Winter thinking

Farmlands has experts in every field, within its own people and through its Partners. Here, three of them share advice on how best to use that winter ‘thinking time’ and how to ensure everyone stays safe.

LAND USE OPTIONS

Gaz Ingram Farmlands Technical Leader, Organics

Winter is the time when we reflect on the year gone and probably give ourselves a congratulatory pat on the back. Could things have been done differently though and what lessons can we take from the past growing season? Some of the things to take note of are changes to what’s going on locally as well as changes in industry thinking and the crops that are in demand. Another aspect to look at is how they are being grown. Is a particular system or choice of inputs being used? There are options to change your footprint on the planet, either through new crop choices or different choices about how we produce them. • Should we decrease production to lower inputs and cost? • Could I try a different fertiliser programme, with different testing methods? • Look over the fence now and then – what did your neighbours grow in their back paddock? Did it work for them? Can you do that too? Diversification need not mean a total overhaul of your farming system. It could be as simple as a change in variety of your current crop, different arable crops, vegetables or maybe a new variety of pipfruit. If your farm has been in cropping and livestock for generations, how about a few hectares of horticulture? Or maybe your local restaurant has commented that they always need fresh local produce? There are geographical and climatic reasons why everything doesn’t grow everywhere but be curious, ask why. Diversification can also mean expanding your own skillset or taking the leap and trying something new, which can be daunting yet exhilarating at the same time. We all have the power to dream about the what-ifs but the magic happens when you take the plunge and consider the possibilities. Involve others in your thinking – they will challenge you into getting the most from the opportunity and growing the business. Fast-forward to the same conversation that future generations may have about the property and be proud to share the tale of change that you made happen. Talk to your local Farmlands team. Our size and diversity means we have the power of collective knowledge for you to tap into and harness.

COLD WEATHER KIT

India Clark Farmlands Retail

Winter days on-farm can be miserable when you aren't properly kitted out. Just remember, knowing how to layer is key to staying warm. Here are five clothing items no farmer should be without:

1. LEATHER WORK BOOTS

Because you spend most of your working day on your feet, it makes sense to invest in high-quality footwear. In addition to protecting your feet from the elements, a rugged work boot like the John Bull Raptor can offer protection against smashed toes caused by heavy equipment or livestock.

2. WET WEATHERS

From rain and snow to windchill, a quality pair of insulated bib overtrousers and a parka can protect you from the most unforgiving conditions. Some of the best options such as the ISO940 range from Betacraft offer freedom of movement, a breathable lining and ripstop nylon fabric for extreme durability.

3. BASE AND MID LAYERS

To survive for long periods in the cold, you have to know how to layer. Base layers from the Thermatech Merino range will help to trap heat and wick away sweat. A mid layer will provide additional insulation and draw heat to the next layer for greater warmth. The Betacraft Drover Fleecepacks will give you this added warmth in a 280gsm, anti-pill fabric.

4. INSULATED VESTS

An insulated vest offers greater core protection and can be worn over any shirt or sweatshirt. When your torso is warm, your heart can pump more blood to your limbs and extremities. The Thermotough vest from Stoney Creek is perfect for this and features fleece-lined pockets for even greater warmth.

5. NATURAL FIBRES

You can’t beat New Zealand wool but you can’t turn away from technology either. Mixing merino with possum and polyester, the Backroad Windstopper will do what it says on the tin and then some. Mix with a good base layer to keep warm and working, even when the temperature drops.

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FIRE SAFETY

Angela Hogg FMG Advice Manager

As the months get colder and the sheds fill with firewood, now’s the time to begin your pre-winter checks on fireplaces in the homes around the farm. Over the past 3 years, house-fire claims are expected to cost FMG almost $49.5 million, affecting more than 470 families. What isn’t reflected in those numbers is the emotional stress of an event like that, or treasured items being lost. We’ve all heard about the delays in securing building supplies and these challenges mean restoration can be a more lengthy and difficult process. A house fire can be an emotionally stressful issue to deal with at the best of times but there are things you can do to lessen the risk.

Rural properties are likely to use wood fires and there are simple steps you can take to prevent things going wrong. Pre-winter checks play a critical role in reducing the risk of house fires when it comes time to heat the house up. Your pre-winter house checks should include: • Inspecting fireplaces and chimneys for deterioration. If damage is found, get a professional in to fix it before the first fire of the season. • Getting your chimney flue swept. This can reveal and clear any blockages such as bird nests that have built up over summer. • Installing a fireguard. These prevent embers, sparks and logs rolling onto the floor and causing significant damage. • Checking and installing smoke alarms. These really do save lives, so ensure yours are in good working condition each season.

We can replace a house but we can’t replace a home; take the time now to prepare yours for winter.

Pre-winter checks play a critical role in reducing the risk of house fires.”

PLUS, EVERY $50 SPENT ON FUEL WITH YOUR FARMLANDS CARD AT Z, CALTEX OR CHALLENGE GIVES YOU A CHANCE TO WIN A FORD RANGER^ .

*Rebate of 12c per litre off the pump price at Z, Caltex or Challenge when using your Farmlands Card. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. ^Promotion valid 1 May – 11:59pm 30 June 2022. One entry for every $50 incl. GST spent on fuel in a single transaction. One winner will be selected from the North Island and South Island (two winners total). Excludes Z and Caltex Truck Stops.

The Warehouse Group shows its commitment

SUSTAINABLE SOURCING FOR BETTER PRODUCTS AND A BETTER FUTURE

Sustainable sourcing is nothing new and in today’s world, it’s impacting the consumer mindset and nearly every area of corporate business. Consumers are more aware and conscious of the brands they purchase and therefore the companies they engage with. The Warehouse Group, a Farmlands Card Partner, is the largest importer of consumer goods in New Zealand — and sourcing is at the heart of what we do. So it’s important that we have a team dedicated to sustainable and ethically sourced products. Our experts understand the science behind sustainability and they help us shape what is possible. We define sustainable sourcing as the environmental attributes of a product’s design, raw materials, manufacturing, end-use and disposal – including its packaging. We have measures in place to address the social dimension of our sourcing activity through our Ethical Sourcing Workstream. Over the years, our programme has evolved from a focus on supply chain workers to include various aspects of responsible sourcing – whether it’s joining global initiatives such as the Better Cotton Initiative, to have a wider-reaching voice, increasing use of sustainable materials in our products, or removing unnecessary packaging from our products, so we can save natural resources and reduce waste going to landfills. We are only just beginning our journey in this area of sustainability but through our team of advisors our goal is to become the country’s most sustainable organisation.

PERIOD POVERTY

Tackling Period Poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand

One in 12 girls in New Zealand is missing school every month because of period poverty. It might seem strange that this is even an issue to begin with but it’s a harsh reality for women and girls right here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Period poverty is a lack of access to menstrual products, which affects girls’ education and gender equality. The accessibility of these products is predominantly due to financial reasons but in some instances cultural and social situations may also be a cause. Not only does it lead to missing school but also missing out on work, school sports and social activities. It can lead to physical health problems such as infections caused by using items and products which are unsafe or unsanitary, as well as embarrassment and feelings of shame. The Warehouse Group is helping to tackle period poverty and has introduced a more affordable period product range at $1 to help Kiwis struggling with the cost of menstrual products each month. For every 10 of those products sold, The Warehouse Group will also donate a pack to our partners The Period Place and Women’s Refuge to pass on to women and girls who need them. The packs donated to The Period Place are passed on to local community groups who support those experiencing barriers to access. Alongside these products is educational material from The Period Place about period cycles and the types of period products available. Since 2019, we have already donated close to 65,000 period products to women and girls in need. That figure will grow as we continue to donate. Of course our work is of no value if we don’t look after our own employees on this matter. In April 2021, The Warehouse Group started providing free pads in team member bathrooms across our network of stores, distribution centres and support office locations.

The Warehouse Group and its brands (Noel Leeming, The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery and Torpedo7) are Card Partners of Farmlands.

Have your say

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OVER THE FENCE

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Your need for extra space is our call to action. Whether you need additional short or long-term room at home or at work, or you require flexibility to accommodate an increase in staff, our range of sturdy, practical, portable buildings has an option to suit. Buy the building outright, hire from us, or make your mind up when you’ve used one for a while. The choice is yours. Whatever you decide, Portabuild takes the worry out of the equation.

No sooner have you discussed your needs with us and made a decision, then we will be creating your new space – for work, for home, for leisure, or all three. All units supplied as standard are hard-wired, ready to simply plug in. All buildings comply with the New Zealand Building Standards.

Your need for extra space is our call to action. Whether you need additional short or long-term room at home or at work, or you require flexibility to accommodate an increase in staff, our range of sturdy, practical, portable buildings has an option to suit. Buy the building outright, hire from us, or make your mind up when you’ve used one for a while. The choice is yours. Whatever you decide, Portabuild takes the worry out of the equation.

No sooner have you discussed your needs with us and made a decision, then we will be creating your new space – for work, for home, for leisure, or all three. All units supplied as standard are hard-wired, ready to simply plug in. All buildings comply with the New Zealand Building Standards.

Buy the building outright, hire from us, or make your mind up when you’ve used one for a while. The choice is yours. Whatever you decide, Portabuild takes the worry out of the equation.