AgInEd | September 6, 2021

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AginED

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FOR E FUTURIA G R R S! U PR EN E

Volume 72 I September 6th, 2021 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz/agined

Thinking outside the box 1. Why are possums considered a pest here in New Zealand? 2. How many possums are estimated to be currently in New Zealand? 3. What would happen to NZ’s flora and fauna if possum numbers are not controlled? What effect could they have on farm production? 4. Possum fur is a fine hollow fibre. Why is this a useful quality when manufacturing garments or in this case footwear? Recently we have been talking a bit about pests and ways to deal with them. What about looking at it from a different perspective? Can we make useful and marketable products from some of our most prolific pests? Check out this video about a company doing exactly that, making possum fur boots. Head to https://keuzi.com/pages/our-story-on-nzslargest-tv-network

5. What other animal also has a similar hollow fibre fur? 6. Hunting possums for their fur can create jobs. Can you think of any other pests that we currently have in NZ that could be used in a way that creates industry? What are these and what industry could they create? 7. Can you name five products made from possum fibre?

When your brain feels broken: Sometimes, we just know we aren’t feeling quite ourselves because we are going through a tough time, this is normal BUT sometimes we can feel like this for longer periods of time and this is when we need to do something to help ourselves. What do you do if you break a bone in your body… you would go and get it fixed by a professional! So, what do you do if your brain feels broken and how do you know if you are feeling anxious or depressed?

Are you feeling anxious?

Are you feeling depressed?

Over the last two weeks have you been feeling nervous, anxious or on edge?

Are you feeling sad or miserable most of the time?

WeatherWatch with Phil

SEPTEMBER DAYS GET LONGER, FASTER! In NZ our Ultraviolet rays from the sun (known as UV) are some of the harshest in the world. It's important especially for farmers and growers working out in the weather - that you are aware of UV levels all year round. In fact, people can get sunburnt in NZ in the depths of winter. RuralWeather.co.nz is the only NZ forecaster to provide a UV forecast for every local part of NZ all year round. We rank UV on a scale of mostly 1 to 10 (anything above 10 is 'extreme'). As we head towards the spring equinox later in September our days get longer. In fact, in September we gain an extra 20 minutes of sunlight each and every week (a whole hour gained across the month!). Once we pass the equinox our days become longer than our nights - so UV rays become even more intense. Your mission - Go to www.RuralWeather.co.nz and check out the sunrise & sunset times for Kaitaia (Northland) and Invercargill (Southland). How many hours of sunlight do they both have? What are the sunrise and sunset time differences between the two centres? - Scroll down to the "Detailed Data" tab (midway down the homepage). Now you can see the UV forecast. What are the highest and lowest UV numbers you can find across New Zealand this week? (hint: sunniest weather brings in the highest UV numbers).

If you answered yes to either or both of those questions please visit: https://depression.org.nz/is-it-depression-anxiety/self-test/ NB: These will NOT give you a diagnosis but will help you see if you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling to find some tools that will help you.

TALK...To who, though? Activities: - Research the places in NZ you can quickly access to talk to someone qualified (or text), (even if we are still in lockdown). - Put these numbers into your phone or write them on the fridge for easy access. - Research who you could book an appointment with where you live to go and talk to about your mental health and wellbeing.

Record the number in your phone in case you ever need it. - Who in your family could you talk to about how you are feeling? - Do the self-assessment questions above and then talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. Remember, we are human and we all have times in our lives when things feel harder than normal like if you are grieving for someone you have lost or being in lockdown and worrying about your exams and

future. There is ALWAYS someone to talk to and FREE access to qualified people who keep anything you share with them 100% confidential. I always find that I feel more able to tackle hard things in my life when I eat well, sleep well and exercise every day while spending outside time with my animals on the farm. Find the thing that you love doing and make sure it is a part of your daily routine! Harriet

DON’T FORGET TO SEND US A PICTURE OF YOUR LOCKDOWN STUDY SPACE! Send us in a picture of your lockdown work space and be in the draw to win some fantastic prizes! This included an awesome kids 4 piece clothing pack from Stoney Creek and a HuntingHQ cap for our teens and our younger readers can be in to win some amazing toy prizes from Husqvarna. Send us you pictures at: agined@globalhq.co.nz

Got your own question about how the weather works? Ask Phil! Email phil@ruralweather.co.nz with your question and he could answer it on the Weather Together podcast!

FILL YA BOOTS: Dairy farming in New Zealand is predominantly pasture based which is one reason our milk and products are sought after. Research how dairy farming looks in two of these countries: Australia, China, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. 1 How does dairy farming in these countries differ from New Zealand and why? Hint: think about things like climate. 2 Are there any similarities? 3 What breeds are most common on NZ dairy farms? 4 What breeds are most common in the other countries? 5 Do these countries mostly use pasture based systems or something different? 6 Can you think of any reasons why some countries keep cows in barns?


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