Canterbury Farming, August 2020

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

August 2020 Edition

INSIDE

THIS EDITION A bold plan

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Pledge to protect productive farmland A commitment from Labour to protect productive farmland from blanket afforestation if re-elected is a step in the right direction according to Federated Farmers.

❚ by Kent Caddick Federated Farmers meat and wool chairperson William Beetham said they were happy with the commitment.

“We’re really pleased there is now acknowledgement there’s an issue with largescale exotic plantings, particularly those grown just for carbon credits, swallowing up land used for food and fibre production,” Beetham said.

“The result of this trend is loss of export income, employment and the undermining of rural district social cohesion.”

Labour has pledged that if re-elected,

within the first six months of the new Parliamentary term they would revise the National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry to require forestry blocks larger than 50 hectares on ‘elite soils’ (Land Use Capability Classes 1-5) to obtain resource consent from that district’s council.

“While this is one potential solution, Federated Farmers still has question marks over whether what’s proposed will stop sheep and beef farms on the East Coast, which are more likely to be LUC 6 or higher, being taken over by blanket afforestation.

“We’d much rather Labour had taken on board the strong opposition on the topic ex-

pressed for many months now by the wider agricultural sector and some environmental NGOs, and not rushed through policy changes that have led to this issue.

“But it’s a welcome sign Labour is demonstrating a growing commitment to protecting productive farmland for our vital food and fibre industr y, and backing their own calls for the ‘right tree in the right place’.

Beetham said Federated Farmers would be happy to work with industry and government to thrash out effective and practical settings,” Beetham said.

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August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Farm Debt mediation a useful backstop The Farm Debt Mediation, which took effect in July, is a scheme which farmers would hope never to have to use, but it’s a very useful backstop if a farm’s finances do go pear-shaped.

❚ by Kent Caddick That’s according to Federated Farmers President and commerce spokesperson Andrew Hoggard.

“We strongly supported this legislation as it was shaped and debated by the select committee and Parliamentary processes over the last year or so and we’re glad it’s now in place,” Hoggard said.

The Farm Debt Mediation Scheme requires creditors to offer mediation to farmers who default on payments before any enforcement actions kick in.

The Federated Farmers May 2020 Bank-

Mediation: Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard says the Farm Debt Mediation is a useful backstop.

ing Survey showed more than 80% of farms carry a mortgage and overdraft, and while 69% of the 1400 farmers who responded were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their banks, 19% felt ‘under pressure’ from their banks, rising to 28% among arable farmers.

“It’s an uneven playing field in terms of available resources when a farmer and bank are in dispute. This legislation provides a platform for mediated communication.

“Although we hope it won’t have to be used very often, it will have done its job if it helps banks and farmers find enduring and sustainable solutions before it is too late,” Hoggard said.

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Beef and Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says the Labour Party’s announcement that resource consent will be required for highly productive farmland to be converted into forestry is unlikely to address the issue of large-scale conversion of sheep and beef farms created by the Emissions Trading Scheme.

B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor said he welcomed the fact that Labour has acknowledged this is an issue that needs to be addressed, but does not believe the Resource Management Act is the appropriate vehicle.

“Consents can still be approved and will not necessarily restrict conversions.

“We want to work with political parties on what the best policy approach is for limiting wholesale conversion, and for the wider issue of emissions reductions” McIvor said.

Labour Party forestry spokesperson Stuart Nash said they will require any conversion of highly productive farmland into forestry to have a resource consent to ensure rural communities are well supported during the Covid economic recovery.

“While we will continue to plant the right tree in the right place to meet our climate change challenges, our food producing soil will be our number one priority,” Nash said.

Labour Party rural communities spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said we’ve seen land use redistribution across the decades but it will always remain heavily weighted in farmland’s favour.

“This is even more important as we grow our way out of the Covid economic crisis and ensure we can keep exporting the ver y best, and nutritious, food and fibre to the world,” McAnulty said.

New Zealand has approximately 12.1 million hectares in farmland and 1.7m in forestry, following a decline in forestry which was at 2m hectares in 2002.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING August 2020

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Govt’s new strategy for primary sector highlights water storage Irrigation New Zealand says it is greatly encouraged by the fact the Government has recognised the ‘transformational opportunity’ water storage provides for New Zealand as part of our post-Covid economic recovery.

❚ by Kent Caddick Water storage was acknowledged as a key enabler for boosting productivity in the Government’s Primary Sector plan ‘Fit for a Better World’ launched recently by the Prime Minister.

“The strategy identifies what our sector has been championing for some time, that access to water provides for land-use flexibility which can also contribute to lower emissions, supports community resilience, and assists in climate change preparedness,” IrrigationNZ chief executive Elizabeth Soal.

“The Fit for a Better World strategy also identifies potential growth in horticulture, which is largely reliant on accessible water, and Maori agribusiness.

“These are both areas will benefit significantly from further access to reliable, stored water,” Soal said.

“However, it is unclear what funding will look like to enable this part of the Government’s new strategy, or what mechanisms and departments will be responsible for leading the ‘focused development’ of water storage.”

Soal said they are looking forward to working with the government, both nationally and regionally, as it develops policies and programmes to attain the targets set out.

“Irrigation New Zealand remains of the view that water must be looked at holistically and strategically, and while significant work has gone into three waters (drinking water,

Recovery: Water storage facilities, like the Falls Dam at St Bathans in Central Otago, must be part of the Government’s Covid recovery plan according to Irrigation New Zealand.

Photo: Ella Stokes

stormwater, and wastewater) and water quality, a clear and guided programme of work for water storage infrastructure is still needed.

“As we have said over the last few months, water infrastructure will be critical for supporting both urban and rural economies, both in the short-term and long-term as we emerge post-Covid and build for the future.”

Meanwhile, Horticulture New Zealand says the horticulture industry’s future focused strategies align well with what is proposed in Fit for a Better World.

“Horticulture is already well into the jour-

ney that has been identified and proposed in these reports, and this journey will continue,” HortNZ President, Barry O’Neil said.

“Immediately post lockdown, our entire industry, comprising more than 20 different fruit and vegetable product groups, got together with key government departments to develop and implement a strategy and work programme that will see horticulture spearhead New Zealand’s economic and social recovery from Covid.

“We are encouraged to see that the proposal identifies a key opportunity to accelerate the horticulture industry’s development,

which fits perfectly with our own work,” O’Neil said.

“Our fruit and vegetables are grown to the highest standards in one of best growing areas in the world. New Zealand’s horticulture industry provides domestic and export consumers with the very best in healthy food.

“These factors provide New Zealand horticulture with a distinct competitive advantage, which is due to growers’ focus and investment over several decades.”

The New Zealand horticulture industry is now worth more than $6.39 billion a year and employs approximately 60,000 people.

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August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

Damien O’Connor ❚ by Minister for Agriculture, Biosecurity, ❚ Food Safety and Rural Communities ❚ Our Fit for a Better World Action Plan is a 10-year roadmap to unlock greater value for a sector vital to New Zealand’s economic recovery. It centres on three themes: • Productivity: adding an additional $44 billion in export earnings over the next decade through a focus on creating value.

• Sustainability: reducing our biogenic methane emissions to 24-47 per cent below 2017 levels by 2050; and 10 per cent below by 2030. Plus restoring New Zealand’s freshwater environments to a healthy state within a generation.

• Inclusiveness: employing 10 per cent more New Zealanders from all walks of life in the food and fibre sector by 2030, and 10,000 more New Zealanders in the primary sector workforce over the next four years.

Our primary sector is such a huge part of our economy and our brand. They’ve made significant strides to improve the sustainability of our products and practices. Our Fit for a Better World roadmap builds on that, and the potential that exists for us to go even further.

It spells out practical ways for the sector to fetch more value, create more jobs and bolster our green reputation in a global pandemic environment to ensure New Zealand builds back better, together.

The Government is already backing parts

FARMING NEWS

The Government’s bold plan Recently the Prime Minister and I launched a bold plan to boost primary sector export earnings while protecting the environment and growing jobs. of the roadmap with more than $1.5 billion invested in freshwater quality, water storage, supporting exporters, reducing agriculture emissions, assisting farmer catchment groups, the One Billion Trees scheme, getting people into sector jobs, rural sector resilience and developing new high-value crops.

To further kick-start delivery of the roadmap we’re accelerating nearly $100 million via the flagship Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures fund and in forestry for innovative and creative projects.

The sector’s ability to record 4.5 per cent growth to about $48 billion of exports in the past year despite COVID-19, highlights demand for our top-quality products. However, we need to act quickly and boldly and can’t continue to rely on volume growth to generate greater returns. We need to create new billion-dollar, category-leading products services for consumers here and overseas, while respecting Te Taiao – the natural world.

Te Taiao is uniquely New Zealand approach that describes a deep relationship with nature in which our long-term wellbeing as a society is tightly bound to the wellbeing of the earth, rivers and oceans. If we look after our environment, it will look after us.

Our Fit for a Better World roadmap builds on the work both primar y industries and the Government have already star ted and brings together actions, investment, and resources that will work in concer t to acceler-

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More than ever we must be very closely aligned and in touch with our customers and ensure that we are delivering products they value. We must engage with customers and consumers who want to buy New Zealand products, because they offer something special.

Over the coming months we’ll be working with the sector on rolling it out. There is huge potential in this Roadmap but it can only be achieved through a close partnership with industry and Maori.

‘

We need to act quickly and boldly and can’t continue to rely on volume growth to generate greater returns.

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FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING August 2020

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Programme celebrates first year reducing hill country erosion

The Soil Conservation and Regeneration programme has completed the first of a four-year programme which aims to support landowners who have erosion-prone land with advice, tools and skills. This will improve both their farm systems and water quality, by reducing the amount of sediment that enters these waterways due to erosion.

❚ Article supplied by ECan

The SCAR programme is jointly funded by Environment Canterbury (ECan) and the MPI Hill Country Erosion Fund, and is part of a new wave of hill country erosion programmes in the South Island.

ECan staff have been working with landowners in the region, improving their collective knowledge of soil management with a view to sharing the skills and experiences that have been gained.

In 2019-20, over 2,000 poplars were provided and around 200 hectares of native bush was retired in and around Mt Guardian in the Hurunui district.

In 2020-21, the following is anticipated: • planting just under 3,000 poplars, which provide many benefits to a farm including soil conservation, shelter, shade, fodder, agroforestry and timber • retiring around 100 hectares of native bush • completing 42 Land Use Capability maps free to landowners • engaging with 40 new landowners; and • planting 6,500 new poplar and willow stools in our nursery.

One important feature of the programme is the provision of Land Use Capability maps, where staff come to landowners’ properties and look at: soil, slope and rock type; existing erosion and its severity; and what is growing on the land.

Using all this information, landowners then receive a map showing the capability of the land.

Staff then help to devise a programme of works to improve how the farm system works, allowing for budgeting of resources to reduce erosion over 10 years. This includes assessing what are the best soil conservation measures, for example, space planting or retiring underutilised eroding land.

The real success of the programme is due

Erosion eroded: The SCAR programme has completed the first year of a four year programme aimed at helping farmers deal with erosion in North Canterbury. to Environment Canterbury staff building positive relationships with local contractors and the community.

Landowners have spoken to staff about the opportunities to improve their farm systems, particularly when diversification in these uncertain times can be seen as a strength.

Additionally, as the programme grows, there will be a need for more (ideally local) contractors to support it.

Richard Murchison, a landowner in Waipara, described his experiences with SCAR. “We were planting poles already, in a block with potential erosion problems, so when the opportunity arose to expand by applying for the SCAR funding, it was a no-brainer,” Mur-

chison said. “The benefits are two-fold – first, it stops erosion and sediment into waterways, and second, it provides stock shelter and shade. It was a smooth process throughout.”

Another landowner, Peter Fitzpatrick of Cheviot, had already been planting between 100-150 poles a year for over 20 years, so it made sense to access the funding and advice and finding available through SCAR. “The benefits to this type of planting are many – preventing erosion, shade in the summer for stock, and the planting looks good. We’ve also enjoyed the enthusiasm and knowledge of working with the

team,” Fitzpatrick said.

Ecan’s Northern Zone delivery manager Andrew Arps said the team has found the community extremely receptive to the provision of a subsidised package to reduce hill erosion.

“Putting in space planting and retiring erosion prone land improves both farm systems and environmental outcomes, such as reduced phosphorus in streams and increased biodiversity.”

More information on the programme is available here.

Alternatively, please contact us via customer services on 0800 324 636 or our online form.

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August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Govt vision heavy on slogans but light on implementation In July Labour announced their ‘vision’ for the primary sector. As one can expect from this Government it was heavy on slogans and rhetoric, but lacking in detail or implementation.

‘

National believes the focus on water storage needs to be much bigger than what government has

❚ by David Bennett It ignores the stress the Government has put farmers under over the past few years. Their inability to get the policy settings around the Emissions Trading Scheme correct has created perverse incentives that are turning productive farmland into pine plantations.

And they’ve constantly threatened huge costs and unattainable targets through the Essential Freshwater proposals.

This ‘vision’ fundamentally neglects the main drivers of our primary sector in the dairy and sheep and beef sectors, which contribute close to $30b in export revenue to our economy between them. The document’s ‘Acceleration Roadmap’ has no concrete plans for these sectors at all.

That isn’t to say that we shouldn’t look to diversify our interests, and certainly in-

announced.

dustries like horticulture have huge room for growth. These changes need to be driven by market demands though, not Government regulation and an aspiration for an unachievable environmental utopia.

Goals like doubling New Zealand’s agriculture exports are unrealistic when other goals such as lowering biogenic methane 24-47 per cent from 2017 levels will require major production reductions, and are estimated to cost the economy $5-12 billion.

There are some positives. It’s good to finally see the Government wake up to the benefits of Free Trade Agreements and Re-

search & Development, we just need to see some action to back this up. Australia has developed agreements with India and Indonesia in the last few years while New Zealand Agriculture has been dismissed by the European Union in their recent negotiations. It’s also good to see water storage mentioned, although only for small projects.

National believes the focus on water storage needs to be much bigger than this, and larger projects should be considered on a case by case basis.

With the Labour Government disbanding Crown Irrigation Investments Ltd in 2017

we have suffered from a significant lack of investment in this area over the past three years, and a National Government would look to amend this. If we really want to drive innovation then access to water will be key, and should be a major infrastructure priority.

National’s approach to agriculture is simple – allow the primary sector to thrive by investing in strategic infrastructure and encouraging innovation, not constraining the sector with regulations.

As we move closer to the election I will be able to reveal more policy that shows our plan to do this.

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FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

7

Wool is an opportunity for all Kiwis Federated Farmers say harnessing outside expertise and being market driven are keys to developing a sound strategic roadmap for reviving New Zealand’s strong wool sector.

❚ by Kent Caddick A recently released report from the Wool Industry Project Action Group says it believes there is a natural fibre renaissance being led by more environmentally and socially conscious consumers, and a new approach is needed to seize this opportunity and turn things around for the sector.

Federated Farmers meat and wool chair William Beetham says they agree with that assessment.

“Making sure the process is customer-focused and open about what needs to change will be critical. The recommendation for creation of an Executive Officer role to drive action is sensible,” William says.

“The most important part of this role would be sector connection and coordination, bringing farmers closer to those who sell the end product.

“This will add significant value to wool through shortening the value chain and creating transparency through the supply chain.”

He says achieving the right governance will be the prime factor if the sector is to avoid a repeat of earlier failed attempts to turn around the fortunes of strong wool.

“The Governance oversight recommended in the plan, in my opinion, should be professional and selected based on their skills and insights, with the ability to deliver strong governance systems.

“Any board established shouldn’t be too

Revival: Environmentally and socially conscious consumers are leading a natural fibre renaissance which the wool industry must capitalise on.

large, have diversity, should consider the growing Maori economy and be able to embrace the food and fibre sectors vision of Te Taiao (working with the natural world/our environment).”

Beetham says the governance should not be compromised, it must create accountability and drive the vision” “There are young people in our industry all over New Zealand who also ‘get’ Te Taiao and they’re doing amazing things with wool

in fashion, home décor and related sectors.

“These are the people who put our environment, cultural and social connections at the forefront of why they do what they do. To me, these are our leaders and this is the integrity in our brand that we need to be focusing on.”

He says Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor was right when he acknowledged there is no single idea or government policy to solve the wool sector’s problems.

“Let’s gather the very best talent we can

find, and get on with this. If we can effectively highlight to global markets and consumers the incredible qualities of natural wool to warm themselves and their homes, we can make wool ‘shiny and new again’.

“Building wool returns through a market-driven process, back to a point where it comprises a large amount of New Zealand’s sheep and beef farmers’ income, would deliver jobs and prosperity for all New Zealanders.”

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August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

Andrew Wyllie ❚ with ❚ Forsyth Barr

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Virus-economy tug-of-war

Most countries are grappling with the tension between curbing the health effects of Covid-19 and minimising the economic damage of restrictions and lockdowns.

Whilst the virus does continue to disrupt most economies, lockdown measures are generally being eased. On balance, economic activity has generally been better than most feared two or three months ago.

That said, better-than-expected doesn’t mean great, and there are still uncertainties ahead. As an example, equity markets responded favourably to the latest United States jobs report, with the unemployment rate dropping from around 16% to around 12%. But 12% is still very high, meaning twothirds of those who’ve lost jobs since March remain unemployed.

The question being asked in the United States and elsewhere around the world is the same one we’re asking in New Zealand. What does the economic picture look like once pent-up demand from lockdown has passed and government support for workers and businesses ends? Only in time will we get a clear view on the health of the underlying economy.

In places such as the United States (in particular), Australia, Korea, and Japan, challenges have been compounded by the rise or

re-emergence of Covid-19 cases as lockdown measures have been eased, resulting in the reinstating of restrictions or slowing reopening plans. Fortunately, to date, outside of imported cases the virus has not re-emerged in New Zealand.

Equity markets continue to rally Despite the challenging and uncertain backdrop, equity markets have continued to rally.

Since the 23 March trough, the MSCI World Index is up 39% helped by the aggressive responses from policymakers around the world, and steady easing of lockdown restrictions and opening up of economies.

In more defensive markets, such as the United States and New Zealand, equity markets are now down only 3% and -1% respectively for the year. More cyclical markets like Australia and Europe are down -10% and -12%.

In our view, ultra-low interest rates remain a key support for equities. The low returns on offer from defensive investments such as bonds and term deposits are inducing people back into equities more quickly than they otherwise would have.

Stay prepared Actions from governments and central banks have stabilised financial markets. But there is still plenty of uncertainty, and as we’ve seen over the past few months, sentiment can change quickly. There is potential for further market volatility ahead.

The past few months do reaffirm some important messages for investors. We don’t believe it’s possible to

Looking at off-farm investments?

When you are thinking about your investment options, talk to Forsyth Barr To get personalised investment advice and portfolio management specific to your investing needs, talk to Investment Adviser Andrew Wyllie in confidence on (03) 365 4244 or email andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz Disclosure Statements for Forsyth Barr Authorised Financial Advisers are available on request and free of charge.

CHC6189-01 - December 2019

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consistently time or predict short-term movements in markets. Markets oscillate between greed and fear. And they do not need a positive economic backdrop to bounce – markets expect a “less bad” outlook today than they did in March. The low returns on offer from cash and bonds will continue to encourage investors into equities.

We all prefer positive news over negative.

Investors generally feel better when markets go up, and it can be disconcerting when they go down. But unfortunately volatility is something investors will always have to bear. The key is managing your response to it.

Working with your Forsyth Barr Investment Adviser to formulate and stick to an investment plan with clear objectives, is one of the best ways to do so.

this report covers the three months ended June 30, 2020.

If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www. forsythbarr.co.nz/intro-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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RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Bessie Paterson LLB ❚ with ❚ Ronald W Angland & Son

9

Property ownership structures

When we purchase property with a husband, wife or partner it is essential to consider the type of ownership which is most suitable for our relationship.

Broadly speaking there are two types of ownership and each is distinctly different from the other.

Joint Ownership was a form of ownership used for many years when husband and wife purchased a property together. On the death of one of the parties the survivor inherited the whole property and it did not matter what each of them put in their Wills, the rule of survivorship prevailed.

The effect of the rule is that one party receives the major asset by inheritance which may not always be appropriate in modern times. If the surviving party enters into a de facto relationship or remarries and makes a new Will leaving everything to the new partner the children of the first marriage may miss out on their expectation of inheritance.

The other form of property ownership where two parties are purchasing a property together is known as tenancy in common.

This form of ownership is used more commonly now.

Under a tenancy in common the parties own the property in shares and the shares need not be equal shares. For example if one partner contributes $300,000.00 to a purchase and the other contributes $100,000.00 to the purchase they may elect to own the property in a three-quarter share as to the major contributor and the other contributor will own a quarter share of the property.

The other major difference in respect of a tenancy in common as opposed to a joint tenancy is that a surviving owner does not automatically inherit the other owner’s share.

The shares of tenants in common go to the beneficiaries of their respective Wills.

This form of ownership is now used quite widely where there are blended families, second marriages or relationships and it avoids the automatic survivorship which is the hallmark of the joint tenancy.

Where parties purchase as tenants in common it is usual and highly recommend-

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August 2020

An alternative to joint ownership: the form of property ownership where two parties are purchasing a property together is known as tenancy in common. this form of ownership is used more commonly now.

Ronald W. Angland & Son LAWYERS

ed that when making Wills, a life or widow/ widowerhood interest is left to the other partner to reside in the property until both have died or the survivor has entered into another relationship.

Otherwise the survivor of that relationship may find that the beneficiaries of the deceased partner’s estate may want the property sold and the estate distributed.

Life in the 21st century is essentially more complex than it was in days gone by and we must all be vigilant in having our affairs in order for those we leave behind.

Property | Family | Wills Trusts | Estates | EPAs | Rural Business | Traffic | Employment Leeston (03) 324 3033 Email: lawyers@anglands.co.nz | www.anglands.co.nz

this article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a partner at Ronald W Angland & son, 2 Chapman street, Leeston

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Solicitors of Selwyn since 1965

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August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Eugenie sage ❚ with ❚ Green Party spokesperson for Primary Industries

Tahr control won’t disadvantage Law changes introduced to Parliament in late July in the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Bill are intended to improve how the 1.2 million hectares of Crown pastoral lands in the South Island high country are managed.

The Bill aims to ensure the ecological, landscape, cultural, heritage and scientific values of Crown pastoral land are maintained or improved, while at the same time providing for ongoing pastoral farming.

The Bill reflects input from over 3000 submitters to the discussion document Enduring Stewardship of Crown Pastoral Land, which was released for public consultation in early 2019, and subsequent meetings and discussions undertaken with key stakeholders and iwi.

Government decided in February 2019 to end tenure review where pastoral leases were split into land that was privatised through freeholding and developed more intensively or protected as public conservation land. The Bill does that and provides for an enduring framework for managing the remaining high country pastoral leases.

The Bill will be considered by the Environment Select Committee and the public will have a chance to have their say with submissions closing later in 2020, after the general election.

The major growth in Himalayan tahr numbers over the last decade is affecting the mountain lands of the central Southern Alps and leading to increased tahr on some neighbouring pastoral leases.

‘

I recognise that for hunters, Himalayan tahr are a prized target.

I am pleased that the Department of Conservation is undertaking some control over winter to tackle the ballooning population. In autumn 2019 the tahr population was estimated at more than 34,000 animals and while 11,000 were controlled last year, there has been another breeding season since then.

The plan is to reduce numbers to ensure alpine plants and fragile alpine soils have improved protection, particularly in Aoraki/ Mt Cook and Westland/Tai Poutini National Parks. High tahr numbers are stripping tussock and shrub cover in some areas.

I recognise that for hunters, Himalayan tahr are a prized target. I want to assure hunters there will still be thousands of tahr after the control work, and plenty of opportunities to hunt them. I look forward to announcing the Green Party’s agriculture policy in August so keep an eye out for that.

IT'S TIME TO MAKE FARMERS IMPORTANT AGAIN EMERGENCY

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Let's stop the Billion Trees programme allowing the subsidised sales of our farmland to overseas buyers who gamble on the value of carbon credits instead of forestry production.

Stop our government wasting thousands of police hours and an estimated $100 million to complete an unjustified removal of firearms from the public when gangs continue to thrive.

Vote New Conservative, support farmers and support our hunting communities.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

August 2020

11

Speeding up regeneration of natural environment

Environment Canterbury’s enduring priorities include the vital tasks needed to make the headway in our region that all Cantabrians expect.

‘

unfortunately at the moment, if you go to any tree plantings

❚ by Jenny Hughey

thousands of people

Chair, Environment Canterbury

These priorities include progressing freshwater management and ensuring healthy land and coastal ecosystems; maintaining strong regional relationships; making sure our living and working environments are sustainable and healthy, including paying attention to air quality and our urban planning responsibilities; and helping communities be well prepared for natural hazards, such as floods and earthquakes.

While the regional council remains very much focused on this work we also have an eye on other areas where we can make a real difference and help shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury, both for us and future generations.

We want to speed up the regeneration of our natural environment, work towards more diverse land use in Canterbury, build community engagement and action, oversee the development of safe, new transport options, and lead climate-change resilience efforts across the region.

The council has just commenced work on the next 10-year Long-Term Plan, for 20212031, and through this will we determine what we can do to progress these aspirations.

One of the opportunities we are really starting to get under way with is boosting our work in ecological tree-planting. This is all about a nature-based response to climate change, one every community throughout Canterbury can be involved in.

Once the Climate Change Commission

come but there aren’t enough trees to plant.

makes its determinations early next year in the six different areas in which we are going to have to reduce emissions, the government will be able to tweak legislation and increase the opportunities we have to turn around the ecology of the land.

We are already doing some of this ecological tree-planting but we need a much bigger concerted effort. Through the annual plan process for the current year (2020/21), we discussed how we could do that and have set up a working group of the council, chaired by Cllr Craig Pauling.

The idea is to link in with the existing projects and groups doing fantastic work with native planting and riparian planting anywhere there is land that needs regeneration.

We want to be the conduit for getting farmers and local communities involved, with extra funding and support to deliver landscape-scale outcomes. Unfortunately at the moment, if you go to any tree plantings thousands of people come but there aren’t enough trees to plant. So ensuring a supply of the right types of plants will be one of the keys to success.

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We then made it very easy for people to connect with the buses through an app, which can tell you when the bus will be arriving at a particular point to suit you. Recognising that not everyone is ‘app enabled’, there are also several other ways you can contact the call centre, including ringing them or emailing. So it is very user-friendly.

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Our programme will focus on further supporting the existing work of runanga, landowners, community groups and other agencies, as well as looking at the opportunities on land administered by Environment Canterbury.

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One of our other aspirations is to provide innovative public transport services. Environment Canterbury is leading the way in New Zealand and wants to remain ahead of the pack.

A great example of this is MYWAY in Timaru. The council asked residents where their public transport journeys were primarily taking them – were they going to the medical centre, or to the shops, or social outings in the community? – and then put in bus routes to meet those needs.

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August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

❚ with Rob Cope-Williams

❚ with John Arts

Stress and accidents Should I take At last the powers that be are starting to take notice of the stresses farmers are facing and the sad results.

I have been banging on about it for years, and the result is similar to passing wind during a thunder storm, but it is now being recognized that farmers do get stressed, they do get exhausted and yes their concentration does wane causing accidents.

City business owners have a very different work load and stresses, most aren’t working long hours seven days a week, or have huge compliance commitments to deal with, or have the worry of markets and prices farmers have to contend with.

The other thing is farmers do not have the interacting with others that most people have.

The days of workers sitting around the kitchen table with their employer discussing what is happening on the farm and what to do next are long gone.

In fact, with shifts to cover morning and afternoon milking, for example, those who do employ staff it would be rare to have everyone in the same place to even start to chat about things.

On sheep, beef and cropping farms, the lack of staff simply makes the isolation worse.

Add to the situation many wives are in need to work off farm to help with cash flow, so human contact and a chance to discuss things happening, or not happening, is not there.

Sheep dogs will listen but cannot really help with suggestions.

So it again comes back to the fact that farming can be a very lonely business, and without support and understanding, during the majority of the day, it is natural that pressure will grow and totally dominate.

Any doctor will tell you that stress is exhausting, and although one may be strong and fit, stir in stress and uncertainty and fatigue follows very quickly, and that leads to accidents Simply put, when did you last have a holiday off the farm and totally relaxed?

Several years ago, I was having trouble and suffering from a variety of ailments so off to the doctor I went.

He asked me when I was going on holiday to which I said I did not have any plans, his reply was “If you aren’t interested in looking after yourself, why should I treat you?”.

I took a holiday and recovered totally.

Farmers do not have the same time luxuries other have, and stock and crops needing attention, but if there is a will, there is a way.

We really value you and seriously do not want you to have an accident that will stop you working, but do stop and think if your loss of concentration at times is because you are not getting enough sleep, or is it your body saying slow down and do not push yourself any further.

Co Enzyme Q10?

Part 2

We generally make all the Co enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) we need.

Some however should take extra as a supplement.

CoQ10 is made in your liver from the same enzymes that make cholesterol. This is why drugs that reduce cholesterol can significantly reduce circulating CoQ10.

I recently spoke to a client who had experienced a lot of muscle pain and stiffness while on statins. After just a month on high grade CoQ10 (CoQsol®) the pain had completely gone and is now able to tolerate the medication without side effects. I generally find it takes 1-2 months to restore muscle function and energy.

Muscle issues from statin use is one of the most common reasons from muscle and tendon pain and weakness. It is a shame that many suffer needlessly as in most cases is quickly resolved with a high quality CoQ10 without having to stop the medication.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

August 2020

13

China re-opens for venison exports A catalogue of approved animal species for human consumption has been issued by the Peoples Republic of China and it includes venison from farmed malu – the Chinese name for red deer – along with more traditional farm animals and poultry.

❚ by trevor Walton Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) chief executive Innes Moffat said the inclusion of our deer is great news for venison producers and marketers, as it will make it clear to officials across China that the sale and consumption of our venison is legal and safe for Chinese consumers.

“Chinese consumers have a growing appreciation for quality animal proteins, making China an increasingly important market for our venison. It was taking about 10 per cent of our exports until the end of 2019,” Moffat said.

“When it became clear that the Covid-19 virus had jumped the species barrier from wild animals, China clamped-down on illegal sales of wild animal meat. Although our venison comes from farmed deer, this put a virtual halt to our exports there.

“Given that deer are still widely seen as wild animals, it’s easy to see how some regional and border officials might have become uncertain about the legality of our farmed venison.”

han, the source of the pandemic, is reporting no new cases.

“Restaurants in many regions are reopening, but with social distancing. It’s a good time for us to be selling our delicious venison there.”

Orr said restaurants in some of our other main markets are also reopening before they have fully eliminated Covid.

“How consumers will respond to this situation is unclear, which means there is less certainty about when trade will recover to previous levels.”

China’s official catalogue of animals approved for human consumption names three deer species – malu (Cervus elaphus), sika and reindeer. In its Journal of Livestock and Genetic Resources, venison from NZ malu is the only imported red deer variety listed.

Importantly, Moffat said, deer are being treated by China the same as other livestock raised for meat. Some other species are permitted to be used only for traditional Chinese medicines, or only for their fur, with their use as food prohibited.

Good news: Venison from farmed malu, or red deer, is back on the menu in China, meaning good news for New Zealand deer farmers.

Photo: Richard Hilson Moffat paid tribute to officials in China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for being responsive to the industry’s requests for the status of New Zealand farmed veni-

son to be clarified.

“The news is really very timely,” he said.

“China has seen a dramatic slowing of the incidence of Covid-19, to the point where Wu-

Academic retires from Lincoln University after four decades Associate Professor Graham Barrell, known for his extensive research on mammalian brain function, retired from Lincoln University last month after 44 years with the University, and a teaching career spanning almost 50 years.

❚ by Kent Caddick Beginning his academic career at Massey University in Palmerston North, Barrell joined Lincoln’s Department of Animal Science in 1976, lecturing and researching in animal physiology.

He progressed from Lecturer to Associate Professor over the intervening years and became Head of Department of Agricultural Sciences in 2016.

He stepped aside from that position in 2019 and was appointed to the role of Academic Programme Manager for the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dr Roland Harrison, said that Graham Barrell’s contribution to the University and agricultural science as a whole is significant, and he will leave a long-lasting legacy, especially in research outputs.

“Graham’s considerable contributions to the understanding of brain function in mammals began with his pioneering of early endocrinology research in sheep and deer, particularly in relation to reproduction.

“The outcome of his work has primarily been to help advance research into human reproduction using sheep as a biological model, but this work has also contributed to

the understanding of livestock biology, particularly in the field of animal physiology.”

Barrell’s extensive catalogue of publications comprises 113 refereed scientific papers, 12 book chapters, 123 conference papers and he has edited 12 books.

He spent several summer seasons in Antarctica, camping for extended periods on sea ice, to pursue his research into the lactation biology of Weddell seals.

Alongside his academic work, Barrell has also contributed significantly to the field of animal ethics, receiving an award from the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee in 2019 for his services to animal welfare.

Calling time: Lincoln university Associate Professor graham Barrell has retired after 44 years with the university.

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August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

grant Edmundson ❚ with ❚ Partner Helmore Stewart, Rangiora

Supply chain dynamics and Covid-19 The Covid-19 pandemic has caused severe disruption to local, regional and international supply chain processes in the primary sector industry.

Canterbury has not been immune from these impacts and where business was once conducted on a hand-shake, Covid-19 has left a lot of businesses scrambling for continuity in the supply of products and services.

It comes as no surprise then that there has been a strong shift by business owners to focus on protecting their supply chain by upgrading and improving the terms and conditions of their supply arrangements.

Formal supply agreements are becoming the order of the day to mitigate against disruptions as well as to enhance the overall value of the business. In times of scarcity, interruption and uncertainty, the importance of entering into considered and well prepared supply agreements has become essential.

From a purchaser’s perspective, certain fundamental terms should be recorded to ensure that the services are delivered to an acceptable standard. These service standards include timing of delivery, adherence to biosecurity procedures (where applicable) and to grade / quality and volume of products to be delivered.

The purchaser should identify the circumstances under which a variation of the service standards may apply and provide direction to the supplier in regards to the rectification of non-complying services.

Considering the current trading environment, non-compliance with services may occur more often than not and it is in the purchaser’s interests to be able to have the right to appoint an alternative supplier if and to the extent that the first supplier is unable to meet its contractual obligations.

The purchaser should be entitled to appoint a third party supplier and any costs associated with this appointment should be passed on to the supplier of the first instance.

Further protections may be secured from the purchaser including warranties and indemnities (where the supplier will indemnify the purchaser against any claims, expenses, losses, damages or other costs incurred by the purchaser as a result of non-conformance by the purchaser with the service standards).

Where a supplier provides products and services on a regular basis, it will also be important for the purchaser to be able to verify accounts. The purchaser may find discrepancies or irregularities in various tax invoices that are presented for payment.

In this instance, it is important to have a flexible and nimble dispute resolution process built into the supply agreement which allows the purchaser to verify accounts and where appropriate and in the interests of the purchaser, to apply set-off of various accounts or tax invoices. Too often, parties unnecessarily burden their relationship with arduous dispute resolution mechanisms which are not conducive to a speedy resolution.

The purchaser should also retain rights in

regards to termination of the supply agreement where the supplier fails to meet its obligations and where appropriate, to build into the supply agreement, assistance following termination which allows the purchaser to retain some continuity whilst it sources an alternative supplier.

A comprehensive supply agreement should also consider health and safety compliance and ensure that the supplier has the necessary insurance required to cover the activities contemplated in the supply agreement.

At the end of the day, effective supply agreements should accord, as far as possible, with the practical performance aspects of the contract whilst accommodating legal protections for non-conformance.

‘

too often, parties unnecessarily burden their relationship with arduous dispute resolution mechanisms which are not conducive to a speedy resolution.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

August 2020

15

Covid-19 drives price uncertainty The number one question on farmers’ minds at the moment is what sheep meat and beef prices are going to be this coming season?

Phil smith ❚ by ❚ Director Beef + Lamb New Zealand With so much uncertainty around the world with Covid-19, it’s not a question that can be answered with any degree of confidence.

Until the global food service industry returns to pre-Covid business, New Zealand will struggle to get good prices for the high value French lamb racks and beef cuts that are sold into that sector.

We are fortunate that we now have Taste Pure Nature, New Zealand’s first Red Meat Story and Origin brand, which is helping the industry navigate this challenging export landscape.

Other factors that should help returns for sheepmeat are a reduced lamb crop and a low NZ dollar. With drought affecting around 85% of the country during the mating period, pregnancy scanning percentages are generally 10 to 20% below normal.

There were also fewer hoggets mated this season and both of these factors will result in a smaller lamb crop being presented for slaughter. Traditionally, lack of supply has helped boost returns to farmers as it causes a reaction in the marketplace.

Our government will be keen to keep our NZ dollar low because of the amount of money they have had to borrow to help the economy get through Covid-19.

Crossbred wool prices are dismal – at an all-time low. Prices plummeted over our lockdown period and haven’t recovered.

World-wide demand for crossbred wool is diminishing with very little demand for wool carpets. Partly driven by well insulated and heated homes and buildings not needing floor coverings of any sort.

‘

We are fortunate that we now have taste Pure Nature, New Zealand’s first Red Meat story and Origin brand, which is helping the industry navigate this challenging export landscape.

The returns from crossbred wool are a long way short of covering shearing costs.

Farmers are looking at clip preparation and using fewer wool handlers to cut shearing costs. Some of the poorer oddments are

not even worth sending to auction because when fees, cartage, wool handler and wool pack costs are deducted there is little or no return.

Overseas, in the USA and Europe, crossbred wool prices have been as low as 60 cents per kilogram. I was always told their poor returns are because their wool is inferior to ours.

But I have seen some very good crossbred wool overseas At these prices some farmers are dumping wool or even burning it. Yes, apparently wool will burn if burnt within two days of shearing.

There are different end uses for crossbred wool being explored, but unfortunately for the grower the wool needs to be scoured at a low purchase price to make these products feasible.

I have been asked lately why B+LNZ are proposing audited Farm Environment Plans (FEP) for all sheep and beef farmers.

We hear that customer’s and consumers want to know that their meat is being produced with strong environmental credentials.

But the main reason I believe we need to be doing it is for market access.

Evidence of NZ’s sheep and beef farmer’s environmental stewardship is being asked for during trade negotiations such as Free Trade Agreements and when quota and tariff negotiations are taking place.

So a FEP is small price to pay for being able to export our produce for greater returns.

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August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

OverseerFM to monitor nutrient flow Environment Canterbury regional councillor, and environmental consultant, Megan Hands is backing the use of OverseerFM to help farmers to manage land use to drive good water quality outcomes.

❚ by Kent Caddick The advanced online software, designed specifically for farmers and their advisors, analyses the flow of nutrients through a farm, based on the management practices applied.

This produces annual budgets for seven key farm nutrients, as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reports.

OverseerFM can be used to model the impacts of land-use changes as well as changes in farm management approach. It can help farmers to understand their current situation and assess the changes they can make to achieve compliance and meet environmental standards.

Megan Hands said it can help farmers to understand their current situation and assess the changes they can make to achieve compliance and meet environmental standards.

“I wear a couple of hats regarding Overseer – one for my work and one for my role as an Environment Canterbury (ECan) regional councillor,” Hands said.

“From a work perspective, I use it mainly in carrying out audits of farms’ environmental plans and helping farmers to understand their farm’s potential environmental impacts.

From a governance perspective, it is a useful tool in being able to manage land use to drive good water quality outcomes.”

She said she was first introduced to Overse-

er while studying at Lincoln in 2009 and says the tool has changed significantly since then, and she finds OverseerFM very easy to use.

“I don’t use it every day, but I use it in audits, for modelling farms’ nutrient offerings and for running scenarios to see what impacts any changes on farms will have on their environmental outputs.

“It gives me an idea of where there could be opportunities for reducing nutrient losses and increasing production.

“Farmers have different views on OverseerFM. Some use it purely for compliance while others are more actively involved in using it – and those farmers will mostly see it as a useful tool for quantifying the environmental impact of their farm system and estimating their fertiliser needs. If you are willing to regard it as more than a compliance tool, then you will get more out of it.”

Hands asid it was important to ensure data was accurate.

“You need to ensure the data you put in is good quality, and matches up with good records of what you are doing on farm – and, as much as you can, the best estimate of what you are planning to do. The better the data you put into Overseer, the better the outcomes.

“In my experience, most farmers are still using consultants to use OverseerFM, but I’m starting to see a few more using it. Those

Data needed: Environment Canterbury regional councillor, and environmental consultant, Megan Hands is backing the use of Overseer to analyses the flow of nutrients through a farm.

who do choose to use themselves will have more control of understanding where their environmental outputs are.”

She said Overseer is one of the tools ECan uses in setting nutrient limits.

“Canterbury farms have to have an individual environmental plan as part of the full farm environmental audit,” Hands said.

“We require farms to have consents, with nutrient limits associated with that. It gives us the ability to regulate the nutrient losses without regular specific activity on farms – we can regulate the environmental effects rather than the outputs.”

‘

the better the data you put into Overseer, the better the outcomes.

Megan Hands Ecan regional councillor and environmental consultant

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CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

17

Paving the way for precision Established in 1994, the true value of the Spreadmark standard is only now being realised by the wider agricultural industry.

‘

spreading operators now use highly sophisticated technology that enables them to provide auditable proof of the completed spreading task.

Anders Crofoot ❚ by Chairman, Fertiliser Quality Council ❚ For the past 25 years Spreadmark has been quietly underpinning successful nutrient placement across both the ground and aerial spreading sectors.

Initially, this fertiliser industry standard was devised to raise the bar across the profession. It was created to ensure that there was a thorough code of practice in place for nutrient spreaders to adhere to and so augment their reputation.

Spreadmark accreditation was set up as voluntary in anticipation that spreader operators who trained to meet the Spreadmark requirements would have a competitive edge, particularly as more and more farmers began to recognise the assurances that Spreadmark accredited spreaders brought with them.

At the heart of the Spreadmark programme was the determination to ensure that fertiliser was distributed on the land where it would be of the most agronomical benefit and have the least negative environmental impact. This meant accurate and

even placement was paramount – this also gave an early nod to the precision agriculture movement we see today.

It is no wonder then, that Spreadmark is often described as being ‘well before its time’.

For the best part of a quarter of a century, Spreadmark accredited spreaders have been practicing precision techniques to ensure the best outcomes for farmers as well as the environment.

In addition, the Spreadmark scheme was created to include high level spreader operator training across health and safety, risk management and aligning the nutrient spreading task with the overall farm management plan.

Spreading companies that seek Spreadmark accreditation undertake stringent testing to allow them to use the Spreadmark trademark. In turn, the benefit to fertiliser users who employ Spreadmark accredited operators is that they are guaranteed that their spreading job will be accurate and even, that health and safety won’t be compromised and that no environmental regulations will be transgressed.

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spreadmark accredited operators have been using precision techniques for over 25 years to ensure the best outcomes for farmers and the environment”.

This, again, showed great foresight as these are some of the important areas on which modern day agriculture places great emphasis.

Today, Spreadmark goes one step further in that spreading operators now use highly sophisticated technology that enables them to provide auditable proof of the completed spreading task.

As we all embrace an increasingly auditable world where traceability now plays a major part in food production, farmers, growers, food processors and regional councils are in-

creasingly being required to provide evidence of fertiliser spreading for their farm audits.

New Zealand food companies, too, are being asked more and more by overseas buyers to prove that the manufacture process is environmentally considerate, ethical and authentic – right down to how the nutrients were applied.

Without doubt we will see more and more requests for proof of nutrient placement but fertiliser users can rest assured that if they are using a Spreadmark accredited operator, these requests can be easily satisfied.

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Aerial Topdressing • Aerial Spraying • Poison Baits Suspension Fertiliser • GPS Application

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0274 811 915 or 03 302 8400

18

August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

Name change for Mainland Minerals after 30 years, to Mainfert Mainland Minerals has had a long history of serving clients with the best advice, innovative nutrients, and unique delivery systems.

To better reflect what we do and who we are we have rebranded to Mainfert.

❚ Article supplied by Mainfert

Like all companies Mainland Minerals has grown and evolved and after 30 years has rebranded to Mainfert.

Shareholder update

We are proud of our role in the farming community and Mainfert is the fertiliser company with experience to focus on the client, the farming system, and the soil.

In the long term we like to think of ourselves as providing solutions to a whole range of challenges facing today’s primary producers.

Whether your farming system is more traditional, or you are moving to a more regenerative or biological system, Mainfert will continue to meet your needs.

We also have launched a fresh new website www.mainfert.co.nz, and you can like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ mainfertnz

From 1 July 2020, we are proud to announce Dean and Claire White became shareholders in Mainfert, joining Marty Kimble who has been with the company from inception over 30 years ago supplying nutrient solutions to South Island farmers.

Dean has enjoyed a successful working relationship with Mainland Minerals for many years.

He is looking forward to being an integral part of the leadership team to take Mainfert on to new levels, while continuing to serve his regular clients.

this month Marty Kimble (left) welcomes Dean (pictured) and Claire White as shareholders of Mainfert.

If you have an enquiry call us on 0800 222 203.

Free Soil Test Upgrade Book your soil tests before 31 August 2020 and you’ll receive TWO FREE soil test upgrades from basic to comprehensive, on us.

Basic soil test $86* & Comprehensive soil test $235*

SAVING $298 + GST. T&C’s apply. All soil tests must be completed before 20 December 2020. All pricing GST exclusive. Two upgrades maximum per client and limited to minimum 50ha farms.

To find out more visit mainfert.co.nz/soil-testing or contact your local nutrient advisor on 0800 222 203 www.mainfert.co.nz

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CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

19

Nutrient spreading – a vital first step Nutrient spreading is the essential starting point for all food production in New Zealand, and it’s good to see growing commitment to getting this vital first step right.

John schultz ❚ by of the New Zealand ❚ President Groundspread Fertilisers Association ❚ With increasing emphasis on precision farming and more research going into soil science and nutrient development, the days of simply getting the fert’ on are being well and truly left behind.

It was once commonplace for farmers to work towards ticking off the fertiliser spreading task on their job sheet as quickly as possible, so they could move onto the next thing that needed attention. However, nowadays

most are working closely with their nutrient supplier and their ground spreader to focus more on ensuring nutrient spreading is a task well done.

Nutrients have always been expensive but what we are seeing now is greater knowledge, resources, data information, and training available for farmers around smart working and how best to run an efficient and profitable farm business. With this support, fertiliser users are increasingly determined to make sure they use and apply this pricey product to their best advantage whilst protecting the environment.

Environmental regulations have shone the spotlight on all agricultural practices, and for the first time, on nutrient placement. Environmental directives are hugely important and I’m proud to say that ground spreaders in New Zealand have been placing fertiliser accurately and evenly in locations where it can be of the most agricultural benefit and the least environmental harm for over 25 years.

Most ground spreaders operate to our industry standard, Spreadmark, which came into effect in 1994 – and which requires ground spreaders to undergo rigorous training across several areas.

This training covers the practical application of nutrients to ensure the best possi-

John schultz, President of the NZgFA and farmer, says farmers can be confident that groundspreaders are highly trained and knowledgeable.

ble outcome for the farmer or grower. This takes into consideration geographic and climatic conditions, so the operator can make the best decision about the optimum time to apply nutrients – based on weather patterns, wind direction and local topography.

Product knowledge also plays its part here and, with increasing product choice, farmers can be confident that their ground spreaders understand the varying characteristics between products and will calibrate their machines accordingly.

Spreader trucks these days are highly sophisticated vehicles. Many cabs are fitted with hi-tech GPS equipment to precisely identify areas of application as well as pinpoint waterways, farm borders, boundaries and any other areas that need to be avoided. The

GPS also generates valuable data that allows for year on year comparisons of product, application, growth and cost.

Importantly, ground spreaders also undergo robust health and safety training. This is an area of immense importance to our industry and identifying and assessing risks and hazards is a significant part of the training.

As an industry association, the NZGFA welcomes the illumination of our sector. It has given us the opportunity to showcase ground spreading as a highly skilled profession. Importantly, it has opened up the conversation between fertiliser users, ground spreaders, nutrient suppliers and food processors to make sure that this important first step in the food production chain is in no way left to chance.

20

August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

SORTING OUT YOUR SOILS STRUCTURE

Applications of Gypsum during early winter and spring will improve soil structure, aeration, drainage and - also prevent surface crusting, essential when growers are planting out new season’s crops.

Gypsum applied during winter or early spring will also supply readily available calcium and sulphur without disturbing soil pH. As Gypsum dissolves it releases calcium and sulphur in equal parts both essential nutrients for most crops.

cations can be exchanged with calcium and leached out down to lower depths where they are of less importance creating a more friable calcic soil structure.

Being a natural mineral, Gypsum is a must for cropping growers seeking structural soil improvements & the addition of Calcium & readily available Sulphate sulphur. Winstone Gypsum is also Biogro certified for organics

Gypsum applications will also suppress soil borne diseases which become active in poorly drained or waterlogged conditions as soil structure is improved by the soil conditioning effects of the Gypsum.

Sodium which binds clay particles together and high soil aluminum are exchangeable cations in the soil. By adding calcium to the soil by applying Gypsum these sometimes - unwanted

For more about Natural Gypsum and soil stabilisation visit gypsum.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

21

Improving soil structure and raising calcium levels with Gypsum will improve crop yields Applications of Gypsum during early winter and spring will improve soil structure, aeration, drainage and also prevent surface crusting, essential when growers are planting out new season’s crops.

❚ Advertorial by Winstone Gypsum

Gypsum (sometimes applied in conjunction with organic matter addition) plus other physical soil treatments, will show more immediate benefits and will have an immediate effect of slowing any re compaction that may be occurring.

Gypsum applied during winter or early spring will also supply readily available calcium and sulphur without disturbing soil pH. As Gypsum dissolves it releases calcium and sulphur in equal parts both essential nutrients for most crops.

Gypsum applications will also suppress soil borne diseases which become active in poorly drained or waterlogged conditions as soil structure is improved by the soil conditioning effects of the Gypsum.

Sodium which binds clay particles together and high soil aluminum are exchangeable cations in the soil.

By adding calcium to the soil by applying Gypsum these sometimes-unwanted cations can be exchanged with calcium and leached out down to lower depths where they are of less importance creating a more friable calcic soil structure.

Being a natural mineral, Gypsum is a must for cropping growers seeking structural soil improvements and the addition of Calcium and readily available Sulphate sulphur. Winstone Gypsum is also Biogro certified for organics.

gypsum applied during winter or early spring will also supply readily available calcium and sulphur without disturbing soil pH. Being a natural mineral, gypsum is a must for cropping growers seeking structural soil improvements.

Talk to us today about your farms soil fertility.

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

FERTILISERS

● More Total Feed CUSTOMIZED ● Even Spread of Growth FOR YOUR FARM ● Increased Production FROM OUR INDEPTH ● Less Pest & Disease pressure SOIL TESTING ● Healthier Crops & Stock ● Less Reliance on Fertiliser “N” ● Improved Soil Structure ● Increase the Water & Nutrient Holding capacity of your soil ● Feed your Soil with Products that remain available for longer ● Better for the Environment

0800 65 65 88

info@sustainablesoils.co.nz

www.sustainablesoils.co.nz

22

August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

190 reasons to enhance nutrient management Since the first draft of the National Policy Statement on fresh water was released, the writing has been on the wall that there would be a cap on synthetic nitrogen sooner or later.

Kenneth Irons ❚ by Director, ❚ Managing Precision Farming Ltd ❚ Now it is here, and so we have one season – hardly long enough to grow more clover – to prepare for the new limit of 190 kg per Ha per annum.

Making the most of every tonne of urea means decisions based on facts – detailed facts about soil fertility, crop and pasture demand for nutrients and water, short term localised weather forecasting, and up-todate application records.

Detailed facts are based on data. And the most reliable data is data that comes from devices, rather than humans. We need look no further than NAIT with its unfortunately low accuracy rate to see how information captured by busy farmers and their staff is notoriously inaccurate, often incomplete, usually late, and always labour-intensive.

However, with up to a fifth (depending on a number of factors such as region, topography etc) of all urea being applied by farmers spreading their own fertiliser, the challenge to date has been the cost of electronic GPS systems. A commercial quality GPS guidance system with a spreading computer

can easily cost upwards of $10,000 – difficult to justify for farmers spreading a few tonnes of urea on their own farms throughout the season.

And then there’s the mapping and information platform supporting the GPS hardware as well. If its not connected to your fertiliser supplier and able to integrate with your commercial spreading contractor for other nitrogen and capital fertiliser and lime, then you’re back managing multiple systems with records all over the place, making the aggregation of nutrient records difficult for compliance, milk company requirements for dairy farmers, and Overseer.

In anticipation of the inevitable introduction of a synthetic nitrogen cap, but motivated more by enabling farmers to optimise their productivity and efficiency of their nutrient management, Precision Farming began some time back developing an ultra-low cost GPS guidance tablet using the latest hardware, GPS chips and software, especially for farmers who apply their own fertiliser, and small scale contractors with perhaps a single spreading or spray truck working for themselves and a handful of neighbouring farms.

This new ruggedised tablet can be used even on a quad bike towing a very small spreader like a SAM, through to a tractor

using a three point linkage like a Bredal bin or a larger tow-behind like a Giltrap. And it’s ideal too for all four of the latest Tow and Fert models that can be used for applying liquid urea as well as spraying an.

The ruggedised tablet is mounted in a secure weather-tolerant casing, which can be fixed via a RAM mount to a quad, sideby-side, tractor or truck. Inexpensive and easy-to-use though the hardware is, it’s the software and mapping platform it works with that’s the real benefit.

Farmers can work with their selected agronomist or fertiliser supplier, create annual fertiliser plans and application plans.

Call 03 302 8650

info@rrspreading.co.nz 55 Line Road, Methven, 7730, Mid Canterbury.

Then when ready to selfspread any time during the season, the farmer can go into the ordering system, draw down an order from the annual plan, and have it ready at the local bulk store to collect.

Then the application job can be downloaded into the tablet, used to guide the vehicle around the paddock while creating an electronic Proof of Application map which can then be stored in the tablet, uploaded automatically to the Precision Farming platform, and copied to the selected fertiliser supplier’s database as well.

This means all fertiliser and lime records, along with other sources of nutrients such as effluent, chicken litter, biological products, fertigation and more can be recorded in the one place.

This is also the same place spray records, pasture growth and feed wedge, stock diary, staff tasks, checklists and safety records, and more, can be saved, thus addressing the high priority for farmers to have all related records in one place.

• Precision Nitrogen Application • Lime & Super Spreading • Advanced GPS Technology • Proof of Placement Mapping • Variable Rate Spreading • Prescription Spreading Our modern fleet of Scania and Isuzu spreaders are fitted with the latest Topcon guidance systems to deliver precision placement for each and every application.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

23

24

August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

Is your fertiliser Fertmark approved?

Only Fertmark approved fertiliser guarantees that what’s on the label is what’s in the product.

Philippa Rawlinson ❚ by Director, ❚ Executive Fertiliser Quality Council ❚ The Fertiliser Quality Council is urging all fertiliser users to check whether the product they are using has been approved by the Fertmark scheme. In short, if it’s not, then there is no guarantee that the product is true to label.

Fortunately, the majority of fertiliser used in New Zealand is registered and approved with Fertmark and, as such, has been through an audit and verification process under this quality assurance scheme.

While this is good news, we still estimate that there is about 20% of fertiliser being spread that is not Fertmark approved and has not been tested to ensure verification.

This means that farmers and growers who use non-Fertmark registered products cannot be certain that what they are using is what they ordered. The consequences of this can be highly detrimental.

For example, where a farmer has conducted a nutrient test and orders in a fertiliser supply rich in phosphorous, he needs to know that his order is accurate. And if the grass doesn’t grow in line with his expectations, and needs, this will have a negative effect on his business.

The FQC is keen to encourage farmers to either check the fertiliser product they are using against the list of Fertmark registered

Fertmark approved fertiliser is guaranteed to be true to label.

product on the FQC website at www.fqc. co.nz or ask their fertiliser supplier or agent directly whether the product is Fertmark approved.

Where the answer is yes and proof can be shown (typically this a product label displaying the Fertmark tick) all doubt is removed and the farmer can be safe in the knowledge

that the fertiliser order will be exactly what was placed – and contain exactly what was expected. For fertiliser users who opt to purchase fertiliser from suppliers who haven’t voluntarily registered their products with the Fertmark scheme, there will always be an element of the unknown and associated risk.

Fertmark is New Zealand’s only fertiliser

auditing scheme. It was established in 1996 to give farmers confidence in the fertiliser products they were using.

It now includes the requirements of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act (ACVM) which require fertilisers to be supplied in such a way as to minimise risks to food safety and animal welfare.

Become a Certified Nutrient Management Adviser Are you ready to take the next step in nutrient management? The Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme (NMACP) welcomes applications from advisers seeking to keep pace with the latest knowledge in the field.

NMACP is an industry-wide certification programme that enables you to provide reliable, up-to-date nutrient management advice of the highest standard to farmers. We offer: • •

access to ongoing professional development opportunities greenhouse gas endorsement.

To apply to become a certified adviser go to www.nmacertification.org.nz or contact the Programme Manager on 022 323 7193.

CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

25

A system approach to problem solving in Agriculture With the new Nitrogen limits starting in July 2021, shifting from a farming system that has been focusing primary on production and yield, to a farming system focusing on quality, protein and stewardship, that benefits the environment, profitability and sustainability, is foremost in every producer’s mind.

Don Hart ❚ by Top Soils, Biological Farming ❚ and Soil Fertility consultant ❚

A system thinking approach takes the relationship between a problem and its cause.

Asking why, instead of how, and makes us really think about what we are doing, and it’s that thinking that can lead to long term sustainable solutions with minimal unintended consequences.

Our food systems are complex, how I farm and what I produce, doesn’t just affect us personally, but effects our environment and human health, political stability and ultimately the stabilisation of our planet is important.

Taking a system approach for problem solving is a valuable tool of how to make our farming more resilient and profitable.

System thinking makes us think on what we are doing, which is not always pleasant. Most of us have been raised as a lin-

ear thinker, we have been taught to see a direct absolute relationship between cause and effect.

An example of linear thinking, eg for lack of grass, is applying more urea fertiliser, or spraying a weed or pest, rather than understanding and changing the environment which created the problem in the first place.

A systems approach shouldn’t be about necessarily, changing the tried and true, or resisting adopting new initiatives, it’s real-

ly an extension of what has gone on before, but with the opportunity for genuine growth and development.

Let me share with you what Top Soils are doing with our work on various farms using the Kinsey-Albrecht system of soil fer tility.

This system, by correcting and balancing the soils mineral content, based on the needs of that particular soil, along with diverse multi-species pastures, plus a system

that feeds and supports the soil biology, encourages and produces productivity through plant health, and is responsible for higher yields and quality. In fact, the closer the soil gets to the ideal balance determined by the soils TEC, and by following the prescribed set of procedures and formulas, the greater the yield and quality that is achieved.

On one farm trial over several years we have produced more Kgs of milk solids and Kgs of DM per ha with half the nitrogen application, and a greater gross margin than a conventional fertiliser system.

On cropping farms, has produced record yields, decreased the amount of chemicals, pesticides, weeds and diseases. All this with added benefit of being profitable, truly sustainable and meeting environmental goals within the 190 kgs /N limit.

We are making a real difference for our clients. So, let the results speak for themselves. In the end, its common sense with good science.

26

August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

Innovation is a key part of the Government’s 10-year growth plan The Government launched a bold plan to boost primary sector export earnings by $44 billion over the next decade, while protecting the environment and growing jobs.

Mark Ross ❚ by Chief ❚ executive of Agcarm

The plan, launched last month, involves a 10-year roadmap to unlock greater value for a sector vital to New Zealand’s economic recovery.

As the Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor pointed out, there is huge potential in the roadmap, but it can only be achieved through a close government par tnership with industr y and Maori.

Our animal medicine and crop protection members are essential to the roadmap’s success.

Not only do they support the agriculture export industry, they also ensure environmental sustainability and a diverse range of positive animal health outcomes. Examples include prevention of pain and suffering, control of diseases, and preservation of our endemic species.

To ensure the continued availability of safe and environmentally friendly products, billions of dollars are spent internationally by companies on researching new and innovative products.

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These new products are cleaner, softer, and more precise in their actions. This benefits not only farmers and growers but our environment and health as well.

New Zealand’s farming practices are world leading. To maintain this status, it is essential to keep innovating to replace older chemistry. Trialling new products and offering farmers solutions for resistance management, as well as greener options for the management of pests and diseases is necessary.

Unfortunately, our regulatory environment is preventing the acceleration of innovative products due to a significantly more stringent approval process.

Crop protection companies and trial providers face greater difficulty in developing new products. This has blocked the introduction of new and softer disease management tools to the New Zealand market, which is constraining farmers and growers’ access to new products.

It is now even more difficult for the market potential of a crop or livestock to provide

the level of Return-on-Investment to justify trials, despite existing trial programmes being a low risk activity. This makes efforts to find replacements for older and more hazardous compounds even more difficult, particularly for minor species. Every season of trials being lost is slowing access to new actives and label claims that are used globally.

Researchers have cancelled over 50 trials and missed two seasons of trial work due to our ineffective regulation.

Agcarm is working with officials to develop sensible solutions. In the meantime, farmers and growers are missing out on products that will increase their productivity and be safer to use. This includes organic and greener alternatives.

If New Zealand wants to achieve the government goal of doubling our agriculture sector export earnings, while protecting the environment and growing jobs, they must encourage innovation and the registration of new, safer, and greener products. We will then all benefit from healthy crops, healthy animals and a healthy country.

CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

27

Overwhelming support for levy Growers have overwhelmingly supported the continuation of the Non-Proprietary and Uncertified Herbage Seeds Levy order for another six years.

❚ by Kent Caddick Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and the rest of Cabinet have approved continuation of the levy.

The Commodity Levies (Non-proprietary and Uncertified Seeds) Order, known as the Commons, was first mandated in 1997 when the responsibility for maintaining these cultivars was transferred to industry from Government.

Federated Farmers herbage seedgrowers subsection chair Hugh Wigley said from 82% in favour at the last levy vote in 2014, support shown during the vote last November had risen to 91%.

“Grasses and clovers are vital to our sector but contracts for growing from proprietary seed are not always available and are more expensive,” Wigley said.

“This levy safeguards supply of nonproprietary and uncertified seeds and provides different options to farmers.”

Levies are collected from the following Commons: Nui, Moata, Manawa, Tama, Ruanui, Huia and Pawera, as well as uncertified ryegrass, red and white clover.

For the Commons to continue to be publicly available, live nucleus and prenucleus seed of each of the Commons must be maintained to make breeders and basic seed available to growers.

It costs an estimated $180,000 for Grasslanz Technology to ensure this base material is available to growers. About 15% to 20% of this material comes from the commercial sale of breeders and basic seed, while the remainder comes from the levy.

The levy is collected on behalf of Federated Farmers by all seed testing stations on the first purity and germination test. It is set at a fixed per kg cost on the projected harvest of each of the Commons and the estimated kg price received by the grower. The maximum levy rate is 5%, although it is typically around 1.5% to 2%.

Growing: support for the Commodity Levies Order continues to grow.

“Federated Farmers doesn’t make any profit from the levy, it’s only about generating enough revenue to pay Grasslanz Technology. It’s an industry good activity we do for the sector,” Wigley said.

“To have growers affirm support for the levy is satisfying and means that these cultivars will continue to be available for growers over the next six years.”

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August 2020 CANTERBURY FARMING

Balers boast new features for 2020 With baling contractors and farmers continually demanding efficiency and reliability increases, Case IH has flagged a number of upgrades and new features within its baler ranges.

❚ by Tim Fulton “New Zealand has a solid history of good growing conditions, good baled feed demand, while still throwing climatic, geographical and sustainability challenges for the primary industries,” Richard Howard, Case IH New Zealand national sales manager said.

“Case IH appreciates this and is constantly taking product improvement feedback and relaying this to our engineering teams to increase operator’s efficiency, reliability and experience,” Howard said.

“With this in mind, we’re excited about the updates we’re able to offer customers on our Model Year 2020 baler ranges, reinforcing the reputation for excellence our large square and round balers have always been known for.”

For the ever-popular and reliable large square baler LB4 XL series, one of the most anticipated new features is a new knotting concept that dramatically improves the process.

Case IH has introduced the new-generation TwinePro knotter on all LB4 XL balers, including the LB434 XL for the New Zealand market.

This new knotting concept greatly improves the process, combining for the first time the advantages of the double knot system with the additional benefit of a loop knot.

Key benefits include:

Impressive: Improvements and upgrades to the Case IH LB4XL large square baler and RB5 round baler series are sure to impress.

•Reduction in twine offcuts left on the bales – Providing an environmental benefit with fewer offcuts left in the field, minimising wastage, and removing the risk of stock ingestion or fleece contamination for wool producers.

•Even stronger knots with higher tensile strength - The TwinePro knot provides up to 30% more strength to the tied twine for more efficient baling and productivity, allowing greater bale densities with the same twine.

•Improved daily productivity - The operator can achieve a higher bale density with a significantly lower risk of twine breakage.

“Case IH has been a pioneer of doubleknot technology, but no matter how good your

product, you have to keep striving to do better and this is what we’ve achieved with the TwinePro knotter,” Howard said.

Other changes include a stronger pick-up system and redesigned rotor cutter tines to improve cutting performance in high volume conditions.

For the RB5 Series round balers, there is now the option for the addition of a fully-integrated moisture sensor, the first time this has been offered for Case IH round balers.

The operator can use the moisture information – as they’re operating the baler - to make an informed decision on the potential quality of the crop and storage options.

“By using a baler-mounted moisture sen-

sor, the operator has real-time information on the moisture of the crop being baled,” Howard said.

“There’s no need to stop baling to probe the bales, as would previously be done with a hand-held moisture sensor.”

Another significant improvement is the addition of an AFS Pro 700 display monitor, which now comes as standard in the round balers, with the larger screen giving the operator a clearer view of the baler functions.

“With many of the features controlled from the monitor, like bale core size and bale and core density, along with information on the size and shape of the bales, the increase in display size will be welcomed by many operators.”

As with the large square balers, there’s also a range of pick-up refinements introduced to the round balers as well. The pick-up end flare shape has been revised to improve edge feeding, and a larger diameter windguard roller and the ability to adjust to a lower position for improved feeding in all crop conditions has also been introduced, with the new design resisting stalling and ploughing of the windrow when compared to narrower diameter rollers.

“These new features and benefits across our baler offering are about enhancing performance and providing increased productivity for our customers where it counts,” Howard said.

CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

29

Return on investment with liquid injection of fertiliser The use of liquid injection of fertiliser at drilling has been relatively commonplace for improved plant stands, early crop vigour and overall yield response in many arable crops and pastures in various countries.

❚ Story supplied by Agrichem Pty Ltd

This practice had not generally been done in Canterbury so Agrichem decided to conduct various trials in the region as a proof of concept for wider-spread adoption of the products.

Ed Redfern, Regional Business Development Manager for Vicentia had proposed this concept to various farmers but had a significant hurdle to address.

“The first part of the puzzle was to get a drilling contractor set up with a liquid injection system,” Mr Redfern said.

“We approached numerous contractors who did not have the time to set up or could not see the value in the concept to invest in liquid injection systems.

“Brad Coleman at Coleman Ag Ltd, Geraldine was the first contractor to take the leap of faith after spending some time at our manufacturing facility and touring some farms here in Australia who had used this practice for many seasons,” Mr Redfern said.

Brad then organised various demonstrations on fodder beet in the 2020/21

season (including on his own farming operation).

“My initial thoughts were that we could see a much faster establishment, quicker growth pattern and thicker stems vs the standard fertiliser program, ” Mr Coleman said.

“I noticed that the plants seemed more resilient to early wind damage and insect attack. An average yield increase of around 14% over 5 demo’s in fodder beet was nice too. We will be applying this to more Kale crops next season,” Mr Coleman said.

Mr Redfern said whilst we had less demonstrations on Kale in the season just past, the crop boost program was quite successful in helping Kale crops maintain a healthy root system, better final plant stands and subsequently a higher dry matter yield.

“We will continue to work with Kale crops next season with this program to help farmers obtain better nutrient use efficiency, via the use of these fertilisers.

“We have also taken a slightly different path to market with these high efficiency fertilisers. The two retailers in Canterbury

region are Ruralco Ltd, based in Ashburton (covering North and Mid-Canterbury), and SI Plant Technologies based at Arundel (South Canterbury).

“These two businesses have been at the forefront of developing this concept in Canterbury and are the exclusive suppliers in the respective regions” Mr Redfern said.

Every $1 invested in crop booster program equals $4.25 nett return for fodder beet and $14 nett return for kale.

“Liquid injection improves nutrient use efficiency and yields for forage crops.”

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30

August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

Inputs, outputs, outcomes all matter Without energy life does not exist, and the purpose of pasture is to convert energy from sunlight into food, providing the energy essential for human survival.

❚ by Peter Burton The conversion process is known as photosynthesis, whereby via plant leaves sunlight interacts with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and other essential elements to provide the vegetables, grains, fruits, meat, and milk we require to be useful and productive.

There is much more besides however it’s a useful start point for this discussion. Without sunlight we cease to exist, and it is only the conversion of this energy via plants that allows our current civilisation to remain.

The testing process that is currently relied on to provide the nutrients that ensure both pasture and crops flourish largely ignores the energetic side of the equation with the assumption that when all essential elements are available plants and animals thrive.

Modern agriculture is based on many years of dedicated work by well-intentioned people and the volumes of research that have resulted has allowed us to progress to this point, however to go forward we have to evolve our understanding and farming practises.

The historic data is sound, providing the base from which we now progress. Where there is currently a disconnect lies with the

‘

By making changes we can grow more, harvest it more efficiently, build top-soil, filter water and return N to the atmosphere.

industries that have developed from the outstanding work of scientists, thinkers, engineers, and farmers.

Over time we’ve come to expect simple answers and an easy fix for the things that haven’t worked as we’ve wanted, and that also has to change. Daily observation is a technique essential to sound farm management, along with the time to process, internalise, and make sense of what is seen, heard, and felt.

By making changes we can grow more, harvest it more efficiently, build top-soil, filter water and return nitrogen to the atmosphere.

Financial surplus lifts as input costs reduce and those farmers already part of this movement become incredibly enthused by its simplicity.

Re-introducing the human factor and using existing science to put art back into farming is essential, and the systems already exist and have been in use by farmers for over fifteen years.

Both products and processes will be refined and made more efficient, however it is not necessary or helpful to try to re-invent the wheel.

We have had recent discussions with intensive dairy operators looking for answers to persistent calcium/magnesium related metabolic disorders and empty rates of 15% and above.

They know they must change but are so busy that only a quick fix can be considered, and frustration builds as it becomes obvious that a system change is required. Often a proviso that is put in place is that a reduction in animal numbers is not possible.

Recently I was told that an increase in pasture growth along with a reduction in animal ill-health issues and fewer empty cows was most welcome provided that the stocking rate of four cows per hectare could be maintained.

Four cows require approximate 45kg of DM/day of maintenance feed. Over 365 days that’s a total of 16,425kgDM/ha. Even if the property is growing that amount there’s no surplus so production can only be from bought in feed.

With annual N inputs of 300kg/ha that farm will be growing less pasture each year and the outcome will be an ultimatum from the bank, if not this season certainly within the following two.

On one hand this is not good, on the other it’s driving these systems rapidly to the point where fundamental change is essential if farms in their current form are to remain.

That’s one example, and where there’s one there will be another nine close to teetering. Few farms are selling and when sales do take place they tend to be at heavily reduced prices.

Farmers collectively have the solutions to their current predicament and leaving decisions to outside agencies hoping that somehow the answer will be forthcoming is not sound management.

For more information call Peter Burton on 0800 843 809.

CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

31

Southland farmer says ‘long live Valtra’ Back in 2003, Southland dairy farmer Chris Kenel bought a Valtra 6750. He had never had a Valtra tractor before and got it when his local dealer at the time acquired the brand. supplied by ❚ Advertorial AGCO New Zealand Ltd ❚ When Chris bought the tractor he told the dealer he thought it would last 20,000 hours and that he expected the only thing that would need to be replaced would be the seat. The dealer told Chris that, if that was the case, he would provide a new seat.

The Valtra 6750 is now on about 21,000 hours, and, as Chris predicted, the main thing that wore out over nearly two decades was the seat.

So, in June, Valtra and AGCO New Zealand delivered him a new seat.

Over the last 17 years it has worked every day because Chris milks all year on his farm near Winton.

It feeds out silage to the paddock in summer, pulls a mixing wagon on the feed pad in winter and does the groundwork for fodder beet. Not bad for 105hp.

It has only had one bout of sick days, and that was to replace the turbo charger in 2017.

“It is not that it never had a problem. It is that they were all minor and considering the hours, it has worked out really well for me,” Chris says.

The Valtra 6750 has a manual transmission, 32 gears forward and back, and is su-

Winton dairy farmer Chris Kenel with his longserving Valtra 6750.

Although it needed some repairs over the past 17 years, the main thing that wore out on the Valtra 6750 was the seat so in June AgCO NZ gave Chris Kenel a new seat to mark his Valtra 6750 reaching 20,000 hours. per easy to drive. It is ideal on a dairy farm where lots of staff use it.

“There are not too many fancy things to break down. It is still a simple, basic tractor. The best thing about it, apart from its longevity, is the front axle suspension, especially with the front loader.”

When Chris bought it he was milking on 84ha, now he has 317ha and milks 800 cows. The farm is self-contained.

It produces all of its own silage, balage, and fodder beet, and holds the stock over winter.

Because he is so stoked with the per-

formance and reliability of the 6750, Chris now owns two more Valtra tractors – a 165-hp T163 and a T174, which delivers 190 hp at 1900 rpm and a massive torque of 900 Nm at just 1100 rpm.

He says they also perform to a high standard and are well-supported by the Valtra team at JJs in Gore.

Two years ago Chris bought a telehandler, so the old 6750 no longer has to do the loader work. It still works every day, however, and does about 800 hours a year.

“I am happy with the tractor and it is

a good brand. It is a shame more people don’t know about it. I will buy Valtra again any time,” Chris says.

For more information contact AgCO NZ manager Peter scott at 272 708 027 or email Peter.scott@agcocorp. com

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32

August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

Heavy-hitters of the pump world Mining, construction and farming are some of the most demanding jobs ever to put machinery to the test.

supplied by ❚ Story Country Wholesale ❚ Cross Equipment ❚ When you’re seeking a benchmark of toughness and reliability, take a peek at what the seasoned pros in these fields use, and you’ll be looking at some serious equipment. Moreover, who supplies these industries with what they need?

The answer, if you’re in New Zealand, is Cross Country Ltd. From beginning as a small operation in the Waikato, this progressive firm has grown into a powerhouse that’s set to span both islands.

Their new premises at 38 Acheron Drive, Riccar ton, Christchurch, is stocked with all manner of equipment for the farm, lifestyle block or work site, but of specific interest, this time of year is their range of W series pumps from leading brand DEK. These pumps are all about versatility and volume. Pick your desired output, between 2,160 and a whopping 9,000 litres an hour. Enough for all kinds of applications, from keeping the tanks topped up to boom spraying, irrigation, frost protection, drain cleaning or any job, which

requires water to be moved across long distances or in large quantities.

Then it’s just a matter of marrying up one of the W series to a reliable diesel, petrol or electric engine. Every member of W series ‘family’ is built to last, with an alloy crankcase, brass pump body and three pistons each for smooth pressure and flow. They come mounted on a galvanised frame complete with belt, pulleys and safety guard; ready to get to work.

Pick a diesel motor, and you’ll get electric start as standard, plus the convenience of cross-fuelling with tractors and other heavy machines.

The four-stroke air-cooled units Cross Country feature direct-injection for better economy and reliability. Petrol motors range from 5hp to 9hp and up to 15hp, in a tried and tested single-cylinder aircooled format.

Finally, the electric motor range provides a high power factor with high torque and smooth acceleration. Lower costs and quiet running are also a bonus. there’s a whole lot to see at Cross Country, and these heavy-hitters of the pump world are just the beginning. stop in and pay them a visit or call today to talk about your options.

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WE OFFER A LARGE RANGE OF FARM EQUIPMENT AND LIGHT CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Cross Country Wholesale Equipment imports and distributes products for farms, contractors, lifestyle and the mining and construction industries. We also manufacture many products to suit your exact needs.

Cross Country was founded In the Waikato in 2004 starting from a small beginning to now occupying 2000 square metres and employing 5 people. All our products are brand new and carry warranties We start, run and check every product before it gets delivered to you.

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34

August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

SAM sprayers and Talbot Agriculture Talbot Agriculture has for over 30 years been importing and servicing sprayers and have been the New Zealand agent for SAM sprayers for over 20 years, having sold over 180 SAM sprayers making them the most popular choice amongst farmers and contactors. supplied by ❚ Advertorial ❚ Talbot Agriculture The introduction of the Horizon range has seen several innovative features that enhance the operator’s ability to apply agricultural chemicals more accurately and in an environmentally safe manner while protecting the operator from any exposure has won favour with the owners.

This was clearly demonstrated at the last UK Cereals event where four of the six finalists in the Sprayer Operator of the Year contest, including the winner, were all operating SAM sprayers. A feat that no other manufacturer has to date achieved.

The new Horizon was built on the hugely successful Vision range’s reliability combined and simple accurate operation combined with the one of the lightest tare weights and lowest centre of gravity making SAM sprayers able to keep spraying when others can’t.

Tank sizes go from 2500 to 6000 litres and boom widths from 15 to 48m. SAM have recently developed a new range of steel booms up to 36m that aren’t much heavier than the alloy booms used previously, but much stronger.

The use of ISO Bus technology has enabled the operator to combine functions to suit their individual preferences.

Operator protection has been further enhanced with the Tier 4 cab filtration making

talbot Agriculture can supply both new and used machines and offer a full service facility at their workshop with their own specialised transporter for those jobs that cannot be carried out on the farm. Pictured the sAM Horizon 5500l 30m. it a very safe operating environment. The new cab has no rear corner pillars making for exceptional vision.

The tried and proven RDS rate controller is still the only spray controller that warns the operator of blockages or leaks ensuring a very high degree of application reliability.

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equipment giving the options of simple guidance, auto section control, electric or hydraulic steering and auto boom height control making the operators input very minimal.

SAM also offers twin lines with individual switching from front, both or rear spray lines for each section allowing variable rates across the boom for increased versatility and also allowing for drift control along fence lines.

Talbot Agriculture can supply both

new and used machines and offer a full service facility at their workshop with their own specialised transporter for those jobs that cannot be carried out on the farm. Talbot Agriculture also offers an internationally approved annual sprayer inspection and calibration service that ensures owners can comply with various standards such as Euro gap and Health and safety requirements.

Call Jeremy on 021 571 893 to discuss your sprayer needs.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING August 2020

35

Permbrand continuing to grow For almost 20 years Rolleston based Permbrand has been supporting the agriculture industry nationwide, with its meal feeding systems, stock yard solutions and as a supplier of horse stalls and exercise arenas to the equine sector.

❚ by Kent Caddick The company, which prides itself on quality products, customer service and follow up care, is adding another string to its bow with the inclusion of mower and chainsaw products, along with a maintenance and repair service, from its easily accessible base in the Izone industrial park in Rolleston.

“We will be stocking a wide variety of mowers and chainsaw brands,” general manager Phill Smith says.

“Backing that up we have experienced staff, led by Justin Hume, previously owner of Tai Tapu Mowers & Chainsaws, to service and maintain whatever brand or size of mower or chainsaw our clients have.”

Phill says while the company has specialised in supplying and servicing the agricultural sector its products and services also suit those with less acreage such as the lifestyle block owner.

“Being based in Rolleston’s Izone business district makes us easy to access.”

Permbrand’s specialist field is meal feeding systems for the dairy industry. Equipment is imported from Roxell in Belgium and their equipment is world renown.

“Grain crushing mills are imported from America and assembled in our workshop. We also can supply and install Skiold disc mills.

These have proved to be reliable and efficient, and durable.”

A demand for mineral delivery has led to the introduction of Mineral Bins which provide effective delivery of mineral pellets to cows in the shed.

Permbrand also offers a maintenance programme as a follow up to all clients installing feed systems. This along with their excellent

Justin Hume, previously owner of Tai Tapu Mowers & Chainsaws, is Permbrand’s leading mechanic when it comes to mowers and chainsaws.

team of installers has attributed to the success of the company in this area.

Permbrand began manufacturing portable stockyards in 2002. The versatility of portable yards suits a wide range of customers from lifestyle farmers through to corporate farms.

“Demand for permanent stockyards also increased and these are now a core part of the business. We are also able to plan and make sheep yards for new sites or in addition to existing sites.

“We are able to offer an additional cattle handling solution in the form of a Cow Lifter which allows safe and easy handling of sick

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cattle. The Lifter is very robust and can be towed with an ATV.” The growth of the dairy industry has created a need for Teat Seal Trailers in the veterinary field. Permbrand has designed and made a number of these throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Another area that has developed over the last few years is the support to equine industry with the manufacturing of horse stalls and horse exercise arenas.

“We can supply to and give assistance to both larger scale equine operations and the smaller lifestyle block owner who maybe just running a few horses,” Phill says.

To find out more about Permbrands’ products and services contact Phil Shaw on 03 347 3171 or 0275 702 772, or email him at phill@permbrand.co.nz. People can also access them through their website, www. permbrand.co.nz, or drop in and see Phill and the team at 44 Izone Drive in Rolleston.

36

August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY & LOGGING

Gaining approval to keep planting Planting trees can have positive benefits if they are set in the right environment. Those planning to plant must seek approval from their local and regional council before planting, to make sure the land, plan and plants are suitable for planting.

❚ Article supplied by ECan

Resource Management Officer, Sarah Helleur, says it is important that landowners, foresters, consultants and anyone involved with the planting of a new forest is aware of these obligations, particularly because the planting season is short and applications need to be approved before planting can begin.

All afforestation (new forest planting) plans need to meet legislative requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and regional and district rules – this also includes all afforestation plans carried out with funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) One Billion Trees programme.

Anyone planning to plant must apply to Environment Canterbury and their local council to check the planting plans fit the planting regulations for that area.

A successful One Billion Trees funding application does not automatically mean the planting under regional and district rules can commence straight away.

The local and regional council will be in touch with the applicant to inform them of the application outcome, and any other relevant guidance.

What kind of planting needs approval?

Afforestation (new planting) is defined in the National Environment Standards for Plantation Forestry (NESPF) as: planting and growing plantation forestry trees on land where there is no plantation forestry and where plantation forestry harvesting has not oc-

When establishing a new plantation forest, consideration of its location and design is needed to avoid long-term environmental, safety and operational issues (e.g. the ability to safely harvest the crop with limited effects on neighbouring properties and receiving water bodies).

What is the process for approval?

Do it right: Anyone involved with the planting of a new forest should be aware of their obligations under current legislation. curred within the last five years; but does not include vegetation clearance from the land before planting.

Why is planting approval needed?

Planting can have both negative and positive effects on the environment.It is essential to ensure any planting carried out in Canterbury meets legislative requirements so the negative impact on the environment from planting

is minimal to none.

Potential negative effects are not generally related to the planting itself, but the longer-term effects relating to the location of the plantation. These can include: soil slip erosion caused by the weight of trees established on steep sites with shallow soils landscape and amenity effects, such as shading, or modification of outstanding natural features and landscapes; and potential for wilding conifer spread into vulnerable areas, which can have adverse effects on landscapes, and the productivity of other land uses.

The NESPF comes under the RMA and its regulations. Within the NESPF, all afforestation must be notified in writing to both the local and regional authorities (councils).

The notification must include the location, area, planting dates and setback requirements (as set out in the NESPF), as well as a Wilding Tree Risk Calculation completed by a suitably qualified forester to determine the risk of possible wilding tree spread.

This notification must be received at least 20 working days and no more than 60 working days before the date in which the afforestation is to start.

You may then be required to apply for a resource consent for your plantation under our regional plans if it is found that it is occurring within a flow-sensitive catchment.

What if planting is carried out without approval?

Any breach of local and regional council afforestation rules is a breach of the RMA, which could be subject to enforcement action such as a fine or having to remove all the planting carried out without consent.

For further information on the afforestation requirements for landowners under the NEsPF, including how to apply for consent, please contact us. Or you can email your questions to our Resource Management Officer, sarah Helleur, at sarah.Helleur@ecan.govt.nz

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

FORESTRY & LOGGING

Allan Laurie MNZIF ❚ with ❚ Laurie Forestry Ltd

CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

37

Ten year market review

July 2020 marked the 10th year anniversary of my writing market reports. I thought it might be of interest to readers to know where we were 10 years ago in terms of log prices, and returns to growers compared to now.

In 2010 sawmills in the Canterbury region were paying $90 to $94 per tonne for small branched framing grade sawlogs landed at mill. In 2020 they are paying $120 to $125 per tonne. The variation in price points then and now is driven by the length and diameter mix across the supply volume.

In 2010, China sawmill owners were paying US$120 per cubic metre for A grade logs.

In 2020 US$110 per m3. In 2010 the US/ KIWI exchange rate was $0.7250 in 2020, $0.6500. In 2010, shipping costs for logs NZ to China were $US$40 per m3, in 2020 US$24.

In terms of how this played out at the wharf gate for forest owners in New Zealand, in the Canterbury region in 2010, the price for A grade logs was NZ$82 per m3 and in 2020 $104.

Thus, we can be comfortable the current prices for export logs whilst at lower levels than the recent past, they remain at good levels historically. Add in the very good price points for domestic logs and we have a value mix that should be palatable albeit less than exciting.

For forest owners with higher quality blocks of trees, it is still worth harvesting.

As has been the case for the last 40 years, domestic sawmills provide a stable platform and good price points for forest owners. However, despite what Shane Jones might say,

we also need the log export sector to ensure the total returns at the stump are attractive and they have certainly been that.

As a general rule of thumb, China sawmills have been prepared to pay the same for the rougher grades of logs that our sawmill owners do not generally want.

Thus, returns to forest growers, including woodlots owned by farmers have been higher than can be achieved for almost any other land use.

And before our critics like the 50 Shades of Stupidity climb all over us like a big red rash, most foresters have no expectation forests and large woodlots will be planted across high quality farm land at scale.

Indeed, commercial forestry cannot get anywhere close to what farmers are prepared to pay for good farm land. Our cashflows and bottom line NPV will consistently ensure we foresters confine our planting to mostly lower quality, lower value, land.

The current 1BT grant scheme does not support whole farm conversions and nor do we see farmers wanting to apply for whole farm conversions. However as far as I can see many farmers are taking the opportunity within a 1BT grant thus ensuring a wide variety of tree species are planted in the right place on farms.

This then ensures optimal land use integration, sustainability and taking care of

some important positive environmental outcomes. There are no negatives here.

Meanwhile in July 2020, prices are hovering in a lower cycle over all but on average still in the top 65 percentile of the market of the last 3 years. Signs of a moderate improvement in China are emerging despite earlier gloomy predictions. Daily usage rates across the eastern seaboard have increase 10,000 m3 per day to currently 70,000 and climbing ever so gradually.

The big volumes of Spruce out of Europe have not yet appeared at the scale some were predicting. Total inventory sits at just above 4 million cubic metres representing just over 2 months supply at current usage levels.

This is about right and with the current re-

duction in supply out of NZ, we are seeing confidence levels in China start to improve.

Shipping rates remain stubbornly high and for the moment nobody can explain why. World trade is on the go slow and there should be a dearth of vessels opening on NZ next month.

Let’s hope this eases the pressure on wharf gate prices. Then all we need to see is that pesky US$/KIWI$ exchange rate start to ease and late Q3 we should start to see prices improve in the export sector.

Do not let this current glitch deter you, 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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38

August 2020 CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Getting it right for calves from day one Sara, along with her husband Stu, share milk 750 Jerseys in Mid Canterbury. Both Sara and Stu come from strong dairy farming back grounds with Sara having the honour of being a Dairy NZ Environment Leader and has also achieved Synlait Lead with Pride Elite Standard on their farm. supplied by ❚ Article Dairy Business Centre ❚ Sara rears approximately 250 heifer replacements and has been using Maximize Calf Pellets as part of her calf rearing system.

Sara offers Maximize to the calves from day one. Calves receive a small amount regularly, which is kept fresh daily to encourage consumption. Calves are also offered adlib straw, bentonite, and always have access to clean fresh water.

Maximize is a calf feed designed to promote skeletal growth and lean muscle mass development in calves, alongside encouraging healthy rumen development.

“I noticed the calves grew differently, they grew the frame first, Maximize allowed the skeleton to grow. Calves had no pot bellies and I could see muscle definition,” Sara says.

“I have seen excellent rumen capacity formation and have noticed a better feed conversion efficiency once weaned when comparing volume of dry matter offered to achieve target growth rates in previous seasons.

“Calves also retained consistent growth rates once weaned, growing an average 1.5kg/day two weeks post weaning calves had no post milk weaning weight loss occurrence and calves maintained appetite.”

In past seasons Sara has used several different calf feeds but found that they did not allow the calves to perform to expectations, nor justify the cost, and always resulted in using higher tonnages while achieving targets later than anticipated.

“They (calves) also took longer to get on the feed… I also don’t bother starting with

Maximize is a calf feed designed to promote skeletal growth and lean muscle mass development in calves.

muesli because I don’t find it beneficial to getting the calves on to meal later on.”

When trialling Maximize, the calf pellets were placed in the same trough as another product sample bag.

“The Maximize pellets were polished clean and the other feed wasn’t touched. It was the quickest calf feed uptake I’ve experienced.”

Not only did the calves take to Maximize calf pellets but Sara used “20% less calf feed than previous seasons” using other products and achieved target two weeks earlier.

“DBC also met our environmental expectations by being able to deliver in bulk into our calf feed silo…, flows well out of the silo without bridging and was easy using a blower truck... it all made long term planning easier.”

DBC’s Maximize calf feed was the only thing that Sara changed in her system other than changing disinfectant to Stalosan Powder under recommendations by her DBC field specialist, Charlotte Flay.

“Stalosan disinfectant powder is easier to

use, and we loved how it kept the pens dry, much better than liquid disinfectant,” Sara says.

DBC field specialist, Charlotte Flay says the Dairy Business Centre aim to provide products and services that will not only benefit the calf but will benefit the farmer.

“DBC’s passion in the industry lies in being able to help farmers grow and succeed in their herds nutritional goals resulting in improved overall animal health and performance,” Charlotte says.

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

39

Economic Survey provides insight DairyNZ’s latest Economic Survey 2018-19 shows dairy farmers had a reasonable year for operating profit and milk production, but farmers face a number of challenges – making cost control a key driver to help buffer dairy businesses against variable milk prices.

❚ Article supplied by DairyNZ

The annual Economic Survey analyses a representative sample of owner-operator and herd-owning sharemilking farms (50:50 sharemilkers) across New Zealand.

The 2018-19 data showed operating profit per hectare was down on the previous year but above the average for the previous decade, and milk production was at a 10-year high.

“Data shows operating profit per hectare was $2,154 in 2018-19, compared to the 10-year average of $1,696,” DairyNZ principal economist Dr Graeme Doole says.

Doole says that volatility will remain a significant challenge for farmers to manage.

“There are a large number of factors that could cause the milk price to shift up or down by a decent amount in the next season. Many, but not all, of these are related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In line with the 2018-19 Dairy Statistics where farms reported record annual milk production, the sample of farms studied in the Economic Survey also recorded their best milk production in the past decade.

“While recent results for operating profit and production were positive, increased costs, debt repayment and Covid-19 will have a strong influence on farm business performance, both now and in the future.”

The price of imported supplement has also risen as Covid-19 has impacted supply chains.

“We are also now seeing substantial pressure on the balance sheet of farms. Recent data shows us that in the last season, dairy

On top: Dairy farms in Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago and southland recorded higher operating profits per hectare than other regions according to DairyNZ’s latest Economic survey. farm sales were down 40 percent and farm prices down, on average, by 17 percent.”

Doole says mandatory debt payments are also lifting due to higher interest rates for some lenders and increasing pressure on farmers to pay principal.

“These headwinds are coming at a challenging time for the country. Yet, dairy farms still have a strong cashflow, particularly relative to other sectors, so will play a pivotal role in New Zealand’s recovery.”

For owner-operator farmers, the operating return on assets was 4 percent.

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“This is a reasonable operating return however returns from capital gain are now much lower than what we have seen in the last decade or absent altogether. Moving forward, this emphasises the need to increase farm profit through focusing on careful cost management.”

He says that feed continues to be farmers largest expenditure area and is a key item to review when farmers are looking to control costs.

Farms in Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago and Southland recorded higher operating

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Sharemilkers had a positive year with $775 operating profit per hectare – the highest level since 2013/14.

The Economic Survey data is drawn from 260 owner-operator dairy farms and 122 sharemilkers across New Zealand who are part of DairyNZ’s DairyBase database.

This year’s Economic Survey is designed to make survey data more accessible.

“The survey is in a new e-book format, which allows farmers and rural professionals who want to analyse data to download accompanying Microsoft excel tables, or explore interactive graphs.”

Doole says farmers can compare their results with similar farms through DairyNZ’s DairyBase and DairyNZ budget case studies.

“Our budget case studies analyse the performance of above-average farmers from locations around New Zealand, and what is affecting their profitability and returns.

“These farms typically have clear goals, a good understanding of their financial situation and costs, and carefully monitor their performance. They are a useful benchmarking tool for farmers to get insights and ideas from.” to read the DairyNZ Economic survey 2018-19, visit dairynz.co.nz/economicsurvey. For budget case studies and other resources visit dairynz.co.nz/business

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40

August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

❚ with Fred Hoekstra

DAIRY

Contract milking causes lame cows Our contract milking system is contributing to the number of lame cows in New Zealand.

you push cows and are impatient with them you will have more lameness to deal with but that is not because of stones or the pressure on the hooves. Physical force is only secondary to hoof health as a risk factor.

The primary problem is stress-related rather than physical force related and the main issue that we have on our pasturebased farms is the time budget. I have mentioned this plenty of times in the past.

The problem is that when cows are not spending enough time in the paddock, they lack resting time and eating time. These are basic needs that the cow has and if they are not met properly, a cow can’t function properly.

That is why 16-hour milking or smaller herds are so effective in minimising lameness as your cows get more time in the paddock where they can take on normal cow behaviour (grazing, laying down, drinking and socializing).

What has this got to do with our contract milking system?

Well, if the problem is not the stones but a time budget NUMBER ONE SUPPLIER TO THE issue then we need to manTE P A age our cows differently in R NZ JET BOATING COMMUNITY A PO RATE PA how we run the farm.

O P

This may seem like a strange thing to say but from a lameness perspective, the contract milking system has one major issue that could be easily fixed if people recognize the problem and change the contract accordingly.

Let me explain what I mean.

For years we have been blaming the stones on the tracks and the pushing, twisting and turning of cows on the concrete as the cause of lame cows. There is no evidence to back up those claims but that is where we believe the problem stems from.

So, to solve the problem we just need to handle our cows with patience, and we will not have a problem, right?

If you are a farm owner who has a contract milker, or sharemilker for that matter, managing your farm and lameness is an issue then I can imagine it would be very frustrating at times to see many lame cows when you believe all you need to do is to take it easier on the animal handling front.

Unfortunately, it is not that easy. Sure, if

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If farm owners understand the benefits of having more smaller herds then it would make a lot of sense to pay for one labour unit or change the contract to allow for an extra labour unit.

If you have 300 lame cows in a year and each lame cow costs you $500, then you have a $150,000 loss in profit. If you could halve that cost by having more smaller herds would it not make sense to pay for an extra labour unit?

I know that it is not always as easy as that when you have the bank breathing down your neck, but I think that this is a very real issue we need to be aware of so we can make wellinformed business decisions.

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One solution could be to split the cows into smaller herds. The benefit is that the last cow will be out of the paddock for a shorter time.

The challenge is that it takes more manhours to walk the cows to the cowshed because there are more herds and it is usually the contract milker or sharemilker who pays for the staff. Why would they spend more money on labour if the benefits go primarily to the farm owner? So, who should pay for the extra labour unit?

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DAIRY

August 2020

41

Clues from the past ❚ with Peter Burton

The time spent on farm recently with two well-respected and influential dairy farm advisors highlighted several issues.

Their main interest was in how to reduce N inputs without a reduction in pasture growth, as the model they work from shows that any reduction will result in less feed grown.

Simply removing or reducing N from a nutrient programme containing regular inputs will result in less growth.

Any reduction of fertiliser N must be replaced with nitrogen from another source if total growth is to be maintained, and there are ways of achieving this.

It is important to appreciate that N applied in the form of sulphate of ammonia or urea stimulates primarily bacteria activity and as numbers build a food source is required.

The sustenance available to them is carbon and as that is devoured nitrogen which fuels plant growth is released.

It has been convenient to believe that applied N increases total annual pasture growth and as result more carbon is accumulated in the form of old root matter and dung matter providing a lift in overall soil fertility.

As with all living systems it is never quite that straight forward. There is a point where the ‘more N equals more growth’ practise becomes destructive.

Beyond a certain amount soils become increasingly compact, pastures more open, and growth increasingly peaky.

Short bursts of growth when all conditions are favourable followed by increasingly long slow growth periods are hard to manage.

Pasture palatability suffers and it’s common to hear of animals having to be locked in immediately after milking to prevent them from returning to shed.

The question is how much is too much? Industry average is 230kgN/ha annually and the government is proposing a limit of 190kgN/ha, which looks manageable, or maybe that’s just the start of a planned pull back.

People are actively looking for alternatives

‘

there is a point where the ‘more N equals more growth’ practise becomes destructive.

and the smart ones are discovering that, rather than a tweak here and there, a fundamental shift provides the best outcomes in all respects.

The NZ DSIR research of 1940’s and 50’s identified the known beneficial fungi and bacteria in local soils, and the essential role they play in the maintenance of soil fertility.

Reliance on regular urea applications is the more recent development and we are yet to fully appreciate the destructiveness of its overuse.

A concept that is steadily entering the awareness of farmers is the link between soil health, plant health, and animal performance.

The three are inextricably linked and any system is only as good as its weakest component. Soils damaged by pugging in winter will grow only a fraction of the feed compared to non-damaged areas during the coming season.

Soil containing the optimum 25% air will grow more total pasture over a 12-month period, and that feed is also measurably higher in both energy and protein. More milk solids are produced, weight gain is greater and the reliance on animal ill health inputs are reduced.

Making the switch from a high N input system to N being provided by clover can

be a relatively straightforward and seamless exercise.

Clover contains three to four times the calcium of grasses and being the driver of beneficial soil biology, the introduction of a regular liming programme is a worthwhile first step.

Unless soil tests indicate soil pH is well below 5.9 an application of 1.0 tonne of high quality lime/ha is sufficient to increase the natural nitrogen fixation process.

Lime may be applied at any time from early November onwards and clover rich pastures remain both highly digestible and palatable even when grazing intervals are pushed out to the optimum 30 days.

The nitrogen fixed free of charge speeds plant recovery when autumn rain arrives allowing a wedge of feed to then be pushed ahead into winter.

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42

August 2020 CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Synlait to acquire neighbouring Dunsandel farmland Synlait Milk Limited is to acquire farmland adjacent to its Dunsandel facility for $25.7 million.

❚ by Kent Caddick Collectively, the farmland forms a 582-hectare unit and Synlait has received Overseas Investment Office consent for the acquisition.

Synlait CEO Leon Clement said the company was excited at the opportunity the land purchase gives them.

“Our purpose at Synlait is doing milk differently for a healthier world and this land provides a unique opportunity to pursue onfarm sustainability initiatives and reduce our environmental footprint whilst creating further supply chain efficiencies in our business.

“We’re excited about this opportunity and look forward to updating you on our plans as they progress.”

Clement said the land enables the company to pursue several strategic supply chain and sustainability initiatives that support Dunsandel’s long-term operation and expansion.

These include: • greater control over water rights. The land will provide Synlait with certainty over access to water and disposal of its factory processing water • developing a rail sliding adjoining Dry Store 4. Synlait will advance commercial terms now the land has been secured.

The rail siding creates supply chain ef-

Expansion: Synlait CEO Leon Clement walks through the Dunsandel site with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier this year for the opening of the company’s large-scale electrode boiler.

ficiencies identified as part of the Dry Store 4 warehouse project. On completion, containerised goods will be transported by rail between Dunsandel and Lyttelton, significantly reducing Synlait’s

environmental footprint by removing approximately 16,000 truck movements annually • opportunities to evaluate and trial sustainable farming practices and carry out

on-farm research. This supports Synlait’s 10-year sustainability targets, which include a commitment to evolve best practice farming in New Zealand through the company’s Lead With Pride programme.

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WATER & IRRIGATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

43

Three waters reform and irrigation Not only is irrigation important to us – but water and all its facets are.

Elizabeth soal ❚ by Irrigation NZ ❚

In one way or another all the different ways we use our freshwater resources are linked whether that is for irrigation, stock water, turning on the tap to boil the jug for a cup of tea, watering the garden and so much more.

Having reliable access to water in our daily lives is more important than we give recognition for.

Over the past three years, central and local government have been considering solutions to challenges facing delivery of three water services to communities.

This has seen the development of new legislation and the creation of Taumata Arowai, the new Water Services Regulator, to oversee and enforce a new drinking water regulatory framework, with an additional oversight role for wastewater and stormwater networks.

Prior to the Covid-19 crisis the Government had invested into water infrastructure and construction reform was underway, including the management and funding of drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater – known as Three Waters.

In early July, the Government announced funding to provide $761million to assist lo-

cal Government to upgrade three waters infrastructure and more than $5billion of infrastructure investment allocated to help improve the economy.

While the Government’s intention is for publicly owned multi-regional models for water service delivery, with a preference for local authority ownership, final decisions on a service delivery model will be informed by discussion with the local government sector and the work of the Steering Committee What does three waters have to do with irrigation?

IrrigationNZ is pleased to see the Government will be stimulating investment in the water sector. Water infrastructure development will be a key part of New Zealand’s post Covid recovery.

The proposal to reform the water service delivery into a large-scale multi-regional provider (for three waters) will provide greater opportunities for investment in water infrastructure such as water storage. That will in turn improve outcomes beyond three waters, to include water for irrigation, reallocation, and the environment.

Projects that can address water issues across all outcome areas and sit withing catchment – specific regulatory framing will potentially be more achievable and viable under a changed service model.

This is because smaller local authorities have been constrained in the past from larger-scale investments due to restrictions on borrowing ability, smaller balance sheets and small rating bases.

It is inevitable that climate change will have significant impacts on communities across the country. This coupled with aging infrastructure, and burgeoning populations mean that doing nothing is no longer an op-

Having reliable access to water in our daily lives is more important than we give recognition for. tion, it is crucial that we invest now and have stringent plans in place that are going to be sustainable.

The Government has identified that the current three waters system and delivery models do not necessarily align with catchment-based regulatory systems. This reduces our ability to manage our water in an integrated manner, ki uta ki tai – from the mountains to the sea.

The Government has also signalled stimulus funding for rural drinking water supplies. The irrigation sector already owns water infrastructure that provides drinking water for rural communities and regional towns, so the sector looks for ward to working with the Government when this funding is allocated.

For IrrigationNZ, it has been a priority for us for some time now that New Zealand needs to develop and overarching water

strategy – I might be starting to sound like a broken record, but it is so important and this is why.

We are seeing something of a coalescing of issues – three waters reform, a new strategy for the primary sector (Fit for a Better World) which emphasises the ‘transformational opportunity’ provided by investment in water infrastructure and storage, the Essential Freshwater policy package, and the creation of the drinking water authority Taumata Arowai – which all involve water policy.

The time is therefore ripe for these different strands of policy work to be brought together under a national strategy and framework for the future of water in Aotearoa.

This will be particularly important if we are to have a national conversation about water allocation and are to address the still unresolved issue of Maori rights and interests in freshwater.’

44

August 2020

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Sensors are the first step towards a good quality monitoring solution Firstly, I wanted to start this article by commenting on my irrigation season 2019-20 wrap-up published in May.

❚ by Andrew Curtis

The article was written in mid-April, and given the dry we experienced post this, yes there was justification for applying a 1 or 2 irrigation applications in late April for the lighter soil types. I hope that answers some of the many questions I received.

For this article I thought it would be good talk about how you go about choosing what sensor technology is going to work on your farm?

The first step is thinking about the longterm solution you require, not just the problem you need to solve today. Do you only need one sensor for compliance purposes or are you going to expand to weather stations,

site nearly always involves a proprietary telemetry unit, website or both. Therefore, choosing different companies to install various sensors is likely to end up with you having multiple websites to visit.

There are ways to get around this through using data transfers, which the specialist team at Water Strategies, specifically Cindy Lowe, can work with you and your telemetry provider to facilitate.

Much consideration needs to be given to the upfront capital cost verses the ongoing maintenance cost when purchasing a sensor.

Buying a sensor is the same as buying a ute. A $5000 ute will have a higher maintenance cost and a shorter lifespan than a $60,000 one. Take an anemometer (measures wind speed and direction) for example.

The cheaper ones are typically made of plastic and have plastic bearings, while the more expensive sensors are commonly made of stainless steel.

If you are happy replacing sensors every 2-3 years and with poorer quality data, then the cheaper sensor may be the right decision – if not you need to invest more upfront.

Weather stations are often installed with little thought around a maintenance plan. Tipping bucket rain gauges for example, need to be cleaned out on a regular basis (ideally three monthly) to deal with dead grass grub

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There are very few companies that can add any sensor to their telemetry system and get reliable data from it, so you need to ask leading questions around this.

Getting the data from your farm to a web-

beetles and other insects.

The gold standard for reliable and accurate weather station sensors is three monthly site inspections combined with an annual lab calibration. Also think about where you are installing a weather station.

Investigate: Do your research before deciding on what water sensor or weather station is right for you.

Locating it beside the shed, whilst convenient, will impact both wind speed (from the upwind direction) and solar (increased reflection off the shed) readings. A useful weather station must be located at least 100m away from the nearest tree or building!

Sensors are the first step towards a good quality monitoring solution. The second step is displaying the data in a useable format. Can you use the information to drive action on your farm? Is the data pre-

sented in a way that you can use it? Do the right people have access to the data?

If you require data in near real time (e.g. for effluent pump control), can the supplier provide this reliably?

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CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

❚ with Dr tony Davoren

August 2020

45

Above average rainfall and almost there

June and July have certainly helped get soil moisture back field capacity in most places, especially irrigated properties. There is still a little way to go and heading toward the end of July we are in better shape for the next irrigation season.

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June and July (up till 18th) have finally seen the monthly rainfall exceeding the long-term (1943-2020) monthly average.

We’re pegging back the lag to the December 2019 to July 2020 average – now just around 105mm behind the 430mm long-term. This is still a fair bit to make up in the next 6-8 weeks before we reach September.

And we’ve made big inroads into the dryland soil moisture deficit – now just around 45mm.

This does mean on non-irrigated parts of the Canterbury Plains we still need 45-50mm before significant land surface recharge can occur. However, we will be getting recharge from irrigated land, especially the lighter shallow soils (Lismore, Eyre, and the like).

The continued presence of a soil moisture deficit at depth (2m or more) is reflected in groundwater levels with water levels changing little in the last month.

End of July when this article is read means we’re potentially just a month away from potentially considering irrigation. I know that sounds unlikely given our current weather, but that month takes us to September and it is not ‘out of the norm’ for irrigation being close or happening on the lighter shallower soils in some crops.

So, have you: •Completed winter maintenance of your irrigation system (or have it scheduled to be completed in the next 3-4 weeks)?

And not just the irrigator(s) – remember those leaking hydrants or the hose that has turned to a soak hose.

•Carried out a bucket test if you are required – winter is often the best time for these. Those clear frosty days rarely result in windy conditions, so you get your best distribution, buckets don’t blow over and you can have confidence in the results.

We’re a month past the shortest day so we are heading toward the growing season again. Don’t be caught short in September.

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46

August 2020 CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

Difficult times for wool industry

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

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During the past few weeks most New Zealand coarse wool growers appear to have come to terms with, what can only be described as, an appallingly weak market delivering quite possibly the poorest wool returns in living memory.

With good quality fleece wool returning not much more than $1 per greasy kilogram and oddment types considerably less, growers could be forgiven for wondering why any care should be taken around wool preparation within the wool shed environment, despite continual feedback from around the globe that New Zealand coarse wool is regarded as some of the best.

Recent information released by the International Wool Textile Organisation, a global body representing all facets of the wool industry, suggesting that the future for much of the wool pipeline, regardless of wool type, is extremely bleak, given the severe financial restraints resulting from a rampant Covid-19 pandemic, has certainly not assisted with positivity.

With the first month of the New Zealand wool selling season for 2020-21 almost complete, wool auction sales to date, at time of writing, have been rather subdued events but with relatively low pass-in rates as the majority of growers have “bitten the bullet” and met the market.

North Island wool auctions have,

of course, contained mainly coarser wools whilst a number of mid-micron wools have been offered within South Island broker catalogues. While prices achieved for many of the mid-micron wools may have appeared reasonable, when compared to the coarser wool types, grower returns however have been reported to be between 30% and 40% below those ruling at a similar time last season.

At time of writing there had only been a few lines of merino wool types (mainly oddments or second-shear fleece) offered via the local Christchurch auction, and levels for these were also substantially easier than last season during July and in-line with Australian levels prior to their three week auction recess taking up most of July.

Exporter feedback for the season to date has recognized that some preparation levels have obviously been reduced with the major issue being that of mixed staple lengths in fleece lines where there has been minimal or no skirting carried out.

As we progress through the next few months of wool sales, it’s probably like-

ly that many growers who have resisted the sluggish market, some for more than two years, will decide to clear their wool stocks.

Whilst all wool brokers and wool merchants who have unsold grower owned wool on hand in their stores will welcome a sales plan, the success of that approach will depend upon the ability of the New Zealand wool export trade to take ownership and on-trade the extra wool, even at the low levels.

A long-awaited report from a wool working group, commissioned by the Minister for Primary Industries in 2018, outlining recommendations for the New Zealand wool industry into the future was released publicly on July 10, with reported feedback from wool growers and other industry personnel to date appearing mixed.

With many industry participants, including wool growers, having spent several decades in the wider wool industry within New Zealand and having read several reports recommending change during that period, there was always going to be mixed reaction.

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CANTERBURY FARMING August 2020

47

Covid shutdowns drive changes Covid-19 is still raging in Europe and the United States, but marketers of Cervena™ venison are pulling out the stops to keep this premium meat in front of consumers, says Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) venison marketing manager Nick Taylor.

❚ by Trevor Walton Meanwhile in China, DINZ is working with chefs to develop recipes showing how venison can be used in traditional Chinese cuisine styles.

Taylor says the Covid-19 lockdowns around the world have had a bigger impact on sales of venison than for lamb or beef, because – as a premium product – a much greater proportion of venison is sold through food service to chefs.

In a double-whammy for deer farmers, access to China was closed in the wake of the pandemic, as a result of China government prohibitions on the sale of wild game meats.

Although our venison comes from farmed deer, this put a virtual halt to NZ venison exports there until its legal status was confirmed in late May. DINZ, which had been working with NZ trade officials for this outcome, says this was great news for venison producers and marketers.

“Chinese consumers have a growing appreciation for quality animal proteins. At the outbreak of Covid-19 China had grown to become an important second-tier market taking 10 per cent of our exports,” says Taylor.

With restaurants opening again across China he sees our venison exports there resuming and growing in the months ahead.

“While venison is not typically used in any of the eight main Chinese cuisine styles, chefs in China – as with elsewhere in the world – are always keen to experiment.

Their customers too are much better travelled than earlier generations and are open to buying dishes based on novel ingredients adapted to their favoured local cuisine style.

That’s why we are investing in recipe development there,” he says.

“The venison marketing companies are also being very active and some high-end restaurants in China now have premium venison cuts on their menus.

“There is also demand for cuts that are suited to the slow cooking styles that are a part of traditional Chinese cuisine.”

Taylor says Covid-19 is still affecting restaurants in Europe and North America, our two biggest venison markets, even in those

countries and states where they have been allowed to reopen. Strict social distancing rules mean they are operating at less than 50% of normal capacity.

To replace their lost sales to food service, venison marketers and their market partners are developing their retail and online offerings.

An example of this is a retail promotion of Cervena venison by Alliance Group and their Belgian market partner Bimpex in Carrefour supermarkets.

“Since 2016 Bimpex has been part of our Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) promotion of Cervena grilling cuts to food service in the northern summer, a very non-traditional time to be selling venison in Europe.

Last year they introduced Cervena to a Belgian retail chain for the first time and had promising sales,” says Taylor.

“This year Covid-19 badly interfered with their food service promotions, but Bimpex and Alliance reacted swiftly. They are now supplying two Cervena products – rack steaks (single ribs sold in pairs) and fillets – to more than 80 premium Carrefour stores during the current northern summer.”

The Cervena cuts are being strongly positioned as barbecue items with retail displays and stickers on the packs.

“Tim Mitchell from Broadleaf, a specialty meats importer based in Los Angeles, tells us they are seeing pockets of activity across the United States, however the challenge for food service is that each state and county has their own guidelines for when and how restaurants can reopen,” Taylor says.

With many people still staying home, Mitchell says Broadleaf has recently enjoyed holiday-level sales through its online channels.

The company has also seen sales of NZ venison products, including Cervena medallions, increasing above normal levels for this time of year. A ‘friends and family’ box introduced by Broadleaf is selling well. This includes venison items.

Mitchell noted that demand for manufacturing venison used for jerky and minced products has stayed strong through the lockdown, as has the demand for venison for pet food.

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New market: A Cervena display in a Carrefour supermarket in Belgium.

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Lexus premieres the new LS globally Lexus has revealed the latest in its long line of the luxury LS flagship sedan.

❚ Article supplied by LexusNZ

The first-generation Lexus LS debuted in 1989 and built the foundation of Lexus with the high praise earned by its exceptional quietness and comfort.

The LS has cumulatively sold 87 million units since its introduction, gaining popularity over a span of more than 30 years and in more than 90 countries and regions.

In the latest update, engineers focused on elevating the sedan’s levels of comfort, quietness and overall refinement to help balance a range of new dynamic improvements dictated by the brand’s Lexus Driving Signature initiative.

This philosophy applies detailed tuning, thoughtful component updates and control surface upgrades to help drive Lexus products to a new standard of vehicle control, balance and ultimately, driver confidence.

Lexus New Zealand chief executive Neeraj Lala said as the flagship of the Lexus brand the new LS is the pinnacle of Lexus technology and styling.

“The LS is not only an exceptional sedan, it is also a representation of where the Lexus brand is heading.

“Developed with the aim of greatly enhancing the exceptional quietness and comfort that represent the Lexus DNA, meticulous craftsmanship is applied to even the smallest components — all the way from the vehicle’s powertrain and suspension to the positioning of the stitch points of the seats.”

Style: Externally, new paint technology and colour options provide deep shadows and robust highlights that set the Ls apart from other luxury sedans.

The vehicles confident stance has been amplified by subtle changes to the front bumper, radiator grille, and rear combination light trim.

BladeScan Adaptive Highbeam System is newly adopted to ensure the safety of both occupants and pedestrians while driving at night.

The latest in advanced driving assist technologies, the new LS is also fitted with Lexus Teammate. Teammate incorporates AI technologies centred on deep learning to predict and respond to various situations that may be encountered during driving, providing the

occupants with a sense of unparalleled security.

By incorporating the driving practices of expert drivers Lexus Teammates provides an uncompromising approach to system control, safety, and driving stability even when road conditions are complicated. These advances are part of the aim of Lexus to provide the ultimate in a safe and secure mobility experience.

Externally, new paint technology and colour options provide deep shadows and ro-

bust highlights that set the car apart. On the inside, in addition to the use of a touchscreen for ease of operation, Lexus’ uncompromising attention to detail is evident throughout the interior, with three finish options available, creating a high-quality interior atmosphere suitable for a brand flagship. the Lexus Ls will be available in New Zealand from early 2021, and New Zealand specification will be released closer to the launch.

Design: Lexus engineers have focused on elevating the sedan’s levels of comfort, quietness and overall refinement for the new Ls model.

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August 2020 CANTERBURY FARMING

A checklist for buying a tractor Here’s a quick checklist of things you may need to consider when buying that new, or used, tractor.

❚ by Kent Caddick

turf tyres – you’re better off getting a tractor with the tyres you want already on it.

There are three types of tyres suitable for utility tractors: R1 (ag or bar tread) tyres give you the best traction, but can cause the most ground damage; R3 (turf tread) tyres are ideal for jobs like mowing and have the least traction; R4 (industrial-tread) tyres have excellent traction, and are a good compromise if you’re going to be using your tractor on the lawn as well as in the paddock.

Budget

Regardless of your budget, check the price of a new tractor – it’ll put the price of used machines into perspective and you may be surprised by the affordability taking the benefits of owning new into account.

Horsepower Tractor power is expressed in horsepower – it’s good to have a horsepower figure for a tractor, but that doesn’t tell you what it’s capable of doing. Higher horsepower doesn’t always mean more useable power.

Tyres Tyres are one of the very important parts to look at when buying a tractor. They can be expensive to replace – so take tyre condition in-

Rear Linkage to account when you’re looking at buying a used tractor.

It’s also an expensive exercise to change the tyres on a tractor from say – ag tread to

At the back of the tractor is a three-point hitch or linkage, which has three mounting points for implements – two draft arms and a top link. The draft/lift arms do the work of

lifting the implement, the top link controls its angle relative to the ground.

Most tractors that would be used on a lifestyle block would have a CAT1 or CAT2 hitch – this refers to the diameter of the holes on the draft/lift arms. You can fit a CAT1 implement onto CAT2 arms (using sleeves over the implement pins) but not vice-versa.

Rear Hydraulics If you’re planning on using hydraulic implements with your tractor, you’ll need rear SCVs (Selective Control Valves).

Make sure the tractor you’re buying has got them, or can have them added – find out what the cost is to add them first – it isn’t that cheap.

Rear SCVs are used to run hydraulic top links, post rammers, forklifts, log splitters, anything else that is operated hydraulically.

CANTERBURY FARMING

August 2020

Tahr very much DOC’s decision to reduce tahr numbers has been a powerful lure.

It managed to entice a thousand strong mob of trophy bull twits into the open at the recent ‘tahr jam’ hunter protest meeting near Lake Pukaki.

❚ by solis Norton

Much like our US hunting friends entice their target out by puffing on a bit of ‘doe in oestrus’ scent or sprinkling a little buck pee down their front. It is indeed time to thin some tahr jam opinions out.

The one to go down first is that a trophy bull should be easily accessible. Any trophy sets the recipient apart. If we all have one it’s meaningless.

Weetbix from New World is not a trophy, because a trophy’s value is measured by our effort, not the length of its appendages. We live in a time of instant gratification and entitlement where this truth is being lost.

Just look at the tahr hunting stories in the magazines and on Youtube. They virtually all involve helicopters, often gas heaters and slabs of beer too. “Flew in for the

weekend, shot a 13 inch bull Saturday afternoon, retired to the hut to get drunk.” Where is the struggle? If you think that’s struggling, you’ve lost touch with reality.

My other barrel goes into self-righteous agitation. Much of the coordination and noise against the plan is from people with a modest or lower understanding of the biological processes driving it. But they have time on their hands, funding, and power and position to influence decisions.

For example their comment in the media that each bull tahr is worth $14,000 to the economy. At which every ram breeder in the country collapsed into hysterics.

I accept that they genuinely feel they are representing ‘we the hunters’. In the same way the US president genuinely felt he was representing ‘we the public’ against Covid-19 by urging us to drink bleach.

These same people have complete conviction in their efforts to conserve nature. Protect the waterways, ban 1080, abolish dairy farming, and all the rest of it, until it conflicts with their recreational pastime and their tune changes. It’s just more self-centered entitlement.

I support DOC’s plan. As a keen foot hunter I’ve seen first-hand the numbers of these shaggy mountain limpets springing around the rock faces. In some places on public and private land they are in truly extraordinary numbers.

Get on with it DOC and do it right. Give us the pleasure and satisfaction of earning a bull tahr trophy with persistence and practice.

❚ with Rob Cope-Williams

So, it’s general election time again At the time of writing, I must admit, it would be easier to pick a winner in a plastic duck race down the Avon River than to pick who will win the election.

With National, the media do not know which way to look, and their researchers are like lizards drinking as they dig up old footage, quotes and anything they can pin on the changing characters.

Labour has an easier road as they have been basically stable, so the spotlight stays on Covid-19 and health issues.

The minor parties are pushing their barrows like stallholders in a marketplace in India, all hoping to be heard over the chanting of others.

Then of course, there is the lolly scramble.

Roads, housing, tax relief, development funding, money for this and that and the other thing, all without budgets to back the promises, but that is nothing new, it happens every three years.

I find it amusing that everyone seems to have the situation in hand and will share their views with whoever will listen.

“I think Labour will be able to rule alone”; “National is now in with a chance”; “We must keep Winston out”; “Winston

has to be in the line-up”; “ACT will get in because of their gun law reforms” etc.

The bottom line is that no one knows, not even if the polls show trends, they are, after all just that, polls. The one that counts is the vote numbers.

I watch with interest the Facebook pages and the comments from folk who are very focused on who they support.

Hours must have been spent putting politicians’ faces on other bodies, billboards being designed and in some cases comments that the censors should have taken a firm look at.

The old days of party supporters dropping off pamphlets seems to be a thing of the past, well we do not read stuff like that anymore, we fire up the social media.

Whatever does happen on 19 September will affect us all, but the good thing is that we are allowed, and in fact encouraged, to vote for our Government.

It will be an interesting journey, and at last there is something to talk about rather than Covid-19 and being in lockdown.

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