Plan 365 November 2014 by Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited

NOVEMBER 2014

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.

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Simplicity, speed and storage means a job well done The uptake of electronic ID tags and readers brings farmers the potential to tap into a mass of rich data for every animal they own, past and present. Advances in technology with Tru-Test’s new 5000 weigh scale series means farmers can realise that potential.

Kim and his seven staff run 500 Angus

need any driving instructions,” Kim says.

cows, 900 fattening steers, bulls and

“It’s good, very user-friendly and has a

heifers, from weaners to three-year-olds,

good display.”

The new 5000 series allows farmers to

15.5-16.5kg.

capture whatever data they want, well

Kim is a big fan of Tru-Test equipment

beyond straight animal weights and to

and the 5000 series weigh scales are part

access that data where and when they

and parcel of his well-honed yard. He

Data capture – made easy

need it.

upgraded to the XR5000 for increased

Take the sweat out of managing data

Tru-Test’s rationale in developing the

speed of data manipulation to work

in the yard, with powerful tools to

5000 series has been to deliver reliable,

with his big stock numbers and needed

benchmark animal data and manage

accurate weighing tools that are a

something that he could take to the limits

target-weight.

dream to use. Everything about the

for data storage, without deleting files to

Data transfer – made easy

series is designed to make work easier,

add new ones. The XR5000 fits the bill,

Transfer with USB to PC, Bluetooth,

streamlining tasks and giving instant

storing up to 1 million records in 1,000

USB stick and smartphone apps

information at the yard and the crush for

weighing sessions and recording up to

(Apple and Android).

real-time decisions.

100 pieces of information for each animal.

Data storage – made easy

Beef, sheep and dairy graziers wanting

It’s not only the weigh scales’ speed

straightforward weighing - basically

The XR5000 holds up to 1 million

and storage capacity that are standout

looking for the movement of kilograms

records, 100 data fields and 1,000

features. Kim says the simplicity and

or grams up or down - will be drawn to

sessions. It’s ideal for data-hungry

ease of use from set up to data transfer is

the ID5000. Commercial breeders and

farming – breeders, finishers and

just what they need. “Everyone can use

finishers with more high-tech data-based

commercial operations.

the XR5000 weigh scales. The staff don’t

as well as 9,000 Perendale and Perendale cross ewes. They are monitoring weaning weights and growth rates now and expect the first lot of lambs to head off the property early December, between

farming needs will opt for the big storage

Step-by-step set ups, on-screen help, predefined settings, ‘favourites’, automatic recall and back up, ease of use to switch easily between jobs and make changes on the go.

Visibility – made easy perfect clarity even in the harshest light,

XR5000.

an automatic instant inside-outside mode

For Kim Robinson, General Manager at

sensor and ability to harness the sun’s

Lochiel Farms, Glen Murray, Waikato, the

energy for extended battery life.

XR5000 weigh scale makes weighing a

For more information, please talk

lot easier. Having reliable tools that do the

to the friendly team at your local

job quickly and accurately is important,

Farmlands store.

particularly when you are running around

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Set up – made easy

A 7” colour transflective screen for

capability and advanced settings of the

3,000 cattle and 9,000 sheep.

What’s new?

Article supplied by Tru-Test. | The new 5000 series weigh scales from Tru-Test ID5000 RRP $2,495, XR5000 RRP $3,495.

THE FARMLANDER |

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Options for lamb drenching At one end of the spectrum are exponents of parasite resistance through breeding, who preach a theory of not drenching unless animal welfare is compromised. The opposite end is preventive monthly saturation drench programmes, where productivity is bought at the end of a drench gun with little concern for sustainability of such practices.

Three trials in the Manawatu conducted

abamectin are safe as long as small

by Beef + Lamb showed a significant

lambs are not excessively over-dosed.

gain of 392g/lamb over 28 days.

Drench post-weaning with a double

The trials also showed a 672g/lamb

or triple active product at no less than

advantage of a tapeworm drench. So

28 day intervals is pretty standard.

in conclusion, an effective worm and

This interval may be extended when

tape drench obtained a 1.02kg/lamb

weather conditions are unfavourable

advantage over 28 days. This would

for parasite development, or grazing

support the use of a safe combination

low contamination paddocks when

(albendazole/levamisole) with

supported by FEC tests.

praziquantel the only tape worm active to remove 100 percent of heads and

Where history and condition indicate

Add to this the regional and seasonal variations that can influence specific

segments (J. Southworth 1996 trial).

parasite problems such as tapeworm,

To uncomplicate the choices, there

most appropriate active, with 35 days

nematodirus (predominantly in the

are some standard practices that are

protection. The 2013 Gribbles Lab

South Island) and Barber’s Pole worm

associated with different ages of lambs.

survey of drench resistance showed no

in the North Island, each with its

At weaning all lambs would be

reduction in moxidectin efficacy against

distinctive effect on lamb growth rates.

drenched as routine with a double or

Barber’s Pole worm, even after many

To make this even more interesting

triple active product, (praziquantel

years of continual use.

are a range of single, double and triple

included depending on history). Triples

Over the winter, with generally low

combination anthelmintic actives with

may be used if drench resistance

contamination, good stock observation

short, medium and long term activity.

status to doubles are of concern. The

and monitoring, drenching should be

These chemicals can target individual

albendazole/levamisole combination

on a need-to basis, not a structured

parasite (narrow spectrum) or all round

should be used with caution, as in 2013

monthly drench interval, if the actives

worms (broad spectrum) with efficacy

survey 31 percent of farms tested had

we have today will still be working

altered by oral, injection or capsule

less than 95 percent efficacy. Due to

tomorrow.

administration.

lamb age and size, triple drenches with

Article supplied by Bayer Animal Health.

COMBINATION PLUS TAPE 10L

a high probability of a Barber’s Pole outbreak, then moxidectin is the

EVOLVE® TAPE HIMIN 10L • Highly potent three-way combination plus tapeworm control. • Helps delay the development of resistance to all actives. • Effective against worms for sheep with single or dual anthelmintic resistance. • Controls roundworm, tapeworm, lungworm, itch mite and nasal bot.

• A broad spectrum sheep drench for the control of tapeworms (heads and segments), adult liver fluke and susceptible gastrointestinal roundworms and lungworms in sheep and lambs, including benzimidazole and levamisole resistant strains.

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A9871.

| THE FARMLANDER

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A10340.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Exit drenching strategies An exit drench usually follows a planned drenching strategy, such as: • After early lamb tape programme and before going into summer. • After autumn Barber’s Pole (Haemonchus contortus) before going into winter. • After long acting ewe treatments going into spring. The purpose is not to add another drench to the programme but substitute the last different than previously used and is 99.9 percent effective against all common production limiting parasites on any given property. The purpose of this is to limit and if at all possible prevent any shedding of eggs from previously drench exposed parasites into the environment, which will be more drench resistant than the general population, hence advancing resistance. The most common use of exit drenching is applied after a summer/autumn period Barber’s Pole worm (blood sucking) because of the 35 day protection with only a 10 day WHP. This is a unique

approximately 100 days.

the North Island when finishing lambs

The exit drench primary function is to

over this period. For this reason the

delay resistance and extend the life of the

moxidectin molecule should be restricted

niche products, like moxidectin and also

to lambs, as resistance has been

the cheaper routine drenches. There is a

documented and is on the increase. This

vast variation between farms in degree

exit drench when applied 28 days after

of resistance from total efficacy to totally

the last moxidectin drench is designed to:

ineffective.

• Kill any parasites, including Barber’s

The appropriate exit product will be

Pole worm that may survive previous

determined by investigating the status of

treatment.

individual properties. If this information is

• Prevent contamination of pasture

drench with a product that is chemically

where moxidectin is used to control

product and critical for many farmers in

unavailable, a triple

over winter due to limited follow up

action product will be effective in

treatments, to control spring build-up

95 percent of cases.

of resistant larvae.

Exit drenching is considered a good idea

Over the next month (November) many

if it will retain efficacy of commonly used

ewes that were treated in August pre-

and cheaper actives. The extra cost is

lamb with a long acting capsule are at

warranted, as studies by Sutherland et

risk of shedding eggs from parasites

al. 2010 showed a carcase weight gain of

that have survived that initial treatment,

2.8kg, which translated to a 14 percent

or resistant larvae that have re-infected

increase in value when using a 99.9

ewes. Either way this will accelerate

percent effective drench, compared to

resistance. This is easily monitored by

lower efficacy drench against resistant

doing FEC of capsuled ewes about

Ostertagia and Trichostrongylus in a four

70 to 80 days post treatment. If there

drench programme. Added bonus was

are significant eggs present then an

less breech soiling (dags) - that’s got to

exit drench (different from long acting

be good!

capsule) will stop shedding until the

Article supplied by Bayer Animal Health.

capsule has finished chemical release at

EVOLVE® SHEEP HIMIN 20L

SATURN® SHEEP HIMIN 20L

• The ultimate short acting triple drench. • Contains: - The strongest short-acting ML, abamectin. - The most potent BZ, oxfendazole. - The active with Cooperia efficacy, levamisole. • Choose for high efficacy or quarantine drench.

• Short acting formulation ideal for ewes and lambs. • Double active ML/levamisole combination. • A great choice if triple drench not a viable option. • Ideal alternative to white/clear combinations. • Mineralised.

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A10345.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A10344.

THE FARMLANDER |

DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Line your pockets, change your liners It is not always easy to change milking liners before exceeding the recommended number of uses. However, changing liners at the 2,500 milkings mark provides you with a large number of benefits. Shorter milking time Milking times tend to increase during the season, to a peak around November, when maximum yield is achieved. Changing liners provides a quicker milkout, less energy is used in the plant and there is less stress on cows and more time for them to be feeding. Reduced cup-slip The causes of cup-slip are varied and not always the fault of milking liners. However, worn liners can significantly contribute to slippage. Less cup-slip can lead to savings in animal health costs (less teat/ udder-health issues), energy savings from shorter milking times and less stress on cows. Lower somatic cell count Changing your liners during peak SCC times (after calving and towards the end of lactation) may assist in reducing your SCC. General teat and udder health may also be improved. New rubberware

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

(with less cracks) means less risk of

The Reflex Liner range is designed to

bacteria entering the milk that can

specifically match cow breeds and the

cause potential grading.

many different configurations of milking

Increased yield

equipment represented on New Zealand

The volume/weight of milksolids

dairy farms. Like VacPlus, the Reflex

harvested from cows will increase

range complies with the NZFSA (New

through more complete milking-out of

Zealand Food Standards Authority).

cows’ udders and also quicker average

Benefits of Reflex liners:

milking time. This allows the cows more

• An enlarged vacuum chamber that

time to feed and to produce more milk. Two options manufactured by

acts as a vacuum reservoir • Reduced cup-slip, particularly during

Skellerup are VacPlus Square Liners

the spring flush

and Reflex Liners.

• Faster and more complete milking out

Benefits of VacPlus liners:

• Ideal for high producing cows

• Maximising the vacuum around the

For more information on milk liners,

cow’s teat, which resists cup-slip • Possible reductions in animal health costs, with less teat damage • Reduced likelihood of mastitis

visit the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Skellerup

infection • The vacuum shut-off model maximises vacuum at ‘cupping-on’ and prevents foreign matter entry • Faster milk-out time, due to quicker evacuation of milk through the liner • More complete milk-out, due to faster milking • Energy savings due to shorter milk-out time

THE FARMLANDER |

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Kick start your brassica crop Pasture shortages are all too often encountered by farmers these days and they can have a serious impact on productivity – not to mention the stress they can cause. Planting a brassica crop can provide good quantities of high-quality feed, which helps to fill the gap when pasture is low. However, to get the best out of a brassica crop, it needs to be managed well, starting before the crop is even sown. Grant Gillard, Ballance Merchant Relationship Representative, says one of the keys to a good crop is ensuring soil fertility is adequate to meet your yield goals. “Make sure you soil test, preferably well before planting, so that you have a measure of current nutrient levels and an indication if any are lacking. You can use the test Ballance has developed specifically for brassicas. “Soil testing will also measure the pH – for brassicas you need this to lie between 5.8 and 6.2. If your pH is low, you will need to add lime – this will take at least six months to take effect, which is why you need to soil test early. Also, if any nutrients are lacking, testing early will give you plenty of time to correct this.”

If you need to adjust soil fertility, a product in the Superten range will often be appropriate. Alternatively, if your magnesium levels are low (if Quick Test Mg is below 8-10), Serpentine Super could fit the bill. Note that brassicas do not need a lot of sulphur to do well - don’t add any sulphur if soil testing shows your sulphate-sulphur levels are between 2 and 10, as doing so would promote the formation of SMCOs, compounds that are unfavourable for stock health. “Brassicas need fertile soil to yield well,” Grant says. “In particular, they have high requirements for nitrogen and phosphorus (the target is an Olsen P of 15-20). Brassicas don’t have extensive root networks, so they’re poor at foraging for nutrients. Putting nitrogen and phosphorus close to – but not touching – the seed at planting helps get them off to a good start.”

There are a number of options to consider when choosing a starter fertiliser, including Cropzeal Boron Boost, DAP and Serpentine Super. One of the advantages of choosing Cropzeal Boron Boost is that it has been developed specifically to meet the requirements of brassica crops. It is a compound fertiliser, with nitrogen, phosphorus and boron included in every granule. Since there is no chance of segregation, you can be sure that boron will be distributed evenly through the crop. This is important, because boron deficiency in brassicas can cause plant health issues, including brown heart in bulb-forming crops, like swedes and turnips and hollow stem in other species, like kale. For more advice on soil testing and fertiliser strategies for this season’s brassica crop, talk to your local Farmlands Technical Field Officer. Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Spitfire forage rape allows flexible summer grazing options Spitfire multi-purpose forage rape provides reliable, flexible feed. It has proven itself and continues to impress on-farm with its package of both forage quality and yield, allowing very good livestock performance. Hawke's Bay farmers Mathew and Gemma Barham from Mangatarata Station have potentially challenging summer dry country and use Spitfire forage rape as one of a number of summer and winter crops to give their system flexibility. Their 1,020ha sheep and beef property near Waipukurau, running 10,000 stock units, has a range of flat, rolling hills and steeper country. With approximately 800mm rainfall per year (mainly from June to September), it typically starts becoming dry from November or early December. Mathew has used Spitfire since its initial commercial release in 2009 and like many people has been impressed with its performance. Spitfire works well with Mathew’s system. It is a relatively short maturing variety (approximately 90 days, 13-14 weeks depending on the season), meaning he can sow it from around mid-September through to mid-October and he aims to get up to three grazings from January to April, accumulating around 6-8 tonnes of feed. Mathew knows the importance of ripening before grazing, which is indicated by a change in colour from bright green to a dull blue/green colour, often with purpling around the leaf margins. It is generally cultivar dependent

| THE FARMLANDER

and associated with changes in the growth rate of the rape — but can be affected by soil type, fertility, use of late nitrogen, rainfall or cloudy weather. Once ripened, it’s a flexible plant in terms of the grazing window. The relatively heat tolerant crop can also tolerate low summer moisture. Mathew has been happy with his lambs off Spitfire. His first grazing aims to remove all the leaf to a 30cm stalk residual. This residual will optimise utilisation while ensuring plant survival for regrowth. Spitfire recovers quickly from grazing, with the regrowth occurring from the growth point at the top of the stem, if ungrazed and also from auxiliary buds on the side of the stem, giving the plant a dense covering of leaf. Spitfire’s lower stem dry matter percentage has been observed to have higher potential utilisation. With sheep, it can be expected to get at least two summer grazings, with the possibility of a third. Mathew often uses cattle for a tidy up graze of the Spitfire. This is often the last graze, to clean up the paddock and chew down the stem prior to direct drilling the following pasture or crop. “I am happy with the amount of quality feed per hectare,” Mathew says. “I have been surprised at just how hardy this rape is and it’s not a crop that is limited to the better ground.” Spitfire has also exceeded the expectations of Farmlands Technical Field Officer Judy Strawbridge, who says, “it’s got lots more guts to produce and survive in tougher

| Mathew Barham and Farmlands Technical Field Officer, Judy Strawbridge.

environments than we thought”. As well as its production, both Judy and Mathew are impressed with Spitfire’s aphid tolerance. “It’s impressive. In a bad year there are still some aphids around on the crop, although it’s such a difference from the old fashioned rapes,” Judy says. This tolerance improves Spitfire’s ability to hold leaf quality and reduces its chances of being affected by viruses. The options with grazing Spitfire are not set in stone and how Mathew utilises it depends on the season and the feed demand. Spitfire's characteristics of soft stem, excellent re-growth potential and aphid tolerance provides a package that delivers both forage quality and yield, allowing very good livestock performance. For more information, contact your local Farmlands Technical Field Officer. Article supplied by Agricom.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Heading dates helping farmer’s productivity Farmer Alan Syme worked for 13 years as a secondary school teacher before returning home to the family farm. He has re-entered the dairy industry by taking the helm of the 214ha property as director of the family company. The farm is located on the outskirts of Tirau, milking 750 Friesian cross cows. With a maize crop coming off several (11ha) of the paddocks, Alan was presented with a challenge of what to sow next. He approached his local Farmlands Field Manager Bruce Hemingway and PGG Wrightson Seeds Area Sales Agronomist Greg Zeuren for guidance with planting. Alan says, “a lot has changed in the last 13 years when considering cultivar options”. Regrassing on the property historically had been sporadic, therefore selecting the right cultivar was important.

| Close up of Excess perennial ryegrass with AR37 endophyte.

Excess perennial ryegrass with AR37 endophyte was the cultivar selected for its high yielding mid-season heading date (+7 days) attributes. Being a midseason heading cultivar, it produces more dry matter earlier, i.e. aligning the spring flush with calving. Using Excess perennial ryegrass with AR37 endophyte also ensured the most comprehensive pest protection from the five major New Zealand pasture pests (Argentine stem

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

| Farmer Alan Syme (left) and Farmlands Field Manager Bruce Hemingway, in an Excess paddock.

weevil, pasture mealy bug, black beetle, root aphid and porina). Excess perennial ryegrass was sown on the Tirau property with Kopu II large leaf white clover and Bounty medium leaf white clover in mid-March, with the first grazing in May. PGG Wrightson Seeds launched Excess perennial ryegrass onto the market in autumn 2014. A key reason for this was that they had identified the need for a high yielding, mid-season heading diploid perennial ryegrass, because an increasing number of farms had more than 50 percent of their area in late or very late-season heading cultivars. Why is this important? Ryegrass has approximately a 6 week burst of growth prior to the seed head emerging in spring. Once seed heads emerge there is a decline in pasture quality due to more stem, an increase in dead material and less leaf. Having a minimum of two

different heading date areas on a farm enables farmers to more strategically manage pasture growth and quality, i.e. no more than 50 percent of a farm should be in one heading date. When starting pasture planning from scratch, as Alan was (in some respects), start regrassing with mid-season heading cultivars, keep a record of what you sow in each paddock and make a plan! Ideally keep your mid-heading cultivars near the dairy shed for the start of calving in spring. Wet areas should be planted in late/very late-season heading cultivars, to try and align soils “drying” and the need for grazing. For more information on how to make a regrassing plan for your property, or further information on Excess perennial ryegrass, contact your local Farmlands Technical Field Officer. Article supplied by PGG Wrightson Seeds.

THE FARMLANDER |

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Introducing the new selective herbicide for new pasture Broadleaf weed control in both new and established pastures has just got easier and more convenient with Nufarm’s latest herbicide innovation, a first for New Zealand. Tribal™ Gold contains a unique coformulation of MCPA, MCPB and flumetsulam. Paul Addison, Nufarm’s Technical Specialist, says Tribal Gold was created after the company noticed a common trend in weed species in pasture renewal programmes. After two years of development and testing, Tribal™ Gold has shown excellent results and now offers farmers a robust and simpler option for controlling

broadleaf weeds in new pasture prior to the first grazing. It’s different from other MCPA/MCPB combinations in this market because it has a wider weed spectrum. Thanks to the inclusion of flumetsulam, Tribal™ Gold kills a large number of additional seedling weeds that are not normally controlled by older mixed formulations. These include buttercup, chickweed, seedling cornbind, cleavers, spurrey and storksbill. Other species controlled include black nightshade, docks, fathen, hedge mustard, mayweed, mallow, plantain, redroot, shepherd’s purse, thistles, twin cress, willow weed and wireweed.

Tribal™ Gold is also rainfast in 2 hours, which can make a big difference when farmers are trying to spray paddocks in changeable spring conditions. Recommended rates are 4-5/ha. For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Nufarm. Tribal is a trademark of Nufarm Limited. ™

New herbicide keeps pastures healthy and productive Productive grazing and persistent weeds like docks don’t go together but this season Nufarm has a fresh solution to an old problem. New this spring, Dockstar™ is Nufarm’s answer to cost effective dock control. Containing 390g/L asulam sodium salt as a soluble concentrate (SC), Dockstar should be applied in spring, prior to emergence of the dock’s flowering stem for best results. “Docks, as most know, are a real issue for farmers in many parts of New Zealand,” says Nufarm Technical

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Specialist Paul Addison. “They’re persistent and tough to eradicate once they take hold. Dockstar gives farmers another tool to use in keeping their pastures productive and free of weeds.”

high rate on heavy infestations of mature docks. As well as established pasture, Dockstar can also be used in red clover, established lucerne and other fruit and vegetable crops.

Published research indicates that while some suppression of pasture growth after Dockstar application occurs, losses in pasture dry matter are significantly lower than those incurred with the use of traditional thifensulfuron-methyl formulations, which to date have been one of the most popular dock herbicides.

For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Application rates are 3.1-4.1L/ha. Use the

Article supplied by Nufarm. Dockstar is a trademark of Nufarm Limited. ™

THE FARMLANDER |

HORTICULTURE

Post-harvest management of asparagus As harvest nears completion, it is critical that the transition to fern growth is handled correctly. The length of harvest on a mature block is generally governed by the start of spear emergence and finishes at Christmas. This is considered a normal harvest period by most growers. If at the conclusion of harvest growers are a little disappointed with production achieved, it could well be related to fern development the year prior.

crop and the stage of growth, the

The ability of an asparagus crown

element is certainly to maintain the

to produce large volumes of quality

health and vigour of that canopy. Some

spears in any given season is directly

of the basics of this are:

related to crown carbohydrate (CHO)

• Implement a shorter harvest period

accumulation during fern growth the

based on a “realistic” target volume

previous season. During harvest, spear

of harvested spears. Consider

growth depletes crown stored CHO -

both crop age and previous crop

as does the initial fern growth stage.

performance.

Carbohydrates are in turn replenished

system analyses the information and recommends management options to optimise crop performance. AspireNZ is a decision support tool, not a decision making tool. More commonly, growers tend to focus on above ground fern growth. They assess the health and vigour and benchmark that against previous years using their own experience. Irrespective of what method is used, the critical

• At the conclusion of harvest, revisit

by the established fern canopy.

weed control. Early season residual

The dilemma that growers face is

herbicides will have run their course

how long they can cut the spears for without compromising the following

by harvest. • Soil and tissue tests should be used

year’s production. The methods used

to determine fertiliser requirements,

to determine this are through use of the

paying particular attention to

analytical tool known as “AspireNZ”,

magnesium.

visual assessments coupled with experience, or both.

• Monitor crops for leaf spot and purple spot. Infection can cause

“AspireNZ” is an interactive system

defoliation, dieback and death

developed by Plant and Food Research

of above-ground plant parts.

(in association with the New Zealand

Fungicides should be applied as

Asparagus Council) to estimate CHO

soon as symptoms are observed.

levels based on the brix levels in the sap of the storage roots. Together with information about the age of the

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

• Consider irrigating the fern to remove stress.

In essence, any factor that imparts stress on the fern will result in less carbohydrate production and therefore lower subsequent yields. For this reason, the completion of harvest is certainly not the end for growers! For further information, please contact your Farmlands Horticulture Technical Advisor. Article supplied by Brett Turner, Technical Advisor, Waikato, Farmlands Horticulture.

THE FARMLANDER |

HORTICULTURE

With penetrants, Wetcit gets it Farmlands stores nationwide are now the New Zealand home for Wetcit™ , a biodegradable option for those wanting more power in their pesticide programme.

Wetcit™ is compatible with spray

– the formulation prevents build-up

mixtures of most pesticides and water

of chemical residues in tanks and

soluble foliar nutrients. By avoiding a

reduces clogging of nozzles.

high concentration of pesticides on

For best results with fungicides,

spots where large drops dry out and

insecticides and foliar nutrients,

low concentrations where wetting

Wetcit™, a highly effective wetter

effective spraying equipment that

is insufficient, pesticides are more

and penetrant, contains Orowet™

produces a fine mist spray should

effectively utilised.

be used.

Smaller droplets decrease run-off of the

Strengthen your pesticide programme

spray mixture from leaf edges and the

by creating more coverage on your

resultant loss of expensive pesticides.

plant surfaces. With no pre-harvest

The amount of pesticide reaching the

interval and no possibility of unwanted

soil is also reduced in this way, thus

residues, Wetcit™ contains only

limiting the possible pollution of the soil

biodegradable components and is

and water leaching from the soil.

easily biodegradable in the soil

The excellent wetting properties of

and environment*.

Wetcit™ further ensure proper wetting

Like other adjuvants, Wetcit™ should

of the target pest or the plant surface

be kept away from bodies of water,

to be protected. Wetcit™ is particularly

e.g. rivers and dams. For more advice

suitable for application of pesticides

on using Wetcit™, please contact

on plant surfaces that are difficult to

your local Technical Advisor, visit

wet, such as the leaves of onions and

www.farmlands.co.nz/horticulture

cole crops.

online or call 0800 200 600.

Chemicals can be redistributed across

Article supplied by Farmlands Horticulture.

technology, which is based on natural orange oil. Considered to be at the forefront of adjuvant technology, the orange oil in Wetcit™ is sourced from the citrus industry, making it a sustainable source, unlike mineral oil. The main difference between Wetcit™ and most mineral oils is it does not cause a reduction in photosynthesis or cause stress in plants. This is due to the lipophilic properties of orange oil, which enhance the wetting of waxy surfaces.

the surface area with minimal moisture, due to the re-wetting ability of Wetcit™. Contact pesticides will be re-distributed

* Do not use Wetcit on pear fruit, or on table grapes during its bloom to veraison stage.

during dew or light rain and treated surfaces will dry faster in the morning. This re-wetting ability is not the only method that Wetcit excels at – it also efficiently reduces the surface tension of water, improving spreading ability, including difficult to reach places. This all equates to superior canopy penetration. Wetcit™ helps your equipment too

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

Cut your losses and your risks Supplementary feed can be an important component of a commercial or lifestyle farming system, whether to fill a feed deficit during a feed pinch with the use of feeds such as palm kernel or silage, to optimise the production of stock that cannot be achieved on pasture alone using carefully formulated compound feeds, or simply for the satisfaction of seeing your animals happy and well fed.

important to keep feed stored away

aggravating pests love your stock

from possible moisture contamination

feed as much as your own animals do,

and in conditions as cool as possible.

however they are possible routes of

The higher the moisture content of feed,

entry for diseases such as salmonella

the more susceptible it will be to mould

and leptospirosis, so they can be

growth. Pelleted feed, for example, is

both an animal and human health

generally 86-88 percent dry matter,

risk. Pests also consume your feed in

leaving little opportunity for biological

the process of introducing diseases,

survival if stored correctly. However,

often eating a lot more than you might

feeds higher in moisture content, with a

think. In fact, a rat can eat 10 percent

dry matter below 84 percent, will more

of its body weight in a day – and a

readily accommodate biological growth

colony of just 100 rats can consume a

STORAGE

and will deteriorate faster over time.

tonne of grain in a year. Pests can also

Keeping feed in airtight containers or in

decrease the palatability of feed due to

silos, along with keeping mould at bay,

contamination – astonishingly, rodents

can also help to preserve the feed’s

can spoil up to ten times the amount of

nutritional value by preventing oxidation

feed they actually eat due to urination

of fats and also the deterioration of

and droppings, which can quickly put

nutrients that may occur on exposure

stock off eating feed. Vermin can chew

to UV light.

through feed bags easily, so it’s best

Contamination by vermin and other

to keep feed in rodent proof containers

pests such as birds is another common

such as plastic drums with snug fitting

issue experienced on-farm. These

lids. Visit your local Farmlands store

Correctly storing supplementary feed helps to ensure that the quality of feed purchased is retained right up until the point of consumption by your animals, thereby ensuring optimal palatability and nutritional value. Moulding of feed can be a common issue if feed is not stored correctly. Mouldy feed can adversely affect the production and health of animals and the digestibility of feed can be decreased by up to 5 percent for ruminants. Moulds produce mycotoxins as their own form of selfdefence. Mycotoxins can have serious detrimental effects on animals, with immunosuppression, damage to vital organs and reproductive issues some of the effects. Mouldy feeds are also less appealing to animals, which can limit daily dry matter intake. A cow’s sense of smell is much more sensitive than a human and amazingly cows can smell odours from up to 6 miles away. If they smell musty feed they will try and avoid it and what might smell ok to us may smell differently to an animal. Moulds grow best in moist and warm conditions, so it is

| THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

NUTRITION

for a selection of feed storage options. Birds can be a problem when storing bulk feeds outside in bunkers or silage pits, introducing salmonella via droppings. Silos can also be a good choice for keeping bulk feed free from pest contamination and in a moisture free environment, thereby preventing mould growth. For silage stacks, the use of a face cover or silage nets to stopvermin and birds can be effective. FEEDING OUT Whatever supplementary feeds you decide to use, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to get the most out of it by avoiding excessive losses at the point of feeding out. Some feeds are particularly prone to high losses if not managed correctly, while others have higher utilisation

out and there are many novel feeding

systems allow the use of potent feeds

rates by animals and little is left behind

systems out there that can help make

and the performance effects they elicit,

in troughs and paddocks. Silage can

life easier when it comes to feeding

without the risk associated with feeding

have wastage of up to 20 percent when

your stock. Advantage Feeders are

concentrates ad lib. Trace elements

fed out in paddocks, possibly even

relatively new to the market and work

and minerals can also be included in a

higher during inclement weather. This

on the principle of stock licking feed

pelleted feed, to allow targeted nutrition

wastage on feeding out is on top of the

out of troughs with bars that sit under

for the dairy herd and minimise the

inevitable fermentation losses occurring

a large hopper. This allows good

need for pasture dusting and water

in the stack as a consequence of

utilisation of feed, along with a control

delivery mechanisms. In-shed feeding

the preservation process, which can

mechanism to ensure that all animals

systems also seem to improve cow flow

be anywhere between 3-8 percent,

get a chance at feeding and that no

in the shed and ease of milking. In-shed

without taking into account factors

animal overfeeds. For poultry, Grandpa

feeding options are available for both

such as effluent leakage from the

Feeders are a great choice, as they

rotary and herringbone sheds. Farmers

stack and surface wastage. Palm

allow chickens to get access to feed via

who roll grain are increasingly installing

kernel fed in trailers can have 10-

lifting a lid, which closes when they are

a second or third silo to increase

20 percent wastage, climbing to 30

not feeding, in order to protect the feed

their feed options and deliver mineral

percent wastage when fed directly

from spoilage.

pellets or protein options to cows

onto paddocks. Compound feed has

In-shed feeding systems are becoming

in-shed. Talk to your local Farmlands

relatively low wastage of below 5

increasingly popular in New Zealand.

Nutrition Specialist today to talk

percent, when cattle are accustomed

They effectively and consistently deliver

through your in-shed feeding options

to in-shed feeding systems and good

concentrates to animals, in a way that

and take advantage of the special REL

trough management is practiced. Even

greatly minimises feed out wastage and

collaboration deal, which offers no

when fed on the ground, by opting for

reduces labour and time commitments

interest for 12 months.

a larger pellet size of 10-12mm, users

associated with feeding out. Each

report very little feed is left behind by

animal is presented with an allocation

Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Technical Product Manager, Farmlands Nutrition.

animals or trampled into the ground.

of feed to consume during the milking

There are several options available that

period and little feed is left behind (if

can help to lower losses at feeding

any) in most cases. In-shed feeding

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

Supplements for hinds Poor-quality pasture or low dry matter intakes due to low pasture growth or high stocking rates can lead to an energy deficit towards the end of pregnancy and during lactation. This makes feeding hinds supplements, including conserved forages and concentrates, worthwhile. Whilst energy is typically the first limiting factor, the intake and quality of protein, minerals, trace elements and vitamins should also be considered for optimum production from breeding hinds. Underfeeding during pregnancy can retard fetal growth rates and extend gestation length. It is important that body protein stores are not depleted, as they help support peak milk production. Trace mineral nutrition is also important in late pregnancy and during lactation. For example, the fetus can selectively remove copper from its mother, leaving hinds vulnerable to enzootic ataxia (seen as nervous jumpy behaviour or staggering gait) and osteochondrosis (associated with lameness and swollen joints). Iodine deficiency may lead to a goitre (swelling) in the neck of calves and can be associated with the grazing of brassicas during mid to late gestation. Selenium deficient calves can have lower growth rates and in severe cases white muscle disease. Many deer farmers prefer to temporarily cease supplementary feeding at calving but some are turning to large capacity free access feeders to reduce disruption during calving. Calves also

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

learn to use the feeders, which can

Deer Performance Nuts have a typical

help to reduce post-weaning growth

protein content of 16 percent (on a dry

checks. Supplements may be especially

matter basis). They also have the benefit

beneficial for lactating hinds in the

of added trace elements, vitamins and

summer when pasture quality falls. The

minerals including calcium, phosphorus

ability to maintain milk production will

and magnesium, which help support the

influence the growth rates of the calves

hind’s milk production and health during

– increased weaning weight is important

lactation.

to ensure calf survival after weaning and

Lactating hinds should be fed 0.5kg per

to achieve high levels of production.

day of Deer Performance Nuts and if

Maintaining hind weight during lactation

pasture quality or availability is low, the

is particularly important, as weight loss

feeding rates may need to be increased

and low body condition scores are

up to 1kg or more. Feeding out in a line

associated with a decline in fertility and

will help reduce competition and ensure

a reduction in conception rates, which is

that all hinds get an even intake of feed.

one of the main causes of culling.

The large nut size reduces wastage,

Even when pasture protein levels are

compared to whole grains or silage

high, certain amino acids may be

fed on the ground. Hinds should be

limiting milk production – especially

started off on small amounts of Deer

lysine and methionine. Supplements

Performance Nuts and gradually be built

delivering some rumen bypass protein

up to the desired daily feed intake, to help

in addition to grains can help balance

hinds adapt to digesting the feed and

the supply of essential amino acids

reduce the risk of acidosis.

derived from microbial protein. Reliance

Article supplied by Dr. Rob Derrick, Farmlands Nutritionist.

THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

Straight answers to managing residuals Farmlands’ commitment to meeting shareholders’ nutritional requirements is not confined to compound feeds – we supply an ever increasing volume of straights, including palm kernel expeller and soy hulls. Offering nofrills economy, they can help buffer a feed deficit and manage residuals when it becomes too hot or dry.

starch and sugar, palm kernel expeller

– possibly making it a preferred option

lends itself to being fed in troughs or

for those looking at a smaller feed deficit

feed pads, as over-consumption will not

or with higher yield aspirations. Lower in

create acidosis. With a crude protein

protein, soy hulls are also better suited

content of around 15-17 percent, palm

to balancing leafier pasture. Although

kernel expeller will also help to maintain

soy hulls and palm kernel expeller may

dietary crude protein levels. The fibre in

have comparable metabolisable energy

palm kernel expeller takes a long time to

levels, more of the energy in soy hulls is

break down in the rumen, so it will have

fermentable in the rumen, which may

a higher substitution rate than grains

be important when high protein leafy

There is usually a good correlation

but better the rumen is full than partly

pasture becomes available and milk

between peak milk yield and total

empty. The fat in palm kernel expeller will

urea levels rise.

production in a lactation – unless of

tend to support weight gain compared

Where grains or compound feeds

course cows are not fully fed post-peak,

to fermentable energy sources, which

containing grains are being fed to

i.e. they are not fed to appetite with feeds

may help reduce condition loss that can

support milk production, feeding

of sufficient nutritive quality, to support

necessitate early drying-off.

additional supplements as straights

maintenance and milk production.

Soy hulls provide an alternative to palm

can help to manage grazing residuals and

Clearly, if hit by a drought or very high

kernel expeller, for those looking for a

costs. Farmlands stores have up

temperatures and pasture growth rates

safe feed that can be fed free access

to date prices, equipment and advice

are reduced, underfed cows will not

in troughs. The fibre in soy hulls is less

based on local knowledge, should

reach the potential set by their earlier

heavily lignified than the fibre in palm

supplements be required.

peak. Producers with low levels of

kernel expeller, so it will have a lower

borrowing may be able to sustain periods

substitution rate than palm kernel expeller

Article supplied by Dr. Rob Derrick, Farmlands Nutritionist.

of lower production, possibly drying cows off prematurely and looking forward to the season ahead. The majority of dairy farmers however may need to consider purchasing supplementary feeds to fill the feed pinch and keep as many cows as possible in-milk, whilst minimising over-grazing and condition loss. It helps to take action early and continue feeding supplements after a drought is broken. Palm kernel expeller has proven itself to be useful straight feed to help fill a pasture deficit, especially for farmers not equipped to feed in the dairy shed. Being very low in quickly fermentable

| THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

A garage-load of shed tips Choosing a shed for your farm can be an important decision. You want your shed to be cost effective and fit for purpose. Being armed with a bit of knowledge can help in the planning process and potentially save you time and money.

you want your shed to be? Dimond

What is the shed going to be used for?

Does the council have any requirements

Understanding the space required in your

you need to meet in-shed design? Is the

shed is very important to working out

style you like practical for what your shed

the size you need. Does your shed need

is going to be used for?

important, especially if you are storing

Where is your shed located?

fertilisers may come to rest on the

walls, doors, access for farm machinery? Are you going to be working in your shed with roller doors open? Placement for prevailing winds is important, as you don’t want to create a wind tunnel or wind blown contaminants settling on the roof underside. If you’re going to be keeping wet animals in your shed then proper ventilation

offers a range of colours. Most sheds are built out of one of two standard profiles (Corrugate or Veedek) but other profiles are available on request. Natural Lighting sheets are also available in matching profiles.

| Corrugate.

| Veedek.

Maintenance Regular maintenance of your shed is chemicals inside, or phosphates and

Location and environmental factors can

structure due to wind. Contact with

have an impact on materials. Dimond

chemicals may cause corrosion. Regular

is able to supply roofing and cladding

washing of areas not regularly rinsed

to meet the durability needed for most

by rain needs to be done. See www.

environmental areas but it is important for

dimond.co.nz/Materials--Accessories/

warranties that the correct material

Maintenance-1120.htm for more details.

is specified.

Council approval

needs to be included in the design, as

Materials

excess moisture can cause damage. Will

Make sure you get council approval.

What is your shed being built out of?

fertiliser be stored in open bins that wind

Council requirements will vary between

It’s important that steel does not come

will blow around?

areas, so remember to check what your

in contact with tanalised timber (CCA

council requirements are and what you

What style do you want?

treated) without isolation, as this leads

need for building consent.

to corrosion. This is where it is important

Dimond manufactures quality roofing and

Does your shed need to tie in with existing buildings? What colour do

to use a reputable shed company, to ensure your shed is built to the highest of standards with the best materials for the job.

cladding for sheds in a range of colours and materials to meet your needs. For more information on Dimond products and the right shed for your

Drinking water

needs, please contact your local

Do you want to collect water off your

Farmlands store.

shed roof? All Dimond products meet

Article supplied by Dimond.

New Zealand requirements for potable water, so you know that what you or your animals are drinking is safe. | Farm shed constructed by GreenWood.

| THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Managing farm dairy effluent efficiently When it comes to effluent, dairy farmers have to be vigilant. High standards of compliance have to be met, not just to meet regulatory compliance guidelines set by local and regional councils via the Resource Management Act. There is a need to be compliant 365 days a year – failure to do so can result in fines, which in turn makes profitability take a hit. Challenges faced by dairy farmers • Preventing contamination of groundwater, nearby water resources and high seepage rates • Leaking effluent ponds – a costly exercise with adverse environmental effects • Harsh environment conditions – high UV, unstable ground (seismic or peat) • Costly installations – upgrading

•

Firestone’s EPDM Liners’ unique

resulting in fewer field seams and

benefits

faster installation

• High flexibility – even at very low

• Environmentally friendly – certified

on-farm farm dairy effluent (FDE)

temperatures, enabling year-round

safe for fish by the Water Research

systems are a major undertaking at

installation in a variety of climates

Centre as well as ISO 14001

significant cost

and terrain

Growing compliance requirements on farmers, in response to dairy

than 300 percent, which enables the

intensification and negative publicity

membrane to stretch and conform to

such as “dirty dairying” and need to

objects in the subgrade

protect freshwater

• Superior weathering resistance –

Firestone EPDM Geomembranes and

offering unmatched resistance to

their installers are a perfect partnership

UV radiation

for dairy farmers, due to their extensive

• Low maintenance – can survive

experience in this field, having a brand

normal environmental exposure for

recognised for reliability and durability

more than 50 years

and strong understanding of New Zealand regulatory policies.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Article supplied by Cosio.

• High elongation – can elongate more

• Quick and easy installation – available in large seamless panel sizes,

THE FARMLANDER |

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Doing the right thing ECO-DAIRY IN NORTHLAND When it comes to the environment, Roger and Jane Hutchings have a passion for “trying to do the right thing”, while at the same time running a commercial dairy farm. Ladore Farm, named after a woodland and falls in England’s scenic Lake District, is located on the outskirts of Kerikeri in Northland and has been in the family since 1960. The Hutchings' run 750 pedigree Ayrshires on their 349 hectares, of which 270 hectares is effectively farmed, the balance being retired for native bush, wetlands and waterways. The farm is rolling country, with volcanic soils and a summer dry tough climate.

Greenline PE pipe, with 32mm Greenline lateral connections to the troughs. With a major part of the system now being driven by gravity, it becomes less costly to run and the larger bore pipe makes the system more hydraulically efficient. “Low levels in the troughs effect production and water system improvements are easy to measure in | Roger and Jane Hutchings.

taking compass directions and identifying males and females and now estimate the number of kiwi on Ladore Farm at around 30 birds. The new solar panel on the dairy roof being used to heat shed water is an example of environmental sustainability and sound finance, with a predicted 15

Roger and Jane’s sustainable

percent ROI. The farm's stock water

approach to farming is based around

system has also come under review. With

the need for profitability, while being

three pumps, one diesel pump out of a

environmentally and socially friendly.

creek, a bore pump and a booster pump,

Difficult to productively manage gullys

the system was inefficient and costly to

on Ladore Farm have been fenced off,

run in terms of power and labour. Roger

to allow natives such as totara, gully

sought advice from Farmlands Waipapa

fern, manuka, puriri and ponga to grow

branch, to see what could be done.

up through the gorse. At the same time,

Farmlands involved Craig Leith, the Iplex

participation in the Regional Council

Territory Manager for Northland, who

funded community pest control group,

then visited the property. After consulting

with traps and bait stations for cats,

with the Hutchings', assessing the water

rats, stoats and possums, has seen a

availability, daily and peak demand

dramatic increase in native bush and bird

and capturing height and distance

life. Rats not only prey on birds but also

information, Craig facilitated a new stock

eat native plant seedlings, reducing the

water system design. Two pumps were

natural bush ecosystem for native birds.

retired, another 30,000 litre storage tank

The Hutchings' monitor kiwi numbers in

added and the mainlines and sub-mains

the winter months, listening to calls,

where upsized to 63mm and 50mm

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

the vat,” Roger says. This financially practical and sustainable approach to dairy farming saw Roger and Jane being named the Supreme winners of the 2014 Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards. “It was a ‘buzz’ to meet like-minded people at the national finals,” Jane says. “And our three staff are completely ‘on-board’ with our vision.” Further to this, the Hutchings' were also asked to present an overview of their operation to delegates from AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) visiting Northland. Food security is a growing APEC challenge, with increasing demands and a need to focus on sustainable productivity. Well designed and managed stock water systems not only make economic sense but are also environmentally friendly, allowing stock to be excluded from natural watercourses, protecting riparian zones and enhancing water quality. For more information on stock water systems or rural pipelines, see the knowledgeable staff at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Iplex.

THE FARMLANDER |