Plan 365 October 2019 by Farmlands

OCTOBER 2019

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

NUTRITION

FORAGE AND ARABLE

HORTICULTURE

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

DAIRY MANAGEMENT

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

NUTRITION

Manure management: helpful hints for horse owners On average, a medium-sized horse can produce about fourteen kilograms of manure and ten litres of urine every day. Multiply this by several horses and owners suddenly have a lot of material to deal with. Aside from improving the cleanliness and appearance of an equine property, the main objective of manure management should be for optimum control of infections and parasites. Collecting manure is by far the most effective way of breaking the parasite cycle and preventing worm infections in horses. Parasite eggs are passed out in manure and if this is collected before these eggs have a chance to hatch into larvae, it will reduce the risk of the infection being passed on. While it is impossible to completely eradicate worms from every property, manure collection will minimise the number of larvae picked up by horses and can therefore reduce the amount of times horses will require drugs to prevent and manage worm burdens. Manure collection may be achievable on properties with few horses but it is not always a convenient solution for large equine farms and in this case, alternative management practices are required. Harrowing pastures through towing chains to break up and distribute manure can be an effective technique for controlling parasites however it is essential that this is carried out when environmental factors are correct. Hot and dry climates are ideal, as the heat and wind will help to kill eggs and larvae.

THE FARMLANDER

Any other weather is likely to result in

week rest to allow eggs to hatch before

spreading the parasites and creating

introducing another species. Paddocks

further pasture contamination.

should then be grazed for at least a

Cross-grazing by introducing other

month by sheep, cows or goats before

animals to a paddock after horses

being rested again.

have grazed on it can help to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;clean

If these rotational timings are not

upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the paddock and minimise worm

achievable due to grazing area

burden. There is only one parasite,

being limited or high stocking rates,

Trichostrongylus, that infects a wide

drug treatments to control parasites

range of animal species and can live in

will be necessary at least twice a

the stomach of horses, cattle, sheep and

year. Advice on drug treatments

goats. Notably though, infections with

and worming programmes should

this parasite are rare in adult ruminants.

be sought from veterinarians or

Paddock rotation timing is also an

nutritionists, as well as other local

important part of manure management and optimum timings will depend on

horse owners. A faecal egg count is a great tool to determine when drug

paddock size, stocking rates and cross-

treatments are needed.

grazing. Ideally, paddocks should be grazed by horses once a year for two

For further assistance, consult a qualified Equine Nutritionist.

to three months followed by a three-

Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutritionist.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

NUTRITION

Hedging your bets on future feed supplies The ability to contract forward is a key benefit of supplementary dairy feeds. It insures farmers against unpredictable weather events or uncontrollable global trends that could impact future feed supply and pricing. Straights like soy hulls and DDGS (maize distillers dark grains) are recycled by-products from the human food or bio-fuel industries. Their true effect in terms of greenhouse gases is difficult to calculate but it makes sense that they are utilised as animal feed rather than burnt or dumped. Debate could be heated between those who propose to control cow numbers to reduce greenhouse gases and those looking to focus on greenhouse gas production per kilogram of milk solids produced. The former proposal favours DairyNZ-categorised systems 1 and 2 – where 90 to 100 percent of total feed is homegrown. The latter’s focus favours high-input systems 4 and 5 – where imported feed is used most of the time.

Owner-operators surveyed by DairyNZ as part of this economic survey for the 2017-18 season again generated more operating profit/ha when running a higher input system. For example: • Systems 4 and 5 generated $2516/ ha whereas systems 1 and 2 only produced $1576/ha. • These same high-input farms that use more imported feed (21-50 percent of total feed) seemed to benefit most from the average milk price of $6.62/kg MS. With analysts generally predicting a stronger milk price for this season, continuing to supplement your cows after mating may be both sensible and rewarding. The rumen microflora is a complex bio-system. Opting to use just one supplementary straight feed is like putting all your money on a horse to win. A mixture of straights can deliver a spread of nutrients to the rumen and is more likely to meet a limiting factor for both the microbes and the

cow. Farmers can purchase and store individual straights and mix them onfarm but blends of straights seem to be growing in popularity as blenders like NRM invest in operators and equipment rather than individual farmers. Straights typically lack some essential minerals relative to the needs of lactating cows so blending offers the opportunity to add minerals. Except for tapioca, straights tend to be quite low in starch so creating high-starch blends can be more challenging. After mating, many people gravitate to a lower starch supplement to save money. Whilst blends have never really become popular in Australia – where compound feed is favoured – in New Zealand more people seem to be transitioning from straights to blends for the nutritional complexity they require. Compound feeds offer additional advantages over blends, albeit at a higher price due to the cost of building and operating a feed mill. NRM actively participates in the production of both blends and pelleted compound feed. Pelleting means that ingredients will stay in place and will not segregate out during transport and storage. Compound feeds based on grains are a good option when higher levels of starch are required and when consistent delivery of micro ingredients is preferred. Locking in some volume, whilst allowing some flexibility to respond to the season, is an option worth considering. It’s not too early to be thinking about future-proofing your post-Christmas nutrition needs. For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist.

| * DairyNZ Economic Survey 2017–18 which classified farms into five production systems based on percentage of feed imported: Low input (1 = 0%; 2 = 4-14%); Medium input (3 = 10-20%); High input (4 = 20-30%; 5 = 25-55%).

THE FARMLANDER

Article supplied by Dr Rob Derrick, NRM Lead Nutritionist

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

NUTRITION

Post-weaning management for profitability Since leaving practical farm work, in my new technical role I have realised that statistical significance – or lack of it – doesn’t always imply a practical significance and that published trial work does not always reflect what is happening for real in the calf-rearing world. Not all of us have got time or scientific knowledge to study and understand the hundreds of different calf trials that are being published. For example, three Israeli studies found that calves fed fresh milk produced more milk in their first lactation than calves fed milk replacer but significantly, the milk replacer was soy-based and low-fat (only 12 to 15 percent) so was not comparable to the milk replacer available in New Zealand. We have to be wary of conclusions drawn from limited studies. The first 3 months are critical in any calf-rearing unit but the next 4–9 months can undo all that good work. Poor growth rates will delay the timeframe of puberty in dairy heifers and profitability in beef units. The challenge for calves is even more pronounced with spring-born calves in our country because of the effects of summer on pasture growth and quality which compounds their ability to perform well on a pasture-only diet if the quality or quantity available is lacking. As a practical farmer, I have emphasised in previous articles the importance of weighing regularly and treating each calf as an individual not as a group. Weaning according to breed-specific weight targets, rumen development and general health is

THE FARMLANDER

important so that all calves flourish. Will they be able to perform on a predominantly grass diet without having a check or be vulnerable to health issues once summer kicks in?

“

The challenge for calves is even more pronounced with spring-born calves in our country because of the effects of summer on pasture growth and quality... Regular weighing after weaning identifies calves that are dropping behind as soon as possible so they can be fed preferentially to catch up. Drench programmes, vaccine programmes, minerals and facial eczema prevention should not be forgotten. Calves that have been grown well in the first 3 months must continue to be fed and managed well to maintain the growth advantage and to capitalize on that growth. It is not too late to help calves that have not had the best start or were born late in the AB period to catch up. Extra growth for heifers from 4 to 9 months of age will translate to earlier puberty, improved fertility and a better chance of succeeding for longer in the herd. Feeding to achieve growth rates of

0.8–0.9kg/day in Friesian calves will be below the level where fat deposition in the udder becomes a concern whereas Jerseys may accumulate fat at lower growth rates, so feeding according to genetics is important. As the summer progresses, feeding extra protein and energy to support calves, especially in times of a feed pinch, will help to maintain future potential and performance. For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist. Article supplied by Karen Fraser, Nutrition – Technical Specialist

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

NUTRITION

Fuel up your 4-legged worker to perform | Protein, fat and carbohydrates all play a major role in the nutritional requirements of a working dog.

During peak periods, a working dog will require 2–3 times the calories per kg of body weight than that of a dog at rest. These dogs need a highquality diet to perform at their best.

from the food your dog eats every

Rather than just feeding them more

lead to health problems.

and more food to keep up with their

Working dogs require higher levels

increased energy needs, it is better to

of good-quality protein in their diets.

provide them with a special diet that is

Exercise increases their need for protein

highly digestible and energy-dense. If

as it is used for tissue maintenance and

the energy density of a food is too low,

repair. High-performance nutrition helps

a dog may be physically unable to eat

extend the career of working dogs and

the volume of food required to meet its

their quality of life.

energy requirements. This can be further

Scientific research at Purina has shown

complicated in some dogs by fatigue

that a diet containing higher protein

which can lead to a drop in appetite.

levels can reduce the number of soft

The power of protein Protein is a very important part of a healthy, balanced canine diet. Protein has several roles in the body such as building and repairing muscles as well as other body tissue. It is needed to form new skin cells, grow hair, build muscle tissue and more. It also assists in creating body chemicals

day. Because these amino acids are so important they are called essential amino acids. Deficiencies of any of the essential amino acids over time can

tissue injuries in working dogs and aids in a faster recovery time. PRO PLAN Performance Extreme 32/30 for adult medium-to-large breed dogs contains 32 percent protein and 30 percent fat. It is highly nutritious, energy-dense and formulated specifically for adult dogs in times of high-intensity exercise.

can result in mild-chronic diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and a loss of body condition. The nutritional objectives for working dogs • To optimise work rate and overall performance • Reduce injury and prolong the career span • Maintain lean muscle mass and a strong immune system • Avoid nutritional imbalances Utilising both PRO PLAN Performance and NEW PRO PLAN Performance Extreme 32/30 in your working dogs’ feeding programme provides the flexibility to feed according to each dog’s individual work level and energy requirements. PRO PLAN Performance (made up of 30 percent protein and 21 percent fat) is ideal for your breeding bitch during gestation and lactation as it provides all the nutrition required for a puppy’s development. PRO PLAN Performance Extreme 32/30 provides concentrated nutrition to fuel metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle for dogs working under extreme conditions.

like hormones and enzymes that are

Fat and carbohydrates

needed for normal function. This

Working dogs are primarily endurance

powerful component provides energy

athletes and their fuel for endurance

(like carbohydrates do) and keeps the

work is primarily from fat. Dogs are

immune system strong.

more efficient at metabolising and

Proteins are made up of amino acids

mobilising fat than most other species.

and dogs require 22 amino acids

Easily digestible carbohydrates are

to make the necessary proteins. A

necessary to provide energy to fuel

dog’s body can make about half of

sprint work and ensure good stool

+ Reynolds AJ et al. 1999. Effect of protein intake during training on biochemical and performance variables in sled dogs. Am. J. Vet.Res. 60:789-795.

this number but the rest must come

quality. Diets without carbohydrates

Article supplied by Nestlé Purina Petcare.

THE FARMLANDER

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

FORAGE AND ARABLE

The benefits of deferring The benefits of deferring grazing, already experienced by those who practise it, are now being substantiated and quantified. Farmers who have deferred grazing (shut up paddocks in spring and reopened them when ryegrass has set and dropped seed in autumn) say it is a valuable, low-cost management practice which maintains pasture quality over the rest of the farm, increases production from the deferred area the following year and provides a valuable source of late summer feed, when feed is in short supply. To prove and further explore the benefits, a farmer-led group has been working with industry and the Sustainable Farming Fund.

Tiller density (per m2)

In a spring 2017 trial, three paddock types were compared on a Bay of Plenty sheep and beef property on the eastern side of the Lower Kaimai Ranges. It assessed a late paddock opening deferred treatment (two grazings missed, no grazing midOctober to early February), an early paddock opening deferred treatment (one grazing missed, no grazing midOctober to early December) and standard rotational grazing. Pastures in both deferred treatments were rotationally grazed after the deferred periods, in following best-practice industry guidelines, 5000 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

to maximise pasture quality. Each treatment was replicated four times within a randomised complete block design and grazed by R2 Friesian dairy replacements. Deferred grazing’s effect on root growth and its potential to make pastures more persistent and resilient to climatic stresses were also explored in an aligned glasshouse study that simulated the field-applied treatments manually. The trial results clearly show, relative to the other treatments, the late opening deferred grazing treatment improved: • soil bulk density, total porosity, mineral-N and anaerobically mineralisable nitrogen • ryegrass tiller densities the following autumn and spring (Figure 1) • the proportion of ryegrass groundcover the following autumn • pasture production in the first eight months after deferring • metabolisable energy content of the pasture the next autumn • the facial eczema count (reduced the spore count) • ryegrass root mass (Figure 2) and tillering • farm profitability (based on initial Farmax modelling).

Grazed

Early Opening Adult

Late Opening

Daughter

| Figure 1: Perennial ryegrass tiller densities of three treatments one year on, in spring 2018.

THE FARMLANDER

On the whole, deferred grazing’s benefits were as expected. Pasture quality was maintained in grazed paddocks, deferred paddocks showed longer-term benefits and Farmax modelling showed increased farm profitability. Further research to quantify deferred grazing’s impacts on the environment (such

| Figure 2: Rooting depth glasshouse study showing increased root mass at depth. On the left: roots from standard rotational grazing simulation and on the right: roots from late opening deferred grazing treatment simulation.

as nutrient losses and phosphorus runoff), soil biology (nitrogen fixation rates, soil respiration and enzyme activities), roots under pastures (mass, depth, changes over time) and facial eczema is recommended. In its final year, the project is also undertaking a similar study on a western Waikato steep hill country summer dry farm, while continuing at the current site. The project was funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund with co-funding and support from Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Environment Bay of Plenty, Waikato Regional Council, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Plant & Food Research and AgResearch. For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Feed your livestock, not hungry insect pests High-value fodder beet, forage brassica and forage herb crops deserve all the attention to detail you can give them at this time of the year – they will pay you back handsomely when the time comes to assess dry matter (DM) yields. Keeping insect pests under control now will mean these crops have every opportunity to grow to their full potential, the more DM/ha they produce when it is time to graze them, the cheaper the cost of that DM will be on a c/kg basis. The risk posed by insect pests is usually highest in the early stages of crop establishment. Newly-emerged seedlings and young plants are very vulnerable to pest infestation and once they have been affected it is difficult to reverse the impact this has on your final DM yield. Greasy cutworm and the caterpillars of diamondback moth, white butterfly and plantain moth can cause considerable economic damage in a surprisingly short period of time, so it is a good idea to check carefully for pests every one or two days in the first few weeks after crop emergence. What are some of the signs to look for? Greasy cutworm will completely eat

| Protect your crops from Plantain Moth this season.

• Caterpillars of both diamondback moth and white butterfly feed on the plant leaves, creating holes between leaf veins and in severe cases, skeletonising the leaves. • Plantain moth caterpillars, as the name indicates, have a distinct preference for plantain and when conditions are right populations can explode, particularly in warm, dry weather. Straight plantain swards and those planted with clover are most affected. • Like diamondback moth and white butterfly caterpillars, these pests feed on plantain leaves, causing small holes which can join up and in severe cases leave only leaf veins.

newly-emerged seedlings, leaving

What can I do to avoid crop damage?

just the stalks – while older seedlings

Well-timed insecticide application – if required – can help keep pest numbers under control to reduce the risk of damage.

can have the stems cut near ground level, leaves severed or be completely defoliated.

THE FARMLANDER

Kaiso® 50WG is registered for use against: • Greasy cutworm in forage brassicas, fodder beet and forage herbs. • Diamondback moth and white butterfly caterpillars in forage brassicas. • Plantain moth caterpillars in plantain and plantain/clover swards. Fast-acting and persistent, Kaiso® 50WG comes in a unique, user-friendly Sorbie Technology formulation which is stable, easy-to-measure and nonflammable. It does not produce dust or splashes and is easy to clean up, with no need for triple-rinsing the container. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. ®

Kaiso is a registered trademark of Nufarm Limited.

Article supplied by Nufarm.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Organic growers let nature take its course For the last ten years, organic growers around the country have been winning the war on pests with the help of nature. All growers have to contend with destructive pests such as leafroller caterpillar, codling moth, white butterfly, thrips, pear slugs, cherry slugs and diamondback moth. These pests create holes in the leaves or fruit of crops, reducing yields significantly or making the produce unsaleable.

• Can be used as part of a certified organic crop programme • Can be exported as such to key markets. Entrust™ SC Naturalyte™, from Corteva™ Agriscience works by both contact and ingestion so exposed insects cease to feed almost immediately and die soon after, with translaminar activity controlling insects on the underside of leaves.

To counter these voracious visitors, organic growers need a powerful pest control product that:

While crop monitoring is important and

• Is suitable across a wide range of fruit, vine and vegetable crops

coincide treatment with eggs hatching

• Controls insects on both sides of the leaves

application timing will vary between crops, most users would normally or when pest thresholds are reached. Entrust utilises a powerful active ingredient called spinosad, part of a revolutionary class of insect control

• Contains natural ingredients and uses green technology

products called Naturalytes.

• Is safe to humans as well as other animals, organisms and groundwater

the fermentation of naturally-occurring

Spinosad is a metabolite produced by soil bacteria, creating a compound with an excellent environmental and

toxicological profile in terms of safety to humans, mammals, birds, aquatic organisms and groundwater. Award-winning ingredient and Bio-Gro certified credentials These qualities saw spinosad receive the 1999 Presidential Green Chemistry Award, an accolade presented by the US Environmental Protection Agency which recognises technologies that incorporate green technology into their design, manufacture and use. Entrust’s credentials have also been ratified by New Zealand Food Safety’s Official Organic Export Programme with Bio-Gro status, allowing it to be used in the protection of certified organically-grown crops. This coveted seal-of-approval is vital for exports to the United Kingdom, European Union, United States of America and Japan. While Entrust is highly-effective against a wide range of key pests (including a number which are resistant to conventional insecticides), its unique mode of action is safe to many beneficial insects. This makes it a great fit for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems, and ideal for growers looking to produce high-quality, pest-free, organically-certified crops with nil (or very low) residues at harvest. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local store. Article supplied by Corteva Agriscience.

| The product’s mode of action means it is safe to many beneficial insects and is therefore a good fit for integrated pest management systems.

THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Getting the most from your forage brassica Giving forage brassica crops the best possible start is hugely important if you are going to deliver on expectations of yield and crop quality.

Application timing varies with weed species and herbicides used, so look carefully at the label to ensure you are making the correct choice of product.

From selecting the right paddock to

Often, forage brassica will germinate over a period thus creating a split strike in the crop. This can cause some challenges when selecting the right product to use because some herbicides dictate the growth stage of the crop before application (to minimise a negative crop effect such as suppression or in the worst-case, total crop failure). Making sure you select the right product in these situations is crucial, so you don’t disrupt the growth of the crop at the important early stage of development.

preparing the paddock and planting to effective crop monitoring during establishment — all these activities play a key role in getting the most out of

“

your forage brassica.

Make sure you select the right product so you don’t disrupt the growth of the forage brassica at the important early stage of development.

When it comes to post-emergent weed control there are three critical factors to get right: weed identification, product selection and application timing. Most weeds are best controlled when they are at seedling stage. Once weed seedlings become established and start growing rapidly the level of control can drop to just suppression and weeds can continue to compete with the crop and set seed which will impact your next crop or pasture. Take time to identify weeds correctly as well. This can sometimes be a challenge when weeds have just emerged however an incorrect ID can lead to the wrong product selection.

THE FARMLANDER

The third factor to consider when selecting the perfect herbicide for weed control is crop rotation, specifically what will be planted next and when? All herbicides have | Once weed seedlings become established and start growing rapidly residuals and plant-back periods, they can compete with the crop and set seed which will impact your which can vary greatly depending next crop or pasture. on the chemistry involved and the and control of challenging weeds like crop being planted next. The last shepherd’s purse, fumitory, fathen and thing you want to happen is nightshade along with many others. non-germination of seed in the following Putting your focus on weed control, crop because you have not identified the product selection and application withholding periods correctly. timing during crop establishment will go A new herbicide launched last year a long way towards ensuring excellent provides the flexibility required when yields and quality feed for livestock. making these decisions. Korvetto™ For further information, contact your herbicide provides short plant-back Farmlands Technical Field Officer or periods (3 months for clover, 6 months the friendly team at your local store. for fodder beet), excellent crop safety from cotyledon to eight-leaf stage Article supplied by Corteva Agriscience.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Power up your pre-plant spray this spring There is only one chance to prepare paddocks properly for forage brassicas before the seed is drilled, so this first step in the spring sowing process is arguably one of the most critical. That is the advice from Farmlands Grain and Seed Agronomist Elton Mayo, who says a well-planned and executed pre-plant herbicide programme is a worthy investment, especially in direct drilling situations. “More and more farmers are direct drilling crops to protect their soil structure, minimise potential nutrient losses and reduce fuel and labour costs. “This technique is very useful in that regard and can produce great results but the outcome depends heavily on how carefully you manage both weeds and pests at the start of the process,” says Elton. Most spring-sown paddocks are chosen for crop because they are damaged and/or they contain too many weeds and not enough high-quality grazing, Elton says.

| A healthy looking Forage Brassica crop.

surfactant mix also ensures glyphosate molecules penetrate and spread through the plant quickly.

“The CRUCIAL/Kamba 500 mix fits

effective against clovers, which are

A breakthrough herbicide from Nufarm will make that job easier this season. Eight years in the making, CRUCIAL® is the only liquid formulation in the world which combines three glyphosate salts – potassium, monomethylamine and ammonium.

With CRUCIAL as the foundation of your brassica pre-plant spray programme, you can achieve fast, reliable control of a wide range of grass and broadleaf weeds. In direct drilling situations, the new herbicide will also help breakdown existing vegetation faster. Plus, it is compatible with a wide range of companion herbicides that can be included to kill broadleaf species which are not well controlled by the glyphosate molecule alone.

A high load of active ingredient means more weed-killing power per litre, using less product per ha; CRUCIAL’s triple

Kamba® 500 is a good example, says Nufarm Technical Specialist Cynthia Christie.

Therefore it is vital that as many weeds as possible are eliminated before brassicas are sown.

THE FARMLANDER

well with preparing paddocks for direct drilling because Kamba 500 is highly often present in these situations. It’s also useful against nodding thistles.” Another key benefit of this mix is the nil plant back interval for brassica crops, Cynthia says. “The grazing withholding period for Kamba 500 is 2 weeks, thus minimising downtime for busy farmers.” For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. ® CRUCIAL and Kamba are registered trademarks of Nufarm Australia Limited. Article supplied by Nufarm.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Reliable winter options | Kale is a flexible and affordable winter feed option that suits different land types as well as farming systems

Winter brassicas are exceedingly important for any farm system carrying stock through this valuable trade period, particularly in areas where grass production slows due to low soil temperatures.

availability also reduces pressure

Sue and Derek Wing run a 110ha

drymatter (kg/DM) to grow. Animals

mixed-enterprise system with sheep

spend 60 to 80 days on the crop,

finishing, arable and forage cropping

depending on winter conditions.

in Marton. Their farm is comprised

Derek has been impressed with the

of Marton Clay loam and this time

product’s performance on his farm.

last year they were after a flexible

“It combines quality, yield and

wintering feed option that suited

utilisation along with a low

their land and farming system.

cost per kg/DM. SovGold has

Kale has proven to be a very

suited our system well.”

effective solution for the Wing’s

A standout characteristic of SovGold

operation because of its high yield

for the Wings has been its high-quality,

per hectare and affordability.

palatable stem, resulting in less of the

Derek opted to use SovGold kale, the

total proportion of total drymatter in the

newest brassica member from the

lower stem. Not only does this improve

Agricom portfolio. It is one of the latest

crop utilisation, it reduces the spring

flowering kales on the market with the

workload as minimal cultivation is

added benefit of maintaining foliage into

required to remove thick stems before

late September. This feed flexibility has

the next crop in the rotation is drilled.

proven to be key for the Wing’s system.

In accordance with recommended

“It allowed us to capitalise on a warm

best practice and advice from their

winter and accounts for any system

Farmlands Technical Field Officer

changes we need to make, for example

(and son), Jason Wing, Derek followed

if the stock price varies. The spring

this process:

THE FARMLANDER

on our spring grass,” says Derek. His SovGold crop yielded on average 10-12 tonnes drymatter per ha and cost approximately eight cents per kilograms of

• He sprayed out older grass paddocks late last October. Then conventionally tilled and sowed his SovGold Kale in early November at four kg/ha with Ultrastrike® treated seed. • Accompanying this, 200 to 300 kg of DAP fertiliser was applied at sowing. • This was followed by 200 kg of urea during establishment (when rain was forecast). SovGold has proved to be an invaluable option in the Marton farm’s cropping rotation, helping to remove weeds and break pest cycles while providing quality, bulk late autumn, winter or spring feed for the Wing’s sheep. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Agricom.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Foliar nutrition We must always look for more efficient methods of farming. Higher production, optimised land utilisation and sustainable farming practices need to be explored and adopted. As with all things in life, you only get back what you put in. Growing forage crops is no different; all too often we plant forage crops and replicate the same fertiliser and pest control practices that were used in previous seasons. Yet things change such as crop history, soil type, fertiliser history and weather; droughts can occur or alternatively, high rainfalls deplete the soils. All of these factors can have an impact on the base fertilisers applied when the crops were sown. The fertiliser applied may not have adequate moisture to help activate it or the application may have been washed away — both scenarios can cause deficiencies in the crop and have an impact on yields. To help overcome these issues, more farmers are applying foliar fertilisers like Boost-it Plus to supplement their base fertiliser programme and address deficiencies in their crops. Boost-it Plus has been designed to provide additional nitrogen and potassium to help promote strong plant growth and encourage photosynthesis. Boost-it Plus delivers additional trace elements in a chelated form which ensures these elements are stable and plant-available. Included in the trace element blend is boron and zinc to support the structural integrity of cell walls and assist in seed viability. Zinc has been added to assist plant growth hormones and support internode elongation.

THE FARMLANDER

| There are many reasons why a base fertiliser may not work and therefore the crop may be deficient.

Stronger plants give more tolerance to pest pressure and quicker crop closure to ward off weeds, leading to potentially higher yields. Neil and Jen Lodge run Masha Farms, a dairy operation in Waharoa, Waikato. They tried Boost-it Plus on their Barkant turnips for the first time this season. “The results spoke for themselves – the crop looked significantly healthier, with increased leaf size and colour. Even though we had a dry summer, we were able to keep the crop growing from mid-November through to final grazing in April. The turnips showed more tolerance to pest pressure and no signs

supplement a ground-applied fertiliser programme and support strong plant growth. Boost-it Plus is fully water soluble, so it will not block spray nozzles when being applied as a foliar spray. Foliar application ensures the crop responds quickly to the fertiliser, with improved fertiliser utilisation by the plant. The treatment is chloride-free to ensure crop safety and can be applied with most commonly used insecticides and fungicides, so there is no need for a separate application – saving you time and money, as well as lessening field compaction.

be a substitute for a base fertiliser

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

programme. It is designed to

Article supplied by Grochem.

of tuber rot or breakdown,’’ says Neil. Boost-it Plus is not designed to

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Cow nutrition and fertility Despite advances in reproductive technology, the six-week in-calf rate of New Zealand dairy cows has been declining since the 2012/13 season.1 While there are many factors that contribute to reproductive performance, nutrition is very important as it affects both cow cycling as well as holding the pregnancy. Encouraging cycling The failure of the uterus to recover before mating is one of the leading causes of reproductive failure which is why supporting cow health from calving through to mating is critical. Preventing metabolic issues (e.g. milk fever) at calving is the first step in improving cow reproductive performance. Cows that have milk fever are less likely to get in calf

| There are three key aspects which are needed to encourage cow cycling and three top tips to hold a healthy embryo – and all are related to nutrition.

due to the cascade of health effects such

Nutritech can provide a custom mineral mix

as metritis, mastitis and ketosis.

to increase iodine levels leading into mating.

Minimising body condition loss post-

Holding and maintaining the pregnancy

calving is one of the most effective strategies to support cycling activity. ‘How far she drops’ is more important than the absolute body condition score (BCS) she is pre-mating. A cow that has fallen from a 4.5 BCS at calving to a 4.0 BCS at mating has a better chance of getting in calf than a cow that has fallen from a 5.5BCS. Using high-quality, C18-rich bypass fats such as Golden Flake added to silages ®

or feeds can help minimise body condition loss post-calving to drive reproductive performance. Along with the strategic use

registered mycotoxin binder such as Fusion®DYAD to reduce the impact of feed-borne mycotoxins.2 • Improve egg and follicle quality, which has been identified as a leading cause of early embryonic loss.3 The egg that is inseminated at day 90–100 was a developing follicle from calving to insemination. To support healthy follicles, primary antioxidants (such as Melofeed®) provide new avenues for improving cow antioxidant status, along with selenium and vitamin E. These antioxidants can be added to the diet via Nutritech custom blends, and feature in our Mating Boost Pack.

Long returns (25+ days) can indicate early embryonic loss. To help prevent this: • Avoid rapid changes in feed up to 100 days post-insemination. For spring calving herds, pasture going to seed and the subsequent fibre (NDF) increase can reduce dry matter intake and mean the cow’s energy intake is reduced significantly. If this occurs suddenly, it can send a strong signal to abort the pregnancy. • Reduce the impact of mycotoxins.

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

of concentrate feeds, Golden Flake® can

Mycotoxins can be very toxic

help provide a ‘rising plane of nutrition’ by

to the developing embryo and

providing 37MJME/kg.

foetus. Pasture dead matter, humid

Iodine is important for heat detection

conditions, silages and stored feed

and reproduction. Clinical signs of iodine

can all increase the risk of mycotoxin

deficiency include non-visible oestrus

ingestion. Avoid feeding spoiled

New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2017. Fusion®DYAD is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 No.A011062. 3 DairyNZ Pillars Programme, Recent Reproduction Results, 2018.

and a low first-service conception rate.

feed and supplement diets with a

Article supplied by Nutritech.

THE FARMLANDER

1 2

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Vaccination programmes for young lambs With tailing time approaching you should start planning your 5-in-1 programme. The lamb is born with no antibodies and passive protection from the ewe’s colostrum usually lasts until between tailing and weaning, depending on how much colostrum the lamb drinks and on the pre-lamb vaccine used. The lamb’s own active immunity against the common five clostridial diseases needs to be developed. Vaccinating at tailing and weaning with Multine® or Multine B12 provides lambs with excellent protection. Both a sensitiser and a booster 4–6 weeks later are required. The importance of vaccination timing Two common questions asked are: “why is a booster needed?” and “how long should we wait between the two shots?” The following is a simple explanation of why, how and when boosters need to be given. Vaccination delivers an inactivated or killed version of the disease, which stimulates the immune system to react and produce a response that protects the animal from the disease in the future. Following vaccination, the animal makes protective antibodies which circulate in the body, ready to attack and remove any disease-causing bacteria (or virus) for which they have been vaccinated against. Most vaccines in New Zealand are ‘killed’ vaccines and require a first dose (sensitiser) and a second dose (booster) to stimulate a protective antibody response. Examples of killed vaccines commonly used are: Campyvax®4, Salvexin®+B, Clostridial vaccines (Multine®, Nilvax®) and Bovilis® BVD.

THE FARMLANDER

| Maximising young stock immunity to clostridial disease, requires a 2-shot vaccination programme.

There are two distinct responses after

levels will occur. If the interval between

using a killed vaccine:

sensitiser and booster is too long there

• The ‘primary response’ occurs after

will be a reduced number or no memory

a short delay and results in a low

cells left to respond. Again, no secondary

level of antibody being produced.

immune response will occur, and the

This antibody lasts a short time

animal may not be adequately protected.

and is less effective at fighting

The ideal timing of vaccination and interval

the disease than the secondary

between the two-phases of vaccination

response mentioned below.

can differ between vaccines. For Multine,

• The ‘secondary response’, after the booster, results in a rapid and high increase in antibody levels, which is longer-lasting and more effective. An annual booster is also

4–6 weeks apart is ideal to ensure the lamb is set-up correctly. The timing of this will vary on farm but vaccination at tailing and then again at weaning is a convenient way to get both doses in and make the

required with most killed vaccines to

most out of your 5-in-1 programme.

ensure ongoing protection, as these

Note: Always read and follow the

antibody levels wane over time.

label to get the best results from your

A type of white blood cell called ‘memory cells’ are formed after the first exposure to either a vaccine or naturally-occurring disease. These cells have a limited life span and this is the reason an interval between

investment in any vaccine. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly staff at your local Farmlands store.

If the second vaccination is given too early,

ACVM No’s: A0934, A0935, A3832, A8237, A7886, A11311, A9535. Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Phone: 0800 800 543.

the memory cells will not be established

and no high secondary peak in antibody

Article supplied by MSD Coopers.

the first and second doses is important.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

The buzz on wiping out wasps New Zealand has a large, varied population of wasps which often go unnoticed. Hundreds of species exist and work tirelessly in unison within our natural environment. Unfortunately, the wasp population has been tarnished by the more widespread German and Common wasps which live in large colonies. Since arriving in the 1940s these two species are now widespread. These two are very similar in appearance, with one distinguishing feature being that the German wasp nest is grey and the Common wasp nest is brown.

| The total combined body weight of wasps in some New Zealand areas is higher than the combined weight of all the birds, stoats and rodents that live there.

• In our native beech forests the

Paper wasps have also become

honey dew excreted by scale insects

a real social nuisance with the

is vital to our bird population.

Asian, Australian and European

This food source becomes

Paper wasp now found throughout

extremely scarce with high wasp

New Zealand.

populations and our native birds’

All species build small nests but

survival and breeding opportunities

these can be relatively close together,

are severely affected.

enabling large numbers to build up.

In our forests wasp numbers can

What is the scale of the problem?

reach levels upwards of 10,000

• German and Common wasps have virtually no natural predators and can survive our winters with ease. • With huge numbers building up

wasps per ha. Seasonally in some beech forests there are an estimated 12 nests per ha. This makes the total combined body weight of wasps in these

over the summer months, their

areas higher than the weight of

environmental impact can be

all the birds, stoats and rodents

devastating to our native insects, lizards, bats and bird populations. • Having voracious appetites which

put together. They can be a huge issue for our tourist industry and can be a nasty intrusion at picnics

Which wasp controls exist? Wasp control is best achieved by locating the nest site and treating this in the evening. Wasps settle down in their nests overnight and this is an ideal time to apply No Pests Insect Dust or Dust 2 Dust in the entrance of the nest. Over the next 12 hours the nest will die out as wasps come into contact with the applied dust. If applied with a bulb duster or blower, the treatment will penetrate a long way into the nest entrance. If nest sites are unable to be located, the use of a wasp lure is also effective. Using a wasp lure and dome trap in the spring and early summer is very effective as queens are actively building their nests and wasp numbers have not reached high levels. Every queen caught is a potential nest eliminated. Note: this option is ineffective on Paper wasps.

includes both carbohydrates and

and barbeques. A percentage of

protein-based food, they compete

the population can have a severe

directly with our native fauna

allergic reaction if stung but being

populations for available food –

stung by a wasp is not pleasant

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer of the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

with devastating effect.

under any circumstances.

Article supplied by Key Industries.

THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

7 top tips to keep your clippers in tip top condition Clipper overheating? Not cutting? Or not leaving a clean, clipped finish on your animal? If you have experienced any of the above, these handy tips can help to ensure troublefree clipping of your cattle and horses for better results. Following this advice can also extend the life of your clipper and blades.

Dirt in a pelt is your worst enemy for blades; wherever possible wash the animal before clipping to maximize the cutting life of your blades.

Oil the blades prior to, during and after every use. Apply several drops of oil on the front and sides of the clipping blades (never use kerosene or penetrating type fluids).

Always keep the air vents of your clipper clean and free from

Always clean the clipping head and air vents after each use. Hair

hair. If they become blocked it

can build up in these areas and

will cause overheating of the

can cause damage to the clipper

clipper and serious damage

if left unattended. Always be in

to the clipper may result.

the habit of cleaning the clipper

Do not over-tension your clipper. This will cause overheating, potential damage and premature

after every use so that it is ready for the next clipping session.

Regular servicing of your clipper will ensure it provides you with

wear to the clipper parts.

great performance over many years. A clipper which is regularly

Ensure your blades are sharpened correctly. If the

maintained and operated with sharp blades delivers a clean

blades are not cutting when

and well-presented finish every

the correct tension is applied

time and most importantly, a

(refer to the manual on this)

pleasant experience for your pet.

then replace the blades with

Heiniger Swiss quality horse

a freshly sharpened set.

clippers and trimmers are trusted worldwide. Available in both corded and cordless models, they provide convenience without compromising on power or precision. Heinigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patented blades with optimised tooth profile, stronger outer teeth and polished surface are designed to enhance flow and provide protection against breaking for the perfect cut. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Heiniger

| Keep your clipper well lubricated with oil that is specially designed for clippers.

THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

An ounce of prevention — stock water maintenance | From reservoir integrity to valve performance, there are a number of aspects that could negatively affect your systems.

Before we come into peak water demand over the drier summer months, now is the ideal time to give your stock water reticulation system a quick once-over. Anything that lessens reticulation efficiency or water quality can lead to stock drinking less and have an adverse effect on production. The following is a brief checklist of potential problems to look out for. Water quality – water reservoirs on farm, such as tanks and troughs, can accumulate dust, silt and rotten organic matter, making the water less palatable to stock. It is good practice to regularly check tanks and troughs for signs of such contamination. To remove contaminated water, tanks and troughs can be emptied with a suction pump. The internal surfaces can then be sanitized and refilled with fresh water. Reservoir integrity – after cleaning is an excellent time to check concrete tanks and troughs for cracks that could become leaks. Epoxy fillers, such as Humebond, are used to repair cracks. For best results, these types of products should be applied to the internal surface while the tank or trough is empty. Valve performance – this is also a great time to check the tank and trough valves and ballcocks for any operating issues; bent ballcock arms can be straightened,

THE FARMLANDER

new washers installed, thread tape reapplied to leaking threaded fittings and ballcocks replaced. Indications of pipeline network problems; Reduced or no water flow – this is usually associated with low-pressure gravity schemes and can be caused by the system inlet sucking in air or the water velocity being too slow, creating airlocks. Leakage – the major causes of this are: • Pressure – the incorrect grade of pressure pipe used to withstand scheme pressure. • Pipes not being buried – mechanical damage (stock, tractors, thistle hoes etc.) or pressure de-rating. Exposure to direct sunlight heats the pipe, softening the pipe wall and reducing its ability to withstand internal pressure.

ball-valves; shut valves slowly. • Chemical – pipes carrying liquids or additives that are outside the manufacturer’s recommendations. • Incorrect installation and assembly of pipe fittings eg. leaks from threaded fittings or poor solvent welding of PVC fittings. Excessive pump cycling – pressure cylinder water-logging may cause this, or a pump not properly matched to the pipe system. Reduction or cessation in pump output – a prolonged dry spell may cause the water source level to drop, leading to excessive suction lift. Pipe blockage – can be caused by: organic materials in the water source, physical obstructions or chemical deposits (such as iron). Chemical deposits can reduce the effective pipe bore size over the entire pipeline,

• Frost – water expands when frozen which can rupture the pipe wall and associated valves and pipe fittings.

thereby reducing flow rates. The other

• Water-hammer – a shock transmitted down the pipeline related to sudden valve opening and closure which can cause failure in pipeline components. Be careful when long pipelines are associated with quick turn-off valves eg.

points. Flushing taps in these low areas

materials will tend to settle out in lower velocity areas or in the pipeline’s low will help reduce this problem. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Iplex.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Culvert replacement made simple for South Otago farmer Replacing a steel pipe in a stream on his 750ha sheep and beef farm at Toko Mouth, south of Dunedin, was potentially a massive undertaking for farmer Simon Davies so he sought maximum efficiency, on a budget. “Last summer we replaced an old culvert in a stream called Rocky Creek. I needed to replace an old steel pipe — possibly a fuel tank that had been converted to a pipe — which was approximately 1.8m diameter and about 3.6m long. This stream always flows and in flood it can be 20 to 30 times the normal flow,” says Simon. The project was prompted by Simon’s concerns over the structural integrity of the existing pipe and for the health and safety of people (as well as stock) on the farm. One end of the old culvert had eroded leaving a very narrow crossing that could only be cautiously crossed with an ATV.

| The single culvert pipe avoided the need for multiple, heavy concrete pipes which made the job easier.

“For installation we diverted the creek,

Simon was looking for a pipe that simplified the job and reduced costs.

blocked the streambed above and

“We chose EUROFLO for a few different reasons. The cost was lower for their 1,950mm culvert pipe than it was for the equivalent-sized pipes in concrete. It was also a single pipe, instead of the multiple pipes I would have needed, which made it easier to install.”

of the stream so we could work in a

The South Otago farmer says weight was another important factor. If he had selected concrete pipes, each of the three pipes he needed was going to weigh in at two ton and would have required a large digger to lift them into place.

gravel. We ended up compacting it with

THE FARMLANDER

below the site and pumped water out dry bed. We placed about a foot of ungraded gravel into the bed and then laid the pipe onto this gravel before slowly and evenly putting gravel on either side of the pipe, making sure it did not shift with the weight of the a vibrating plate,” says Simon.

pipe. Once the poles were in place we poured more gravel, filling each side to about level before compacting. Finally, we put about 1m of soil and gravel over the top of the pipe before compacting it. All up we used approximately 16–20m of unscreened gravel.” Simon is confident in what the project achieved with EUROFLO piping and he says he would “definitely use it again”. EUROFLO pipe was provided by P&F Global.

each end of the pipe, to stop water

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

erosion removing fill from around the

Article supplied by P&F Global.

“When the gravel was about halfway up the pipe’s sides we drove 18-inch diameter poles vertically into the streambed at