Plan 365 June 2015 by Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited

JUNE 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.

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Great rides need great solutions “We’re all struggling. The cycle trail will bring business into the community. It’s a no-brainer.” So says Snow Harrison, referring to the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, which will eventually run for 84 kilometres between Opua in the Bay of Islands to Horeke on the Hokianga Harbour, on Northland’s west coast.

of shorthorn and crossbreed cattle.

The New Zealand Cycle Trail project

variability of the landscape, with its

arose out of the Government’s 2009

valleys and steep hilly terrain, would

Employment Summit, brought about

make the design and installation of

by the Global Financial Crisis. Vote

such a scheme challenging. Snow

Tourism appropriated $50 million

sought advice from the local Farmlands

across 3 years to fund the construction

Waipapa store. Farmlands Technical

of “Great Rides” across the country.

Field Officer, Doug Morgan, involved

The aim is to create employment

Pete Carswell from Iplex Pipelines.

in the construction and maintenance

“Due to the terrain, precise surveying

of these trails, enhance New Zealand’s

from the water source along the

competitiveness as a tourism

pipeline's route was extremely

destination and to deliver the

important,” Pete says. A collection

benefits of these cycle trails to

tank was installed under the spring at

the wider community.

218m above sea level (ASL), supplying

“There’s a lot of natural beauty along the trail, which follows the Utakura River, including places to picnic and swim,” Snow says. “Unfortunately, fencing off the river for the trail meant that stock access to natural waterways was no longer possible.” A reticulated stock water scheme would be now be required. The difficulty and

through the system's mainline a 25,000L tank situated at 169m ASL. From this tank the farm's troughs would be gravity fed, as well as provide drinking water on the cycle trail and service the newly installed toilet block.

“The need to maintain enough head in the system to fill this tank required the use of a mixture 16 bar Blackline through to 6.3 bar Greenline PE pipe,” Pete says. “The survey information determined where these different pressure rated pipes would be installed, ensuring the most economic outcome for Snow and Robin.” A follow up by local Iplex Territory Manager Craig Leith, found Snow very pleased with the new scheme. “Snow is now enjoying the benefits of a reticulated stock water system, offering better water quality and continuity of supply, with less environmental impact on riparian zones,” Craig says. “It’s a win-win situation for Snow, the local economy and the many cyclists that will enjoy the trail over years to come.” For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Visit

Last year saw the development of the

www.twincoastcycletrail.kiwi.nz

section of this trail from Okaihau to

for details on the ride.

Horeke, 3.5km of which ran through Snow and his wife Robin’s 260 hectare

Article supplied by Iplex.

hill country farm, supporting 250 head

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Installing your water tank HELPFUL HINTS AND TIPS

Here’s some handy hints and tips to ensure the installation of your new water tank goes smoothly! Firstly – preparation is key: 1. Ensure that the tank site is flat and level, free from rocks or stones and any foreign matter that may damage the tank’s base. 2. Ensure the tank site is well

To take advantage of the maximum catchment of water, it is ideal to place tanks at the end of a building. This way downpipes can be fed from both gutters into the one tank. Please note that the overflow capacity must match the downpipe capacity. For example, two 90mm inlet downpipes would require equal capacity overflows. Note also that tank overflows can go below the

compacted if fill is used to prepare

Promax corrugated tanks can be buried

ground and come up again, to meet

or level the site.

and fully back-filled up to 1 metre in the

stormwater run off.

ground – and still retain their 20 year

Important considerations when plumbing

warranty. Burying your Promax tank is

300mm larger in diameter than

the tank are:

a great way to avoid height restriction

the tank.

1. Ensure a flexible hose is installed

issues – also a buried tank with shrubs

3. Ensure that the tank site is at least

4. If a sand base is used, a retaining

after the gate or ball valve with a

planted around it is more attractive in

cover should be used to prevent

your backyard!

sand from washing away

When you are planning to bury a Promax

after installation.

corrugated tank, you should prepare

Remember that a full tank will weigh up

the base with 100mm minimum of

to 30 tonnes – so it is important that the

compacted sand, just as you would if

surface it sits on is stable and firm.

installing the tank above ground.

You may also need to ensure you secure the tank once it has been delivered – if it’s

For more information, please talk minimum 300mm length.

windy or stormy, your tank can easily be

2. The tank outlet must NOT be

blown away if not secured down. Adding

subjected to extra force,

200mm of water to the bottom of the tank

e.g. over-tightening of fittings.

is usually enough to weigh it down. An important part of the preparation is to think about the number and types of

4. The number of inlet pipes, their sizes and capacities must equal the number of overflow pipes, their sizes

the tank is important – it is highly

and capacities.

your plans will work!

Article supplied by Promax Plastics.

of base to avoid erosion.

Planning how you will install and plumb

past a drainlayer or plumber to ensure

Farmlands store.

3. Overflow must be piped clear

inlets, outlets and valves you require.

recommended you run your project

to the friendly team at your local

5. Do not allow the tank site to deteriorate after installation due to any form of erosion or site destruction caused by vermin such as rabbits.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Hassle-free pasture protection Gallagher’s new S10 Solar Energizer is a game-changer for farmers large and small wanting to capitalise on the benefits of portable solar power for temporary electric fencing. Compact, robust and fully integrated with a rechargeable battery and solar panel, the S10 is a convenient and costeffective alternative to battery-powered fence systems. The S10 is capable of powering electric fences up to 3 km on a single wire fence and is both drop resistant and waterproof so is ideal for strip grazing. Because it uses solar power, it doesn’t require a constant supply of batteries to keep it functioning and is incredibly easy

to set up and operate. Simply hook it up

PRODUC T AVAIL AB LE MID JUN E

to the fence and earth stake, turn it on and walk away. Once activated, the S10 can continue to operate for up to three weeks without sun. An easily visible LED Pulse Indicator shows the energizer is working and has enough charge. A red light flashes if the battery is low. In use the S10 can sit on the ground, be mounted to a wooden post, sit on top of a steel post or be fixed to a pigtail or ring top post using an attachment. The Gallagher S10 Energizer will be available throughout Farmlands stores from mid-June. Article supplied by Gallagher.

GALLAGHER ENERGIZER S10 SOLAR • Easy to set up and use, a fully integrated solar energizer.

World’s most powerful energizer The Gallagher M10,000i Fence Energizer – the most powerful energizer ever produced – is now available in Farmlands stores. Gallagher’s National Sales Manager, Peter Nation, says the M10,000i packs a whopping 100 joules of stored energy and will outperform any other energizer on the market. “Land use in New Zealand has changed considerably in recent years, and farms are getting bigger. The M10,000i has been designed specifically to meet the demands of larger properties that need plenty of power over longer distances.” Robustly built to handle the toughest of farm conditions the M10,000i will power electric fencing systems spanning up to 400ha and its high-efficiency circuitry

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

NEW

delivers outstanding performance and stock control.

PRODUC

Like other i Series Energizers, the M10,000i comes with an energizer Controller to monitor energizer performance and highlight any faults in the fencing system. Fully waterproof, the Energizer Controller displays the energizer’s voltage and current readings and can be used to turn the energizer on or off, set alarm levels and adjust the energizer’s output voltage. The M10,000i is also compatible with i Series fence monitors and remotes which enables the user to quickly locate faults within a monitored zone, turn the energizer on or off remotely, and test a fence once a repair is completed. Article supplied by Gallagher.

GALLAGHER FENCE ENERGIZER M10,000i • World's most powerful energizer —100 stored joules delivering 10,000 volts. • Powers up to 400 hectares/1,000 acres. • Includes separate Energizer Controller to view fence performance at a glance at a convenient location.

THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

Special feeds for alpacas with special needs Alpaca are interesting animals that are popular on New Zealand lifestyle blocks and farms. Alpaca are domesticated animals from South America and belong to the group ‘Camelids’ along with camels and llamas. They have been bred historically for their high quality fibre, which is used to make knitted and woollen items. They also make great pets with friendly personalities. Alpaca are social herd animals and prefer to live in family groups. Interestingly enough, they are used as herd protectors for grazing animals in some countries around lambing or kidding time, as they protect the newly born animals from predators such as foxes, eagles and canines, attacking them with their front feet. In New Zealand, alpacas have even been used to protect chickens on free range farms from hawks.

consume sufficient amounts to meet their needs. For this reason loose minerals or mineralised pelleted feeds are better options for supplementing alpaca. Polioencephalomalacia (PEM), inflammation of the brain due to a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, is a condition more commonly seen in alpaca compared to other animals. The gut flora of ruminants and pseudo-ruminants usually produce enough thiamine to into consideration when keeping them. Vitamin D (the ‘sunshine vitamin’) deficiency is common in alpaca, possibly due to their evolution in sunny South America. This deficiency is exasperated in the winter months due to decreased sunshine hours. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone development and deficiency during pregnancy and lactation can cause rickets in young cria, due to low vitamin D in colostrum

satisfy animal requirements, however thiamine production can be reduced in certain circumstances, for example when there is too much sulphur in the diet, or if the rumen is not functioning optimally. Some weeds are also suspected to play a role in thiamine deficiency, due to the presence of an enzyme that breaks down thiamine. Symptoms of PEM include lethargy, low appetite or neurological impairment (head and ear twitching, drooling and staggering). Once an

Alpacas are known as ‘pseudo-

and milk. Symptoms of rickets include

ruminants’, as they have a similar

bowed legs, shifting leg lameness, joint

digestive system to traditional ruminants

enlargement, a humpback appearance

– however they have three stomach

and a slowed growth rate. Supplementing

compartments rather than four, lacking

pregnant and lactating alpaca with

the omasum. Transit time of consumed

vitamin D is a necessity – non-pregnant

feed through the gastrointestinal tract is

and male alpaca will also benefit from

Pelleted feed is a great way to ensure

slower in alpaca compared with other

vitamin D supplementation.

alpacas get all of the vitamins and

ruminants, which allows for a greater

Camelid nutrition experts have recorded

degree of fermentation of lower quality cell wall materials. This means that alpaca are good rough paddock feeders and can do well on poorer quality pasture compared to cows and sheep. Alpaca have some unique nutritional

that alpaca and llama do not show strong licking feeding behaviours. This means that using feed/salt blocks may not be particularly effective. Alpaca may still take interest in the blocks and attempt to bite pieces off but they may not be able to

requirements that need to be taken

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

animal is showing signs of neurological impairment, injected thiamine is required quickly to avoid death. Regular supplementation of thiamine is the best way to prevent PEM cases arising.

minerals they require daily. Farmlands has two alpaca options – Alpaca Pellets and Alpaca Conditioning Mix, which both contain vitamin D and thiamine, along with a vast profile of other nutrients essential for optimum alpaca health. Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Nutritionist, Farmlands Nutrition.

THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

Feeding calves correctly grows great cows Continuous improvement of the genetic merit is an important consideration in most dairy herds. However, this improvement in genetic gain can only be realised if the resulting heifers are sufficiently well grown to get in-calf, calve at around 22 months of age and compete with older cows as soon as they enter the herd.

to forages and that calves can make

and other hard feeds. NRM Moozlee and

effective use of these forages.

GrowUp 20% are formulated to contain

Establishing a rumen microbial

high quality protein sources such as

population is the first step in developing

soyabean meal, which the young calf can

the rumen. While the rumen of the young

easily digest.

calf is sterile at birth, bacteria with the

At the same time, it is important to

potential to colonise the rumen are

ensure that the macro (calcium,

rapidly acquired from the environment,

phosphorus and sodium) and trace

other animals the calf comes into contact

(copper, zinc, cobalt, selenium and iodine)

with and feed. For these bacteria to grow

mineral requirements of the young,

The digestive tract of the neonatal

and multiply they require a source of

rapidly growing calf are met. All NRM

calf is dramatically different to that of

nutrients and liquid in the rumen. Hard

calf feeds are formulated to provide a

the adult ruminant. Consequently, the

feed such as NRM Moozlee or GrowUp

balanced supply of both macro and trace

young calf requires a low fibre, highly

20% pellets provide a substrate, which

minerals, as well as vitamins (such as

digestible feed in the first few weeks of

support the proliferation of those bacteria

vitamin A, D and E), which help support

life. Liquid feeds such as colostrum, milk

that are typically found in the rumen of

the development of a healthy immune

or milk replacer are important sources

mature cows. This typically occurs about

system. The inclusion of BovatecÂŽ aids in

of energy (from fat and lactose), as well

2 weeks after dry feed intake starts.

the prevention of coccidiosis, a parasitic

as essential amino acids necessary for

The end products of the fermentation of

disease of calves, which if not controlled

lean tissue growth. However, these feeds

starch found in feeds such as Moozlee

results in the destruction of the lining of

are relatively expensive and transitioning

and GrowUp 20 percent plays an

the small intestine, dramatically affects

the young calf from liquid feeds to

important role in the development of the

weight gain and can result in death.

hard feed and home-grown forages is

epithelial tissue lining the rumen. It is this

Dairy heifers are an investment in the

important for economical calf rearing.

epithelial tissue that will play a vital role in

future of the herd. Selecting a calf feed

Feeding strategies that encourage early

absorbing the volatile fatty acids released

that helps to ensure good early growth

and healthy rumen development are

by the fermentation of feed (either grain

rates, builds a strong skeleton and

particularly useful in ensuring that the

or forage) by rumen microbes as the calf

sets heifers up for a productive

calf transitions easily from liquid feeds

matures and thus affects the efficiency

lifetime is one way of ensuring a

that the calf can use feed.

good return on investment.

Lean tissue growth in the early stages

Contact your local NRM Feed

of the calfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life is driven by the supply

Specialist or Farmlands store to help

of essential amino acids present in

choose the right calf feed for your

the feed or milk consumed. While the

future cows.

supply of amino acids from milk or milk replacer is relatively constant, there can

Article supplied by Natalie Chrystal, Nutritionist, NRM.

be considerable variation in the quantity, quality and digestibility of amino acids found in different grains, oilseed meals

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

Protect your investment in feed: your silo cleaning guide Storage of animal feed in vertical silos, or bins, is the most common form of dry feed storage on New Zealand farms. Silos can be a great way to store feed, as they reduce wastage and protect feed from climatic events and from pests such as birds and vermin.

of, right through to mycotoxicosis.

equipment. Suitable protective clothing

This can occur when poisonous toxins

including gloves, eye protection and

produced by moulds are consumed

masks should be worn at all times.

at high enough levels to cause animal

A safety harness with suitable anchor

health issues. To avoid these problems

points is also essential equipment.

occurring, silos need to be cleaned at

Wet cleaning

least once a year and preferably

1. Ensure the weather is suitable

Silos also allow farmers to reap the

excessive mould does not build up

financial benefits of purchasing feed

on the inside of the silo and that feed

in bulk and feed it easily through in-

delivered to the animal is as fresh and

shed feeding systems or into troughs

palatable as possible.

and feed-out bins. Silos do however

Farmlands has developed a new silo

need to be cleaned thoroughly at least

cleaning procedure that describes the

once a year, to ensure that the feed

best practices for cleaning animal feed

stored inside them is kept as fresh as

silos. There are two methods to use,

possible. A great time to do this is just

either a wet method or a dry method.

before the start of a new season.

The wet method is the most effective

The storage of feed in silos is

and preferable method for cleaning a

subject to large fluctuations in both

silo, however dry cleaning is a better

temperature and humidity within the

option when the silo boot cannot be

silo, which can lead to condensation

removed easily or it is too dangerous

forming on the inside of the silo from

to attempt wet cleaning. When using

time to time. Both feed and feed dust

the wet method, using a suitable

will stick to the side of the bin, absorb

disinfectant such as Virkon® during

the moisture and build up over time.

the clean is worthwhile. Both methods

This feed will deteriorate with mould

benefit from dusting the inside of the

developing and subsequent mycotoxin

silo with a liquid or powder mould

production. When this spoiled feed

inhibitor after cleaning, to hamper

falls off into good feed, consequences

future mould growth.

for the animal range from decreased

Safety is the most important

feed intake and feed refusal due to the

consideration and any attempt to climb

presence of mould, which animals can

up any silo requires suitable safety

every 6 months, to ensure that

to allow the silo to air dry after washing. 2. A high pressure water blaster with a long enough hose is required – do not attempt to carry heavy equipment up the silo. 3. The boot at the base of the silo needs to be removed prior to a wet clean. If this cannot be achieved then a dry clean would be the alternative option. 4. Once the boot has been removed, cover any electrical fittings that may be exposed and ensure that there is sufficient drainage below the silo to allow feed waste to freely be rinsed out of the silo. 5. For large lumps of feed on the

be very sensitive to the smell and taste

| THE FARMLANDER

side of the silo, a long lightweight pole can be used to dislodge these prior to washing. An aluminium pole usually used for swimming pool brushes works very well for this. Attach a safety cord to the pole and fix this to a suitable point at the top opening of

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

NUTRITION

the silo. This will allow you to easily

13. Ensure that any feed residue

brushes works very well for this.

retrieve the pole if it accidentally

washed out of the bin is collected

Attach a safety cord to the pole and

falls into the silo.

and safely disposed of. Do not allow

fix this to a suitable point at the top

feed residue to be washed into

opening of the silo. This will allow

storm water systems.

you to easily retrieve the pole if it

6. Using the water blaster working from top to bottom of the silo, rinse off as much of the feed stuck to the sides as possible. 7. Once feed has been removed from the sides, use a suitable commercial grade detergent to wash the inside of the silo. 8. Rinse the inside of the silo thoroughly once washed. 9. Use a suitable disinfectant (such

accidentally falls into the silo.

14. Test that all is in working order before filling the silo with feed.

6. Using the air blaster working from

Dry cleaning

top to bottom of the silo, blast off as

1. A dry clean will produce dust that

much of the feed stuck to the sides as possible.

is potentially harmful, so care should be taken to avoid breathing

7. Once the silo is clean, a light

in dust. A safety harness with

spray with a liquid mould inhibitor

suitable anchor points is also

is useful. Alternatively, dust the

essential equipment.

inside of the silo with a dry mould inhibitor product.

as Virkon ) once the silo has been

2. Dry cleaning is typically used when

washed and rinsed and allow this

the silo boot cannot be removed

to dry. A foaming disinfectant

easily or it is too dangerous to

from the base of the silo and

with suitable surfactants would be

attempt wet cleaning.

disposed of.

most suitable. 10. Once the silo is dry, a light spray

3. A high pressure air blaster with

9. Replace the cross auger outlet to

a long enough hose is required

empty back into the shed hopper.

with a mould inhibitor is useful.

– do not attempt to carry heavy

Alternatively, dust the inside

equipment up the silo.

of the silo with a dry mould inhibitor product.

8. Ensure that any old feed is removed

10. Ensure that any feed residue blown out of the bin is collected and safely disposed of.

4. Disconnect the cross auger from the feed hopper in the shed and

11. Test that all is in working order

11. Ensure that the boot is also washed,

direct this into a suitable waste

cleaned and disinfected prior to

container, so any waste residue

For further information, talk to one

re-fitting it to the silo.

can be removed efficiently from the

of the friendly staff at your local

base of the silo.

Farmlands store.

12. Once the silo and boot are both thoroughly dry, replace the boot

5. For large lumps of feed on the side

onto the base of the silo, ensuring

of the silo, a long lightweight pole

that all seals are in place and are in

can be used to dislodge these prior

good working order.

to air cleaning. An aluminium pole

before filling the silo with feed.

Article supplied by Natalie Chrystal, Nutritionist, NRM.

usually used for swimming pool

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Farming in a low pay-out season A drop in the milksolids price has left many farmers wondering how they can generate a profit (or at least minimise their loss) in a financially challenging season. Put simply, profit is the difference between income and costs. There are essentially three ways to increase profit – increase income, decrease costs, or do a combination of both. Cutting costs that do not affect production (e.g. deferring the purchase of a new ute) will automatically improve profitability, however the reality is that many farm costs (e.g. depreciation and labour) are semi-fixed. Reducing inputs such as feed, fertiliser, or animal health is likely to have some impact on production, either now or in future seasons. This is where budget slashing gets a whole lot trickier. In a paper titled “Smarter spending for a low pay-out” presented at a recent Southland Demo Farm Field Day, Howard de Klerk (Dairy Nutrition and Management Solutions) shows that the biggest cost to the average New Zealand farmer is interest (Table 1). Table 1: Total production costs of an average NZ dairy farmer.

Howard points out that while it is not included in Farm Working Expenses and therefore the net profit per hectare, interest has a major impact on the amount of cash the farm generates. Changing production per cow will not alter interest (assuming no extra shares are required or sold off) – but as production rises, interest per kgMS drops. Diluting interest costs by keeping production up is important, especially for farms with higher debt loadings. The key, according to Howard, is to find the level of production where operating costs are controlled but the farm is producing enough milk to dilute interest and other semi-fixed costs. At this “sweet spot” profit is maximised — production below this level is not optimum and production above this level is simply buying production. So what are the keys to farming profitably in a low pay-out year? Good farm management practices should apply whether the pay-out is low or at record levels. The key difference is that in a high pay-out year you can make more mistakes and still be profitable. Conversely, profit is less forgiving of mistakes in a low pay-out year. Three things to consider are: 1. Reduce costs carefully. Before cutting any input ask yourself, “what will be the impact on production and will the saving outweigh any potential loss in income”? Reducing feed input usually reduces milk output. Be realistic about how much supplementary feed you need. Don’t assume you can make

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

it through with a lot less than previous seasons unless you can see realistic opportunities to increase pasture and/or supplement utilisation, or are happy to accept a drop in production. 2. Make sure your comparative stocking rate (CSR) is in the correct range. DairyNZ recommends a CSR around 80 to maximise profit. This means that for every tonne of feed offered there should be around 80kg of cow liveweight to eat it. See www.dairynz.co.nz/feed/ feed-management-tools/comparativestocking-rate/ to calculate your CSR. 3. Purchase supplements wisely and use them strategically. The main aim of feeding supplements is to fill feed gaps and therefore produce more milk. It will always be uneconomic to feed supplements and waste pasture, or to waste supplements. Think about what you are trying to achieve with your feed and compare bought-in supplements on a c/MJME basis. Look for opportunities to reduce your supplementary feed spend by switching to a higher proportion of lower cost, home-grown supplements such as maize silage. As Howard points out, profit will already be down this season due to the lower milk price. Reducing production could reduce profit even further, so think carefully before you make any decision to cut costs, which will drastically affect your production. Article supplied by Pioneer® brand products.

THE FARMLANDER |

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Win the race against broadleaf ® weeds with Sprinter 700DS If your established pastures are looking the worse for wear this season, with broadleaf weeds taking the place of productive, high value grazing, it’s time to turn to a unique new herbicide from New Zealand’s leading crop protection supplier, Nufarm. Sprinter ® 700DS is a new-generation liquid phenoxy herbicide, which combines the latest advances in formulation technology with proven performance in the field. It’s the only product of its kind in the world and is patent pending in New Zealand. Key benefits for Sprinter 700DS include ease of use, strong compatibility with companion products, excellent translocation of active ingredient through plant tissue and good weed control. It is recommended for use in the period from autumn to spring, to rid established pastures of nuisance weeds like storksbill, dandelion, docks, thistles and ragwort. It is ideal for getting rid of seedling thistles prior to the coldest part of winter and it also has a good fit with farmers who need to tidy up established pastures after a difficult summer and autumn. “Months of dry weather have led to many established pastures becoming thin and open. This makes them highly susceptible to broadleaf weed ingression and this in turn has a negative impact on spring pasture production and quality,” Nufarm Technical Specialist Cynthia Christie says.

| THE FARMLANDER

“We’ve learned from experience that the sooner drought-damaged paddocks can be restored to productivity, the faster farmers recover from adverse seasons like the one we’ve just had. Timely, effective broadleaf weed control is a significant part of this process.”

like Northland and Gisborne, or where sensitive crops have become more widespread.

Another big advantage is that unlike some other phenoxy herbicides, Sprinter 700DS will not crystallise under cold conditions and thus potentially block spray equipment.

Farmers now have the right tool for phenoxy herbicide application when weeds are actively growing, without the negative of the clover injury incurred by 2,4-D ester formulations.

Because it is a 2,4-D amine, Sprinter 700DS is non-volatile, providing pastoral farmers an alternative phenoxy herbicide in regions where use of older, 2,4-D ester formulations are subject to local body regulations,

For further information, talk to one

Christie says tools like Sprinter 700DS are helping farmers become more flexible and productive in their use of phenoxy herbicides to maintain high value, weed-free grazing.

of the friendly staff at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Nufarm.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Water, the essential element in your calf sheds Calves need access to water from day one and it is a good idea to get your water troughs fitted and operational before calving hits. Water is not only essential for development but calves who have access to water will eat more grain, leading to better rumen development and higher average daily weight gains. There are many types of water troughs available, choose one that has a float valve with an enclosed float, so there is less chance of a calf playing with it and flooding the pen. Using a waterer with a relatively small bowl ensures constant refilling with clean water. For maximum time saving in your sheds, a waterer that protects the water supply from contaminants will eliminate time spent cleaning out mucky water troughs.

Most importantly, never feed calves water

For more information, talk to

from teats. When calves drink water from

the friendly team at your local

a trough, the oesophageal groove directs

Farmlands store today.

it to the rumen where it is utilised in rumen development. If calves drink water

Article supplied by McInnes.

from a teat, the oesophageal groove can direct it to the abomasum.

MILK BAR PEN WATERER • Stops dust, bird and calf faeces from contaminating the water supply. • Drain for easy cleaning. • Riser with 20mm thread. • Fully protected float valve. • Reduces labour in the calf shed.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

MILK BAR TRI PEN WATERER • Stops dust, bird and calf faeces from contaminating the water supply. • Drain for easy cleaning. • Riser with 20mm thread. • Fully protected float valve. • Reduces labour in the calf shed. • Ideal for larger pens of calves.

MILK BAR SNACK WATER TROUGH • Drain for easy cleaning. • Fully protected float valve. • To cut costs, use one Snack Water Trough between two pens.

THE FARMLANDER |

DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Feeding management of cows through the transition period The “transition period” for dairy cows is commonly known as the period from 4 weeks before to 4 weeks after calving, during which time the cow is subject to extreme metabolic changes. This is arguably the most important time to strategically feed the cow properly to ensure the prevention of metabolic issues including milk fever, grass staggers, rapid weight loss and ketosis. These metabolic issues all have consequential effects on milk performance, health and fertility. Milk fever is a common consequence of metabolic changes during the transition period. The DCAD (dietary cation anion difference) of the diet pre-calving has a significant influence on switching on calcium mobilisation around calving. The higher the DCAD, the higher the risk of milk fever. In New Zealand, a high DCAD is often a result of high potassium levels in pasture or from grazing on effluent pasture paddocks. Farmers can lower the DCAD by supplementing with lower DCAD feeds including maize silage, grain based feeds and anionic minerals.

JUMPSTART 1L • Easy to use, highly palatable, flowable formulation. • 70g calcium/1L dose – highest on the market. • 440ml MPG/1L dose – highest on the market. • 16 MJ of energy per litre.

A combination of anionic minerals

responsible for oestrus and fertility. A

together with important vitamins

strategy to minimise negative energy

(e.g. vitamin D), macro minerals (e.g.

balance is to supply the cow with

magnesium) and trace minerals

rumen protected bypass fats, such as

should be included in a premium transition premix such as NutriMin

Golden Flake®, which can be added via ®

the supplementary feed (e.g. adding to

Springer Cow Balancer.

maize silage). As their name suggests,

In the 4 weeks after calving, feed

rumen bypass fats bypass the rumen

intake in a dairy cow does not increase

and supply a concentrated energy

sufficiently to meet the energy

source to the dairy cow after absorption

requirements for milk production over

through the small intestine.

this period. The cow compensates by

To summarise, the “transition period”

mobilising body fat to meet this energy

is a critical period in dairy cows’

requirement for milk production. Fat

productive cycles, which significantly

mobilisation becomes an issue when

impacts on subsequent lactation

the cow’s liver fails to cope with the

performance, health and fertility. The

breakdown products of fat mobilisation,

most cost effective approach is to

resulting in fatty liver, ketosis and in

feed and manage cows well during this

very serious cases death.

period, to maximise performance and

An effective strategy to deal with

minimise issues. This can be achieved

clinical or sub-clinical ketosis is to

by good management, advice, feeding

provide glucose pre-cursors, which

and use of the best products.

increase glucose production in the

For more information, talk to the

liver, thereby reducing fat mobilisation.

friendly team at your local Farmlands

An available source of glucose

store today.

pre-cursors is monopropylene glycol (MPG). This can be obtained from

Article supplied by Nutritech.

a product like Jumpstart®, which also includes molasses (as a readily available source of energy) and calcium and magnesium (to help prevent milk fever and grass staggers). A further consequence of clinical and sub-clinical ketosis and increased body fat mobilisation, is that it can lead to poorer conception rates. This is due to the relationship between negative energy balance and hormones

| THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

It’s not too late for NAIT The start of July is just around the corner – and for OSPRI’s NAIT programme this means by law you are required to tag and register all your cattle and record their movements. So now’s the time to get up to speed with what you need to do and make sure your NAIT account is up to date.

3. Register your animals

So what’s changing on 1st July?

Registering your animals is the next

The main NAIT requirements will

step after they’ve been tagged. It’s an

not change. The main difference is

easy to forget but crucial step, as it

that stock born before the NAIT

activates the animal’s tag in the NAIT

programme became mandatory on

system and distinguishes tags sitting in

1st July 2012 need to be tagged and

the shed from tags that are actually in

registered – prior to 1st July 2015 these

animals. This is important for disease

had a 3 year exemption if they stayed

By making sure your NAIT account is

control. Registering your animals

on the same property.

up to date, you’re doing more than

involves logging on to the NAIT system

just playing by the rules. In the event

The rules are also toughening up, so

and telling NAIT what tags were put in

of a disease outbreak, NAIT will help

OSPRI will be ensuring people are

animals and then entering some details

New Zealand swiftly contain the

complying with these requirements.

about those animals.

The priority is on educating and helping

4. Record animal movements

farmers to get it right, through the

disease, protecting your livelihood and our country’s reputation in the international markets.

Stock movements must be recorded by

The lowdown on the rules

both the sending and receiving parties.

contact centre and NAIT workshops held throughout the country.

This includes private sales and Gypsy

Need help?

1. Register yourself

Day, as well as short-term movements

OSPRI manages the NAIT programme

If you’re in charge of cattle or deer,

like grazing, mating and events.

and their staff are available to help

whether it’s one or 1,000, you need to

Exception: If you send animals to a

with any of your NAIT questions on

be registered with NAIT. You can do

NAIT accredited sale yard or meat

0800 624 843. You can also visit

this online at nait.co.nz or by calling

processor, they will record the

nait.co.nz for more information.

0800 624 843.

movement on your behalf.

Article supplied by OSPRI.

2. Tag your cattle and deer By 1st July 2015, all your cattle need to be tagged – this includes all cattle born before the NAIT programme became mandatory on 1st July 2012 – even if they’re not leaving your property. Exception: Calves only need to be tagged before they are 6 months old or before they leave your property – whichever comes first.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Let’s talk about tagging Dairy beef feeder calves

always be applied to the front or inside

LaserPlus marking:

Attention, dairy farmers – in preparation

of the ear, between the two cartilage

LaserPlus was proudly developed in

for the dairy beef calves you are

ribs and half way between the head

New Zealand to provide permanent,

rearing, it is advisable to order enough

and tip of the ear. Where possible,

clear paddock identification, even in

NAIT tags through Farmlands in

we advise using a head bale and

the most adverse situations. LaserPlus

advance. Beef calves reared only

working from the front of the animal.

rapidly became the most proven and

require a single NAIT tag.

This is safer and will help you get

trusted marking system preferred by

The best advice is to apply an FDX

correct application.

dairy farmers.

Birth Tag. This will provide the lowest

Applicators

cost compliance and the convenience

Using the correct applicators will

of an animal number on the tag, to

make application far easier and safe.

make identification and transfers easier.

By using old or incorrect applicators,

Allflex NAIT Birth Tags can be paired to

you risk damaging the tags and

a management tag, which allows clear

reducing their service life.

visual identification during rearing.

Tag combinations

A new feature on Allflex FDX Tags

There are three common tag

is they now have a yellow centre, to

combinations used – ranked in market

provide easy technology identification

preference, these are: 1. Maxi Female/Large Male

Allflex Dairy Cull Tags

Maxi Female/Large Male

Large Male

75mm

100mm

Dairy culls require a NAIT device before Maxi Female

they move to slaughter. The FDX lowcost TRAKA tag is the best and most commonly chosen tag for this job.

May and June is the most common time of the year to apply management tags to your R2 heifers that are about to calve and join the milking herd.

75mm

57mm

TRAKA tags come in bulk packs for convenience and ordering a few extra

2. Maxi Female/Maxi Male Double Maxi

Maxi Female

Maxi Male

75mm

is no problem, as they do not expire. 100mm

Allflex Dairy Management Tags

Tag application It is important to apply your management tags correctly. Correct placement will ensure the tags stand

3. Large Double Female/Large Male Large

paddock identification, less snagging

Large Female

Large Male

57mm

and tag deformation for the milking

75mm

the best chance of providing clear Article supplied by Allflex.

life of the animal. The female tag must

| THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Are you losing your battle with lice? Lice infestations are becoming a serious problem for many farmers. Optimum wool length and environmental conditions during autumn and winter favour lice survival and development.

time you yard them. Lice are easier to

months of winter and into spring.

identify in animals with greater than

Used pre-lamb, MAGNUM prevents

6 months of wool. Part the wool in at

the transfer of lice from the ewe to the

least 10 areas on both sides of the

lamb during suckling.

sheep and look for lice at skin level and

The Coopers lice range also contains

lower fleece. Multiple sites need to be

Coopers ZENITH®, which has the same

inspected, as the parasite often has

active as MAGNUM but is formulated

It sounds easy to control lice, right? We

uneven distribution over the sheep.

for saturation dipping (shower or

know they spend their entire life on the

The most effective time to treat animals

plunge). When saturation dipping is

for lice is when their wool is short.

used, it is important that full saturation

Coopers MAGNUM is best used

of the fleece to skin level is achieved

within 24 hours off-shears when

— a difficult task once a fleece has

increased grease production

2—3 months of growth on it.

(stimulated by shearing) aids the

Heavy lice-infestation on sheep with

product’s binding and new grease

3 months or more wool growth can

encourages lice feeding and uptake of

be devastating for your season’s wool

the ingredient. MAGNUM contains an

production. Emergency lice treatment is

‘insect growth regulator’ in an aqueous

required to reduce fleece damage and

There are multiple products available

formulation, which makes it safer for

animal irritation. Coopers VANQUISH®

with various claims and time

operators. MAGNUM used correctly

is a powerful synthetic pyrethroid (SP)

recommendations for lice treatment.

as part of strategic lice control plan

pour-on for use in these situations with

Many products contain harsh

will provide at least 20 weeks’ lice

up to 10 months wool growth.

chemicals, and must be used with care

control — guaranteed.

to avoid human and environmental

Coopers recommends effective,

Using MAGNUM at pre-winter or

sustainable and responsible lice

pre-lamb shearing provides

treatment that becomes part of your

extended cover during the harder

animal health plan.

sheep, so why can’t we just treat and forget about the problem? Lice control and eradication can be unsuccessful, as it only needs a small, surviving population of eggs, nymphs or adults to multiply and the problem continues. Heavy lice infestations cause loss of wool value and animals look unhealthy and under-perform.

exposure. Care and informed product selection is recommended.

Stock should be checked for lice every

For further information, talk to one of the friendly staff at your local

MAGNUM 20L • Active: 25g/L Diflubenzuron (IGR). • Magnum provides long-term protection (up to 12 weeks). • Rainfast, can be applied to wet sheep. • Provides dual fly and lice control. • Easy on equipment – won’t damage or clog gun.

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A7704.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Farmlands store. Article supplied by Coopers.

YOUR PRICE 30003/106898

439.00

SAVE* $40.00

EARN 29 CHOICES POINTS

THE FARMLANDER |

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Which treatment is best for my ewes pre-lamb? There are a lot of different products on the market for pre-lamb treatment, so how do you go about choosing the right product for your operation? Not one particular product is going to suit all your needs. By scanning your ewes, you can divide them up into groups with different needs. Normally you would have two groups, singles or multiple bearing ewes. These can be divided further based on condition score, into good condition ewes and poor condition ewes. So you will have single bearing ewes that are in good condition. These

treating pre-lamb. These ewes have

Cydectin® Long Acting Injection for

ewes don’t need any treatment at all

twins in them so by using a long acting

Sheep rather than a capsule.

really. They can get away with a 5in1

product like Cydectin® Long Acting

In summary, one particular product is

vaccine only. It is good not to treat

Injection for Sheep, to give maximum

not ideal for all your ewes. We need to

some ewes on your farm, as this

parasite protection, you’ll get also the

break the ewes down into groups —

will give the opportunity to slow

most cost effective return.

ideally if you’re scanning into singles

down the development of resistance

The final group of ewes is your twin

and twins — and then break them down

to anthelmintics.

ewes that are in good condition.

again by condition score into poor and

The second group of ewes will be

They are a difficult mob to decide what

good conditioned ewes. From there,

your single ewes that are in poor

to treat with and that decision will

use the most effective treatment that

condition, which could be set stocked

probably depend on other factors, for

will meet the requirements for those

heavier. These ewes will need some

example withholding time. If you have

particular groups.

help to get them over that feed pinch,

a terminal mob of ewes, which you’re

Medium acting drenches include:

so you could either use a very short

going to have to wean and get straight

Cydectin® Oral Drench for Sheep,

acting treatment at docking or give

to the works, you don’t want a long

Eweguard®, or Cydectin® Injection

them a persistent acting product such

withholding time on those ewes, so you

for Cattle and Sheep.

as Eweguard , a 6in1 vaccine and

may choose a shorter acting product.

Long acting drenches include:

persistent acting wormer, to help get

The other factors to consider would

Cydectin® Long Acting Injection

them through the lambing period.

be how much time you’ve got, how

for Sheep.

With the multiple ewes, you will have

much labour you’ve got and what your facilities are like. If time and labour

For further information, talk to one

poor conditioned twin ewes. They are going to be the group on the farm that

are limited then you’re probably better

will get the maximum benefit from

going with an injectable product like

| THE FARMLANDER

of the friendly staff at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Zoetis.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Pre-lamb drenching vaccination It’s now time to consider pre-lamb ewe drenching vaccination. Mature animals generally have strong immunity against parasites for most of the year. However, at lambing this immunity can wane, leaving the animals more susceptible to the harmful effects of parasites.

We know that there are several factors to consider — one of the most important considerations is weighing up the benefits against the cost. So we’ve made it easy, comparing some of the top quality pre-lamb ewe products that we have to offer: their cost per ewe, application method, targeted parasites and length of persistent activity — and a simple summary of each product to help make

NILVAX SELENISED 500ML

MULTINE 5-IN-1 PLAIN VACCINE 500ML

• Protects ewes and their suckling lambs against Pulpy Kidney, tetanus, blackleg, black disease and malignant oedema. • Can be used 2-6 weeks prior to lambing. • Provides up to 16 weeks protection for suckling lambs. • Contains levamisole to enhance the ewe’s immune response to vaccination and to control gastrointestinal roundworms and lungworm.

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A3977.

• 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 selenised.

24278/106400

CYDECTIN LONG ACTING INJECTION 500ML • Easy to use, a simple quick injection vs. capsules, means less time spent drenching and handling sheep. • Delivers 112 days protection against Ostertagia, 91 days against Barber’s Pole and 42 days against Trichostrongylus. • Longer protection from worms means better productivity and cleaner pastures.

your decision easier. Whether you’re treating 150 ewes or 1,050, Farmlands has a great range of pre-lamb products for every budget. If you need any advice on what product will work best for your stock, call in to your local Farmlands store and have a chat with one of our knowledgeable staff members. Between our in-store team and our expert suppliers, we’ve got it covered.

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

29040/103459

EWEGUARD PLAIN 500ML

CYDECTIN INJECTION 500ML

• Ultimate protection from a 6-in-1 vaccine and wormer, in one single shot. • The vaccine protects the ewe and the lamb from five serious clostridial diseases and cheesy gland. • Broad spectrum worm control with persistent activity against Barber’s Pole and Ostertagia for 35 days and against Trichostrongylus for 7 days. • Helps keep pastures cleaner for the newborn lamb. • Available in selenised.

• Broad spectrum worm control with persistent activity for sheep against Barber’s Pole and Ostertagia for 35 days, and against Trichostrongylus for 7 days. • Used pre-lambing, helps keep pastures cleaner for the newborn lamb. • Easy to use, non-sting injection with a wide safety margin.

22260/106662 Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A9926.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

47853/142595

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A7302, A9122.

26054/105204

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A5979.

THE FARMLANDER | 23

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Destruct - kills all lice and nothing else Just because Destruct has been around for some time doesn’t mean it is down and out — quite the opposite. In the past 25 years the Macrocyclic Lactones (ML) have been the big boys on the block, with a broad spectrum of activity that has made them dominant in both the internal and external parasite market. However their broad spectrum of activity can have some downsides, especially when nontargeted parasite species are exposed, as tolerance will inevitably develop, with no production benefit. Propetamphos, the active ingredient in

DESTRUCT 5L

and has a specific spectrum of activity for controlling all sucking and biting

• Powerful and proven. • No recorded resistance by lice on NZ cattle. • Only 3 day meat withholding period. • Only 5 day milk withholding period.

lice in cattle, with no impact on internal parasites. The pour-on formulation is easy to apply to larger dry adult cattle, with only a 3 day meat withholding to

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A5740.

worry about. Lice are still difficult to kill, so care on application and handling is still required to achieve the best result as well as treating all in contact cattle. As lice numbers start to build this winter, treating external parasites with broad spectrum ML is unnecessary or possibly ill-advised. Instead choose Destruct. Article supplied by Bayer.

Destruct, specialises in external parasites

Eon is tailor made for value at a time when it is needed most! Over the past decade, eprinomectin has been the subject of several studies worldwide. In all but one of these, cows were treated at, or soon after, calving. Two of the larger-scale studies were conducted in New Zealand and Australia.

Selective treatment of younger and lower

Increased milk production:

feature. If lice are a main issue then non-

Milk production benefits of the global studies overall averaged 0.7 litres/cow/ day for eprinomectin-treated cows.1 Improved reproductive efficiency:

selective pressure for drench resistance. The tried and tested pour-on formulation is not only convenient but it also gives control of sucking lice as an additional

specific lice only treatment like Destruct, at drying off.

responses, particularly in first calvers.

Article supplied by Bayer.

shorter calving to conception intervals, as well as a reduction in the number of breedings required.2

| THE FARMLANDER

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A10357.

drenched cattle should be treated with a

have also shown positive reproduction These have been manifest in significantly

• Eprinomectin pour-on for cattle. • Nil milk withholding. • Rounds, lungworms and sucking lice. • Controls inhibited Ostertagia. • Ideal for beef and dairy cattle.

only maximise returns but also reduce

References 1. Sanchez et al., 2004. 2. McPherson et al., 2000.

Two of the studies using eprinomectin

EON POUR-ON 5L

condition cows, while milking may not

PURCHA SE 3 AND GET 1

FREE WHILE ST

OCKS LA