulchers get up to and destroying themselves. Dual or Single Transmission: A dual trans- around 3m it is often better to run a roller to mission mulcher is where the rotor is driven stop scalping. from both ends. This decision is partly to do with getting enough belts for your Horsepower rating, and also once you go over 2.5m Dual Transmission is almost essential. Flails: For most situations, the triple flail (a Y flail with the straight centre blade) is Talk to us today about your farms soil fertility. the ideal option. It does a finWe offer a soil testing service and will recommend and supply you with a fertiliser program to suit you P H O N E and your farms individual needs.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Caring for your tractor for a long life Tractors are essential pieces of farm equipment, and with the right maintenance they can run for years with very little trouble.

compiled ❚ Article by Kent Caddick ❚ Because there are so many different kinds of tractors with specific applications, maintenance may vary greatly from tractor to tractor. However, there are certain universal things you can do to help guarantee a long and useful life for your tractor, and carrying out regular inspections is a key.

Familiarize yourself with your tractor’s manual There are many different types of tractors on the market with a wide variety of applications and associated accessories. To be sure you properly maintain your specific make and model of tractor, you should read through the manual that came with it. Many tractors require specific types of lubricants and hydraulic fluids that you can identify in the manual. If you do not have a manual for your tractor, you may be able to find the information on the manufacturer’s website.

Give the tractor a visual inspection Before you get started with any planned maintenance on your tractor, give the whole thing a good once over to see if anything looks overly worn, broken, or dirty. Many newer model tractors even have plastic windows on fluid reservoirs to check things like hydraulic fluid levels.

Give your tractor a visual inspection before and after each use Make note of any issues you identify to make sure you address them before the next time you use the tractor.

Do a tyre pressure check Tractor tyres can last years, but operating a tractor with under-inflated tyres can ruin the sidewall and cause the tyres to wear faster than they should. Under-inflated tyres will also cause the tractor to burn more fuel in normal operations. You may want to adjust tyre pressure for different types of jobs. For instance, if you plan on driving your tractor on the road, you might want to add a few more pounds of air. Tyres lose pressure more quickly when temperatures change from cold to hot, so you may want to check your tyre pressure more frequently in the Spring and Autumn.

Inspect the belts and hoses Just like in a car, a tractor’s engine relies on a number of rubber hoses and usually at least one belt. Look all the rubber components over for signs of wear or damage. Excessively worn rubber components should all be replaced. Look for grazing on the sides and bottom of any belts that may indicate that it’s been slipping. Any rubber that has cracked should be replaced.

Check list: No matter what size a tractor is regular maintenance will extend its life.

Replace the air filter as needed Depending on the environment you use your tractor in, you may need to change your air filter more or less frequently. Locate the air filter using the tractor’s user manual, then visually inspect it. If it’s re-

ally dirty, it should be replaced. There’s no real rule of thumb with air filters; they should just be replaced as they appear dirty. You should check your air filter after eight hours of use or so.

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OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Manitou: The long arm on the farm Some businesses work by moving data, others work by moving imaginary money between offshore accounts, others, and you’ll know if you’ve worked in one of these, operate by moving vast amounts of paper from one department to the next.

❚ by Andy bryenton But the modern farm works best when things move in volume. Things which are not always easy to handle. Because mother nature didn’t design crops to come neatly packaged in boxes, and because a pallet of drums is very different from a steaming scoop of silage, the average farmer needs a machine which can handle all kinds of consistencies, weights and volumes. And no ordinary forklift will do. Sometimes, what needs moving needs to traverse some gnarly terrain to get to where it’s most useful. Back in 1957, a man named Marcel Braud saw this, and developed a forklift truck with rough terrain tyres. This was the beginning of a long evolution which has led us to the modern telehandler of today - and specifically, the Manitou MLT 840. True agricultural telehandlers like this came on the scene in the late 1980s, and combine a variety of tools with a long, telescoping arm positioned beside the cab for the smallest possible turning circle and clear lines of sight for the operator. Manitou’s MLT 840 is equally at home handling animal feed or a harvest of crops,

Heavy lifter: the Manitou MLt 840 can lift four tonnes, or tip three tonnes into a trailer over four metres tall.

or fitted out with traditional forklift tines to stow away pallets and load and unload trucks. The figures tell the tale of its hydraulicassisted muscle – this machine can lift four tonnes, or tip three tonnes into a trailer over four metres tall. Lift loads over seven metres in the air while commanding a tiny,

sub-four-metre turning circle. And with intuitive controls, placing what you need where you want it is easy. The MLT 840 comes with up to 137 horsepower, courtesy of a john Deere sourced engine – more than ample for the kind of steady and precise work which is demanded of it.

It also packs a 180 litre per minute variable flow rate pump, because power to the wheels is only half of the equation. Add in tons of grip, high ground clearance and a five speed transmission, and you have a seriously versatile materials handling tool which goes where most forklifts fear to tread. Most importantly, though, Manitou have put operator comfort at the forefront of their design, making the cab of the MLT 840 an almost relaxing place to spend some time – all while moving mountains to boost farm productivity.

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Help with crush protection devices If you’re self-employed or own a small to medium business in the agriculture sectors with the highest quad bike injury rates, you might be eligible for a workplace injury prevention subsidy to help pay for a crush protection device (CPD) for quad bikes at work.

❚ Article supplied by ACC

Every year quad bikes are a major cause of death and serious injury in rural workplaces with many incidents associated with accidental rollovers. On average each year five people die, and we receive over 1,000 claims for work-related quad bikes accidents, costing $12 million. A new policy clarification from WorkSafe was issued in June 2019, strongly recommending that crush protection devices (CPDs) are installed on all quad bikes used for work. We’ve collaborated with WorkSafe to design a workplace injury prevention subsidy to help rural business buy CPDs. CPDs can help reduce the risk of injury or death to you or your staff when they’re riding a quad bike. A CPD can be fitted to a quad bike to provide a survivable space should a rider be pinned underneath it. We’ll help you to have a healthier and safer workplace by contributing to the cost of up to two CPDs per business (including self-employed).

igible for the subsidy, the LifeGuard and Quadbar. These CPDs have been well tested and are designed to withstand the forces of a quad rollover, to the extent that the operator has a greater probability of escaping serious harm from crushing, and can do so with limited effect on the operation of the vehicle itself. If WorkSafe changes their recommendations to include new CPDs in the future, we will update the list of eligible CPDs.

How to apply

Safety first: crush protection devices on quad bikes will help save lives according to WorkSafe and Acc has subsidies for famers needing one. We’ll send each business a certificate to acknowledge your participation and commitment to improving workplace safety. The subsidy offer is $180 per CPD with

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OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

The beneﬁts of vaccination in animals As we struggle to fathom how we ended up in the throes of a measles outbreak once again, we’re reminded of the importance of vaccinations to protect us from life-threatening diseases.

Mark ross ❚ by ❚ Agcarm Chief Executive This is no less true for animals who can share diseases with people. Vaccination vastly improves the health of both people and animals and is vital for continuing to meet the health challenges of growing populations. Vaccinating animals protects them from life-threatening diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis, which affect New Zealand animals. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease shared between rats, dogs, pigs, cattle and people. According to the Accident Compensation Corporation, New Zealand has one of the highest rates of leptospirosis in the world. It puts farmers, particularly dairy farmers, at risk as it can spread from infected urine in dairy sheds. It is also an occupational risk for meat workers, who can contract the disease in the same way. According to the New Zealand Veterinary Association, anyone in contact with cattle could be at risk. The spread of disease between humans and animals remains a constant threat. With a growing global population, the risk of zoonotic diseases spreading will only increase as humans and animals live in increasingly closer proximity. This coincides with an increasing demand for food when resources for agriculture are

Vaccinations: It is not just humans who need vaccines to protect them from life-threatening diseases. increasingly under pressure. As well as affecting human and animal health, animal diseases are detrimental to livestock, wildlife and agriculture. They also result in revenue and trade losses. Many killer diseases have been kept in check by responsible animal owners maintaining vaccination programmes. Rabies, for example, is a completely preventable virus that is fatal if left untreated. It kills more than

59,000 people each year, mostly children in Asia and Africa. If this isn’t tragic enough, the impact of the virus is estimated to cost in excess of US$6,000 million, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Many animals die of rabies. Its transmission to livestock reduces food productivity. Bovine rabies causes one million cattle deaths in Central and South America every year.

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Dogs are subject to unnecessary cruelty in attempts to eliminate the virus. According to the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), millions of dogs are needlessly culled each year due to a fear of rabies. Rabies is prevented by vaccinating dogs. Through research and pilot programmes, WSPA found that vaccinating at least 70 percent of a community’s dogs creates ‘herd immunity’. This occurs when a significant proportion of the population (or herd) is immunised, providing a level of protection to unprotected individuals. When a large number of animals in a community are vaccinated, it breaks the cycle of transmission between dogs. Then it prevents it from spreading to people. The World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health, UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control have committed to ending dog-mediated rabies in people by 2030. Continuous investment in breakthrough technologies and innovation is imperative to control diseases among animals as well as their spread to humans, as are appropriate government strategies for disease eradication. We must continue to use and develop lifesaving vaccines to limit the spread of disease and ensure that people and animals remain healthy and productive.

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October 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

Blackcurrants for women’s health New Zealand blackcurrants are the only known botanical to hold all three essential fatty acids Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega -9 in balance within the body.

supplied by Jim Grierson ❚❚Article ❚❚Vitality New Zealand

betterment of overall women’s health. The Blackcurrant Seed Oil (BCSO) is highly rich in the essential fatty acids (EFAs), which Being a cold-pressed golden hue seed oil, promote and maintain the human body’s vital without any after taste, it is easily adminis- functions. The benefit of taking blackcurrant tered in a 1000mg soft-gel capsule for the seed oil have been well-documented for years. These benefits derive from the fact that the (BCSO) is an excellent source of the (EFAs). (n-6 and n-3, both playing a crucial role in brain function and in the normal growth and development COMMUNICATIONS of the body. The (BCSO) supplies a GET CONNECTED WITH complete and synergistically balanced form of gammalinoleic acid (GLA; n-6) in combination with at least 12 other fatty acids – including the essential linoleic acid (LA; n-6) and the alpha linolenic acid, (ALA; n-3). As emTerrestrial RBI Wireless phasised oby the late Prof. D.F. Horrobin: “In order to express their normal biological effect, n-3 EFAs must be givADSL Fibre VoIP en with n-6 EFAs.” At the initial onset of menopause, the body reduces estrogen production, which may cause a hormonal imbalance and lead to relat-

Healthy crop: Vitality Wellness (NZ) directors David Eder (left) and Jim Grierson inspect a crop of blackcurrants for use in their range of health supplements.

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ed symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, depression and fatigue. Supplemental (gamma-linoleic acid) GLA from NZ blackcurrants will reduce breast tenderness, inflammation, and irritability associated with menopause and pre-menopause. GLA and the other two essential fatty acids found in NZ blackcurrants are responsible for the creation of prostaglandins within the body. There are numerous types of prostaglandins, all of which benefit the body in different ways. Overall, prostaglandins are responsible for the regulation of inflammation, influencing the walls of blood vessels, and may stimu-

late pain receptors. As these important prostaglandins derive from essential fatty acids, it is important to properly balance Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega -9 within the body. GLA not only assists in prostaglandin production, but the EFAs are also important to overall women’s health, and offers relief to numerous ailments, including pre-menstrual syndrome, hormonal balances, soft hair, smooth skin, hard nails and diabetes. Other anecdotals expressed by women include less hair loss, wrinkles and period pain. You only require one 1000mg soft-gel capsule per day of VitalityNZ Women’s Health to assist normalising your body function.

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Planning and planting an orchard There’s nothing like fresh fruit or nuts picked straight from the tree which you have grown yourself.

❚ by Kent caddick However, establishing an orchard on your lifestyle block can involve a good deal of work so it’s worth doing some careful planning before rushing into planting.

Planning It’s important to look at the conditions you have on your property before beginning planting, because it’s easier to work with the natural patterns of your land than against them. Study air flow, water flow, orientation to the sun, and where the prevailing winds and frost come from. A slope is a great thing to have in an orchard, because it allows cold air to run downhill, and provides frost-free spots at the upper end. Wet patches and very dry spots on your land are not necessarily a bad thing: you just need to put the right plants in the right places. Hazelnuts, for example, like a good sharp winter chill, so a hollow that harbours frost is just the right place for them. Wet areas, particularly those rich in nutrients like the far end of your septic tank

Apples are a reliable tree to have in any orchard. Plant a variety of apples that a good to cook with and ones that are great to eat straight from the tree.

leach field, are great for plums. Citrus also like high nutrients but don’t like wet feet. Dry, windy areas are ideal for trees that are prone to fungal and bacterial rots, so these areas can house nectarines, peaches and walnuts.

Planting and maintenance The layout of your orchard can be traditional rows, or something completely different. Rows can be fine, especially if you are only growing a limited range of fruit trees, but it can create large gaps between plants which

may need a tractor for grass and weed control. Consider not using a tractor in the orchard to avoid soil compaction and reliance on fossil fuels. Instead consider a food forest where planting is very mixed, and is based on the best microclimate for the species involved. A minimum space of four to five metres between trees should be allowed, and large spreading trees like walnuts should be at least 25 metres apart.

Thinking about the mature height of each tree is also important. Tall trees need to be positioned so they don’t shade other trees. To minimise grass and weed growth, use heavy mulching with organic material (a mixture of lawn clippings and dry leaves is good), applied during the wettest possible conditions to enhance soil moisture retention. Plant a ‘herbal ley’, which could include plantain, red clover, chicory and yarrow, for their nutritive value and companion planting, for example dahlias are helpful near apple trees because they harbour earwigs, which eat codlin moth caterpillars. Water conservation in the orchard is very important, especially if you don’t have a stream or bore available and are relying on rainwater. It’s very helpful to have storage tanks located as close to the top of your slope as possible. You can also use the ancient technique of building swales which is essentially small ditches like miniature terraces which retain water on the slope. And mulch heavily with organic matter to minimise evaporation from the soil.

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October 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

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Safety first: It is advisable to wear gloves and a dust mask when handling soil, especially bagged compost which carries with it the risk of Legionnaire’s disease.

Spring gardening safety tips As the trend towards growing your own fruit and vegetables continues its resurgence with Kiwi gardeners and lifestyle block owners, it is timely to highlight some simple safety messages according to an industry expert.

❚❚by Steve Sheppard Nursery and Garden Industry Association of New Zealand chief executive Dr John Liddle says soil is rich with living organisms which are beneficial to plants and generally cause no harm to animals or people. “Soil does, however, contain some organisms that are not beneficial such as a type of Legionella bacteria, which is commonly found in the environment. In rare cases this can cause Legionnaire’s disease. “Gardening is a popular pastime enjoyed by thousands of New Zealanders. Apart from the obvious cost savings associated with growing your own, the positive psychological benefits can best be described as ‘food for the soul’,” Dr Liddle said.

Seven tips for safer gardening • Gently water your garden & potted plants to minimise airborne droplets and dust • Read the warning label on bagged composts and potting mixes before use • Wear gloves and a dust mask when handling soil including bagged products • Open bagged products slowly using scissors and lean the bag away from your face • Gently dampen potting mixes before use • Make sure your working area eg shed or greenhouse, is well ventilated • Wash your hands when finished. Not all those who come into contact with the bacteria become sick and symptoms will vary from person to person. If people become infected with Legionella, they may get flu-like symptoms that can range from mild to severe. However, it can be life-threatening to people who have health factors that increase their susceptibility. Those most at risk include smokers, the elderly and those with existing respiratory illnesses and weakened immune systems. “Following some simple safety precautions will greatly minimise the small risk that there is. If people want to find out more they should refer to the Ministry of Health’s Safer and Healthier Gardening pamphlet.” Dr Liddle said.

CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Choosing the correct ryegrass Choosing the right perennial ryegrass can be a daunting task when all sales reps say they have the best.

Jeremy Klingender ❚ by Ravensdown Seed Product Manager ❚ They tend to avoid the important question of which is the best for you so I’ve put together some options you should look at when choosing your perennial ryegrass. There are four main points you have to consider when choosing the right perennial ryegrass: • Endophyte strain (relative to insect pressure) • Flowering/heading date • Ploidy (tetraploid or diploid) • Lineage/breeding

are tetraploid and diploid. Diploids are the most common, normally found on sheep and beef farms, due to ease of management, and have two sets of chromosomes per cell. Tetraploids have four sets of chromosomes per cell, which are larger, and generally grow bigger darker leaves, with larger but fewer tillers. They have a higher ratio of water soluble carbohydrate (cell contents) to fibre (cell wall) eg higher ME and are preferred by livestock. However, tetraploids take greater management as they are easily over grazed by stock, therefore, persistence can be an issue.

Seed tips: ravensdown seed product manager Jeremy Klingender has some tips for choosing the right perennial ryegrass.

Endophyte strains

been developed by plant breeders to help protect grasses from insect attack.

Insect pressure is one of the main reasons perennial ryegrasses don’t persist. The higher up in the country you are, the more protection against insects your ryegrass will need. Black beetle, porina, Argentine stem weevil, grass grub and field crickets all have a huge effect, stripping valuable dry matter and can even kill ryegrass pastures. Choosing and understanding the correct endophyte strain is very important for the longevity of your pastures. AR1, AR37 and NEA2 are all novel endophytes and have

Getting the timing right A heading date is when 50 percent of the plants have emerged seed-heads. It is an important consideration as seedhead development reduces feed quality in late spring and the heading date determines when this occurs. Heading/flowering time is important here as it controls the extent of early spring production and late spring quality. The standard heading/flowering ryegrasses are good for late August-early spring

growth as this is when the quality is best, and will carry the farm through the typical spring feed pinch. By mid-spring (October), growth rates are often high and the feed supply often changes to a surplus; here pasture quality may deteriorate if grazing management is not precise. At this point, late flowering ryegrasses, such as Ultra and Matrix (+20- +23 days after Nui) come into their own as the earlier flowering ryegrasses lose their quality.

Ploidy Ploidy is a term referring to the number of chromosomes per cell. The two main ploidies

Lineage/breeding Like top quality breeding stock, it is important to understand the bloodlines or parentage of your grasses. It’s pointless trying to grow a plant that doesn’t belong in your environment. Most of the breeding lines of grasses in New Zealand come from North Western Spain as the conditions there are very similar to ours. The difference is that the germ plasm is millions of years old so the perennial ryegrass has evolved over centuries to be able to survive those conditions.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY

From unwanted trees to bar leaner One of the aims of Macrocarpa Supplies is to help farmers decide on what to do with their unwanted shelter belts and to take away the hassle and worry of employing contractors to do the job.

❚ by Kent caddick

“When Dad started the business he saw that the Macrocarpa wood was being underNot only that but they’ll provide farmers with utilised around Canterbury and was often cash and a free bar leaner made out of the just burnt. “It is such a good timber, it has good agwood they have cut down. Macrocarpa Supplies was started over ing characteristics and has a great look, go15 years ago by Steve Renall but is now run ing a nice silvery natural colour unlike pine or by his son Kent Renall from their Ellesmere other woods which go black. “It is quality wood but it is getting harder Road property just outside Lincoln. The company produces firewood and land- to get a steady supply.” He says often the Macrocarpa come from scaping materials, while Steve turns some of the wood into furniture through his new busi- old shelter belts, some of which are becomness The Macro Factory. Kent says they are ing dangerous because they are so close to buildings or power lines and are becoming a always on the lookout for more stock. fire risk. “We take the lot and engage quality logging conTREE HUGGER TREE tactors to do the job for us TOPPING SERVICES meaning farmers don’t have to take the risk of trying to • Grabs, cuts trunks up to find a reputable contractor and eliminate the hassle of 500mm diameter, and cleaning up.” lowers them in a Farmers are paid dependcontrolled way ing on the number of trees and in addition are gifted a • Can top to 8m high free bar leaner made from • Minimise damage to the wood as a thank you for buildings fences, garden the timber. etc “We know how to utilise every piece of wood we ex• Tree & hedge removal tract. • Free quotes Canterbury “Skinny pieces become firewood, a big tall log we wide make into posts and a rough looking log we can turn into Ray Monk sleepers. Really good logs M: 021 567 841 will go to make furniture. E: treehugganz@gmail.com “At Macrocarpa Supplies we are committed to supplywww.treehugga.co.nz ing superior quality Macrocar-

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Job done: Kent renall from Macrocarpa Supplies, left, enjoys a quiet one with Hororata farmer richard Murray on the free macrocarapa bar leaner he received for selling his unwanted shelter belt. pa to our customers throughout Canterbury. “The logs are cut on our Mahoe mill near Lincoln using the latest in portable sawmill technology, which produces accurately cut timber to a smooth circular sawn finish.” So If you are looking for premium quality Macrocarpa timber, whether it be air-dried timber, green sawn timber, slabs, sleepers or firewood Macrocarpa Supplies is the place to visit.

If you are a farmer looking to have that old shelter belt removed give Kent Renall and his team a call and get your free bar leaner as a bonus.

For more information contact Kent renall on 021 325 661, email kent@macrocarpasupplies.co.nz, or visit the website macrocarpasupplies.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY

Allan Laurie MNZIF ❚ with ❚ Laurie Forestry Ltd

OctOber 2019

Dysfunction in forestry

July and August 2019 will go down in history as a five year low point in log export markets and it is my hope history also records the fact this catastrophic period was largely the result of a dysfunctional NZ Forestry Inc.

During July and August, prices for export logs have remained largely flat and at a low point. Last month I reported CFR settlements at US$110 per cubic metre. That is the price for logs landed at port on the China eastern seaboard. In September there was a US$2 per cubic metre lift but that was largely taken up by a corresponding lift in shipping costs. As at mid-September there are more encouraging signs indicating we have hit bottom and starting to claw our way out the other side. Inventory across eastern seaboard ports is starting to drop, at mid-September sitting at about 4.5 million cubic metres. This represents a decrease of 280,000 cubic metres over a two week period. This decrease is from a combination of slower deliveries from NZ and Australia as well as an increase in off port sales. Port off-take sales have increased to about 90,000 cubic metres per day, up 20,000 per day on last month. This is not untypical for this time of year with the construction sector lifting hours worked on sites through the cooler Autumn months. A recent review suggests many of the fundamentals impacting the wood fibre space are pretty good. This in turn is a reflection of a construction sector chugging at a pretty good pace despite some media reports suggesting a China economic cooling. The construction sector is a major component of China’s GDP.

Whilst some log export commentators have indicated an improvement in selling prices as we move in to the 4th quarter, shipping costs are also on the rise, potentially limiting any gains at a wharf gate NZ basis. The impacts of what has essentially been an over- supply of NZ logs, is being felt very much at the coal face. A quick count around of those spoken to at the recent NZ Institute of Forestry conference in Christchurch, suggests up to 90 logging crews parked up or on significantly reduced production. This is a big chunk of the total about 400 logging crews in NZ. I believe it is high time NZ Forestry Inc, in the log exporters segment, locked themselves in a room and sorted out a strategy which ensured we worked collectively and collaboratively to limit the sort of impacts we are seeing on the most important people of all – those that do the work. It is my view there is a small handful of people (NZers) deciding the destiny of most and it is high time they lost the ego’s and flawed ethos of one upmanship. Match this with a resolve to work in the collective interests of what needs to be an industry with much longer term planning and strategy horizons, and we might actually become much more successful at continuity and stability. Thus all the good working people around us will be able to provide their families with

certainty and stability, the net result being less stress, lower accident rates and in industry that is more attractive to new entrants. As I have been able to consistently report for many years, our domestic sawmill owners provide the backbone, consistency and stability of good prices enabling some logging crews to keep working. A quick ring around suggests prices are stable and sawmill owners are being loyal to those who have been loyal to them. Whilst it is not the realm of a plantation forestry practitioner to crystal ball gaze, the indicators are prices will claw their way back up to good levels over the next few months. As I have indicated previously, to get back up to the highs we were at prior to the drop, would be unwise. Those

price levels had too many young forests being harvested and national production hitting a point of softwood fibre saturation. To have price points which would have history repeating would not be in our collective long term and sustainable interests. Despite the immediate challenges, the plantation forest industry has served forest growers well in New Zealand. Therefore 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”.

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OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

Small things that make a big difference in growing great lambs If you were to look at the range of lamb daily growth rates on sheep farms in New Zealand, you would find a huge range from as low as 80g to 350g+ per lamb per day. To get to the top of this range requires attention to detail. Providing the ewe’s selenium and B12 levels are adequate, her suckling lambs should receive enough of these minerals through to weaning. If the ewe mineral levels are not adequate, then additional supplementation may be necessary to ensure good lamb growth rates. The trick is to know if you need extra supplementation and whether to give this to the ewe or the lamb. If targeting the ewe, then a pre-lamb mineral boost is ideal. If targeting the lamb, then docking/tailing is the first ideal opportunity.

Test to supplement

Julie roberts ❚ by Animal Health ❚ Ravensdown Area Manager ❚ Ewe condition score and milking ability, pasture quality and quantity, climatic conditions, trace elements and genetics are just some of the variables farmers need to manage. It only takes one of these ingredients to be missing, or to be in short supply, to make it difficult for lambs to reach target weights. Trace elements, although only required in small amounts, are a key part of this big picture. Adequate dietary levels are essential for healthy lamb growth and production. Selenium and cobalt (used to make Vitamin B12) are of particular importance in New Zealand farming systems.

Herbage samples in the spring, when the grass is actively growing, can give you an idea as to whether the pasture will supply adequate amounts of key minerals. Herbage trace element information should be supported with liver or blood samples, to confirm actual levels for animals and the level for supplementation required. All stock have different requirements for each trace element, but an animal health professional can help you decide where there may be shortfalls and interpret the results. There are a range of different options available for boosting animal trace elements including; mineral amended fertilisers, mineralised drenches, injections, pour-on’s, etc. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your regional animal health technical advisor for advice on mineral requirements for your stock this spring.

Good diet: Adequate dietary levels are essential for healthy lamb growth and production.

Ideal Selenium and B12 levels for lambs Herbage (mg/kg DM)

Liver (nmol/kg)

Serum blood (nmol/L)

Selenium

> 0.03

> 440

> 100

cobalt

> 0.11

–

> 375

> 500

Vitamin b12

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Weighing up heat detection options There are a number of tools and technologies now available to help dairy farmers optimize heat detection.

❚ Article supplied by CRV Ambreed

The general manager of breeding indicator company Estrotect, Boyd Dingus, says deciding which combination of heat detection aids to use is a matter of weighing up each tool’s effectiveness, its cost versus benefit, and ease of use.

Tail paint “Tail paint is inexpensive and has been used as a heat detection aid for decades, however, the effectiveness of tail paint can be hit and miss as it is never applied in a consistent way,” Dingus says. “Two people could go out and apply tail paint, and you’d likely get two completely different results. One person could apply a short strip, the other long. One person could do a very thick strip, while the other does skinny. Cow to cow and person to person, every strip will look different.” According to Dingus, this inconsistency can become a big problem when the person reading the tail paint must make a breeding decision – especially if they didn’t apply the paint to start with. How much paint was there initially? How much has been rubbed off? Should the cow be bred or not? “Some cows will be bred that shouldn’t be, causing you to overspend on semen, and some cows that should be bred won’t be, causing missed pregnancy opportunity.”

Electronic Heat Detectors There are a number of electronic heat detectors on the market either as cameras or meters that measure activity. The cameras or RFID (radio frequency identification) pick up heat from heat mount detectors and work together with a drafting system in the cow shed to draft out cows for insemination.

Detection: Using a tool which measures estrus activity, like heat mount detectors, will increase chances of pregnancy success in cattle.

Activity monitors are attached to the cow’s neck or leg and detect movement. Cows on heat tend to walk more because they are restless, mounting or being mounted by other cows. Day-to-day comparisons of cows’ activity can be made to spot any significant increases and therefore heat. “Before investing in this type of technology, do your research and talk to other farmers about the pros and cons,” says Dingus. “It would be sensible to use another form of heat detection as a back-up in case of a system failure.”

Heat Mount Detectors Heat mount detectors are either pouches activated by the pressure of the cow riding, or scratch-off pads. Dingus says using a heat detector, which measures the intensity of the cow’s estrus (heat) activity, is essential.

“The higher the estrus activity is, the higher your chances are for a successful pregnancy. “Without a measure for estrus activity, it’s like blindly throwing darts at a dartboard. Sure, some darts will hit the board and cows will get pregnant, but many won’t. Using a tool that measures estrus activity will increase your chances of pregnancy success.” There are proven tools on the market to increase pregnancy rates. Use of simple technology, like a breeding Indicator, helps overcome some of the key downfalls of heat detection aids like tail paint. A breeding indicator is a self-adhesive

patch that you apply halfway between the hip and tailhead of a cow’s back. As mounting activity occurs, the indicator’s surface ink is rubbed off by the friction of the mounting and will reveal the indicator colour. “There’s no inconsistency,” says Dingus. “The sticker is always the same size and shape, so there’s no guessing what was there to start with. There’s no variation by cow or person applying. “At the end of the day, make sure you do your homework and find a combination of heat detection aids that allows you and your farm staff to make a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ decision quickly.”

OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

❚ with Fred Hoekstra, VeeHof

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As I was thinking of what to write this month my wife reminded me that our mission statement says, “Supporting farmers to be the best they can be”, and then she asked “what does that mean right now?” As you know, we specialize in cattle hoof care and our passion is to support you, the farmer, in all aspects of that. That is, the trimming service, providing the equipment and tools and, of course, the training, but, we also want to support you in other ways. It is a very challenging time for farmers with proposed law changes causing a great deal of unrest within the agricultural sector – and rightly so. However, without wanting to detract from the seriousness of the situation I wanted to remind you of your value and the value you bring to this country. I read this morning that the total Dairy Export Revenue is up 8.7% - a record breaking result, well done - give yourselves a big pat on the back. Inspite of increasing pressure on you all to perform and adapt to industry/global demands you have risen to the occasion and come out on top. You can be proud of producing some of the highest quality food in the world whilst facing increasing scrutiny in all areas of your operation. I would encourage you to take a moment to stop and look around you and appreciate the growth you have achieved over the years. This hasn’t happened by accident but has occurred as you have “taken the bull by the horns” and embraced the demands that have come your way, whether welcome or not, and continued to move forward. I saw a poster in an insurance office window that said “growth without

the pain” – an appealing idea, but as you and I both know it doesn’t work like that. There is always a degree of pain or discomfort associated with growth, and sometimes it can feel unbearable and unending, and the light at the end of the tunnel is obscured. Just remember you are good at what you do and hopefully you have a great team around you (if not, I would encour-

age you to find someone as this is not a journey to walk alone). Take some time to stand in the sun and look out over your farm. Enjoy your cows, pat your dog, play with the kids, hug your wife (husband) and laugh (check out laughing therapy videos for help if needed). And if you are passing Veehof please call in for a coffee and chat, you are most welcome.

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

❚ with Peter burton

OctOber 2019

Why the cow isn’t the problem

Were the cow the problem the answer would be simple... eliminate cows and the problem goes away.

Without cows pastures would rapidly move from high fertility grasses and clovers to low fertility browntop, followed by gorse, scrub, and eventually native bush, and there’s almost unlimited hectares of gorse covered land that shows that effect. Some might argue that’s fine however the issues encountered in the next 30 years would far outweigh the long-term benefits. In fact, few of us would survive the necessary selection process and the society that resulted would be unimaginably primitive. Cows are essential to our survival and well-being so we need to look elsewhere for the solutions. Could cow numbers be the issue? There’s room for many more so perhaps the intensity of cows is the key. Spreading them out would help solve some of the soil damage in wet weather, so a useful consideration. While pondering on that give thought to the effect the diet might have on what is being excreted. At present the farming community lives and dies based on models, and current models show that all cow urine is the same. Simple logic suggests that changing the diet will markedly change the composition of both dung and urine, and measures already available show that to be the case. And this in our view is where the problem, and solution, exists. Fast growing pasture is

high in nitrates because nitrogen drives vegetative growth. It’s what occurs when growth starts to slow that is really interesting. At this point nitrates start becoming full proteins, and protein production is the reason for the farming of grazing ruminants. The urine of lactating animals with a higher percentage of full protein in their diet contains significantly less nitrogen. Longer pasture also starts to produce fibre. A stalk develops that in time supports a seed head, and as grazing ruminants require some long fibre in their diet for optimum digestion, grazing longer pasture makes perfect sense. The argument against is that more mature pasture is less digestible and palatable and animals therefore consume and produce less. That is certainly the case when pastures are supplied with large amounts of water soluble, phosphorus and potassium, supplemented with frequent dressings of nitrogen. However, when calcium, supported with magnesium, is used as the driver the game changes. Phosphorus and potassium remain essential requirements, but not the drivers. Because clover contains 3-4 time the amount of calcium that is in grasses, a calcium rich soil fertility programme encourages clover growth. Clover is more digestible than grass, the

reason for lambs fattening more rapidly on high clover content pasture. Clover leaf also has higher levels of soluble sugars, or energy, a primary requirement for all animals in spring. Clover even when mature remains both palatable and digestible and is the primary fixer of atmospheric nitrogen. Nitrogen in this form is not subject to the same leaching loss as that applied as urea. An often-heard objection to a change in soil fertility systems is that there would be a loss of production. This is not the case and there is over thirteen years of continuous measures that shows there no drop of in production, only a steady increase. Animals fully fed on these pastures in spring not only perform at an enhanced level with far fewer ill-health issues, they also lose much less weight due to the higher energy intake. Overall a far more effective and efficient system resulting in up to 70% lower Nitrate N losses to groundwater. With the government now determined to reduce Nitrate N losses it is up to the farming industry to wean themselves off highly addictive soluble phosphorus and urea and once again enjoy the support and sense of belonging that has been lost over recent times. For more information call Peter burton 0800 843 809

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WATER

OctOber 2019

A fortnight of uncertainty ❚ with Dr tony Davoren

Phew, the last two weeks have been dominated, not by the possibility of irrigation starting up, but by the Government’s recently-released Action for Healthy Waterways discussion document.

But let’s not forget spring is upon us as I pen this article (assuming you can subscribe to the 22 September as the onset of spring)… and the irrigation season. Having read and re-read the document and other relevant reports, and attended meetings, there is no way I can do the proposals justice in a few hundred words. No-one has any disagreement with the Ministry for Environment (MfE) opening at their meetings that the “Freshwater quality has deteriorated seriously over recent decades”. But to open their meetings and put the blame squarely on farming is unreasonable – farming and urban wastewater discharge has operated according to territorial authority plan policies and rules. Early in the Government report there is a statement “we have known about this since 2004 when the then Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Morgan Williams published the Growing for Good report highlighting that water pollution was getting worse”. I would suggest we have known about this for much longer – in a previous life when I worked for Water and Soil Division, Ministry of Works we were involved in water quality investigations around lakes Rotorua and Taupo. That was back in the late 1970s and the science message was conclusive - stock exclusion and riparian planting along water ways for nutrient mitigation, especially phosphorous. Nothing new, but here we are 40 years on in 2019 “enforcing” just that (along with some other limits). As I took a rest stop before leaving the Ashburton MfE meeting, I had a chance question from a fellow rest stopper – “what did I think of that?”. Our discussion turned the 1mg/L limit that was front and foremost of the meeting discussions. “There’s no way I can farm and get my limit to one” immediately made me realise there was confusion between the nutrient losses calculated on-farm and the 1mg/L Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) limit for rivers and streams. Of course, my fellow rest-stopper was absolutely correct – he cannot get his nutrient loss down to one. It is not a measure of the N loss to water from a farming enterprise. That loss is measured N/ha/year from an Overse128mminxkg100mm er model and the 1mg/L DIN is the median of

measurements taken at a range of flow conditions over five years (I think the latter is correct). I’m not sure if he left the rest room any the wiser for my explanation, but how many others were equally confused. Certainly the MfE presenters did not pick up on that confusion and/or attempt to explain the differences. The other “contentious front and foremost” point was 2025. The mood was that the limits and improvements had to be achieved by that date. I can’t find that conclusion in the discussion document other than “Introduce a new freshwater planning process that will require councils to have new plans in place no later than 2025” and for “All farmers and growers have a farm plan by 2025”. Here in Canterbury we have both – an operative Land and Water Plan albeit with a number of variations as time passes and most of you will have completed a farm Environment Plan (FEP). Furthermore, the addition of a Freshwater Module to the FEP is again for the most part already addressed – such as

identifying waterways and critical source areas (contaminant discharge). The discussion document accepts that “It will take decades to restore the health of our waterways to the state our communities want, but these proposals set out a shared direction and get us started”. The document does state that by 2025 the monitoring and measurements of water quality indices need show evidence of material improvement in freshwater quality. We know that is already occurring in Canterbury and can be “attributed” to the limits we are already farming toward.

There are however some uncertainties: • Can all rivers and streams reach the 1mg/L DIN median limit? While the alpine rivers and Ashburton River are already less than 1mg/L DIN (confirmed by Marty from MfE at the Ashburton meeting); others like the Hinds and Selwyn will be a more difficult challenge. And is a higher limit accept-

able and still have a healthy stream? Will ECan vary the Land and Water Plan to include this DIN and other limits? • The science linking the on-farm nutrient losses and the in-stream limits is more anecdotal than robust at this stage. Much more work is needed to relate and understand the processes, and this is recognised. Back to Spring, and brighter notes. By the time you are reading this spring will have begun – meteorologically at least. Yes, the equinox (23 September) will have passed and we will be into it – longer days, increasing solar radiation, more stable and rising soil temperatures. So how close – the pasture soil moisture record shown will reach stress point around 2-3 October. That means if you have rotational irrigation (roto-rainer, turbo-rain, K-line) you need to have finished a round by then. Centre pivots can wait until around 30 September before firing up. That is if doesn’t rain again.

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October 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

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OctOber 2019

Uncertainty in the wool market

Market inﬂuences are extremely difficult to predict and, there are often questions as to why the wider wool trade doesn’t pass on market intelligence to growers as an aid to grow the ‘right’ wool, it is impossible to predict any movements with certainty.

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Sure there are sectors of the manufacturing industry who spend considerable resource searching and creating market requirement, however we all know that much of that can be dismantled in an instant with one swipe of a politician’s pen (or one click of a politician’s mouse) and the movement of a decimal point one place to the right. The recent actions of probably our best two allies, plus our largest trading partner, meant New Zealand wool growers suffered even further downside from the already pathetically weak coarse wool market. Until recently fine wool growers had basked in sunshine for a couple of years while price improvements appeared to be unstoppable, however during the past couple of months they too have taken a beating as the China-US trade war has clouded the market causing confusion and real fears of recession. It appears that China’s economy is still easing, as it has done over the past few years, with additional economic strain recently, due to increased tariffs imposed by the US, affecting the approximately 20% of exported goods from China to the US. With approximately 75% of Australian and 50% of New Zealand wool exported into China for processing, and at least 60% of finished woollen goods remaining within China, the outlook is murky. Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong have affected their tourism and retail business with economists predicting a second consecutive quarter of negative growth. India reports a dramatic reduction in domestic spending with job losses in some industries. Singapore’s economy has also been affected by weaker global demand as well as the trade war and, although recent commentary suggests that countries like Japan, South Korea and Bangladesh have enjoyed slightly better economic performance during the second quarter of

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Quality issues: Australian wool auctions continued to experience difficulty after prices had fallen quite dramatically during late August. 2019, there is future uncertainty. Australian wool testing data released at the end of July confirmed that wool volumes are certainly down compared to the previous year as anticipated, with July 2019 being back by around 5% to 6% compared to July 2018. At time of writing Australian wool auctions continued to experience difficulty after prices had fallen quite dramatically during late August. As a result, it was not uncommon for around 30% of grower wool to be withdrawn from auction catalogues prior to sale day, with the remainder generally market sellers, however passing rates were still around 15%. Wool quality in Australia remained an issue with many lines measuring less than 30nkt (newtons per kilotex), indicating mixed processing length due to fibre tenderness, a direct result of drought. As a comparison, several lines of merino catalogued Christchurch recently, tested between 45nkt and 53nkt. Amongst the negativity a positive comment from Australian brokers was that wool from non-mulesed flocks

definitely drew good buyer attention. From a New Zealand wool perspective there are many positives and we do have globally recognized points of difference. Despite extremely poor prices, with many oddment types very difficult to sell, generally our crossbred wool is still regarded as the best in the world and, therefore, we must pay attention to wool preparation to ensure that we keep it that way. Mulesing has been banned in NZ therefore our fine wools have an advantage over some of our counterparts. Wool is being re-invented as the fibre of choice within a wide range of products, some of which are completely new, and with increased reaction to plastic pollution globally, natural fibres are in a great space. New Zealand is still located where it’s always been on the planet. We’re a long distance from major markets and populations. I think we’re best to control what we can and forget about trying to control what we can’t. That’s my view.

OctOber 2019

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

Farmers voices need to heard in response to proposed policies When the government released its proposed Essential Freshwater policy on September 5, it cast a shadow over the future viability of much of our sheep and beef sector.

❚ by Sandra taylor It seems ridiculous that sheep and beef farmers, who are amongst the lowest emitters of any farm type, seem to be the ones bearing the brunt of the proposals. It is vital that we as a sector, and as individuals, make our voices heard through the government’s consultation process. The devil is in the detail of these proposals. While on the face of it, the desired outcome of healthy freshwater is exactly what we all want – and there are parts of this policy we fully support – other parts threaten the livelihood of farming families and the communities they support. At Beef + Lamb New Zealand, we are fortunate to have a team of experts who pick through the detail of the policies affecting our farmers and they have highlighted a number of areas which are of real concern. These relate to various compliance costs and grandparenting provisions. The latter is an extremely blunt emissions-reduction tool which disproportionately affects low impact systems. In the proposal, the government has given estimates of the cost of complying to the regulations, which we believe are grossly under-estimated.

They don’t take into account the need for managing sediment in many catchments and this may include needing to do Land Use Capability mapping and Land and Environment Plans level 3. There would also be new fencing requirements on lowlands, and potentially in hill country, depending on stocking rates of cattle. Farmers may also be required to install reticulated stockwater systems. Hill country farmers would require consents for any cropping on slopes of over 10 degrees, and grand-parented to historic amounts. They would also be required to measure all of their emissions through Overseer and/or other models and show reductions in emissions overtime. There are a range of grand-parenting provisions that will place heavy restrictions on farmers changing their land use, and some provisions would actually lock farmers in at their existing level of emissions, even if they are currently very low. These grand-parenting provisions result in a loss of flexibility for these farms and the inability to adapt. Both of which have been essential to building the resilience in the sheep and beef sector.

‘

It is likely to impact on the value of farming businesses and their bankability.

It is also likely to impact on the value of these farming businesses and their bankability as ‘like land’ is not treated the same. Economic modelling of the Essential Freshwater proposals by Local Government New Zealand estimate that land under sheep and beef production in a Waikato catchment could decline by 68% as a result of the proposals. This impact is due to a combination of the increased compliance costs, and lack of flex-

ibility for farmers to adjust their systems to meet these costs, which could result in many farms becoming unviable. While this is Waikato, it highlights the potentially significant impact of these proposals if they were to pass into law. While B+LNZ will be making submissions on behalf of the sector, it is so important individuals also make submissions to the government as these policies will impact on all of us.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

OctOber 2019

Grappling with govt proposals Deer farming, the smallest of the mainstream livestock industries, has its hands full dealing with the government’s fresh water and climate change policy proposals.

❚ by trevor Walton It is working with Beef + Lamb NZ and DairyNZ to understand the impacts of the recent fresh water announcements. While it supports the need for improved water quality, it has concerns about some aspects of the proposals. Beef + Lamb NZ has prepared an excellent fact sheet that summarises the issues. They also make a strong plea for farmers to attend consultation meetings, to ask questions and to make submissions. DINZ asks deer farmers to do the same. Chief executive Dan Coup says the fresh water proposals did not come as a surprise. “Clean rivers are a major public concern and were key election policies for both Labour and the Greens.” He says DINZ and the NZDFA have for several years been encouraging deer farmers to complete a Farm Environment Plan (FEP) and to regularly review how it’s tracking. “These plans are almost certain to become compulsory in all regions, so if you haven’t done one, it’s a good time to get your head around what’s involved. For the many deer farmers already have a plan in place and have

seen water quality in their creeks improve, the journey continues. “The FEPs that the government wants in place on all farms by 2025 are likely to include new requirements that we don’t yet know about. As with all plans, environmental plans will change over time in response to new knowledge, farmer experience, regulations and council rules.” Coup says after evaluating the government’s fresh water proposals and consulting with its farmer stakeholders it will make a formal response. On the climate change front Coup says the DINZ team is working on two levels, both equally urgent: policy development and practical ways to apply those policies on the farm. “Over the next five years it seems inevitable that agriculture will transition into a pricing regime for biological emissions. It’s a huge task. No other country in the world has attempted it, so we need everyone to co-operate. Our first challenge is to convince government to work with us. “The proposed flat carbon levy on processors during the transition period will not encourage farmers to look at ways of reducing

their emissions or increase their on-farm carbon storage. It will be seen as yet another tax and make farmers less inclined to cooperate. “Instead, DINZ and the other primary industries are saying ‘work with us’. We need policies that are fair to farmers and practical to apply on an ordinary family farm,” he says. DINZ also sees the methane targets in the Zero Carbon Bill as being unnecessary and unrealistic. It has made submissions to that effect and is continuing to lobby for changes to the reduction targets for methane of 10 per cent by 2030 and 24-47 per cent by 2050. “Neither level is achievable because the bill does not allow for on-farm offsetting. If offsetting is allowed, the 2030 target looks reasonable. Achieving the 2050 target, without destroying our industry, would require the development of technology that doesn’t yet exist,” Coup says. From 2020 to 2024 he says farmers and government need to be developing a system that accounts for greenhouse gas emissions and offsets at the level of the individual farm. This will give farmers the incentive to assess the emissions on their farms and to find ways to minimise or offset them.

If the government accepts the livestock sector’s vision and decides to work with them, Coup says farmers will face another major challenge, “making individual farm greenhouse gas accounting actually work.” Providing farmers with good, practical, easy-to-apply information will be essential. Deer farmers wanting help with their Farm environment Plans should contact Phil McKenzie, co-ordinator of the Deer Industry environment Groups (DIeGs). Phil can be found at phil@changeforgood.co.nz or tel 0274 997 809.

‘

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OctOber 2019

Hilux gets a safety makeover Hilux, Toyota’s popular workhorse, has been given a safety upgrade with the addition of Toyota Safety Sense in all variants. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Toyota New Zealand All Hilux variants from the new entry level 2WD single cab chassis to the top of the range SR5 Cruiser will be delivered with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package as part of a range-wide upgrade. Despite the addition of TSS technology to the range, there has been no increase in price. All variants gain Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist (brake control) and Road Sign Assist. Toyota New Zealand Chief Operating Officer, Neeraj Lala, said the addition of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) to Toyota’s number one ute, the Hilux, has made it an even safer mobile workplace for New Zealand fleets. “Toyota continually aims to improve the new technology available to its customers, and TSS is a start down the technology road towards autonomy in vehicles,” Lala said. The addition of TSS to the Hilux range resulted in Toyota Australia volunteering vehicles for retesting despite it being midlifecycle. The revised Hilux is the first vehicle to be put forward to ANCAP for retesting and is currently the only ute with a 2019 five-star ANCAP rating.

Safer: All Hilux variants including the Sr5 cruiser will have a safety upgrade.

“Customer demand for safety specific technology has really aided us in securing TSS for the Hilux,” Lala said. “74% of our Hilux customers year to date are fleet buyers, and there has been an increase in demand for five-star ANCAP safety ratings.” Using a camera and radar sensors, the Pre-Collision System is designed to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. It will assist the driver with visual and audible warnings, braking assistance or Autonomous Emergency Braking if they fail to heed these warnings. There is also a Lane Departure Alert function that will warn the driver with visual and audible alerts if the vehicle deviates from its lane, and if necessary, use the braking sys-

tem to create “yaw” to keep the vehicle within the lane. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) has also been made standard across the Hilux range. It uses sensors to maintain a suitable following distance to the vehicle in front. The DRCC system operates at speeds above 40 km/h. All Hilux variants also feature a Road Sign Assist system that recognises speed limit

signs and displays them on the 4.2-inch colour display that is now standard in all variants. Also the former ‘S’ Hilux variants have been discontinued and will be replaced by a new entry grade in September. There is also a new PreRunner SR Single Cab Chassis manual transmission variant. The extra cab variants will be available from October 2019.

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October 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING

Subaru Levorg arrives down under The 2020 model of Subaru’s turbochrged, performance sports wagon, the Levorg 2.0GT-S has arrived in Subaru showrooms across the country.

supplied by ❚❚Article Subaru ❚❚ of New Zealand

Established as an attention-grabber, the Levorg is the successor to the much-missed Legacy GTB wagon. The 2020 model has been dressed up in 19” black STI wheels with cross-drilled brake rotors, along with an STI strut brace for even better cornering, a black mesh grille, black badges, and all chrome accents have been given the matt black treatment. These additions boost Levorg’s performance credibility even further and in addition to All-Wheel Drive, it continues to be powered by the proven, efficient, turbocharged 2.0-litre direct injection Boxer engine, which produces 197 Kilowatts of power at 5600 rpm and 350 Newton metres of torque from 2400-5200 rpm. The factory Bilstein suspension completes the superior handling package. Subaru of New Zealand’s Managing Director, Wallis Dumper, said the Subaru Levorg is his vehicle of choice and is the perfect drive to escape the city. “What some Euro brands offer as optional extras, at many thousands of dollars more, are simply standard specification on the Levorg. “If you want a performance vehicle and enjoy driving yet want practical space for loading up for your escape time, this Suba-

The Levorg sports wagon will be available with the eight-speed Subaru Lineartronic Transmission (SLT), with paddle shift.

ru delivers in abundance, whilst leaving capital in the bank for those home or business needs,” Dumper said. The Levorg sports wagon will continue to be available with the eight-speed Subaru Lineartronic Transmission (SLT), with paddle shift. It is coupled with Subaru Intelligent (SI) Drive, which features multiple performance modes to suit a wide range of driving styles, from sporty to economical. The Subaru Levorg package offers multiple configurations to suit every lifestyle, of-

fering the space you need for work or play but without a crippling petrol bill to accompany it. Fuel consumption is a moderate 8.7l/100km. Whether you are heading into the office for the day, or away for a weekend adventure, the Subaru Levorg is highly equipped to keep you safe. Featuring Subaru’s award-winning, thirdgeneration EyeSight technology - which acts like a second pair of eyes, spotting potentially dangerous driving situations – it offers

Work safely Watch for wires Always keep equipment at least four metres from power lines. Reduce the risk of electrocution and electrical fires on the farm. Please contact Orion to arrange free onsite advice.

Use industry safe working practices: The New Zealand Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances (NZECP 34:2001). Visit our website oriongroup.co.nz or call us on 03 363 9898 or 0800 363 9898 for free advice.

See us at the 2019 Selwyn Spring Show Ellesmere, 19 October

4m+

Pre-collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Sway Warning and Lead Car Alert. Further driver aids include Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection and a front and side camera that makes parking easier. All the intuitive technology you need is at your fingertips with built-in Satellite Navigation powered by TomTom available, including real time traffic information. The easy pinch and swipe accessibility of a 7” touch screen allows you to enjoy features, such as, Apple Car play and Android auto. For all-round luxury and comfort, the Subaru Levorg is decked out in premium leather upholstery (with 10-way power driver’s seat memory) and heated front seats to keep you toasty on those chilly winter’s mornings. Like all Subaru models, the Subaru Levorg comes with a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating and has seven airbags positioned throughout the cabin.

The elephant hiding There is a simple, powerful reason beneath the growing frustration with New Zealand’s Zero Carbon transition.

❚ by Solis Norton

It is not well known. It is never discussed in any kind of public forum. It is irrefutable. It will never go away. It is this. Collectively, the renewable energy sources we are transitioning to are a substantially less efficient energy source than the fossil fuels we have now. This fact is invisible when our transition is viewed from the perspective of emissions, rather than energy. It also means that reducing emissions from livestock is futile. No, worse than futile, it avoids the real issue. There are good scientific methods for measuring this efficiency change. They are based on Energy Return on Investment and the closely related Net Energy and Lifecycle Assessment analyses. Let’s not dwell on their details here other than to recognize that they exist and work well. Ultimately what they show is that as we proceed through our transition, energy will become more expensive, less plentiful, or both. Energy fuels our economy. Not just in the light switches, heat pumps, and gas tanks we deal with every day. It is deeply embedded in the construction, operation, and main-

tenance of all the incredibly complex systems that make our society what it is today. So as our energetic efficiency contracts, likewise contracts our economy. Exactly where and by how much will keep the politicians in business for the foreseeable future. I enjoy having this discussion with farmers because they ‘get it’. Running a farm system well means understanding the relationship between its inputs and outputs. And it means organizing them efficiently for best performance. So just like a drop in feed efficiency reduces production, they see that a drop in energy efficiency reduces economic production. A good farmer manages a feed pinch by having fewer animals, or preferentially feeding the most important stock classes at the expense of the others. Politicians are groping for alternative management techniques. But they could learn a few of things from any good farmer. A good farmer is honest with themselves and their team about the reality of the longer term outlook. A good farmer won’t mince around praying for a golden bullet to solve their problem. And a good farmer will make tough decisions when necessary. We are all comfortable with navigating a challenge. Something fair and clear that we can ‘get stuck into’. It’s far more appealing than floundering in the uncertainty of a transition prosperity promise that the seat of our pants and some fundamental physics tell us just cannot be true.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

❚ with rob cope-Williams

Interest rates and such May I suggest that you keep in close touch with your bank and accountant over the next period as the word is that interest rates will drop even further, and some will say they’ll drop as low as zero. The timing is up in the air, as you would expect, but I understand that the clever money is on the interest rate tumbling sooner rather than later. So, what will be the result, obviously banks will have lots of money to lend at a cheap rate; turnover will be paramount as their returns will be a lot less than they are at present. Property values will rise as more buyers will be able to afford to buy land and housing, and naturally borrowing more will be encouraged by the banks who need the volumes. We may even see returns from Companies Farmers supply drop because “The Farmers are paying less in interest rates, so they will be able to ride this out”. Investors in rental houses will be bailing out of rental homes because of new laws being drafted at present giving tenants huge volumes of power with a minimum 90 days’ notice for tenants to be evicted. I’m not privy to the small print on the eviction rules, but it may well be very bad news for farmers with workers living in farmhouses. Ninety days with no work being done by a worker who is either just sitting in the house or likely to take to you court for breach of contract even if they do move out to another job. Yes, 90 days without accommodation for a new worker, so no new worker for the 90 days. I understand that there are farm workers who already swing that sort of thing

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because they know the law better than an employer does, so all that the Labour Government is doing is making it even worse for the Farmers and better for the workers who are working the system. I’m not even starting on the ACC claims that some workers pull to get paid ACC and not working, but still enjoying the privileges offered by the employer. The rules on ‘sacking’ an employee is already a mine field as I am sure you know, even those who fail drug tests have more rights than the employer so this will simply be another very tall hurdle. Ah yes, the gun laws; a huge percentage of applications to keep certain guns have been rejected if the grounds were pest control. So who is most likely wanting to have guns to control pests? Farmers is the answer. That after we now have Wallabies spreading across valuable farmland on both Islands, and no I didn’t know they could swim across Cook Strait either. I haven’t mentioned compliance costs because that’s another huge subject that will only make you grumpy.

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