The Farmlander - April 2022 by Farmlands

SPECIAL OFFERS AND INFORMATION FOR FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS

APRIL 2022

Valid from 1 — 30 APRIL 2022

The FARMLANDER WORKING THE PLAN

TIME TO FOCUS ON THE FUTURE PAGE 8

DUNG BEETLES CLEAN UP PAGE 6

PLASTICS SCHEME AIDS RECYCLING PAGE 22

Fix your power rates for five years When you sign up with Meridian, exclusive energy partner of Farmlands. That includes your network charges too – sound good? You’ll also get: A great welcome credit per connection* Competitive pricing with seasonal plans that align to your calendar Direct billing through your Farmlands Account 2 % Farmlands shareholder rebate + a 2% Meridian Energy partnership discount. Request a quote now and put some certainty into your plans for the next five years. Visit farmlands.co.nz/meridian

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THE FARMLANDER | 3

MAKE IT THE BEST AUTUMN EVER AT FARMLANDS.

Shop in-store or online today. shop.farmlands.co.nz/luckyautumn

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

APRIL PREPARE FOR COVID-19 ON-FARM

PLAN365

FITTING & FIXING 5

Farmlands staff profile

From the CEO

Good nutrition key to parasite control

5 minutes with Shaun Forgie

Shelter and comfort give calves best start

Plan the work, work the plan

Figures show value of in-shed feeding

Weed battle highlights importance of cleaning

Hard learned lessons drive service schedule

Tech takes guessing out of top-dressing

Frustration leads to site for sharing gear

Urea under growing scrutiny as price soars

Farm plastics scheme makes recycling easy

7 steps to making the most of undersowing

Scenic splendour bonus for cyclists

Top tips for staying safe with vehicles

Century Farms — Ballot draw seed for prosperity

Property Brokers update

SPECIAL OFFERS AND INFORMATION FOR

FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS

To keep shareholders, suppliers, friends and family in the loop as we deal with COVID-19, Farmlands has set up an Advice Hub. The site’s opening page has a prominent link to the hub.

Plan365 Nutrition

Plan365 Forage and Arable

Please bookmark the page and check back often. The page contains regularly updated links to the most vital COVID-19 information and specifically caters for the primary sector. Please share.

Plan365 Rural Infrastructure 49

Time to check your stock water system

Flexible trough arm stops water waste

Trough valve options allow tailored choices

Farmlands will make every effort to keep you farming while we follow COVID-19 protocols. Our website’s Store Locator pages will advise if your local store has been specifically affected by the outbreak. Please note the Farmlands Online Shop is always available for home delivery at shop.farmlands.co.nz and we encourage you to order now to meet your needs.

APRIL 2022

Valid from

1 — 30 APRIL 2022

The FARMLANDER WORKING THE PLAN

TIME TO FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

PAGE 8

DUNG BEETLES CLEAN UP

ON THE COVER Farmlands shareholders Yvette and Campbell Chard with Jaynie and Ben and dog Bella in front of their farm's new calf shed.

www.farmlands.co.nz.

PAGE 6

PLASTICS SCHEME AIDS RECYCLING PAGE 22

The information contained in this publication is given in good faith and has been derived from sources perceived to be reliable and accurate. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information, Farmlands gives no warranties, express or implied, regarding the information nor does it accept any liability for any opinion or information (including the accuracy or completeness thereof) or for any consequences flowing from its use. The information and views expressed in

4 | THE FARMLANDER

this publication are not necessarily the views or opinion of Farmlands, its editorial contributors, freelancers, associates or information providers. Independent advice is recommended before acting on information or suggestions contained herein. Readers who rely on this information do so at their own risk. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service whether by trade name, trademark, manufacture, or otherwise does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Farmlands.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. Prices and offers apply only in the month stated on the front cover of this publication and while stocks last. Not all products are available at all Farmlands stores. All prices include GST unless otherwise stated.

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FARMLANDS STAFF PROFILE

FROM THE CEO

Sophie Green Technical Field Officer Farmlands Rangiora Q: How did you come to be working at Farmlands? A: I originally started with Farmlands in 2015 after I finished school, in the Wellsford branch doing part-time/casual work for a couple of years in between shearing seasons and milking cows. I moved to Rangiora 4½ years ago, working in the store and on the roll-out of the Braveheart project before my current role as TFO in the North Canterbury area. Q: What do you enjoy most about it? A: The variety and my clients! I am fortunate enough to have a really diverse range of farmers and growers that are fantastic to deal with. I have viticulture, sheep and beef, deer and cropping clients so no 2 days are ever the same, which I love. I also have an awesome team around me, which definitely helps as well. Q: What is one of your goals in life? A: To see more of the world once it opens up again. Q: What makes for a good day at the office? A: Getting out around the country on a beautiful day and seeing results. For me there is nothing more rewarding than hearing how well lambs yielded after coming off a crop or how many bales came off a new lucerne paddock. Q: And what makes for a good day off? A: Heading out with some friends for a gallop down the beach on my horse Jimmy. No better way to clear the head in my opinion! Interested in a job like Sophie’s? Head to careers.farmlands.co.nz for our latest vacancies.

Baileys Chocolate Cake Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •

¾ cup Baileys or similar 2 cups sugar 2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder ¾ cup cocoa 2 tsp vanilla essence 2 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt 2 eggs 1¼ cups milk ½ cup oil (any baking oil)

Icing • 150g cream cheese • 75g butter • 2 cups icing sugar • 1 tbsp cocoa or 100g melted chocolate • 2 tbsp Baileys (or to taste)

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Method 1.

Preheat oven to 160deg C.

Grease and line 23cm tin.

Place all ingredients into bowl and beat until smooth.

Pour into tin (mixture is quite runny) and bake until knife comes out clean (approx. 60 minutes). The Baileys may mean your cake takes slightly longer to cook than usual.

Icing 5. Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. 6.

Add the icing sugar and cocoa or melted chocolate and beat again.

Add in Baileys (more or less to taste).

Tēna koutou katoa, As I write this, we expect that COVID-19 and the Omicron variant will continue to add complexity to the way we are all going about our daily lives. Especially when advice on reducing the risk of spread changes regularly in response to new information and increasing knowledge. I know there is a growing level of COVID fatigue. Despite this, it’s really important as we head into cold and flu season that we remain vigilant and remember to mask up, sanitise and socially distance. We are committed to keeping our people and customers safe and will continue to regularly review our COVID-19 protocols to reflect changes in risk and will keep you updated. One thing we are mindful of is the impact COVID is having on our team. They have been working tirelessly under trying and stressful conditions for months. April provides an opportunity for us to give our team a much-needed break. With long weekends to celebrate both Easter and Anzac Day, we have decided to close our branch network on Saturday the 16th and 23rd of April. This will give our team much needed time with their whānau. Please connect with your local team to ensure you have all you need heading into these long weekends. This month our Farmlander theme is “Fitting and Fixing”. Having a plan for infrastructure and maintenance is vital for a successful autumn season and can enable some peace of mind as you navigate a busy season. We wish you all the best for the month ahead. Ngā manaakitanga (with best wishes)

Tanya Houghton Chief Executive Officer Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited ceo@farmlands.co.nz

THE FARMLANDER | 5

5 minutes with Shaun Forgie Dr Shaun Forgie, self-confessed dung beetle aficionado, explains why they are so useful in managing manure, both for environmental and economic benefit. What’s so good about dung beetles? They are Nature’s clean-up crew. We introduced livestock to New Zealand but forgot about the dung beetles. Nowadays we have an estimated 100 million tonnes of cow and sheep poo added to our pastures a year. Most if not all of that is left on the pasture as a forage foul – an area five times the size of the manure pile is avoided by grazing livestock as it is repugnant.

| When abundant across whole pastures, dung beetles can bury fresh manure in 24-48 hours, leaving a loose chaff and minimal to no forage foul.

6 | THE FARMLANDER

Most of these poos sit on the pasture for at least 30 days, much longer in summer. So imagine 9 million cows in production a year here and all are pooping 10 times a day. Each of those manure piles sits for at least 30 days. Multiply that by five for the area avoided by livestock. That’s a lot of pasture wasting.

On top of this we lose a lot of the fresh stuff into waterways in rainfall events as part of the cocktail of contaminants running off the pasture surface into the water. This of course contributes to reductions in water quality. Enter the dung beetle, which when abundant across whole pastures can bury fresh poo in 24-48 hours, leaving a loose chaff and minimal to no forage foul. The tunnelling and nest building beneath each manure pile greatly increases nutrient and carbon loading into the soil, builds soil and improves soil biology and productivity. It also increases earthworm biomass five-fold and the dung beetle nesting increases the depth earthworms can burrow.

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FARMLANDS 5 MINUTES

So they improve soil health and pasture productivity and reduce forage foul. Even more significant, we have published studies in an international peer reviewed journal showing that dung beetle activity on several soils in New Zealand on 11 degree slopes can reduce the surface flow of suspended contaminants by 80 percent following severe rainfall events. That’s 80 percent less contamination entering the waterways from livestock farms. Dung beetles are the missing silver bullet on our farmlands. Are all dung beetles the same? The services they provide are the same environmentally and economically for us. We have 11 varieties approved for release following a full Environmental Protection Authority process. Each variety has something different. Some are summer active, others winter active, some are night active while others are day active. Some bury balls of manure to 30cm in the soil while others bury beyond 60cm.

Dung beetles are the missing silver bullet on our farmlands.” unwanted organism like rabbits and gorse and stoats. It normally takes five minutes to educate those interested to see that dung beetles are beneficial and a commonsense solution to controlling all the manure being dumped on New Zealand pastures and running off into its waterways. We also have the odd gag about us talking a lot of sh*t, being sh*t shovellers and sh*t stirrers. We do have a mechanical variable speed sh*t stirrer by the way. But mostly we get huge support and encouragement from people who can see the commonsense and need for dung beetles in a farm environment where cows were

How did you come to farm them? I am a dung beetle aficionado. I got involved in dung beetles back in 1991 when I was a technician working for DSIR (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research). I ended up completing an MSc (Hons) on dung beetles here. I could see then this country needed more efficient pastoral varieties like every other agricultural country in the world. New Zealand is the last to get on with it. I gained a PhD in dung beetle research in South Africa. With the suppport of Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research we applied to the government for permission to import and release of 11 kinds of dung beetle suitable for New Zealand. In 2016 we formed Dung Beetle Innovations, which commercially rears these dung beetles for farmers.

introduced but without the clean-up crew.

You must get some interesting responses when you tell people what you do? Yes! Many who don’t understand about the legislation will think this is an

in above-ground biomass and nutrient

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Do you breed them here or are they imported? We have EPA permission to import 11 varieties of dung beetles to New Zealand. Each one was imported

but only if it is buried. There it will cut costs on expensive unsustainable

directly to a containment facility

solid fertiliser inputs. Dung beetles also

for disease testing. Once clear and

reduce gut parasite re-infection rates

approved to release from containment

by at least 76 percent, which will reduce

they were transferred to a mass

the cost and reliance on drenches.

rearing facility in Auckland. This

Farm environment plans will be

facility now has eight varieties it mass

compulsory from 2025. Having dung

rears and boasts the world’s largest

beetles established will help in reducing

mass rearing facility for insects.

the costs associated with controlling

Environmentally they are a winner, what about economically? There are huge economic benefits to the farmer and to the country. The farmer gets at least 30 percent increase content, reduced forage fouling, less costly pasture management and higher productivity. All that sustainable manure supply is a nutrient goldmine

nitrogen loss. We have found an 80 percent reduction in contaminants entering the water following the introduction of dung beetles. Dung Beetle Innovations’ beetles are now available through Farmlands. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

THE FARMLANDER | 7

PLAN THE WORK, WORK THE PL AN

| The Chards – Yvette, Jono, Jaynie, Ben, Ezekiel and Campbell, with Bella the dog. Another son, James, couldn’t make the photo.

8 | THE FARMLANDER

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FITTING & FIXING

Campbell and Yvette Chard have raised their children to have a plan. No surprise then that they farm to a plan as well, including key infrastructure and maintenance goals. Spending money on infrastructure and maintenance is a sure sign that a business has confidence in its future and trust in its business plan. For a 50/50 sharemilker it also points to a farm owner committed to a shared vision of success. Campbell Chard knows that. “Good people need good infrastructure so they want to optimise the business. It’s good to have a business partner that understands that.” Campbell and Yvette Chard are 50/50 sharemilkers at Central Hawke’s Bay’s Southern Star Abbey. The Trappist monastery, which was founded in the 1950s, supports itself by operating a dairy farm.

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THE FARMLANDER | 9

| Chard Family Farm's new calf shed is sited much closer to the main cow shed than its predecessor.

We calculated we spent 130 hours a year going back and forth.” Campbell Chard

On a milking area of 254ha, the Chards run 600 KiwiCross cows. They rear their own replacements as well as “a handful” of Jersey bulls for mating with the heifers. Just up the road there’s a 110ha support block for silage and grazing young stock. When they started their sharemilking contract in June 2019, Campbell and Yvette sat down with the farm’s advisory board – an accountant and four farmers – to build a 3-year infrastructure and maintenance plan. Together they agreed on where the farm was going and what it could look like in the future. Spending levels were aligned with milk pay-outs. The plan prioritised capital developments and allotted them to year 1, 2 or 3. All well and good but you don’t really know what’s needed till you start the work. After two seasons using the farm’s existing calf-rearing infrastructure, it became clear change was needed. The main calf shed was at the back of the farm. The calves were kept close to the cowshed until 5 days’ old then taken to the main shed till 12-14 days’ old. There was a lot of stock movement. A lot of people movement too. “We calculated we spent 130 hours a year going back and forth,” Campbell says. After several failed solutions, Campbell and Yvette concluded that the farm needed a calf shed closer to the cow shed. That would make operations more efficient overall, calf rearing in particular. It would save labour and make the farm easier to manage, helping to keep the sharemilker healthy and happy. It also wouldn’t be cheap.

| Early starts are just part of the job for Campbell.

10 | THE FARMLANDER

They put their case together and took it to the advisory board. After showing members around the calf facilities and describing what the issues were, an agreement was made to

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FITTING & FIXING

build a new shed. Sure, the improving milk pay-out helped but so did the growing trust between sharemilker and farm owner. Hamish Kynoch, a member of the Trust Board of the Cistercian Order in New Zealand, the owners of Southern Star Abbey, says working with Campbell and Yvette has been based on a relationship of trust and respect. "The Trust aims to be a good steward of the land, animals and people involved in the farming operation," Hamish says. "That requires planning – at which Campbell and Yvette are skilled – and good communication with our advisors and suppliers. "The current milk price has been helpful but investment in the property has been a feature of the abbey's ownership since the previous owners, Tom and Rosalie Prescott, gifted the farm to the Cistercian Order in the 1950s." Campbell and Yvette moved to Central Hawke’s Bay in 2008. Both former dairy industry professionals, they took the leap and went farming in 2017. “Living the dream,” Campbell says. The whole whānau is part of the on-farm team. As well as Yvette and Campbell, Jono works full-time on the farm – “he’s one of our right-hand men”. Jaynie and Ben milk part-time on a roster. Ezekiel, aged 10, is the pōtiki of the whānau. Another son, James, is a diesel mechanic and chips in with some machinery maintenance in the weekend. The farm also has another three people on the roster. The family affair is no accident. The children were homeschooled. Part of the curriculum was to encourage enterprise. Start a business. Get a job. Manage their own money. Always plenty of work going on the farm of course, for some extra savings. That’s how Jaynie paid for her dance teacher training.

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| Campbell is a convert to any technology that helps.

THE FARMLANDER | 11

| The Chards milk 600 cows through a 40 aside herringbone shed.

With a green light on the calf shed, the Chards turned to their goto person on all things calf rearing – Karen Fraser of Farmlands. During their 15 years as shareholders, Yvette and Campbell had come to trust her advice. Karen, half of the Calf Experts duo (with Stacey Cosnett), sent through some design tips that were incorporated into the plan for the shed. “Karen is big on drainage.” Yvette says, “so we did put drainage in. I estimate it gave us 5 weeks longer before there were any health issues. Our shed gets lots of morning sun and afternoon sun but we positioned it so the back of the shed is shaded for the hot days in spring.” The impetus for the new calf shed was to save labour and make the farm easier to manage. That’s also the theme that runs through the farm’s 3-year infrastructure plan. “We want to automate as many of our time-consuming jobs on-farm as we can,” Yvette says. “We milk 600 cows through a 40 aside herringbone so we spend a lot of time in the shed. We aren't big machinery people so we do a lot of due diligence before we add things onto our plan. The infrastructure has to be able to increase our performance and save work hours. “We recognise that in farming, being over-tired leads to poor decision-making so our goal is to have all our team on good rosters – 5 and 2 with some late starts and 35 percent of each person’s time spent out of the milking roster.” The aim for this spring is even more efficient calf rearing. “This season we will make three more calf paddocks. They are all close to each other so that will minimise our travel time. Also they are very sheltered, which will help calves come through storms more easily.” Yvette says.

12 | THE FARMLANDER

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FITTING & FIXING

GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING The Chards' farm is owned by the Cistercian Order in New Zealand and is home to the Abbey of Our Lady of the Southern Star, also known as Southern Star Abbey. The Trappist monastery, which was founded in the 1950s, supports itself and a ninebed guesthouse by operating a dairy farm. | Jaynie's hours in the milking shed have helped support her into a career in dance.

The infrastructure has to be able to increase our performance and save work hours.” Yvette Chard Also on the infrastructure shopping list, a Stallion MTF80 mixer and feeder. “It will saved heaps of time,” Yvette says. “The automatic mixer will turn a job that took half an hour a day to now 3-5 minutes to mix the milk powder.” For Campbell and Yvette, infrastructure and maintenance planning is the key to successful farming and also to a good relationship with the farm owner. “With a farm owner and sharemilker, no surprises is our motto. The 3-year plan means we can discuss infrastructure and plan the timeline together. That way we as sharemilkers know where we are going and to be honest you can put up with quite a lot if you know there is a plan to improve things. “It also builds trust in our relationship together. The farm owner knows the budget and can plan as well as seeing the farm improve. As sharemilkers it also gives us the security

Its genesis is in a gift from Thomas and Rosalie Prescott, who in 1948 decided to give their farm of 360ha to the Catholic Church with the long-term idea of an agricultural college being established on it. That idea morphed over time and in 1954 six Cistercian monks arrived from Mount Melleray Abbey in County Waterford, Ireland, to set up a monastery on the farm. In 1955 more monks arrived and the temporary monastery began to take shape. Wooden buildings were transferred from ‘Little Poland’, the camp built in Pahiatua to house refugee children from war-torn Europe, to serve as kitchen, dining room and library. These buildings, intended to be temporary, still serve their purpose today. Today the monastery has a community of about a dozen monks and brothers. They spend their days in prayer and contemplation, following the teachings of St Benedict to “Prefer nothing to Christ”. As part of their own infrastructure and maintenance plan, the monks are well into a three-stage project to replace the monastery’s buildings. The guest house is part of that. It provides accommodation for visitors, of whom there have been many over the decades. From its beginnings, Southern Star Abbey has been a retreat centre. One notable regular visitor was poet James K. Baxter. Source: Wikipedia

of knowing what is happening well ahead of time so we can make good decisions,” Yvette says.

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THE FARMLANDER | 13

Shop online. Anytime.

Get what you need at shop.farmlands.co.nz

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- Sir David Fagan

Contact your local Hynds branch for details and pricing. Farmlands Card discounts apply from April 1st – 30th 2022. For full address details please see our website or phone us for your nearest store. Price excludes Freight.

IS THIS NZ’S MOST VALUABLE CARD? YOU DECIDE. 14 | THE FARMLANDER

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MAKE IT THE BEST AUTUMN EVER WITH FARMLANDS. Visit shop.farmlands.co.nz or head in-store today! *Terms and Conditions apply. Prices valid 1st - 30th April 2022. Prices include GST. Savings and Discounts based on normal retail prices. While stocks last.

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THE FARMLANDER | 15

Weed battle highlights importance of cleaning Waikato farmer Cameron Berry had never heard of velvetleaf when he got the call from his farm advisor: “I think you better come to the paddock. We’ve found something you won’t like.”

plant team, led by Biosecurity Officer

with velvetleaf as the last one to harvest.

Heidi Pene, could work together on the

Neven is an incredible man. It’s easy for a

best way to manage the incursion on

contractor to want to move on quickly to

Cam’s farm.

the next job but he does it right.”

“I was really lucky because we caught it

Connecting with the right people is key,

in the early stages. Heidi and her team

Cam says. He worked closely with the

That was 2018, the beginning of

were great. It can be a bit unnerving

regional council on a management plan

a management and eradication

when four council utes come driving up

and with his contractors to make sure the

programme that has echoed across the

but at the end of the day it’s not your fault

spraying is effective.

Waikato and New Zealand. It emerged

and they’re just there to help,” Cam says.

Velvetleaf requires pre-emergent and

that the velvetleaf seed had arrived on

“That first year they were tall enough that

post-emergent treatment. Cam’s plan

an unaware contractor’s dirty machinery

six of us went around and pulled them

needed a good cover of 200 litres to the

while the paddocks were being leased.

out by hand. It was a big job doing it three

hectare, which meant having the spray

Five years later, Cam has velvetleaf

times across four paddocks. Fortunately,

contractors on board.

management down to a fine art.

the infestations were concentrated on the

“Once you let them know that there’s a

“There are three main things you need to

outside rows of the paddock.”

problem, what you’re doing and what

do once you’ve spotted velvetleaf,” Cam

Now aware of what to look out for, Cam

you’re using, they’re happy to spend a bit

says. “Tell the regional council, work

works with his contractor, Neven Granich,

longer making sure the coverage is right.

with them on the chemicals available

who spends up to an hour with an air

“You really need to do a pre-emergent

and then perfect your timing of post-

gun making sure his machinery is clean

spray. It’s the post-emergent spray that’s

emergent spraying.”

before he moves off-farm.

a big expense. So for cost-conscious

Waikato Regional Council quickly came

“When harvesting, we systematically

farmers, spraying around the outside

in to support Cam. Having knowledge of

work through the 28 hectares of maize,

will help. Early detection or prevention is

the outbreak across the region, its pest

leaving the paddock that’s been infected

much cheaper.”

16 | THE FARMLANDER

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FITTING & FIXING

| Cameron Berry worked closely with the regional council on his velvetleaf problem.

When your plants are almost Red Band height, spray then.” Cameron Berry Timing is everything when you’re postemergent spraying, Cam says – leaving spraying until all the dormant seeds have emerged from the ground but not so long that the maize has grown high enough to protect the velvetleaf seedlings from the spray. He’s got a simple trick to live by. “When your plants are almost Red Band height, spray then. Especially when the maize is growing fast. A handspan high is too early and you’ll end up with new velvetleaf seedlings coming through.”

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| Wink the velvetleaf detector dog is on the case.

He says the ideal spraying would be if your contractor has a dropper on the spray unit so they can get them a bit taller and spray underneath the maize to the velvetleaf below. When the maize is fence height, Cam walks around the outside rows and anything left can be pulled by hand. In 2020 Heidi suggested trialling a new mechanical method, a strip till cultivation programme on the paddock with the most velvetleaf. Cam admits he was a bit cautious at first. “It’s a soil management technique that creates less stirring up of the soil. It means the dormant velvetleaf seeds aren’t mixed around as much in the soil and are spread far less. Our contractor Neven bought a strip till cultivator and the result was a lot better than I expected.” The maize in the trial paddock has seen a better yield and noticeably less velvetleaf. “It’s also better for the environment,” Cam says. “It was such a successful trial that we’re starting to use the strip till in other paddocks now too.

“We had the velvetleaf detector dog come run around before Christmas when the maize was knee height. The dog just sits down next to a plant if he finds it. It’s quite cool and opportunities for detection like that are another good reason to keep close contact with your regional council and Biosecurity New Zealand.” Because velvetleaf seeds can remain dormant in the soil for so many decades, many regions are focusing on longterm management for the unwanted organism. Knowing what to look for, declaring it to council or to Biosecurity New Zealand’s 0800 80 99 66 hotline and ensuring machinery is clean before entering and leaving the farm are key to preventing the spread. “I’m paranoid about it now,” Cam says. “I go past fields and I can’t help keeping an eye out for it. I reckon we’re winning on our farm but to keep things that way we’re staying on top of it every year.” www.biosecurity.govt.nz/velvetleaf

THE FARMLANDER | 17

Hard learned lessons drive service schedule For rural contractors, keeping their machinery running is vital. That’s why they take maintenance so seriously. Here, two members of Rural Contractors New Zealand share their experience. It’s early March and Mark Forde, who manages maintenance for North Canterbury-based Gilchrist Brothers Ltd spraying contractors, is yet to have his Christmas holidays. Not that he’s too worried. The former Southland farmer says he’s never been a big one for long breaks – and that’s a relief to Peter and Andrew Gilchrist, whose Swannanoa-based business keeps growing.

Integral to that is a robust maintenance

That includes a thorough check for any

programme on the company’s fleet

cracks or damage; if a part is showing

of four spray trucks, a Case Patriot

any signs of wear it’s replaced, even if

self-propelled sprayer and associated

it might still have some life in it, by an

trucks, pumps, two 8000 series John Deere tractors and other equipment. Mark, now 57, started a diesel mechanics apprenticeship in Southland many years ago but that opportunity dried up when the business went

a cheap replacement is cheap for a reason. “If you buy the correct item first, you don’t have to buy it again.” He sometimes shudders at the monthly

learning on the job. “I’m sort of an

parts bill the brothers have to pay, not

all-round handyman.”

to mention the huge investment in spare

One thing he certainly has learned has

parts that the business carries. These

been the critical importance of regular

are not only for servicing their own

maintenance, especially through the

vehicles but many of the other spraying

busy spraying seasons.

units Mark and his team have built for

The four Landcruisers and the

other contractors.

equipment they carry for spraying

Mark says there’s a sound reason for the

hours of operation, which might only be 3,000km travelled. “They get a complete going-over.” Mark says they face some tough

rigour of servicing and maintenance at the company – the consequences of any avoidable breakdown. “You can’t afford a failure in the season.

conditions – either dealing with deep ruts

The day you miss out on spraying is a

left by pivot irrigation or the random rocks

day you’ve got to catch up on.”

sticking out of Canterbury hill country.

In often variable seasons – and this

“They do hit those ruts and rocks pretty

summer has been no exception in

hard at times.”

Canterbury – a spraying business can’t

So he and his offsider, Ryan

afford to miss a day’s work. Mark’s

Schumacher, who form the vehicle

holidays, such as they are, may have to

repair and maintenance team at Gilchrist

wait a while yet.

Brothers, give the vehicles and sprayers

18 | THE FARMLANDER

Mark says you learn after a while that

bust and since then he’s continued

are given a service after every 150

| Mark Forde gives one of Gilchrist Brothers’ four Landcruisers a well-earned service.

authorised factory replacement.

a service at intervals that can be less

Farmlands is a sponsor of Rural

than a month apart.

Contractors New Zealand

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FITTING & FIXING

Hamish knows limits of DIY maintenance Hamish Rogers has no formal mechanical or engineering qualifications but manages the maintenance of the 20 vehicles owned by Wairarapa Weedsprayers. The company services over 300 farms from Eketāhuna through to Featherston and out to the coast, applying a range of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and growth regulants - “Everything it takes to grow a successful crop.” They start seasonal work in September, work non-stop as weather permits through to Christmas/New Year and then pick up again late February (depending on rain) as crops ripen and pasture matures. “Everyone’s got their own trucks and it helps that each is responsible for their own gear,” Hamish says. Things can get a bit stretched through the busy spring and summer seasons with trucks working long hours, day in day out. Hamish helps resolve any mechanical or technical problem that can force a truck to park. “I’ve always been involved in the agriculture industry around machinery so I guess I can call on that background.” This includes stints in the West Australian wheatbelt and in Europe. Hamish has never been one for formal qualifications but last year, age 49, he completed his Registered Chemical Applicator training with industry legend Noel Blackwell. Hamish drives one of Wairarapa Weedsprayers’ trucks himself as well as overseeing the maintenance of the fleet. Usually they do all the repairs

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| Hamish Rogers, left, and Wairarapa Weedsprayers workmate Jason Norman with their Registered Chemical Applicator certificates.

A little bit of knowledge can be dangerous and make things worse.” themselves but when it’s a major issue, they call in the experts. “A little bit of knowledge can be dangerous and make things worse – we’ve learned that the hard way.” He says it’s really important to have good relationships with businesses whose skills may be needed at the drop of a hat. His company is particularly reliant on Wairarapa Diesel Services and Sam Carlson Engineering. The full-on maintenance programmes for the company’s six spray trucks and utes, tractors, trailers, forklifts and associated kit await the autumn break from contracting. Often one of the truck

drivers will work alongside the diesel or engineering specialist to assist with the work and learn what’s being done. Hamish pretty much grew up as part of the Carroll family and business started in the 1980s by Brendan Carroll. Today it’s run by his son Clinton; Hamish and wife Andrea are shareholders. “Brendan still plays a big role in the office and Clinton’s got the patience of a saint. That rubs off on me and rolls over on to the staff, so we are a busy but happy crew.” Of course, that can all be tested by the next breakdown – will it be a job for Hamish or the experts?

THE FARMLANDER | 19

Frustration leads to site for sharing gear When Aaron Clark started his own business in 2013, he was flush with ideas and low on the capital to make them happen. It made sense to hire rather than buy the gear he needed. Easier said than done. Equipment was often booked out. Variety was limited. That experience has led Aaron to develop Ultimate Hire, an online platform that allows users to add their own items for hire or search for hire items close by. It went live in November and had 400 listings by Christmas. Many of Aaron’s South Canterbury neighbours were among the early adopters. With listings now topping 1400, the site’s national footprint is growing.

20 | THE FARMLANDER

The most common items hired by farmers are post rammers and diggers. Site development continues. Aaron plans to add casual employment so farmers and workers can use the platform to find each other. When Aaron was looking for equipment, he had to search each hire company’s website to see what was available. With Ultimate Hire, he says, “it’s a one-stop search to find what’s closest and what’s available. Bookings are online so you can come home from the paddock, find what you need and book it to pick up in the morning.” Listings include any safety gear or ancillary equipment that comes with the item.

In between launching Ultimate Hire and his day job of sharemilking an 1800-cow dairy farm, Aaron renovates houses and lives on a 10ha lifestyle block near Clandeboye. That’s a lot of parts to keep moving. “It’s been extremely difficult in the past to find what you need. People new to an area don’t know who to ask for help or where they can borrow things. When things break on the farm it is quite often time-sensitive. People don’t have spare machinery and equipment. Just think about a tractor or wagon breaking down.” Sustainability is another driver for Aaron. He sees Ultimate Hire as another contributor to the ‘sharing economy’ models of Uber and Airbnb.

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SHAREHOLDER STORY

“The sharing economy has ballooned over the past decade and is becoming a driving force for companies and individuals to become more sustainable,” he says. “Ultimate Hire makes it easy to reduce the purchase of items that are not required often or used once and thrown out.” The flipside to that is making often scarce resources more available. Aaron has seen how under-serviced the agriculture sector is in relation to equipment and machinery. With supply chain delays affecting deliveries of new stock and the under-use of gear around farms, sharing is a great way for farmers to help farmers while making a return on their assets.

before he set up his site. Now they

“It’s been extremely difficult in the past to find what you need.”

have a better platform for it, with

Aaron Clark

reimbursement for the use of that item.

maintenance break into the schedule so they have enough time before the next hire. “I talked to hire companies and they do that every day,” Aaron says.

Aaron has thought through the thorny questions on who sharpens the blade or changes the oil. “You own it, you maintain it.”

He doesn’t see Ultimate Hire as competing with traditional hire companies but rather filling a gap they don’t service. “By creating a one-stop shop for all hiring, we are making it more efficient. Hire companies don’t always have things available and they don’t service all sectors.”

The booking system allows the owner of the equipment to build a

Aaron says people were already privately hiring or borrowing equipment

safeguards built in. “You avoid those awkward conversations we’ve all had when it comes to lending gear out and having to ask for it back or not knowing when it will come back. Then there’s the conversation about some kind of With bookings and payments all made through the secure online payment system you never have to worry.” Aaron’s passion about sustainability runs deeper than it being good business sense. “We aim to reinvest 10 percent of profits back into more sustainable options and initiatives for all New Zealanders. We believe all companies have a duty of care to their communities as well as supporting charities and worthwhile causes.” www.ultimatehire.co.nz/home

| Aaron rears calves on his 10ha lifestyle block near Clandeboye, South Canterbury.

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THE FARMLANDER | 21

Farm plastics scheme makes recycling easy Disposing of agrichemical containers and other farm plastics isn’t always front of mind – the traditional method on-farm has often been to burn or bury them in a quiet spot out the back. The environmental damage this causes contributes significantly to a farm’s carbon footprint and should be considered as part of general farm management. Fortunately, recycling options are available, closer to home than you might think. Agrecovery, a product stewardship scheme focused on supporting the environment through recycling farm plastics, has been going for 15 years. Funded by over 100 brands from the agrichemical industry, Agrecovery

22 | THE FARMLANDER

recycles farm plastics that it collects from anywhere in the country.

Agrecovery’s fixed sites, including

Agrecovery has programmes available for agrichemical containers and large drums and is expanding into other farm plastics, including bulk bags and small seed, feed and fertiliser bags.

Agrecovery has over 150 sites that

selected Farmlands stores. will accept containers 60L and under in size. Agrecovery also offers free on-property collections for small containers and large drums from participating brand owners

The programme works on a circular economy: 1. Brands that package their agrichemical products in plastic pay levies to Agrecovery to be part of the scheme. 2. Once the product has been used, farmers and growers triple-rinse their high-density polyethylene (HDPE, plastic No. 2) containers and can drop them at one of

(minimum numbers apply). No location is too remote. 3. HDPE plastics are then transported to a recycler in Auckland and turned into underground cable cover for Wi-Fi cables and Tuff Board, a washable board used in everything from deer yards to horse floats. Farmlands Hautapu is a drop-off site for Agrecovery. Its Business Manager,

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CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

Raising awareness about the on-farm pick-up option will mean that larger drums aren’t missed.” Farmlands Hautapu Business Manager Kim Hopping Kim Hopping, is a big fan. “Agrecovery is an awesome scheme for those participating and is essential for better farm management and reducing plastic waste in the agriculture and horticulture sectors. “Our shareholders often stockpile their smaller drums and bring them in once or twice a year but raising awareness about the on-farm pick-up option will mean that larger drums aren’t missed and farmers can factor this into their usual on-farm maintenance.” Agrecovery Senior Operations Advisor Felicity Mitchell says everyone has a role to play in making the programme successful. “We need support and funding from manufacturers; drop off/pick-up locations from merchants; farmers and growers to prepare their plastic correctly for recycling; and support from the New Zealand Government through regulations.” Agrecovery can accept plastics only from brands that subscribe to the scheme and will collect them on-farm at no cost to the farmer. If the plastic is from a brand not involved with Agrecovery, it can still be collected but at the farmer’s expense.

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| Stephanus Roode of Freshmax and Felicity Mitchell of Agrecovery with some liners filled with seed, feed and fertiliser bags.

Felicity hopes that a single mandatory product stewardship scheme will be established by 2024 for all farm plastic waste streams so that New Zealand farmers and growers will have a free and convenient nationwide service.

in a circular economy. Everything we

“We have started working with brands and sites to develop product stewardship schemes for small seed, feed and fertiliser bags. The collection and recycling of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and woven PP bags or ‘soft’ plastic will be released nationwide over the next 12-18 months.

With everyone working together,

“We want to promote education around plastic in the agriculture industry here and change the mindset so that plastic isn’t seen as waste but as a valuable product

collect is at no cost to the farmer and we want to return the plastic collected to the manufacturers in a condition that would enable its re-use.”

Agrecovery is a key part of on-farm maintenance and lowering carbon emissions through keeping plastics out of landfills or burn/bury piles at the back of the farm. To find out more about minimum pick-up requirements and participating brands, see www.agrecovery.co.nz.

THE FARMLANDER | 23

24 | THE FARMLANDER

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Scenic splendour bonus for cyclists

In February close to 24,000 people across New Zealand joined the Aotearoa Bike Challenge. Farmlands was there, with workplace involvement a key part of the initiative and a bit of friendly rivalry along the way too. The challenge pits individuals and workplaces against each other to earn the most points by riding and encouraging others to do the same. You can ride anywhere, anytime – just 10 minutes is enough to take part. International group Love To Ride is the

| Farmlands' Karen Fraser at the end of her Alps to Ocean trip from Aoraki to Oamaru.

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key organiser. It runs programmes in over a dozen countries, using behaviour change principles to encourage cycling. For health and wellbeing, the challenge was a great way for Farmlands staff to keep active during the shift to the COVID-19 red traffic light setting and also build stronger ties to team-mates across the country. The challenge was also a great opportunity to reduce Farmlands’ carbon footprint. The total challenge numbers speak for themselves – 3,992,546 kilometres cycled and

| Farmlands Winton Business Manager Pip Broadbridge was also inspired by the challenge.

Shnabel during one of his rides. “He’s well-known to everyone here on the

210,735 kilograms of carbon dioxide saved.It was the stories behind the rides and the amazing scenery on offer around New Zealand that really generated excitement for the initiative.

West Coast. I had a lovely chat to him

Farmlands Calf Expert Karen Fraser tied her planned 6-day Alps to Ocean trip from Aoraki to Oamaru in with the challenge, clocking up a mighty 525km during the month. “Completing a good chunk of k's in some of the best scenery in New Zealand was a real highlight and checking out the cows and youngstock that were feasting on some pretty yummy feed!”

Pip Broadbridge, Business Manager at

Famous faces were also discovered along the way. Casey Bland, from Farmlands Westport, ran into reality television star and gold miner Parker

meantime, when you’ve got a spare

after he tried his first huhu grub. If I wasn't out for my bike ride, as part of the challenge, I’d never have had the opportunity to meet him,” Casey says. Farmlands Winton, was also inspired after taking part in the challenge. “It’s been just the motivation I needed to get out on my bike more regularly. We have such awesome cycle trails down here; we are so lucky.” The Aotearoa Bike Challenge will most assuredly be back for 2023 but in the minute, jump on your bike and enjoy the amazing autumn scenery that New Zealand is world famous for.

THE FARMLANDER | 25

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HEALTH & SAFETY

Top tips for staying safe with vehicles From trucking in fertiliser to regrassing and sowing crops, there’s a lot of vehicle use under way on farms during autumn, much of it involving towing heavy loads or machinery. The season brings some of the highest numbers of ACC claims for farm workplace accidents related to hitting stationary objects or being trapped in moving machinery and equipment. “Taking a little time to plan ahead before starting jobs on-farm is critical to keeping you and others safe onfarm,” Acting Director Engagement and Implementation for WorkSafe New Zealand Angela Mansell says. “When someone dies from a farm accident, there’s almost always a farm vehicle involved. But there are some simple things you can do to help you go home safely at the end of the day. To be safe using farm vehicles, you need to make sure you choose the right vehicle for the job and make sure it is up to the job.” Measures that reduce risk of serious injury in the event of an accident include:

• Before starting a job with a vehicle you haven’t used in a while or has been used by someone else, you should do some basic checks: • Check fuel, oil and coolant, tyre pressure and tread. • Check that brakes work properly, wheel nuts are firmly secured and the steering isn’t loose. • Ensure that the engine is clean, that an active safety system such as traction control is operational and there’s no rust that could affect the safety of the vehicle. You should also keep a vehicle maintenance record. The owner manuals will tell you what needs to be maintained for each vehicle and when.

“Think about what the terrain and weather is like where you will be using the vehicle,” Angela says. “You might go out on one job but another arises. In that situation, consider whether the vehicle you are using is the best for that new task. If not, switch to something more suitable. “Make sure the driver is fit for the job. No one should use a farm vehicle if they are not familiar with it or have not been trained to use it. You also shouldn’t use vehicles or machinery if you are tired, if you have been drinking or taking drugs or are on medication that makes you sleepy.” For more information see the ‘Vehicles on Farms’ factsheet at worksafe.govt.nz.

Think about what the terrain and weather is like where you will be using the vehicle.” Angela Mansell, Worksafe

• Check in the vehicle manual if it’s suitable for the purpose you want to use it for, including things like weight limits. • Wear a seatbelt if one is fitted and a helmet when required. Remind all others working on the farm to do so too. • Fit crush protection devices to help prevent being pinned under a quad bike if it rolls.

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THE FARMLANDER | 27

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THE FARMLANDER | 29

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Articles in the Plan365 section allow Farmlands suppliers to share best practice and the latest advances in rural technology, to help shareholders with their farming needs all year round.

Good nutrition key to parasite control If we eat better we feel better and that’s the same for livestock, which is why it is important to feed them enough high-quality feed to meet their production needs.

that parasitism causes a lower feed intake – often up to 20 percent. Another major problem is the consequent tissue damage caused by worms and the associated loss of protein-rich fluids.

may reduce an animal’s immunity to

Growing young stock to their fullest potential involves many aspects, including trace minerals in support of optimal animal health, vaccinations and effective parasite control. Good nutrition is paramount to optimal animal performance. One of the biggest growth limiting factors of New Zealand livestock is parasitism, which is why having a customised parasite control programme suited to your stock is essential. There are four key factors of an effective worm control programme:

For a young animal facing parasite infestations, valuable protein and energy to support growth must be prioritised for the immune system and tissue repair. For an older animal, reproductive and milk production performances may be affected through malnutrition, especially after a stress period of ill health, drought or severe cold weather. Therefore, stock can easily succumb to parasite infections, with overall reduced feed efficiency.

a waste of money, time and effort.

• Nutrition • Drenching • Grazing management • Breeding worm-resistant animals Research has shown that well-fed stock are considerably less likely to get worms, are more resilient to a parasite challenge, suffer fewer consequences and overcome a worm challenge more rapidly. For underfed animals the opposite is true, which is why paying attention to what stock are eating is so worthwhile. The level of nutrition can affect parasitism in growing and reproducing livestock. Studies in sheep have shown

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Studies have shown that when lambs are fed a low-protein diet and concurrently challenged with parasites, they develop clinical signs of parasitism, are lethargic, have higher worm faecal egg counts, fail to develop resistance to further worm infections, have their protein metabolism more severely affected and show lower growth rates compared with counterparts fed a high-protein diet.

worms and increase the problem of drench-resistant worms. Over-frequent drenching is one of the major causes of drench resistance and is in most cases Employing effective grazing management practices such as rotational grazing, using standing feed crops, grazing cattle or younger adult ewes after lambs and regrassing of paddocks are all means of aiding the health of the grazing platform and reducing the advancement of drench resistance. Monitoring parasite levels in young stock through livestock faecal testing is recommended. For a livestock owner, paying close attention to what stock are eating and how parasites are optimally managed is understandably worthwhile. Increasing protein levels by supplementing with a high-quality compound feed is especially attractive for ewes in lighter body condition rearing multiple lambs or with young growing lambs that have the genetic potential for fast growth.

Another key reason for feeding a high quality and nutritionally balanced diet is that it contains all the vitamins and minerals to enable an animal to remain healthy and better withstand infection.

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

Drenching alone will not resolve a worm problem as too frequent drenching

Article supplied by Tiffany Menzies, Technical Product Manager of Nutrition and Animal Health

THE FARMLANDER | 31

Shelter and comfort give calves best start Whether you are looking at building new calf sheds or improving your existing ones, a little time and effort will help to eliminate problems from previous seasons and make calf rearing more enjoyable and less stressful. More profitable too, as better sheds will mean less illness and fewer losses.

Karen Fraser and Stacey Cosnett are on a mission to help farmers grow the best calves possible by delivering accurate and easy-to-understand advice. Check out ‘The Calf Experts’ on Facebook and follow their articles in The Farmlander in the lead-up to calving.

32 | THE FARMLANDER

unhygienic environments. The knock-on effect of poor housing is stressed calves with a weakened immune defence, which makes rearing them much harder and more stressful. Karen and Stacey say that for best practice, optimum animal welfare and calf comfort, calves need at least 1.5m2 each, with three solid walls at calf level

Several health issues arise if housing

to combat draughts and good airflow

is not adequate.

above head height to minimise the

• The build-up of noxious gases,

build-up of ammonia.

including ammonia and carbon

Dry and clean bedding is a necessity

dioxide, predisposes calves to

as calves need to be able to lie down

respiratory disease such

comfortably to meet behavioural needs.

as pneumonia.

The perfect shed would be north-north-

• Wet calves waste energy on keeping warm and are more prone to getting sick. • Draughts at calf level will cause the hair to part and the calf with begin to shiver, losing energy and growth. • Dampness will open the door for more illness. Damp bedding will have a higher loading of nasty bugs that like living in moist environments. • Dusty environments can cause respiratory issues and eye problems.

east facing for optimum sunlight to keep bedding drier, keep calves warm and give them plenty of natural vitamin D, which we all thrive on. If the sheds on your farm are not ideally designed, try to work with what you’ve got. Consider adding clear panels to get more natural light into dark sheds. Use your imagination to make your sheds work for you by adding in ventilation where it needs to be and stopping draughts where you know they sneak in. Slatted floors are a big no-no – these

Often we see makeshift housing

can be draughty and harbour noxious

that is not fit for purpose. This can

gases from dampness beneath.

compromise calf health and create very

Good drainage is important. Poor

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NUTRITION

TO-DO LIST • Working with broken or worn equipment is frustrating and takes up valuable time. Equipment that is not fit for purpose can also risk the performance of your calves. Do a stocktake of what you need and get your orders in – supply chains have been hugely affected by COVID-19 and other factors. • Clean and check all feeders and decide if you need to fix or replace. Perished, old teats can deliver milk too fast, causing overfeeding and bloat, or teats might be blocked and filled with bacteria. • Fix any annoying gates that need a tweak. • Ensure you have enough hard feed trough space in your pens. • If you will be mixing up calf milk replacer, make sure you have a set-up with easy delivery of water at the correct temperature. • Do you fill water buckets for your calves? Having reticulated water systems that don’t leak provide a constant availability of water to calves and make life easier. Calves need plenty of clean water from day 1 over and above their milk feed so you must have plenty of fresh, clean water available right from the start.

| Karen Fraser, centre, shares her knowledge with some keen calf rearers.

foundations will mean moisture builds up in pens. A wet calf is very vulnerable, with compromised health and growth. Keep the entry into sheds clean and free of mud build-up by scraping muck away and using metal on the tracks right up to the calf shed. Adequate drainage and guttering on sheds can make a significant difference. If you always struggle with drainage in your pens, talk to an expert that can work on a solution – every set-up can be improved. If damp and dingy sheds sound all too familiar, Karen and Stacey recommend upgrading existing sheds before the season and set yourself up for success. If you are autumn and spring rearing it is particularly important to address your sheds and foundations as you will be dealing with extra build-up from bugs when there is little time between the two calf seasons.

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If calves are expending energy to keep warm due to wet bedding or draughts, consider fortifying whole milk or increasing the concentration of milk powder to compensate for shivering and help to protect the calves’ immune defence. Stacey the ruminant nutritionist says the rumen needs plenty of water to help provide a wet environment for microorganisms to thrive. Reachable reticulated water is one of the three ingredients needed to help develop a rumen, along with a nutritionally balanced starch-based calf feed and a bit of long fibre. Build hay racks that limit availability to ensure long fibre is not gorged on by calves. A little goes a long way with long fibre and we will start to reduce calf feed intake if we have calves with bellies full of long fibre. We have seen some very cool ways of limited long fibre to calves.

| Calves need three solid walls at calf level to combat draughts and good airflow above head height to minimise the build-up of ammonia.

THE FARMLANDER | 33

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NUTRITION

Figures show value of in-shed feeding A combination of factors means dairy farmers are facing some important decisions.

In gross terms, for every 700kg DM

to support higher levels of milk

at 11 MJ ME/kg DM a cow consumes

production, days in milk and cow body

annually, she can produce roughly

condition going into the winter. Feed

Some of the 30-40 percent not using imported feed (from off-farm, not necessarily from outside New Zealand) might be contemplating investing in an in-shed feeding system ready for next spring. After unexpected rainfall in many parts through February, some people already equipped with such systems might be contemplating if buying supplementary feeds and grains is worthwhile in late-lactation even when the milk pay-out is at record levels.

100kg MS (DairyNZ Facts and Figures

prices have firmed due to a variety of

Ed. 2 based on the annual requirements

global and local pressure but farmers

including walking 4km/day on flat

can be confident of a record milk price.

ground for 270 days in milk). Clearly

While some economies can be made in

cows are responding to imported feed

the quantity or quality of late-lactation

Others will be taking a longer view and wondering if high milk prices will be sustained or fall to a long-term average or below and if feed is worth contracting for next spring and beyond.

more grass into other cows or periods.

Responses to supplementary feed are often quoted as quite modest – perhaps 60-70g MS/kg DM fed. At that rate, to take a herd of 500kg liveweight cows from 400kg MS/cow to 500kg MS/cow by imported feed you would have to feed about an extra 1.5t of DM. Annual requirements would rise from about 5.1t DM to 6.6t of DM – more than most 500kg cows could consume and yet cows are doing over 100 percent of their body weight in MS.

For those contemplating imported

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much better than short-term trials have suggested. I expect additional feed initially supports extra growth and condition and that this takes time to affect the lactation curve and days in milk of the herd. Substitution may improve pasture covers, which puts For those already feeding supplements, unless you can increase pasture or crop growth, is saving 0.7t DM of imported feed worth losing 100kg MS per cow? feed, it might take a season or two for

supplements, I see imported feed helping support milk production and appetite in late lactation. For many, in-shed feeding of concentrates often enriched with minerals and with very little waste or extra labour requirement – and without the rumen-filling effect of conserved forages – is more than just filling a short-term feed deficit. It would be interesting if milk prices had risen and other commodities remained the same – next season will show how

cows to adapt but an extensive MPI

well aligned the two are. It is worth

survey* of 15 farms concluded that

considering what feed you might need –

fully fed cows put a higher proportion

forward commitments will be important

of feed into milk production rather

if international shipping is booked and

than maintenance and that this has

local arable farmers encouraged to

contributed to capital efficiency and

grow grain crops.

return on assets. This autumn, farmers already using imported feeds can feel confident about supplementary feeding

* Farm Systems Change Case Studies Optimising Dairy Farming MPI

Article supplied by Dr Rob Derrick, Head of Nutrition and Animal Health

THE FARMLANDER | 35

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Discounts and prices are subject to change. If the promotional price is better than the shareholder price, you will receive no further discount. Terms and conditions apply. Payment must be made using Farmlands Card only. Any freight or installation costs required will be charged at the normal rate. Colours and stock may differ at some locations. Offers available to Farmlands shareholders and secondary account holders only. While stock lasts.

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THE FARMLANDER | 37

IS THIS NZ’S MOST VALUABLE CARD? YOU DECIDE. 38 | THE FARMLANDER

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Tech takes guessing out of top-dressing Imagine flying a plane at 200km/h while trying to open and close a fertiliser hopper at the right time to accurately apply fertiliser and keep it out of waterways and other areas. “This is what aerial application of fertiliser used to involve. Precise application was challenging and applying maintenance and capital rates to different paddocks in the same run simply a headache,” agriculture aviation executive John Elliott says. John, manager of top-dressing specialists Super Air, says that with farmers facing regulations, applying fertiliser accurately and keeping it out of no-go zones has never been so important. A solution developed by Super Air and Ballance Agri-Nutrients uses the latest technology to precisely place fertiliser, leaving the pilot to concentrate on flying the plane. The technology, called SpreadSmart, has been available in the North Island for 6 years and was launched throughout the South Island last autumn.

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Using the technology makes fertiliser placement precise. Computercontrolled hydraulics on the hopper doors allow a variable flow of fertiliser from the plane. This flow can be at a constant ground rate (uniform rate of fertiliser applied to the ground taking into account the plane’s speed) or a variable rate based on soil fertility or stocking rate. A digital map of the farm specifying spreading areas and rates is uploaded to an onboard computer that controls the hydraulic hopper doors, releasing fertiliser at the required rate within pre-set zones on the flight path. The computer makes a decision every 0.1 seconds, so as the plane flies over a property the application rate can be changed or the hopper doors opened or completely closed to meet the needs of the fertiliser programme. The digital map that guides the system also provides proof of application, showing exactly where the fertiliser has been applied. SpreadSmart was put to the test at Tutamoe Station, on the East Coast of the North Island. It reduced the area sown

by 16 percent by tightening up exclusion areas. This allowed 11 percent more fertiliser to be applied per hectare while saving 6.5 percent on the overall amount required. The farm manager observed that the process was quicker and no fertiliser was applied inadvertently to unproductive areas. SpreadSmart lifts productivity without waste by targeting different rates to different areas of the farm. It ensures fertiliser is applied at a precise rate even as the speed of the aircraft changes as it climbs and descends. In the past planes applied the correct rate “on average”. “Compared with the traditional manual method of application, SpreadSmart’s standard constant ground rate application offers farmers a $4/ha advantage and the variable rate capability up to a $60/ha advantage,” John says. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients

THE FARMLANDER | 39

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Urea under growing scrutiny as price soars With urea hitting $1,190 a tonne, the average 233ha dairy farm is paying $95,000 more for urea per season than it was only 12 months ago. Many farmers may feel they have little choice but to absorb these record prices so they can maintain production to service bank debt and rising costs on-farm. That is not the only option. Another is a proven change to fertiliser programmes that helps maintain production while lowering urea application. Donaghys is encouraging farmers to try N-Boost as part of their fertiliser system to reduce the impact of the urea price rise. “Farmers will be working with their accountants, their bank and advisors to mitigate the impact of these large price rises so they can close out the year and achieve budgets,” Tim O’Sullivan, Donaghys GM Crop Protection and Export, says. “Cost control and production are top of mind for dairy farmers. They will look to options that don’t sacrifice production. The N-Boost system is a proven tool to help you reduce your N applications to cut costs without costing dry matter production so you can maintain milksolids and profitability.” Donaghys has an online nitrogen-use calculator to enable dairy farmers to see how the N-Boost system could work on their farms. The calculator shows the N-Boost system cuts urea costs while maintaining production, providing a total financial benefit of $130,000 a year on the average farm size of 233ha applying 129kg/ha of nitrogen to their pasture.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

| The nitrogen-use calculator shows farmers the financial benefit of changing urea application and reducing urea use.

N-Boost is a patented formulation that contains adenine compounds and amino acids. The N-Boost system involves mixing dissolved urea in a mixing station supplied by Donaghys and adding 3l/ ha of N-Boost to the spray solution. This is then applied over pasture by conventional boom sprayer.

are going to exceed the cap by the

“The higher urea prices go, the greater the financial return from using N-Boost. You can see how this would apply on your own farm using the N-use calculator. The urea price has outweighed the change to foliar fertiliser application, which can be a mental shift for some farmers. We’ve seen a huge uplift in farmers turning to it this season.”

N cap regulations. You can calculate

N-Boost is also being used by farmers looking to fit under the 190kg N/ha/year cap on synthetic nitrogen.

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

“This is a new hurdle in the way of farms hitting their budgets. If farmers

deadline, they need to show a plan to reduce their synthetic N applications for future years – N-Boost should be in the mix for these plans,” Tim says. “The nitrogen-use calculator shows farmers the financial impact of reducing nitrogen fertiliser use to fit under the the impact of using N-Boost and see the result on your urea spend, your dry matter production, milksolids production and the financial impact of these decisions.” Try the calculator for your farm at www.n-boost.com

Article supplied by Donaghys

THE FARMLANDER | 41

7 steps to making the most of undersowing With autumn comes increased opportunity for weeds and lowproducing grasses to invade our pastures. These are the types of pasture best targeted for undersowing. If you can get productive ryegrass plants established, they allow cover to build up for winter feed and increase the longevity of paddocks. Undersowing involves drilling fastestablishing species such as hybrid or Italian ryegrasses, legumes or plantain into old or run-out pastures. This is becoming a common practice in many farming systems. 1. Condition-score pastures Condition-scoring paddocks throughout the year, particularly late summer and early autumn, is a great tool to identify which paddocks are performing well and which may need addressing. This makes decisions easier leading into mid/late autumn by assessing which species will be the best fit. Pasture condition scoring (PCS) involves the process of visually assessing paddocks and assigning a score of 1-5, with PCS 1 being the most severe damage and PCS 5 being in good condition. Scores will be based on plant

42 | THE FARMLANDER

density, insect damage and weed presence. Typically, PCS 1-3 are targets for undersowing. Condition scoring can help the planning and implementation of successful undersowing and long-term pasture renovation programmes. For a paddock with a condition score of 1, it’s recommended to drill with annual ryegrass (such as Jivet) and then put it into a cropping rotation the following spring. Whereas a paddock with a condition score of 2 can be drilled with Italian ryegrass (such as Asset AR37) and then assessed in 12-18 months. Paddocks with a condition score of 3 are often undersown with hybrid ryegrass and herbs to get an extra 2-3 years production (such as Mohaka AR37 and/or Ecotain® environmental plantain). If the paddock is sitting at a condition score of 4 or 5, it is likely N needs to be applied in a strategic way to enhance tillering. 2. Timing When undersowing, timing is crucial. Undersowing early allows the seedling to establish in more favourable conditions, maximising establishment, tillering and early

dry matter production. The longer drilling is delayed, the slower the species will be to establish as you are more likely to miss favourable growing conditions, thereby reducing valuable winter yield. The later you plant (i.e. as days shorten and soil temperatures drop below 12°C) the more opportunity there is for weeds to fill in the open spaces, which will reduce the effect of undersowing. 3. Weeds When assessing the condition of your paddocks, checking for the presence of broadleaf weeds and grass weeds is a vital step. Spraying out before drilling for low PCS paddocks with high weed burdens improves results from undersowing and helps to maximise returns. 4. Slug bait and cricket bait/fertiliser It is important to follow good management practices as shortcuts can lead to poor establishment. If direct drilling or over sowing, slug bait and/or cricket bait are key insurance policies. Sow with 150kg/ ha DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) to give establishing ryegrass plants a kick start. Phosphate is great for root development and the extra nitrogen

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

will help speed things up. If possible, ensure it can go down the spout with the drill as broadcasting will enhance the growth of the present species, thus increasing competition for the undersown cultivars. 5. Treated seed When looking to achieve good results from undersowing, the influence of insect pressures needs to be considered. When there is no cultivation process in place (i.e. direct drilling) the insect populations will remain high when looking to drill. It is important to select an appropriate endophyte and seed treatment to protect against certain damaging insects, such as Argentine stem weevil, root aphid and black beetle. The use of treated seed, such as Superstrike treated seed, protects new seedlings from insect pressure for the first 6 weeks as endophyte takes about 6 weeks to start functioning. It also has a fungicide to protect the seedling from any diseases as well as micronutrients to aid with establishment. The withholding period for new pasture is 6 weeks; however when

undersowing into existing pasture this decreases to 3 weeks. 6. Cultivar options Making the right choice in species and endophytes is important when looking at undersowing to achieve strong gains in production over winter and spring, ensuring the effects last more than 8 months. This is where Asset AR37 diploid Italian ryegrass is a great fit as it offers affordable undersowing with rapid establishment and is very robust. It is great for ease of management over the winter, particularly in wetter areas. Asset AR37 can be successfully undersown at lower rates (12-15kg/ ha). Another option is Mohaka AR37 tetraploid hybrid ryegrass, which has been bred for excellent coolseason activity and is a good option when persistency longer than 18 months is required. 7. Grazing Looking after young establishing plants is key to setting up undersown pastures for success. Early grazing management prevents over-competition and enhances tillering on young plants, making

them more robust going into their first winter. To ensure that the establishing species is ready to graze, it should first be checked that the grazing withholding period from the seed treatment has been met. To check the plants are ready for grazing a ‘pull test’ should be done, where the plant is plucked and the leaves break off without pulling out the roots. Staggering the timing of undersowing for each paddock can prevent all the paddocks being ready at the same time, making it easier to build into the farm rotation. Undersowing is a very cost effective method of increasing the production of poorly performing paddocks when cropping isn’t in the immediate future. Fastestablishing and high-yielding cultivars like annuals, Italians and hybrids are great tools to increase overall production on farm as they grow more in 12 months relative to a perennial. Increasing production on-farm from growing more pasture reduces the reliance on expensive imported feed, meaning a good undersowing programme can help reduce feed costs. Overall, the keys to achieving good results when undersowing are choosing the right variety for the situation, with an

When undersowing, timing is crucial. Undersowing early allows the seedling to establish in more favourable conditions.”

endophyte such as AR37 that protects against major pasture insect pests Argentine stem weevil and black beetle, using treated seed and planting in early autumn while conditions are ideal. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Agricom

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THE FARMLANDER | 43

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WE’RE HERE TO KEEP YOU FARMING Visit the Farmlands COVID-19 Advice Hub The first place to turn for preparation plans, Farmlands store status and health links that matter.

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IS THIS NZ’S MOST VALUABLE CARD? YOU DECIDE. 46 | THE FARMLANDER

Let Us HELP YOU FENCE ON THE COAST Wire Worth Its Salt Tired of replacing rusted fencing? Investing in coastal grade Steel & Wire products could pay off in the long run. With nearly 15,000km of coastline, Kiwis are all too familiar with the punishing effects of coastal conditions on wire fencing and equipment.

The chemistry of corrosion

Atmospheric corrosion requires the presence of oxygen and moisture that creates an electrolyte layer on the metal surface. When atmospheric pollutants like the chlorides in sea salt dissolve in the moisture layer, they significantly increase the electrolyte reaction and the rate of corrosion. This is particularly noticeable within the splash and tidal zones, where the repeated wetting and drying cycle results in a higher chloride and oxygen content.

Know the zones

In New Zealand, the severity of coastal environments is measured by a number of local and international standards. While there’s no definitive standard for fencing, the three exposure zones provide a good guideline as to the level of protection required:

Summit 4-Life is fit for purpose

All Summit fencing wire is manufactured from high grade steel and protected by XtraLife® - a mix of 5% aluminium and 95% zinc to provide both barrier and galvanic protection. While XtraLife® is suitable for Zones B and C, if your fencing is going to be in Zone D, it’s essential that your wire and fastenings are fit for purpose. For these applications, Summit 4-Life Coastal Wire provides an extra galvanic protection rating of 260g of zinc aluminium coating per square metre to ensure years of reliable performance in high saline conditions. It’s available in gauges of 2.5mm and 3.15mm and tested in an independent laboratory to ensure superior performance from end to end.

Zone B: Low Inland areas with little risk from wind blown sea-spray salt deposits. Zone C: Medium Inland coastal areas with relatively low salinity. Zone D: High Coastal areas within 500m of the sea with high risk of wind blown sea-spray.

So if you’re tired of replacing fence lines that can’t take the punishment, switching to galvanised Y posts, hot-dipped staples and 4-life coiled wire could make a big difference to your maintenance costs.

Visit your local Farmlands store today and find out more

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THE FARMLANDER | 47

UNBEATABLE EVERY DAY DEALS EXCLUSIVE TO FARMLANDS

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0800 80 20 80 bridgestonetyres.co.nz/farmlands Savings are on selected car, 4x4 and van tyres and are off recommended retail tyre price, excluding fitting and balancing charges. Normal fitting and balancing charges apply. All tyres must be fitted in-store at the time of purchase. Savings on tractor tyres are off List Price. In some sizes and brands at any given time, stock may be limited. Discounts can vary by product and size. Please see in store for details.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Time to check your stock water system As we come to the end of the warmer months it’s an ideal time to assess the risk factors and maintenance requirements of your stock water system. Good management of the water resource on-farm delivers cost savings by minimising water wastage in metered systems and power costs in pumped systems. Regular maintenance ensures continuity of water supply, the production benefits this delivers and the minimising of major failures, with subsequent downtime. A good place to start when considering regular water reticulation system maintenance is to understand the system parts and where the risks lie. Have a map that shows the system components and display it prominently so you and your staff can easily access the information. Reticulation system components include water source, pump, water storage, pipelines, valves and troughs.

| For systems relying on a pump, a regular maintenance programme is essential.

do regarding routine maintenance and what they suggest in terms of a regular professional check-up. Assess your reservoirs for structural integrity, plumbing connections, water level indicators and cleanliness. Replace or repair weeping fitting joints, repair cracks in concrete tanks with an epoxy filler and clean the tank out if it has significant internal sediment or organic matter build-up. Map your pipeline route and identify the system components, pipe diameters, pressure ratings, valves and lateral takeoffs. GPS-captured data digitally

Starting with the natural water sources, such as springs, dams or streams, check the intake pipe is not blocked or damaged and floats, filters and footvalves are in place and in serviceable condition. Issues here can lead to dirty water in the line, delivering less palatable water to stock and causing performance issues at the trough ballcock.

overlaid on your farm map is a great way

For systems relying on a pump, a regular maintenance programme is essential. Have your pump’s make and model and service provider’s contact number readily available; in the pump shed is good. Seek their advice on what you can

community systems, additional power

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to do this. Monitor water use, excessive use and/or wet patches along the pipeline, which may indicate a leak. Telemetric monitoring systems or the Gallagher Flow Indicator are excellent means of detecting leaks early. A 2mm hole in a pipe can lose 14 cubic metres a day. This comes with a usage cost in costs in pumped networks and the risk of draining your water tanks. Unburied plastic pipelines are areas of additional risk as they are more prone to mechanical damage from machinery

and/or stock, can degrade by continuous exposure to UV light and may become pressure compromised at elevated temperatures. Bury your pipelines when practical – it’s the best protection you can give them. If you can’t, locate pipes at the base of fencelines and allow pasture cover to limit UV exposure and elevated temperatures. Trough valves require regular maintenance. They are affected by indifferent water quality, frost and the general wear and tear of moving parts. Manufacturers’ recommendations in regard to maintenance should be adhered to and service kits are readily available off the shelf. Straighten bent ballcock arms; reapply thread tape on leaking joints; if required, empty and clean the trough and reapply metal surrounding the trough to stop it becoming a boggy mess over winter. Planned water system maintenance is both an environmentally and financially sound proposition. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Iplex

THE FARMLANDER | 49

Say goodbye to broken water trough arms.

The flexible water trough ballcock arm.

“Changing ballcock arms was a daily routine job for me during the summer months, taking up time and causing stress and frustrations when water was scarce. Since inventing the Springarm and using them on our farm over the past 18 months, we have not had a single broken ballcock arm.” Ric Awburn, Dairy Farmer, Waikato, Inventor of Springarm

Strong & Long Lasting

Water Saving

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Fits most trough valves found on New Zealand farms

The solution to broken water trough arms Available exclusively at 50 | THE FARMLANDER

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Flexible trough arm stops water waste Necessity is the mother of invention. For Waikato dairy farmer Ric Awburn, the necessity of having to constantly monitor his water troughs for broken ballcocks led him to invent a solution. Ric has worked on three farms with water supply issues. On the first, water shortage issues would occur occasionally when a leak went unnoticed for several days and drained the tank. Buying the farm across the road meant greater pressure on the already stretched water supply, making issues constant. While standing alongside yet another trough with a broken arm, Ric felt there had to be a better way. The arms would simply snap after too much pushing around by stock drinking at the trough. The arms could move up and down, but as soon as lateral pressure was applied they would become brittle and constantly break. That’s when Ric had the idea of a flexible ballcock arm using a spring. He fashioned one in his workshop using a spring from a bicycle stand and tested it in a trough. The concept worked so more prototypes followed. Testing the spring was one of the bigger jobs. The tension needed to be strong enough to close the valve when the trough was full but allow enough movement to not break the arm and spring or the valve itself.

After countless iterations of the design, springs tested and replaced, arms tested and replaced, Ric finally arrived at the Springarm and its stainless steel componentry. Ric’s wife Marianne has assisted and provided direction and advice throughout. She played a key role in getting the Springarm ready for sale including design improvements, product development, marketing and raising funds. In 2021 Ric and Marianne took the Springarm to Fieldays at Mystery Creek. The response was immediate and enthusiastic, culminating in them winning the Fieldays Innovation Award and the $10,000 cash prize that went with it. This award enabled Ric and Marianne to really get things going. Sales started to flow and manufacturing began. At first Marianne and Ric made the arms themselves. They bought the parts and set their workforce of three boys and themselves to manufacturing the arms as the orders came in. It soon became obvious that they would need to scale their production to enable the Springarm to meet market demand. At Fieldays, Campbell Easton, Managing Director of Metalform in Dannevirke, had approached Marianne and Ric about their product and the possibility of helping them scale production. In time a partnership was formed.

| Ric Awburn checks a Springarm in his farm workshop.

Metalform now manufactures the Springarm in its factory in Dannevirke. With a specialist design team, industry contacts and supply chains to draw on, as well as expertise in sales and marketing, Metalform is able to help Ric and Marianne take Springarm to New Zealand farmers and the world. The Springarm is a typical No. 8 wire story and one that Ric and Marianne are immensely proud of. The partnership with Metalform also gives them time to develop new products in the Springarm range as well as running their dairy farm and busy family life. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

| The Springarm won the Innovation Award at the 2021 Fieldays at Mystery Creek.

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Article supplied by Springarm By Metalform

THE FARMLANDER | 51

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You may receive a text or email from Farmlands when you make an online purchase. Don’t worry, we’re just checking that it was you.

Full Flow Ball Valves

HIGH QUALITY GLASS REINFORCED NYLON CONSTRUCTION The “full flow” design ensures there is minimum head loss. Guyco ball valves are manufactured from materials that meet potable water standards that are also non-corrosive, UV stabilised, making them suitable for New Zealand conditions. Long BSPT threads allow for better engagement.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Trough valve options allow tailored choices With increasingly long, dry summers it is important to consider the type of trough valve you are using on your farm and ensure it is fit for purpose. When choosing a trough valve, several considerations must be taken into account.

specifically for thin-walled plastic tanks.

pipe line. In a worst-case scenario, this

With so much choice and variation in performance, picking the correct trough valve is more important than ever. The trough valve should provide flow equal to or slightly more than the maximum potential demand at the trough.

vacuum can cause the pipe to collapse.

First, you should establish the number of litres you need to supply to the trough per day. Your water requirements are based on multiple factors including the stock type that is being serviced and the size of the trough.

Obviously farm type has a major bearing on this. For example, a lactating cow will typically consume 70 litres (L) per head per day (over a 5-hour period), whereas a non-lactating cow only requires 45L per head per day (over a 6-hour period).

When the time comes to replace

Gone are the days of the basic brass ballcock; these days there are a huge number of trough valve options available. Along with the traditional brass options you have the choice of plastic, high flow, medium and low flow valves, armless valves, diaphragm, plunger and piston designs as well as trough valves that are camlock compatible (for easy connection to portable troughs) and valves designed

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Be aware that selecting a trough valve based solely on the highest flow rate (which may well exceed the maximum required flow rate) could have unintended consequences if the pipe has not been sized accordingly. When excess water goes to a single demand point on a farm, it can be at the expense of another demand point and could create negative pressure in a

It’s good practice to regularly service your trough valves as they are a key component in your overall water system. Regular maintenance will ensure your water system’s reliability. existing trough valves, you may wish to replace the valves with like for like. However, this is a good time to assess whether your existing trough valve is actually fit for purpose or if there’s a better option available. A well-functioning water system can deliver real benefits to the wellbeing of your stock. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Hydroflow

THE FARMLANDER | 53

Get what you need this Autumn at Mitre 10 Exclusive prices for Farmlands shareholders.

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IS THIS NZ’S MOST VALUABLE CARD? YOU DECIDE. 54 | THE FARMLANDER

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The one that fits them all! Throughout farmland in New Zealand we find a mixture of pipe types including the old black poly pipe (high density), the new black alkathene pipe (low density) and more recently the black/blue pipe (medium density).

up with a simple, easy to use, effective

where required. And don’t worry, if you

solution! The new range of MDID

already have some Hansen MD fittings

compression fittings have been in the

lying around, you can use a conversion

development stage for a few years and

kit (orange parts) to make them fit HD

are finally available in stores.

and LD too.

The fittings have been designed,

The construction of these fittings sees

tested and manufactured at Hansen’s

quality threads for dependable high-

Having all these different pipes is

Whangarei factory. This now means

pressure connections (16 bar 235psi)

causing a headache for many, who

that low density, medium density and

with the same quality assurance

wish there was a simple solution for

high density pipe can be connected using the same base product.

that Hansen has always offered

connecting these three types of pipes, which have different wall thicknesses,

The new range works for 15-40mm

outside diameters and stiffness.

standards and approvals.

LDPE, 20-63mm MDPE and 15-50mm

Luckily, the team at Hansen, who get

with HDPE. The MDID fittings arrive

It’s simple – the brand you trust now

out there amongst the farmers at field

with all of the parts to join LDPE and

days, events and on-farm, have been

HDPE (orange internal parts) and

listening and put their heads together.

with one simple conversion kit you

Doing what they do best, they came

can convert these fittings to fit MDPE

MD Fits 20 – 63mm Medium Density Pipe

Fits 15 – 40mm Low Density Pipe

Fits 15 – 50mm High Density Pipe

its customers and all the relevant

has the one pipe fitting that fits all your poly pipes! Visit your local Farmlands store to see the full range for yourself.

NEW Poly Pipe Fittings Hansen Products NEW Easy Fit Compression Fittings can now be used on Medium Density Pipe, Low Density Pipe, and High Density Pipe.

Available at your local Farmlands store

www.hansenproducts.co.nz

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER | 55

FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS RECEIVE — UP TO —

10% OFF STOREWIDE* RETAILING TOOLS, MACHINERY & FARM EQUIPMENT FOR OVER 30 YEARS

GALVANIZED FIREWOOD SHELTER SKU:STSH1150

SAVE

$200

217x83x154cm

SAVE

$60

NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

FROM $39*

$329.90

incl GST

FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDER PRICE

RUGGED ATV 16HP FINISHING MOWER 1.8M

NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

SKU: FAAT2740 •

Warranty: 12 months

• • •

Blades: 3

FROM $199* •

Engine: 16hp Loncin

Weight: 200kg

•

Working Width: 1,800mm

Start Mode: Electric Start

•

Connection: Tow Bar Coupler

SHOP ONLINE:

www.topmaq.co.nz/farmlands

ATV SPREADER 36KG 12V

$3,799.89

incl GST

FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDER PRICE

FARMLANDS CARD NOW ACCEPTED ON OUR WEBSITE 1. LOG IN / REGISTER 2. REGISTER YOUR FARMLANDS CARD SEE YOUR EXCLUSIVE PRICING ON OVER 2500 ITEMS!

18IN CHAINSAW 45CC SKU: LOCH1000

SKU: FAAT0220 NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

FROM $22*

SAVE

$20

•

Rear tray mount for quad bikes

•

Thumb lever gate control

•

Wet weather cover included

$164.90

incl GST

FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDER PRICE

This 45cc Havik model is a must-have in any woodcutting enthusiast’s tool repertoire. Suitable for any domestic tasks you have to throw at it, this saw is also capable of wider application in commercial woodcutting endeavours. A solid and reliable tool, simply put, if you have wood that needs cutting, this is the saw for you.

$169.90

incl GST

NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

FROM $22*

EVERYDAY LOWPRICE LOCKDOWN

TO PLACE AN ORDER 0508 867 621 Pricing is exclusive to Farmlands shareholders when transacting on your Farmlands Card. All prices are GST inclusive and subject to stock availability. Pricing is inclusive of all rebates and discounts. Prices are valid until 30th April 2022. Shareholder pricing is off RRP and does not include Lowprice Lockdown, drop-shipped, Clearance or non-stock items. Additional rural shipping charges may apply for outlying islands and very remote areas. Assembly may be required.

IS THIS NZ’S MOST VALUABLE CARD? YOU DECIDE. 56 | THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Promax makes a difference The Strachan family believe that harvesting water while the rain falls is as good as making hay while the sun shines. The Strachans own and manage Promax, a company manufacturing polyethylene water tanks in Kerikeri and Rangiora.

As progressive and successful as Promax is, those

Founded by Tim Strachan during a drought in the early

motivation will always be the same: to try to be better so

1990s and now managed by his sons, Walter and Hamish,

we can make things even easier for our customers.”

Promax provides farmers with liquid storage solutions that

Promax makes life easier for others as well. The company

keep stock and crops alive. This partnership with its rural

sponsors the Northland Emergency Service Trust rescue

customers inspired the title of its company story: Together, making a difference today to sustain life tomorrow. While Promax also serves the industrial, civil and building sectors, there’s a special bond with those who work the land. As Hamish Strachan says: “We know what cow manure smells like.” His Scottish forebears came to New Zealand in the 1850s and farmed near Motueka. Tim Strachan grew up on a Northland farm and was a kiwifruit orchardist until he started making tanks in a Whangarei packing shed. Today, Tim and his family fatten

in charge remain humble. Managing Director Walter Strachan puts it like this: “We’re not proud. We’re learning. Every day we have something to learn. No matter how much we expand and how big we become, our core

helicopter and supports the Cancer Society, Autism New Zealand and Rapid Relief Team (RRT). It also puts its products to good use in the community, for example, gifting a discontinued line of plastic dog kennels to the RSPCA or donating a rainwater tank to a marae. Or giving a tank to families in a small rural settlement who cut a hole in the side and turned it into a bus shelter for local schoolkids. Promax was not afraid to try things in the early years

livestock on several properties in the region.

and moulded pretty much anything out of plastic. While

They’ve brought their farming experience to the factory

innovation remains a point of difference, it has refined its

floor. Products like XPRESS and corrugated ENDURO

product range to better meet the needs of its customers.

tanks are off the shelf but Promax has a reputation for

It now focuses on where it all started: liquid storage. In

innovation and can customise when needed. To achieve

doing so, it is making a difference today to sustain life

this, they’ve assembled a team who think laterally and

tomorrow. It’s the title of their story and the words that

take on challenges that others would file in the

continue to drive this proud but very down-to-earth

too-hard basket.

family business.

| Walter Strachan, left, Tim Strachan and Hamish Strachan have a special bond with those who work the land.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER | 57

58 | THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

The New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards aim to capture and preserve the history of our country’s farming families. Each month we will share stories from Farmlands shareholders who have worked their land for 100 years or more.

Ballot draw seed for prosperity From a lucky start in 1910, the Leonard family has built a dairying dynasty on the Hauraki Plains. Thomas (Tom) Leonard arrived in Auckland from Ireland in 1874, aged 23 years and travelled to Waimate in the South Island. Tom married Hannah Brosnahan in 1880 and had five sons. After Hannah died of pneumonia, Tom married Emily Godwin in 1888 and had another 10 children. Tom was successful in drawing the River Road property section of 197.122 acres in the First Hauraki Plains Land Ballot in 1910 for £1,190. Emily also drew a 100acre block on the Puhunga Island block. The Leonard homestead was the first to be built in Ngatea. It was virgin land with no bridge and few roads; food supplies including drinking water were

| Thomas (Tom) Leonard farmed pigs before turning to dairy.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

brought in from Thames by boat. The land was developed into a dairy farm and cream was sent to Thames on barges from their own wharf. Tom had over 500 pigs consisting of breeding sows and fattening pigs. The whey and buttermilk was pumped from the factories down the road into holding tanks and gravity-fed to the pigs, a large modern operation in those days. The noise of the pigs squealing at feeding time could be heard all around the district. In 1923, the New Zealand Co-Operative Dairy Company (now Fonterra) operated a butter factory by the river, followed by a cheese factory. The family are still supplying Fonterra today. Tom died in 1938, aged 87 years, leaving the property to Emily who died 2 years later, leaving it to their youngest son Anthony (Tony). Tony gave 50 acres of the farm to his brother, Patrick who upon his death in 1964, passed it on to his only child, Edwin (Eddie) who sold part of it to the Hauraki District Council in 1999. Eddie still owns and lives on a lifestyle block on part of the original land.

| Doug, Eileen, Willie, Ann and Pat at Leonard family reunion, 2006.

with Doug milking in one shed and Eileen in the other. Willie sharemilked on this block for several years. When Tony died in 1983 aged 66 years, Doug and Eileen took ownership of the original property. A new 32 aside herringbone shed was built in 1992 after a cow shed fire on the original block and both farms joined. A further adjoining 100 acres was added to the dairy unit, now consisting of 350 acres milking 450 cows along with a 100 acre runoff support block. The herd was sold in 2006 and 50/50 sharemilkers were employed. After

Tony and wife, Molly (Bond) had three children Douglas (Doug), Russell and Sharron.

Doug’s unexpected death in 2008,

Doug and Russell sharemilked for their father and also did contract hay making. Russell lived at Mangatarata on family-owned land until his death in 1975, aged 30. Doug and wife, Eileen (Lynch) and three children Ann, Patrick (Pat) and William (Willie) continued sharemilking and contracting, progressing to round bale hay and silage.

runoff support blocks, growing maize

Doug and Eileen purchased an adjoining 100 acres inciting great competition

Eileen has continued to actively manage and live on the family farm running the and grazing young stock and beef. In 2015 Pat and his wife, Kristen and four children took over the sharemilking contract and are the fourth generation to work on the farm and live in the original homestead. The farm is now surrounded by the town boundary and lifestyle blocks – in a very prosperous and thriving district.

THE FARMLANDER | 59

Rural market update

Record prices continue for large scale hill country – 30% up year-on-year 2021 was a record year for large-scale sheep and beef property sales, with the highest median price per hectare equalling $10,300/ha for properties 200 hectares or more in size on a rolling 12-month average to 31 December 2021. This is up by 30% on 2020, representing the most significant year-on-year increase in 20 years. 2008 remains the peak year for large sheep and beef farm sales, totalling $1.6 billion. This was pre-GFC and driven off the dairy conversion boom that converted a million hectares of predominantly finishing country. However, NZ’s pastoral sector is on a steady climb back to pre-GFC highs, with total sales value equalling $959 million for 2021, again driven off land-use change, but this time it’s carbon and permanent forest driving the change. This trend continues to accelerate into 2022 as the carbon price marches on. Our view is that we will see more land sold to carbon interests this year than any prior period, but more onerous regulatory hurdles are anticipated by 2023. Keith Woodford’s recent Farmers Weekly observations indicate that carbon units in private hands are worth a staggering $11 billion. Forward carbon demand is predicted to exceed supply for some time yet, putting further pressure on the auction. However, what is often left unsaid is that the great majority of hill country properties are not for sale and the balance sheets of these businesses continue to improve with or without a carbon market. The current year-on-year revaluations only serve to further support hill country business models. Consequently, we expect to see demand for quality beef and lamb finishing ground accelerate; on a comparative basis, this ground looks cheap, particularly given the windfall with hill country revaluation gains. For those of us who have worked with the pastoral sector for a time and reflect on the last 30 years, we can say for certain that those farmers who took the long-term view and stayed with their assets have definitely been rewarded. It has not been easy; the current carbon influence is

simply a point in time, no different to navigating competition from forestry in the 1990s, the dairy boom of the 2000s, and the post-GFC and environmental regulation that followed this last decade. However, whenever the music stops, it can take a long time to recapture the premiums attributed to significant land-use changes. Historically, the market typically reverts to the long-run return, and those keenly sought “land-use change” premiums evaporate. Our commitment to the rural sector is long-term. For those considering an exit, make no mistake, we continue to see farmers wanting to buy pastoral hill country farms, particularly if it has a strong production history and the ability to finish stock. However, if you have an extensive hill country farm and no obvious farm succession plan in place, it might pay to review the chart below because when you look back over the last 20 + years, it would appear there is no better time than the present to look at your options. The hybrid vigour of our strategic partnership with Farmlands has expanded our network and extended Property Brokers’ presence in the rural market nationally. Our combined strengths create a unique offer on behalf of the 70,000 Farmlands shareholders. Farmlands has an unrivalled understanding and knowledge of the land; Property Brokers, for its part, prides itself on ‘best in class’ rural marketing, this season being no exception. In our latest Autumn Rural Outlook we showcase a selection of farms and lifestyle properties currently on the market from across Property Brokers Country. For rural and lifestyle property advice from a national team of committed salespeople, supported by our expert marketing team, right across New Zealand, call 0800 367 5263 or visit pb.co.nz

Conrad Wilkshire, GM Rural for Property Brokers Ltd conrad@pb.co.nz

NZ Sheep and Beef Sales 200ha+ Median $/ha 12-months rolling from December 2002 to 2021

NZ Sheep and Beef Sales 200ha+ 12-months rolling from December 2002 to 2021 No of Sales

Total Sales Values

400

$1,800,000,000

350

$1,600,000,000

$12,000 Carbon impact $10,000

$1,400,000,000

300

$1,200,000,000

250

$1,000,000,000

200

Pre GFC Dairy Conversion

$8,000 $6,000

$800,000,000 150

$600,000,000

100

$400,000,000

$4,000 $2,000

$200,000,000

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

60 | THE FARMLANDER

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | 0800 367 5263 | pb.co.nz Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | 0800 367 5263 | pb.co.nz

Ashburton 3239 Thompsons Track Tender

Boundary indicative only

Strategic Dairy Support - 137.5 ha A strategic land holding held within the vendor’s family for over a century. This mid-sized dairy support farm offers purchasers a rare opportunity to secure a quality title not often available in this location. Featuring reliable cost-efficient Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation scheme water combined with Mayfield/Eyre soils, climate and central plain’s location make this a desirable strategic addition. Ideally placed as support to dairy platforms, existing farms or a standalone operation. A road boundary and effective shelter around the farm add an extra dimension for bio-security isolation for self-contained dairy support/livestock options.

Tender closes 12.00pm, Tuesday 5 April 2022 (unless sold prior) Web pb.co.nz/AR10901 Greg Jopson M 027 447 4382 gregj@pb.co.nz Chris Murdoch M 027 434 2545 chris@pb.co.nz

Ashburton 578 Boundary Road

Boundary indicative only

“Cranmore-Endless Options” A unique combination of a quality schist 300m2 home plus large 326m2 workshop/storage situated on a landscaped section with mature trees and pond. An additional 88m2 2 bedroom cottage plus an older 3-bedroom cottage located off Fords Road make this a unique property with multiple accommodation options. Situated on two titles - 16.069 ha, 9km south-east of Ashburton, the property is a short drive from all services, amenities, Longbeach school and Lake Hood . This is a compelling small farm/lifestyle opportunity that offers the perfect base for rural, tradesman or work from home businesses, retiring farmers or any buyer option. An appealing property with several income streams and included value that’s hard to find.

For Sale By Negotiation Web pb.co.nz/AL10469

Greg Jopson M 027 447 4382 gregj@pb.co.nz

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | 0800 367 5263 | pb.co.nz Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | 0800 367 5263 | pb.co.nz

THE FARMLANDER | 61

FARMLANDS DEALS

Honda Two-Wheel and Water Pump offers exclusive to Farmlands shareholders

ENGINE: 149cc TRANSMISSION: 5-speed STARTER: Electric and kick FUEL CAPACITY: 12 litres SEAT HEIGHT: 825mm KERB WEIGHT: 129kg CARRY RACK: Rear

FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS

$300

GET

• • • • • • •

HONDA DOLLARS*

CRF250F $8,257

EX GST

ENGINE: Fuel injected 250cc TRANSMISSION: 5-speed FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS STARTER: Electric FUEL CAPACITY: 6 litres SEAT HEIGHT: 883mm KERB WEIGHT: 114kg HONDA DOLLARS* BRAKES: Disc front & rear

$500

GET

• • • • • • •

XR190 $5,495

EX GST

• • • • • • •

ENGINE: Fuel injected 184cc TRANSMISSION: 5-speed FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS STARTER: Electric and kick FUEL CAPACITY: 12 litres SEAT HEIGHT: 835mm KERB WEIGHT: 133kg HONDA DOLLARS* CARRY RACK: Front & rear

$400

CT125 $5,995 • • • • • • •

EX GST

GET

XR150 $4,195

EX GST

ENGINE: Fuel injected 125cc TRANSMISSION: 4-speed FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS STARTER: Electric and kick FREE FARM KIT FUEL CAPACITY: 5.3 litres WORTH SEAT HEIGHT: 800mm KERB WEIGHT: 120kg ** BRAKES: Disc front & rear

$400

hondamotorbikes.co.nz 62 | THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

WATER PUMP WX10

WATER PUMP WB20

Ideal for large water movements. • Maximum Pumping 120L/min • GX25 Engine • 1” Diameter • Total Head 36m • Suction Head 8m • Weight 6.1kg • Recoil Start

Premium volume water pump. • Maximum Pumping 600L/min • GX120 Engine • 2” Diameter • Total Head 32m • Suction Head 8m • Weight 21kg • Recoil Start

651

HOS H WORT

EX GST

* $100**

GET

FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS

$50

HONDA DOLLARS*

782

EX GST

FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS

GET

E FRE E KIT

$150

HONDA DOLLARS*

TRASH PUMP WT20

TRASH PUMP WT30

Powerful portable trash pump. • Maximum Pumping 650L/min • GX160 Engine • 2” Diameter • Total Head 30m • Suction Head 8m • Weight 41.5kg • Recoil Start

Our biggest trash pump. • Maximum Pumping 1300L/min • GX240 Engine • 3” Diameter • Total Head 27m • Suction Head 8m • Weight 63kg • Recoil Start

1,869

EX GST

2,477

EX GST

$300

$350

GET

FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS

GET

FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS

HONDA DOLLARS*

DEALERSHIPS NATIONWIDE

Offer valid until 30/04/22. *Honda Dollars amount includes GST. Honda Dollars cannot be exchanged for cash. Honda Dollars voucher must be redeemed before 30/06/22. Bike and pump prices excludes GST. ** Farm Kit includes front carrier, farm tyres, handlebar protector, chain & sprocket kit - valued at $400.00 includes GST. ***Hose Kit valued at $100.00 includes GST. Available while stocks last at participating Honda motorbike dealers only. Honda Dollars can only be redeemed at an authorised Honda motorbikes dealer. For full terms and conditions go to hondamotorbikes.co.nz. Offer only available on payment with Farmlands Card. Farmlands terms and conditions apply.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER | 63

LIMITED TIME ONLY

TO ENTER BUY A 150 BOX OF WOOD POST CLAW INSULATORS

PLUS RTH

OVER $49,000 WO OF PRODUCTS UP FOR GRABS!

THE GREAT GALLAGHER GIVEAWAY

1 IN 6 BOXES WINS

For full terms and conditions visit

only. Valid 1st sive to Farmlands shareholders www.farmlands.co.nz. Offer exclu

Available at your local Farmlands store

April - 31st May 2022.

The Farmlander - April 2022

Articles inside

Scenic splendour bonus for cyclists

Weed battle highlights importance of cleaning

Farm plastics scheme makes recycling easy

5 minutes with Shaun Forgie

Hard learned lessons drive service schedule

Frustration leads to site for sharing gear