AginED
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FOR E FUTURIA G R R S! U PR EN E
Volume 74 I September 20th, 2021 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz/agined
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THIS GRAPH SHOWS THE NORTH ISLAND MUTTON SLAUGHTER PRICE IN $/KGCW
Award winning Taranaki farmers environmental journey has led to a number of unexpected but very valuable things including learning te reo Māori. Damian and Jane Roper farm a 320 hectare dairy farm in South Taranaki. Their journey to owning their own farm has not been something that has happened overnight and has allowed them to explore some interesting and varied experiences along the way. Read the full article at https://farmersweekly.co.nz/section/dairy/view/farming-journey-leads-to-learning-te-reo-maori and see if you can answer the following questions. 1 What were some of the other jobs that Damian and Jane did before dairy farming? 2 How long did it take them to own their own farm? 3 How many cows do they milk? What is their milk solid (MS) production per cow? 4 What supplementary feeds do they grow for their cows? 5 What do they use to decrease supplementary feed wastage? What was the difference in the amount of feed fed in the first year of its use? 6 The Ropers journey learning te reo Māori allowed them to see that Māori environmental values were identical to their own. What are these? 7 Damian and Jane are members of the WelFarm group. What is this and what purpose does this group serve? 8 What have the Ropers decided to replant their current 100ha pine lock with when it is harvested?
Identifying stress in yourself: How do we learn to identify stress in ourselves? It is hard to go through life and avoid never feeling worried, anxious or stressed but with interesting times in the world, it is important that we talk about it and the signs. Firstly, don’t compare what you feel stressed about to someone else’s stress. It is hard because our friends and family tell us what they are worried about and sometimes it can make our own situation feel inadequate. IT IS NOT! Always remember everyone has their own things going on in their life and so we cannot compare our journey to that of someone else. You are allowed to ‘feel all the feels’ and our abilities to handle how we are feeling are all so individually different. So don’t ever be hard on yourself as you learn how to grow your own resilience to life.
1 What is the latest value? 2 When have values been at the lowest level in the last two years?
3 When have values been at the highest level in the last two years?
STRETCH YOURSELF: 1 How does the latest NI mutton value compare to the previous season? 2 How does it compare to the five-year average?
What are the physical signs of stress?
What are the psychological signs of stress?
Muscle tension and pain, - Low energy - Headaches - Decreased appetite Muscle spasms/tension - Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Trouble sleeping - Trouble concentrating - Difficulty relaxing - Difficulty concentrating - Irritable - Tearfulness - Feeling depressed
*If you think you are suffering from stress and need help managing it, please talk to an adult in your household or ring/ text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. https://1737.org.nz/
and close your eyes, handson your tummy, lying on your back with your legs up the wall is the best position!
~ This brings you back into rest
and digest mode and out of ‘flight mode’. You will feel a Activity: If you start to feel like you sense of calmness after a couple are experiencing any one of the of minutes of doing this. symptoms above then try these exercises. You can do them as It is really important to not have many times in a day as you need any distractions while doing this so and for as long as you think helps. pop that phone onto silent mode! ~ BOX BREATHING: ~ Do something that makes
~ Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for four counts, out for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts. Repeat.
~ Deep belly breathing: ~ Over time, increase the amount
of time you hold your breath for.
~ Make sure you are breathing from your belly so find somewhere comfortable to sit, lie down
Have a go:
you feel calm and relaxed:
~ This could be listening to music, having a bath, lighting a candle, doing some exercise, cooking, chatting to a friend and more.
Have a wonderful week, Harriet
POTTY-TRAINED COWS?
A university of Auckland study in conjunction with affliated researchers from Germany have tested whether cows can be trained to urinate in a “toilet” at least some of the time. With the aim that if 80% of the urine could be captured then there could be a 50% reduction in ammonia produced. Have a read of the full article at https:// farmersweekly.co.nz/section/dairy/view/study-shows-cows-can-be-potty-trained Do you think this is something that would be viable on New Zealand farms and throughout the world? Is there a need for this type of innovation?
3 Due to strong demand from China, and growing interest from the US, the July average export value for mutton settled at $8.75/kg. What is the percentage difference compared to the five-year average of $5.99/kg and last year at $6.74/kg?
This picture demonstrates the correct way to hold your calf’s lead rope
Calf Club NZ - Our fundamental goal is empowering rural kids across the country to care for and compete with their pet calves, and ensure the continued growth and development of our young farmers. Each year we see hundreds of stories and friendships develop between kiwi kids and their animals.
CALF CLUB TIPS AND TRICKS
Is this your first year of Calf Club? Fear not! Here are a few tips and tricks from Calf Club NZ to help train your calf and improve your leading/rearing skills.
Leading and Control - Georgia Whitworth, Calf Club NZ Judge "One thing I love to see as a judge is a really happy kid. Make sure to have a big smile and stand nice and proud. When walking your calf, hold close to the halter so it can understand your movements."
A Clean Calf - Crystal Scown, Hauraki Dairy Trainee of the Year 2020 "Calves don't stay clean for long. The trick is to give them a good wash the night before and leave their cover on overnight. Give them a good brush every day, and if they are moulting use a rubber glove to get rid of the loose hair. Overall make sure you love your calf and have fun."
For more info head to www.calfclubnz.co.nz