Plan 365 August 2015 by Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited

AUGUST 2015

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

NUTRITION

FORAGE AND ARABLE

HORTICULTURE

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Plan 365 is a technical guide aimed at helping shareholders learn about best practice and the latest advancements in rural technology.

NUTRITION

A fresh look

THE MCMILLAN RANGE HAS A NEW LOOK FOR ITS BAGS

nutrients on our new bags. These are now listed on the back of the bag, in a table with the nutrient required on the

• Vegetable oil to provide coat sheen

Fibre

Salt

Energy DE (MJ/KG)

20%

5.1%

11.9%

1.2%

14.4

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION NRC

Nutrient

Recommendation Per Day (National Research Council)

4kg Delivers Min.

FEEDING GUIDE:

Calcium

20g

100%

• This feed is formulated to NRC Maintenance Vitamin and Mineral requirements, based on a 500kg horse.

Phosphorus

14g

100%

Magnesium

7.5g

100%

Chloride

40g

100%

Potassium

25g

100%

• 4kg per day delivers 100% of the NRC requirements. • 2kg per day delivers 50% of the NRC requirements.

INGREDIENTS SELECTED FROM:

Sodium

10g

100%

Sulphur

15g

100%

Copper

100mg

100%

Steam-Flaked Barley, Steam-Flaked Peas, SteamFlaked Maize, Full Fat Soyabean Meal, Flaxseed Flake, Canola Meal, Lucerne Meal, Canola Oil, Molasses, Sunflower Seeds, Organic Trace Minerals and Heat Stable Vitamins, Organic Selenium, Calcium, Di Calcium Phosphate, Salts, Organic Live Yeast, Amino Acids.

Iodine

3.5mg

100%

Iron

400mg

100%

Manganese

400mg

100%

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Vitamin A

Always provide access to sufficient fibre such as hay, chaff or pasture to ensure good hindgut digestive physiology. At least 1.5% of the horse’s body weight should be provided as fibre. Split feed amounts in as many feeds as possible, but ideally no less than two feeds per day. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

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100%

400mg

100%

Cobalt

0.5mg

100%

15iu

100%

Vitamin D

3300iu

100%

Vitamin E

500mg

100%

Vitamin B1 thiamin

30mg

100%

Vitamin B2 riboflavin

20mg

100%

DISCLAIMER. All analysis and nutritional information is presented in good faith. Some variations in values may occur. Farmlands Co-operative accepts no responsibility if this feed is used in a manner or quantities that are not in accordance with its recommendations.

grown grains, we have also recently changed to New Zealand grown canola oil for inclusion in our feeds. Don’t forget to join us on Facebook! Article supplied by McMillan Equine Feeds.

FLAK

ADE

N OW G

a lly

IN RA

M-

Manufactured by Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited

HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE CONDITIONING AND WEANLING FEED tu r

For more information on McMillan Equine Feeds contact: Farmlands, Private Bag 1968, Dunedin 9054. 0800 200 600.

1mg

Zinc

industry by using only New Zealand

A product of

Selenium

EQUINE CONDITIONING FEED

To further extend supporting our own

percent of requirements, on the right.

Fat

• Live yeast to enhance phosphorus digestibility for correct bone formation, and general digestive physiology

left, NRC recommendations in the middle column and as fed, which will deliver 100

TYPICAL ANALYSIS (DM Basis) Crude Protein

NZ GR

change being the way we declare these

RAPID GAIN DELIVERS:

live yeast to enhance digestion and only organic minerals are used.

Contains organic minerals.

• A quality protein supplement to aid in muscle development and body condition

Rapid Gain

Products in the new bags all contain a

CONDITIONING EQUINE FEED McMillan Rapid Gain is a highly digestible feed containing quality protein and essential amino acids for horses requiring muscle development and extra condition. The inclusion of live yeast helps maximise digestibility and ensure a healthy digestive system.

NZ-

was only a small change — the major

feeding our horses.

Rapid Gain

ITI O N

NRC recommendations. In all cases, this

understanding of exactly what we are

STEA

delivered have been enhanced to meet

the end user, to encourage a greater

still look the same but the nutrients

of transparency with information to

What has changed? Your favourite feeds

This continues the McMillan theme

McMillan Rapid Gain

McMillan Equine Feeds has worked alongside specialist, New Zealand based Equine Nutritionists while using NRC (National Research Council) recommendations to bring you enhanced, balanced and quality equine feeds.

HANCED N

McMillan Rapid Gain QUALITY GUARANTEED Our commitment to quality ensures that only the finest ingredients available are included in the McMillan range of equine feeds.

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25kg

THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

Blends – as simple or complicated as you need “A little bit of something does you good” and “too much of a good thing can be bad” are useful adages for ruminant nutrition and may be partly behind the growing interest in blends.

level and value, ensuring they are even

In its simplest form, a blend is a mixture

intakes, as economy does not always

of two commodities or straights – a

result in profitability.

better value for ruminant diets because of the reduced competition for a limited resource. High fibre feeds may not be the best complement to high fibre forages if the intention is to maximise pasture

straight being a single feed. More

Oilseed meals including soyabean meal

complex blends contain a larger

and cottonseed meal are by-products

number of straights for added nutritional

that contain low to moderate fibre levels

complexity and possibly minerals, trace

and high levels of protein. Their use in

elements and additives. Interest in

blends can be very beneficial if protein

blends is emerging from straight users

is limiting production but could be

– predominantly palm kernel users who

detrimental if protein is over supplied

want to incorporate alternative feeds and

(relative to the production level the energy

in-shed grain users looking to economise in the light of the pay-out predictions.

Grains are a popular straight, which are

When buying a straight feed, or deciding

rich in energy from starch and low in both

what straight to incorporate into a blend,

fibre and fat — processing is required

it is important to know what they deliver

before feeding to cattle but they tend

relative to the needs of your livestock at

to encourage milk protein production,

any time, which is likely to change with

which is more valuable than butterfat.

the seasons and their stage of production

Grains are best suited to in-shed, total

and performance level.

mixed or partially mixed diet feeding

Key nutritional factors determining

systems, which reduce the risk of

the productivity of livestock:

over consumption. By-product feeds are a legitimate and sustainable resource originating from production intended primarily for human consumption, e.g. molasses from sugar production, maize distillers from ethanol production, or palm oil for cooking oil and soap. Globally, the biggest demand for supplementary feed is for pigs and poultry — because mono-gastrics are not good at digesting the fibre in some by-products, it limits their inclusion

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supply will support). If blends are accurately mixed, they may provide a cost effective route for minerals and additives compared to dusting or water treatments. As with most things, the difference is in the detail and the source and form of the minerals should be considered. The Farmlands Nutrition team is equipped with a Blend Calculator to help formulate and price bespoke blend options from simple bi-blends through to more complex solutions if appropriate. They are committed to delivering the most appropriate feed solutions for our shareholders and are becoming increasingly involved, through our National Feed Desk, in the supply and use of straights and blends and strive to provide meaningful advice through our on-farm and retail networks. Article supplied by Dr. Rob Derrick, Nutritionist, Farmlands Nutrition.

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NUTRITION

Plenty of choice with calf milk replacers Milligansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; range of calf milk replacers are premium quality milk replacers specially formulated for calves aged from as early as day 4. They are made from a nutritionally balanced blend of New Zealand milk powders and selected vitamins and minerals.

quality, highly digestible milk powder that

Quality product is valued highly by

cria, piglets, pups and kittens and other

can be fed on either the once a day or twice a day feeding system. ExcelPlus Milk Additive is exclusive to Milligans for the use in CMR and will give your calves the best start to life. Milligans Multi Milk Replacer Suitable for lambs, kids, fawns, foals,

Milligans and to stand behind this,

infant animals. Milligans Multi Milk

all products are regularly tested both

Replacer is a high quality blend of dairy

internally and externally through

proteins and is fortified with a vitamin and

recognised industry laboratories, to

Milligans Classic

ensure that Milligans maintains the level

This is Milligansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; most trusted calf milk

of quality recognised with their products.

of the growing infant animal. Multi Milk

replacer that has been used on New

Replacer can be used from day 1 but

GoCalf

Zealand farms for more than 20 years.

it is recommended to feed a colostrum

This calf milk replacer manufactured by

Milligans Classic can be fed to calves

supplement such as ExcelPlus Colostrum

Milligans is a basic blend for use from

from day 4. Milligans Classic is made

for the first 1-2 days of life, to provide the

3-4 weeks of age and can be mixed

from dairy proteins and fats and contains

much needed immunity the baby animal

with colostrum or whole milk to extend

a boosted vitamin and mineral pre-mix to

requires for growth and development.

its feeding time. GoCalf can be fed to

maximise calf health. Milligans Classic is

calves from day 4 but is better suited as

a premium quality, highly digestible milk

a finisher due to its lower protein content

powder that can be fed on either the once

and exclusion of Deccox. As with all

a day or twice a day feeding system.

animals, colostrum should be fed for the

The number one mixing CMR for more

first 4 days before starting them on a

than 20 years.

CMR. GoCalf is made from dairy proteins

Milligans Ultra-Premium

and fats and contains a balanced vitamin

Milligans Ultra-Premium calf milk replacer

and mineral pre-mix to maximise calf

contains the natural gut conditioning

health. GoCalf does not contain Deccox

package ExcelPlus Milk Additive,

as a prevention for coccidiosis and is

designed for better health and faster

lower in protein, aimed at the finishing

growing calves. Milligans + ExcelPlus

market and keeping costs down. GoCalf

Milk Additive can be fed to calves from

is a quality economy powder, which can

day 4. Milligans + ExcelPlus Milk Additive

be fed on either the once a day or twice a

is made from dairy proteins and fats and

day feeding system.

contains a boosted vitamin and mineral

mineral pre-mix to support the functions

Article supplied by Milligans.

pre-mix to maximise calf health. Milligans + ExcelPlus Milk Additive is a premium

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THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

Calf rearing – building better outcomes Giving your replacement heifers the best start now provides the platform for highly productive dairy cows in the future. With the percentage of cows artificially inseminated currently sitting at 73 percent, these heifers are likely to be genetically better than the herd they are entering. A poor start to life can reduce the lifetime milk production of a cow by 10-15 percent year on year. The calf rearing fundamentals of colostrum, immunity, rumen development and weaning weights are all underpinned with careful hygiene and ensuring calves get the nutrients they need to thrive. To get calves off to the best start and optimise lifetime milk potential, new formulations of TopCalf Formula 20 and TopCalf Formula 16 have been introduced to the market this season. Both formulations include new combinations of palatants to ensure ease of uptake by young calves. They also include Diamond V XPC® for the first time.

The inclusion of Diamond V® in calf

3-4 years of age. Estimated costs

rations has proven results globally:

of rearing a dairy heifer currently sit

• Improved rumen development –

somewhere between $1,800.00 and

increased length and width

$2,000.00 per cow. Current benchmark

of papillae.

data from Dairy New Zealand shows

• Greater change in hip width and wither height. • Increase in dry matter intake on starter feed. • Reduced mortality rates via stimulation of immune function. All of these will help meet development targets. Successfully rearing dairy replacement heifers means critical targets need to be met throughout the next 2 years, to ensure cows enter the herd capable of meeting their genetic potential. Targets revolve around lean tissue development and frame growth. Importantly, lean tissue development goes hand in hand with mammary tissue development and this starts from day 1. If lean tissue development is not meeting breed requirements, the mammary tissue will not be either. And that reduces lifetime milk potential. Cows should be entering the herd at 100 percent of their expected weight and frame. This will ensure potential productivity is optimised, fewer health issues through calving and early

farm working expenses per cow at $1,631.00. It is important to understand this in the context of calf rearing: If it costs $1,800.00 to get a heifer to its first milking season then it costs $1,631.00 to milk it for the first lactation. It has cost $3,431.00 by the time it reaches 3 years of age. At a $5.25/kgMS pay-out it will return $1,947.75 (based on national average production of 371kgMS). If 12.4 percent of 2-3 year olds are culled due to issues largely attributed to not being fully grown before entering the herd, this generates a significant loss — $19,171.40/100 cows. Paying attention to detail, including good nutrition, when the calf is young and remaining focused on meeting targets over the next 2 years will improve milk production in the first season. It will also reduce the number and cost of culls in the 2-3 year old age group. That’s certainly an investment worth having. Article supplied by Inghams.

lactation and a significantly greater probability of getting back in-calf. Each year 12.4 percent of heifers (2-3 year olds) exit the dairy herd (LIC stats) with a further 12.6 percent exiting at

| THE FARMLANDER

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NUTRITION

Develop the rumen for life Fibre is absolutely essential in the calf shed for rumen development. Ruminants require quality fibre in the diet to maximise production and maintain health by sustaining a stable environment within the rumen. The focus of calf rearing should be to rear a calf to perform on pasture. If the calves you are rearing need to achieve maximum milk or beef production from pasture then setting the rumen up for life with quality fibre early cannot be overemphasised. But both fibre quality and form are paramount. Poor quality fibres like straw and hay, especially if long stemmed, are indigestible in a young calf. These bulky fibres remain in the rumen until the calf can ruminate (chew cud) enough to grind it down. This takes up valuable space needed for the high energy and high protein feeds that fuel calf growth, especially when milk is restricted. Even when chopped, these fibre types provide a limited nutrient supply for rumen

microbial fermentation and chopping or

calf growth. So if quality fibre is withheld

chaffing can create short, sharp fibres

from calves for 3 to 6 weeks then it will

that can damage the mouth, oesophagus

take an additional 6 weeks from the point

or stomachs.

that quality forage is introduced before

There is no doubt that only forage fibre

the rumen is sufficiently developed.

can stretch and strengthen the rumen

The form of fibre is key to calf intake and

wall and build the musculature required

hence calf growth. Nutrient-rich fibre is

for effective stomach contractions. So

preferred, such as the fresh harvested

why bulk the rumen with filler, when a

and preserved forage fibre feeds from

high nutritional fibre can build the rumen

Fiber Fresh®. Fresh pasture in spring or

as well as grow the calf?

autumn is usually only 10-20 percent

Rumen development starts when the

dry matter. So if pasture is the only fibre

first mouthful of solid feed is eaten.

source, calves are mostly taking in water.

Rumen development is completed when

Most pastures contain less than 10

the weaned calf is sustaining optimum

percent clover but like most ruminants,

growth rates on pasture. Fiber Fresh

calves prefer legume (lucerne) to grass-

research has shown if only quality fibre

based forage and Fiber Fresh Feeds

(FiberStart : 20 percent crude protein,

base their FiberStart® and FiberGain® on

12.2 MJ metabolisable energy/kg dry

lucerne.

matter) is available from day 1, rumen

For optimal growth and maximum

development will be accelerated and

uptake, lollipop FiberStart® or blend

calves will be grass-ready in 7 weeks. It

FiberStart® with starter meal.

takes about 6 weeks on a forage diet for

Article supplied by Fiber Fresh.

adequate rumen development to support

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THE FARMLANDER |

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Maximise feed efficiency Following calving, mating is the next big challenge for cows and is crucial for farm profitability. Maintaining or improving cow condition is a key part of better cow cycling and conception and efficient conversion of feed can help achieve this. Cows obtain their energy for milk production from the feed they eat and from body fat stores. Better conditioned cows at calving will produce more milk and better conditioned cows will cycle and conceive earlier. Body condition

to mating and they are in less than

No other drench has longer persistent

desirable condition, anthelmintic

activity against key production limiting

treatments are a viable option. Drenches

parasites than Cydectin Pour-on. With

Effective worm treatments can help

that have long persistent activity, such

35 days’ control of Ostertagia and

improve body condition and therefore

as Cydectin® Pour-on, provide some

28 days’ control of Trichostrongylus,

production, not only through improved

of the best parasite control available

Cydectin Pour-on is an effective tool in

appetite but because protein and energy

against important production limiting

your drench programme.

are not wasted fighting off this parasite

parasites, like Ostertagia. Parasite

challenge.

Plus … with its NIL milk, meat and

control can make a difference to the

bobby calf withholding periods, farmers

Making the most out of the feed

feed conversion efficiency of the animal,

can use Cydectin Pour-on anytime, with

available on the property is crucial. If

mating performance, calving date and

peace of mind.

there is a risk on your farm that stock

subsequent days in milk.

Article supplied by Zoetis.

is influenced by many factors, one of which is internal parasites.

are being exposed to parasites prior

CYDECTIN POUR-ON • No other drench has longer persistent activity. • 35 days against Ostertagia. • 28 days against Trichostrongylus. • 42 days against lungworm. • Rainfast. Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A6203.

| THE FARMLANDER

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Cattle tick control in spring We are about to enter the time of the year when tick numbers begin to increase and failure to implement control measures now will make it virtually impossible to catch up later on. In addition to the normal animal health issues that are brought about by tick infestation, including anaemia, skin irritation and hide damage, ticks also act as transmitters (vectors) for the blood-borne disease caused by Theileria orientalis. The symptoms of Theileria infection are also most commonly seen during the spring period and include lost production and deaths. MPI has done a good job so far monitoring Theileria outbreaks, as this disease has spread by movements of infected stock and infected ticks over the whole of the North Island, plus sporadic

locations in the South Island. This makes a strong case for pre-movement Bayticol treatments of all stock going from a high to a low tick area, or to a Theileria free area, whether or not ticks are visible. On-farm tick control should also consider your area and status. The endemically stable Northland regions should utilise Bayticol treatments over the spring to keep tick numbers down and hopefully reduce the impact of high infestations and limit tick population build. In unstable areas of the North Island, tick treatments can be specifically important during the high risk spring period where ticks are most active and stock are stressed and susceptible to developing disease. Tick monitoring measures are useful for guiding how and when to treat with Bayticol, however if a standardised approach is required, treat with Bayticol in the spring pre and post-calving (July to

BAYTICOL POUR-ON 5L • Targets every stage of the tick lifecycle. • Prolonged residual action. • Total body coverage. • Dramatic visible results. • Nil meat and milk withholding periods.

September) with at least two treatments 3 to 4 weeks apart.

Bayticol treatments are also recommended in combination with other tick control strategies, such as grazing pasture with other species before exposing cattle (e.g. grazing with Seraphos treated sheep) and keeping sward length low, as this is a less hospitable environment for ticks. You can never eliminate ticks from the environment as the vast proportion of their lifecycle is spent in and on the ground, where it is very hard to treat them at all. Whilst you’re never going to have 100 percent protection, you can certainly limit the risk if you can reduce the likelihood that stock are bitten by ticks. Article supplied by Bayer.

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A5335.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Field trial demonstrates proven superiority New data from a New Zealand field trial shows more evidence that Multine is a superior 5-in-1 vaccine. This trial looked at antibody response in lambs. Antibodies are what give animals the ability to fight disease. On the back of an envelope: • The trial shows lambs receive more antibodies against Pulpy Kidney and tetanus when ewes received a pre-lamb Multine shot, compared to ewes receiving Ultravac® 5-in-1. • Lambs responded much better to Multine at tailing. • The trial data supports using Multine at tailing and weaning, as lambs that receive Multine show superior antibody levels during this high-risk time. What’s the story?

the pre-lamb shot. The aim was to find out how effective the vaccine was at providing a good antibody response at tailing and weaning. The results were overwhelmingly in Multine’s favour. The amount of Pulpy Kidney and Initially, lambs depend on the quality of colostrum from their dam to get protection from fatal diseases like Pulpy Kidney and tetanus. For ewes having multiples, the colostrum is divided between two or three lambs. So, the higher the amount of

tetanus antibodies the lambs got from colostrum following the pre-lamb dam shot was much greater with Multine than with Ultravac. This means ewes vaccinated with Multine pass on more antibodies for their lambs than those vaccinated with Ultravac.

antibodies in the colostrum, the more

The second part of the trial showed

protective antibodies are available to be

a superior response in lambs given

passed on, meaning lambs get better

Multine at tailing and weaning.

protection from disease, earlier.

• 100 percent of the Multine lambs

The antibodies a lamb receives from

showed an increase in Pulpy Kidney

its mother go down over time, until

protection — but 22 percent of the

these antibodies no longer provide

Ultravac lambs did not.

A lamb is born without any disease-

protection. This makes it important to

preventing antibodies.

vaccinate lambs so that they produce

• Lambs given Multine produced more than two-and-a-half times the amount of antibodies than Ultravac.

their own antibodies for protection

MULTINE 5-IN-1 VACCINE 500ML • The trusted 5-in-1 clostridial vaccine. • Protects against Pulpy Kidney, tetanus, blackleg, black disease and malignant oedema. • For use in sheep, cattle and goats. • Nil meat withholding period. • Available in available.

103459 Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A0934, A0935.

| THE FARMLANDER

against disease.

Put simply, more individual lambs will

This trial took place on a commercial

be protected from tailing/weaning

farm in the Wairarapa using twin-

vaccination with Multine. The amount of

lambing, 2-tooth ewes:

antibodies for Multine has been shown

1. The ewes were given a Multine or

to be much higher. This means better

Ultravac shot at pre-lamb. 2. Lambs then received Multine or Ultravac at tailing. 3. Finally, lambs received a booster shot at weaning. The first part of the trial then looked at the number of antibodies passed on to the lambs from the dams from

financial returns for the farmer by better protecting the flock. Multine was developed right here in New Zealand and continues to be manufactured at Upper Hutt. MSD Coopers Animal Health is the marketleader for clostridial disease vaccines. Article supplied by Coopers.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

to mating and they are in less than

No other drench has longer persistent

desirable condition, anthelmintic

activity against key production limiting

treatments are a viable option. Drenches

parasites than Cydectin Pour-on. With

Effective worm treatments can help

that have long persistent activity, such

35 days’ control of Ostertagia and

improve body condition and therefore

as Cydectin® Pour-on, provide some

28 days’ control of Trichostrongylus,

production, not only through improved

of the best parasite control available

Cydectin Pour-on is an effective tool in

appetite but because protein and energy

against important production limiting

your drench programme.

are not wasted fighting off this parasite

parasites, like Ostertagia. Parasite

challenge.

Plus … with its NIL milk, meat and

control can make a difference to the

bobby calf withholding periods, farmers

Making the most out of the feed

feed conversion efficiency of the animal,

can use Cydectin Pour-on anytime, with

available on the property is crucial. If

mating performance, calving date and

peace of mind.

there is a risk on your farm that stock

subsequent days in milk.

Article supplied by Zoetis.

is influenced by many factors, one of which is internal parasites.

are being exposed to parasites prior

| THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

BAYTICOL POUR-ON 5L • Targets every stage of the tick lifecycle. • Prolonged residual action. • Total body coverage. • Dramatic visible results. • Nil meat and milk withholding periods.

September) with at least two treatments 3 to 4 weeks apart.

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A5335.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

antibodies in the colostrum, the more

The second part of the trial showed

protective antibodies are available to be

a superior response in lambs given

passed on, meaning lambs get better

Multine at tailing and weaning.

protection from disease, earlier.

• 100 percent of the Multine lambs

The antibodies a lamb receives from

showed an increase in Pulpy Kidney

its mother go down over time, until

protection — but 22 percent of the

these antibodies no longer provide

Ultravac lambs did not.

A lamb is born without any disease-

protection. This makes it important to

preventing antibodies.

vaccinate lambs so that they produce

• Lambs given Multine produced more than two-and-a-half times the amount of antibodies than Ultravac.

their own antibodies for protection

103459 Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A0934, A0935.

| THE FARMLANDER

against disease.

Put simply, more individual lambs will

This trial took place on a commercial

be protected from tailing/weaning

farm in the Wairarapa using twin-

vaccination with Multine. The amount of

lambing, 2-tooth ewes:

antibodies for Multine has been shown

1. The ewes were given a Multine or

to be much higher. This means better

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DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Cattle lice in New Zealand Lice are small, flat-bodied insects with legs modified for grasping hairs. Four species of lice are known to infest cattle in New Zealand, three ‘sucking’ and one ‘biting’ (more correctly chewing) but only two are of significance. The sucking louse (Linognathus vituli) The sucking louse is the most common

Typical louse life cycle The whole process takes 4-5 weeks and occurs on the animal, as most lice die within a week in the environment. Numbers often peak in winter when climatic conditions and the animal’s coat

Figure 1: Apply BLAZE down midline,

favour survivability. Close contact may

from poll to tail.

further facilitate spread.

variety in New Zealand. Adults are

Treating lice

2-3mm in length, with a long, narrow

Lice can be treated at any time of the

head and a yellowish-brown body that

year but many farmers prefer to treat

appears bluish due to ingested blood.

in the autumn or early spring. Careful

They are usually found on protected

consideration must be given to milk

areas of the skin and are generally more

and meat withholding when selecting a

prevalent on younger dairy stock.

product.

The biting louse (Bovicola bovis)

BLAZE®

The biting louse is found on cattle of all

BLAZE contains 15g/L of deltamethrin,

ages. Its mouthparts are adapted for

the most effective of Synthetic

chewing and it feeds on debris on the

Pyrethroids (SPs). It acts as a repellent,

skin such as dead skin cells, secretions

preventing nuisance flies from landing

and bacteria.

and feeding. BLAZE causes rapid

Cattle lice are ‘species specific’ and

paralysis and death of both lice and flies,

cannot survive on sheep or goats, and vice versa with sheep lice unable to survive on cattle. It is commonly

Article supplied by Coopers.

BLAZE 5L • Deltamethrin (SP) pour-on for cattle. • Provides up to 4 weeks’ protection against nuisance fly. • Prevents flies landing and kills on contact. • Provides control of biting and sucking lice. • Nil milk withholding period. • Cows are protected in the milking shed and out grazing.

mainly due to them coming into contact with the active chemical but also through ingestion of it. Correct application is very

believed that lice cause weight loss but

important for good results.

experimental evidence does not support

Applied down the midline of cattle, from

this in New Zealand.

poll to tail, BLAZE controls lice by moving

Lice irritation leads to scratching and

through the natural oils on the skin

licking that can damage the skin. They

surface to cover the entire body.

can also lead to ‘fleck’ defects on

BLAZE has nil milk and nil bobby calf

tanned hides that, along with secondary

withholding periods, meaning dairy cows

scratching damage, have a considerable

can be treated for lice anytime. The meat

cost for New Zealand’s leather industry.

withholding period is 28 days — this

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A8214.

means it can be used at any time of year.

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DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Prepare well to secure days in-milk Pre-calving, birthing and cycling are particularly demanding periods for any dairy cow. Good management requires implementation of intensive trace element supplementation before and during the stress periods. Cows need sufficient reserves to support them during the calving process, to mating and into summer lactation. Arguably there is money to be made in cows achieving and holding peak lactation and getting in-calf again. Regularly undertake blood tests and ask for liver tests when culling cows. Monitoring trace element status in cows provides a mechanism to make informed decisions. The critical trace elements to consider are:

Selenium: Retained after birth, infertility, ill-thrift, poor immune responses and reduced milk production are all symptoms of a selenium deficiency. One of the critical elements cows need on a daily basis to offset these animal issues. Copper: Copper is also required daily and is essential for the formation of 10 vital enzymes. Dairy cows are particularly susceptible to copper deficiency and it shows in a poor reproductive system, failure to be oestrous and poor growth rate. Cobalt: Cobalt is required daily and is essential for the formation of vitamin B12, a vital enzyme in the utilisation of the energy content of food and animal growth. If cows exhibit lethargic tendencies and

a lack of drive to graze, they are probably cobalt deficient. Iodine: The presence of iodine is essential for the proper function of the thyroid gland. Avoid low hormone production, as this will significantly impact on reproduction outcomes, foetal survival and foetal development. Everyone should have addressed the magnesium and calcium needs by this time of the season but not to be forgotten is the key trace elements that support milk production and reproduction. We need to get it right from the onset otherwise the costs are too high. Article supplied by Bell-Booth.

Is infertility costing you? Underweight animals, cows with low trace element status and diseases associated with lameness and mastitis have a causal effect on lowering fertility. To assist in offsetting the stress associated with these issues, we need to provide the cow with essential elements that prepare it for reproduction, reduce the incidences of absorptions and achieve an acceptable result after the first two rounds of mating. Nutrimol 4n1 contains the same compounds contained in Nutrimol Classic to increase heat strength and improve submission rates – and now has more iodine, as well as folic acid, vitamins A, D and E and a prebiotic to provide food for the ‘rumen bugs’ to assist with feed

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• Improve length of heat • 90 percent submission within the first 6 weeks • Less re-absorption

conversion during this time of the season. Nutrimol 4n1 can be administered via a Dosatron Inline Dispenser or drench gun. For best results, begin dosing 30 days prior to the planned start of mating at 7ml/ cow/day and continue until 60 days after the end of mating. The key points to aim for with a Nutrimol 4n1 programme:

The cost of an empty cow in lost milk production plus the purchase price of a replacement animal is reducing farm productivity. The cost of a Nutrimol 4n1 programme is less than $9.00 + GST/cow. It makes sense to implement a programme 30 days before mating starts. Talk to your local Farmlands store about a Nutrimol 4n1 Mating Programme or pick up an ‘It’s Business Time’ brochure for more information. Article supplied by Bell-Booth.

• Improve heat strength

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HORTICULTURE

Glyphosate resistance? Glyphosate was originally discovered by Swiss chemist Henri Martin in 1950 but it was not until 1970 that another scientist, John Franz, synthesised the molecule “glyphosate”. This was then patented by Monsanto as the active ingredient for the herbicide Roundup®. Prior to the introduction of Roundup to the market, Paraquat, Amitrole and cultivation were the main weed control options for horticulturalists. Roundup offered growers a broad-spectrum perennial herbicide, which had a much safer environmental and user toxicity than those being used at the time. However, the cost of the brand Roundup remained relatively expensive, so many growers continued to use a mix of herbicide options in their programmes.

factors that has contributed to its downfall – the development of resistance. Glyphosate is now the most widely used herbicide on the planet. In recent times, glyphosate has given effective control with a low cost per hectare and many growers have just used glyphosate and glyphosate mixes with application rate spikes designed to increase control. Often little alternative chemistry is being used during the season, or from year to year. If we are to keep this chemistry working for us in the future, we must now introduce a sustainable resistance management programme, just like those used for other pesticides. There are two main points that must be considered if we are going Rate per hectare: Under-dosing is a leading cause of resistance development. that kills many of the weeds present but some individual weeds survive and grow back. They are then re-treated with a sub-lethal dose of the same chemical. When deciding on the correct application rate per hectare, it

When Monsanto’s glyphosate patent expired in 2000 and many generic suppliers came to the market, the price plummeted, turning this highly effective but expensive product into the cheapest broad-spectrum option for horticultural use. Its cheapness is one of the main

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| Vixen 6.0 L/ha (86 days after application)

to keep glyphosate in our programmes:

Often an application rate is selected

| Glyphosate 360 at 9.0L/ha (30 days post application). Good control of other weed species but resistant ryegrass is left to re-populate the herbicide strip.

| Vixen 4.0 L/ha (86 days after application)

is critical that all of the species in the area being treated are identified. The

Mixing up chemistry: All growers, regardless of whether resistance has been identified or not, should be implementing a programme of mixing herbicide groups throughout the year. The options will vary depending on the crops and the weed species present. Farmlands Technical Advisors are trained to assist growers with a planned approach to using a mix of chemistry to control all weed species in an economical

application rate chosen must provide

and sustainable manner.

complete control of the hardest to kill

For further information, contact

weed. In the photographs, glyphosate

your Farmlands Technical Advisor

resistant ryegrass was identified so

or the friendly team at your local

Vixen (glufosinate + oxyfluorfen) was

Farmlands store.

chosen. At 4.0L/ha the Vixen was ineffective at controlling this species,

Article supplied by Chris Herries, Technical Manager, Farmlands Horticulture.

however at 6.0L/ha it was controlled.

THE FARMLANDER |

HORTICULTURE

Get better results from glyphosate We always knew that WETCIT greatly enhanced the performance of glyphosate – but we never knew why or by how much. This past year, the University of Illinois was given the job of answering both of these questions. Dr. Dean Riechers and Dr. Anatoli Lygin from the Department of Crop Sciences conducted a series of experiments to investigate the effect of WETCIT on the performance of Roundup® PowerMAX (a leading brand of glyphosate in the United States) for the control of fathen. For those that haven’t experienced WETCIT, it is a revolutionary wetting agent and penetrant that outclasses other adjuvants on the market.

| MSO = methylated seed oil

A key experiment conducted was to label the glyphosate molecule with a radioisotope C14 (i.e. make it radioactive) and measure the level of radioactivity in the plant at given time intervals. This allows the researchers to see where the glyphosate has moved to and in what concentrations. The results were

entirely throughout the leaf and

The study looked at other wetting agents,

impressive to say the least.

had begun to translocate into the

including non-ionic surfactants and oils.

petiole. In comparison, Roundup

In all comparisons, the combination

PowerMAX alone was still yet to

of Roundup PowerMAX with WETCIT

distribute throughout the leaf and no

showed superior distribution through the

translocation had begun.

plant and in a shorter amount of time. In

• When WETCIT was added to the Roundup PowerMAX, the chemical was absorbed into the leaf more than twice as fast than for Roundup PowerMAX alone (3 minutes vs. 7 minutes). • 15 minutes after application, the WETCIT plus Roundup PowerMAX combination had distributed

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• 12 hours after application, the WETCIT

fact, the combinations with oil showed no

plus Roundup PowerMAX combination

benefit compared to using the Roundup

had completely moved through the

PowerMAX by itself!

plant including the roots. Roundup PowerMAX by itself was still localised in the leaf tissues.

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HORTICULTURE

The key messages from this research are: 1. Despite Roundup PowerMAX having a surfactant already present in the formulation, the performance of this product can be greatly enhanced by adding WETCIT. 2. With conclusive evidence showing translocation out of the leaf into surrounding tissues begins 15 minutes after application, growers can have comfort knowing the addition of WETCIT will get the glyphosate molecule into the plant, particularly when inclement weather is forecast. 3. Oils did not enhance the performance of the Roundup PowerMAX in this study. NB: WETCIT was used at 300ml per 100L of water in this study.

The next stage in the research is to look at the speed the six herbicide treatments kill weeds in a field environment. Article supplied by WETCIT.

| Treatments: Wetting agents added to Roundup PowerMAX

Key MSO = methylated seed oil HSMO = high surfactant methylated seed oil Glyphosate = no wetting agent NIS = non-ionic surfactant COC = crop oil concentrate

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THE FARMLANDER |

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Cost-effective grazing: grow more dry matter this spring Nothing competes with grass when it comes to cost effective feed. But when there’s not quite enough grass to go round, ProGibb SG is the next best thing.

His first goal was to shift his spring

For him, there’s just one key to success.

balance date and he says today pasture

“That 3 to 5 day window after grazing is

supply matches cow demand 7-10 days

the one thing to get right.

earlier than it used to. “Now we’re using

“You go much outside of that and it’s

For less than 16c/kg DM (including

it in early autumn too, to help build our

not going to work.”

covers back up after summer.”

Mike says because every farm is

Either way, he says, “it’s growing grass

different, there are many ways to

for the cheapest possible price at the

benefit from ProGibb SG. His best

time of the year that you need it most.”

advice to potential new users? “Talk

At his scale and with the volumes he

to other farmers. Give your merchant

is using, it quickly became apparent

a ring and say I want to speak with

early on that it was worth Owen buying

someone who’s used it then go and

a spray unit to apply ProGibb SG

have a yarn with them.”

himself. This has meant they’ve had to

For further information, contact

get used to spraying when the ground

your Farmlands Technical Advisor

is wet, rather than when it’s dry, as in

or the friendly team at your local

preparing a paddock for cropping. “We

Farmlands store.

had to change the rims on the tyres

Article supplied by Nufarm.

application costs), New Zealand’s first and most widely tested plant growth regulator for pasture packs a compelling financial argument this spring. Few inputs can offer the same return in the current economic climate but for many farmers, ProGibb SG has become part and parcel of costeffective farming, no matter what the budget looks like. Farmlands Manawatu Field Manager Mike McLean says there’s a good reason for this. “It’s proven to work and there’s good trial data wrapped around it as well.” Mike estimates at least 50 percent of his clients now routinely use ProGibb to boost DM production in spring and autumn by 30-60 percent within 3

three times to get it right…” When it comes to taking advantage of the extra DM/ha available as a result of ProGibb, Owen says the priority has been to put it straight into the vat via the cows, rather than intensifying herd size.

weeks of applications. With 2,400 cows on two milking platforms and a sizeable run-off, Himitangi dairy farmer Owen Greig knows precisely the value of extra grass at key times of the season. He started using ProGibb SG 3 or 4 years ago and now aims to apply it across both milking platforms several times a year, spraying up to 200ha a week at the busiest times and complementing it with solid urea.

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THE FARMLANDER |

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Making it watertight This year saw the finals of the ANZ Young Farmers Contest held at the Taupo Domain in early July. This was the 47th year of the competition and was the culmination of 250 contestants competing in 22 District Finals, leading on to seven Regional Finals, with the winner from each region contesting the Grand Final. This iconic competition demonstrates the skills and knowledge tomorrow'cs rural leaders possess.

the use of thread tape on threaded fittings. Also included is the burying of the pipe to protect it from environmental and mechanical damage and ensuring that the pipe doesn’t kink while being installed. “Working with pipe is a skill set that most famers possess to varying degrees,” Pete says. “It was interesting to see what issues came to the fore under together – organising the troughs, pipe,

the time pressures of a competition

fittings, tools and a suitably experienced

situation. I saw things like leaks caused

Over the 3 days, competition modules

judge. Pete Carswell from Iplex Pipelines

by insufficient pipe insertion into fittings

included diverse subjects such as

was drafted into the judging role.

and in one case a kink in the pipe

cooking, putting on nappies, calibrating

“It was a very realistic set-up,” Pete

causing poor flow rate into the trough

spray equipment and participating in

says. “The seven contestants were

– don’t over bend pipe, use an elbow.

question and answer sessions. Practical

required to connect a water trough to

Overall however, the contestants did

day was held on 3 , comprising 40

a mainline pipe and then fill the trough.

a good job.

minute hands-on modules, including

This required them to source the correct

“Back on the farm, my advice would

farmlets the contestants were required

pipe and fittings from a store Farmlands

be – take time and care connecting pipe,

to maintain.

had set up on-site, uncoil the pipe, cut

don’t skimp on fittings where they’re

Stock water reticulation was one of the

to length, tap into the mainline, install

needed and always bury the pipe where

modules in the Ravensdown Agri-skills

trough valve and ballcock and connect

practical. A correctly designed and

Challenge. John Calkin, Farmlands

the lateral to trough.”

installed stock water system is the most

Taupo Business Manager, was heavily

The competition was judged on a

important infrastructure asset on a farm,

involved in putting this challenge

number of criteria, including safe work

settling for anything less will be costly in

practices, skill use, knowledge of pipe

terms of operation and lost production.

and fitting ranges and good installation

Congratulations to Farmlands for

“trade practices”. A successful outcome

supporting this event – I know the guys

required filling the trough with no leaks in

certainly enjoyed the hot soup on a cold

the system. The pipe chosen was metric

Taupo day!”

diameter polyethylene, connected using

For further information, contact

Plasson compression fittings.

your Farmlands Technical Field

Good trade practices included square

Officer or the friendly team at your

cuts, removal of burrs and chamfering of

local Farmlands store.

pipe, lubrication of pipe and fittings, full

Article supplied by Iplex.

insertion of pipe into fittings and

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THE FARMLANDER |

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Bluff Station tracks the changes Hamish Murray, along with his parents Richard and Sue, run Bluff Station – located in the high country halfway between Kaikoura and Blenheim. The station’s homestead is closest to the sea while the rest of the 13,800 hectare property is accessed via a 38 kilometre stock and 4WD track. The track was built in stages over many years and 3 years ago, the Murrays decided to refurbish a small section of it. As it is a vital link to and through the farm, it was critical to do the job with both workmanship and materials that would last. Management of water cascading down from the hills above

Farmlands put Hamish in touch with

A culvert was placed everywhere that

the track was a major issue that

Nathan at Promax and together they

water was flowing down the inside

needed addressing, to both keep the

worked out what the track required.

slope of the track and the various new

track dry and prevent erosion.

Promax were also able to plastic weld

culverts are easily dispatching the

“We run 8,000 Merinos and more than

the pipes to the lengths that suited the

volume of water pouring down. The 3.5

900 breeding cows and young stock,

Bluff Station track.

kilometres of upgraded track traverses

so the track is our lifeline to the farm,”

“The standard culvert is 2.7 metres but

sheer cliff faces and will now allow

Hamish says.

we had most of them made into 8.1

truck and trailer units to cart stock and

“When we decided to do this section

metre continuous lengths,” Hamish says.

fertiliser deep into the main body of the

of track I did some research and had a

“Being very light and in one piece

station all year round.

long chat with the team at Farmlands

allowed us to fit them quickly and

The newly installed Promax Polyflo

Kaikoura. They have had many clients

easily. This reduced the cost to us

Culverts have solved a big issue for

who have used the Promax Polyflo

both in labour and machinery. One of

Bluff Station and the Murrays plan to

Culverts and are reporting that they

the other key points we appreciated

upgrade other parts of the track with

work well.”

is that they are ribbed, providing

new culverts in the future.

both strength and stabilisation of the

For further information, contact

ground. I expect these to last more

your Farmlands Technical Field

than my time on the farm and the fact

Officer or the friendly team at your

they won’t rust out or corrode and are

local Farmlands store.

virtually maintenance free makes them ideal for our situation.”

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Article supplied by Promax.

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