30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast
November 2019 Edition
INSIDE
THIS EDITION Vege prices to rise
p5 Reality check
p10 Show feature Swinging hard: Axemen giving it their all at the ellesmere A&P Association’s Selwyn Spring Show.
p21 Beef & lamb outlook
Spring show starts season
The Canterbury show season got underway late last month with the running of the 149th Selwyn Spring Show run by the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, one of the biggest one-day events of its kind in the country.
❚ by Kent Caddick p50
The Ellesmere show was renamed this year as the theme of the show was the wider Selwyn district. Ellesmere A&P Show president Tim Schmack said the Selwyn Spring Show is an event that is inclusive of the wider community, encouraging people to come together to celebrate Selwyn through their success
in ar t, music, culture, business and agriculture. Schmank said they’ve estimated that around 15,000 attended this year’s show. “It was absolutely fantastic, near perfect I would say, especially with the break in the weather which if I had planned it, it couldn’t have gone any better. “The theme this year was Celebrating Selwyn as we have had a large popula-
tion growth in the district over the last few years. “What really impressed me walking around was the amount of enjoyment people were getting from the show. “Some people only come to look at a horse, some people never look at a horse and others come to do both, and everybody seemed to be happy.”
TO PAGE 2
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
Time and sweat key to show success FROM PAGE 1 Schmank said the success of the show is very much down to those who volunteer their time and sweat to make it happen. “There are people who have been stewarding out here for over 50 years in their sections. They turn up on the day every year for the good of the community “However, it’s not just about me, or the committee and others who work on the show but it is also about the sponsors and the wider business community who come together to support such a wonderful community event.” He said it was great to have the cattle back this year as the M. Bovis issue prevented them from having a cattle section last year. “There were great entries right across all sections with people who come every year bringing their sheep or horses or whatever, they are the backbone of the show. “The exhibitors were very happy with the number of people they were able to make contact with at the show, whether that leads
Line up: Looking their best for the judging at the ellesmere A&P Association’s Selwyn Spring Show.
to more business I don’t know but they were very pleased with the foot traffic we had.” He said the feedback from farmers on how things are going in the industry at the moment was varied. “As a sheep farmer I couldn’t be more happy with the way things are going especially with the price we are getting for our animals is absolutely amazing. Christchurch Office 03 377 2721 “But from what I am hearing from talking to sponsors and others there is quite a ¡ Rural & Urban Subdivisions
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bit of pessimism about what is happening at the moment. “A lot of the businesses have had quite a quiet winter and the banks are putting the pressure on dairy farmers and they are holding back on buying things, and that affects every down the line.” This month the show season steps up a gear with the Canterbury A&P Association’s annual New Zealand Agricultural Show over three days in Christchurch. See our featuire in this issue of Canterbury Farming (page 21) for everything you need to know about this year’s New Zealand Agricultural Show.
Sign of the times: There was plenty to do and see at the 149th ellesmere A&P Show.
FARMING NEWS
CANTERBURY FARMING November 2019
3
Forest analyst calls on Feds to get with the programme Federated Farmers is claiming the coalition government’s ‘pro-forestry policies’ are threatening the viability of rural communities and the economy while forestry experts are telling the Feds to ‘get their heads out of the sand’.
❚❚by Kent Caddick According to Feds commerce and trade spokesperson Andrew Hoggard there have been media reports that the sharp fall in log prices is hitting employment in regions such as Northland and the East Coast, and sentiment in key dairy regions such as the Waikato, Taranaki, Manawatu and Southland is fragile due to concerns about government policy. “The coalition government’s pro-forestry policies, including the ‘streamlined test’ for overseas investors, the One Billion Trees subsidies, and flawed climate change targets - are ending up pushing the wrong tree in the wrong place, threatening the long term viability of rural communities and the economy. “Forestry is a big earner, and a valuable land use option. However, it is by no means a panacea for the chunks likely to be torn out of productive pastoral farming.” Hoggard said overstatements in a New Zealand wood advertising campaign of forestry’s employment benefits compared to livestock underlines the point that more and more land is being purchased for carbon farming and a large percentage of logs currently being harvested are not further processed. Not surprisingly the forestry industry has a differing point of view. Forestry consultant Allan Laurie said the response from Federated Farmers surround-
At loggerheads: Forestry analysts say there is nothing in current Government policies that gives plantation forestry any sort of advantage over pastoral farming.
ing future land use in New Zealand follows a now predicable path built around a premise that pastoral farming forms the only legitimate land use in the country. “This premise further asserts plantation forestry robs New Zealand of the ‘tried and true’,” Laurie said. “Such a premise is of course fundamentally flawed. There is nothing in current Government policies that gives plantation forestry any sort of advantage over pastoral farming, indeed quite the reverse. “We saw this well expressed during the 2000-2015 land mass conversion of 70,000
hectares of plantation forests in New Zealand to dairy farms. “This transition included dramatic changes to rural communities with the subsequent closure of schools and the loss of use of community assets and the like. We didn’t hear the Feds complaining about that.” Laurie said the current One Billion Tree Grant fund has a total focus on trees on farms but does not support whole farm conversions. “Herein lays an opportunity for farmers to integrate trees on their land whilst offsetting some of their own carbon emissions. The
wise and integrated use of trees on farms will improve the environment, improve future farming incomes and provide future generations with a sound basis for sustainability.” Laurie said there is no down side for farmers here with an exciting opportunity provided by the current Government to improve farms well in to the future while providing positive outcomes for the country and the planet. “Fed Farmer commentators would be well advised to extract their heads from the sand and get with the programme thus then truly representing the best interests of their members.”
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
Improving water quality
Damien o’Connor ❚ by Minister for Agriculture, Biosecurity, ❚ Food Safety A social, economic and environmental imperative and Rural Communities ❚ In the past few weeks I’ve attended meetings about the Government’s freshwater proposals and visited farms around the country. I understand change of any kind can be scary, but people should be a little cynical about some of the misrepresentation taking place. Despite what some might say, the Government doesn’t “hate” farmers and we’re not interested in destroying rural communities. That kind of “them v us’’ talk isn’t helping farming families. We are interested in improving freshwater quality, something farmers and urban Kiwis agree is necessary. Doing so will help protect our farmers’ international reputation for sustainably produced food and fibre and safeguard excellent commodity prices. At the meetings, I’ve heard and respect farmers’ concerns about proposed nitrate limits, fencing and other issues in the water proposals. There is work to do after submissions close and I’d expect changes. I’ve been accused of not mentioning the good work farmers do. Rubbish. Since starting as minister I’ve proudly and regularly praised work including riparian planting, protecting wetlands, tree planting, fencing and limiting fertiliser use. Those things are happening now and not hurting farmers’ bottom line. I’ve spoken many times about the need for change in urban centres – the often dis-
gusting state of Auckland’s beaches is a prime example. However, I’m committed to meaningful baseline targets for things like nitrate levels in rivers – in urban and rural NZ – because that is a social, economic and environmental imperative. The targets that we finally settle on as part of the proposals will be met over time. I want to see change over a generation and for it to be part of the good work already happening. Rural communities will talk with regional coun-
cils about the timeframe for achieving targets. To put the nitrate target in perspective, there are many catchments where rivers are about or near the suggested level. There are others which will require greater effort, but I’m confident we can adapt by using best practice and technology to get there. Recently, I visited several farms that have made environmental changes that did not hurt their bottom line. These things are being done, but we shouldn’t ignore that in some places improvements are required.
I reject that the Government is doing nothing to help farmers. The Government set aside $229 million to spend on things like boosting advisory and extension services and the establishment of local groups so farmers can learn from each other about what works. I’m talking to Beef and Lamb, Dairy NZ, and others about integrated farm plans to lessen workload. We’re investing tens of millions of dollars in tools like Overseer to help farmers. A Farm Debt Mediation scheme will be a safety net for farmers and improvements to NAIT will help prevent some of the tracing issues we’ve experienced with Mycoplasma bovis. Soon we will release an industrybacked plan to ensure the sector gets the skilled workers it needs. We’ve nearly doubled the funding for rural support trusts and the Budget had $1.9 billion for mental health to improve frontline services, rural communities included. Recently an independent survey found that the “urban/rural divide” is not the issue some make out. People in cities are grateful and supportive of farmers’ work. Please be proud and talk to people about what you’re doing. I understand farmers’ concerns, but I know that good work is happening and I’m confident that by working together we can improve water quality over time.
FARMING NEWS
CANTERBURY FARMING
November 2019
5
Vegetable prices set to increase by more than half Vegetable prices could increase by as much as 58% by 2043, risking New Zealanders’ health, if central and local government policies that will stop new vegetable growing in New Zealand are accepted.
❚ by Kent Caddick That’s the finding of a Deloitte report prepared for Horticulture New Zealand to balance debate around land use and freshwater quality. Deloitte found that if vegetable growers are prevented from expanding to keep up with demand, by 2043, New Zealanders could be paying as much as $5.54 in today’s money for a Pukekohe-grown lettuce, instead of about $3.50. HortNZ Chief Executive, Mike Chapman said big increases in fresh vegetable prices will have a negative impact on the health of New Zealand’s most vulnerable communities. “Already one in five children do not have enough healthy food to eat while malnutrition rates in children and older New Zealanders are also increasing.” Chapman said vegetable growing across the country is under a lot of pressure: competition for highly productive land, access to freshwater, climate change mitigation, the need to further protect the environment, and increasing government and council regulation. “If all these pressures are not well-managed in a coordinated, long-term way, New Zealand-grown fresh vegetables will become
Under pressure: big increases in fresh vegetable prices will have a negative impact on the health of New Zealand’s most vulnerable communities according to Horticulture New Zealand.
a luxury that few can afford. “This will have a negative impact on most New Zealanders’ health, putting even more pressure on our health system.” He said New Zealand needs to increase
not decrease the growing of fresh vegetables. “We must increase vegetable growing so we can feed New Zealanders now and in the future, and have a healthy population.
“Access to new irrigation to expand vegetable, fruit, berry and nut growing needs to be maintained, as it is a win-win situation.” Chapman said what New Zealand really needs is a food security policy. “A move towards increased food self-sufficiency and increased domestic production will improve New Zealand’s ability to feed itself, making us less dependent on imports. “This move would also ensure that fresh fruit and vegetables are more affordable, which would have a positive impact on the health of all New Zealanders, especially those who are less well off.”
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
This Govt doesn’t get rural NZ Currently I am travelling around the country listening to our frustrated farmers. The message is clear. These last two years have felt like an onslaught from a Government that doesn’t get rural New Zealand.
❚ by Todd muller It started with the proposed Capital Gains Tax and further Tax Working Group’s report, which apart from decimating one of the key drivers of rural investment was littered with additional rural taxes from water to nitrogen and fertiliser. While this thankfully didn’t eventuate the Government’s direction of travel was clear. Next up was climate change policy. We all understand the need for New Zealand to play a part to reduce global emissions, but rather than a proportional response the Government served up a draft Zero Carbon Bill that had methane reductions of up to 47% by 2050. Never mind it’s impossible to get there without destocking, never mind every other country subsidises their food production system, never mind we are the most emission efficient food producers in the world, they decided our farms are for the chop, or at the very least serious constraint. They’ve also teased agriculture coming in-
to the Emissions Trading Scheme, and are still considering it despite being offered a sound sector-wide approach on the table that would actually make a difference over time. The big issue at the moment is the proposed freshwater reforms. They’re asking for an average nitrogen reduction of 27 per cent across the country, with some areas facing 80 per cent. There’s no economic analysis, no social analysis, just anti farming ideology cloaked in freshwater rhetoric that tries to frame opposition as environmental vandalism. Add in to the mix Mycoplasma Bovis and proposed ute taxes and there’s a bloody good reason farmers have had a gutsful. Next month there is a march on Parliament and I am not surprised, but there is a risk that through the anger and frustrations the messages will get lost. I hope that through the chants and placards, a clear message descends. Our farming community is not one that denies climate change, not one that sets out to degrade water and not one that doesn’t want forests to play a strong part in New Zealand’s export industry. The issue is with a La-
bour/Green/NZ First Government that has, from its first day in office, turned their sights on a sector Helen Clark famously passed the last rites on in early 2000 when she called it a sunset industry. We are lucky to have 23,000 farming families in New Zealand who work day in day out
for their families’ futures, which in turn underpins our communities and indeed this country. They deserve the courtesy of a two way conversation on how we continue to lead the world in sustainable food production, not a one way lecture on perceived inadequacies.
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November 2019
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New chairperson for South Island Agricultural Field Days Planning is already underway for the 2021 South Island Agricultural Field days (SIAFD) at Kirwee in Central Canterbury, with the appointment of Michaela McLeod as the new organising committee chairwoman.
❚ by Kent Caddick After nine years with the organising committee in various roles, McLeod now heads the team of about 25 volunteers. Attracting about 30,000 members of the farming public every two years, SIAFD provides a three-day showcase for everything agricultural, including the latest in technological innovations. SIAFD is also different from some other field days, with land and crops made available to provide working demonstrations of broadacre farm machinery. McLeod says for the next SIAFD (March 2021), the organising committee already has a successful formula to build on and a great permanent site at Kirwee. “It’s a huge challenge taking on the role of chair,” McLeod says. While she is the first chairwoman and there are few women on the committee, she says there isn’t anything stopping more women from participating and encouraged more to do so. Committee members come from a range of agricultural backgrounds and include farmers, farm workers, industry professionals and contractors. SIAFD provides professional development for its organising committee members, en-
abling them to take on roles and business skills they might not encounter in their day jobs. “We are a group of people that work hard individually in our own jobs, then come together to work hard for the field days and have a good time doing it,” McLeod says. Based at Darfield, McLeod, who has a BAgSci (Hons) degree from Lincoln University, operates a business running independent agricultural research trials in conjunction with her husband Ben, who is also a fencing contractor. They have two children, Joe, aged three and Harriet, aged eight months. McLeod replaces Rodney Hadfield, who was chairman of the organising committee for both the 2017 and this year’s field days. Hadfield says being part of the organising committee is a great team effort, with a mix of young and experienced members. “You get to meet different people and companies you wouldn’t otherwise deal with.” Based at Lincoln, Hadfield operates an arable farming operation and contracting business (combine harvesting, cultivation and drilling) which also includes an equine feed business with his two brothers and their wives. The next South Island Agricultural Field Days are march 24 to 26, 2021, at Kirwee.
New role: Darfield’s michaela mcLeod has been appointed chair of the organising committee for the 2021 South Island Agricultural Field days at Kirwee.
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CANTERBURY FARMING
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Central banks soothe nerves
Andrew Wyllie ❚ with ❚ Forsyth Barr
Investors could understandably be nervous given geopolitical noise, and the resulting volatility they’ve seen in markets over the last quarter, but when they look at their portfolios, they will generally continue to be satisfied with returns.
The geopolitical and economic influences on markets are currently at an extreme level. Investor returns over the quarter more than offset the plethora of risks and uncertainties which include the China-United States trade war, the impact of Brexit, attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, Hong Kong protests, the build-up to the United States election (still 13 months away), and softening international and domestic economic data. In particular, economic concerns are rising in China, with the world’s second largest economy now growing at its slowest pace When you are thinking about your since the early 1990s. China’s economic influence is investment options, talk to Forsyth Barr. broad, impacting global demand for everything from To get personalised investment advice and portfolio commodities, to machinery management specific to your investing needs, talk to to tourism. Investment Adviser Andrew Wyllie in confidence on In response the United (03) 365 4244 or email andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz States Federal Reserve cut the Federal Funds Rate by 0800 367 227 50 basis points, the first reforsythbarr.co.nz duction since 2008 when in Disclosure Statements for Forsyth Barr Authorised Financial the heart of the Global FiAdvisers are available on request and free of charge. nancial Crisis (GFC). The Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Central Banks around the world cut official cash rates and increased monetary stimulus, and globally interest rates have fallen. Lower interest rates lifted the capital value of most asset classes.
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also dropped its official cash rate by 50 basis points on 7 August to a historic 1.0% low. The Reserve Bank of Australia went one step further with a further 25 basis point cut on 1 October to 0.75%. Europe is particularly exposed to global trade. Around half of Germany’s GDP is reliant on exports. The European Central Bank (ECB) announced its largest stimulus package in three years, pushing interest rates further into negative territory. The ECB has also restarted buying bonds (quantitative easing), and called for European governments to provide fiscal stimulus (increased spending and/or tax cuts) to counter economic weakness. In a sign of the unique times, a Danish bank is offering a 10-year mortgage at a fixed rate of -0.5% (yes, negative 0.5%!).
Focus on Investing Basics Investing against this backdrop can feel uncomfortable. But investors who maintain the core disciplines of a long-term focus and a diversified portfolio are rewarded with the “market risk premium”, which means that higher long-term returns will compensate investors for bearing additional investment risk. Unsurprisingly in the face of falling interest rates, equities with reliable cash flows (and attractive dividend payments) such as listed property, infrastructure and utilities, performed well over the quarter. Bonds with longer maturities produced some of the highest returns, as falling interest rates pushed prices up. More surprisingly, the best performing sector in the New Zealand market over the past quarter was the typically economically-sensitive consumer discretionary sector. New Zealand investors with international assets benefited from the weaker New Zealand Dollar (NZD) against some key peers, with our local currency falling 7% against the United States Dollar and 3% against the Australian Dollar over the quarter.
Portfolio diversification reduces risk in an uncertain world. Yield curves, which reflect the difference between short-term rates (2 years) and long-term 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. While a global recession is not our central expectation for the rest of 2019, the current business cycle is mature and a market pull-back wouldn’t be a huge surprise, should it occur. Investors with a long-term focus know the economic pendulum always swings back and forth, with companies continuing to meet the needs of consumers across all economic cycles. While any significant correction in financial markets will present good buying opportunities for those with a medium to longterm outlook, investors with shorter-term investment objectives may adopt a more cautious stance in the current environment. This report covers the three months ended 30 September 2019.
If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www.forsythbarr.co.nz/investing-with-us/ new-to-investing or to discuss your investment options please contact Andrew Wyllie, an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available for Forsyth barr Authorised Financial Advisers on request and free of charge.
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November 2019
Changes to legislation on trusts Ronald W. Angland & Son LAWYERS
It has been a long time coming but the new legislation covering trusts was given the Royal Assent on 30th July 2019 and is now enshrined in our legal system.
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This article has been prepared by bessie Paterson, a Partner at ronald W Angland & Son, Solicitors, 2 Chapman Street, Leeston.
The Act provides a presumption that the basic information must
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be provided by the trustee within a reasonable time and a procedure for the trustee to consider whether that presumption applies. by beneficiaries was to ensure that the trustees could be held to account if they failed in their duties as Trustees. It is recommended that where the settlor does not wish to have information disclosed to all or some beneficiaries they should appoint a responsible adult as a beneficiary under the trust who would be given basic information to ensure that the Trustees are complying with the terms of the trust in an efficient and timely manner. The introduction of the beneficiaries rights to basic information about a trust is radical and it is to be hoped it will be construed to give effect to the intention of the legislators. Time will tell.
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The new Act has made some radical changes to trust law and one of those changes relates to beneficiaries rights to information about the trust. Until now many beneficiaries were not able to find out independently whether a trust existed as there is no public register of trusts and many settlors and other senior relatives were reluctant to provide them with much information for various reasons. Reasons for withholding basic information varied but the requirements of the new Act will need to be complied with. If Trustees are of the view that basic information should not be provided to beneficiaries they must apply to the Court for directions and at this stage we do not know what orders a Judge would be likely to make – it would dependent on the circumstances of the Trust and the evidence provided. The basic information which the Trustee is obliged to provide is whether a person is a beneficiary of the trust and the names and contact details of the trustee. The trustee must also provide details of all appointments, removals and retirements of trustees as they occur and the right of a beneficiary to request a copy of the terms of the trust or trust information. The Act also provides a presumption that the basic information must be provided by the trustee within a reasonable time but there is a procedure included in the Act for the trustee to consider whether that presumption applies. The Trustees are not obliged to provide information to all beneficiaries and they may provide basic details to only one beneficiary. The reason for granting rights to information
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10
November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
On the connection between theory and reality Is the gap between regulators, planners and politician types and the rest of us who actually get the essential things done actually yawning wider?
❚ by Solis Norton This disconnected relationship between the high level theoretical elements of our society and the far more populous practical elements is as old as the hills. But despite it, or perhaps because of it, New Zealand, including the primary sector, has continued to work reasonably well for several generations, at least. In the last year or two I have increasingly wondered whether this gap is growing or whether things are still really just business as usual. Two recent instances of this disconnection have been remarkable enough to stretch the creases from my perpetually furrowed brow. Briefly, that is, before they returned even deeper in pondering a means of reconnection. The first was an open discussion between the Deer Farmers Association Branch Chairs conference and two Wellingtonians from the policy team developing water regulations for the rural sector. Our discourse became increasingly antagonistic as we arrived at the gap. The presenters could not empathize with the practical implications of the rules they were creating. Maybe policy writers on rural issues should work on a farm first for at least six months to broaden their perspective, like an apprenticeship. Seems to work in other industries. And every few years they should repeat the process. Like CPD (continuing professional development). After all, they are generally thoughtful intelligent people but who need to experience
the environment they are impacting on to develop that critical empathy. Let’s call it re-ruralisation: to transform the primary sector just as we intend to by 2050. Comically, it would cost the government less than the frustration it would cause the farmers training these diligent souls. But ultimately we would be working together. The second instance of disconnection is I feel a tougher nut to crack. The group chief economist for BP (formerly ‘British Petroleum’, currently ‘Beyond Petroleum’, soon to be ‘Bust Petroleum’) Spencer Dale spoke in Wellington about their outlook to 2040 with the Business Energy Council and paying guests. I was a paying guest. Spencer is one of a team of four or five that set BP’s strategy. He described the modelling they do to explore key future unknowns. Things like how fast renewable energy sources could be scaled up, the impact of trade wars and pro-
tectionism, and what a low carbon energy system might look like. But by far his most important comment came during question time. After sidestepping my one on whether farm animals should be a focus of emissions reductions, he was asked whether BP included the cost to consumers in their future scenarios. “No” he said, “We do not need those to satisfy our Board of Directors”. This was a revelation. BP, just like our water policy writers, are disconnected from the practical and financial aspects of their vision of the future. Such aspects are left to the likes of you and I to work out. Maybe the connection is there on some level I cannot see. Or maybe we tend to end up doing the right thing eventually anyway. Maybe we simply float along on the deeper laws of nature, regardless of connection. I don’t know and I probably ought not to worry.
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‘
maybe policy writers on rural issues should work on a farm first for at least six months to broaden their perspective, like an apprenticeship.
CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
November 2019
11
Canterbury ahead of the game with freshwater reform There has been plenty of analysis, debate, and some angst, across the country since the Government released its Action for Healthy Waterways in September.
Katherine Trought ❚ by Strategy and Planning, ❚ Director Environment Canterbury ❚
Although there were some clear signals in the Government proposals, including setting a Te Mana o te Wai objective (the wellbeing of water), we’ll have to wait and see how much the consultation process has influenced things when the final policy documents are released. That said, the work we have done in Canterbury over the past decade to address water quality issues via nitrate limits and implementing good management practices (GMPs) was recognised in the Government proposals. Here in Canterbury there has been significant buy-in from farmers and the wider rural sector to work collaboratively on finding solutions to water quality and ecosystem issues. The recommendations from water management zone committees and others have hugely influenced the policies and rules in our Land and Water Regional Plan as well as the catchment-specific plan changes for our most at-risk areas. In several areas, we are ahead of the requirements in the Government’s proposals, such as the identification and mapping of wetlands (we already have a regional programme to do this). Another example of what has already been done in Canterbury, which puts us in a good position, are the proposals around land use intensification. The new National Environmental Standards propose rules to restrict land-use change and land-use intensification. These rules don’t apply, however, if there is a regional plan already in place (such as our Land and Water Regional Plan) that includes limits and rules designed to give effect to
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As a result of our requirements around Farm environment Plans, most Canterbury farmers are well-positioned in the FeP and GmP implementation space.
the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2014 (amended 2017). Our requirements around Farm Environment Plans (FEPs) – such as when they apply and how they need to be independently audited – are very similar to what’s in the Government proposals. As a result, most Canterbury farmers are well-positioned in the FEP and GMP implementation space. Other requirements in the Government’s proposals that we are already working on include: the identification of habitats of threatened freshwater species (done through the
Omnibus section of Plan Change 7); inclusion of a mahinga kai value in regional plans (also PC7); as well as providing greater protection to wetlands and streams and the enhancement of fish passage (we’ve just introduced new region-wide provisions and related policies on these very issues). We’ve also been asked how Plan Change 7 might be affected by the Government proposals and in the examples above some of the requirements in the Omnibus section of PC7 already address issues identified by the Government.
Our response is there is no change in PC7 for now – the current National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2014 (amended in 2017) is the relevant National Policy Statement to which Plan Changes 7 and 2 must give effect. The outcome depends on timing – if a new National Policy Statement is gazetted before the independent hearing panel delivers its recommendations on PC7/PC2, the panel will consider the contents and relevance of the NPS when preparing its final version of PC7.
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Power Farming Canterbury
12
November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
❚ with rob Cope-Williams
Selling the sizzle
A recent news item disclosed that a very pure Manuka honey from Northland was selling in Harrods in London for $27,000 for a 230-gram jar, and some people were ordering up to 10 jars. Wow, but take a moment and ask yourself who asked for, and got, that price. Being used to taking whatever price others offer is the worst part of the farming life in my opinion. The buyer sets the prices rather than the seller. Let’s take a wee look at who is getting those high-end returns. Wagyu beef in Japan sells for around $1,0000 a kilo, but is it that much better than Angus beef lot fed beef from Wakanui? Saffron returns around $10,000 a kilo, and yes, it is hard to harvest and is very seasonal, but the operation in North Canterbury shows that it can be done, and I do hope they are getting top dollars for their produce. Okay we can’t produce the king of produce in the price stakes being black caviar at around $40,000 a kilo, mind you perhaps some-one will have a go at farming the fish instead of salmon. So while the top end producers rack in the dollars, and I am right behind them, surely there are lots of people in their wake who can learn from them. Breed societies have the ball at their
feet… you don’t go to the supermarket and ask for fish, you ask for a type of fish because you like that particular variety. Some buyers like lean meat, offer them lean meat off an animal that produces it. Others like marbled meat, so sell it as marbled meat from a certain breed and not just meat. Seriously, the breed societies were right into it a few years ago but they seem to have gone quiet. Angus is the only identifiable brand in my supermarket, and yet I am sure other breeds could sell their features and advantages. Even milk producers are now selling a variety of milk strengths and the option of A1 and A2 milks. The consumers are calling out for choice and the power of buying what they think suits them and their families. Plus, as you can see form the prices paid for some produce with a story, the consumer is more than happy to pay for something that has a ‘snob’ value. Sell the sizzle, it works much better than trying to sell the sausage.
❚ with John Arts
What’s up with Turmeric? My motorcycle tour in India in a few years ago was a feast for my senses including of course my taste buds. Most curry recipes contain the brilliant yellow spice turmeric. It has been a mainstay of Indian Ayurvedic medicine where it is used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune supporting qualities. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. I have many clients who have benefitted from curcumin often to calm tissue affected by inflammation. One client had a troublesome Baker’s cyst behind his knee. Taking my Curcumin product has greatly reduced swelling and discomfort. A study titled “Curcumin: a new paradigm and therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of osteoarthritis” (Henrotin, 2013) investigated the application of curcumin in osteoarthritis. The study concluded “curcumin represents a new paradigm since it is not yet a recommended intervention in osteoarthritis but should be considered based on its safety and efficacy”. The study outlines the impact of curcumin on anti-inflammatory pathways including inhibiting inflammatory enzyme COX-2. This is the target of most anti-inflammatory drugs and while effective, these come with a range of often side effects. I use a standardised extract of 95% curcumin extract and have created a proprietary blend to improve curcumin absorption
into damaged joints and tissue. The normal daily dose of 2 capsules daily gives 1000mg of this high potency extract. This is equivalent to about a tablespoon of raw turmeric. This is especially effective when combined with high potency grape seed extract. I use curcumin mostly for joint support and wherever tissue is affected by inflammation. Contact me for an email copy of my Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Guide. 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.
ric Turme C P with O
Abundant Health
CANTERBURY FARMING
November 2019
13
rob Andersen ❚ with ❚ Associate at Helmore Stewart Lawyers, Rangiora
Family trusts for farmers
If you own or intend to own a farm, it is worth considering whether a Family Trust would be an appropriate entity to own your farm.
A Trust is a separate legal entity held and controlled by ‘trustees’, for the benefit of certain individuals named in the Trust Deed called ‘beneficiaries’. There is a raft of reasons why someone might set up a Trust. Succession planning and relationship property protection appear to be the most common reasons behind our farmer clients setting up Trusts.
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by a Trust, being a separate legal entity,
Succession Planning Who will take care of the farm after mum and dad retire or pass away? This question can keep farmers awake at night. Farmers can usually ascertain rather early on in the piece which of their children is most willing and able to take over farming operations after they retire from farming. If a farm is left entirely to a ‘golden child’ when mum and dad pass away, that child’s siblings might understandably feel ‘short–changed By leaving the entire farm to the golden children in their wills, mum and dad are exposing their estates to successful claims from the short-changed siblings brought under the Family Protection Act 1955 (“FPA”).
Whilst the farm is owned
this does not guarantee protection from PrA
farm) in a way that benefits only the beneficiaries named in the Trust Deed (which would be the golden children). If the short-changed siblings are not named beneficiaries in the Trust Deed, then they cannot benefit from Trust assets. When mum and dad pass away, they will own little property in their personal names, meaning that the likelihood of a successful FPA claim against their estates would be minimised. Of course, most parents will usually want to provide equal treatment for their children. Having your farm owned by a Trust does not guarantee protection from FPA claims.
Relationship Property Protection
claims.
This is where a Trust can assist. If mum and dad previously set up a Trust, that Trust purchased the family farm and mum and dad later passed away, the surviving trustees of the Trust (who could include the golden children) must manage the Trust’s assets (ie the
The general rule of thumb under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (PRA) is that, after a couple have been living together in a defacto relationship for more than three years (called a qualifying relationship), then each partner is entitled to half of the other partner’s personal assets. The many exceptions to this general rule are outside the scope of this article. If a farmer personally owns a substantial farm when their relationship commenced,
then their partner would generally be entitled to receive half of that farm in the event of death or separation, provided they were in a qualifying relationship. This is where a Trust can assist. If the farmer set up a Trust and transferred their farm to the Trust prior to commencing their relationship with their partner, and the parties later separated after being in a qualifying relationship, the partner usually will not have a PRA claim against the farm because the farm is not a personal asset owned by the farmer. Rather, the farm is owned by a Trust, being a separate legal entity. Having your farm owned by a Trust does not guarantee protection from PRA claims. A Trust can provide an array of benefits, but they are complex and costly to establish and administer. If you would like to discuss whether it might be worthwhile having a Family Trust, feel free to get in touch. Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice and cannot be relied on as legal advice. Its content is necessarily general. readers will need to seek specific legal advice should they require it.
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Power Farming Canterbury
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
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CANTERBURY FARMING November 2019
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November 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING
CANTERBURY FARMING
November 2019
17
Cruising the waterways of Europe in style Setting sail from Amsterdam to Budapest and vice versa, Travelmarvel’s most popular European Gems River Cruise showcases the history and ever-changing scenery of Europe from the comfort of their river ships.
❚ Article supplied by Helloworld Travel
Picture yourself floating along the European waterways, sailing through legendary cities, returning each night to a relaxing and modern cabin. In 2020, Travelmarvel introduces its new Contemporary River Ship, where on board you can discover this incredible world of magical castles and cathedrals, rolling vineyards and medieval villages, and exceptional food and wine. Custom built and designed specifically for Europe’s waterways, our Contemporary River Ship will ensure your journey is as exciting as the destination. Or, be welcomed aboard our recently refurbished Classic River Ships, as you travel in comfort, experiencing the waterways from a different perspective. Think of your Travelmarvel river cruise ship as your own private and unique hotel that takes you directly to the sights. Traverse riverbanks strewn with spectacular castles, with one of the most remarkable found in Brühl. Head into Eastern Europe, glide along the Danube through Austria’s Wachau Valley, and in Budapest, pass the Parliament building before ducking underneath the Chain Bridge as the lights of Buda Castle glow in the distance. With Travelmarvel’s range of special Insider Experiences, you’ll visit iconic sights, while still enjoying plenty of free time to do what matters most. Offering more value, more choice, and more relaxation, Travelmarvel make it easier for you to travel more.
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
The experts in recycling plastic from the farm McCarthy Contracting Ltd has been involved in the Plasback Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme since 2008.
❚ Supplied by McCarthy Contracting
In conjunction with Agpac plastics the McCarthy team was asked to become a collector and processing hub for various streams of farm and agricultural plastics covering the wider Canterbury area, from Kaikou-
ra to Oamaru, and the West Coast of the South Island. One of the driving factors behind the desire to get involved was that as an Agricultural Contractor we put a lot of plastic on bales. We have always been mindful of protect-
ing the environment we work in so being part of the solution to provide an avenue for this balewrap and other farm plastics to be collected and recycled, was a good fit for our business. ‘Plasback’ is a nationwide product stewardship scheme which currently collects and recycles a variety of farm plastic streams – balewrap, polypropylene feed and large fertiliser bags, 100L and 200L Ecolab drums and bulk silage covers. The balewrap and polypropylene bags are placed in the large Plasback liners and once full tied at the top. Large fertiliser bags and silage covers can be folded up and tied. Ecolab drums need to be triple rinsed prior to collection. Plasback can also provide mini-liners for the smaller, lifestyle block users who only have a limited amount of farm plastic each season and bins for the larger liners which make collection more efficient for larger volumes of recycling. Once all streams are ready for collection the farmers can then call the 0508
338 240 or book online at www.plasback. co.nz, to organise for the liners and other streams to be collected. The collection team will make contact with the client and then come to farm and pick up the product. The various farm plastics then come back to our yard located in Ladbrooks and are processed for transportation to the recycling plant. The Plasback programme has been going from strength to strength each year with over 10,000 tonnes being collected since the programme began. The McCarthy Contracting team is very proud to be involved in such a successful programme. In the drive to improve environmental programmes on farm and comply with Farm Environment Plans feel that ‘Plasback’ forms an essential part of any farm system whether that be beef and sheep, dairy or cropping. If you would like to find out more about this programme please contact us or go to www.plasback.co.nz
CANTERBURY FARMING
November 2019
19
Don’t get thrown under the tractor If there was a way to retain more N naturally and reduce N-fertiliser inputs while maintaining production and profitability, would you?
❚ Article supplied by Waikaitu Ltd
With recent concerns about high nitrate levels in drinking water and the latest Government policy statement aimed at improving water quality, all eyes are on the farming sector. With the Government’s focus being on the problem, finding appropriate and practical solutions has yet again been passed back to the farmers and growers to provide. To keep you from being thrown under the tractor, Waikaitu, a seaweed and bio-stimulant fertiliser company, believe they have a valuable tool to help your fertiliser programme align with impending N-reduction requirements and water quality regulations. Whether you operate under conventional methods, prefer an organic approach or are somewhere in between, maintaining production and a viable business is paramount and that needs to be supported. But with respect to the environment, mitigating potential N-loss is also important, or we all lose out. An exciting and novel tool in the soil health toolbox is now available to support the progressive reduction of N-fertiliser use and increase N-utilisation. Incorporating NZBioAmino, a completely natural amino acid complex, into your N-fertiliser programme has shown to reduce the reliance on N-fer-
Waikaitu, a seaweed and bio-stimulant fertiliser company, believe they have a valuable tool to help align farmers’ fertiliser programmes with impending N-reduction requirements and water quality regulations.
tiliser inputs by up to a half while maintaining yield, as well as improving the quality of products produced, from pasture to strawberries. NZBioAmino works by supplying the natural building blocks for protein synthesis directly to plants making nitrogen synthesis far more efficient. The range of amino acids that make up NZBioAmino also play a significant part in supporting and enhancing the
role soil biology has in converting N from Urea into ammonia or ammonium, improving nutrient uptake and promoting a healthy root system. Applying less N-fertiliser with the help of NZBioAmino not only increases mineralization and absorption of nutrients, it also reduces the risk of excess nitrates not being utilized by the plant from being leached and lost to waterways.
Helping restore the nutritional and biological balance and improving the efficiency of soils and plants to thrive, makes the benefits of using NZBioAmino extend into the future, enabling further reductions and reliance on nitrogen fertilisers. From pastures to fodder beet, barley to grapes, learn more about this product in Waikaitu’s advert on this page.
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
Glyphosate debate rages on, but has logic been lost? As the debate on glyphosate, the world’s most widely-used weed killer, continues – many in the agricultural arena are left wondering how logic was left behind.
mark ross ❚ by ❚ Chief executive of Agcarm
Some might argue that it’s become an urban debate that avoids the reality of just how effective and economic the product can be when more hazardous products remain in household kitchens, offices and sheds around the country. With the need to grow food to feed our growing population, pesticides like glyphosate are critical to ensure the effective and safe management of diseases, pests and weeds. To ensure that any hazardous household or commercial substance is applied safely, one of the key factors is reading the label. Those instructions are to keep people safe and need to be followed. Agricultural chemicals, including glyphosate, are some of the most regulated products in the world. The world’s most advanced, independent and scientifically-competent regulators have assessed and reassessed glyphosate and declared it to be safe, when used according to instruction. In New Zealand, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) assesses all agricultural chemicals to ensure they are safe for
use and the environment - before they can be made available. The EPA takes new data and scientific information into account when considering the ongoing safety of a registered product. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) plays the limited role of advising regulatory bodies on potential hazards, allowing the relevant regulatory agencies to assess if there are any associated risks and manage them appropriately. The EPA approves label directions for all weed management products as having to comply with regulatory requirements. This includes information regarding best management practices to be employed during use. In August of 2016, the EPA commissioned a review of the evidence relating to glyphosate and carcinogenicity and concluded that glyphosate is unlikely to be genotoxic or carcinogenic. The regulator deems it as safe when used according to label instructions. Following from this, in 2018 the EPA stated that ‘there is no change to the science behind our current position, which is products containing glyphosate remain safe to use when you follow the instructions on the product label’.
There is a long line of technical and scientific reports by expert bodies and regulators confirming the safety of glyphosate. Experts from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization also concluded that glyphosate is ‘unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans’. While we have great sympathy for anyone with cancer, it’s important that these debates are undertaken on science and actual data. These chemical products play a critical role in safe food production and environmentally sustainable farming practices in New Zealand and around the world. Without glyphosate, farmers would either need to use other substances or manually till their land to remove weeds. That would catapult them back to the methods of the 1970s and 1980s. Glyphosate-based products successfully control a broad spectrum of weeds. They also help farmers grow crops more sustainably by enabling them to practise ‘conservation tillage’ — benefiting soil health, reducing carbon emissions and conserving water. No-till farming means the soil is mostly
undisturbed, leaving high levels of crop residues behind, so more water is retained in the soil. No-till farmed soils have a water penetration rate of 13 centimetres per hour - twice as much as for conventionally tilled land, so is excellent for drought-prone areas. Because the soil is not frequently agitated, organisms like mycorrhizal fungi, which make commensal associations with crop roots, and earthworms, increase water retention in the soil. These organisms flourish through no-till farming, benefiting the plant and fungus. Carbon emissions are also reduced due to a lesser need for mechanical equipment. It is critical that glyphosate continues as a product of choice for New Zealand. Pushing farmers away from no-till farming and back towards more harmful tools for weed management makes no sense for any self-respecting farmer or environmentalist. The New Zealand community should not be misled by those involved in what amounts to nothing more than a deception to assist US tort law firms. The community has a right to be informed about glyphosate, but it’s crucial they are informed by independent experts.
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CANTERBURY FARMING November 2019
21
Welcome to the Show It gives me great pleasure to be writing this message as the President of the 2019 New Zealand Agricultural Show.
Chris Herbert ❚❚by A&P Association ❚❚Canterbury President ❚❚
For 157 years, the Canterbury A&P Association’s Show has served as a fantastic opportunity for various groups of people to come together, compete, learn and experience activities they are unlikely to encounter anywhere else. Whether you come to compete in the largest demonstration of livestock in New Zealand, for the live music and fantastic food or just to see the animals in the Hazlett’s Farm-
yard first hand, there really is something for everyone. Along with my family, I have long been involved in the Cattle Section of the Show. My wife, Katrina, helps amongst the committee with the organising in the months prior to the Show and my two boys are now paving their own way in the exhibiting world too. The Show offers the best excuse for families and friends, old and new, to come together once a year and celebrate. This year, we welcome back the old Show favourites along with the
Haere mai: He Tangata will help to welcome visitors to the 2019 New Zealand Agricultural Show.
new. Of course, we will have our famous woodchopping event, the adrenaline-fueled endurocross, and one of the largest equestrian programmes in New Zealand. We also welcome Canterbury’s Strongest Man & Woman and the ‘Let There Be Meat’ BBQ competition – one sure to get your taste buds going. I have no doubt that your little ones will be entertained for hours on the Tip Top Family Lawn with a few surprises from our friends at Tip Top and Cookie Time. I would like to take this opportu-
nity to thank our committed volunteers. The Show sees over 500 individuals commit time and effort into making it a success and I am proud to lead you all forward to the Show this year. I also extend a thank you to our valuable sponsors, your continued support and activations at the Show help us to create the incredible event we have all come to love.
Join us at the Show, November 13-15, at the Canterbury Agricultural Park. See you there.
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
Piggy Pals stealing the Show Over the last few years, one of our sections has seen a surge in entries and has become somewhat of a fan favourite amongst competitors and visitors alike.
❚ Article supplied by NZAS
Supercharged by a flurry of new syndicates, our Pig Section has gone from strength-tostrength and draws larger crowds every year. Last year, we welcomed Ken from the Topp Twins, a record number of entries and some seriously questionable uniforms to the mix. We caught up with Ben Newton of the Fedora Boar Importers, proud winners of a blue ribbon last year, and Sean Spencer, of the Great White Boar Breeders, on what they love about Showtime.
Piggy pals: The Fedora boar Importers are among the new breed of competitors at the New Zealand Agricultural Show.
Fedora Boar Importers NZAS: How many of you are involved in the Fedora Boar Importers? Ben Newton: There are 12 of us. Myself, Duncan, Fergus, Hamish, Jack, Matthew, Reuben, Simon, Thomas, Tom, Wille and Ben. How long have you guys been involved with the Show? I’ve been coming for 10 years, but this will be the third year that the FBI exhibit. What made you decide to get involved in the Pig Section? It was the second year that the Boar Breeders Association had got started and a few of us were watching the judging. It looked like a lot of fun and a good way to get amongst the Show, so we decided to form a syndicate and get into it... how hard could it be, right? When do you and the team have to start getting your game plan together?
We start prepping in July/August. Making sure we are organised and prepped early takes away a lot of the stress, and makes time for a lot more fun during the Show! Do any of the syndicate’s family get involved too? Quite a few of us have relatives that compete in other sections or volunteer in some way. Duncan’s dad was even President of the Show in 2016. What is your favourite thing about coming to the Show? The social! It is a chance to catch up with a lot of people we likely haven’t seen since the last Show. If you were going to give anything else at the Show a go, what would it be? We think the Fedora Chicken Importers
has a nice ring to it, who knows, we might have a crack at breeding chickens and entering them next year. Watch this space.
Great White Boar Breeders NZAS: How many of you are involved in the Great White Boar Breeders? Sean Spencer: There are four of us, myself, Ryan, Andrew & Brendon. When in the year do the Great White Boar Breeders start their campaign? We start selecting the perfect pig in July. What made you and the boys start exhibiting? Boar breeding for the Christchurch show is a real climactic affair. Starting out selecting the ideal boar to take through to the Show, takes an eye for detail and a lot of late nights
trawling through pig genealogy’s finding that perfect animal! Feeding the boar is no walk in the park either, these animals are the All Blacks of the pig world and it takes careful thought to ensure they are fed the right ratio of carbs to protein to ensure they are in top condition for pig week. The event itself is a real highlight on our social calendar as well. A real mix of all the “who’s who” in the pig world. In summary, it is a real test of one’s character. What is your favourite thing about participating in the Show? Everyone is chasing that top prize, and it makes for a really competitive event. You see where some of the past winners are now and you think wow, I want to be there someday. What is the most challenging thing about exhibiting at the Show? Handling the fame, if you’re not grounded, all the attention can really inflate one’s ego. Fancy your chances in any other area of the Show? I hope, in the future, to take the Great White Boar Breeders and apply what we have learned in the pig world to another animal section at the Show. Andrew has business interests in chickens, so who knows you might see Great White Chickens in the show in a few years’ time. Any final comments? Pig week just keeps getting bigger and better every year, so long may it continue.
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November 2019
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Event Director in the making ❚
Harvey Bone, manager of Show favourite the Lolly Scramble and son of Event Director, Geoff Bone, has been attending the Show since he was just two years old. Article supplied by NZAS
Now ten, and with a few years of managing the famed Lolly Scramble under his belt, we caught up with Harvey on what he expects this year... and a bit of insider knowledge on the Event Director too.
What’s the toughest part about making sure the Lolly Scramble is a success at the Show?
Start them young: manager of Show favourite the Lolly Scramble, 10-year-old Harvey bone has been coming to the Show since he was just two years old.
Making sure I have enough candy and stopping kids taking it before it’s ready… managing crows of kids is hard! I also have to work out where the best place in the Main Arena to throw it is. I don’t have many staff, but mum always helps me out. Throwing the candy far enough is also tough and the biggest problem is if you run out too quick and not all the crowd get some. Kids love candy... a lot.
What’s the best part about being Lolly Scramble manager? Getting to work with Mum and Dad at the Show, it’s a fun place and I have a great time, and seeing how happy everyone gets when we throw the candy to them. Oh, also I get to use my money to go buy candy floss afterwards for me and Lily which is cool.
Your Dad is the Event Director, do you have any tips for him?
What would you tell him to bring to the Show if you could?
If you could work on any other area, where would you pick?
I don’t really have any tips for him, he does alright, the Show is fun.
More rides in the carnival, like rollercoasters and stuff!
Help the rollercoaster operator, that would be fun, and I might get to test it for free.
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November 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING
Education and entertainment features of the Show This year’s New Zealand Agricultural Show is literally bringing the circus to town but it will also have its serious side.
Zirka Circus will perform at the Show for the first time and while the younger ones will be lapping that up the wiser heads will be heading to the Agricultural Innovation Hub to learn more about the latest developments in technology, products and services.
Saddle up: The New Zealand Agricultural Show provides equestrian enthusiasts with one of the biggest competitions of the year.
Agricultural Innovation Hub Agricultural Innovation Hub is a one-stop showcase of new technology, products and services that look to solve challenges faced by our food producers and make things easier – save time, better information, supported decisions. An Innovation Breakfast and Seminar on Wednesday morning will explore what the future of food production could look like in Canterbury and how we might work together to create and build this future. Seminars will cover the following topics: • The Opportunity in our Changing World – A Global Outlook • Climate-Smart Food Production • New Wave Innovation Tour For more on the Blinc Innovation Summit Programme go to theshow.co.nz/exploreplan/innovation-hub. Also the Hub will feature the Agproud Panel and Q&A. With a focus on mental health
awareness and positive farming practices, the guys at AgProudNZ are changing the farming game, putting on events that bring together farmers and members of the urban community to catch up on what’s really going on in our agricultural sector and what we all need to do to shore up its future. The team began arranging successful gatherings in Southland, offering a space to share stories and debate the future of farming, and are now hosting events countrywide.
The guys will be joining us to fill us in on why AgProudNZ is such an important movement, followed by a panel on how our rural and urban community can support each other looking to the future. Catch the guys in the Hub on Thursday from 1pm.
Circus Time Zirka Circus is the only circus of its kind in New Zealand. Having just embarked on their 10 year anniversary tour with a new show, Into the Fu-
ture, it is prime time to see these guys (and a whole bunch of new tricks) in action. Fun for all ages the team will showcase mesmerising acrobatics, juggling, magic and more with the adrenaline-fuelled ‘Sphere of Fear’. Watch in disbelief as five motorbikes of madness accelerate round the sphere in gravity-defying entertainment you will not want to miss.
Performance timetable: • Wednesday & Thursday: 10:30am, 12noon, 1:30pm, 3pm & 4:30pm • Friday: 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm & 5pm • Show duration: approx 30min.
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Competitors flock to the Show ❚ Article by NZAS
With everyone competing for the chance to scoop a prestigious ribbon and an enormous amount of pride, the Show offers the public the chance to view people who are truly at the top of the game in their field.
Livestock Livestock is the lifeblood of any A&P Show, and there is certainly a lot on offer at the New Zealand Agricultural Show. Various manifestations of the mighty cattle beast and copious amounts of sheep add to a varied schedule of competition over the three days. With entrants travelling from far and wide with hope of collecting a ribbon steeped in much prestige, make sure to check the Schedule of Classes and take a look at the best quality animals the livestock industry has to offer. • Where: Various • When: Daily, from 8.30am
Popular: The gentle giants of the equestrian world, the Clydesdales, are always a show favourite.
Equestrian The New Zealand Agricultural Show hosts one of the country’s largest equestrian programmes. The Horse and Pony Section is the largest showing section at the Show, with the action happening across three arenas: Main Arena, Isaac 1 and Isaac 2 Arena, and The Common. The Zealand Agricultural Show has a full three day equestrian programme includ-
ing showing, breed sections, dressage and showjumping. • Where: Main Arena, The Common, Isaac 1 and Isaac 2 • When: Daily, from 8.30am
Specialist In addition to the traditional livestock sections, judging and displays will take place for Wool, Angora Goats, Boer Goats, Pigs and
Poultry. Come along and watch the competitors in action and Take your chance to see something a little different. • Where: Various, check the Showgrounds Map • When: Daily, from 8.30am
Youth Classes
age youth to become involved in showing. The Lady Isaac Scholarship has been introduced to enable our winners to compete in other competitions nationally as well as in Australia. • Where: NZ Sheep Arena (Sheep and Goats), The ANZ Lawn (Cattle) • When: Various
The Sheep, Beef and Dairy Cattle Sections all hold junior classes at the Show, to encour-
Continued...
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With over 6000 competition entries received last year, the Show welcomes the best of the best from livestock, equestrian and feature competitors.
Champions: Animals of all breeds will be vying for the Supreme Champion Animal of Show title.
Ballantynes Clydesdales These gentle giants will be on show in the Main Arena competing in various classes including In Hand, Turnout and Sledge, and Ridden. Showgoers are welcome to take a stroll around the Clydesdale Area where the horses are rested between competitions. • Where: Main Arena, Macfarlane Avenue • When: Daily
Ballantynes Grand Parade The Ballantynes Grand Parade is a showcase
Tough guys: Canterbury’s strongest man will be found at the 2019 New Zealand Agricultural Show.
of the best of the best with prize winners across most livestock and equestrian sections parading their ribbons. The Ballantynes Grand Parade is led by the Canterbury Caledonian Pipe Band and is the culmination of three days of showing. • Where: Main Arena • When: Friday 15 November 2019
Alpacas The alpaca section has become more and more popular amongst exhibitors and visitors. Make sure you catch a class, we guaran-
Show offs: The Grand Parade will showcase the best of the best with prize winners across most livestock and equestrian sections.
tee it will put a smile on your face. • Where: Various, check the Schedule of Classes and Showgrounds map • When: Daily, from 8.30am
Vero Supreme Champion Animal of Show The Vero Supreme Champion Animal of Show recognises the best of the best with Supreme Champion entrants from Horse, Sheep, Cattle, Alpaca, Pig, Goat, Donkey and Poultry battling it out for the top title. • Where: Main Arena • When: Friday 15 November 2019
Mighty Mix Dog Trials Farm dogs are an important part of everyday life on many New Zealand farms. They are purpose-bred dogs that are trained to round up stock and shift animals through gates, into pens and onto trucks. Come and see these intelligent dogs with names like Sue, Mate, Jim, Alf, Tan, Storm and Grizz as they show off their skills in the dog trial arena. • Where: Mighty Mix Dog Trial Arena • When: All Day Daily See the Showgrounds map, page 25.
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Fresh is best when it comes to your dog Are your dogs bored with their biscuits? Do you blame them? supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Hanley’s Essential Hanley’s Essential fresh dog roll is made with Canterbury lamb meat and lamb organ meat, New Zealand dairy proteins (amino acids), organic minerals, Canterbury hemp oil, and rice flour to bind (50kgs per 1000kg recipe). Hi my name is Philippa Hanley and I’m from Geraldine, South Canterbury. I made Hanley’s Essential dog roll because my four dogs were bored with their dried biscuits. They loved dog roll but it didn’t make them vibrant and healthy. So being a typical kiwi I set about making my own best ever healthy dog roll. Did you know that most dog rolls contain cheap fillers like flour, cereal grains or sugar? These are used to boost profits but they deplete our dogs’ health and cost us all the way to the vet. At Hanley’s we have done the opposite we have started with fresh Canterbury lamb and then added more nutrients to make that lamb base even better. Hemp oil, organic minerals, and kiwi dairy protein with the smallest amount of rice flour to bind it together. Yes we tried it without rice flour and it fell apart. What will you notice when feeding Hanley’s Essential dog roll?
Firstly your dogs will get fuller on a smaller portion because its jam packed with nutrition (18% protein and 10% fat), so you will save money as the portion size is small compared to flour filled dog rolls. In a few days you will notice your dog is happier, with consistent energy and a bright eye. After a few weeks you will notice your dog’s coat getting healthier and more muscle tone (this is the protein pow-
der and hemp oil kicking in). Your dogs will be healthier and happier and that equals less vet visits, so try some Hanley’s Essential fresh dog roll soon. order online today at www.animalessentials.co.nz or call Philippa on 021 943 282 with any questions.
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Ironman 4x4 getting you further Ironman 4x4 products will be on display at the Canterbury A&P Show on the 13th to the 15th of November at site E64.
❚ Article supplied by Terraquip NZ Ltd
These products have been developed in the harshest proving ground in the world – Australia, and have been available to 4WD users for over 50 years. Sold in more than 120 countries, Ironman 4x4 will deliver the comfort and safety you demand as well as quality and value for money. With one of the largest ranges of suspension in the world and top of the line accessories, you will find the products and friendly advice you need to help get your vehicle off the beaten track. The team with over 50 years of combined experience will be at the show to answer all your vehicle fit out needs.
Vehicles on Display This year we will have some of the latest vehicles on display fully fitted out with the Ironman 4x4 range of accessories. Come and see what your 4wd could look like after you’ve let the team at Ironman 4x4 dress up your truck.
Bullbars The range of bullbars is extensive with an entry level commercial black bar which is airbag and winch compatible, a deluxe bar which is similar to the commercial bar but has an integrated driving light and the pro-
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tector bar with a grey finish and stainless steel hoops. All have an aerial lug as well as spotlight mounting points and high lift jack slots.
Winches Ironman monster winches are becoming very popular with 2 in the range, a 9500lb and a 12000lb. The gearbox on the winches has an upgraded design with hardened gears to eliminate float for precision operation along with an improved sliding clutch with straight cut gears which eliminates any gearbox slip. The rotatable gearbox allows positioning of the clutch handle to allow fitment to most bars easy hand access. Winches come complete with a wireless remote with a 40m range as well as a 3m lead remote. The 12000lb monster winch has a 6hp (4.5kw) motor which is fully sealed and is supplied with a breather tube for mounting high on the firewall away from water. Winches have 28m of steel cable or have the option of 28m of synthetic rope.
and with a range of up to 1 km! Also available is the range of LED light bars include curved and straight with a range of 800m.
Recovery Equipment Ironman 4X4 have an extensive range of recovery equipment including snatch straps, recovery kits, highlift jacks and exhaust jacks. All come in sturdy carry bags and you can feel confident of having the right equipment should you get stuck.
Suspension Suspension kits and components with raised height, long travel and improved performance are available for most makes and models. Ironman 4x4 shock absorbers are available in 35mm Nitro gas or 41mm Foam cell. These have longer travel and are built stronger to deliver performance in all conditions. Leaf and coil springs are made from high quality SUP9 steel and are available in different load ratings from ‘comfort’ to ‘extra constant load’.
Lighting
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To help you enhance your current vehicle lights, Ironman 4X4 have expanded their range of lights to include 4 new LED lights in round and rectangular with side shooters
Ironman 4x4 have developed a range of underbody protection kits which give enhanced protection from rocks, mud and debris. These kits are made from 3mm
pressed steel, have easy bolt on installation with no drilling or welding required, allow oil changes without removal and are semigloss powder coated for long life. Kits are available for most late model 4wd vehicles.
Camping Accessories The range of camping accessories from Ironman 4x4 is always expanding with the proven rooftop tents and awnings available and a new range of fridges from 30-74 litres, camping chairs, tables, swags, tent lights and picnic sets recently released, there is something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Two Way Radios If you are in the market for hand held or truck mounted UHF radios, come and see us at the show for expert advice and see the full range of GME products on display.
Yakima Roof Racks New to the Ironman 4x4 range are Yakima Roof racks. These offer cargo carrying solutions for new vehicles including roof rack feet, cross bars and load platforms. The Ironman 4x4 range of accessories is extensive . For a full run down see the website www.ironman4x4. co.nz or phone 0508 IroNmAN.
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November 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING
Plenty of history behind New Zealand’s largest A&P Show The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, established in 1863, is an association under the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act 1908.
❚❚by Kent Caddick The Association hosts an annual Agricultural and Pastoral Show which has grown over the years to become the largest A&P Show in New Zealand. The decision was taken by the association in 2017 to rebrand the Show, changing its name to the New Zealand Agricultural Show to “ensure its longevity and continued support to the communities at its core for many more years to come”. Following the establishment of official European settlement by the Canterbury Association in 1850 the province set about establishing itself on a rural economy and thus from its earliest European inception an interest in annually displaying the fruits of the horticultural and agricultural abilities of the area. Shows were an important part of the rural culture of England and the tradition quickly became a part of early settlement. The earliest record of any such ‘show’ is 16 December 1852 in Hagley Park. In May 1853 an essentially horticultural display was
held at the White Hart Hotel and a show of livestock held in the Market Place (Victoria Square). In May 1854 a similar show including wool and grain samples was held at the Golden Fleece Hotel. Similar shows continued on through the 1850s with the formation of the Canterbury Farmers’ Club in 1858. The first ‘recognised’ agricultural show in Canterbury was held by the fledgling Canterbury Pastoral Association on September 14, 1859 at B. Moorhouse’s station at Shepherd’s Bush, on the north bank of the Rangitata River. At the conclusion of this show the Canterbury Pastoral Association was officially formed and subscriptions were set at one guinea a year. The next year a more successful show was held at Turton’s Accommodation House in Ashburton. This was a quite grand affair with a formal dinner and ball in George Hall’s Woolshed, the evening not culminating until 5am.
TO PAGE 31
Side show: As well as all matters agricultural and pastoral there are plenty of other attractions to keep young and old entertained at the show.
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From humble beginnings... FROM PAGE 30 As a result of the shows during the 1850s a strong move to form an Agricultural and Pastoral Association was promulgated by businessmen such as Robert Wilkin, George Gould and J T Ford. So it was in 1862 that the Canterbury Pastoral Association met to inaugurate a show on or near Christchurch and form an organisation with wider aims. In 1862 the show was held for the first time in Christchurch, in Gresson’s paddock which was fenced with gorse and located in Armagh Street just north of Latimer Square. Following the success of this venture the A&P Association was formally established with Wilkin as Chair and William Moorhouse, the then Superintendent of the Province as Patron. This group resolved to purchase a permanent site in Christchurch or its suburban area. The site of the first showgrounds was purchased in 1863, a fourteen acre site in Sydenham, which later became Sydenham Park in 1894. A show was held there on October 22, 1863 and though affected by inclement weather some 1,500 people attended. By 1872 the site was well developed and some 8,000 attended the show that yea. By 1878 the Association had paid off its mortgage and the show continued to increase in size and attendance with the Association making a profit of £500. On the showgrounds the Association had erected an office building, new pens, a manufacturers and dairy display building and fenced the site.
Growing: From humble beginnings the Canterbury A&P Association’s New Zealand Agricultural Show is now sited on a 250acre site at the Canterbury Agricultural Park near Wigram.
When the Sydenham site became too small, the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association bought a 29 acre block at Addington from a Mr Twigger, who donated to the Association another 5 acres. While not all Association members were in favour of the move the main advantage of the new site was its proximity to the main South railway lines. By the time the first show at the Addington site opened the site had been well subdivided into pens, paddocks and show areas and fenced and at least three permanent buildings built, the Industrial Building, the Secretary’s Building and the Treasurer’s Building. The move to Addington by the A&P Association was quickly justified as entries and at-
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tendance increased and entries came from the North Island and the lower part of the South Island. By 1899 the grounds had been added to by way of a lease of land. Side shows, industrial exhibitions and machinery and car displays became part of the show increasing the more general public interest. By 1918 the Friday of Show Week had become People’s Day at the Show. In the 1950s the official provincial holiday for the
anniversary day of the province was shifted from December to the Friday of Show Week, a change which meant large numbers of people from both town and country attended the show. In 1947 the mortgage on the Addington site was paid off and a motor camp developed on part of the site which provided a valuable source of income. In 1962 the Canterbury A&P Association celebrated its centennial and continued at the Addington Showgrounds until 1996 when the A&P Association acquired a 250 acre block of land at Wigram from the Christchurch City Council. The old facilities at Addington had become cramped and dusty and no longer able to cope with the large number of entries and crowds of visitors and the move to Canterbury Agricultural Park in Curletts Road was made in 1997. The first show at the new site held that year included a range of events, from dog trials to axe men, and exhibits such as ostrich and llama, wines and cheeses, agricultural machinery and services, as well as the more traditional livestock competitions. And now with the change of name to the New Zealand Agricultural Show a new era has begun.
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Meeting the needs of today’s young women Choosing the right school for your daughter is an important step. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Christchurch Girls’ High School With boarding another dimension enters into the equation. Not only do parents desire a stimulating, engaging learning environment which challenges students to achieve personal excellence, they also need a safe, comfortable and happy living space. Christchurch Girls’ High School is a purpose built school for girls, which places young women at the centre of education. Acland, the boarding hostel associated with the school, establishes positive relationships which create a strong sense of family. This feeling is further enhanced by the completely refurbished main homestead. A landscaped pool area and access to tennis courts, complement the living arrangements. Boarders are supervised by a supportive, experienced and caring team. A Director of Boarding leads her staff in ensuring the welfare of the students is paramount. All nutritional needs are met by a professional, friendly, on-site food services team.
In this environment students flourish and thrive. They learn to manage selves, relate to others and participate and contribute. In the process, they develop resilience, independence, a good work ethic and lasting friendships. Learning and living at Christchurch Girls’ High School is tailored specifically to meet the needs of today’s young women.
Acland is a home away from home for Christchurch Girls’ High School boarders. Lifelong friendships are developed at the Christchurch Girls’ High School boarding hostel Acland.
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Agri Training covers it all
Agri Training is New Zealand’s newest agriculture training programme. This is a tailor-made skills-based programme that will provide students with the opportunity to hone practical skills in all key aspects of modern farming practices including: crop, animal husbandry and science, as well as farm machinery, administration, finance and farm management.
❚ Article supplied by Agri Training Ltd
The course programme offers specialisation strands in Arable, Dairy, Sheep, and Beef that will offer two separate qualifications beginning with a Diploma in Agriculture and additionally a Diploma in Agricultural Business Management. Agri Training’s partnership with City & Guilds means the quality of the training platform is unmatched in vocational training across the primary industries in New Zealand, and the education delivery is driven by a combination of learning platforms including; an extensive orientation programme, on farm and online training, block courses, classroom tuition, mentors, and discussion groups. Our educators have demonstrated significant industry experience and are still active in the operation and management of farms and have a range of on and off farm diversifications. This enables the provision of a professional, well-rounded learning environment for students. Agri Training are equipped with the skills and technology required to ensure their teaching methods are suitable for today’s students. Our network of trusted farmers
offers the perfect complement to our educators as students can apply their education throughout the programme on farm in a trusted and reputable environment which will only assist a student’s skills and confidence they can bring to the industry. Students are supported throughout the programme with a structured pastoral care focus ensuring that a positive experience dedicated to student advice and support network is committed to looking after each student to be physically, mentally and emotionally supported their journey. Agri Training’s mantra is, Elite Education, A World Class Learning Environment, Strengthen Primary Industries. Agri Training Managing Director Matt Jones says, our aim is to encourage and develop the next generation of elite farmers through elite education to lead industry and community. “We want to ensure our students are the most skilled which also makes them the most sort after once qualified, and from there can go on to very successful farm ownership and management, and also eventually make it to the boardroom of some of New Zealand’s most prominent
From hoof care to calf rearing and much more Agri Training students are well prepared to enter the workforce. brand names in primary industries.” Agri Training is working in partnership with schools and colleges to identify the
WHY CHOOSE AGRI TRAINING?
most promising students to match with a programme offering paid educational pathways each year.
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WE HAVE PARTNERED WITH THE WORLD’S BEST. City and Guilds has a globally recognised reputation in delivering world class qualifications. Agri Training’s partnership with City & Guilds means the quality of the training platform is unmatched in vocational training across the primary industries in New Zealand. 140 Years of experience in vocational education has resulted in working with 10,000 centres worldwide and offering 2300 qualifications. Two million individuals trust City and Guilds with their futures and the brand is recognised by 99% of employers.
EARN AND LEARN A love of Primary Industries
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Agritraining Winchmore Facility 670 Dromore Methven Road Winchmore 7772 +64 (0) 3 307 4277 info@agritraining.co.nz www.agritraining.co.nz
CONTACT GREG ON: +64 (0) 3 307 4277 greg@agritraining.co.nz
INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE
Agri Training is perfectly placed to help you play your part in the future of farming by matching you with inspiring and elite employers. This is a tailor-made skills-based programme that will provide you with the opportunity to hone your practical skills in all key aspects of modern farming practices including; arable, animal husbandry and science, as well as farm machinery, administration, finance and farm management.
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
College opening up opportunities in the equine world The Community College equine yard is home to a number of horses coming from different disciplines such as showjumpers, race horses, polo ponies to happy hackers. This variety is reflected in the diversity of our students. supplied by ❚ Article Community College North Canterbury ❚ Students can join the Equine Level 2 program as complete beginners with only an interest in horses or they may have owned their own horse and be competent riders. With horses there is always something new to learn in fact the more you learn the more you realise how much you in fact don’t know. The equine program includes pasture care, maintenance and horse husbandry so it’s not just about riding. Our equine students spend their time involved in the day to day activities on our equestrian yard. They experience the outdoor work environment dealing with all the
challenges that come with our typical Canterbury weather. The popular industry visits open up a whole range of options of prospective employment opportunities within the equine world. The work placement’s that are part of the Level 3 program set students up with the options and knowledge to succeed. The whole college has a friendly atmosphere where all students are encouraged to learn in a way that works best for them. With NCEA Level 1, 2, numeracy and literacy credits as well as New Zealand Certificates in Equine available students come away with not just an education but life skills and a positive outlook to set them up for the future
Community College students spend their time involved in the day to day activities on the college’s equestrian yard.
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EMPLOYMENT There are opportunities to gain employment in endurance, eventing, dressage, polo, racing, riding schools, stud farms and many other areas of the equine industry in New Zealand and worldwide.
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CANTERBURY FARMING
November 2019
37
Getting access to boarding allowances If your child lives in a remote area or faces other barriers to achieving at school you can apply for funding so that they can board away from home and focus on their studies.
supplied by ❚ Information Ministry of Education ❚ A boarding allowance is funding from the Ministry of Education so that your child can board away from home, either at a boarding school or a private boarding arrangement with someone who is not your child’s legal guardian. The Government provides around $11 million for boarding allowances every year to help young people achieve a great education. There are two different types of boarding allowance, the access barrier and the multiple barrier. The one mostly commonly accessed by rural families is the access barrier allowance which is for students who live too far away from an appropriate school and the Ministry’s school transport does not provide a solution. The multiple barriers allowance is where a student experiences more than one of the following difficulties in their life that makes it hard to go to school or do well as school: Poor participation at school, Poor relationships, Behavioural issues, Low educational achievement, and Environment. The allowance might not cover all of your
Is my child eligible for an access barrier allowance?
child’s boarding fees. If it doesn’t you have to pay the rest yourself. The boarding allowance continues for as long as the student is at school, or until the barriers they are facing no longer exist. If your child goes to a boarding school the allowance is paid directly to the school at the beginning of each term. If your child is boarding privately, it is paid directly to the school at the beginning of each term. The person providing the board needs to arrange to receive their payment from the school.
Your child is eligible if they live too far away from an appropriate school and the Ministry’s school transport assistance programme does not provide a solution. “Too far away” is defined as living an unreasonable distance from the nearest appropriate school (eg more than 60km) and: • the closest school transport service to get to their nearest school is unreasonable (eg 20km), or • they have to travel longer than 60 minutes one way to their nearest school each day, or • they have to drive an unreasonable distance (eg 60km) to the nearest school.
Can I choose what school my child goes to? Yes. You can choose any state, state-integrated school, kura or private school. You will have to still have to meet the school’s usual enrolment and acceptance criteria, and there will need to be a space available in the boarding hostel.
How much is the allowance? It depends on the type of boarding allowance. • Access barrier: Boarding school and private boarding $3,200 per year. • Multiple barriers: Boarding school – up to $8,000 per year (which includes $500 for pastoral care to help your child address the barriers they face). Private boarding – $4,500 per year (which includes $500 for pastoral care).
How do I apply? You apply online, by email, or post. • Phone: 04 463 8085 • Email: boarding.allowances @education.govt.nz • Post: Boarding allowances team, Ministry of Education, P O Box 1666, Wellington 6140
For more information on boarding allowances go to: parents.education.govt.nz/secondary-school/ your-child-at-school/boarding-allowances/
Have you considered boarding at Nelson College for Girls? 7 day, 5 day & short term options are available Our boarders enjoy academic success, make lifelong friendships and build strong connections within the school and its community. www.ncg.school.nz/boarding
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
TREES TO TIMBER
Foresters welcome freshwater management discussions Forest Owners Association President Peter Weir says Forest Owners and Farm Foresters welcome the opportunity to join the national conversation on freshwater management. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Forest Owners Association
He says he is pleased that the positive contribution plantation forestry makes to the environment is acknowledged in the reWeir is urging members of both associations cently released freshwater discussion docto study the exposure draft of the new Fresh- uments, but he also acknowledges that, in water National Environmental Standard, as some steepland erosion-prone catchments, well as the more stringent National Policy under severe storm conditions, community expectations for water quality have not yet Statement for Freshwater Management. been met. “The forest industry is deeply committed to doing TREE HUGGER TREE its part to further improve TOPPING SERVICES freshwater quality,” Weir says. • Grabs, cuts trunks up to “It is heartening, that the government has clearly stat500mm diameter, and ed that it realises all forms lowers them in a of forests, indigenous and controlled way plantation, ‘play a significant role in providing freshwa• Can top to 8m high ter resources and ecosys• Minimise damage to tem services, such as water buildings fences, garden quality, water yield, recreaetc tion, and biodiversity’. He says the detail of the • Tree & hedge removal Freshwater NES is impor• Free quotes Canterbury tant. “We are looking closewide ly at the setback rules for streams. Ray Monk “We agree with the govM: 021 567 841 ernment that the minimum E: treehugganz@gmail.com distance rule for using the land should be based on the www.treehugga.co.nz nature of the stream and the
Keep your distance: Forest owners Association President Peter Weir is questioning why winter grazing is allowed to be closer to streams than forestry blocks. risk and effect of the use of the land. “We note that two setback distances are suggested for intensive winter grazing. They are five metres and twenty metres. “Given that the present National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forests re-
quires a five metre planting setback from small streams and a ten metre setback from larger streams, its makes no sense that year on year intensive winter grazing should be able to be closer to a stream than we are permitted to grow a tree.”
Forest Management LTD
With 25 years experience in the industry, the Forest Management Team offer services in: • Woodlot and shelterbelt harvesting • Timber sales to domestic and export markets • Forest establishment of harvested and greenfield sites • Forest valuation • Emission Trading Scheme advice and management • Trainer/Assessor in NZQA forestry related units Our highly experienced teams aim to ensure value optimisation in all aspects of forest management.
To find out more call us on 03 343 4101 or visit www.forestmanagement.co.nz
Tree and Stump removal | Large Tree Felling | Logging | Lanes Grading | General Earth Works | Truck and Trailer Units Loaders | Shingle supplies
Phone 027 254 0407
CANTERBURY FARMING
TREES TO TIMBER
Allan Laurie mNZIF ❚ with Laurie Forestry Ltd ❚
November 2019
39
A much more positive market review this month
Export log prices have recovered back up to levels that approach the top 85 percentile of the last five years. Domestic prices are flat to very slightly weaker on mid-winter levels. Many fundamentals remain positive with inventory in China falling to below 3.7 million cubic metres mainly due to deliveries from New Zealand and Australia slowing. Staggering to consider this represents close to a one million cubic metre drop in one month. Consumption is chugging along at 70,000 to 80,000 cubic metres per day, about normal for this time of year and certainly not a reflection of anything other than a strong construction sector. For October sales, CFR prices have increased $5 per cubic metre and should firm at similar levels in November. Unfortunately shipping costs have also increased, taking away 60% of the recent rate increase we might have otherwise seen at the wharf gate NZ. One of the largest reasons for the last big dip in export prices in June – August 2019 was the result of a significant over supply from New Zealand. That NZ Forestry Inc should have seen the signs and start to role with the punch, thus reducing the impact will be long debated in the board rooms of New Zealand forestry companies.
However, the strong price points in the market also led to increased supply from many sources. Here again, we (NZ Forestry Inc) should have seen that and responded earlier. A good example lies in the European Union who have increased capacity significantly over the last year. This has mainly been due to storm damage harvest of 60+ year old Spruce forests of very high quality. Due to this veritable flood in supply, Spruce now sells below Radiata log prices, whereas it used to attract a 20% premium. In January to July 2018 we saw 1.482 million cubic metres of Spruce logs head to China from Europe. In January to July 2019 this increased to 5.582 million, a staggering 277% increase. Some commentators have suggested this sort of supply volume will last another two or three years. Staggering also to consider the 700,000 cubic metres per month arrives in about 25,000 40ft containers. I wonder what the carbon footprint of that would be? The Pacific North West (PNW) is basically running out of forests with sawmills closing throughout British Columbia now that the bark beetle harvest has almost ground to a
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halt. US harvest appears to be running along at about their domestic consumption levels, so very little exported. The current monthly volumes from Europe are very close to what we use to see supplied monthly out of US/PNW/Uruguay. For NZ Forest owners, there is no question supply from other sources will continue to impact for some time but clearly, we are just seeing a shift in supply source rather than an overall significant increase. For the foreseeable future, New Zealand will remain the dominant supplier of logs to the China Eastern Seaboard at close to double the supply from Europe. But it will behove us to ensure we are responsive to supply and demand forces and try to gear domestic production to avoid a repeat of the sudden dip recently experienced. Shipping continues to be a problem child with new low Sulphur emissions rules requiring ship refits and systems upgrades. This is leading to reduced capacity, higher fuel costs, and expensive refits.
Whilst debate rages over exhaust scrubbers and what represents a carbon emission reduction, shipping companies are attempting to pass cost to customers whether they are real or not! Some interesting facts: International shipping accounts for 2.2% of global CO2 emissions. About 90% of global trade is carried on the world’s ships erstwhile producing about 3% of the world’s greenhouse gases. As a distance travelled and volume carried comparative, shipping emissions are 1/10th that of trucks and 1/100th of air freight. Like all readers I am sure, working through the impacts of climate changes leaves one non-plussed and highly confused as to what is fact and what is fiction. 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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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
DAIRY
❚ with Fred Hoekstra, VeeHof
Dairy Hoofcare Institute a first for NZ Finally, it’s happening, New Zealand is getting its own Dairy Hoofcare Institute.
On the 28th of November, the Dairy Hoofcare Institute NZ will be opened by Andrew Falloon in Ashburton. This institute will, as the name suggests, concentrate on the education and training of hoof care in cattle. Why would we need an institute like that this you may ask? Hoof care in our cattle, together with infertility and mastitis, is in amongst the top three animal health issues on our farms. It is a very costly problem and a very painful one for the cows. New Zealand has had a major advantage over the years when it comes to lameness because of our pasturebased farming systems. Thirty to forty years ago we didn’t have much of a lameness issue at all, but since then our farming practices have intensified enormously. The average herd size in 1987 was around 150 cows, now it’s about 450 cows and the average kilogram of milk solidsMs have gone up from 260kg/ cow to 360 kg/cow in that time. The increase in lameness issues have followed on the heels of intensification, however, our skill level hasn’t improved accordingly. Many farmers and farm staff are telling me that all the training they had was a 20min 20-minute demonstration from their employer. Lots of farmers have done a hoof trimming course with the local vet practices, but the vets, with all due respect, are often not sufficiently trained in Hoof Health and trimming themselves. To try and put the skill level of effective hoof trimming in to perspective, in Europe, where hoof trimming has been a professional occupation for decades,
people study and train for 14 months. After the 14 months of trimming cows’ feet, full time under full-time supervision, 40% still fail the exam, which gives some indication of just how much is involved in doing proper hoof care. It demands a lot more skill than peeling a potato, for example. I have been running hoof trimming workshops and courses in New Zealand for many years now. I have also had the privilege of training most of the professional hoof trimmers in NZ. I completed my qualifications as a hoof trimmer and instructor through the Training Centre in Oenkerk, Holland. These qualifications are the art of trimming cows’ feet according to the Dutch method. This method was developed by E. Toussaint-Raven, in conjunction with the Dairy Training Centre in Oenkerk (NL) and the University of Utrecht (NL). It is the most respected method in the farming industry worldwide and it has proven to be very effective in NZ as well.
Since completing my qualifications, an opportunity came up to partner with the Dairy Training Centre (DTC) in Oenkerk. This partnership means that we can now teach the curriculum of the DTC, and we can award their qualifications to hoof trimmers which allow the successful candidates an industry-recognised qualification. For that In order to guarantee quality, my skills and abilities need to be re-assessed every two years. This also means that the qualification and the training can now be given through an proper official training institute. So, by starting up the Dairy Hoofcare Institute, we are trying to lift the standards of hoof trimming in New Zealand to the level where we can regain control over the lameness status on our farms. We are making high high-quality training available for farmers, veterinarians, hoof trimmers and anyone else who has an interest in cattle farming and hoof health.
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DAIRY
❚ with Peter burton
CANTERBURY FARMING
November 2019
41
No change for some
The saying in the investment world “you’re either a contrarian or a victim” could equally apply to farming.
No-one I’ve spoken to applauds the introduction of the recently announced fresh-water standards, soon to become a legal requirement, and yet no-one has been surprised. As the ramifications of the required reduction in nitrate, phosphorus, and sediment loss become apparent, over 95% of the farming community will be figuring out how they might in time comply. And yet there is a small group of farmers that will not be required to make any changes to their current farming practises. They’ve anticipated the changes from as far back as 2002 and steadily made the changes necessary to be compliant. The key difference is their non-reliance on fertiliser nitrogen as the driver of pasture growth. Fertiliser nitrogen may be used as a development tool to good effect, however its regular use on grazed permanent pasture is counterproductive. Data from the late 1970’s shows that pasture production from well-managed high fertility sites has steadily declined, however not on farms where nitrogen fixed by clover is the driver of growth. These farms regularly grow in excess of 18 tonne of drymatter/ha. Quality is also enhanced resulting in less kilograms required to produce a kilo of milk, meat or wool. The spread of feed over the year is more even with stronger growth over the summer and early autumn period. Based on a study in the 2011-12 sea-
son there is also a 70% reduction in the concentration of Nitrate N lost to groundwater compared to a neighbouring property, with subsequent measures supporting the difference between the two systems. Given the magnitude of the differences an independent study was commissioned to measure differences in farm performance, and the Summary contained the following. Based on the last 2011-12 season it appears the Biological farm had an advantage over the Conventional farm in all areas analysed. The Biological farm had a lower stocking rate and grew more pasture per hectare therefore had a reduced reliance on grazing off and applying nitrogen. Financially it had a $500 per hectare advantage. It also had a significantly smaller environmental footprint in terms of nitrogen leached from the farm and nitrate concentration in the groundwater. This Biological farm is a good example of what is possible for many Conventional farms that have a desire to improve profitability as well as reduce environmental footprint. The data has been widely circulated amongst farming organisations, political groups and councils. There is always initial interest, however when the ramifications to the wider rural community become obvious the ability to discuss further stops. It’s not an unusual phenomenon. Fundamental change benefiting the wider community, nearly always causes short term social
upheaval resulting in organised resistance becoming increasingly resolute before inevitable acceptance. There are two reasons why the farming community should prioritise discussion with those in a position to facilitate change. Firstly, regulation will become more draconian as times goes on and it becomes apparent that there is no silver bullet solution coming from Research Institutes. Although farmers have a right, some would argue an obligation, to push back and
claim the standards under the timeframe are not achievable, there is already enough data from a large enough group of farmers that demonstrates the opposite. The second and more compelling reason is that the problems with increased nitrates and leaching of phosphorus is due to steadily declining soil carbon levels, and with less soil carbon nitrogen and phosphorus losses escalate and farm production declines. For more information call Peter burton 0800 843 809
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
DAIRY
Patient converters set for low N future The Jarmans have been adaptable farmers for more than 150 years – and they’re still innovating.
❚ by Tim Fulton Paul and Ann Jarman run Essendon, a 400ha dairy farm at Greendale, central Canterbury. Supplying Westland Milk Products, Essendon is milking 860 cross-bred cows and includes a fully self-contained block for wintering and growing out young stock. About two thirds of the 400ha is milking platform. The Jarmans are connected to Stage 2 of the Central Plains Water (CPW), a high-pressure, piped irrigation scheme covering much of central Canterbury. Sustainability and minimising the environmental footprint of the farm is the key driver to decision making regarding farm management practices. Essendon is monitoring some paddocks weekly to get an accurate fix on moisture and irrigation requirements to minimise nitrate losses. Working with their contract milker, Paul and Ann are also using CRV Ambreed genetics to help reduce the farm’s nitrogen footprint. The company has research indicating that LowN Sires genetics could cut a farmer’s nitrate losses by 20% over several generations of breeding. CRV Ambreed’s Low N Sires programme is based on breeding dairy cows with lower levels of milk urea, which is expected to reduce urinary nitrogen. Paul said he was prepared to invest in the genetics, knowing the importance of reducing their N footprint under planning regulations. He likened opting for LowN Sires to Merino breeding, the career he pursued passionately before starting a dairy conversion in 2013. “You get a good fine flock by measuring, testing and weighing. The same is true for your approach to the dairy industry; you’ve
got to have good, objective, performancebased selection of sires. And that’s where the whole AI in New Zealand comes from.” Paul and Ann started using bulls from the LowN Sires programme only two years ago, soon after CRV Ambreed launched it. The first yearling calves from LowN Sires will be on the ground for mating this year and they’re confident it will help them to hit their targets for N-reduction. “It’s part of a long-time project to achieve what we want to achieve over what’s probably a 20-year period. In the fullness of time, it could be quite helpful,” Paul said. CRV Ambreed head geneticist Phil Beatson said a dairy cow ate about 180kg of nitrogen a year as plant protein. About 30kg ended up as milk and a little bit to body maintenance and growth. Of the remainder, about 75-80kg was excreted as urinary nitrogen and the rest was excreted as faeces. “On average around 20% (16kg) of this urinary nitrogen ended up being leached into groundwater,” Beatson said. “Importantly, a small amount of the nitrogen in urine is converted to nitrous oxide – a long-lasting greenhouse gas. Reducing urinary nitrogen is critical to reducing both leaching and greenhouse gas emissions.” As CPW shareholders, Essendon operates under a company-audited farm management plan. The owners and their manager were pleased to receive an ‘A’ grade first up, with no recommendations. “Now, with pivot technology on most of the farm, we can apply these small amounts little and often. As long as you haven’t got water leaching through the soil profile, there’s a very good chance you haven’t got any nitrogen leaching through,” Paul said. With irrigation plans under control, the remaining risk for nitrate leaching is in winter,
Adapting: Working with their contract milker, Paul and Ann are using Crv Ambreed genetics to reduce the farm’s nitrogen footprint. when there’s higher rainfall. The farm had also been using plantain in their pasture and had a “little and often” approach to fertiliser use, based on results from the Lincoln University dairy farm.
Paul said, as a couple, they backed CPW from the start, even though they had a long wait for the scheme to start: “We signed up to it in our late 40s and ended up seeing completion of it in our late 60s.”
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WATER & IRRIGATION
CANTERBURY FARMING November 2019
43
44
November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
WATER & IRRIGATION
Up to date telemetry is a positive IrrigationNZ has championed the need for water metering since 2008 across the sector – from water users and water meter installers, to the regional authorities who monitor and manage compliance.
elizabeth Soal ❚ by IrrigationNZ ❚ This has involved providing information to our members on the requirements and benefits of water metering through a variety of channels, as well as working closely with (and providing training to) regional authorities and the installation and service industry (who are also IrrigationNZ members). IrrigationNZ has established the New Zealand Water Measurement Code of Practice which outlines requirements and good industry practice around water measurement. The Code of Practice has been developed to provide guidance on the selection, installation, verification and validation of suitable water measurement devices and systems for compliance with the water metering reg-
ulations. It also promotes accurate measurement of water takes to assist in the monitoring process for water permit compliance and enforcement. The Code of Practice is an important part of IrrigationNZ’s Blue Tick accreditation programme. The Blue Tick programme really sets the standard for water meter instillation and verification. The recent release of the government’s proposal to reform the framework of our freshwater policy may have some effects on water metering, data recording and the process of automatically transmitting the readings of an instrument more commonly known as telemetry. One of proposals in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFW) is to amend the Measurement and Reporting of Water Take Regulations to make telemetry a mandatory requirement across all takes above 5 litres per second. This requires consent holders to provide direct (daily) electronic data transfer to councils. Following suit to the introduction of metering (in 2010), there will be a phased, tackling takes above 20 litres per second in the first two years, out to 6 years for takes between 5 and 10 litres per second. Consent conditions requiring telemetry have been enforced by Councils for several years, including takes below 5 litres per second, either where subject to low flow conditions or in sensitive catchment areas. Telemetry is essential for the need to ob-
Meter up: Krohne meter display with an outpost unit allowing secure web connection and access to water use data, such as flow rates, totaliser volumes, and alarm systems. This transfer is either through the cellular network (2G, 3G and 4G) or satellite.
tain better quality data on water use and reporting, particularly where consents have stopped being issued based on depleting water availability, closer compliance monitoring and to also better depict current allocation status’ and therefore potential and future availability. The long and short of it is having up-todate telemetry is positive both on the ground for those operating their irrigators to monitor water flow, rates and more, but also at a council and local government level to monitor compliance and give insight to what is happening in different areas. However, having this technology does come with its challenges and there will be some speed bumps. For consent holders
there is a cost involved with installing telemetry, and sites that are not straight forward or are hard to access require greater up-front cost as well as ongoing monitoring. For councils, they may struggle to keep up with the demand to effectively monitor and deal with the increased number of telemetered takes, while using this data to make better informed decisions at a regional level. Data provider companies will be scrutinised for their delivery of service and performance. I support change and environmental bottom lines for our water is important. However, the technical ins and outs of the policy need to be considered before they’re enforced as the degree of implications will be different for everyone.
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CANTERBURY FARMING
WATER & IRRIGATION
November 2019
45
Evapotranspiration rates lower In my last column I talked about September being the month to check your irrigation and October being the month to start keeping an eye on your soil moisture sensors or water budget alongside the three-day weather forecast.
Less irrigation needed: evapotranspiration rates were lower than normal around Canterbury in october.
Andrew Curtis ❚ by ❚ Water Strategies If you’ve been doing this, for October you’d have found there was no reason to switch on your irrigation. Evapotranspiration rates have been lower than normal and there’s also been regular small rainfall events. Based on the current 10-day forecast it will be early November before irrigation needs to start in 2019. What’s really encouraging is when I’ve been out and about on the Canterbury Plains during October I’ve only very occasionally seen an irrigator going. This means most irrigators must now have monitoring systems in place that enable them to accurately time their irrigation start date. A massive change in irrigation practice from that of a decade ago and Canterbury irrigators are all the better for it. Interestingly at Water Strategies we’re now receiving enquiries from clients for advice on taking their irrigation monitoring systems to the next level.
Refining their trigger points for irrigation over the season, how to best manage irrigation for a range of crop and/ or pasture types under one irrigator, alongside how to better time irrigation with fertiliser applications and grazing rotations. This in part is why Water Strategies developed its Irrigation WOF. Alongside a detailed test of irrigation system performance, the initial irrigation assessment for the Water Strategies Irrigation WOF includes an assessment of irrigation scheduling practice. For this we look at what monitoring is in place and how it relates to the day-to-day decision-making. We then provide independent advice as to how monitoring could be im-
proved, including suggesting technologies that are best suited to the farm system. We can do this as we don’t sell anything! In the technology space, after six years of research, Manaaki Whenua, Plant & Food Research and Foundation for Arable Research are wrapping up their Maximising the Value of Irrigation project. From this work there are two further projects of note. The first is a sensor-based project where in field soil and crop sensors have been combined with detailed field mapping to provide precise daily irrigation schedules to the farmer. The second, which in my opinion is the future of irrigation scheduling, involves the use of remote sensing technologies to accurate-
ly calculate daily crop water use across the paddock. From this accurate water budgets can be automatically produced, that when combined with weather forecasts provide the ultimate in irrigation scheduling. Remote sensing will be the way of the future – it gives you a complete picture of water use across each paddock. Remote sensing irrigation scheduling services are starting to be offered commercially overseas, so here’s hoping a commercial offering will come from this project. If you would like to know how your scheduling practices could be improved call us today to book in your Water Strategies Irrigation WoF.
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Paul Reese Charlotte Butler Brendon Jolly Andrew Curtis Laura Bunning
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www.waterstrategies.co.nz
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
WATER & IRRIGATION
Breeding tools already here for nitrogen
Farmers have been challenged to reduce the amount of nitrogen leaving their property through sub soils and waterways. This has seen the adoption of more responsible fertiliser and effluent management, and work on more efficient nitrogen uptake in plants and animals.
❚ by Tim Fulton One of the harder sources of nitrogen leaching to mitigate is cows’ urine: the concentration of nitrogen in the urine patch is so high that a significant proportion cannot be used by plants or retained in the soil root zone. While reducing urinary nitrogen ideally involves measuring it, that is impractical to do in large numbers of cows directly – and that’s where milk urea concentration (MU) comes in. Many international studies have shown a direct relationship between MU and the amount of urinary nitrogen per cow per day. It makes sense to reduce urinary nitrogen from a farming perspective and to monitor urinary nitrogen from a regulatory perspective. One strategy to reduce urinary nitrogen is through good feeding practises and to monitor these by keeping an eye on milk urea concentration, And a second strategy is where CRV Ambreed’s genetics comes in. CRV Ambreed’s Low N Sires programme is based on breeding dairy cows with lower levels of MU which is expected to reduce urinary nitrogen. “Milk urea tells us a lot. We know we can reduce milk urea through feeding, but also through genetics,” CRV Ambreed head geneticist Phil Beatson said.
Each day farmers get a MU value measured in their bulk milk. It makes sense for farmers and regulators to use this milk urea concentration to monitor nitrogen loading from urine. Total urinary nitrogen per herd per day can be calculated based on the weighted MU and number of cows. The weighting factor to convert MU to grams urinary nitrogen per cow per day is around seven. “We’re suggesting MUs should be used by farmers and by the likes of the Environment Councils to calculate nitrogen deposition quite accurately. This is likely to be a better monitoring tool than using predictive models that are subject to manipulation,” Beatson said. A dairy cow eats about 180kg of nitrogen a year as plant protein. About 30kg ends up as milk and a little bit to body maintenance and growth. Of the remainder, about 75-80kg is excreted as urinary nitrogen and the rest is excreted as faeces. On average around 20% (16kg) of this urinary nitrogen ends up being leached into groundwater. Importantly, a small amount of the nitrogen in urine is converted to nitrous oxide – a long-lasting greenhouse gas. Reducing urinary nitrogen is critical to reducing both leaching and greenhouse gas emissions. “If we feed diets that contain surplus protein we increase nitrogen intake beyond what
Genetic colution: Crv Ambreed head geneticist Phil beatson says farmers can not only reduce milk urea through feeding, but also through genetics. the cow requires and this is reflected in the milk urea values for the herds.” The average herd was around 30 units for bulk milk urea. However, some herds were consistently around 40 while others were around 20. The average cow in the herd with milk urea 40 is peeing out around 280 grams nitrogen per cow per day (40 x 7), while that in the herd with milk urea 20 is peeing out around 140 grams nitrogen per day (7 x 20). The CRV Ambreed genetics program involved measuring MU in one million milk
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samples from 200,000 cows through CRV Ambreed’s herd testing service. These records were analysed to estimate genetic merit for the sires of the cows. The best of these sires are marketed as LowN and CRV Ambreed is already providing farmers with semen from bulls under its LowN Sires brand. The LowN Sires bulls were desirable for traditional traits as well as being genetically superior in reducing MU in their daughters. Cows bred for lower levels of MU are expected to excrete less nitrogen in their urine which would, in turn, reduce the amount of nitrogen leached. CRV Ambreed expected LowN Sires would reduce nitrogen leaching in New Zealand by 14 million kilograms per year - based on the national herd number of five million dairy cows. The beauty about a genetics solution to nitrogen leaching is that farmers simply need to use semen from the LowN bulls rather than other bulls. They can maintain all existing management practises so there is minimal additional cost to their farming practises. However, the combination of good feeding plus LowN sires gives farmers a two-pronged attack to reduce MU and nitrogen leaching. Reducing the national average MU value from 30 to say 24 would reduce urinary nitrogen deposition by 20% and have an even greater impact on nitrogen leached.
WATER & IRRIGATION
❚ with Dr Tony Davoren
CANTERBURY FARMING
November 2019
47
Is it cold this season??
There have been quite a few comments recently about the lack of growth and how cold it is and has been. But is it any different than previous seasons, like 2018 (if you remember)? And it the same across southern Victoria so we are not on our own – if it is truly that cold. As I write this and look out toward the Dandenongs from North Fitzroy in Melbourne I can’t help but think you’re heading for this weather in a couple of days (maybe 3-4). It is cool outside, its cloudy, it has rained the last three days or night and Thursday 17th at 8am when I arrived – well you could have been standing at Christchurch airport with a brisk southerly blowing (yes it was just 9degC). So, has it been that cold compared to previous years and in particular last year? Remember it was from about now that it seemed like every cloud was a rainmaker and lasted forever blocking out the sun. However, in terms of soil moisture there has been little between 2018 and 2019 with no irrigation required thus far. 2019 has been somewhat ‘wetter’ (higher soil moisture content) than 2018 through August to mid-September and in both years,
there was a “cooling” period later in September till mid-October. In both years’ irrigation was ‘saved’ by a rainfall – this year by 2025mm on 18 October. Has 2019 been any cooler than 2018? Soil temperatures, like soil moisture content have been remarkably similar: • 2018 a little warmer mid-September through early October • 2019 a little warmer than 2018 since early October • In both years it has been cool in late September – early October with soil temperatures hovering around the 10-12degC and dipping below 10degC (especially in 2018). To coin a phrase we hear on Anzac Day “Lest we forget” – let’s not forget the past. I’m not suggesting we need to go back to 2014 to compare seasons – the date when Laurence Binyon wrote these words in what is recognised as the world’s most commemorative poem sitting on a cliff in North Cornwall, while British casualties were mounting in just the first few months of WW1.
We need only look at 2018 when both the soil moisture and temperature records show us that two years in a row we have had very 128mm x 100mm similar early spring conditions.
Let’s hope it is not a precursor to the
Canterbury Farming Option3conditions that then persisted until January 2019.
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48
November 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING
Tug of war over dairy herd Bank charge versus a farmer’s grazing lien A farmer who was providing grazing for a herd of dairy cows received notice that a bank wanted to seize them. supplied by ❚❚Article ❚❚Parry Field Lawyers Turns out the herd owner had borrowed against them and fallen behind on the payments. He also owed grazing fees to the farmer. The lender held the herd as security for money owed, and had a security interest registered under the Personal Property Securities Act 1999. But the lender had no right to go onto the farmer’s land to seize the herd so the farmer sent a No Trespass notice. The lender responded by filing legal proceedings seeking to uplift the herd. The farmer however, had provided grazing and not been paid and he was therefore entitled to hold a lien over the herd. If the bank seized the herd, what chance was there of the grazing fees being paid? In these circumstances, a lien can take priority over a security interest- even a registered one. So a farmer can keep possession of the herd until the money owed under the grazing agreement had been paid. But there is an important caveat. The Courts have upheld a lien only where the stock are being improved in some way. The leading authority held that providing feed and care such that the condition of the stock was being improved met this test. So where there is good grazing, the lien will win.
LIVESTOCK
CANTERBURY FARMING
November 2019
49
More returns for your wool.
rob Cochrane ❚ by ❚ Wool Procurement Manager, PGG Wrightson Wool
A few humps and hollows in wool market
For the past three years New Zealand crossbred wool prices have struggled to reward wool growers with anywhere near a profitable return, despite a number of initiatives from a few marketers creating new or in some cases ‘re-invented’ products, and (we’re lead to believe) a much more heightened global awareness of the benefits of wool particularly in regards to its biodegradability versus many synthetic counterparts. During the same time frame, fine wool breeds have experienced increased demand, mainly from European manufacturers who have embraced the health and wellbeing benefits of wool, with grower returns improving accordingly. To be fair there have been other influencing factors regarding fine wool demand, such as serious long-term drought negatively affecting production levels in Australia, plus legislation banning the practice of mulesing assisting in New Zealand, however there have been a few humps and hollows along the way. During September and early October, the crossbred auction market appeared mainly stable for most adult wool types, with slightly better interest in a few finer hogget types measuring from 31 to 32 microns, provided they were of good length, good colour and absolutely sound for tensile strength. Shorter and or tender wools did not attract the same attention. The word ‘premium’ in regards to crossbred wool may be challenged by wool growers, however a few exporters who had orders for good-to-super style pre-lamb shorn adult fleece wool, in the mainly 35 to 36 micron ranges, were definitely paying between 10 and 12 percent ahead of their maximum offers for good-to-average style fleece, proof that on-farm wool preparation levels remain firmly in the view of wool exporters and their off-shore customers. Halfbred and Corriedale wool types experienced a bumpy ride during September and into early October as global uncertainty prevailed with once again
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several outside influences affecting the market. Whilst prices fluctuated during the period, demand remained strong for well-presented wools of good specification. With wild market slumps creating havoc within the Australian merino scene during early September, similar wools offered at the Christchurch auction room were not expected to be exempt. As prices crashed across the ditch, many growers there took a firm stance resisting the lower levels and by late September prices had recovered some (but not all) of the lost ground. At Christchurch it appeared that prices were not quite as severely impacted as Australia, although they were definitely back on those ruling through August, as the over-all quality of wools produced in the South Island were of a good standard and of good tensile strength. The higher than anticipated levels of vegetable matter contamination were,
and still are at time of writing, an issue due to 12 months of reasonably growthy feed and weed conditions. With one-third of the New Zealand wool selling season already behind us, in the South Island we are getting well through fine wool sales and fast approaching the main crossbred season. Many hoggets are being shorn across the country presently, although there has been indication in some southern areas that, due to basic economics, some growers may not shear crossbred hoggets this spring, but bring them into line with ewe shearing in December/January. Please be assured that well-prepared wools definitely grab the attention of astute exporters ensuring the reputation of New Zealand wool on the world stage remains high. Show week is upon us again. Local wool brokers will be holding a live wool auction in the RDA building on Thursday morning 14th November. We’ll see you there. That’s my view.
Ring Kevin and he will turn up with the truck and certified scales. From mainline to dags see if you can find any wool buyer who will go further or work harder for your wool.
Phone Kevin today and get the best out of your wool.
PH 0274 396 848 or 03 312 9059
50
November 2019 CANTERBURY FARMING
LIVESTOCK
Outlook strong for sheep and beef Temperatures are finally warming up after what has been an extremely late cold spring. Good moisture levels mean that when the weather warms up, we should have plenty of grass.
‘
The outlook for beef is very positive and this should help the store cattle market once the grass comes away.
❚❚by Phil Smith
❚❚Director, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Farmers are reporting good lamb tallies, but growth rates have been slow due to the cooler temperatures and limited pasture growth. This means the new season pre-Christmas lamb kill will be somewhat reduced. The export prices for mutton, lamb, and beef are looking the best ever and the falling NZ Dollar will also favour meat exporters. China cannot get enough of our sheepmeat and is willing to pay top dollar for our products, including whole carcasses.
The outlook for beef is also very positive and this should help the store cattle market once the grass comes away. Submissions have closed for the government’s freshwater proposal and we hope that the government is listening to farmers concerns. We all agree on the need to improve water quality however, we need to do this in a way that doesn’t have a massive economic im-
pact on farmers, rural communities and the economy. I heard a radio interview with food futurist Dr Rosie Bosworth talking about alternative proteins. She said there was room for both traditional dairy and meat products and alternative proteins in the short term. However, she predicts that by 2030, we could see a real shift away from animal protein to predominantly plant-based and cellbased protein. She called traditional dairy and meat a ‘dated model’. Millennials and the next generation are already well on their way with this transition and reduced meat and dairy consumption is a worldwide megatrend. Plant-based protein and cell-based meat will compete with traditional products on price and will appeal to consumers concerned with the slaughtering of animals, the perceived environmental impact of meat production and perceptions around better human health.
However, the iron used in plant-based (non-haem iron) protein isn’t as readily absorbed as animal-based iron ( haem iron), with a gut absorption rate of 75% compared to 90% with haem-iron. Mimicking the taste, colour and texture of meat while also trying to keep sugar, sodium, and saturated fat content low also seems to be proving rather difficult for plantbased protein producers. Cell-based protein manufactured in labs is an option but isn’t that swaying away from our desire to eat a natural, wholefood, environmentally sustainable diet? I also wonder what effect lab-based protein would have on our long-term health? New Zealand can only feed 40 million people, so I believe there is a good future for our agricultural produce if we target affluent consumers who are willing to pay a premium for quality food produced in an environmentally sustainable way.
LIVESTOCK
CANTERBURY FARMING November 2019
51
World venison market changing The world market for New Zealand’s farm-raised venison is going through a period of change, with established markets evolving and new markets emerging.
❚❚by Trevor Walton Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) chief executive Innes Moffat says some important new markets have been developed as a result of active market development programmes by individual venison companies, or collectively by the five main venison companies, supported by DINZ. “Demand from the United States has steadily grown in the last 10 years to make it our largest year-round market for chilled venison.” Moffat says. “In the last three years demand from China has developed which may make it a valuable complementary market to continental Europe. Marketing companies are also developing niches in markets like the Middle East, UK and Sweden. “On the other hand there are changes that, as with markets for all food products, are unpredictable or outside our ability to influence. “A sudden spike in demand two years ago from American pet food manufacturers for venison meat and bone meal and manufacturing grades was very much in the unpredictable category. This pushed up prices to farmers by about $1 a kilogram. “Prices for petfood grades have since
Awareness-building: DINZ chefs Graham Brown and Shannon Campell (right) presenting the NZ farm raised venison story to food writers at a dinner in Germany.
eased sharply, but venison’s place as an ingredient in premium petfoods looks reasonably assured.” Northern Europe, particularly Germany, was the market on which the NZ deer industry was founded. It was – and remains – a highly seasonal market with a tradition of autumn and early winter game season demand. The game season still provides farmers with peak prices in September and October each year. Prices this game season have been relatively subdued, following poor sales of frozen venison as a result of high prices in 2018.
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This is reflected in schedule prices to farmers. For many years, Moffat says, the industry has worked on developing other, non-seasonal markets, while building awareness in Europe of the attributes of our premium farmed product. “This awareness-building continues. Currently our chefs Graham Brown and Shannon Campbell are hosting dinners for food writers and conducting chef seminars in partnership
with importing and distribution companies in Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and Sweden. “It’s a big place. While many European chefs and retailers recognise the quality of chilled New Zealand venison, a surprising number still do not know about its superior taste and tenderness, underpinned by excellent quality assurance,” Moffat says. Looking ahead, he says venison marketers are mindful that with climate change, winter in Europe is arriving later and is shorter than it once was. A shorter winter means a shorter game season and for New Zealand a continued emphasis on the development of new markets. This includes the opportunity to develop a market during the European summer for premium Cervena venison as a grilling item. “Achieving this, along with exploring the potential market in China, is a key element in Passion 2 Profit (P2P), our Primary Growth Partnership programme with the government.” Moffat says markets may be changing and evolving, but the important thing to recognise is that the venison industry no longer has all its eggs in one basket.
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November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
FX4 Bi-Turbo Special Edition added to Ford Ranger range The Ford Ranger FX4 Bi-Turbo Special Edition will be offered as part of the 2020 Ford Ranger line-up arriving from December this year.
❚ Article supplied by Ford NZ
Based on the volume-selling, highly equipped Ranger XLT double-cab, the return of the FX4 nameplate brings with it an even more distinctive identity, with unique design elements inside and out for a fresh take on Ranger’s renowned versatility. The Ranger FX4 Bi-Turbo sits between the Ranger XLT and highly equipped Ranger Wildtrak models, giving customers greater choice with a unique package that offers the same great capability and dependability for which Ranger is known. The Ranger FX4 Bi-Turbo brings a host of new and unique features to the Ranger customer, which is apparent from first glance. The Ranger FX4 Bi-Turbo has a unique front mesh grille, finished in Ebony Black, flanked by darkened versions of the Bi-LED High Performance Headlights introduced for Ranger XLT, Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor. The frontend view also brings an Ebony Black lower valence and mirror caps to create a strong FX4 identity. New FX4 specific 18-inch alloy wheels, an inch larger than the Ranger XLT’s 17-inch alloys, continue the black detailing, with black DLO, door handles and front guard fender feature contrasting the striking red ‘FX4’ lower front door and tailgate decals, all with a 3D effect. Completing the look, the FX4’s tray hosts a protective bed liner and an extended blackfinish sports bar, adding a stand-out visual attribute to the Ranger FX4’s load area. The extensive black treatment applied to the outside is designed to impress with the five exterior colour choices for Ranger FX4 BiTurbo, which consist of Shadow Black, Arctic White, True Red, Meteor Grey and Aluminium Metallic. For the first time, Ranger FX4 Bi-Turbo is offered with the latest generation 2.0 litre BiTurbo, 10-speed powertrain as standard on either the 4WD or 2WD. With 157kW/500Nm, the Bi-Turbo powertrain was first introduced on the Ford Performance Ranger Raptor and is fitted with the
Raising the standard: For the first time the ranger FX4 biTurbo is offered with the latest generation 2.0 litre bi-Turbo, 10-speed powertrain as standard, on either the 4WD or 2WD.
specifically tuned, new generation 10-speed paddle shift automatic. The 10-speed automatic includes a lockout feature to hold specific gears when towing, giving the Ranger FX4 Bi-Turbo a towing capacity of 3500Kg braked. In addition to the highly capable towing, the Bi-Turbo brings a fuel efficiency figure of 6.7 litres/100km combined for the 2WD and 7.4 litres/100km combined on the 4WD, showing the depth of its capabilities. Driver Assist Technology is standard on Ranger FX4 Bi-Turbo, and includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Park Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Aid (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning and Driver Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic Highbeam headlights. The Adaptive Cruise Control reduces driver workload by maintaining a pre-set distance to the vehicle ahead. The Active Park Assist is a segment first. This advanced system takes account of the dimensions of the vehicle, and helps ease
Parking ease: The Active Park Assist takes account of the dimensions of the vehicle, and helps ease the burden of parking. the burden of parking. The driver needs only to apply the throttle and brakes, as the system steers the Ranger into the parking space.
The ranger FX4 bi-Turbo Special edition will be available alongside the full 2020 Ford ranger line-up in Ford Dealerships from December.
Avon City Ford Cnr Main South Rd & Epsom Rd, Sockburn | 03 348 4129 | 0800 655 551 Rangiora Service Centre | 78 Ivory St | 03 313 7059 | avoncityford.com
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CANTERBURY FARMING November 2019
53
New entry level variant for popular Hilux workhorse Toyota has broadened its customer appeal for the Hilux range with a new entry level two-wheel drive Hilux grade, the WorkMate, aimed at buyers who need an affordable workhorse backed by the dependability of Toyota.
supplied by ❚❚Article Toyota New Zealand ❚❚ The new WorkMate replaces the ‘S’ grade as the new entry level with Single Cab chassis and Double Cab variants. It’s available as a two-wheel drive and has a low body height allowing easier on and off loading of equipment and tools. Toyota New Zealand Chief Operating Officer, Neeraj Lala, said the WorkMate would meet customer demand for an affordable, safe and reliable ute. “The WorkMate is a true workhorse. It has all the features you need and nothing you don’t,” Lala said. “The name WorkMate really says it all. It’s more about price, value, and the capability to help you get the job done.” The WorkMate is powered by the proven 2.7 litre petrol engine. Maximum power of 122kW and maximum torque of 245Nm is transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.7 litre petrol engine in the WorkMate means no road user charges, cheaper registration and servicing for customers. The WorkMate comes with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package, including a Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Road Sign Assist. The Hilux WorkMate has a 2019 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and Hilux with TSS are the only utes in the market currently to have a 2019 rating. The Hilux WorkMate also has a reversing camera as standard, seven airbags and a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system. All the accessories that are available for the 2WD diesel Hilux are also available for the WorkMate grade, meaning you can customise your WorkMate with Toyota Genuine accessories no matter your needs. The accessory range includes bull bars, nudge bars, towbar packages, tonneau covers, canopies and liners. Two tray options are available for pur-
chase from Toyota for fitment to the cabchassis variant. The Toyota Genuine alloy tray features high quality galvanised steel bearers and mounts, while the T Custom Steel and Timber tray is constructed of heavy-duty galvanised steel with a transtex industrial plywood deck.
Replacement: The new WorkMate replaces the ‘S’ grade as the new entry level with single cab chassis and double cab variants.
54
November 2019
CANTERBURY FARMING
Muscle performance enhancing regular exercise New Zealand Blackcurrants are the most nutrient dense, anthocyanin rich berry fruit in the world.
Jim Grierson ❚ by VitalityNZ ❚ Each capsule of Vitalitynz Muscle Performance contains high levels of both anthocyanin and polyphenolics clinically shown to relieve inflammation and aid muscle recovery. This safe, plant based natural New Zealand Blackcurrant extract- based solution increases blood flow to relieve muscle inflammation after walking or general exercise. It reduces oxidative stress, supports fast muscle recovery, functional performance of skeletal muscle and good internal fat burn for greater inner fat health. Daily intake of Muscle Performance has found that during a moderate walking trial for two weeks increased the rate of fat burning during exercise in men, conducted by Mark Willems, Professor in Sports and Exercise Physiology at the University of Chichester, describes these findings as very exciting. This isn’t an in-your-face difference from week one to week two, but the fact that we have shown an increase from 10% to 16% between the two relatively short time points is encouraging. After one week the fat oxidation effects are just kicking in, but if you take it for longer, then the blackcurrant extract becomes even more beneficial. Three previous studies have confirmed that New Zealand blackcurrant extract has
an unprecedented fat burning effect during 30- and 120-minutes cycling in trained athletes, with implications for improving athletic performance and weight management. Professor Roger Hurst, Plant and Food Research Ltd, has found that the consumption of an anthocyanin rich New Zealand Blackcurrant extract two hours prior to exercise supported the recovery from exerciseinduced oxidative stress, giving an average of 32% decrease in post-exercise oxidative stress. So, from this research Vitalitynz developed a combination of New Zealand Blackcurrant extract, Vitamin-C and Vitamin-D to come up with a natural plant-based solution for the every-day persons activities, through to the elite athlete. The key to maximising your health and wellness just does not stop at supplementation but should be in conjunction with a healthy diet. What do we seek from a healthy diet combined with frequent exercise? The controlling of your every-day stress levels, less damage and pain to your whole of body, speedier recovery, if you are that keen sportsperson then train for longer and or harder to enhance your performance and assist your immune protection. It is called “Enhancing the natural benefits of diet and exercise” Vitalitynz Muscle Performance is “Created by Nature Proven by Science”.
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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CANTERBURY FARMING
November 2019
55
Moffat to lead deer industry team Innes Moffat has been appointed chief executive of Deer Industry New Zealand.
❚ by Trevor Walton Moffat, who replaces former Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) chief executive Dan Coup who is now chief executive of the QE II National Trust, has been with the organisation for 14 years. DINZ chair Ian Walker says the board ran an external recruitment process that attracted some very strong candidates from both inside and outside the deer farming industry. “After considering all applicants the board made the unanimous decision that Moffat was the best candidate for the job.” Moffat, who was born and raised on a South Otago sheep and cattle farm, joined DINZ in 2005 as venison marketing services manager. This followed several years with the former Meat and Wool New Zealand, including a four-year stint in Brussels as market manager continental Europe. More recently, he has been manager of the deer industry’s Primary Growth Partnership programme, Passion 2 Profit. “Innes’ knowledge of the whole deer farming value chain, from the grassroots to the marketing of our premium products, is a huge asset to the industry, especially when paired with his skills as a manager,” Walker said. Once he is settled in his new role, Moffat will assess the staffing needs of DINZ, with a view to filling the vacancy left by his appointment as chief executive. Moffat said DINZ benefits from the solid connections it has with its deer farming and marketing partners, as well as strong govern-
❚ with rob Cope-Williams
The red meat debate
And so, the latest survey suggests that the consumption of red meat is okay and isn’t a hazard to one’s health.
Stepping up: Innes moffat will replace former Deer Industry New Zealand chief executive Dan Coup. ance from across the industry. “The food producing sector in New Zealand is facing challenges, but the deer industry has great products and we have shown the capacity to respond and adapt to changing circumstances,” he said. “I’m excited about leading the talented team at DINZ as we help shape our industry’s future.” Moffat lives in Miramar, Wellington, with wife Megan and two teenage sons. Away from work he plays an active role in the community, having coached children’s sports and served time on school boards. Also, when conditions allow, he enjoys getting underwater off Wellington’s rugged south coast.
In the 40 odd years I have been reporting on farming matters I think the biggest subject of debate has been whether red meat is safe to eat, or if it causes cancer or whatever. It appears it is a subject that the media stirs up on a slow news day and of course there is always some ‘expert’ who will say something about our health risks and wellbeing just to get their name in print. Have you ever seen an official world health organisation being quoted on a factual report on extensive research about red meat being good for us or a health risk? No nor have I. However, the to and fro-ing continues. There was a time when coffee was the evil cause of cancer and people were told in no uncertain terms to cut right back or drop it altogether. Months later a new report from ‘an organisation’ was being quoted as saying that two cups of coffee a day would fend off cancer. Huh? I suppose the sad thing about all this is that there are some people who believe what they read, or more likely, what they hear on TV news, and Stuff type websites. Look at the gun debate of late. The sheep in the population who are very unlikely to ever fire a gun let alone own one,
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4m +
nod knowingly and agree that guns kill people. On the other side there are those who say we should ban all cars because cars kill more people than guns. Yes I know, it is all about perception and pushing one’s own barrow when it comes to opinions and views, but, and again, it is sad that the media create stories rather than news and facts. Whoops, that sounds as though I have wandered into Donald Trump’s camp, but you must agree that it is a narrow line. I’m sure you know that nations have been ruled about what to eat for thousands of years. I understand that fish on Friday isn’t just a religious ruling, it is because the fish would be off if it wasn’t eaten fresh and that the fishing boats went out on week days, plus the non-consumption of pork? Is that not because it goes off quickly in a hot climate. Perhaps some of the religious traditions really do have a very good reason and that by making rules and traditions the general population are protected from serious food poisoning, however, let’s leave red meat alone. It has been enjoyed by millions for thousands of years and there is no reason why it can’t be enjoyed as a pure and nutritious food for thousands of years to come.
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November 2019
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