30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast
June 2021 Edition
INSIDE
THIS EDITION Breakthrough crop
p3 Helicopter rescue
p15 Skills boost
p27 Calving
Discovery: One thing author Tim Fulton discovered when writing the Kiwi Farmers’ Guide to life is that while farming is a business it is also a way of life for more than just land owners.
Recording the rich history of farming Cantabrian Tim Fulton always wanted to tell the stories of rural New Zealanders, so he jumped at the chance to gather profiles of New Zealanders making a life on the land.
❚ by Kent Caddick p40
In ‘Kiwi Farmers’ Guide to Life’ Fulton, a regular contributor to Canterbury Farming, tells the stories of New Zealand farmers and their families, tracing the ancestral journeys that brought them to their particular piece of rural Kiwi paradise. From a dive into farming history to a probe of modern agricultural issues, Kiwi Farmers’
Guide to Life shows farmers at their finest and, in some cases, their most vulnerable. At heart, it explores why farmers do what they do, rather than how. New Zealand primar y industr y deser ves to be described to the full. Through the lens of the people living these issues ever y day, Fulton captures the joy of rural life, but also canvasses racial discrimination, water way pollution, sheep
farming philosophy and parasite control technology. This book showcases some of the country’s most innovative farmers: their motivations, frustrations, and legacies. It is a tribute to a way of life that the author himself loves, having grown up on a farm and come to deeply respect the people and families that make up agriculture in New Zealand.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
A business, a way of life FROM PAGE 1 “In many ways the book is about family as much as it is about farming,” Fulton said. “About 15 years ago I had written a memoir on my grandfather and his farming life but in the back of my mind always had the idea of writing another book. “Initially the book came out of discussions I had with publishers Batemans on a book I wanted to write about the farmers of the Clarence, which they
agreed to but also suggested I write the Kiwi Farmers’ Guide. “I’ve been agriculture journalist for 20 odd years and I saw this as a new and different challenge to spend some time with people at length to learn about their family story as much as their farming story.” Fulton grew up at ‘Larundel’, a sheep and crop farm at Swannanoa in North Canterbury, along with his three brothers. “I loved the life but as my parents
WE ARE BUYING! would probably say I didn’t really show much aptitude for farming itself, so I became an agricultural journalist, which my father still teases me about.” He said one of the things he learned writing the book is that while it is a business farming is also a way of life. “Not just for farm owners but also for all sorts of associated people, like the Murphys in South Canterbury, who are relatives, and who have travelled the world shearing and have sustained themselves in the industry without necessarily being full time farmers.” Inspired by family farming stories, as a journalist Fulton has written much about the transformation of farming since the early 2000s, when agriculture first started to emerge from the status of a so-called ‘sunset industry’. He said he loves telling rural stories, helping readers to understand the joys and complexities of life on the land. “We had neighbours, a Dutch couple Alan and Margo Vliet Vlieland, who came to New Zealand 25 years ago with basically no farming background and now run a Clydesdale Stud and have become an integral part of our farming community. “Alan who was an equine vet, now has this amazing collection of farming memorabilia, and they are now part of the rich farming history in this area.” The book is set to be released on June 14 and will be available from Batemans.
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FARMING NEWS
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
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Breakthrough crop for medicinal cannabis grower The recent opening of the trans-Tasman bubble saw a global expert in medicinal cannabis agronomy arrive in the South Island, and what he saw has impressed him.
❚ by Kent Caddick
Australian Tom Forrest is Marlborough medicinal cannabis company Puro’s Cultivation Director, and has been at Puro’s Kekerengu farm overseeing the final days of company’s record-breaking harvest. It is the country’s largest commercial medicinal cannabis crop, and is being grown under organic protocols. Forrest said it was great seeing Puro’s progress up close. “It’s been incredibly frustrating not being able to be here for harvest and I have been chomping at the bit to get to the farm,” he said. “Two things struck me when I arrived at Kekerengu – the sheer volume of the plants growing and being dried, and the great uniformity and acclimatised plant physiology. “I’ve visited cannabis farms around the world and this is a fantastic example of commercial, sustainable medicinal cannabis production.” Forrest studied more than 50 cannabis farms in ten different countries as part of the research he undertook as a recipient of Churchill Fellowship in Australia. Puro is also celebrating another step towards gaining its full organic certification. BioGro, New Zealand’s largest and bestknown certifier for organic produce and products, has recently audited Puro’s medicinal cannabis cultivation at Kekerengu and certi-
fied the site as in conversion to organic. Puro are the only cannabis cultivator in New Zealand to achieve this status. Forrest said the certification means Puro’s on track to achieve full BioGro Organic status for the Kekerengu site in the next 18 months. “There’s only a handful of commercial medicinal cannabis operations with an organic certification like BioGro that is recognised internationally. Achieving full organic status will put us in a very select group.” Forrest said Puro has achieved incredible results in their first commercial season. “It’s clear the Puro team have designed and implemented novel solutions to commercial cannabis cultivation, drying and processing. The farm is a testament to the potential of premium medicinal cannabis cultivation in the Marlborough region.” Puro successfully raised $2 million through its second PledgeMe capital campaign. The funds will be used to complete development of Puro’s breeding facility in Waihopai, near Blenheim, which will sit beside its existing research facility at the site. Puro Managing Director Tim Aldridge is delighted with the response to the capital raise. “We’re feeling humbled, excited and so thankful to all those who share our vision,” Aldridge said. “We know the future is bright for this emerging industry here in New Zealand, and Puro is at the forefront of it.”
Results: Puro’s Kekerengu farm site manager Winston Macfarlane keeps a close eye on the company’s record breaking harvest.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
Time for some face-to-face
Damien O’Connor ❚ by for Agriculture, Biosecurity, ❚ Minister Food Safety and Rural Communities ❚
In June I’ll be wearing my Trade and Export Growth Minister’s hat in London and Brussels and progressing our free trade agreement talks in person with the UK and EU.
One of the challenges the world has faced in recent years has been rising protectionism. Protectionism puts up barriers and inhibits trade. In a sense, through Covid we’re seeing what a world of inhibited trade looks like. Not good. Global trade dropped last year and the IMF reported that Global GDP dropped with it by 17 percent in the first quarter. We live in an interconnected world and we have seen how vital it is for COVID vaccines and medical supplies to be able to easily cross borders. Trade matters. New Zealand’s economic recovery is a trade-led one. Our primary sectors will be at the heart of this. What should always be at the heart of our thinking is how we position ourselves and our story as an exporter. Our success as exporters comes from being attuned to our customers and market conditions. That means never standing still and always looking ahead. We know consumer values are evermore determining what people will pay a premium for in the supermarkets, at the restaurant, and online. Where did this come from? Who produced it? Were they paid well? Can I be sure my food decisions have minimal impact on the environment? Is this good for my kids? What’s my carbon footprint?
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We know consumer values are evermore determining what people will pay a premium for in the supermarkets, at the restaurant, and online.
Exporters get asked this. I get asked about it in trade talks. The world is changing and we must move with the times. The work we’re doing together with likes of Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures, He Waka Eke Noa and Integrated Farm Planning is about getting the right results that actually add value to our exports. High value consumers abroad want to know they’re buying food and fibre that are quality, ethical and sustainable. New Zealand has to move from volume to values – that is, aligning our story with the values of our consumers.
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FARMING NEWS
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
5
Growing support for new national wool standard A new NZ National Standard for Wool has been established under the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme (NZFAP) with 15 new wool companies signing up to the programme.
❚ by Kent Caddick The NZFAP provides assurances to customers and consumers about the integrity, traceability, biosecurity, food safety, environmental sustainability and animal health and welfare of New Zealand’s primary sector products. The fifteen wool companies are joining the 17 red meat processors, one other wool company, a sheep milk company, Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) and Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) already in the programme. The collaboration enables the wool industry members to adopt the NZFAP as a NZ National Standard for wool. There are currently around 8,000 NZFAP-certified sheep, beef, and deer farmers, with about 6,500 farming sheep. Membership of the NZFAP means that all wool companies that sign up will immediately have access to Farm Assured wool from these 6,500 properties. For farmers there is no change as the wool standards are already included in the NZFAP audits. New Zealand Farm Assurance Incorporated (NZFAI), which owns the NZFAP, and the National Council of New Zealand Wool Interests (NCNZWI), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which has paved the way for membership. Craig Smith, chairman of the NCNZWI, said it was a great opportunity for the wool industry to leverage off this foundation and establish a complementary National Standard for wool. “The development of a unified New Zealand wool assurance standard will support increased differentiation and demand for New Zealand wool in the global marketplace,” Smith said.
Raising the standard: The development of a unified New Zealand wool assurance standard will lead to an increased demand for New Zealand wool in the global marketplace according to National Council of New Zealand Wool Interests chairman Craig Smith.
“This provides the value-chain assurances we need around land management, origin, traceability, animal health and welfare and gives us the ability to work with the red meat sector to make this happen.” Smith said initially, they have 15 of the largest wool companies across key points in the supply chain signed up to the programme with the expectation that more will follow. “The wool sector has been under-performing in what has been a challenging consumer market, but this move creates a unique and compelling value proposition for New Zealand wool by leveraging on the provenance and world-leading practices that occur here. “It is great to have the 15 significant wool
companies support this important initiative, and we look forward to others joining us as we step forward. Chairman of Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG) Rob Hewett said the new quality assurance programme for wool was great news for the sector. “SWAG is focused on helping to lift the New Zealand strong wool sector out of a prolonged period of low prices,” Hewett said. “We have a simple agenda – support collaboration that is consumer-focused to create demand and add value. Additionally, most sheep farmers are familiar with the quality assurance programme for meat that has been running for many years.
“Our customers offshore are continually looking for ways to verify the quality, sustainability and ethical production systems of the products they purchase – this is a big step forward to allow them to do that.”
The 15 wool companies joining the programme are: CP Wool, Curtis Wool Direct (NZ) Ltd, Devold Wool Direct NZ Ltd, East Coast Wools Ltd, G. Modiano (NZ) Ltd, G. Schneider NZ Ltd, John Marshall & Co Ltd, Kells Wool Ltd, Mainland Wool Ltd, NZ Wool Services International Ltd / J S Brooksbank, PGG Wrightson / Bloch and Behrens, Philippa Wright T/A Wright Wool, Segard Masurel (NZ) Ltd, WoolWorks NZ Ltd, Yaldhurst Wools Ltd.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
FARMING NEWS
Allocation of MIQ spaces a blow to farmers The Government’s recent allocation of MIQ spaces comes as a disappointing blow to farmers who have missed out on the opportunity to bring in migrant workers for agricultural work.
David Bennett ❚ by ❚ National Party spokesperson for Agriculture Farmers have played a critical role throughout COVID-19 and have contributed significantly to our economic recovery. The Government’s clear commitment is to reducing migrant labour. In the Minister for Agriculture’s Ministerial briefing it specifically stated his aim to reduce the reliance on migrant labour. The Government has outlined its aim of being less reliant on migrant labour and instead focusing on attracting New Zealanders displaced by COVID-19 into primary sector jobs. The recent immigration announcements confirmed that the Government wants to reduce the role of migrants in the New Zealand economy. The dairy industry now faces an acute shortage of low-skilled workers, which poses a threat to animal welfare, our farmers’ health and well-being and also restricts the economic potential of the dairy sector. The Government has also announced a radical overhaul of New Zealand’s labour laws, with Fair Pay Agreements (FPA) coming into force in 2022. The Fair Pay Agreements are essentially a tool to increase unionisation in the workforce. They mean that collective bargaining on employment conditions would be applied to all businesses in the sector. It takes away the ability for industrial businesses to negotiate with their employees. We remember the times of the 1970s of
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This Labour Government is growing more interventionist by the day through more centralisation, regulation, bureaucracy and power.
extreme union power that lead to strikes and an inefficient New Zealand economy. These Fair Pay Agreements will lead back to a New Zealand of yesteryear that was eventually unable to function in a modern world. The criteria for Fair Pay Agreements are very easy to meet. The Government has done this on purpose to increase union membership. To reach Fair Pay Agreement requires either 10% of a workforce or 1,000 employ-
WINTER
ees in the workforce or the Government to determine there is a public interest test in that workforce. The 1,000 employee threshold would mean approximately only 5% of the dairy farm workforce or 2% of the horticultural workforce would be enough for the agreement to come into play. This means it would be easy to unionise traditional sectors of the New Zealand economy like the Primary Sec-
tor that haven’t had a unionised labour force in the past. The aim to do such has been made clear by Minister Wood, who told his Cabinet colleagues that “I intend to bring policy proposals back to Cabinet to include [contractors] at a later stage.” This Labour Government is growing more interventionist by the day. It has not met a problem it doesn’t think can be solved through more centralisation, regulation, bureaucracy, and more power in the hands of the Government. Labour say they want to “drive an enduring, system-wide change,” but history tells us that this enduring change will not be for the better of workers, employers, industry, and the economy. This is compulsory wage controls. It is unionism gone universal. The National Party will repeal these recycled National Awards.
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FARMING NEWS
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
7
Dairy farmers feeling the pressure DairyNZ says a decision not to approve 500 skilled dairy workers to come into the country will put farmers under intense pressure, as they head into the new dairy season.
❚ by Kent Caddick A recent joint DairyNZ-Federated Farmers labour survey found that 49% of respondents say they are currently short staffed. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said having the government application declined is disappointing and essentially lets farmers down, right as the sector heads into its peak period. “We have real concerns for this season, including animal welfare, farmers working longer hours, increased stress and mental wellbeing issues,” Mackle said. “DairyNZ continues to work hard to resolve long-term workforce issues. However, we have an immediate workforce crisis this season, due to Covid border closures. This decision is a blow to the sector.” Mackle said there were also staff on farms who need residency applications processed. “So in the interim, we urge the Government to urgently fast-track applications for those migrant workers on dairy farms who want to become New Zealanders, and already qualify to meet residency criteria. “Our migrant staff are extremely valued by the sector. We are concerned that the delays are forcing them to look to other countries who can offer a more certain future.” The labour survey also showed that 58% of respondents also say they are experiencing increased stress levels. “Our staff are our biggest asset, so we need to look after them,” Mackle said. “As a sector, we are striving to offer competitive packages and value the importance of a great workplace culture. “We also need to continue attracting and
Under pressure: DairyNZ says a decision not to allow 500 overseas dairy workers to come into the country will put farmers under intense pressure.
employing more capable New Zealanders who want to work in dairy. We have a great story to tell, including lifestyle and opportunities.” However, the New Zealand horticulture industry has welcomed the Government’s move to increase the flow of workers from the Pacific, in support of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. “Pacific workers are an integral part of the horticulture industry’s seasonal workforce, particularly for harvest and winter pruning,” HortNZ Chief Executive, Mike Chapman, said. “They make up the shortfall in New Zealanders while at the same time, enabling the horticulture industry to grow and em-
ploy more New Zealanders in permanent positions. “Indeed, over the past decade, the New Zealand horticulture industry has grown by 64% to $6.49billion while in 2019, before Covid struck, more than $40million was returned to Pacific economies through the RSE scheme. “The RSE scheme is very much a win-win – for the Pacific and for the New Zealand horticulture industry. That is why the horticulture industry has advocated so vigorously for the scheme to continue and for some sort of Pacific bubble to be formed, given New Zealand’s Pacific partner nations are Covid-free, and we now have a vaccine being rolled out.’ “We appreciate the Government acknowl-
edging the need for Pacific workers due to the lack of available New Zealand workers. But we believe the costs to growers and employers for this new cohort are too high, given our own calculations of the actual cost of quarantine, accommodation, and meals, etc. That is why we pushed hard for the Government to reduce the cost and, while we did achieve some concessions, there was limited room for movement and no agreement was reached.” “Given the high cost to growers and employers, they will need to make their own business decisions on whether to participate in this cohort of Pacific workers,” Chapman said.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
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Adoption of children
The current law relating to the adoption of children is included in the 1955 Adoption Act. At that the time there was no DPB available to single parents and contraception was primitive.
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Utmost secrecy surrounded young women who found themselves with an unplanned pregnancy and many moved towns to places where they were not known in the hope that their family name would not be besmirched by having a member who had “fallen from grace”. Ten days after the baby was born the birth mother would sign a consent to an adoption order being made by the District Court in favour of the adoptive parents. After that she was expected to get on with her life and she knew that there would be no contact with the baby ever again. The adoptive parents would then apply to the District Court for an adoption order. There was no family court in those days. There was no contact between the birth mother and the adoptive parents and anyone involved with the adoption process had to ensure that no identifying information was given to any of the people involved. Very slowly some of the secrecy of the process was reduced and some birth mothers were given the opportunity to have a say in the choice of adoptive parents. With advances in social thinking, the introduction of the DPB and the availability of family planning advice, fewer children became available for adoption and the numbers of adoptions dwindled. The Adult Adoption Information Act which enabled adopted children to obtain details of their original birth certificates further reduced the secrecy surrounding adoption and it became possible for adopted children to search
for their birth parents, and many did so. Many couples are still dogged by the inability to have children of their own and some are now turning to surrogacy as an alternative to giving birth themselves. There is a certain absurdity about the process because it is necessary for the biological parents to make application under the Adoption Act to adopt their own child. They have to be approved as adoptive parents and answer a lot of searching questions about their relationship, their family and anything that Oranga
Tamariki is required to ask for the purposes of their application. If they are approved as adopting parents they then have to apply to the Court for an adoption order. This is a ridiculous waste of money and resources and it is to be hoped that in the very near future the legislation relating to traditional adoption and children born to a surrogate will be revised to suit our modern society. This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a Partner at Ronald W Angland & Son, Solicitors, 2 Chapman Street, Leeston
RURAL PROFESSIONALS
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
9
Who is responsible for your boundary trees? Planting trees on your Canterbury farm can provide shelter for livestock, fodder in the drier months, prevent soil erosion, and act as an easily visible indicator of the boundary lines.
It is no surprise that shelter belts are a common sight across the Canterbury plains. Planting a shelter belt along a boundary fence may benefit your neighbour’s lot in the same manner. Despite the communal benefit it may have, the legal position is that the owner of the land where the trees are planted, is responsible for those trees. If you have a shelterbelt running along a boundary fence, you have a responsibility to maintain the trees to ensure they are not causing damage to the neighbouring property. At a minimum you should ensure the trees are maintained to prevent branches falling onto the neighbour’s property or in more extreme cases to prevent the trees from uprooting all together. If your trees are encroaching on to a neighbour’s property, they have a right to cut back your trees up to the boundary line. Your neighbour is entitled to place the cuttings
back on to your property as the trees, and anything growing on the trees, are your legal property, so long as doing so does not cause damage to any of your property. Your neighbour can also cut back any roots which are encroaching onto their property, however they will need to be careful to not cause any serious damage to the tree, or cause the tree to die, or they may be liable for the value of your tree. Where your neighbour decides to cut back the encroaching shelter belt, they do so at their own cost. However, if your trees are causing or are likely to cause damage to the neighbour’s property (such as a dead tree with shallow roots threatening to fall on your neighbour’s equipment) your neighbour can apply for a court order under section 333 of the Property Law Act 2007 forcing you to trim or remove your trees at your cost, within 20 working days of the order. Using section 337 of the Property Law Act 2007, your neighbour can also claim for costs relating to repairing any damage caused to their property. Whether the court
grants these costs will depend on the merits and circumstances of each application. It is important to remember that damage can also occur below the soil. The roots of your trees may be encroaching on to a part of your neighbour’s property which contains irrigation piping, or private roads which can be costly to repair. To help minimise the risk of your shelter
belt being the subject of a dispute we recommend talking to your neighbours first. You may be able to reach a private agreement about how to deal with any encroaching trees without incurring legal costs. If you would like to know more about your specific situation with your boundary trees we recommend you engage a Solicitor to advise you.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
RURAL PROFESSIONALS
Jump in bond yields
The most significant market move over the last quarter was the jump in longer-term interest rates.
Bond prices move in the opposite direction to interest rates (or bond yields) – when yields rise, bond prices fall (and vice versa). For years (or really decades) bondholders have benefited from falling interest rates, and therefore rising bond prices. Over the last six months the direction has reversed, with higher long-term bond yields resulting in some of the biggest bond price declines for many years. Shorter-term rates didn’t rise as much, but most bond portfolios would have lost value over the past six months. For investors who plan to own bonds to maturity, these “losses” on bonds aren’t permanent – holders will still receive the same interest on their investment and be repaid in full when the bond matures (unless, of course, the borrower defaults, generally not a common event).
Higher interest rates reflect the improved outlook A powerful combination of huge stimulus measures from central banks and governments (literally injecting trillions of dollars into the global economy) coupled with COVID-19 vaccine rollouts has boosted economic activity around the world.
Not all that money has yet been spent. Savings have been boosted in many countries. Today’s higher-than-normal savings could support economic activity in the future. The rise in bond yields reflects confidence in an ongoing recovery, but also the risk of higher inflation medium-term. Higher inflation lowers the value of money over time – investors, therefore, demand higher interest rates to compensate. Inflation remains a key uncertainty for markets. We do expect inflation measures will jump in coming months as (1) prices recover from the falls seen during last year’s lockdowns, and (2) supply constraints and shortages of skilled workers (often due to current migration restrictions) around the world push up costs for businesses, which are being passed onto consumers. The chief unknown, however, is whether this inflation will be temporary or sustained. Central banks’ current view is it will be transitory, but there is a risk it becomes more entrenched.
Equities continue to perform well Despite the jump in longer-term interest rates, it has still paid to remain invested in equities. Global equity markets have continued to push higher with companies generally delivering better-than-expected results bene-
fiting from a combination of improving economic activity and significant cost savings.
A softer New Zealand market the exception New Zealand equities underperformed major markets over the quarter. The NZX50 market index is dominated by a relatively small number of companies – the largest eight companies account for around half the index. What that means is any price changes (up or down) in these larger stocks has a significant impact on the overall index. During the quar ter we saw falls in some of New Zealand’s largest listed companies, for company or sector-specific reasons, plus a general pullback in defensive, divi-
dend stocks – which dominate the market.
Cautiously optimistic We remain confident in a strong global economy over (at least) the next 12 months or so. That said, there are still risks for markets. Asset prices are not cheap by any historical reference, and levels of speculation and exuberance in markets are high. Risks of higher-than-expected inflation and therefore upward pressure on interest rates is higher than it has been for a fair while. These factors mean we do expect future returns are likely to be lower than what we’ve seen over the past decade or so. This report covers the three months ended 30 April 2021.
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 Investment 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 does not take any of your personal circumstances into account. For personalised financial advice, contact Forsyth Barr for an overview of the services we can provide.
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Andrew Wyllie ❚ with ❚ Forsyth Barr
FARMING NEWS
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
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Glyphosate when health concerns turn economic Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world, including here in Aotearoa.
Teanau Tuiono ❚ by Agriculture ❚ for the Greenspokesperson Party ❚
It’s a compound found in around 90 weed killing products, most famously in Roundup. It’s used all over the country on commercial crops, in private gardens and by councils in their efforts to control weeds in public parks and around our streets. Serious health and environmental concerns have been raised about glyphosate, which have led to several countries banning or restricting its use. The EPA’s position here is that glyphosate is safe, as long as the rules about its use are followed. But is that enough? On top of the other concerns, our glyphosate use is starting to have an economic impact, with Japan turning back consignments from NZ due to glyphosate residues found in honey. Japan’s Government has told us that if 5 percent of our honey exceeds their glypho-
sate limit, it will stop our honey exports entering Japan. Global honey exports were worth $490 million to New Zealand last year – Japan made up $68 million of that figure. Our lack of regulation and adequate restrictions means we are falling behind international practice. Especially given some markets we export to, including Japan and the European Union, have stronger standards to regulate glyphosate than we do. There are understandable reasons for using glyphosate in certain settings, but its widespread current use is highly questionable. Any tool with potentially harmful impacts should be controlled and regulated. It helps to give clarity to those that may need to use these tools about the parameters within which they can do so. Honey bees fly where they will and don’t care about property boundaries. They can forage over areas at least 3km from their hives. With no clear information about how much glyphosate is being used where and when here in New Zealand, the current risk of bees coming into contact with glyphosatetreated crops, gardens or public spaces and taking traces back to the hive is high. There’s also research that suggests that
glyphosate may be affecting bee health and behaviour. It’s time to review and rethink our approach to this product. This would involve a formal reassessment of the active ingredient glyphosate, and the retail formulations sold in shops, using inde-
pendently published and openly available scientific data. Plus stopping use of this compound in public places, around waterways and near hives – for the good of our producers, our health and our environment.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
Rabbits return in force
Sadly the cycle has completed another full circle and the rabbits are in plague proportions again.
❚ with Rob Cope-Williams
The first time, as I remember, the numbers were controlled on the flat by “characters” who, I assume, were paid by the control board to keep the numbers in check. What happened in the high country eludes me, but I understand that run holders were paying lots to have them controlled. I have heard some frightening stories about methods used to kill them off, many of which were far from painless. Then came the next explosion and the much shared stories about the imported chemicals that were released through a certain amount of skullduggery, but it worked very well, for a time. I still tell the story of a DOC worker standing on the edge of a pile of carrots about to be dropped to teach the bunnies to eat them before they added poison, he, the DOC worker, was reputed to say that the virus hadn’t been tested on humans as he chewed on a carrot. The local runholder, who has sprayed the mixture onto the pile under the cover of darkness, admitted that they were doing trials at that very time. Well, a good story anyway. However, sadly the numbers have exploded again and we don’t have a rabbit board as such, we don’t have another chemical in our
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We don’t have another chemical in our food mixers, and the bunnies are having the time of their lives breeding as they do, having 50 young a year.
food mixers, and the bunnies are having the time of their lives, breeding as they do from the age of five months, and having 50 young a year. Calling all “greenies” can you please make huge amounts of noise about the populations being starved to death because the land cannot sustain such populations, and they are, and in fact have, eaten themselves out of house and home. The obvious thing I suppose it to turn the feral creatures into pet food, one of the huge success stories from Aussie is the chap who was making pet food out of kangaroos, he
approached the State Governments and got a contact to control Roo numbers which he then turned into pet food. He was literally paid to have a lucrative source of raw material. I understand he has done very well. I suppose it is the logistics of killing the hundreds of thousand bunnies and then processing them into pet food. Firstly they are much more labour intensive e than a kanga-
❚ with John Arts
New enhanced formula
How does Curcumin help osteoarthritis? Without doubt the most important supplement ingredient for osteoarthritis is chondroitin sulphate. The reasons are simple. Chondroitin is a very important constituent of cartilage matrix. This matrix is secreted by specialised cells called chondrocytes. These amazing cells live in tiny cavities (lacunae) in cartilage. Their role is to maintain cartilage as it is damaged by wear and tear, injury and chemical processes that damage it. That being said, the health of cartilage is totally dependent on maintaining healthy chondrocytes. Unlike many other cell types, chondrocytes cannot be replaced. There are a number of antioxidants and trace minerals that directly affect the health of chondrocytes. The most important is Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin is perhaps the most studied natural health ingredient. As a potent antioxidant it helps protect chondrocytes from damage from free radicals. Secondly, Curcumin is anti-inflammatory which can help calm the joint by preventing unwanted fluid build-up. A two capsule daily dose of my joint formula contains 800mg of both Chon-
droitin and Glucosamine and 200mg of Curcumin C3© Complex plus 5mg of BioPerine©. In most cases I will start clients on a double dose of two capsules twice daily for around 6 weeks. This provides double the above dosages. When combined with good quality fish oil these results in rapid results. Last week I completed a review for a client I have been helping with very sore thumbs from osteoarthritis in his big thumb joint by the wrist. He reported a significant improvement over the past three months. Please contact me if you have joint problems and I will put together a personalised joint health programme. In the vast majority of cases we can get real improvements in flexibility and comfort. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz
roo, and we would end up with a huge mountain of pet food for cats and dogs to chew their way through. Haha, so there just may be an export opening there for someone who can work out how to harvest the crop and how to process it in a manner that allows a decent margin. If anyone can do that it will be a kiwi, and I wish them well, because we certainly need all the help we can.
Abundant Health
FARMING NEWS
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
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Red meat exports exceed $1B New Zealand exported red meat and co-products worth just over $1 billion during March 2021, according to the latest analysis from the Meat Industry Association.
❚ by Kent Caddick MIA Chief Executive Sirma Karapeeva said it was only the second time that monthly red meat exports had topped the billion dollar mark. “The first time our monthly exports hit the billion dollar mark was in March 2020 at the start of the global pandemic,” Karapeeva said. “The March 2021 month’s $1.04b export earnings confirm the strong global demand for safe, quality red meat. It also suggests that some of the initial Covid-19-related disruptions are starting to resolve as countries get on top of the virus.” China was the major destination for New Zealand red meat in March, taking 45 per cent of total exports worth $464 million. This was 35% higher than the same period last year. New Zealand sheepmeat exports to China also increased to a record monthly volume of 36,434 tonnes. Overall, China imported 294,410 tonnes of red meat from all countries in March 2021, with sheepmeat imports increasing by 106%, while beef imports were steady. New Zealand’s share of sheepmeat and beef imports was around 19%. “Despite supply chain issues, China is largely back to normal with strong consumption and demand and this is great news for our sector,” Karapeeva said. “Chinese consumers are seeking attributes such as high food safety standards, wellness and nutrition from the food they buy. New Zealand’s excellent reputation means we are in a strong position to respond to this demand.”
Significant achievement: For only the second time monthly red meat exports from New Zealand have topped the billion dollar mark with $1.04b export earnings confirmed for march 2021.
She said the strong demand from China had been driven by the ongoing impact of Asian Swine Fever on Chinese pig herds which saw domestic pork supply reduce by at least 20 million tonnes in 2020. Exports to China over the last 12 months remained the same at $3.6 billion while exports to the United States, the second largest market, increased by eight per cent to $1.8 billion. Exports to the next two largest markets, the UK and Japan, decreased to $406 million and $374 million respectively. Karapeeva said while exports to most oth-
er markets were down year-on-year, this was largely due to current Chinese demand and a return to more typical export destinations. In March 2020, the Covid-19 disruptions saw exports, which would normally have been destined for China, diverted to other international markets. “Red meat exports for the first quarter of 2021 were worth $2.7 billion. Although there are some significant logistical and other ongoing global challenges, the red meat sector continues to deliver for New Zealand farmers and the economy.”
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Despite supply chain issues, China is largely back to normal with strong consumption and demand and this is great news for our sector. Sirma Karapeeva MIA Chief Executive
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE Join us at Telford for certificate and diploma level studies in Agriculture, Wool Technology, Equine and more. Live on-campus or as a day student and become part of the Telford experience.
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FARMING NEWS
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
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A helicopter to the farmers’ rescue Aly and Sam Wilding’s baby was overdue, but they had accepted this as being pretty normal. supplied by Canterbury ❚ Article ❚ West Coast Air Rescue Trust The couple run an Angus stud farm, Te Mania, between Cheviot and Kaikoura, and when it got to day 11 beyond the due date, Aly was booked into Kaikoura Hospital to be induced. However, Aly’s contractions began the night before she was due to be induced, and by 6am the next morning they decided to head to the hospital. Unfortunately despite medical intervention Aly’s labour wasn’t progressing as hoped, so the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched. Sam recalls that all he could think about was praying the pilot would fly as fast as possible. Meanwhile in Christchurch, rescue pilot Rob Van Lieshout and Paramedic crewman Rob Henderson started their mission. On average, the rescue crew are in the air within six minutes of getting an emergency call. The crew’s first stop was the new helipad on top of Christchurch Public Hospital, where they picked up the attending midwife. As Rob reflected, “Being able to pick the midwife up off the hospital roof is a game changer. In the past the midwife had to drive out to the base near the airport or was picked up in Hagley Park; with cases like this, that saving of 20-30 mins can make all the difference”. Back in Kaikoura, around lunchtime, Sam heard the arrival of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and breathed a sigh of relief at his partner’s bedside. Being from a rural area and with relative, Chris Wilding, being a former Westpac Rescue Helicopter Pilot, Sam knew Aly and their
All’s well: Amy Wilding with her and partner Sam’s baby boy Archer after delivery, which required a callout to the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue service.
baby now had the best possible chance. If necessary (and this has been the case on several occasions) the baby can delivered in the Rescue Helicopter. However, given the complications, the crew knew they needed to get Aly to the hospital, and fast. They landed on the helipad, and Rob and the midwife took Aly on the stretcher straight to the birthing unit where the specialists were waiting. Baby Archer was born at 5.02pm on January 16, 2021, at a very healthy 9lb 12oz. Archer did need some help with his lungs and so spent five days in hospital, including one in NICU, with Sam and Aly watching over him in awe and so utterly grateful for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. They feel so blessed, describing Archer as their lockdown miracle. This was not Sam’s first experience with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. When he was four years old, he had a very serious accident out on the farm. Having been run over by a tractor, his life was in the balance. Sam’s injuries included a punctured lung, broken ribs and his eyes popped out. A long recovery in hospital followed and this event forms some of his earliest memories. Not surprisingly Sam and his family have been supporting the Rescue Helicopter for many years, and have donated the proceeds
of several Angus bulls sold at auction over the years to support the Rescue Helicopter. The next auction is on June 23. It usually attracts about 400 to 500 farmers from all over New Zealand. The bull Sam and Te Mania are donating will be looking to fetch anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 for the rescue helicopter service, with 100% of the proceeds from this year’s donation bull will be gifted to the service. Last year the helicopter crews flew 869 missions, an eight per cent increase in mission numbers compared to 2019. The Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue service relies on donations to get through, particularly during the busy winter months. To find out more and to donate go to: www.airrescue.co.nz.
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Being able to pick the midwife up off the hospital roof is a game changer. Savings of 20-30 mins can make all the difference. Rob Van Lieshout Rescue pilot
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
Planning for fencing off waterways Fencing waterways protects freshwater from nutrients, effluent and sediment by excluding stock and creating a buffer between water and the land.
❚ Article supplied by DairyNZ
Fencing will help to maintain and improve water quality and create a habitat for birds and freshwater species.
Planning your fencing Waterway fencing needs to be far enough back to allow for movement and or flooding of the waterway. Start by mapping your waterways and create a fencing plan to determine where fence lines and crossing points should be. Consider the overall layout of your farm; along with protecting waterways, new fencing can improve grazing management and stock control.
Determining where your fence should go The area between the fence and waterway will slow runoff to ensure as much bacteria, phosphorus and sediment as possible is filtered out before entering the waterway. Choose your fence setback depending on how you are going to manage the area. There
are four main ways to manage your riparian areas as outlined below. All have the benefit of stock exclusion and reducing phosphorous and sediment from entering waterways. Additional benefits and limitations for each option are listed below to help you decide on the fence setback that will best suit your needs. Grass filter strip between fence and waterway • Additional benefits: Low cost, Small loss of grazing land. • Limitations: Weed control required, No shading of stream, Minimal habitat for bird and aquatic life, Minimal bank stabilisation without deeper rooted vegetation. Low planting between fence and waterway • Additional benefits: Stream bank stability, small loss of grazing land, can make use of sprays, targeted to broadleaf species, helps control weed growth, shade and cover for fish and insect life. • Limitations: Weed control required, Minimal habitat for birdlife.
Plan ahead: Waterway fencing needs to be far enough back to allow for movement and or flooding of the waterway.
Full planting between fence and waterway • Additional benefits: Reduced drain maintenance, Attractive asset for your farm, Provides shade and keeps water cool, Increased habitat for birds. • Limitations: Higher cost, Larger loss of grazing land, Needs weed control for at least two to three years, May require animal pest control. Extend fenced area to include seeps, wetlands, swamps and springs • Additional benefits: Reduces stock losses, Provide habitat for bird life. • Limitations: May result in loss of grazing land, Needs stringent weed control, Higher cost if planting required.
Fencing in flood prone areas Use fewer upright posts and less wire – this way less debris will catch on the fence. Do not use netting as it will trap debris. Put wires on the downstream back side of posts so the staples pop and the wire drops rather than pulling out the posts and strain-
ers. Use un-barbed staples so wires can pop off more easily. Erect fences parallel with the way the stream floods so the fence does not collect debris, and have fences further back where active erosion is occurring Construct separate ‘blow-out’ sections across flood channels.
Maintaining access to drains Build an electric fence that can be dropped or removed to allow access. For example use pinlock insulators so that the wires can easily be lowered for machinery to cross. Position the fence so that a long reach digger can reach over the top. For wide waterways, place a fence far enough back to allow a digger to work between the fence and the bank. This approach still allows for a wide grassy margin and you can plant low growing plants on the waterway margin if you wish. Do not cut off gateways that give diggers access to neighbouring paddocks.
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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
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Developing the fencing industry through good leadership supplied by ❚ Article Fencing ❚ Contractors NZ
In a trade where you can be on your own on a job in the middle of nowhere for days on end, connections are vital for your wellbeing, and that of your business.
Fencing Contractors NZ (FCNZ) offers a multitude of options for connecting with fellow fencing contractors, whether it be learning a new skill at a Fencing Best Practice Day, having a chat over a drink at the Annual Conference, or joining the FCNZ Facebook group to discuss the latest technology innovations in the fencing world. Mike Renner, member of FCNZ since 2010 and a member of the Executive Board, appreciates the community aspect of FCNZ events. “I love the social side of FCNZ events, catching up with like-minded people, having a yarn, running ideas past people, getting opinions, not to mention making new friends who you can ring for advice when needed,” Renner says. The team at FCNZ recommend Fencing
Best Practice Days as a great opportunity to share different styles of fencing, and to learn from each other. A recent Fencing Best Practice Day held in Palmerston in April tested different footing techniques using an electronic gauge to establish what method held the best in the local soil, providing food for thought for those fencing contractors in attendance. “Learning from each other allows Contractors to put new techniques into practice, which increases their business and the quality in the fencing industry,” Renner says. The Annual Conference, as FCNZ’s showcase event, offers members the chance to learn, share, experience and relax, while also offering an opportunity for members to meet the Executive Board. After the cancellation of the 2020 Conference due to COVID, members are looking forward to the 2021 Conference, to be held
in the Bay of Islands in August. The 2021 Conference will focus on leadership in the fencing industry, investigating how fencing contractors can become better leaders, reaping the reward of an engaged and motivated team and being able to confidently step away from the fence line to focus on building a stronger business. FCNZ’s 2021 Conference offers personal and professional development, with the programme including interactive workshops on understanding and adapting different leadership styles, and how to optimise profit. “The Conference gives members the opportunity to hear first-hand what the Board are working on in terms of the goals and objectives of FCNZ and the future of the fencing trade” says Heather Kawan, FCNZ’s Operations Manager. “This, alongside a Fencing Best Practice and Trade day and plenty of time allocated
for socialising, offers a great opportunity to take a few days off the fence line, relax and unwind in a beautiful part of the country.” But FCNZ isn’t only about events. By representing the fencing industry as a collective, FCNZ keeps members up to date on the issues that affect members’ business. Members can rely on ongoing support and business advice, including the latest data on fencing products, technical information, trends and developments, with access provided to best practice guidelines, templates and codes of practice. FCNZ encourages all members to attend the 2021 Conference, and encourages all new members to join in. The 2021 Conference is available to members at a subsidised price, thanks to the generous support of Conference sponsors Farmlands, Bayonet, Stockade, Strainrite, Beattie Insulators, EdgeSmith and Wiremark. For more information, see www. fencingcontractors.co.nz
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
Choosing the right type of fencing When deciding on what type of fencing you need for your farm or lifestyle block, there are a variety of materials and methods which can be combined to provide a suitable fence for any situation.
There are several types of stock fences commonly used in New Zealand:
7-9 Wire post and batten Used commonly for boundary fencing and as a general all-purpose fence, as it is strong, durable, and secure. Posts are usually four metres apart, and five battens are spaced evenly between the posts. Although one of the most expensive and labour intensive fences, it will contain sheep, cattle and horses adequately in most cases.
Multi-wire electric Depending on the type of stock being contained, different number of wires can be used, which are then electrified. Posts are spaced further apart, sometimes up to eight or ten metres between posts. A wide range of both wooden and steel posts can be used. Electric fences create a mental barrier to stock. The shock that they get from the fence acts as a deterrent in future escape efforts. This is opposed to the post and batten fence which simply provides a physical barrier. Because electric fences require fewer materials, they are usually cheaper, easier and faster to erect, however security and longevity can be sacrificed.
Sheep netting Sheep netting is wire netting, about a metre high, with wooden posts. It is ideal for sheep, and other small or young stock such as calves. It is also adequate for large stock when one or more outriggers are added to either the top or side of the netting. Deer fencing operates on exactly the same principles as sheep netting, except on a larger scale.
Secure: Post and rail fences are not only extremely secure for larger animals like horses they are also aesthetically pleasing.
Post and rail Used commonly with horses as it is highly visible. Spooked horses have been severely injured after running through wire fences, particularly fences using high tensile wire. Most horses are kept within wire fences however, so it comes down to a personal choice. Post and rail fencing is also used around houses and driveways as it is aesthetically pleasing. Posts are usually two metres apart, with between three and four wooden rails. It can be difficult to get it looking straight and level without a high level of expertise. Post and rail fences are very secure with larger animals, especially when accompanied with an electric wire to prevent stock rubbing. It has a high cost per metre when compared to other fences.
Temporary and semi-permanent fences Semi-permanent There are a wide range of materials available, such as electric tape and poly-wires, varying in different sizes and thicknesses. As well there is a range of semi-permanent type steel posts, such as Warratahs and Kiwitahs. Often used on lease blocks, or as a quick fix option. This type of fence is very cheap and easy to build. The disadvantages are the deterioration of the fence over a few years, and these fences require more regular maintenance. Temporary Electric plastic tape usually wound up on
a hand held reel. It is used mainly for cattle and horses to sub-divide an existing paddock, usually on a day by day basis. They are put up, and taken down, at the pace at which you can walk. They are the least secure of any type of fence and require a good electric current and stock which are trained with electric fences. If unsure of the best type of fence for your situation, speak to other people and find out what works for them and what doesn’t, have a look at other properties and think about your budget. Over the long term, it can be more profitable to invest in good quality fences from the start.
Have you got your winter grazing management plan sorted?
E21/8434
❚ by William Milnes
Being prepared for winter grazing can help reduce run-off into waterways and also improve your soil productivity. Here’s four tips to graze better: • Prepare a winter management plan, which can be part of your wider Farm Environment Plan • Fence and plant next to wet areas and waterways • Graze strategically from the top of the paddock downwards • Plan to avoid damaging wet soils in your winter feed paddock Our team is happy to give advice on your winter management plan and to explain any rules and regulations that apply to winter grazing. Get in touch with a Land Management Advisor by calling 0800 324 636 or visit www.ecan.govt.nz/wintergrazing for information and resources.
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
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Styx Solutions setting the bar for innovation and delivery Over many years we have witnessed fencing contractors and farmers carry out labourintensive, back-breaking work stapling wooden battens/droppers onto multi-wire fences.
supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Styx Solutions Ltd
At Styx Solutions we thought there must be a better way, a product that would be easy to attach and ultimately would be stronger and less damaging for the environment than traditional treated wooden battens. Starting from an early concept manufactured from metal, the Easy Batten was conceived and with feedback from the farming and lifestyle farming community, the Easy Batten quickly moved into a plastic solution. These battens interweave down through the wires, attached without the need for staples and with minimal labour costs. We wanted a product that ticked all the boxes, the ability to be used on electric fences was critical, hence the move away from metal into a plastic product. The Easy Batten provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional wooden products, complemented with a range of easy to attach outriggers for additional stock control.
We pride ourselves on exceptional quality. From the initial concept to the final product, our attention to detail is second to none.
Fence Droppers Styx easy battens and outriggers provide the farming community with durable fencing solutions for the 21st century. The easy batten system is ideal for new fences and a quick and easy way to replace old and damaged battens. The battens are a cost-effective alternative to traditional wooden fencing products. They remove the need for labour intensive, back-breaking work. With a simple push and click your battens are installed within the space of a few seconds. The battens have a five-year limited warranty against breakage.
Electric Fence Outriggers The Styx outriggers are designed to attach to the Easy Batten without staples or additional fasteners. The outriggers can be attached to either side of the batten. They can also be
screwed or stapled to wooden posts or fence rails. Many of our customers have used them to interweave down through wire netting, Styx Easy Batten with 300mm outrigger and Equine Naturae 40mm enabling the use of the Brown Green Brown Tape. Styx outriggers in wire netting situations. al product for use as permanent or temA unique design of the outrigger stops porary electric fencing. For many years 40mm tape spiralling in the wind. The farmers and lifestyle block owners have 300mm and 400mm outriggers have addi- used poly wire for strip grazing. tional wire locations along the length for adStyx Solutions prides itself on supplying ditional security. quality New Zealand made products, ensurUnlike traditional metal pigtail outriggers ing that our range of polywire and tapes, there is no plastic sheaving that will wear and electric bungy cord, can withstand the through and conduct electricity. forever changing weather conditions in New They are flexible and can spring back Zealand. when hit by an animal, unlike metal that We have a solution for every type of livebends out of shape. stock, with tapes and braids specifically deAvailable in three sizes: 175mm, 300mm signed for larger animals and those with a and 400mm. The outriggers have a five year longer fleece. limited warranty. Explore our website and see for yourself - we love our Electric Fence Polywire & Tape work and we’re sure you will, too. For more, go to: Polywire and tape have proven to be an ide- www.styxsolutions.com
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
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From Canterbury to Samoa, Southern Screenworks does it all Southern Screenworks Ltd is a mobile screening and crushing business but there is more to the company than meets the eye.
supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Southern Screenworks
Our portable mobile screens and crushers can be seen working in riverbeds, subdivisions and quarries in and around Canterbury and within the South Island. Rapid growth in Canterbury and beyond, has also allowed Screenworks to expand the business to the North Island, Chatham Islands and Samoa. As well as exercising our own resource consents for river and land gravel extraction, we hold a global discharge to air consent. We can also operate at clients’ sites within the specific consents that they hold. Our goal and commitment is to develop and maintain long term associations with customers through integrity, professionalism and value and pursuing and delivering innovation and excellence. We are proud to have a multi-disciplinary team who have extensive experience in offshore planning to work in remote and extreme conditions as well as experience in regional council maintenance contracts.
Our team is supported by specialist mobile plant operators, workshop staff and our administration team.
Aylesbury Quarry In addition to our mobile screening and crushing activities, we have our own quarry and workshop located on Bealey Road, Aylesbury. Our Aylesbury Quarry produces selected aggregate products, we provide a range of basecourses, boulders, track sand, crusher dust and screened soil. A purpose-built workshop houses our skilled workshop mechanics and engineers. Management team and administration staff are also based here.
Mobile screening and crushing Our plant comprises of various sized screens, cones, jaws, barmacs, washing and dewatering plants. Furthermore, we run our own transporters and tipulators to best meet our customers need. Give us a call and see what we can do for you.
Southern Screenworks mobile crushing and screening plant.
Quarry management and site rehabilitation works Our skilled staff are available to provide you with the tools to carry out safe quarry management and the works required to ensure the site is operating at a level that reflects legislation requirements. We can also provide the physical site works using our extensive range of heavy machinery which is operated by our highly skilled and qualified staff.
In 2018 Southern Screenworks received the Mimico Environmental and Community Award at the annual NZ Quarry conference. We achieved this award for our outstanding efforts in the Chatham Islands and along the way built some great relationships.
To find out more visit our website at: www.southernscreenworks.co.nz
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
The power to move mountains When the first European settlers came to Canterbury the best means at their disposal for moving earth was the application of blood, sweat and effort – the simple mechanics of men and shovels.
❚ by Kent Caddick Ably assisted by bullocks and Clydesdale horses, these hardy pioneers set to taming the land – and while some of their undertakings defy belief when considered in the light of their existing technology, it would be steam and finally diesel which truly forged the infrastructure of the region. The first machines to replace manpower and beasts were the traction engines which found a popular market in the Canterbury colony. Initially used for agricultural purposes as well as heavy duty work, these iron behemoths were employed in numbers never before seen to undertake a massive earthmoving and engineering achievement – the construction of the Coleridge dam, New Zealand’s first hydro-electric scheme on a large scale. In this era the diesel engine had already been invented, but there was little supply of either internal combustion machines or their fuel to the Canterbury region. On the other hand, the veterans of an entire steam-powered gold rush and their machines were at hand – massive steam shovels and of course the traction engines themselves. Something more was needed, though, before earthmoving on a truly epic scale could
Steam power: Steam gave way to diesel power for earthmoving and other farming activities.
occur, building up the city of Christchurch as well as the rural infrastructure of the plains. A step forward was taken during the horrors of the Somme, when, a century ago, the fruits of the soon-to-be-legendary Winston Churchill’s gloriously titled ‘Imperial Land Ship Project’ were unleashed on the German lines at the battle of Flers-Courcelette. Hard-bitten Kiwi troops were chosen to back up the first ever tanks, and many would have noted the Caterpillar tracks which made short work of tough terrain. A combination of those linked tracks and diesel combustion proved just the ticket in
the years between the world wars – as the big yellow Caterpillar brand came to these shores in force. Combining the diesel engines which had advanced by leaps and bounds as maritime power plants during the war with the tracked layout pioneered in America in the 1920s gave us the Caterpillar bulldozer and its many variants. New Zealand took to the ‘Cat’ in such a fashion that for three heady years from 1937 to 1939 Kiwi Caterpillar distributor Gough, Gough and Hamer topped world sales figures.
From ‘small’ steam-driven projects like the Coleridge dam we moved on to bigger and better things – such as the mighty Benmore dam, commissioned in the 1950s and to this day the largest earth-filled water retaining structure in the country. Today we’re entering a new age of earthmoving machinery, as hybrid and electric machines slowly catch up and overtake the mighty diesel. Just as steam replaced the old colonial ‘navvies’, and was in its turn replaced by diesel power, it may well be electricity which carries the industry into a cleaner, greener and more powerful future.
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
23
What lies beneath? Heavy earthmoving machinery, and of course just a simple trench digger, can have an impact which can spread unwanted ripples far outside their operative zone.
❚ Article supplied by WorkSafe NZ
Simply digging up old posts on a fence line recently cut the telephone services to a wide rural area, when the telecommunications cable was severed. So it behoves contractors, machinery operators and indeed landowners to make sure they know what’s in the ground they are working on. There are rules and regulations aplenty and a wise landowner will acquaint him or herself to the presence of cables, drains, water pipes, and the like. Before commencing any excavation work, including tunnelling or boring, it is the duty of the ‘person in charge’ to make the necessary enquiries by contacting the various authorities, who could have an interest – usually best identified by the phone company and then the local or regional council, to find out the exact location of any underground pipes or cables laid within the proposed work area. A record should be made of the enquiries and replies. The greatest source of damage to underground cables and pipes is the use of earthmoving plant such as excavators, backhoes, gradalls, bulldozers, and similar equipment.
When it is known that any underground facility exists, pipes, drains, or cables, then it is again the person in charge who needs to make exactly sure of what’s underneath by trial excavations, particularly in the case of signals and communications cables. Then it’s probably a case of flagging these so that they are obvious to all involved on the site, explaining the location and marking positions on the surface. The serious consequences of broken pipe and cables is underlined by the industry standard warning that it’s essential that there be a detailed investigation in every case, of earthmoving, trenching and excavation work, even though the project might be of a minor nature. The cost of repairing damage is frequently extremely high and in addition the loss of the facility can affect a very wide area, and in the case of cut communications, can in fact be life threatening. At the very least it leads to expensive delays and a serious loss of goodwill. And when hazards such as electrical cables, or gas or fuel pipelines have been identified as existing - all staff working on the site must be told.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
Hiring to get the best job done With a workplace that is as varied as the geography – and that means, in New Zealand, extremely varied – it’s always a case of the right machine for the right job when earthmoving.
❚ by William Milnes Consequently, a contractor needs various types of earthmoving equipment from time to time. And if you are simply a landowner wanting earthmoving done, it pays to have a little background information. Machinery can open a huge capital investment window, but the smart operator today has hiring in mind, because there are obviously different types of machinery for different tasks – moving materials including rock, concrete, asphalt, clay, loam – this list goes on. Projects need to be efficiently carried out in specific contract times and that of course involves earthmovers and other related heavy equipment. Experienced industry operators well know if you are a contractor then you’ll need to hire different types of earthmoving equipment from time to time. Forget great capital investment, which also includes protection and maintenance and insurance. That’s the role of the hirer. It does not make sense to buy the gear when your requirements might change from time to time. Besides, the company that owns the equipment will take care of their maintenance and upkeep. In addition, the company will have professional operators to handle the equipment, if you don’t simply dry hire and have you own operators.
Big country: Earthmoving equipment in action stripping topsoil for the Central Plains Water Ltd’s irrigation canal in Canterbury.
So what do you need to look for in the hire marketplace? Deal with a company that has the equipment that you require and can offer you tandem tippers, semi tippers, excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, graders, wheel loaders, dump trucks etc. It is no secret that requirements can change as a project develops, so going in well prepared can avoid the necessity of changes in plans leading to changes in contractors. A firm with a wide range of machinery is better than a lone operator who may mean days of delay with the required machinery tied up in jobs elsewhere. Preparation is a guardian of time and should ensure that you will always get the
Cresslands Contracting Ltd We provide an extensive range of agricultural and earthwork services in the North Canterbury area.
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equipment you require in order to complete different stages of your project. Is the equipment in good condition? If you hire well-maintained equipment then you can be sure that your work gets completed on time. You won’t have to worry about lost opportunities caused due to downtime. Will the company help with the disposal of debris? Your construction and demolition activities will result in a great deal of debris which you are required to dispose of in a safe manner. Be sure to check if the company that hires out equipment for earthmoving will do this for you. This will save you a great deal of effor t.
Does the company pay sufficient attention to safety? Always deal with a company that follows industry safety standards. The equipment you hire should come with completed maintenance log books. They should also have wellmaintained brakes, headlights and horns. And finally, cost effectiveness is a nobrainer so ensure the company you choose is affordable, with nothing hidden in the small print. You’ll obviously want to keep your costs down in order to maintain profitability. However, you should not compromise on quality just to get a good discount. Good hiring should result in good work being done on time and within budget.
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
25
Partners Finance & Lease – your local lender
Partners Finance & Lease is a New Zealand-owned commercial lender, providing asset finance to businesses across the farming sector.
❚ Advertorial supplied by PF&L
Founded in 2014 by Francis Fitzgerald, Graham Rober tson, Jim Boult and independent director, Br yan Inch, the company has continued to grow from its Canterbur y origins with the opening of an Auckland office in recent years to provide fur ther client suppor t. CEO Francis Fitzgerald said “Canterbury is the heart of Partners Finance and we continue to support clients through our growing partner network. “Good business relationships and firstclass customer experience underpins our service. Whether you are a direct client or use a local broker, we pride ourselves on our team’s expertise and industry knowl-
edge which really set us apart from other lenders.” PF&L director and farmer, Graham Robertson added “As New Zealand progresses to be a leader in global farming, we’re seeing some cutting-edge machinery being used on our farms to improve efficiency and sustainability. “As a result, we’re noticing an upturn in demand for machinery and equipment, which is an extremely positive sign for the industry.” Independent director and board chairman, Bryan Inch said more businesses are now opting to finance their machinery through non-commercial lenders. “Whether it’s a fleet of farm utes, har-
vester or baler, businesses are becoming savvier with the financing of their equipment<’ Mr Inch said. “By spreading the load between both their bank and non-bank lenders they create more flexibility and accessibility when it comes to purchasing new plant and equipment.” Partners Finance & Lease is a nation-
wide lender based in Christchurch and Auckland, providing commercial asset finance for a range of transport, plant, and equipment. For more information call the team on 0800 727 101, email info@partnersfinance.co.nz or talk to your local broker about us today.
It’s a real partnership
We have dealt with Partners Finance & Lease since 2003 as an alternative to our core bank finance. We find them more flexible, approachable and capable, and have always been supportive throughout the inevitable highs and lows. Phil Harris - Waimea Contract Carriers
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
More initiatives to boost food and fibre workforce The Government is backing more initiatives to boost New Zealand’s food and fibre sector workforce.
❚ by Kent Caddick Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the Government and the food and fibres sector have been working hard to fill critical workforce needs. “We’ve committed to getting 10,000 more Kiwis into the sector over the next four years,” O’Connor said. “These initiatives follow work we’ve already done over the past eight months through the Opportunity Grows Here campaign and training initiatives that’s resulted in 3,694 more people working in the food and fibre sector” New workforce initiatives being backed by the Government include: Up to $240,000 to fund an on-the-job
mentoring programme aimed at building experience for Kiwis new to agricultural contracting. Funding for two horticulture career development managers in Pukekohe and Canterbury to direct seasonal effort and resource where required. Establishing a Food and Fibre Youth Network and Council with NZ Young Farmers to provide input into workforce and other issues. Running Innovation Activator workshops with Rural Women NZ to fast track their entrepreneurial ideas. O’Connor said the agricultural contracting programme is a good example of how we’re partnering with industry. “It will be delivered by agricultural work specialists, HanzonJobs and targets job seekers affected by Covid-19, Ministry of
Social Development clients, and 18-24 year olds who aren’t in education, employment or training. “The Food and Fibre Youth Network and Council will provide a formal pan-sector youth voice to raise matters such as workforce issues and provide input into critical decisions
to guide the future of the sector.” He said there’s no shortage of talented people in our rural communities. “The Activator sessions provide the opportunity for rural women to have intensive, mentor-led sessions with experts to help bring their entrepreneurial ideas to life. “By harnessing these ideas and helping to get them off the ground, we will be building capability within the sector, and future employment opportunities. “These investments in people move us along our Fit for a Better World Roadmap, which aims to accelerate our primary sector’s economic potential.”
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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
27
New programme to boost farmers’ financial and risk management skills New investment by the Ministry for Primary Industries will help enhance farmers’ financial risk management skills and prevent business failure.
❚ by Kent Caddick MPI is funding the development of an innovative new programme, which will be piloted in six locations starting in late June. The Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) has been allocated $331,000 to research, design, and deliver the financial risk management training course. “The primary sector is the backbone of our economy and it’s vital we ensure farmers and growers are equipped to withstand challenges facing the sector,” says MPI’s director of Rural Communities and Farming Support Nick Story. “This course will give them the skills, tools, and confidence to help make their agribusinesses more financially resilient. Farmers and growers can’t control the weather, commodity prices, or shifts in consumers’ shopping habits, but they can plan and prepare for change.” Up to 130 people are expected to take part in the training course. AWDT general manager Lisa Sims says it will be piloted with sheep, beef, dairy, arable, and horticulture businesses in the Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. “The aim of the course is to empower farmers and growers to understand the different types of risks facing their business, and give them the skills to develop plans to manage the financial and personal implications of those risks,” she says. Funding for the programme is part of a $1.15 million commitment in the 2020-21 fi-
nancial year to reduce the risk of primary producers getting into financial strife. MPI has earmarked $500,000 a year for three years to help enhance financial literacy and risk management skills, and a further $100,000 has also been allocated to the Farm Business Advice Support Fund to provide farmers with independent advice to help tackle farm debt. “This fund is managed by the Rural Sup-
por t Trust national council and has already been accessed by more than 40 businesses. “It’s believed the support has prevented farmers from defaulting on loans and requiring the services of the Farm Debt Mediation Scheme,” Story says. The Farm Debt Mediation Scheme was launched in July 2020 and has an annual budget of $550,000 to help farmers and
growers work through debt issues with their lenders. “There have been 42 requests for mediation services through the scheme. Importantly, it has encouraged lenders to engage in conversations with at-risk clients earlier, avoiding the need for mediation,” Story says. Farmers and growers can request mediation at any time and hardship funding is available through MPI.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
Seat belts on school buses petition presented
Wheels are turning in the drive to get seat belts on school buses. A petition on the topic that gained more than 6,500 signatures in four weeks was presented to National MP Jacqui Dean on the steps of Parliament recently by its organiser, Philippa Cameron, and Federated Farmers of NZ Vice-President Karen Williams. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Federated Farmers The pair were backed by representatives of Rural Women NZ and St John NZ. Both organisations agree with the message that it is unsafe and illogical that parents dropping their children off by car at pick-up points for the school bus run unbuckle their youngsters from legislatively-required restraints and seat belts to get onto buses that don’t have the same basic safety equipment. Karen said in many rural areas, school buses travel long distances on winding, gravel roads that are shared by milk tankers and forestr y trucks travelling at open road speeds. But it’s an issue in urban areas too. She and Philippa have heard from bus drivers who are ver y uncomfor table that they get to wear a seat belt but that protection is missing for the children riding behind them. “In social media responses, people have told a lot of stories about when their kids were in a (school bus) crash, or when the bus driver had to put the brakes on really suddenly. Children sitting in that front seat have gone over the rails into the footwell, others have smacked their teeth, Karen said. “Unfortunately, unless there’s a fatality, it doesn’t seem to count.” Philippa, a farmer from Waitaki Valley,
Petition presented: Federated Farmers of NZ Vice-President Karen Williams, left, and petition organiser Philippa Cameron present the seat belts on school buses petition to MP Jacqui Dean.
said in her district she talked to a bus driver who won’t put 5, 6 and 7-year-olds in the front seats. “That poor bus driver feels responsible for their safety so she puts them further back so they won’t fly through the front.” Philippa and Karen said they don’t expect overnight change but want to see a plan for
staged implementation. That could start with the Ministry of Education requiring, from a given date, that any company tendering for a school route must use buses fitted with seat belts. Jacqui Dean, who chairs Parliament’s Petitions Committee, pledged to put it before MPs so that information can be gathered
and next steps decided. “In my own district of North Otago, we’ve had buses slide off unsealed roads,” Jacqui said. “We’ll get Philippa to Zoom in to our committee. I’m looking forward to hearing more from her and finding a way forward. She’s pragmatic – she’s a farmer!”
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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
Winter 2021
Demand FOR LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES
IN CANTERBURY CONTINUES! Even as the leaves disappear and frost settles over the fields, there is no denying the appeal of lifestyle properties throughout Canterbury. Stars stretch across the sky on crisp, black nights, while by day the snowy Southern Alps line the horizon. The appeal is also evident in the continued strength of our local market, it is early days since the current government introduced measures to stem growth in the booming property market, but typically our lifestyle and rural buyers are seeking to invest in the enjoyment of their life rather than as a speculative investment, as such demand shows very little indications of diminishing.
This is our domain, with eight offices spanning the region, at Harcourts Four Seasons we have nearly 105 sales staff, including more than 20 who specialise in rural and lifestyle properties.
Our co-owner Greg Roberts says the economies of scale inherent in being part of the country’s leading real estate brand have important benefits for clients, as our agents are equipped with the latest data, first-class training, and a massive network for marketing. But just as important for Harcourts Four Seasons’ consistently above-market results has been the customer-centric approach of our team, he says. “Given the improvements to the roading
network into and out of Christchurch, we’re confident in the continued popularity of rural lifestyle properties.” “Our rural/lifestyle agents have all owned, lived or worked on lifestyle properties or farms, and they’re all active in their local communities,” Greg explains. “It’s what we’re all about.” We hold a dominant position in the rural-lifestyle market, with a territory running from Hanmer Springs, through Christchurch, to Lincoln. Greg Roberts Licensed Business Owner
Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd | Licensed Agent REAA 2008
Top Rural & Lifestyle Franchise Harcourts Canterbury
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30
June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
Harcourts
Harcourts
Amberley 321P Georges Road 2 em
Burnham 285 Burnham Road
Embrace an olive lifestyle on 5.7620 hectares of mature olive trees planted in several Mediterranean varieties.A picturesque location with vineyards, olive groves and the Glasnevin Terraces on your doorstep. Is this your opportunity to live your dream? For Sale $779,000 including GST View by private arrangement harcou rts.co.nz/RG9426 Karen Ward M 0212217027
1.5Ha � Large family home Three bay barn Room for the pony and some chickens! Auction 23rd June at 2.00pm, Russley Golf Club, MemorialAve (unless sold prior View Open Home Thursdays and Sundays at 2pm harcou rts.co.nz/RL2494 Richard Tait (Taitie) M 027 777 8080
Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Licensed Agent REM 2008
Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Licensed Agent REM 2008
Harcourts
Harcourts
Fernside 42 Mountvista Road
Leeston Woodbury Estates
4.583Ha �
From579m2
Big sheds+two homes! Imagine all the sheds you could ever need, and a lovely sunny home plus room for extended family in the modern two bed cottage. This property offers so much for someone requiring an engineering or mechanical workshop, car storage facilities-the opportunities are endless!
Looking to build? Take advantage of Leestons first available sections. TC! land. Stage 1due beginning of 2022. Sections range from 579m2- 746 m2. Enquire today!
For Sale View by appointment harcou rts.co.nz/RG9439
For Sale View by appointment harcou rts.co.nz/HR5742
Christine Tallott M 0274 906 042 Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Licensed Agent REM 2008
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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
Harcourts -
Harcourts -
Leithfield 163 Terrace Road
West Melton 380 Halkett Road
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Lifestyle paradise on the Terrace! Truly a home and lifestyle for a family with a warm and inviting environment. The size and quality is the first thing that you notice when you first enter this wonderfully private and nurturing sanctuary. This type of property is well sought after and won't last long!
A great lifestyle opportunity for those wanting space, privacy and additional accommodation. The home was built in 1975which is hard to believe with the extensive renovations bringing it up to the latest style trends. Sited on 5.0 459ha, compromising of four paddocks, hay barn and 4 bay shed.
For Sale View by appointment
For Sale View harcourts.co.nz/BF35965
harcourts.co.nz/RG9430 Jeff Heappey
Sue Roberts
Gemma Roberts M 027223 6471
M027 440 1282
M027 412 4508
Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Licensed AgentREM2008
Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Licensed Agent REM2008
Harcourts -
Harcourts -
West Melton 2/1014 Weedons Ross Road
West Melton 915 Weedons Ross Road
3.9710Ha :81
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Living the life! Located down a long driveway for your privacy and security is this lovely 4 bedroom family home located on nearly 4 ha. Space for the kids to roam around the large and spacious garden, room for growing veges and garaging to keep everyone happy, this property has it all. Call me now!
What a find! Location is key to this property that allows you to stroll to the West Melton township while enjoy the aspects of country lifestyle living. This property is a true find with its 6-car garaging and insulated workshop, plus 3 bay barn, swimming pool, and water race. Fully fenced for stock.
For Sale View by appointment
For Sale View by appointment
harcourts.co.nz/RL2477 Katie Harrison
M021 1 35088 7
Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Licensed AgentREM2008
harcourts.co.nz/RL24 92 Katie Harrison
M021 1 35088 7
Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Licensed Agent REM2008
32
June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
NZGFA CONFERENCE 2021
Variety of speakers this year Conqueror of Mt Everest, double amputee Mark Inglis will be the Master of Ceremonies for this year’s NZGFA Conference. Inglis, is one of a number of high profile speakers to share their wisdom with conference-goers.
❚ Information supplied by NZGFA Mark Inglis
Between losing his legs at 23 years old due to frostbite and then going on to be the only double amputee to have stood on the roof of the world, the summit of Mount Everest, Mark has carved out careers as a scientist, a world recognised winemaker, business innovator, a paralympic athlete, trekking guide, philanthropist and a leading International Motivator. As the only double amputee who has stood on the summit of Mt Everest, who else can truly define the often-used saying, “Attitude determines your Altitude”. As well as keeping our conference ticking along by using his extensive experience in conferencing and well regarded and appropriate humour a conference will run with energy, inspiration and importantly, seamlessly, Mark is also running his ‘The Mountain Choice’ team-building and decision-making program for us on Monday morning. He uses mountaineering and the role of critical decision-
Inspirational: Mark Inglis will be the Master of Ceremonies for this year’s NZGFA Conference. making as a core theme. It is an interactive simulation involving problem-solving as individuals, as members of a group and even between groups.
Jane Smith Jane farms with her husband Blair and their three children, Charlotte, Henry and George in the hills of Five Forks, North Otago, where she grew up as a 4th generation Ruddenklau. Newhaven is the home of the Newhaven Perendale stud and the Fossil Creek Angus Stud.
Jane has B.Com Ag (FM) from Lincoln University, a post-grad certificate in Sustainable Nutrient Management from Massey University and spent 10 years in the Fertiliser Industry in Nelson/ West Coast/ Southland and then 3 years in Rural Banking in Otago. She is a JP, a founding member of the North Otago Sustainable Land Management group (‘NOSLAM’), Independent Director of the Red Meat Profit Partnership Board, an NZ representative on the Global Farmer Roundtable, judge of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards and recently spent 3 years as Crownappointed Director and Judicial appointee of the Veterinary Council of New Zealand.
Robert Bruce Robert Bruce is a social entrepreneur and outdoor-loving founder of Got To Get Out, a social enterprise designed to get Kiwis active and outdoors, seeing the world and making friends - all to improve people’s mental and physical health. Robert also arranges annual treks to Nepal, following the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary. At times, his treks are in -40 degree snow conditions, and he has personally arranged medical evacuations for hikers with altitude sickness.
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David Downs David Downs is a business leader, public servant, consultant, board director, speaker – and “genetically modified organism”. In January 2017 David was facing a terminal diagnosis and given less than a year to live, but managed to beat cancer in a remarkable series of lucky breaks. After a year of chemotherapy, and staring a terminal diagnosis in the face, David got a literal lifeline, with the chance to get on to a clinical trial in the USA. Now a genetically modified cancer-killing machine, David’s reflecting on the lucky series of events that saw him beat cancer, and on his new approach to life. David was a General Manager at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) for 10 years, working with the Technology sector to help fast growing tech companies grow internationally, and leading a cross-government project for the Agritech sector. David has held various roles at NZTE, in the Services, Customer and Corporate Services teams, and currently consults to NZTE and MBIE on Technology in NZ. In 2021, David was appointed to the Board of BEIA (Business Events Industry Aotearoa). David spent 13 years at Microsoft, in New Zealand and as regional director for South East Asia, and he has set up and run successful businesses of his own. David is a published author on New Zealand Innovation, with two highly successful books – ‘No.8 Rewired’, and ‘No.8 Recharged’.
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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
NZGFA CONFERENCE 2021
33
Groundspreaders getting ready for tomorrow’s challenges Long-established industry organisation, the New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers Association (NZGFA), is proud to resume its annual conference this year.
❚ Article supplied by NZGFA
Having rolled out a two to three day conference year after year for 63 consecutive years, the impact of covid-19 last year meant that for the first time in the association’s history, members and industry associates had to forego the popular annual get together. However, the association is now pleased to progress its conference plans and will be hosting this month’s event at The Hermitage Hotel, against the stunning backdrop of Aoraki Mount Cook. With a theme of ‘Resilience – staying strong for tomorrow’s challenges’, the conference organisers say it is fitting, particularly given what the world has endured over the last 15 months. The NZGFA is delighted to be able to breathe some new life into the mountain community that, without international tourists, has been a ghost town for too long. When organiser, Nick Hyslop, visited last June he said it was all very sad looking and the usually bustling hotel was all shut-up. “It is wonderful to know that a year on, things will look very different in the area when we arrive,” Nick says. Of course, the NZGFA is no stranger to Mt Cook, it has held an annual conference at
the site before but that was in 1978. “That one was a long time ago but the memories and the stories live on as that year the delegation got snowed in,” says Nick. Furthermore, the conference provides a social life line to many NZGFA members in what can often be a solitary profession, especially during the busy season. It’s an opportunity for owners, operators and commercial industry representatives to network, share knowledge and enjoy each other’s company. An important feature of the conference is that members can bring along their families. “Groundspreading is a tight-knit industry and bringing the family along has always been a great gesture from the NZGFA. It means that partners and the children can enjoy a break too. “There’s a dedicated programme for them if they aren’t keen to attend the conference itself and then everyone joins up again for dinner. It makes for a great atmosphere.” On the conference agenda are top class speakers, who will talk to theme and recount their stories of challenge and resilience. Mountaineer, Mark Inglis, will MC the conference as well as describe how he was trapped
Aoraki/Mt Cook will provide a spectacular drop to this year’s New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers Association Conference. in a blizzard for nearly two weeks in 1982, losing both of his legs as a result. Kiwi businessman, David Downs, will talk about his journey beating cancer. Robert Bruce, founder of the Got to Get Out initiative, will talk around encouraging mental and physical wellbeing and North Otago farmer Jane Smith will take a frank look at separating fact from fiction and why ground truth, science and facts are so hard to sell.
In addition, the topic of health and safety will be prominent. There will be informative business sessions and industry updates including around the spreading standard, Spreadmark. The conference will conclude with the NZGFA Awards Gala Dinner to celebrate the people behind the profession. For full information about the conference and about the NZGFA go to www.nzgfa.co.nz.
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34
June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
NZGFA CONFERENCE 2021
Plenty to do at the NZGFA Conference
We know that our industry often has partners and children involved in our operations so we have strived to make this year’s programme accessible to them also should they wish to attend some parts of the main conference (or all).
❚ Supplied by NZGFA
The branch will be sending out a signup sheet to those who have indicated that they are bringing partners’ and/ or children to lock in those decisions shortly but here is a quick glimpse at what is on offer. Skiing one or both days will be available – please get in touch with Kylie Stenton (canterbury@nzgfa.com) for any queries about gear etc. This will only be possible if the snow season plays the game and arrives when we need it to and the weather is suitable. You are welcome to join either the main conference or the alternative programme if the unfortunate happens. The alternative programme on Monday is designed for partners/kids to be able to switch back and forth between the main event and the partner’/kids’ programme as they please during the day.
Tuesday 29th June 2021 Time
What
Where
Additional Info
Sponsor
9.00am
Speaker
Digital Dome Theatre
Robert Bruce
JWE Ltd & Windust Hydraulics
10.00am
Morning Tea
Panorama Room
10.30am
NZGFA AGM
Alpine Room
12.00pm
Lunch
Panorama Room
Yet to be confirmed
1.00pm
Business Session and/or AGM Discussion
Alpine Room
National
2.00pm
Business Session: Ravensdown & Ballance (John & Graeme to facilitate)
Resilience – Where to from here?
National
3.00pm
Afternoon Tea
Panorama Room
Engineering Repairs Ltd
3.30pm
Museum / Theatre Options / FREE TIME
Sir Edmund Hillary Museum / Digital Dome Planetarium
5.30pm
Conference Photo
5.45pm
Cocktail Hour
Panorama Room
Yet to be confirmed
6.45pm
Gala Dinner & Awards Night
Alpine Room
GOLD SPONSOR: Scania AWARDS: Ballance, Graymont, Keith Andrews Trucks, Ravensdown
9.45pm
Conference Fines
Alpine Room
10.00pm 12.00am
Brad Staley Band
Bar
Sunday 27th June 2021 Time
What
Where
Additional Info
Sponsor
1.00pm
Registrations Open
Bar
Welcome packs waiting in rooms.
McMaster Engineering
5.00pm
Drinks and Canapes
Panorama Room
Welcome Address - Mark Inglis (MC)
Canterbury Branch
6.00pm
Casual Buffet Dinner
Alpine Room
Speaker - Sir John Davies
Cable Price
Isuzu Smallbone John Schultz & Mel Dingle
National
Palmer Recs
Monday 28th June 2021 Time
What
Where
Additional Info
Sponsor
8.45am
2020 Award Ceremony
Alpine Room
Mel Dingle
Ballance, Graymont, Trucks and Trailers, Ravensdown
9.00am
Industry Updates (NZGFA)
Alpine Room
John Schultz & Nick Hyslop
National
9.30am
Business Session: SPREADMARK
Alpine Room
Graeme Martin & James McCloy
National
10.00am
Morning tea
Panorama Room
10.30am
Speaker
Alpine Room
Jane Smith (Farmer/Environmentalist)
Parkside Quarries
11.30am
“Mountain Choice” (Team/Decision program)
Alpine Room
Mark Inglis
Canterbury Branch
12.30pm
Lunch
Panorama Room
1.30pm
CLOSED Business Session: HEALTH & SAFETY
Alpine Room
3pm
Afternoon Tea
Panorama Room
3.30pm
Speaker
Digital Dome Theatre
4.30pm
Session closes for day
6pm
Canapes and Drinks
7pm
Buffet Dinner
Bar
Sir Ed Cafe
Partners’ / Kids’ Programme
Alternative
Time
Partners’ / Kids’ Programme
Alternative
9am
Yoga
Sleep-in
8.30am
Tekapo Hot Springs
Dropped off in Tekapo to explore
10.00am
Morning tea with main group
10.30am
Digital Dome Theatre for Stargazing or Space Journey
11.30am
Tour of Sir Edmund Hillary Museum
12.30pm
Lunch with main group
1.15pm
Kea Point Track walk
3pm
Afternoon tea with main group for speedy walkers
3.30pm
Coffee and Cake in the Sir Ed cafe on arrival back
4.30pm
Session closes for day
Jim Laird Driver Training & Spread Test NZ
6pm
Ravensdown
7pm
Bigfoot Engineering National
Euro Agri David Downs (GM NZTE)
Tuesday 29th June 2021
Time
Iveco
John Schultz & Grant Anderson (SBS & group sessions)
Monday 28th June 2021
Tyre General
Options for Hot Pools, Tubing, Ice Skating, Spa Treatments
1pm
Kohan Japanese Restaurant
Ian’s Quirky Farm Tour
2pm
Tekapo’s iconic landmarks
If wet, group will head to Twizel instead
3.15pm
Afternoon tea with main group if back in time
3.30pm
Free time with main group
Ian’s Quirky Farm Tour returns
5.30pm
Conference photo
Canapes and Drinks
Bar
5.45pm
Cocktails
Buffet Dinner
Sir Ed Cafe
6.45pm
Gala Night
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
NZGFA CONFERENCE 2021
35
High calibre award nominees show strength of groundspreading sector Now in its third year, the NZGFA Awards programme has once again attracted high calibre nominations across each of the four categories: Innovation, Health & Safety, Young Achievers and Presidents.
❚ Article supplied by NZGFA
The awards judging committee was delighted to recently work its way through the nominations and has now selected two finalists from each category. Melanie Dingle, NZGFA Executive Officer, says the groundspreading industry is only as good as the people behind it. “And given that all the nominations were very impressive, it’s no wonder this niche industry is going from strength to strength.” For the Innovation Award, sponsored by Keith Andrews, John Whitehead of JWE Ltd and Travis Churchill of Spread Test NZ have reached the finals. Since 1992, John has been manufacturing, repairing and supplying New Zealand with leading edge, GPS technology and equipment for agriculture. Of particular note is JWE’s V3 spreading computer with variable rate capability. John is well recognised as the innovator and builder of quality solutions for the industry. Travis is one of the country’s most respected spreader testers, always looking for ways to improve accuracy for spreader operators – adapting spinners and trialling new equipment. Travis is in constant communication with manufacturers to ensure he gets the best
Finalist: Travis Churchill of Spread Test NZ is one of three finalists in the Innovation Award category.
out of each machine for the greater good of the industry. Up for the Health & Safety Award, sponsored by Graymont, are Nick Hyslop, of Hyslop Groundspreading Ltd and Anne-Marie Davison, of Wealleans Bay of Plenty. Nick is an owner-operator who, for the last 10 years, has been acutely aware of potential hazards. He has made it part of his business to make health, safety and mental wellbeing a priority for everyone involved in groundspreading. Nick wants the industry to be a safer place and initiates regular driver training sessions for NZGFA branch members. Anne-Marie (Rie) has worked as a spreader operator and health and safety representative for Weallens for the last four years. Her strong interest in safety and accident prevention drives her to instil the key messages to all staff. Rie walks the talk
and holds all staff accountable for their actions. Georgia Voice, of Philip Wareing Ltd, and Toby Evans, of Brooks Spreading Ltd, are finalists for the Young Achievers Award, sponsored by Ravensdown. Georgia holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in supply chain management and marketing, as well as Class 5, DG and WTR licenses. Currently employed as a driver, she is highly adept at the safe and efficient operation of fertiliser spreaders including pre-start. Georgie is spreadmark certified, has great rapport with customers, is passionate about agriculture and is ambitious to go as far as she can in the industry. Toby’s main strengths are his organisa-
tion skills, time management capability, and outstanding work ethic. Having taken on the unofficial role as an ambassador for the industry and for Spreadmark, Toby’s commitment to the groundspreading profession is evident. His natural leadership skills means he is a positive influence on customers and fellow employees alike and he takes a great interest in the NZGFA. John Whitehead, JWE Ltd, and Matthew Blomfield, Transport Services Southland Ltd, are both competing for the Presidents Award, sponsored by Ballance Agri-Nutrients. Matthew, the winner of last year’s Young Achiever’s Award, continues to be recognised for his commitment to agriculture, passion for groundspreading and ability to convey the benefits of the profession to school leavers and other young people. Since last year, Matthew has maintained his dedication to achieving excellence in his current employment. He has an eye on the future for groundspreading, in terms of technology, best practice, Spreadmark and health and safety. The winners and runners up will be announced and celebrated on Tuesday 29 June at a Gala Dinner at the NZGFA Conference, Aoraki Mount Cook.
Variable Rate Applica�on
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36
June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
NZGFA CONFERENCE 2021
What lessons can we learn from European glyphosate review? Glyphosate use in Europe has resulted in reassessments, reviews and bans in some countries, causing a backlash by farmers.
Mark Ross ❚ by ❚ Agcarm chief executive The controversial herbicide is touted by NZ Professor of Toxicology Ian Shaw as a victim of its own success. It’s successful because it is the most widely used herbicide in the world, it is versatile, and its use can benefit the environment. Conversely, its use has ignited heated debate around the globe, with many having their own slant on its safety often resulting from conflicting reports and limited understanding of the science behind its use. As the renewal of the EU authorisation of glyphosate looms, European farmers fear that a ban on glyphosate would see their crops taken over by deep-rooted weeds and suffer quality losses, alongside a reduction in farm productivity. Environmentalists are concerned about an increase in carbon emissions and a detriment to soil health and erosion. The prospect of a ban on glyphosate is placing enormous pressure on European farmers. They would face substantial weed pressure - as weeds compete with crops for
light, water and nutrients. An even greater pressure exists with climate change and the need for farming practices to become more sustainable. Taking this vital tool away from farmers would lead to more mechanical weeding, more time spent ploughing, and more money spent on fuel alongside the environmental impacts. Farmers concede that minimal glyphosate use is possible, but an outright ban will be catastrophic because it would entail more tillage to manage weeds – leading to soil degradation. If glyphosate is not available, farmers would need to use three to four other herbicides in its place, leading to more tillage and more resources to manage weeds. The other complication and contradiction to current environmental goals is the contribution that tillage makes to climate change. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and pass carbon to the ground when dead roots and leaves decompose. Tillage releases this carbon from the soil to the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Tillage fractures the soil, disrupting soil structure, accelerating surface runoff and soil erosion. It also reduces crop residue, which helps cushion the force of pounding raindrops. Without crop residue, soil particles become more easily dislodged, being moved or ‘splashed’ away. Soil degradation starts after rainfall, with run off entering nearby streams, gullies and rivers. The sediment in the water turns it brown and is eventually released into the
sea, affecting sea life. Soil degradation from erosion is very expensive for Europeans, costing up to 14 billion euros annually. According to the Secretary General of the European Conservation Agriculture Federation at the University of Cordoba, Dr Emilio González, creating 1 cm of soil takes between 100 to 200 years. So conserving soil, he says, is vital for the conservation of the environment. To rehabilitate soil, a system of conservation agriculture - supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and practised in many regions of the world - is necessary. Conservation agriculture improves productivity and ecosystems and protects water and soil. It’s based on the three principles of minimum soil disturbance (no tillage), permanent soil cover or crop cover, and species diversity ie crop rotations. No till is a prominent aspect of conservation agriculture due to intensive tillage practices destroying soil structure. Instead of ploughing the soil, farmers can modify and adapt to the conditions with new machinery and by using herbicides to control weeds. The system is working in many European countries, with four million hectares of no tillage and permanent crops. It improves soil fertility and optimises outputs and productivity – a win-win for farmers and the environment. Minimum tillage practices increase carbon sequestration in soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through decreased use of fossil fuels in field preparation. Crop rotation and diversification are rec-
ommended for achieving agriculture conservation, together with good soil cover to prevent weeds from emerging. Herbicides should then be applied when needed. Monoculture presents more weed problems and entails higher doses of herbicides, which could lead to resistance. Glyphosate for weed control reduces other inputs and improves soil health and structure. It can tackle tough weeds in one spray after harvesting and, ideally, in combination with cover crops to help manage weeds. Farmers can apply glyphosate with fertiliser, seeds and cover crop in one go - saving time and money. They still need to check for weeds and then apply herbicides for the specific weed issue – at the correct dosage, following label instructions. The emergence of smart agriculture technology, precision agriculture and drones for applying pesticides, will help farmers to identify and manage weeds in the most efficient way. Farmers need the best tools and technological solutions to grow enough crops - using fewer natural resources to produce sufficient high-quality food, respect the environment, safeguard consumers and support themselves. Allowing them to use the right tools at the right time for the right crops will assist them do this. Helping farmers build a stronger and more resilient agricultural economy, requires an open and transparent dialogue and collaboration between scientists, academia, innovators, politicians, regulators, NGOs and all along the food value chain from farmers to consumers.
Call 03 302 8650 info@rrspreading.co.nz 55 Line Road, Methven, 7730, Mid Canterbury.
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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: • •
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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
FORESTRY & LOGGING
37
Value recovery key to harvesting In 1996 Dave and I left an 18 year business in the building industry for a tendered swing-yarder harvesting contract for Carter Holt Harvey Forests NZ in the Canterbury region.
Jill Sharples ❚ by Sharples Logging Ltd ❚
In 2009 Forest Management Ltd offered us a ground-based harvesting contract which has been a blessing to present day. The principles of FML are reflected in our own philosophy to provide a service for maximum value recovery with minimal waste-wood, in a timely manner and leaving the land in a way that protects the ongoing environment for historical and future generations. Harvesting with a mechanized compliment suited for the topography of a woodlot increases value recovery and decreases harvest duration, that Forest Management Ltd provide for the owners and log market clients, so that everyone benefits.
Safetree certified contractors provide a skilled assurance of harvesting practices used on land owners private investments in an industry fraught with high-risk, which is intense but a privilege to be a part of. Success is providing an honest service while creating a favourable product and the marriage between preparation and opportunity. Farming, forestry and sawmill businesses face challenging decisions day-in day-out, no breaks, no weekends that requires being locked-in and disciplined to provide the mental reserves necessary. Plantation trees provide secure revenue for generational land owners when times are pressing, or fed back to the foundation business. A great finance broker and account-
ant are essential as log markets and demand levels change at certain times of the year. Equipment contractors and suppliers that will quickly repair machinery are equally essential. Skilled employees can be transient invested simply in a paycheck, while many can and do deliver, remaining for the longhaul. Failures and adversity in any endeavour is a great teacher while we all grow at our own speed.
To all the beautiful people out on the frontier, strengthening a business is your life. Thoughts are bundles of energy requiring stillness and training amidst the turbulence, to bring a wealth of well-being, inner peace and boundless energy. For more information contact Sharples Logging Ltd on 03 313 2390, or visit their website: www. sharpleslogging.co.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.
Harvesting with right machinery suited to the topography of a woodlot increases value recovery and decreases harvest duration.
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38
June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
Allan Laurie MNZIF ❚ with Laurie Forestry Ltd ❚
FORESTRY & LOGGING
Huge month for the NZ plantation forestry sector
In what can only be described as extraordinary times, May 2021 will be recorded as the month we reached the highest log prices ever paid across the combination of Domestic and export segments in New Zealand. In May 1992, when Spotted Owl populations in the Pacific North West reportedly reached critically low levels, the market panicked, believing forest harvest would be negatively impacted and world wood supplies were under threat. The market indicator A grade reached NZ$145 per cubic metre at the wharf gate and we thought the world had gone mad. In 1992 the price spike lasted a few weeks and it was just that. Four months later, prices had plummeted to $65 per cubic metre and we thought the world was going to end. Challenging times indeed. In 1992, it was eventually realised the Spotted Owl numbers were the direct consequence of how far the average Owl spotter could walk into the forest from the highway in one smoko break. Later studies by more energetic spotters who took both their lunch and smoko supplies with them, found Spotted Owls were not under threat at all. In May, 29 years later, there is a little more substance to the current market prices. What we do know is A grade has reached about $147 per cubic metre landed at Cen-
tral South Island ports. This follows export log prices steadily climbing since May 2020. March was a huge month for the NZ plantation forestry sector. Close to 2 million cubic metres of logs exported to China and close to 1 million cubic metres sold to domestic mills who are, in general terms, getting the logs they require. I did offend one sawmiller in last month’s report when I stated sawmills in New Zealand had all the logs they required when he felt that was not correct. At present I can say that remains so in general terms. As always there are exceptions. In China, the Eastern seaboard inventory fell to 3.87 million cubic metres, a drop of 100,000 on the previous month. Daily port offtake has kept pace well ahead of predictions at 93,000 per day as at early May. Consumption is going to slacken off shortly as the wet and muggy season starts and construction pace drops off as a consequence. Of the near future, there appears nothing that is going to change CFR settlements dramatically. The China Government has sig-
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nalled a slackening of stimulus packages. This would normally mean a reduction in cash available to home owners and the construction sector. The net impact of this would fall back to log demand. However, at the same time we are not seeing lifts in log and lumber volumes coming out of Europe, Uruguay, Russia, Chile and Pacific North West, traditional supply sources. Europe in particular was expected to be tipping in large volumes of Spruce log and lumber. This remains the single biggest threat to NZ maintaining its current dominance in the China softwood market. For European supply, there remain difficulties in the container trade, mainly lack of capacity in supply of both containers and shipping. It is likely we will not see Spruce volumes increasing until June/July. Hence our NZ sawmills and Log exporters are seeing high demand and improved prices. Given the current balance in favour of suppliers, we don’t see the current situation changing in the short to medium term. May settlements in China have been at US$180+ per cubic metre levels, A grade
shorts basis. This is some US$20 above the highest ever recorded and in my view hitting highly dangerous territory. At these levels it will not take much to awaken supply from multiple sources, in particular where long cartage to the wharf makes it otherwise unworkable. New Zealand enjoys a huge advantage in this space. Being such a small country if we get over 200km from the local port we are starting to draw breath backwards on log cartage cost. Those nations that attempt to compete with us get worried when it is over 2,000km to the port! The relative advantage is only relevant to the CFR price netted back to the wharf gate. I believe those dominant NZ players front footing China need to proceed with absolute caution in terms of trying to push prices further up the infinity scale. As always People, 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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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
39
40
June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
CALVING
Keep a watchful eye on your cows when it’s calving time Cows close to calving, or springers, must be inspected frequently and most farms arrange for them to be checked at least every six hours and sometimes more frequently if conditions require it.
❚ Article supplied by DairyNZ
Look for these signs when observing springers: • away from herd and reduced appetite • pelvic ligaments relaxed - vulva looks swollen and flabby • dip between tailhead and pin-bones • tummy less full as calf moves into birth canal/birthing position • mothering other cows’ calves • discomfort – swishing tail, arched back, restless, peeing, kicking and nosing at her side, tail raising • straining/contractions • water bag protruding.
If calving is not proceeding normally, remedial action must be taken and a moving vehicle must not be used to provide traction to assist calving. Check springers for signs of labour regularly, quietly and thoroughly and record what you observe. Walk quietly through the springer mob – when cows are feeding is best. Don’t walk through the mob when cows are hungry and are waiting to be moved to fresh grass or a new break. Look for cows that are showing signs of labour. Check cows at least four times a day. Your manager will set a routine for springer checks. Check all areas of the paddock and, depending how good the fencing is, check the paddocks next door as well. Check drains, hollows, long grass, hedges – anywhere a calf could be sleeping. Note the number of any cow or heifer that has started to show signs of calving, or has calved, and report to your manager so you can keep an eye on her progress.
Delivery
Early signs of labour • Swelling of udder can happen up to a month before calving. • Milk dripping from teats. • Mucus string from vulva (from plug of mucus that seals the vulva). • Restless.
Calving will progress at different rates for different cows. Some may show all the signs whereas others may show very few signs. Generally labour can be broken into two stages; preparation for labour and delivery.
Preparation for labour An arched back shows the cow is restless and in preparation for labour. Other signs include: • kicking and nosing at her side • restless straining • swishing tail in discomfort • tail raising • vulva swollen • flabby water bag protruding The preparation phase can take up to six hours in cows and 72 hours in heifers.
Cows should take 30 minutes to one hour to calf – no more than two hours. Heifers should take two to three hours to calf – no more than four hours. During a standard delivery the following process will occur: • The cow starts straining and pushing – two feet are visible within the water sack. • Once the feet are 10cm clear of the vulva the head has cleared the pelvis. The chest of the calf has not passed through the pelvis at this stage and the umbilical cord is still attached so the cow is still providing oxygen to the calf. • Once the head has cleared the pelvis, the cow may rest for a minute or two. Once the calf’s shoulders have cleared the pelvis, the birth will continue fairly quickly. • The umbilical cord will have likely broken by this point and the calf will start to breathe on its own.
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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
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Give your calves the best head start If you are preparing to rear calves this season, then look no further than Milligans Feeds’ range of high quality milk replacers.
❚ Advertorial by Milligans Feeds
Milligans Feeds have four specialist products that are designed to fit any rearing system: from the ultra-premium ExcelPlus Calf Milk Replacer; Classic CMR, the original go-to replacer for over 25 years; GOcalf Boost, a high performing finisher; and GOcalf Whey for the alternative protein option. Whether it be a traditional Twice A Day feeding system, or alternative Once A Day system you prefer, our products give you the flexibility and performance anywhere, every time! We also have you covered for other animals too, with our ‘Multi Milk Replacer’ or ‘MMR’ product, which provides the convenience of having one milk replacer that can feed all animal types, including lambs, goat kids, foals, cria, piglets, puppies, and kittens. We also have our GOwhey range which are specialised whey-based powders for lambs, goat kids and calves. These can be used as a stand-alone replacer or be fed in a program with other replacers depending on your needs. Our whey products are sourced from a leading European manufacturer where performance and quality are the leading requirements for best animal welfare. Milligans Feeds also has animal supplement products to assist with the early care and welfare of new-born animals, namely ExcelPlus Colostrum and ExcelPlus Electrolytes. These two supplements are key inputs to successful animal rearing and husbandry. Whether you are a lifestyle farmer or large scale farmer, you will know the importance of being prepared for the times when you have an orphan or sick baby at hand. Milligans products are available throughout New Zealand at leading rural supply stockists. To see our range further, go to www. milligansfeeds.co.nz or give us a call on 0800 786 253 to discuss products and what may be right for you.
Milligans Feeds’ range of high quality milk replacers is available throughout New Zealand at leading rural supply stockists.
Give your calves the best head start A proudly 100% New Zealand owned and operated family business based in Oamaru, North Otago, Milligans Feeds is one of New Zealand’s leading suppliers of animal nutrition products. Having over 30 years’ experience in producing high quality, top performing milk replacers, Milligans Feeds have been the choice for generations. With a growing range of milk replacers and animal health supplement products, Milligans has you covered! Check out www.milligansfeeds.co.nz for more information on the range and where to buy.
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CanterburyFarming June Edition 180x260.indd 1
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
CALVING
When it’s time to wean calves Successful weaning based on calf weight and meal intake will help calves develop into healthy heifers.
❚ Article supplied by DairyNZ
Making sure a heifer is fully prepared before weaning reduces the chance she will need preferential treatment post-weaning. Preferentially managing small groups of animals to try and “catch them up” to the group is time-consuming and can be difficult to manage, so it is best avoided by good early management.
Factors to consider before weaning Is the calf: • Consuming the desired amount of feed? Is its rumen sufficiently developed? • Meeting its weight-for-age target, based on its breed and/or the rearing system? • At the minimum age for the rearing system? • Able to compete within a group?
Rumen development A calf’s rumen development is the most important factor to consider when making the weaning decision. The only way this can be assessed is by measuring the amount of concentrate or pasture they are readily eating, which should be at least 1 kg/day of meal or 2 kg/day of pasture.
Calves should be supplied with clean water and feed for rumen development. Calf meal and high quality herbage together provide the energy, protein and volatile fatty acids necessary for rumen development and animal growth. Grain have different fatty acid profiles and higher levels of butyrate which stimulates papillae growth, papillae increase the surface area of the rumen and aids in digestion. Good quality hay can be used as a roughage if a grain-based meal is also being used, and should be offered from birth. Calves given large quantities of milk will have slower rumen development. This is primarily because the milk satisfies their appetite, so they eat less forage and concentrates, which decreases the requirement for digestion in the rumen. Any change to the quantity or type of feed needs to be measured. Just as it takes time to develop the rumen, time is key in transitioning from calf meal to a full pasture diet. Farmer experience indicates that two week gap between each diet change (e.g. weaning off milk with meal concentrate to full pasture diet) will help transition heifers to a full pasture diet. New-born calves have high dietary protein requirements, this requirement declines as they age. A higher crude protein intake should lead to higher growth rates. If using calf meal, look for products that contain 20% crude protein for calves
Wean right: Recently weaned calves are at particular risk as they will be undergoing changes in diet, rumen development, and moving from individual or small group care to larger mob management. on milk and 17% crude protein for weaned calves to meet total dietary requirements. Sometimes animals do not thrive postweaning so weigh them within 7-10 days to make sure they have gained weight from weaning. If they’re not thriving post-weaning they may need continued access to calf meal, regardless of weight or age.
Weaning weight Individual heifers should reach a minimum weight prior to weaning. No specific weaning weight has been defined by research.
The type of rearing system will affect the target weaning weight. Although, common weights used for weaning are 70kg for Jerseys, 80kg for Fr x J Crossbreds, and 90kg for Friesians.
Relocating recently weaned calves Relocation can result in growth checks or be a trigger for animal health issues including pneumonia, scouring and parasites. Recently weaned calves are at particular risk as they will be undergoing changes in diet, rumen development, and moving from individual or small group care to larger mob management. Relocation adds to the risk; the younger the animal, and the more recently they have been weaned, the higher the risk.
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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
DAIRY
43
‘Beamer’ inducted into hall of fame One of the country’s most famous fathers has been recognised for his significant contribution to the dairy industry after siring more than 170,000 daughters for New Zealand farms.
❚ by Kent Caddick The Holstein-Friesian bull, San Ray FM Beamer-ET S2F, or ‘Beamer’ as he is known to farmers, was inducted into an elite animal ‘Hall of Fame’ by farmer-owned co-operative LIC. The honour is shared with Beamer’s breeders, Ray and Sandra Hocking of Carterton, who supplied the bull to LIC as a calf after he was selected as a contender for the co-op’s elite teams of artificial breeding bulls based on his high genetic merit. Ray Hocking said they have been proud to follow Beamer’s success, seeing him be selected for the LIC bull team and then be so popular with farmers, for his high genetic merit, overall conformation traits and ability to breed capacious daughters with good udders. “Beamer has a lot of things that just ‘click’ with New Zealand farmers,” Ray said. “His daughters are not overly tall but they are very wide. Production wise, he’s also got great numbers and a perfect balance of protein to fat. “As breeders we are very proud of his achievements. We know he has delivered a lot of value to a lot of farmers around New Zealand.” LIC livestock selection manager, Simon Worth, said Beamer is the 58th bull to be inducted into the co-op’s Hall of Fame, an honour which is strictly reserved for animals that have delivered a significant contribution to the dairy industry, dating back to 1954. “Beamer well and truly meets that criteria,” Worth said. “Not only has he fathered more than 170,000 daughters for New Zealand’s dairy herd but he has also sired more than 92 sons and 54 grandsons who are now following in his footsteps and achieving tremendous success.” He is also one of only four bulls in New Zealand’s 70-year history of AB to surpass more than one million straws of semen for artificial insemination.
Recognised: Beamer has been inducted into an elite animal ‘Hall of Fame’ by farmer-owned co-operative LIC.
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44
June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
DAIRY
Budget misses mark for dairy farmers and rural communities The Government’s Budget has missed the opportunity to give farmers the on-the-ground backing they need to continue innovating and enhancing sustainability according to DairyNZ.
❚ Article supplied by DairyNZ
“This is a business-as-usual Budget with nothing new or transformational for farmers or rural communities,” said Jenny Cameron, DairyNZ GM for Responsible Dairy. “Although funding has continued for existing programmes, which is a positive, there is very little new funding to help farmers accelerate the pace or scale of the great work they are doing behind the farm gate to improve environmental outcomes. “Farmers have faced increasing regulations over the last four years – particularly when it comes to water quality, emission reductions and biodiversity. We are making great progress, but there is a lot to do,” Cameron said. “It’s positive to see some budget going to national training to deliver more skilled farm advisers, and an accelerator fund will invest in targeted initiatives to significantly broaden the uptake of integrated farm planning. This is the sort of practical on-the-ground action that is needed. “It’s good to see some money going into research and development for greenhouse gases but given the scale of the challenge farmers are facing, we hoped to see a greater increase in R&D funding that will help them meet obligations. “The fact this didn’t eventuate only highlights the urgent need for a clear strategy for
science funding and we urge the Government to act on this.” She asid DairyNZ is also disappointed there wasn’t more investment in initiatives to help build resilience in rural communities, particularly when it comes to digital connectivity, biosecurity and rural mental health. “Covid-19 has shown how susceptible New Zealand’s economy is to global shocks. We need more investment in on-the-ground initiatives to protect our primary sector, yet the investment in biosecurity has fallen short,” Cameron said. “We hoped to see a substantial Government boost to fund preparedness, capability and cutting-edge technologies. “A $10m investment over four years for increased rural digital connectivity is a drop in the bucket and falls short of what is needed. Connectivity is vital for business resilience, and we have yet to see a real plan to address this. “Climate Change Commission recommendations said connectivity was essential to help farmers reduce carbon emissions.” She said last year DairyNZ’s View from the Cow Shed report identified 50% of farmers did not have the broadband they needed on farm. Fifty-two percent didn’t have good enough mobile reception. “Rural communities desperately need
more investment to connect them, and their businesses, to the world. “If we want to attract and keep people in
our sectors, then we need to support our rural communities with infrastructure, health, education and sports facilities.”
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DAIRY
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
45
Procrastination, the thief of time ‘Procrastination is the thief of time’ is not an original saying, having been used in a long-running television ad some years ago, however, it seems appropriate given many farmers’ attitude to required changes in practice soon to be mandated.
❚ with Peter Burton Environmental policy developed by central government is coming and will, in some instances, bite deeply. Fonterra are planning for decreased milk intake with the thinking that cow numbers will reduce, and more land retired for tree planting to balance carbon losses from the milking platform. There are many good news stories of farmers reducing animal numbers, with often a lift in production, and planting natural wetlands, drains and waterways. As positive as that is, the fact that it is under permanent grazed pasture that carbon is most rapidly sequestered is not yet widely accepted. Many farmers are confused and simply waiting for legislation to be enacted and enforced by council. There are many excuses made for their inaction with the latest I’ve heard being that it’s not possible for all farmers to be prosecuted and incarcerated. Inherent in this thinking is that current farm policy primarily determined by animal numbers with frequent applications of synthetic N being applied to fill the feed gaps remains the best. Where animals remain underfed, palm kernel extract is often the next addition as it is the lowest cost feed option based on cost per kilogram of dry matter. Animal health costs rise as pasture production dwindles with the inevitable increase in pest and disease pressure and the requirement for greater areas to be resown each year. Profitability steadily declines with farmers becoming increasingly disillusioned with their industry and leaders. Yet there are farmers bucking the trend and taking control of their own destiny. They have made or are in in the process of making fundamental changes to their farming practices. Removing animal numbers as the priority is step one. Stock units, calculated using animal numbers, liveweight, and production used to be the measure of stocking rate. Restoring that highlights the fact that farm production per hectare has been on a steady decline in many instances, for the last 30 years. By eliminating the reliance on synthetic N applications as well as creating the condi-
Grass roots: Where earthworms thrive other beneficial macrobes and microbes also proliferate with a steady improvement in physical soil structures.
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Clovers contain up to four times the calcium of grasses and is the base of milk production.
tions that favour clover growth, a steady lift in animal performance takes place. Soil on properties with a long history of permanent pasture contain kilograms of clover seed per hectare that when encouraged to grow is almost unstoppable. Clover fixes the nitrogen necessary for 18 tonne of dry matter per hectare with the additional features of higher energy and more rapid digestibility. Farmers fattening lambs appreciate that clover dense pastures provide the most rapid weight gains, and dairy farmers can measure the increase in both fat and protein production each day. As well as eliminating synthetic N a lift in plant available calcium is required and this is provided by the addition of ag.lime, the cheapest major nutrient available.
Where magnesium is necessary Golden Bay dolomite also provides calcium and a lift in soil pH. Clovers contain up to four times the calcium of grasses and calcium is the base of milk production and bone formation. The research by Stockdill and others showed that earthworms were more numerous and industrious following lime applications. Where earthworms thrive other beneficial macrobes and microbes also proliferate with a steady improvement in physical soil structures. Plants root more deeply accessing both nutrient and moisture from further down with strong root often found as far down as 500mm. Changing the intervals between grazing to allow for total recovery of pastures after grazing provides another step forward. There are companies and individuals available to support farmers through this process, however because many years of experience are required to be proficient, they are increasingly in demand. Capable people with the resources available will have a proven track record backed by years of verifiable measures and it is essential farmers ask for their credentials. For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
DAIRY
A game changer for dairy farmers A new aggregate capping for cow lanes, farm roads and silage pads is set to become a “game changer” for dairy farms according to the Canterbury company behind the product.
❚ by Kent Caddick Woodstock Quarries Limited (WQL) is an independent, New Zealand owned company, which specialises in supplying high grade rocks to the construction, landscape and dairy industries. WQL owner Darryn Shepherd says quality and consistency is at the forefront of their operation. “As a smaller independent quarry we achieve this by operating with abundant plant, low manpower, and high computerization. This allows us to maintain the highest level of quality control. “We started out supplying our NorWest dairy lane capping to the dairy industry, and impermeable clay for pond sealing on farms. “We have seen a yearly rise in farmers using our 100-300 RipRap for pond edge stabilisation as engineers are preferring, with 12,000 tonnes into ponds locally in the past year. “We have a full crushing, screening and washing plant so we can custom produce any aggregate product required by the market.” Darr yn says one of the company’s new products, BlackCap, is set to revolutionize the dair y lane capping industr y, as well as a multitude of uses in the secondar y roading, tracks, and mountain bike areas that will surpass currently available products. “It will be a game changer for cow lanes, tanker and farm roads as well as silage pads,” Darryn says.
BlackCap, a new aggregate capping for farm roads, cow lanes and silage pads is proving to be a game-changer for many farmers.
“It’s also perfect for rural roads, road stabilization, walking tracks for Government and private areas, and mountain bike tracks. “Cement stabilization at 5% will produce a capping/road paving at a minor cost compared to other options for a more permanent option.” One of those who is already reaping the benefits of BlackCap is dairy farmer Wayne Hunter of Terracedale Farms near Oxford, who is already using it on his dairy lanes. Wayne says BlackCap is an exceptionally good product. “It handles the rain really well and sheds
the water meaning it doesn’t become slippery to drive on. It lays smooth and stays that way it doesn’t get any soft patches on it. “It doesn’t get tacky in the wet and stays really consistent. It’s almost like bitumen in that respect.” Wayne says. “In the summer it doesn’t have much dust come off it and it doesn’t break up even in windy Nor’West conditions. “We are also looking it using it for our silage pad as it holds together so much better than the stones we are currently using, and it’s a lot cheaper than concrete that’s for sure.”
Wayne was so impressed he and Darryn hosted a group of farmers from Takaka in Golden Bay to take a look at his Black Cap lanes and they we so impressed Darryn is now supplying them with the aggregate topping. Distance is no barrier for Woodstock Quarries as they are already supplying farmers on the West Coast and South Canterbury.
For more on BlackCap visit the Woodstock Quarries website, www.wql.co.nz, or contact Darryn on 021 373 582 or email him at: darryn@wql.co.nz.
CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
DAIRY
Support: DairyNZ says while it supports moves to improve winter grazing rules it says they need to be fair, reasonable and achievable.
DairyNZ backs proposed winter grazing solutions DairyNZ is supporting recommendations to the Government from an advisory group looking to improve winter grazing rules for farmers and achieve better environmental outcomes.
❚ by Kent Caddick The Southland Advisory Group was formed after concern from farmers and sector organisations that a number of new winter grazing rules were impractical, challenging to meet and costly for councils to implement. The rules are part of the Government’s National Environmental Standard for Freshwater. “While we support the intent of the Government’s regulations, which is to protect the environment, the rules need to be fair, reasonable and achievable,” DairyNZ strategy and investment leader Dr David Burger said. “We are pleased to have worked with farmers and sector organisations to develop clear and practical recommendations for onfarm wintering actions which will lead to better outcomes for the environment and local communities.” The advisory group is made up of two farmer representatives and representatives from DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Environment Southland, Federated Farmers and Fish and Game. It was formed after farmers expressed their concerns about the regulations, wanting fair and pragmatic solutions. “This collaborative approach is the way forward for developing regional council plans as the National Environmental Standard for Freshwater takes effect over the next few years,” Burger said. “We know farmers have made significant strides in improving their wintering planning and care for the environment and animals,
and acknowledge there’s more to do – we are on the journey.” The group is unanimous in its recommendations, which have been presented to the Minister for the Environment David Parker and the Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor. DairyNZ and the other advisory group members have recommended to the Government these changes be made: The group agrees that farm plans are the future for managing freshwater and whilst these are developed and rolled out, the group recommends work commence immediately on a step that can be used in the interim – an Intensive Winter Grazing module. This would enable farmers to identify the specific risks on their property and identify the good management practices they implement to mitigate the impacts on freshwater. The pugging and resowing date conditions should be removed. The group have also recommended a new measure which focuses on the management of critical source areas. Pugging and resowing rules would lead to perverse outcomes, but managing critical source areas would lead to improved environmental health. The recommendation suggests these areas are protected within intensively grazed areas via buffers. Burger said until the Government has considered the recommendations and implemented any changes, farmers will still need to plan to meet freshwater requirements. “This includes applying for any necessary consents including to replant paddocks used for intensive winter grazing.”
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
DAIRY
Effluent application:
The way it spreads matters There are a lot of things to consider when choosing effluent equipment for your farm, and when it comes to your spreading application – the way it sprays matters. It affects council compliance rules, operational efficiencies, and the amount of nutrients able to be utilised. Your choice of applicator will depend on the method of application – slurry tanker, umbilical drag hose system, travelling irrigator, travelling rain gun, or stationary irrigators & rain guns. All have their place depending on the farm’s operations, so here are some important considerations:
The Nevada RainWave Drag Hose System drains ponds fast providing an easy, controlled and low cost effluent application.
Rain guns & irrigators (travelling & stationary)
Lloyd Thomas ❚ by effluent management ❚ Nevada specialist ❚ Cutting straight to the chase, the ultimate goal is: • An accurate, defined spread width for control over where the effluent is landing • To keep the spray lower to the ground to minimise wind drift • Produce larger droplets for a less atomised spray, for reduced volitisation and to allow nutrients to get to the root of the structure and not sit on foliage
The main benefits of these spreading applicators are ease of use and speed. The thing to consider here is that in order to achieve a wider, faster spread, rain guns and irrigators often need to spray the effluent higher into the air. This makes the effluent more susceptible to wind drift, meaning you’ll have less control over the application, and more of the nutrients will be absorbed into the atmosphere (volitisation), meaning less is making it into the soil to feed pasture and crops. If effluent irrigators or rain guns are the best option for your farm, a good strategy is to spread overnight, or at times where the sun is lower to maximise the amount of nutrients making it to the ground. Also be sure to spread a good distance from waterways, roads or neighbouring properties to
be sure wind doesn’t carry the effluent into unwanted territory and cause council compliance issues.
Dropper Booms and Disc Injectors These applicators provide extreme accuracy and next to no wind drift or volitisation issues, which is great. However, there are a few compromises. The application is slower and it takes a little more skill to use the equipment. In terms of how they spread, the thing to be aware of is that applying high concentrations of effluent in defined lines can cause
hot spots if not properly monitored – which is not great for council compliance.
Nevada RainWave For use with either a slurry tanker or umbilical drag hose system, the Nevada RainWave™ applicator produces larger droplets which are spread in a ‘rain-like’ pattern. This provides a wide, low, controlled application with minimal wind drift and volitisation. The larger droplets also mean the effluent isn’t sitting on foliage, and is making it down to the root structure where the nutrients can be absorbed.
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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2021
DAIRY
❚ with Fred Hoekstra
49
Good planning is essential for your cows’ winter wellbeing
We are now entering the drying off period. Another season is nearly over and, if you are anything like me, you will be looking forward to a little bit of downtime – some of you may even go away on holiday. Your cows may be going away for the winter or, if you have them on the run-off, you will only need to feed them and leave them to it until tomorrow when you must feed them again. You don’t have to get up so early in the morning for milking and apart from the air temperatures life is good. We all need breaks and time away to refresh. It is the same for a cow. They need a dry period. They need a time of rest. They need to be able to lay down in a dry comfortable place, out of the rain and the wind. I have said in previous articles, that cows are lacking resting time under normal circumstances during the milking season. Even on the best farms, cows are being deprived of resting time because there simply isn’t enough time in a day for a cow. I know it sounds silly, but our dairy cows are over-worked during the milking season so the rest time during the dry period is even more important. However, when I drive through the countryside during winter, I see many cows on winter crops – the management of which is critical for the cows’ wellbeing considering the cows that have died because of mismanagement with fodder beet.
But, apart from the potential nutrition problems there is also a problem due to the lack of proper resting facilities. You may think that this just doesn’t make sense because the cows don’t do anything other than eating and resting but look at cow
behaviour in the paddock. We all know that a well-fed cow’s normal behaviour during the day is grazing, drinking, laying down and resting. Cows don’t normally spend a lot of time standing. If they do there is a problem. The
cow may be sick, or it is raining, or it is too hot, and the cow is under heat stress. Now, when we look at cows on winter crops, we see them spending a lot of time standing. This is not necessarily because they are sick or because it is raining. It is because there is nowhere for them to lay down and be comfortable especially when it gets muddy. Even in those muddy conditions, cows will lay down but only if they just can’t stand any longer. Why is this important? Because tired cows don’t perform. Tired cows are under severe stress. Tired, stressed cows are much more susceptible to lameness. Sometimes the difference in numbers of lame cows from one season to the next is due to the wintering conditions. I know that costs need to be kept to a minimum to run a profitable farming operation but if you want to calculate the true cost of the different farming systems you need to include the lameness cost during the upcoming milking season as well as the empty rate and mastitis cost. Much more research needs to be done in this area to get a better understanding of the true cost. It is quite likely that the cheapest system may be the costliest.
Smartrace proves to be a great option Giving ewes a slow-release dose of important trace elements makes sense to Jeremy Pitts. So, he switched to dosing ewes with a Smartrace capsule of selenium, cobalt and iodine. “I’ll definitely do it again this season.” “We’ve had the best ewe survival rate over winter and lambing for several years.” The extensive nature of Jeremy and Hayley Pitt’s 5500-hectare high country property, Mt Gladstone Station, means limited trips through the yards for ewes. “I really like that we can give the ewes what they need with two capsule doses – prior to tupping and then at shearing in late pregnancy,” said Jeremy. The property runs mediummicron Merino ewes, hoggets and wethers. Smartrace really fits the animal health plan for the ewes, and has potential for wether flocks who require long term supplementation. The capsule is two pills of trace elements, held together with a biodegradable paper. The paper dissolves and the pills rub together. As they scratch together the elements are released. “I like the fact that there is no plastic going into the sheep.” The Awatere property in Marlborough has a proven issue with low selenium soils. Cattle showed up with selenium
SMARTRACE ADULT SHEEP Smartrace Adult Sheep is available in the following formulation (based on 48g bolus on sheep weighing over 40kg): • Selenium (Sodium Selenate) 66mg • Iodine (Calcium Iodate) 762mg • Cobalt (Cobalt Carbonate) 146mg Available from vetpak.co.nz
Jeremy Pitts on his high country property. Photo: Hayley Pitts
“We’ve had the best ewe survival rate over winter and lambing for several years.” deficiency 15 years ago and resolving it made a huge difference to fertility. Ewes have always had selenium, iodine and cobalt supplementation, but Jeremy was
keen to try a product that gave a longer-acting dose. “Selenised drenches are more short-term and we don’t drench often enough.” “I decided against the injection as it’s another needle for ewes, when they are already getting two or three vaccinations.” Jeremy read about Smartrace in the Vet Marlborough newsletter and grabbed a sample pack of capsules from the vets when in town. The capsules were given to ewes in
the race using an adapted capsule gun, and Jeremy estimates only 12 or so capsules were immediately coughed up out of 3200 ewes. Any ewes seen doing this in the race were given another. Smartrace has released a new applicator that will make the dose process even faster. Research by Agrimin (the manufacturer) shows the capsules deliver all three ingredients for up to at least four months, but potentially beyond. Jeremy noticed that a ram killed for dog
tucker still had the capsule inside after four months. “It was still breaking down.” “It was really interesting to see.” Like many treatments, proving the benefits of a supplement is hard to do, Jeremy said. “But I feel that they are going better.” “The lambing percentage in the ewes was the same but the ewe survival rate was much improved.” “We only lost three ewes from ram joining in June to September.” “Our wool clip was also up but that could also be the season too.” Iodine regulates ewe body temperature and helps foetal development. Jeremy said iodine is really important pre-lamb so this is probably the key time to give a capsule, if farmers just wanted to give one. His ewes typically graze high country oversown-top dressed pastures, which are of moderate quality for much of the year. Giving long-acting selenium means the Pitts have to make sure they give only unselenised drench to the ewes. “It takes a bit of planning to make sure staff know not to drench ewes with selenised drench, but we write it all on a whiteboard in the shed.” Jeremy’s advice to other farmers is to give Smartrace a go, as it’s a great option.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
WATER & IRRIGATION
A checklist for your irrigation system’s winter maintenance As we head into Winter 2021 it is easy to default comparing this year to last year’s horrible experiences; the global headlines that occupied us, the way our families had to adapt to a different schooling system and the behaviour of shoppers.
Stephen McNally ❚ by ❚ Principal Technical Advisor, IrrigationNZ But, in amongst this turmoil was the reassurance that we gained from the knowledge that our farming operations were toiling away playing a vitally important role in the stability of our communities. For our farmers and growers, the normality of routines with their animals and crops kept the focus on realities close at hand like weather, water and soils. Irrigation and its critical infrastructure played a key role in our resilience. As the season changes to colder mornings and wetter days our routines also need to take advantage of the opportunity to look at what’s on the agenda for winter check-ups to ensure we take the time on repairs and maintenance as well as protection against the extremes of the season. If you’ve been keeping track of damage or wearing parts on your to do list it would be good to make sure you get on to any repairs soon so that supply chains that may be stretched, as in other industries, don’t mean you run out of time before the Spring start up comes around again. Get your pumps, filters and valves checked for function and leaks, making sure you follow the processes set down by your equipment supplier. Before you start have a good read of the Practical Resources in the Irrigation NZ web page where we set out some sound advice on maintenance points... ensure you follow any safety recommendations and if you are tempted to work around electrical equipment... you probably shouldn’t! For anything that you are not sure of I really do recommend you get a service visit booked in by your qualified and experienced provider. As the winter storms sweep across that land, make sure any equipment that is vulnerable to wind damage is parked up appropriately or anchored down to avoid costly roll overs. Make sure you, and your staff, think about any changes you are making to layouts or where other farm equipment is parked or stored so you keep wheel tracks clear for when you want to get under way again. While all that on the ground activity is occurring be reassured the team at Irrigation NZ is working hard to navigate the complex-
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As the winter storms sweep across that land, make sure any equipment that is vulnerable to wind damage is parked up appropriately or anchored down to avoid costly roll overs.
ities of the ever shifting and expanding policy environment. We are directly involved in representing irrigated farming issues in many government agency forums that are redefining the way in which New Zealand looks to manage the value, benefits and obligations of use of freshwater, nutrients and infrastructure. We provide pragmatic representation on many government led working groups such as the roll out of the dam safety regulations where we are looking to ensure low risk dams and those under the size thresholds are appropriately handled, whilst also recognizing the need for community certainty when these structures are larger needing suitably qualified design and assessment. There is an overlap on small rural water supplies and irrigation storage schemes with our work with the newly established entity Taumata Arowai a new Crown entity that is set to become the dedicated water services regulator if the Water Services Bill becomes operative in late 2021. Implications on getting acceptable solutions for treatment implemented for small scale suppliers who make drinking water available to communities needs our technical knowledge input. Looking further down the track to new water storage scheme developments we are also closely involved with defining the problem and proposing practical solutions for New
Zealand water availability and security to underline that important role we had in economic resilience. Our views are called on and respected in these forums. Whilst our school children may have adapted to new online learning systems the role of multi-faceted learning environments is only gradually settling into the rural and irrigation sectors. Irrigation NZ is working to pull together 128mm x 100mm attractive pathways for career development
in irrigation engineering covering design, installation and operations and how innovative methods can be used to keep training and upskilling available to the irrigation sector. We are looking to build on the practical skills needed to manage on farm systems to get optimised performance from those investments but also better understand the complexities of the regulatory environment that impacts the long-term viability of freshwater resources.
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Reviewing precision irrigation technologies
Over the past couple of months, Water Strategies has been engaged by the Australian cotton, rice, sugar, dairy and grains sectors to review the precision irrigation technologies currently available to irrigators; the challenges and opportunities associated with these; and areas for future research and development.
Andrew Curtis ❚ by ❚ Water Srategies
This was an interesting project, which involved interviewing multiple farmers, sector personnel, researchers, and commercial providers throughout Australia, New Zealand, Israel and the United States. A high-level summary follows.
Scheduling – Soil Moisture Sensors There are multiple quality sensors already on the market, however, the challenge is their installation and operation. Poor data is leading to ‘trust’ issues and sensor rejection. ‘Intelligent’ soil moisture sensors that can self-diagnose and communicate issues are the solution, and there is research and development starting to happen in the United States around this. Improved installation quality control and support services are also required.
Scheduling – Remote Sensing There is a handful of remote sensing irrigation scheduling services currently available that use either a thermal or Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) approach, however reliability and accuracy issues are common. Current international research includes combining the thermal and NDVI approaches
(along with other indices), plus understanding how frequently data is required for good decision-making. Remote sensing has the potential to be a game-changer for irrigation scheduling as it provides a whole of farm view, however its practical delivery needs further exploration.
Automatic and Remote Control Systems There are multiple proprietary control systems on the market (for both flood and spray irrigation) the majority of which work well, however data access and sharing from many of these systems is challenging. This is limiting the ability of farmers to gain improved production insights through combining their water use data with other farm inputs such as fertiliser and yield. It is also hampering the move to autonomous irrigation. Encouraging service providers to provide Application Programming Interfaces (API) is critical, and adoption of international data standards would also be beneficial.
Autonomous Irrigation There is much research and development happening around autonomous irrigation – systems that automatically respond to the plants water needs. Commercial autonomous systems are al-
ready available for drip-micro in greenhouses and high-value field crops, but only a handful of proprietary systems are available for spray and flood systems, all of which have reliability and/or accuracy issues. The main challenges to achieving autonomy is trusting the sensor data, alongside data-sharing between the different sensors and control systems. There are also issues around integrating with water supply systems beyond the farm gate (irrigation scheme water supply). From our review it is highly likely irriga-
tion decision-making and control will become much easier within the decade. However, new service focused commercial delivery models, alongside next generation technology savvy technicians will be required for success. If you need a hand making sense of your soil moisture sensor, optimising your irrigation scheduling approach for the coming season, or your irrigation system is middle-aged and in need of a health-check, give the team at Water Strategies a call – our focus is saving you money.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
❚ with Tony Daveron
WATER & IRRIGATION
Make sure you irrigator is parked up properly
With the irrigation season “over” for 2020-21 irrigators should be “parked” up for the winter. Are they? And with June upon us don’t forget the maintenance that needs to be done in the next three months. Driving about in the last 10 days or so and with the irrigation season done and dusted for 2020-21 I noticed plenty of irrigators still not parked up correctly. Not having them parked to safeguard against the wind is asking for trouble. Remember 2013? For Canterbury, safeguarding against wind from the NW and if possible, S-SW is key. I came across two what I would consider the perfect parking – both hedges NW-SE and the irrigators aligned in that direction, and the hedges providing SW protection. Of course, it is not possible to provide such great parking for most centre pivots, but at least get them pointing NW-SE. I saw plenty of centre pivots still broadside to the NW, stopped where the last irrigation finished. Parking is the first “winterisation” priority. With an extended irrigation season there is now a short window to deal with system maintenance. That is not just the irrigator(s). • Do you have leaky or damaged hydrants and/or any known mainline leaks? • Did you lack irrigator pressure and/ or flow? • Was this a loss of well or pump performance? Was it low groundwater water level or was it pump and/or well performance? • A leaky drag hose? Order a new one now or organize a repair. • Don’t put off the irrigator maintenance – leaking centre seals, flanges, boots and drop hoses; broken of faulty sprinklers, check some nozzles for wear and replace if no longer the right diameter. • Do your bucket test. Thinking of the next irrigation season – well rainfall seems to have deserted us for the time being. At Christchurch Airport there has been just 123mm since 1 January, just 48% of the
Parking: Make sure your irrigator is parked up correctly to prevent damage from high wind
1943-2021 average of 256mm (excepting there is still 9 days to go in May). Only January was close to the long-term monthly rainfall – every other month has been less than half the long-term monthly average. I’ve previously expressed concern for groundwater, streamflow and the refilling of water storage systems. NIWA in their outlook warned that from May to July “most of the country could expect rainfall at or below average levels for their region” and that “It’s possible that long dry spells continue over the next three months”. Thus far the rainfall data shows there is more than a statistical ring to this outlook.
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The cost of growing wool
In a world full of challenges, the woes for growers of coarse wool probably pale into insignificance on an international level, however reality for affected wool growers is that the revenue generated by wool sales simply does not cover the actual costs associated with growing, harvesting, packaging, transporting, and selling their wool crop.
Rob Cochrane ❚ by Procurement Manager, ❚ Wool PGG Wrightson Wool ❚
Whilst all coarse wool growers have a dualpurpose sheep breed, offering an income balance to some degree given the reasonably good returns experienced over the past few seasons for lamb and mutton, one would have to ask the question whether or not continuing along the same pathway in fact offers medium-to-long term future viability. In the early 1990s, the terminology “a sunset industry” was used to describe the New Zealand wool industry, something which at the time seemed rather harsh because over previous decades recovery after collapse had always occurred with often a much better recovery than anticipated. Around five years ago, crossbred “B” grade fleece wool had rallied to a reasonably healthy 600 cents plus per clean kilogram level, returning growers around 450 cents greasy before costs. At the latest wool auction at time of writing, similar types managed a mere 240 cents per kilogram clean or approximately 180 cents greasy before costs, with the day’s auction being quoted by brokers and exporters as in “sellers favour”. Remember also that these prices represent good fleece wool, therefore wool of a lesser grade plus all associated oddments receive poorer prices. I’m sure we don’t need to remind any coarse wool growers of what their actual costs associated with wool pro-
duction are but I’m pretty sure there is a substantial gap between costs and return. Having said all of the above however, I think it’s fair to say that most farmers understand, from experience, that there are many swings and roundabouts affecting farming in general, and that producing crops, whether they be seed, cereal, stock feed, meat, wool, velvet, flowers, timber, fruit, or whatever their speciality, relies heavily on demand from end consumers which is often driven by need, rather than desire, but also financial ability. On the world stage, wool is a premium product therefore not all can afford to purchase it despite their desire for it. In my view, decades of sheep farming in New Zealand have witnessed fantastic investment in sheep breeding to ensure dual purpose animals are farmed in a “fit for purpose” situation and whilst we are suffering from unbelievably poor coarse wool returns at present, genetic structure and production ability of those sheep breeds is pretty darn good. The characteristics and benefits of wool are being re-invented at present as influenc-
ers and marketers begin to understand how beneficial wool fibre is to both health and wellbeing. Search the topic on YouTube to see what I mean. Most of us who have been associated with wool for a wee while now probably understand the benefits of wool quite well, but there is a generation who have been consumed in a synthetic world and who now want to under-
stand more about wool. Thankfully, the re-invention process seems to be working in many places around the world as various wool industry and market led organisations have, by necessity, begun focusing on natural, renewable, sustainable, and traceable aspects, along with health and wellbeing positives. Quality assurance, traceability and integrity programmes introduced over the past few years by several wool broker and marketing businesses, have put NZ wool in a good position to capitalize as markets revive. Hang in there. That’s my view.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
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B+LNZ supporting farmers as we head into winter A recent spate of frosty mornings reminds us that winter is about to officially start and I know it’s a worrying time for many of you.
Kate Acland ❚ by ❚ Director, B+LNZ We just haven’t had any significant autumn rain and this has forced some tough decisions around the sale of capital stock and investment in feed. From what I’ve seen, stock in our region remain in good condition, thanks to the skills of our farmers making those tough calls early, but as we near winter, the decisions are getting harder and more expensive. Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is continuing to work with the Ministry for Primary Industries, Federated Farmers, Rural Support Trusts and other organisations to support farmers through feed planning and coordination services. I would really encourage anyone struggling with feed deficits to make use of these services by phoning 0800233352.As farmers, we can find ourselves going around in
circles and just having a third party (experts from B+LNZ or DairyNZ) to talk to can consolidate decision making and build a plan to get through the next few months. We had very positive feedback from Hawkes Bay farmers who used this service last year. On the personal side, it’s so important to get off the farm, even if just for a few hours. Rural Support Trusts and other organisations having been holding community barbeques in some areas, but just getting out watching lo-
cal sport, catching up with friends and family or going for a walk or bike ride will all help. If you’re grazing winter forage crops this winter, remember we have this year to prove to the Government that we don’t need regulations to dictate our future wintering practices. While B+LNZ along with other organisations managed to have winter grazing regulations deferred for 12 months, the Government has made it clear we will be under close scrutiny this winter. We all have to follow good practice management to ensure we are protecting our soil and waterways and maintain high standards of animal welfare. B+LNZ, DairyNZ, Deer Industry New Zealand and Foundation for Arable Research have put together a simple checklist to help you identify any areas that might need extra attention. These are on all of their respective websites. Most importantly, the Government has an expectation that all farmers grazing winter forage crops have a wintering plan. We all have a plan – it’s just that for most of us it’s in our heads. We do need to document it and B+LNZ along with DairyNZ is running winter management workshops to help you put a plan together, but templates are also available on the B+LNZ website. I have only recently joined the B+LNZ
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The Government has an expectation that all farmers grazing winter forage crops have a wintering plan, and that plan needs to be documented.
Board and am proud to represent the Northern South Island as a farmer Director. It is challenging time for our industry and I believe the need for an organisation representing the interests of red meat producers has never been more important. This year, B+LNZ is holding a referendum which gives levy payers the opportunity to have their say about the future of their organisation. We will be holding a number of roadshows throughout the country and I would love to meet as many of you as possible and discuss your concerns and ambitions for our sector.
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Venison price recovery linked to Covid vaccine roll-outs A rapid economic recovery in the United States may result in the revival in demand for venison that deer farmers have been waiting for.
❚ by Trevor Walton
Open again: A happy New York restaurant owner rips down a ‘Closed due to Covid-19’ sign, as she re-opens for business after a long lockdown.
of slow vaccine roll-outs, but Hickey is confident they will recover. “Despite extreme market uncertainties, chilled venison sales in the 2020 chilled season were well ahead of expectations and key customers are already placing their or-
ders for the coming chilled season. This is earlier than normal and has enabled marketers to offer guaranteed minimum price contracts for the supply of deer during winter and spring. These have been readily taken up by farmers.”
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a restaurant booking platform, were 48 per cent lower than pre-Covid levels. By April they were only 18 per cent lower. “Many restaurants have closed because of Covid, but there will be new startups alongside those that have been able to weather the storm,” says Hickey. “Also many restaurants have been permitted to set up tables in the street to provide social distancing. With Covid less of a threat, they are keeping this bigger footprint, which effectively expands their table placings by 30 per cent or more.” In the UK, retail sales rose by 5.4 per cent in March – a month in which there was only a modest relaxation of coronavirus restrictions. In April, non-essential retail and hospitality venues outdoors in England and Wales re-opened to a surge in pent-up consumer demand. The Bank of England says Britain is on track to achieve 7.25 per cent GDP growth in 2021 – the strongest growth since the Second World War. In continental Europe venison sales are recovering more slowly than the US because
Carcass weight
Latest economic data shows an upturn in all aspects of the American economy from Google-search behaviour, to airline travel bookings, to restaurant sales. “It is still early days, but positive signs are starting to appear,” says First-Light Foods managing director Gerard Hickey. “In the US, vaccine roll-outs have been successful and punters are using their newfound freedoms to eat out, go to New Orleans and the like. Pre-Covid inventory is moving through the pipeline and venison sales are already trending upward. “Europe is still a way off with its vaccine roll-out delays, but the upcoming chilled game season is looking very positive.” The United States is a key market for New Zealand chilled venison, but the foundation remains Germany, Belgium and other northern European countries during the annual game season in the northern hemisphere autumn. Hickey, who is also deputy chair of the Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) board says the sentiment in most markets is that once lockdowns are lifted, food service will see a strong resurgence as people seek to dine out after months of lockdown. Importantly, because they have been unable to spend during the Covid pandemic, customers have the cash to do so. New Zealand farmers have been doing it tough because of poor sales of premium meats such as venison and lamb racks during the pandemic. But Hickey says they should not lose faith in their wonderful products. “Our food service customers in the UAE, USA, UK and elsewhere are still buying premium venison cuts. They love the product but, because of Covid, their sales are way down. Once folk get vaccinated, they will be increasing their purchases.” Indeed, the consumer response to the vaccine roll-outs in the US has been dramatic. According to The Economist, in February the number of bookings on OpenTable,
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
Ford joins forces with ARB 4x4 Two global brands, ARB and Ford, are joining forces in a high-level collaboration to sell selected off-road accessories as Ford Licensed Accessories through participating Ford dealers in New Zealand.
❚ Article supplied by FordNZ
Ford-backed ARB accessories will become available via participating Ford dealerships in the second half of 2021. Ford Ranger and Everest customers who want the ultimate adventure gear will be able to fit-out their vehicles with a range of ARB 4x4 Accessories that will be fully backed by Ford New Zealand’s New Vehicle Warranty of up to five years or 150,000 kilometres. The ARB 4x4 Accessories and Ford collaboration will initially be rolled out in New Zealand and Australia, with other selected Ford markets to follow. Under the arrangement, ARB 4x4 Accessories and Ford will work together to give local customers what they want: an easy, seamless way to kit out their Ford Ranger and Ev-
erest vehicles with high-quality and functional off-road accessories, so they can get out and explore their own backyard. The full range of accessories to be made available has yet to be announced but will include core off-road products such as winch compatible bull-bars, electric winches and driving lights, as well as other accessories like storage drawer systems. “We are really excited to welcome ARB on-board as they are known globally and respected in the off-road community for their state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and stringent quality controls,” Managing Director of Ford New Zealand Simon Rutherford said. “A lot of our customers have told us they’d love to be able to access a wider range of
Upgrading: Ford Ranger and Everest customers who want the ultimate adventure gear will be able to fit-out their vehicles with a range of ARB 4x4 Accessories that will be fully backed by Ford New Zealand.
quality off-road accessories through our Ford dealership network. The collaboration means they can access a range of fantastic ARB accessories, adding to already very capable vehicles and head out to more off-road adventures, confidently and safely.” ARB 4x4 Accessories for Ranger and Everest that will be made available through Ford dealerships have been validated by Ford Australia engineers, with testing conducted at a number of locations including the Ford Australia Proving Ground near Lara, Victoria.
ARB 4x4 Accessories managing director Andrew Brown said they are honoured to be working with Ford at a global level. “This collaboration is a great testament to the progressive vision of Ford and ARB to deliver to customers highly capable off-road vehicles with a broad range of best-in-class accessories,” Brown said. “ARB and Ford are working together to ensure the products are compatible with Ford vehicle systems on the Ranger and Everest and that the vehicle systems maintain full functionality with accessories fitted.”
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‘Bee’ kind by planting right
I have been chatting to a couple of bee keepers recently and it seems their lot is not a happy one. The weather has been far from helpful, as it has been for many of the industry, but the beekeepers seem to be the forgotten army.
❚ with Rob Cope-Williams The profitable Manuka honey market has been brought to its knees it would seem with very little product and what they have harvested being of poor quality. Thankfully, there are still reserves left from the previous season to satisfy the consumers’ demands. Years ago I was told by beekeepers that the actual honey harvest would become a secondary by-product with the pollination of crops being the main cash flow, and that seems to have become a reality. But, of course the bees are not going to pollinate if they are not producing honey, so in an obscure way, the seed industry is suffering whenever the honey industry does. I notice with interest that Denmark farmers are made to plant “bee loving plants” over at least five percent of their properties. That seems like a good idea to me as
there are lots of plants that we could plant here. Tree lucerne, for example, flowers early in the season, is great as a shelter belt, and can be used as feed when a drought hits, as it seems to most years, so everyone wins. As far as the pollination industry is concerned, and I seriously think of it as an industry of its own, I fear that it could be very tempting to hike the price up to cover bad years knowing that the cropping people need the bees and are therefore having to pay whatever the price the beekeepers set. Yes, the age-old supply and demand equation. But in the meantime, the bees are gobbling up loads of sugar as they settle in for the cold, and hopefully wet, winter. They may little chaps those bees, but I am sure you agree with me that we need to help them as much as they help us and bee loving trees and plants are a very good start.
A personal study in genetic merit Recently my grandmother reached 100 years of age. The party drew 40 people from four generations, and from around the world, together to celebrate.
❚ by Solis Norton A unique family event for us, never seen before or to be repeated. Wonderful as it was, I couldn’t help but do some armchair genetic analysis on the cohorts of progeny I know and love, all from a single sire and this remarkable dam. There was of course uncle Bob and his
line of offspring who had performed above all expectations. They are the type of stock every farmer loves to see in their paddock. The party was at their five million dollar house in a fancy part of Auckland that I forget the name of. A brand new ‘blingy’ Range Rover parked in the drive, and the favourite muscle car in the spotless carpeted garage. This was not my lineage. I felt inadequate for it. There was Aunty Betty and her line of offspring with superb fecundity and matching maternal instinct. They were few in the earlier generations but in the latter ones produced a veritable cloud of offspring. It was their troop of kids that filled the swimming pool, ate all the sandwiches, and made the biggest mess. This was not my lineage. I had struggled to produce a singleton and
would surely be culled from the flock on such criteria. Uncle Jimmy’s line of offspring got the nod for outstanding weight gain, both in the earlier and later stages of development. Farmers love to see this kind of stock too. But while in this single trait they had excelled, other aspects of their phenotype held less appeal. This was not my lineage either. I’m kind of scrawny. Still another line from Aunty Sue showed excellent fibre production. Like velvet antler, their hair just seemed to get thicker and bigger from year to year. Elsewhere in the family things thinned out on top steadily as the stock aged with complete baldness, common enough. I do have elements of this lineage. There was also the unfortunate Aunt Daisy and her line, over represented for poor
health, susceptibility to stress and misadventure. Farmers are less excited to see this kind of stock, you know, the skinnier ones with the runny noses, usually with foot rot or spasms, often needing an extra drench and better tucker to keep the dags off, and commonly found stuck in the mud or cast somewhere. This was not my lineage and my sense of inadequacy diminished. A sense of being somewhat mis-mothered replaced it. My phenotype doesn’t match our main family lines. But nobody seemed to mind and I loved them for it. I decided to mill around in the middle of the flock and keep my head down, stay out of trouble. Stay close to the punch bowl and be quick to slip under that fence when the drafters raddle comes out.
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June 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING
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