Farmlander April 2017 South

SPECIAL OFFERS AND INFORMATION FOR FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS

APRIL 2017 Valid from 1–30 April 2017

The FARMLANDER FARMLANDS AND FIELDAYS TEAM UP PAGE 14

FIXING UP QUAKE FARMS

NEVER STOP LEARNING

THE VALUE OF NUFFIELD SCHOLARS PAGE 4

7802 1047 0991 6005 RD HOLDER P 07/17 M CA ER AM&B RD HOLD ANDY CA

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GREAT CARD PARTNER DEALS INSIDE!

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PAGE 51

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

APRIL

INTEREST

PLAN 365

3

Farmlands staff profile

Plan365 Horticulture

3

From the CEO

4

Special Feature – Never stop learning

11

Finance Now

25

Autumn pasture risks for horses

12

Farmlands 5 Minutes

27

Keeping calves on track

14

Farmlands and Fieldays team up

28

Micro minerals in the ruminant diet

16

Celebrating success at the Annual Farmlands Awards

31

Living the dream with pigs in your life

18

Farmlands welcomes Toyota

19

Agricultural safety leaders target collective safety solutions

23

A cut above the rest

Plan365 Nutrition

WHAT’S ON

1

Plan365 Forage and Arable

APRIL

33

Fodder beet transitioning

34

Planning an autumn clean-up of weeds and pests on your property

20

Out and about with Farmlands

44

What’s in-store?

35

Early ordering a win-win for farmers

45

Farmlands Fuel

37

Pasture sown, job done? Not quite…

Choices Rewards

39

Don’t let velvetleaf take over your farm

46 47

Winners enjoy World Superbikes

49

Rural Support Trusts appoint National Council

50

Farmlands Buying Power Promise

51

Get involved – fixing up quake farms

52

Farmlands Card

54

Time to plough

55

Farmlands Livestock

56

Growing sheep milk industry bolstered by science

57

Avo-can-do!

40

How to cope with Cooperia

41

Meeting regulations this calving season

Safeguarding your farm dairy effluent system

ECCIAL OFFERS AND INFORMATION FOR FARMLANDS SPECIAL

SHAREHOLDERS

APRIL 2017 Valid from

FARMLANDS AND FIELDAYS TEAM UP PAGE 14

FIXING UP QUAKE FARMS

Farmlands Real Estate WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE VALUE OF NUFFIELD SCHOLARS

ON THE COVER We talk to Farmlands shareholder Julian Raine, who proves education and perspiration brings the right rewards.

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7802

R DEALS ART ER PARTN PARTNER C AT CARD REA GREAT G

INSIDE! INSI

XP 07/17 EXP

BM AM& HOLDER D CARD ANDY

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91104778

Special prices and offers apply from the 1st to the 30 th of April 2017. Only while stocks last.

Check your Farmlands store for product availability. All prices include GST unless otherwise stated. Savings based on Farmlands normal retail price.

Note: The “Your Price” advertised in The Farmlander magazine is the price that a Farmlands shareholder will be charged if the advertised products are purchased during the promotional period. Farmlands stores also use a “net” price (discounted price without a rebate) to attract cash sale customers and potential shareholders. *Savings based on Farmlands normal retail price.

2 | THE FARMLANDER

Accounts are payable at Farmlands Head Office or any store by the 20th of each month. Failure to pay an Account by Due Date is a Default Event under the Terms and Conditions and Farmlands is then at its discretion entitled to: suspend or terminate the Account; charge interest at 2% per month; reverse discounts or credit rebates; debit other Shareholder Accounts; make demand on a Card Signatory; debit any default administration costs incurred; register a mortgage over land; terminate shareholding.

Farmlands shareholders have the option to pay their Accounts either in part or in full by MasterCard or Visa Credit Card. Payment by any credit card will not entitle the shareholder to receive Bonus

21-22 APRIL

West Coast Equine and Lifestyle Day A day of amazing deals and advice on everything you need!

PAGE 4

099 0991 6005CARD HOLDER

Call in and see us at the Mackenzie Highland Show in Fairlie.

1–30 April 2017

A MLANDER AR FFAR TThh FA The

NEVER STOP LEARNING

APRIL

Mackenzie Highland Show

Plan365 Rural Infrastructure

PAGE 51

58

17

Plan365 Animal Management

43

Oxford A&P Show Join us at the Oxford A&P Show.

Rebates for the month paid or part paid. Neither Farmlands nor any other person involved in the preparation of this document accepts any liability for any opinion or information (including the accuracy or completeness thereof) or for any consequences flowing from its use. The information contained in this document is given in good faith, has been derived from sources perceived to be reliable and accurate and is subject to Farmlands Terms and Conditions. Not all products are available at all Farmlands stores.

Offers valid at Farmlands South Island stores only.

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

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FARMLANDS STAFF PROFILE Grant McKay Q: What is your current role at Farmlands?

A: Sales Manager – Otago.

Q: What do you enjoy about your job?

A: People, challenges and solutions.

Q: Tell us a bit about your family.

A: My wife Jo is the principal of a primary school in Wanaka where we live and I have two amazing young girls, Harriet (6 years) and Gabriella (3 ½ years).

FROM THE CEO Welcome to the April issue of The Farmlander.

Q: What piece of technology could you not live without?

A: I think it would be my smart phone – but sometimes I think I would be smarter to be without it Q: What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?

A: I went on my OE with no particular plan and it blew out to 4 ½ years but saw some pretty neat places – Nepal and India come to mind as being interesting and memorable.

March was a positive month for your co-operative. I spent the first part of it visiting our staff around the country for a series of Regional Conferences. These conferences are crucial in making sure all our staff are aligned on how we can best serve our shareholders. We can do that by harnessing the buying power of our strong shareholder base while focusing on our three key strategic goals – Enduring Customer Relationships, Impregnable Business Model and Leading Agricultural Knowledge and Expertise.

We’ve harnessed this buying power to bring you some great deals on your fertiliser, chemical and fencing requirements at the time of year that you need them most. If you haven’t checked these out, I urge you to visit your local store or talk to your TFO or TA. You won’t be disappointed.

Grant’s Lamb Vindaloo Ingredients 800g pre-cooked lamb meat 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil 2 tablespoons garlic and ginger paste 3 fresh green chillies, finely chopped 2 scotch bonnet chillies, finely chopped 1 tablespoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 tablespoon madras curry powder 1 tablespoon coriander powder 1 tablespoon tomato paste 3 tablespoons chopped coriander

3 tablespoons red hot chilli powder (be careful – less might be better) 4 cloves 1 bay leaf 6 green cardamom pods, smashed 2 potatoes, pre-boiled (optional) 2 tablespoons vinegar 2 tablespoons plain yogurt 500ml (2 cups) heated curry sauce Salt and pepper to taste

Method

I look forward to bringing you more exciting announcements in the months to come. All the best for a productive April.

Kind regards,

Peter Reidie

1. Heat the ghee/vegetable oil over medium heat.

2. Allow to sizzle for about a minute and then add the spices. The curry will darken as the turmeric fries away.

3. Now scoop in the garlic and ginger along with the chopped chillies.

4. Throw in the potatoes (if using) and the heated curry sauce. Stir to combine while adding the pre-cooked lamb pieces.

5. Stir in the yogurt 1 tablespoon at a time followed by the vinegar and tomato paste.

6. Check for seasoning and then sprinkle with the chopped coriander and season to taste with salt and pepper.

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The theme for this month’s issue is Rural Leadership and we pride ourselves on being a leader and not a follower.

That’s why we continue to announce exciting partnerships with businesses and organisations that will bring proven benefits to our shareholders. Hot on the heels of our new agreement with Toyota – which we have enjoyed a fantastic response to – we have also announced a new partnership with NZ Fieldays Society. This partnership will bring more technology and innovation to shareholders, in a sector that is always searching for ways to boost production and find better practices. You can read more about this partnership on page 14.

Chief Executive Officer Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 3

SPECIAL FEATURE

Never stop learning Julian Raine proves education and perspiration brings the right rewards. | Oaklands Milk is available in vending machines around Nelson.

4 | THE FARMLANDER

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | Š April 2017. All rights reserved.

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| Oaklands is a multi-generational farm that has been in the family since 1844.

Twenty years after he became a Nuffield Scholar, Julian Raine is still finding new ways to turn the theoretical into practical.

is passionate about the value of local production.

Dairy. Beef. Horticulture. Hops. Forestry.

restaurants and vending machines in Nelson, plus

This is not a roll call of the different industries in the primary sector – just the ones Nelson’s Julian Raine involves himself in. It sounds like a hectic existence but Julian seems to take it all in his stride.

there is a home delivery service,” he explains. “We also

From a strong farming family, Julian is a Director and shareholder in Wai-West Horticulture – just over 200 hectares of apples, berryfruit and gold kiwifruit. Further down the road, he still manages Oaklands, the dairy farm that has been in his family since 1844. The 200 cow, 460 hectare operation is complemented by a 400 cow, 300 hectare operation at Motupiko.

with their milk, all the glass bottles come back to

It’s one of New Zealand’s oldest farms but Oaklands these days finds itself sandwiched between urban sprawl.

The realities of urbanisation do not daunt Julian, as he

“It came about partly by necessity – our winter

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“Oaklands Milk is its own brand and goes to cafés,

have Aunt Jean’s, which is our supermarket brand.

“All of our milk is delivered in glass bottles, so when the restaurants, cafés and home delivery are finished us to be sterilised and re-used. With Aunt Jean’s, the bottles can just go into the recycling.”

Glass bottles and value-add milk is only one aspect of the Oaklands story. Nelson is also centre stage to another unique Oaklands initiative – milk vending machines. contract was cancelled and we were a longtime winter milker, roughly about 80 years.

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 5

I was the last Chairman of Nelson Milk before the shareholders agreed to sell to Kiwi Dairies, one of the three parties that formed Fonterra in the late 1990s,” Julian explains.

“We had been milking as a town supply farmer for decades and leading up to that, milk used to be taken from Nelson and trucked to Christchurch. They didn’t renew our contract so we felt there were a couple of things we could do – we were more remote from where our milk came from and there was an opportunity to get back closer to the Nelson customers.

It was evident in some of the other industries I’m in that people had become more remote from where their food is produced.”

In his various travels, Julian had seen vending machines in villages, so contacted a manufacturer in Italy. After a year’s planning, the machines were imported and rolled out to the public.

The initiative is an example of what Julian describes as “looking at complex issues from every angle”.

| There are two brands on offer – Oaklands and Aunt Jean’s.

| Cows on this farm even have a robotic back scratcher.

6 | THE FARMLANDER

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

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He credits the Nuffield Scholar programme, which he completed in 1997, as critical to his growth in this area.

Julian focused his Nuffield Scholar studies around integrated fruit production. His travels on the subject took him to Europe, South East Asia and North and South America. So how did a man from a longstanding dairy family find a passion for horticulture?

“I live in Nelson and I wanted to continue to live in Nelson.

Nelson isn’t renowned for its dairy, so you’ve got to think where the future is – the future is we grow really good fruit here and a wide range of fruit. I thought if I’m going to be involved in farming in its broader sense then I need to learn a wide range of skills,” he says.

Nuffield provided an opportunity to develop and Julian was keen to know more through an obvious thirst for knowledge. “There were obviously some things about integrated fruit production that I wanted to bridge the gap between the growers and scientists.

I wanted to become the translator between the scientists and what they said and those in the field.”

Applying what he learned during his studies has paid dividends. Understanding the life cycles of insects and the associated scouting techniques have become standard since the early 2000s.

“Understanding the timing of chemicals rather than calendar spraying, which was true 2 decades ago, has been important. We are now far more sophisticated in what we do when we are targeting specifically. | Julian focused his Nuffield studies on integrated fruit production.

“In the apple industry, we have developed very sophisticated systems to a point there are nil detectable residues at harvest time. It is very friendly chemistry now that is targeting specific species and is environmentally friendly.

“Apple futures as well, which is now the apple standard for the industry. That evolved around the time of the initial study and the majority of the industry is now done through apple futures.”

Since his studies, Julian has developed an intensive governance portfolio. Aside from his involvement with Oaklands and Wai-West Horticulture, he is President of Horticulture New Zealand, Chairman of Boysenberries New Zealand and is on the Board of New Zealand Hops.

“The Nuffield way is to give back to the industry and community for the rest of your life – not in the thinking of ‘it’s a life sentence’ – but people have invested in you and you need to repay that investment.

“It’s kind of like a moral contract and you’re doing it all the time. Nuffield has a great global network – not just New Zealand but the UK, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Canada, Australia – we’re also forming beachheads in Brazil – so it is well on the way to forming a global network of farmers and thought leaders.” | Wai-West Horticulture has just over 200 hectares of apples, berryfruit and gold kiwifruit.

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Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 7

8 | THE FARMLANDER

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“

Some people try and solve a problem and look at it from one direction. Nuffield has given me the ability to walk around a problem and look at all the different aspects.

| Julian is keen to use Oaklands to bridge the “urban/rural divide”.

The global networks have provided a valuable sounding board for Julian with his many ventures. He says his family have had a long association with the hop industry, which is going through an exciting period at the moment. A Director of grower Himetai Hops, Julian says new entrants to the market are being kept busy trying to satisfy some of the demand coming out of the craft beer industry.

Beef is a sideline to the dairy operation, although they are now able to rear their own calves. Julian says the change came out of the public concern for bobby calves. “I know it’s not practical for every farmer but we have sufficient land to rear our own beef and sell them to other farmers to grow them on for the beef market, or we grow them on,” he says.

When you add in the 100 hectares of forestry – a long-term investment consisting of mainly Pinus radiata with redwood, cypress and Douglas fir thrown in – it makes for an extensive

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portfolio. Julian insists dairy is the main focus for him at present, as they continue to push value-add products.

“We’ve put in a new dairy and now have a public viewing room. We get lots of school groups – we have one coming from Richmond today and we’re hosting secondary school students tomorrow,” he says. “We have regular viewings with school groups, who come and see where their food is produced, rather than buying it from the supermarket and having no idea where their food came from.”

Julian says he opens up the farm to connect people to the realities of food production, while trying to remain grounded with public thought.

“People refer to it as the urban/rural divide – this is about bridging that,” he says. “We’ve learned things talking to kids and parents and they’ve learned things from us.

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 9

It’s the same philosophy when I’m selling boysenberries around the world. We have a good idea of where the trends are and we need to keep up. It’s a two way street – we’re always talking about the issues we have, what’s too costly, what’s not working or what we have in place.”

You can pick up the phone and talk to Anne Hindson, who is the General Manager. There is plenty of help there.

“There’s also the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, which is also better known. It’s seen as a stepping stone for Nuffield.

There’s about 40-50 places a year in the Kellogg Programme

The previously mentioned ability to “look at complex issues from every angle” is key to keeping up.

and that can give you a taste of where it is going to lead you.”

As Julian explains, “some people try and solve a problem and look at it from one direction. Nuffield has given me the ability to walk around a problem and look at all the different aspects.”

into practice. That being said, he’s happy to avoid

It is sage advice from someone that has put his theory branching out into another industry anytime soon.

The advice Julian gives any aspiring Nuffield Scholar is simple – the support network is already there.

“I think there’s enough on my plate at the

“There’s more than 100 Nuffield Scholars around New Zealand. Go and talk to one – you can go online and look on the website and there is lists of farmers there.

For more information about Nuffield Scholarships

moment, I’m just doing more of the same.” and the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, visit www.nuffield.org.nz or www.kellogg.org.nz

| Having completed his Nuffield studies in 1997, Julian urges candidates to make use of the support network

10 | THE FARMLANDER

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

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Farm Flexi IS HERE!

FINANCE NOW

Farm Flexi is a revolving credit option exclusive to Farmlands shareholders.

It’s simple to use and offers a great range of benefits.

$19.95

paid 6 monthly

Manage seasonal cash flow

Low account fees Fees only apply when funds are drawn down so you only pay for what you use

$ No establishment or booking fees

The idea is simple – put your farming inputs on your Farm Flexi and pay it off when you get paid for them (or earlier if you choose).

$ No early repayment fees Clear balances when you choose or make partial payments

%

5

Minimum monthly payments of just 5%

% 10.25 per annum Very competitive interest rates of just 10.25% p.a.

To learn more about Farm Flexi call 0800 200 600, or head to www.farmlands.co.nz/farm-flexi Please note that current Creditline customers will need to apply for Farm Flexi to continue to use their credit facility.

Finance provided by Finance Now. Refer to Terms and Conditions for full details disclosures Flexi and Finance Now. W WWW WW WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ WW. W.FA W.F FAR RM M MLA LA L AND NDand S..CO S C O.N NZ relating to Farm FFarm Farmlands Fa Far arm a ar rrm rmland mlland lan an and a nd n ds Co C Co-operative o--o ope o op pe p erra rat rati ati at a tiivve eS Socie Society ocie o cie iie ety ety yL Limited im imi imit mitte ed d|©A April pril pri pr p rri rilill 2017.

20 201 2 017 01 7.. A Allllll rights rig rig igh htts re rreserved. esser se serv errvve erv ed. ed d. d.

Lending conditions apply. Rates & fees subject to change.

THE TH T HE FARMLANDER FAR ARML ARML MLA AN ND DE ER | 1 11 1

FARMLANDS 5 MINUTES

5 minutes with Nathan Guy As Minister for Primary Industries, you

What does New Zealand need to

connect with all aspects of the rural

do to develop more rural leaders?

sector. Where do you feel the greatest opportunities lie in terms of growth?

Attracting talented people and keeping them in the primary sector

We have a lot of opportunities ahead of

is a challenge and priority for

us to target the wealthiest consumers

both industry and Government.

around the world with premium,

Last year at Fieldays we launched

value-added products. This is why

Growing Our Futures, a series

we’ve set a goal of doubling the value

of videos of Primary Industry

of primary sector exports by 2025.

Champions developed by MPI

Irrigation and water storage will play

to showcase people doing great

a part in this by improving how we

things in the primary industries.

use our valuable water resources.

We now have 135 Primary

We’re also investing heavily in science

Industries Ambassadors available

and research with industry through

to go into schools, working

the Primary Growth Partnership,

with teachers and students

which has enormous potential.

to support their learning and

Nathan Guy, M

inister for Prim

ar y Industries.

raise awareness of these careers.

They have already made over 500 visits to more than 150 schools.

An important message we’re pushing is the primary sector isn’t just about milking cows or shearing sheep. It’s things like environmental planning, IT and robotics, research and development, veterinary science, biosecurity, food safety and plant science.

Over the last three Budgets the Government has also increased tuition subsidies for tertiary agriculture qualifications by around 50 percent.

What parts of the world do you believe we should be targeting to grow our primary industry exports?

We already export to around 130 countries and it is important we keep diversifying so that we don’t become too reliant on one market.

12 | THE FARMLANDER

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

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FARMLANDS 5 MINUTES

I visited Iran last month and witnessed an agreement to restart our sheep and beef exports. In the 1980s they used to purchase around a quarter of our sheep meat so this is a market with great potential.

China will continue to be important as they have relaxed their onechild policy, which is expected to create a 30 percent increase in consumption within the next 10 years.

It’s forecast that 38 children will be born every minute in China over the next few years – that’s the equivalent of a New Plymouth of babies per day.

What are the greatest challenges facing the primary sector and what strategies do MPI have in place?

Biosecurity is my number one priority as Minister because we need to protect our producers who are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy.

In recent years we have beefed up the system with more resources and man-power. In Budget 2015 I announced $27 million in new funding, which has helped employ 50 new front line biosecurity staff and 20 extra detector dog teams.

We have also introduced new x-ray scanning machines, a new inflight video and a dedicated border clearance levy to fund biosecurity services.

Work is well underway on building a new $87 million biocontainment lab at Wallaceville in Upper Hutt.

Another key tool is the GovernmentIndustry Agreement (GIA), which involves industry and MPI working together on biosecurity.

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In the past few years New Zealand

North Canterbury making progress as

farmers and growers have faced

this is a region that really needs it.

droughts, flood and insect pressure

Water reticulation also has proven

in various parts of the country. What

to be a good investment for farmers

lessons have we learned to increase

in dealing with these dry spells.

our resilience to these issues?

As a Government we’ve been quick to support the primary sector

Farmers and growers are incredibly

through events like the Kaikoura

resilient. In recent years they have made

earthquake and Wanganui floods and

it through droughts, floods, snowstorms

with extra funding for rural mental

and commodity price fluctuations.

health to support dairy farmers.

The importance of water storage

The importance of communities looking

and irrigation has been reinforced.

out for each other has been paramount

That’s why it’s good to see the

and groups like Rural Support

Hurunui Water Storage project in

Trusts have done a fantastic job.

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 13

CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

Farmlands and Fieldays team up Farmlands Co-operative and New Zealand National Fieldays Society have joined forces to foster innovation and lead change in New Zealand’s primary industries.

Farmlands brands NRM, McMillan

A three-year partnership was officially

Transport and Heavy Equipment

announced at the annual Farmlands

Expo (THE Expo), held last month.

Supplier Awards evening at Lincoln University in February. The alliance positions Farmlands as a major New Zealand National Fieldays Society

and Gulf Oil have partnered with New Zealand National Fieldays Society to support their other major events – Equidays, held in October and The

New Zealand National Fieldays Society Chief Executive, Peter Nation says they are delighted at the partnership and the

sponsor, supporting key events at the

opportunity it presents. “Farmlands is

New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays in

a brand that is well known and trusted

June, including Rural Bachelor of the

by New Zealand farmers and those

Year, No. 8 Wire and Tractor Pull.

working in the primary industry.

The New Zealand National Fieldays Society and Farmlands have similar values and we are both passionate about innovation and positive change in the agricultural industry.”

Farmlands Chief Executive Peter Reidie says the partnership benefits the 65,000 Farmlands shareholders nationwide by helping them gain access to the latest technology and innovation across the primary sector. Peter Reidie says he is delighted by the newly cemented relationship and the potential it holds for the entire agricultural sector.

“Farmlands was born from the desire of everyday farmers to work together for a better deal. Our partnership with the New Zealand National Fieldays Society will support their events to grow to the next level and help the industry to find new, smarter ways of doing things,” he says.

“New Zealand agriculture needs more collaboration and Farmlands intends to play a leading role here. Our partnership with Fieldays is a great start.”

Peter Nation says Farmlands is wellresourced and has strong connections to key markets. “I am confident that our partnership with Farmlands means we can grow Fieldays and our other key events, as well as the business overall.”

The New Zealand National Fieldays Society’s mission is to advance agriculture for the benefit of New Zealand through collaborative leadership in technology, innovation, education and internationalisation.

The charitable organisation was founded in 1968 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018.

| Farmlands Chief Executive Peter Reidie with NZ National Fieldays Society Chief Executive, Peter Nation.

14 | THE FARMLANDER

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

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CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and is a trusted brand on the world stage. In 2016 the event generated $430 million in economic benefit for the New Zealand economy. There were 1,462 exhibitor sites and 130,684 visitors through the gates over the four-day event.

Last year economists valued the Fieldays brand, which is internationally recognised, at $380 million.

The theme for Fieldays 2017, which will be held from 14th-17th June 2017 at the Mystery Creek Events Centre, is “leading change”. Peter Nation says the new partnership will assist change to happen. “Farmlands is a leader in its field and together we hope to assist in providing leadership and innovative thinking to transform the future of primary production in New Zealand.”

Growing leadership and innovative thinking is critical to the ongoing success of Farmlands shareholders.

The co-operative is proud to be able to announce a partnership that will give shareholders an edge in their quest for better business practices.

For more information, visit www.fieldays.co.nz and www.farmlands.co.nz

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 15

CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

Celebrating success at the Annual Farmlands Awards Farmlands staff and suppliers from around the country came together recently for the annual Farmlands Awards. It was a great opportunity to reflect on the year that has been and celebrate success within Farmlands.

night and again is great reward for

“Dairy farming in New Zealand is always

all the team who constantly look out

challenging and in the past year our

for our customers and each other

farmers have coped with earthquakes,

to ensure everyone goes home

droughts and fire risks. Having worked

safely. We’ll be working hard to

in Canterbury for 28 years, almost 11

win them both again next year.”

years with Farmlands, I empathise

The team at Farmlands Pukekohe,

Christchurch based Technical Field

with the problems and respect the

led by Business Manager Paul

Officer, Robin Moody, took home the

hard work involved in dairy farming.”

Brears, took home the Branch of

TFO/TA of the Year Award. Robin says

Shareholders had their say and Smiths

the Year Award and the Health and

he was surprised and honoured to

City was crowned Shareholder’s

Safety Excellence Award. Paul says

receive the award and acknowledged

Choice Card Partner of the Year,

the team was surprised and very

the support of his manager and

with Spark receiving the Card

proud to win Branch of the Year.

colleagues, as well as his family.

Partner of the Year Award.

“The trophy is proudly displayed

“My focus as a dairy TFO at Farmlands

Gallagher was presented with the

on our front counter and generates

has always been to provide the best

Supplier of the Year Award for the

plenty of banter from shareholders.

advice, best prices and best possible

second year running. It was the 10th

It’s a great reward for all the hard

service to our loyal dairy farmers/

time Gallagher has received the honour

work the team have put in,” he says.

shareholders in Canterbury and I

since being named Supplier of the Year

“Winning the Health and Safety

would like to thank them for their

at the inaugural ceremony in 1991.

Excellence Award capped off a great

support over the years,” he says.

Congratulations to all our winners!

Staff Awards

Branch Awards

Card Account Manager of the Year: 1st Rachel O’Brien, 2nd Sarah Reid, 3rd Sophie Loe.

Category – Animal Health and Dairy Management: 1st Timaru, 2nd Wellsford, 3rd Kurow.

Top Performing Salesperson – Gulf Oil: Carey Ellison.

Category – General Farm Merchandise: 1st Cromwell, 2nd Kurow, 3rd Te Puna.

Top Business Growth – Fuel and Lubricants: Carey Ellison.

Territory Manager of the Year: Bruce Davis.

Livestock Agent of the Year: Scott Gibson-Smith.

Livestock Lifetime Achievement Award: Rob Blincoe.

Real Estate Salesperson of the Year: Simon Richards.

Category – Infrastructure: 1st Te Puke, 2nd Tauranga, 3rd Motueka.

Category – Pasture and Horticulture: 1st Amberley, 2nd Kurow, 3rd Wairoa.

Real Estate Overall Top Branch of the Year: Timaru.

Category – Retail Nutrition: 1st Inglewood, 2nd Otautau, 3rd Wellsford.

TFO or TA Rookie of the Year: Stacey Lloyd and James Abbiss.

Bulk Nutrition: 1st Helensville, 2nd Ranfurly, 3rd Wellsford.

TFO/TA Seed Top Gun: Andrew Brown.

Seed: 1st Opunake, 2nd Gisborne, 3rd Greymouth.

TFO/TA Greatest Growth Award: Erik Thomas.

TFO/TA of the Year: Robin Moody.

Branch of the Year: 1st Pukekohe, 2nd Invercargill, 3rd Cromwell.

Shout Out of the Year: Scot Pollard and Emma Monk.

Health and Safety Excellence: Pukekohe.

16 | THE FARMLANDER

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CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

Supplier Awards Rural Supply Award – Dairy and Animal Management: 1st Allflex, 2nd Heiniger, 3rd Animal Health Direct.

Rural Supply Award – General Farm Merchandise: 1st Betacraft, 2nd Lynn River, 3rd Agpac.

Rural Supply Award – Infrastructure: 1st Gallagher Group, 2nd Strainrite, 3rd Iplex Pipelines.

Rural Supply Award – Pasture and Horticulture Management: 1st Nufarm, 2nd DuPont, 3rd Ecrotec.

Rural Supply Award – Retail Nutrition: 1st Milligans Feeds, 2nd Topflite Birdseeds, 3rd Fond Foods.

| Farmlands CEO Peter Reidie with Darrell Jones from Gallagher.

Rural Supply Award – Bulk Nutrition: 1st Glencore, 2nd NRM/Reliance.

Seed Supplier of the Year: 1st Agricom, 2nd PGG Wrightson Seeds, 3rd Agriseeds.

Shareholder’s Choice Card Partner of the Year: Smiths City.

Card Partner of the Year: Spark.

Special Acknowledgement Award: FMG. Retail Supplier of the Year: 1st Gallagher Group, 2nd Nufarm, 3rd Milligans Feeds. | Farmlands CEO Peter Reidie with Jodie Ellis and Roy Campbell from Smiths City.

| The Farmlands Pukekohe team.

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THE FARMLANDER | 17

For exclusive pricing visit www.farmlands.co.nz/Toyota

18 | THE FARMLANDER

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | Š April 2017. All rights reserved.

*Terms and conditions apply, please see www.farmlands.co.nz/Toyota

Best range. Best deals. Farmlands welcomes Toyota.

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CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

Agricultural safety leaders target collective safety solutions Rural leaders are taking a stand and seeking to help farmers improve health and safety on farms.

The Agricultural Leaders Health and Safety Action Group (ALHSAG) has identified three areas where a collective sector approach could help improve the industry’s health and safety record. The membership group, launched last year, brings together farmers, CEOs and senior leaders from agribusiness, agricultural industry

Justine Kidd, chair of ALHSAG, says the group grew out of a group of senior agricultural leaders involved in the influential Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum, who met to discuss health and safety in the agricultural sector and how they could help drive improvements for themselves and for farmers.

“A key driver was the realisation among the group that there are many things that would be better done together, rather than alone, if there is to be

over time, to deliver better results

an improvement in the agricultural

for the industry.

sector’s health and safety record.”

The organisation will focus on the

Peter Reidie, Farmlands CEO, says

delivery of its projects and services

the group is committed to working

regionally, building on and supporting

with all farmers, leaders from

the strong regional networks already

agribusiness, agricultural industry

in place in the sector. These projects

groups and government agencies with

and services will be designed to

Al McCone, Programme Manager

an interest in the welfare of the sector.

complement and link, not duplicate,

Agriculture for WorkSafe New Zealand,

“By carefully considering the sector’s

existing work.

says WorkSafe strongly welcomes

issues and what benefits a collective

The group has two initial projects

and supports the work of the group.

approach could provide, ALHSAG has

underway. These are to develop a

“ALHSAG is a positive sign of the

prioritised three areas where collective

farmer workshop and resources, to

sector taking leadership and working

action is needed. These are ‘agreeing

“dig into the data” to help farmers and

in co-operation with various initiatives

the problem’, ‘conversations to learn’

to focus sector actions on the things

already underway. Through the

and ‘a healthier, safer sector’.”

that will make a difference.

collective reach of its members, it is

Actions will include using good

A high number of fatal accidents in

well positioned to get its practical tools

data and information to help the

agriculture are contractors and most

and messages to farmers and other

sector and farmers focus on the

incidents involve vehicles. Accordingly,

agricultural workers. These, in turn,

right priorities and drive action.

ALHSAG will also work with agricultural

will encourage on-farm leadership,

ALHSAG will promote both regular

contractors and service providers, with

which is essential for creating genuine

“normal” conversations about health

the aim of developing simple resources

behaviour change. It will provide

and safety in the sector and learning

to help farmers work more effectively

a framework that will enhance the

from each other’s experiences, good

to keep contractors, suppliers and their

existing health and safety programmes

or bad. It will also support changes in

farms safe.

that its members already offer.”

health and safety practice and culture

Article supplied by WorkSafe New Zealand.

groups and government through a united commitment to making farming safer by sharing information and practical solutions to on-farm health and safety issues. Farmlands is a proud member of the group, with CEO Peter Reidie sitting on the ALHSAG Board.

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THE FARMLANDER | 19

CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

OUT AND ABOUT with Farmlands GRASSROOTS GAME DAY

NORTHLAND FIELD DAYS

Not even torrential rain could put a dampener on the amazing atmosphere at the Farmlands Grassroots Game Day on 17th February. Around 4,500 fans packed the Border Rugby Club in Waverley, Taranaki, to watch the Hurricanes take on the BNZ Crusaders. It was an extremely tight match but the Hurricanes beat the BNZ Crusaders with a final score of 33-27!

The Farmlands team caught up with shareholders at Northland Field Days from 2nd to 4th March, with many people having a go at the gate hanging competition. Farmlands vouchers were awarded to the fastest man (with a time of 7.11 seconds) and the fastest woman (with a time of 13.92 seconds).

T.H.E EXPO The Gulf Oil and Farmlands Fuel teams were on-site at the Transport and Heavy Equipment Expo at Mystery Creek in Hamilton from 2nd to 4th March.

The teams had coffee on hand for shareholders throughout the event. Gulf Racing Porsche driver and Kiwi motorsport legend Jono Lester visited the Gulf site to check out the GT40.

20 | THE FARMLANDER

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CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

GOLDEN SHEARS The top shearers, wool handlers and wool pressers were in Masterton from 2nd to 4th March, competing to be supreme champion of the Golden Shears. The Golden Shears is the world's premier shearing and wool handling championship and Farmlands is proud to sponsor the wool pressing events.

HORSE OF THE YEAR Horse of the Year kicked off on 7th March in 27 degree heat in Hawke’s Bay, which then turned into a muddy, wet week for all involved. The McMillan and NRM sites looked great – and Horse of the Year was the perfect place to launch the new McMillan website and to have some fun with a lucky dip on the NRM site, with riding lessons and Kentucky Equine Research products given away!

WANAKA A&P SHOW The Farmlands site was the place to be at Wanaka Show on 10th and 11th March.

1,279 shareholders enjoyed lunch in our hospitality area during the 2 day event, which was prepared and served by the Wanaka Rotary Club to generate funding for the local Upper Clutha community.

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THE FARMLANDER | 21

Works for you HORTICULTURE

INSURANCE FARMERS CARD ADVERT GET. When you’ve come from the land yourself and worked in rural New Zealand for as long as we have, you know instinctively what the right cover is – and how to offer great service.

It’s what’s made FMG such a trusted partner for farmers and growers all over New Zealand.

And it’s made us this country’s leading rural insurer. If you’re still not sure, ask around about us, or better still call us on 0800 366 466.

We’re here for the good of the country.

22 | THE FARMLANDER

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HORTICULTURE

A cut above the rest For horticulturalists, selecting the right cutting tool is important – and cutting tools made with Japanese high carbon steel have proved to be superior for use in the horticulture industry.

Japanese high carbon steel is formulated to the highest standard in the industry and is traditionally harder than steels from Europe. Due to this high standard, blades will remain sharper for longer and can provide higher resistance when accidently cutting wire or other hard objects.

Japanese steel blades have been known to last up to 4 years in some horticultural markets – some users have got up to five times more life out of their blades than what they had previously used. Their ability to stay sharper for longer means less wear from files, stones or diamond sharpeners and their great resistance to wire etc. means the rate of blade wear and replacement drops drastically, saving the user money on spare blades.

Another key factor not often considered is that the higher quality the steel, the easier and faster it is to sharpen. It is very noticeable how quick the edge will come up compared to sharpening a lower quality blade. A sharper blade also requires less effort to cut, so the user will be able to conserve energy and perform better during a day’s work.

One of the most important things to every horticulturalist is the health of their fruit bearing plants. A clean cut is essential and this can only be achieved by a sharp lopper blade. The duller or more damaged

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the blade, then the rougher the cut – which means increased risk of disease getting into the plant.

The team at Aorangi Merchants recognise the many benefits of using this type of high quality steel and have imported a range of ARS secateurs and loppers for use in the horticulture industry. ARS cutting tools are widely used in many horticultural and agricultural areas including kiwifruit, pipfruit, vineyards, greenhouses, avocados, citrus and flower growing.

Farmlands shareholder Greg Clifford, a grape grower based in Marlborough, trialled ARS loppers and secateurs and says the first thing he noticed was the hardness of the steel.

“We were able to get five times more life out of the ARS blades than anything we have used previously.

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

This is a no-brainer from a cost point of view – the savings are very good.

The loppers for example have the same feel and weight as what we have used previously,” he says.

Farmlands Whakatu Business Manager, Daniel Hill, says that the ARS LPB Bypass Loppers have proved very popular with many of their major shareholders.

“One particular shareholder growing kiwifruit had four seasons of use out of his LPB Bypass Loppers before he needed to change blades. This has made them a popular choice throughout the region,” he says.

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

Article supplied by Aorangi Merchants.

THE FARMLANDER | 23

NUTRITION

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Keep your horse warm in winter weather with the Zilco Crusader 200. With a waterproof yet breathable 1200 denier polyester rip-stop outer and a 200g fibre filling, the Crusader will provide a warm, dry and hygienic cover for your horse this winter.

Features: • Shoulder gussets.

• Double front straps.

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This Zilco horse cover is available in both a combo and a rug only, with the option of a matching neck rug.

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Details of this and other Zilco horse covers can be viewed at www.zilco.net 24 | THE FARMLANDER

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NUTRITION

Autumn pasture risks for horses While forage is the most significant part of any equine diet and pasture is often the most readily available form, there are a host of potential issues that accompany grazing horses on New Zealand pasture at certain times of the year. The most common grass related problem is ryegrass staggers, a condition that affects the nervous system causing incoordination. Ryegrass staggers is caused by fungi called endophytes contained in the ryegrass producing mycotoxins and autumn is prime season for high endophyte pastures.

Staggers occurs from the toxins produced by the endophytes affecting part of the brain’s cerebellum involved in muscle co-ordination and can present as various symptoms depending on the severity of the toxicity. Mild signs include muscle trembling around the head, neck and possibly shoulder area and reactive and anxious behavior may also be noticed.

Symptoms will progress with increased exposure to toxins, with severe symptoms including unsteadiness and loss of control, particularly in the hind end, which may progress to

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complete loss of co-ordination and balance. While the disorder itself rarely results in fatalities, horses with severe symptoms require careful monitoring as often the loss of co-ordination can increase the risk of associated injuries that could be life threatening.

Individual sensitivities to ryegrass toxins can vary significantly from horse to horse, resulting in various degrees of outward symptoms.

Because the signs will increase with the more toxins consumed, horses with high energy requirements and therefore higher pasture intakes will generally be more at risk. This includes growing horses, lactating broodmares, breeding stallions and larger horses with high workloads.

The most effective form of treatment and management of staggers is to avoid consumption of the toxins through removing the ryegrass from the horse’s diet. However in many cases this is not easy, as ryegrass is a significant part of most New Zealand pastures. Restricting pasture

forage source is often required for horses experiencing symptoms, although in this case it is important that ryegrass type hay is avoided also.

Management to avoid cases of ryegrass staggers on farms includes planting low endophyte grasses when resowing pastures and regularly rotating stock. Pasture quality and stage of maturity contributes considerably to the level of endophytes it contains, as they are mostly concentrated in the base of the sheath of the leaf or in the seed heads. Therefore rotating stock to avoid horses eating to the base of the plant and to ensure ryegrass is kept to an acceptable height to avoid going to seed is beneficial.

Mycotoxin binders can be included in diets for horses that are consistently experiencing symptoms of staggers, however these are required to be fed at regular intervals to be effective.

For further assistance and advice on preventing and managing ryegrass staggers in horses, consult a reputable Equine Nutrition Advisor.

access through yarding or stabling and offering hay as a replacement

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Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutrition Technical Advisor, Farmlands Nutrition.

THE FARMLANDER | 25

Works for you NUTRITION

Autumn

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NUTRITION

Keeping calves on track The summer and autumn can be a difficult time for calves, so weighing beefies and dairy replacements regularly (every 3 months if possible) is recommended to avoid future disappointments.

It is important to weigh stock to check if they are on track and allocate feed appropriately to achieve the required growth rates, whilst ensuring that animal health issues like internal parasites and diseases are not holding back performance. One question which is often met with vagueness is “what is the mature weight of your cows?”

If you are rearing calves from your own herd it is important to identify the potential mature weight of your calves.

Weighing 6-8 year old cows in April or May is considered a good time to determine a reliable liveweight. With calves from a herd of variable breed and size it will be harder to monitor weight by age, so extra care is required with a mixed herd. Calves should be 40 percent of mature weight at 9 months of age, rising to 60 percent of mature body weight when 15 months old. If the calving pattern of first calvers and 3 week submission rate indicated a

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moderate to high risk that heifer rearing affected reproductive performance, it is even more important to check heifer weights and review practices.

deficit is holding back young stock –

It is harder for smaller heifers to calve and they will need to catch up and grow during their first lactation, which is likely to impact on both milk production and fertility. Autumn should be a good time for pasture growth and quality but surveys suggest calf growth is not always good enough to compensate for earlier shortfalls, possibly dealing with excess protein in the diet is limiting growth.

for use in trailers because gorging is

Identifying any animals that are above or below allows their feeding to be adjusted. Typically with young stock they need to be fully fed to achieve growth targets but even when fed ad-libitum, dry stalky summer grass may lack both energy and protein relative to the needs of calves. Lots of mature baleage has been made in some regions that may be lower in protein than expected, which could limit its ability to complement lower protein summer pasture.

terms of digestibility and protein level

Straights and simple blends can be useful options when a simple forage

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

they provide useful buffer feed to fill a gap. Generally quite low in fermentable carbohydrates, they lend themselves generally less of a threat. Increasingly we are seeing issues associated with excess copper supply, so if animals are not performing it is worth checking if an over-supply of a key nutrient could be to blame rather than just a deficiency and consider the copper level in any potential supplements.

Where the quality of the pasture in is holding back performance, higher quality supplements many be justified to lift growth rates. Controlled feeding is required with gradual introduction but generally 1-1.5kg per head per day of a mineralised 16 percent calf feed can help put calves back on track.

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

Article supplied by Dr. Rob Derrick, Nutritionist, Farmlands Nutrition.

THE FARMLANDER | 27

NUTRITION

Micro minerals in the ruminant diet Minerals are inorganic elements required in small quantities by animals and are present in all feedstuffs at varying levels. High producing animals have higher requirements for minerals and minerals can become even more important when feeding particular feeds known to be low in certain minerals or when the diet is rich in antagonists, which reduce the availability of other minerals.

of micro minerals are not always as obvious to pick up on when compared to macro mineral derived issues, as the symptoms are not as debilitating. Symptoms between

the different micro minerals can also be quite similar, often including decreased feed intake, decreased milk production, poor fertility, poor immune function and overall ill-thrift.

Minerals are split up into two main categories – macro minerals (usually required in larger amounts, e.g. g/kg of body weight) and micro minerals (usually required in smaller amounts, e.g. mg/kg of body weight). Micro minerals (otherwise known as “trace elements”) can be very important to supply in adequate amounts to avoid deficiencies, however deficiencies

28 | THE FARMLANDER

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NUTRITION

A summary of micro minerals, their key functions in the body and signs of deficiency: Micro mineral

Function

Symptom if deficient

Supplementation (check with a vet or supplier)

Comments

Copper

Essential for blood formation and also involved in many metabolic processes.

Anaemia, hair depigmentation (especially around eyes), poor fertility, retained placenta, impaired immune function.

Copper sulphate fertiliser, injection, bullets and licks.

Cattle and deer have higher copper requirements than sheep. Sheep are more prone to toxicity.

Selenium

Natural antioxidant. Involved in liver and immune function.

White muscle disease/ muscle wasting. Reproductive issues including low sperm motility, infertility and retained placenta.

Sodium selenate orally or by injection, mineral supplements or as fertiliser.

Typically low in New Zealand soils. Excess is toxic, so avoid supplementing by several routes at the same time.

Zinc

Essential for skin, bones and hair as well as reproductive organs and the immune system.

Hoof and horn weakness, skin, hair and wool issues.

Reduced feed intake/growth.

Delayed healing of wounds and poor immune function.

Zinc oxide in drench or bolus, zinc sulphate in mineral supplements. Works well with biotin.

May help good hoof growth.

Can help to prevent facial eczema if supplemented in adequate amounts during facial eczema risk period.

Cobalt

Required by ruminants to produce vitamin B12 in the rumen.

Poor appetite, harsh coat and muscle wasting, pining.

Cobalt sulphate in fertiliser, bullets, injection.

Cobalt levels in grass lowest in spring and summer.

Iodine

Essential for the control of basal metabolic rate, thermoregulation, reproduction and muscle function.

Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). Reproductive problems. Newborns hairless, weak or dead.

Iodised salt or injection. Too much can lead to excessive level in milk.

Typically low in New Zealand soils. Requirement increased in presence of goitrogens (kale and other brassicas).

Iron

A component of protein, e.g. haemoglobin and myoglobin.

Important for cellular respiration and metabolism.

Anaemia, paleness of mucous membranes. Poor skin/hair condition. Reduced growth. Commonly seen in young ruminants on milk.

Important for suckling animals as milk is low in iron.

Most hard feeds and calf milk replacers have adequate iron.

Not normally issues in grazing animals as forages/ soil usually provide adequate levels.

Manganese

Important for brain and nervous system as well as bone mineralisation and connection tissue growth.

Bone malformation and poor growth in young. Low fertility in adults. Nervous disorders and muscle weakness.

May be more important in TMR type diets.

The least toxic of the trace micro minerals.

Molybdenum

Component of many enzymes and plays a role in protein synthesis.

Poor fertility, delayed onset of puberty.

Sodium molybdate. Not commonly required to be supplemented to grazing animals.

An antagonist for copper.

When too high in the diet copper absorption can be compromised.

Chromium

Stimulates insulin activity and glucose uptake in the body.

Glucose metabolism issues.

Reduced growth rate.

Chromium propionate added to dairy feed.

Could help to increase feed intake post calving in dairy cows.

| Micro minerals may be needed in small amounts but are still important for animal health and productive performance.

As it can often be difficult to decipher

order to prevent issues arising. There

the exact micro minerals in deficiency in

are many ways of supplementing

a particular situation, it can be helpful to

animals with micro minerals – with the

look at micro mineral supplementation

two most common being in their feed

as more of an insurance policy for

or through the water system. Some

animal health – and a good micro

micro minerals are known to be low in

mineral supplement is worth including

New Zealand soils and therefore require

in the ruminant diet all year round in

more targeted supplementation.

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

Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Assistant Nutritionist, Farmlands Nutrition.

THE FARMLANDER | 29

Works for you NUTRITION

30 | THE FARMLANDER

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NUTRITION

Living the dream with pigs in your life When Kaikoura residents Chris Sturgeon and Fiona Read returned to the South Island from Wellington a few years ago, they succumbed to the River Cottage dream and bought a couple of piglets for their 7 acre block.

Five pigs currently occupy about ¾ acre of the block, with Belted Galloway cattle occupying the majority. As Managers of Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses, which offers a unique tree top experience, they thought a heritage breed would give them the potential to produce high quality meat products for guests to savour. Wessex Saddlebacks have delivered both the temperament and great tasting meat they were looking for. Slower maturing than commercial breeds, Fiona and Chris are happy that when ready for slaughter their porkers have internal marbling and a layer of firm, delicious fat, which allows them to recreate the high quality meat products they found when travelling through Italy.

Guests are keen to know how stock have been raised and handled and value products that have a story.

Finished pigs are taken by horse float to Harris Meats at Cheviot, so bacon, ham and pork belly can be sold at the local farmer’s market. Immediately after the November 2016 earthquake, their meat was in high demand and stocks were cleared in a day.

The pigs are given access to grazing and can exhibit all natural behaviours.

As their foundation boar – Mr. Pig – has matured, he has surpassed the size expectations of an allegedly “small breed” but has always been a gentleman to handle. Now on their second sow, they have found Wessex Saddlebacks to be easy farrowing, good natured attentive mothers that prefer to make their own nest under the

Top tips for anyone thinking about upgrading from poultry are: • Pigs are addictive – they are intelligent and highly amusing – a great antidote to the pressures of work.

• You are never too old to learn a new skill if you have a passion – stock management skills

• Socialise your pigs and teach them to come for feed – there will be a rebel in every litter that encourages its litter mates to escape – pigs love nuts and are easy to lure back with feed.

• Never underestimate how strong pigs are – build shelters as strong as you can.

• Be careful how much well

trees than use an ark, which they resort to in really bad weather. NRM Big Pig Nuts and NRM Little Pig Pellets have proved to be a convenient core diet enriched with kale out of the garden, vine leaves and even swedes. Bakery waste is largely avoided as it can be a little over fattening for the breeding pair.

With tourists now returning to Kaikoura, it’s good to see that people can

soon develop but if needs be,

prepared pork belly you have

continue living their lifestyle dreams

Google is always close by.

access to – it is totally moorish.

and add to the visitor experience.

• Two pigs are better than one

• Give it a go – the set-up

and are great cultivators

costs are not great and the

for the veggie patch.

proof is in the eating.

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Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

Article supplied by Dr. Rob Derrick, Nutritionist, Farmlands Nutrition.

THE FARMLANDER | 31

for you FORAGE ANDWorks ARABLE

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Fodder beet transitioning Transitioning is a major phase in the successful use of fodder beet.

Introducing your stock to fodder beet, whether it be for autumn or winter grazing, or feeding it out after it has been lifted, requires careful planning and management.

A transition period is essential to reduce the risk of animal health problems, such as rumen acidosis.

excessive production of normal volatile

supplement will generally be required,

fatty acids (VFAs). This will typically

whereas if you are just maintenance

occur within the first 3 weeks of stock

feeding (particularly mature cattle)

having access to fodder beet.

then a lower quality supplement such

The choice of supplement is important

as hay or straw may be sufficient.

as it needs to be palatable, balanced in

Developing a transitioning feed

fibre and also potentially make up for

programme and determining what

the lack of protein in the fodder beet.

will be the finial diet is crucial. Fodder

Fodder beet leaf supplies the majority

beet yield can be very hard to estimate

of the protein, however as the crop

accurately, with huge variation

Prior to feeding fodder beet to livestock,

matures, the leaf proportion decreases.

between sites and variation in bulb

a diet plan is essential. This addresses

If grazing in early autumn for example,

dry matters depending on cultivars

the desired animal performance and the

there may be sufficient protein as the

and growing conditions. Therefore it

target volume of daily intake required to

crop will have a higher leaf percentage

is important to have an estimate of

achieve this and the percentage of total

and an adequate supplement may be

your crop yield based on samples

daily intake that fodder beet will make.

hay or straw. If your crop is damaged,

taken from your own paddock to get a

The main health concern around

or you have a high yielding crop and

good estimate of the feed available.

introducing and grazing fodder beet

leaf proportion is low (i.e. 10 percent)

For further information on

to the diet is rumen acidosis. Acidosis

then a high protein supplement such

transitioning your stock to fodder

occurs when poorly transitioned

as grass baleage or lucerne silage is

beet, contact your Farmlands

animals eat a large amount of rapidly

preferred. This principle also applies

Technical Field Officer or the friendly

digestible carbohydrates (sugars),

if you are trying to achieve liveweight

team at your local Farmlands store.

which lowers rumen pH due to the

gain in young stock, a high protein

Article supplied by Agricom.

Example of a transition programme and final diets of fodder beet for cows, sheep and deer systems:

Start

Beet

M/A cows

R2 heifers/steers

R1 heifers/steers

Ewes/hoggets/hinds

Lambs

1-2kg DM per cow allocated behind a wire.

1kg DM per animal allocated behind a wire.

0.5-1kg DM per animal allocated behind a wire.

2-3 hours on the crop.

2-3 hours on the crop.

7-8kg DM per animal.

5kg DM per animal.

Access to pasture > 2000kg DM/ha.

Access to pasture > 2000kg DM/ha.

Supplement 8-9kg DM per cow.

Transition Diet

Increase the allocation of crop by 1kg DM and decrease the supplement allocation by 0.5kg DM per cow every second day until the final diet is reached for each component.

If residuals are accumulating, pause until the allocation is totally consumed.

Increase the allocation of crop by 1kg DM and decrease the supplement allocation by 0.5kg DM per cow every second day until the final diet is reached for each component.

If residuals are accumulating, pause until the allocation is totally consumed.

Increase the allocation of crop by 0.5kg DM and decrease supplement allocation by 0.5kg DM per animal every second or third day until the final diet is reached for each component. If residuals are accumulating, pause until the allocation is totally consumed.

Increase time spent grazing crop by 1-2 hours every second day until the final diet is reached for each component.

If residuals are accumulating, pause until the allocation is totally consumed.

Increase time spent grazing crop by 1-2 hours every second day until the final diet is reached for each component.

If residuals are accumulating, pause until the allocation is totally consumed.

Final diet (an example)

Beet @ 10kg DM/ head/day. Silage @ 3kg DM/head/day.

Beet @ 5kg DM/head/ day. Silage @ 2kg DM/ head/day.

Beet @ 4kg DM/head/ day. Silage @ 2kg DM/ head/day.

Beet @ 1.1kg DM/ head/day. Silage @ 0.5kg/head/day.

Beet @ 1.0kg DM/ head/day. Lucerne hay @ 0.5kg/head/ day.

This is a guide only. Accurate allocation is important. The timing of feeding each day needs to be consistent. Regular checks are suggested to identify issues early.

Always seek further technical advice.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | Š April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 33

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Planning an autumn clean-up of weeds and pests on your property The autumn/winter months are a good time to carry out property maintenance to ensure smooth running of your farm operation and optimise productivity.

As a general rule when embarking on any brushweed programme, it is important to start in the cleanest areas of a property and work back from there – so here are a few tips:

Have you ever looked at the tidiest

• Always treat scattered brushweeds in paddocks first. Tordon Brushkiller XT is a tried and trusted product and is ideal because it doesn’t harm grasses. Brushweed plants up to knee high can be treated by knapsack sprayer or a battery powered spraying unit. Larger plants are best treated by a high volume brush-gun.

property in the district and wondered about how the owner achieved it?

It is natural to assume a higher level of investment on relatively weed free neighbouring properties but if you dig deeper, this is often not the case. “A stitch in time saves nine” is an appropriate saying in relation to property maintenance.

“Regular, well planned weed and pest control are a key part of keeping ahead of weeds,” Dow AgroSciences National Sales Manager, Peter Holden says.

There are a number of areas to focus on.

Pasture weeds rob you of valuable feed and mature, flowering weeds in fence lines, farm roads etc. act as an ongoing

• As with fence lines, farm lanes and other non-productive farm areas mentioned earlier, removal of brushweeds from these areas should also be a priority to prevent the spread of seed. This is particularly important with gorse and broom, which are prolific seeding plants.

seed source, which generate new infestations. While many farmers use glyphosate to control weeds in these areas, mature broadleaf weeds like ragwort, dock, oxeye daisy and thistles are often poorly controlled and start to become the dominant weeds in these non-productive areas – and continually seed your productive areas. Tordon™ PastureBoss™ is an ideal product for reliable control of these “tough” broadleaf weeds without damage to grasses – but if necessary may be mixed with glyphosate if total vegetation control, including grasses, is required.

Brushweeds such as gorse and broom require a different approach.

34 | THE FARMLANDER

• Where there are undeveloped “blocks” of dense brushweeds on a property, hand spray the perimeter of these areas to prevent spread into clean areas. Make a point of repeating this perimeter spraying every year. While this type of approach is focussed on containment, many farmers find that by repeat spraying in this manner annually they can, like peeling an onion, push 4 or 5 metres into a brushweed block each year and ultimately clear a block completely over a few years. An advantage of this approach is spreading and minimising the cost of development.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the agrichemical industry, Peter also notes new considerations that farmers need to be mindful of when planning weed control on their properties.

“Farmers have been very proactive in fencing off waterways and planting up riparian areas to mitigate nitrate run-off. Weed control in these areas to ensure safe release and rapid establishment of riparian plantings is crucial. Preferentially, these areas should be as clean as possible before planting.” There are some limited options for weed control post-planting but Peter recommends farmers seek prescriptive advice about weed control for riparian areas before they plant.

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

Article supplied by Dow AgroSciences.

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Early ordering a win-win for farmers When Bay of Plenty farmer Kevin Clark learned he was a winner of the Pioneer Early Order 2016, he was a bit bewildered.

“I couldn’t remember entering any competition,” he says. Farmlands Technical Field Officer Mark Beer explained to him that everyone who places an early order of maize with Pioneer before the cut-off date automatically goes in the draw to win the purchase price of their seed back. Last year Kevin’s name that was drawn out of the hat.

Mark suggests to his clients that they order their maize early. “You secure your choice of hybrid early, which means you know when to plant, so you can book your contractor early and everything else seems to fall into place. There’s no last minute rushing around trying to get something done.” | Kevin Clark (right) with Technical Field Officer Mark Beer in front of Kevin’s P0791 crop.

Maize silage is an important part of the Clark’s farm system, providing 50 percent of the winter intake for their 430 cow herd. “We’ve found that wintering-on with maize silage has increased the output and efficiency of our farm,” Kevin says.

Each season Kevin grows 7.5 hectares of maize on the farm and brings in another 20 hectares from outside sources. In spring 2016 he planted Pioneer® brand P0791 hybrid, which is a drought-tolerant AQUAmax hybrid. After harvest he inoculates his maize silage with Pioneer brand 11C33 to reduce heating and retain the nutritional quality.

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The Clark’s farm has an 800m border with the Waimana River, which can be a source of flash flooding. “We’ve never had our crop destroyed by floods but there have been a couple of occasions where it’s gone through the maize covering the ground in silt.

The crop survived pretty well though.”

have had to rely on the Pioneer replant

That potential for flooding is another reason why Kevin orders his seed early. The Pioneer Early Order replant guarantee provides him with free replacement seed and $100.00 per bag towards the cost of replanting if the first crop is destroyed.

of the Early Order scheme, is why

According to Mark, there have been a couple of farmers in the area in who

your local Farmlands store.

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

guarantee for exactly that reason.

Kevin wouldn’t go without maize silage in his system. The benefits are just too big to pass up, increasing his milk output, increasing farm efficiency and having the guaranteed feed to fill any feed gaps. That, and the advantages Kevin will be ordering the seed for his next maize silage crop before June.

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

Article supplied by Pioneer.

THE FARMLANDER | 35

for you FORAGE ANDWorks ARABLE

EASTER TYRE SALE

BUY 1 GET 1 HALF PRICE Buy one Bridgestone car or 4x4 tyre* and get the second HALF PRICE.

2015-2016

PLUS EXCLUSIVE FARMLANDS PRICING ON AGRICULTURAL TYRES.†

0800 80 20 80

bridgestonetyres.co.nz onetyres co n

*Buy one get one half price offer is available from 27 March to 13 April 2017 and applies to selected Bridgestone branded car and 4x4 tyres (see website or in store for exclusions). Additional fitting, balancing, valve stem and casing disposal charges apply.

These charges vary by store and are not subject to the discount. All tyres must be fitted in-store at the time of purchase. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer and is only available while stocks last. For full terms and conditions, see www.bridgestonetyres.co.nz or ask in-store. †For agricultural tyre pricing, please ask in store for details.

36 | THE FARMLANDER

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Pasture sown, job done?

Not quite…

You’ve sprayed out your paddocks and sown new pasture – now all you have to do is sit back and wait for the grass to grow. Job done. Or is it?

Chances are grass and clover are not the only seeds in the soil of your renewed paddock. And it’s those other seeds that are about to cause a problem.

“The sprays we use before sowing do a great job of cleaning up the weeds that are already growing but they have no effect on the weed seed that is hidden in the soil,” new grass specialist Chris Brenan explains.

| Chris Brenan and Jamie MacKay discuss best practice weed control in the GrassmanshipTM video series.

“As soon as conditions are right for germination, those seeds will get growing as fast as your grass and clover seeds, if not faster.”

Hence the need to spray most new pastures after they have emerged, even though the paddock was sprayed before sowing.

“The moment you have weed seedlings in there challenging the clover and grass you have competition for light, space, moisture and nutrients. That’s when part of your new pasture never becomes new pasture, because it becomes weeds instead.”

In 20 years as upper North Island Territory Manager for Nufarm, Chris has seen more new grass paddocks than most. He says while farmers have a great range of post-emergence herbicides to control weeds at different stages of pasture establishment, spraying early is still the gold standard.

“There are two times you can spray – before the first full grazing and after.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

To my mind, the best time is before the first grazing, because this is when weed competition does the most damage.”

to confuse the “first full grazing” with

Tribal® Gold is the Rolls Royce treatment at this timing. It’s ideal where farmers want a broader weed spectrum and/or need to control hard to kill weeds like chickweed, shepherd’s purse and buttercup. Thistrol® Plus has a narrower weed spectrum and is also very effective before the first full grazing. Valdo® 800WG can be added if required to extend the range of weeds controlled. Bonza® spraying oil should always be used with Tribal Gold and Valdo 800WG.

because young clover leaves in

Spray applications ideally are applied when approaching approximately 70 percent ground cover and the clovers have two identifiable trifoliate leaves.

Different chemistry is required to kill weeds in new pasture after the first full grazing and while this timing is not Chris’ first choice, Baton® herbicide is highly effective. It’s important not

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

the light pasture nip off recommended at about 6 weeks after sowing. That’s particular must be properly grazed before Baton is applied, to minimise the risk of clover damage (if your pasture mix includes red clover, Chris says to use no more than 1kg/ha Baton).

If necessary, Baton can be mixed with Valdo 800WG to kill weeds that don’t respond to phenoxy herbicides, such as perennial buttercup and chickweed.

Look out for Nufarm’s GrassmanshipTM video series for tips on weed control in new pasture, available on the Nufarm Youtube channel.

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

Article supplied by Nufarm. ® Bonza, Valdo and Tribal are registered trademarks of Nufarm Limited. Thistrol is a registered trademark of Nufarm Australia Limited.

TM Grassmanship is a trademark of Nufarm Limited.

THE FARMLANDER | 37

for you FORAGE ANDWorks ARABLE

38 | THE FARMLANDER

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Don’t let velvetleaf take over your farm With a new fodder beet season underway, landowners who’ve planted beet are being reminded to check their crops for the possible appearance of the pest weed velvetleaf.

any plants are found early and pulled

The weed entered the country as

out before they can go to seed.

seed contamination in imported

MPI’s Response Manager Catherine

fodder beet seed that was planted

Duthie says if left unchecked, a single

out in the 2015 planting season.

velvetleaf plant can produce up to

Catherine says MPI has funded

17,000 seeds, and what may look like

regional councils around the country

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)

a small issue one season can become

to visit some 1600 properties known

says now’s the time to expect to see

a massive problem in following years.

to have bought the affected seed

velvetleaf plants if the weed has made

Early last year velvetleaf was found on

and help the farmers concerned

it onto your farm and it’s important

farms in most regions of New Zealand.

develop plans to manage the weed.

“But velvetleaf is a notorious spreader and may have moved to other properties on rural contracting equipment or with stock.

“We recommend all farmers be on the lookout for velvetleaf and if they find plants, pull them out and destroy the plants by deep burial, e.g. in an offal pit.

“Ideally, pull out plants before they flower and especially before they set seed. Where plants are already flowering or seeding, tie a plastic bag over flowers or seedheads, bend the stem in half so any seed is contained inside the bag, pull the plant out and safely dispose of it by deep burial,” Catherine says.

MPI encourages farmers to report any finds to its pests and diseases hotline – 0800 80 99 66 – for help managing the situation.

Full information about the weed, the affected seed lines, how to identify plants and safely dispose of them is at www.mpi.govt.nz/alerts For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

| Velvetleaf in flower. Photo courtesy of Ministry of Primary Industries.

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Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 39

ANIMAL ANIMAL MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

How to cope with Cooperia In today’s ever challenging environment eliminating worm burdens is not only important in improving animal health but it also assists in valuable increases in production.

productivity is a reduction in appetite.

type drenches, which means that a

Changes in grazing behaviour have

combination product should be used.

been demonstrated in scientific

Some have also suggested that a

studies where naturally infected

product containing levamisole and a

animals spent less time grazing than

benzimidazole, which also controls

non-infected herd mates. Cooperia

Cooperia, could be used as an

One of the most production-

populations have also increased

alternative. The use of these types of

limiting worms in cattle is

due to management systems and

combinations is even more important

Cooperia, with scientific evidence

inadequate worm control being

through late summer and autumn

showing that if Cooperia are left

in place. Increased incidents

when calves are at the greatest

unchecked it can lead to lost

of Cooperia related production

risk of infection from Cooperia.

production, clinical disease such

loss is a direct result of these.

Depending on your formulation

as scouring and even death.

In some parts of New Zealand

preference, there are two options in

The main impact a Cooperia

it is known that Cooperia has

either a pour-on or an oral product.

infestation is likely to have on

developed a resistance to the ML

Saturn Pour-on is a combination of abamectin and levamisole, which helps delay the onset of resistance, plus it is highly effective against Cooperia (mature and immature) as well as controlling sucking lice.

Concur Cattle is a great example of a levamisole and benzimidazole combination product. It is an easy to use oral drench where levamisole is combined with oxfendazole to provide a drench that is particularly successful for young stock.

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

Article supplied by Donaghys.

40 | THE FARMLANDER

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | Š April 2017. All rights reserved.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Meeting regulations this calving season Figures from the 2016 calving season showed a major improvement in bobby calf welfare. Mortality rates for bobby calves between farm and processing more than halved from 0.25% to 0.12% in 2016.

A significant effort from government and industry through education, information and regulation has made a real difference. This work will continue as further regulations will come into force in August 2017.

As planning for the spring calving season gets underway, the Ministry for Primary Industries is encouraging everyone across the supply chain to ensure they meet all of the young calf regulations. Seven regulations were issued in 2016 to strengthen the rules around calf welfare. Five of those are now in effect and the remaining two come in to force on 1st August 2017.

These require: • that suitable shelter be provided for young calves before and during transportation and at points of sale or slaughter.

• that loading and unloading facilities be provided and used when young calves are transported for sale or slaughter or as a result of sale.

The requirements for a loading facility and suitable shelter were given a 12 month lead-in time to allow farmers, transporters, sale yards and processors time to make any necessary changes to their infrastructure or system and procedures.

a good practice guideline for all aspects

www.mpi.govt.nz/calves, where

of calf holding and loading facilities

you will find a guidance document

on-farm, including siting, access,

containing commonly asked questions.

design, construction, building consent

Alternatively, you can ask a specific

and health and safety. You can find it

question either by emailing

at www.dairynz.co.nz/caringforcalves.

animalwelfare@mpi.govt.nz or

DairyNZ is supporting farmers with information on the regulations through

If you want to know more about

phoning 0800 00 83 33.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

the regulations, go to

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 41

Works for you RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Smart ways to control air conditioning Air conditioners made

by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have a stylish design and are easy to use, making them perfect for the home or office.

With a range of sizes from 2kW to 9.2kW, there’s an air conditioner

Mitsubishi Air Conditioner IntesisHome Wi-Fi Adaptor

for every space, from small rooms to large entertainment areas as

The IntesisHome universal device lets

well as commercial areas. Compact and quiet, these units are

you connect to your air conditioning

easy to install and are loaded with great features.

unit through the internet using your

• Low ambient capability

Wi-Fi network. This means you can control your unit with your desktop computer,

• Fully optioned remote control

laptop, Apple devices (iPod, iPhone and iPad) and even

• Optional Wi-Fi control lets you control your AC from anywhere

Android devices, from anywhere in the world. To learn more

• The IR wireless remote controller is compatible with most AC units

about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries air conditioners talk to your

• Control and monitor: On/Off Mode, Set Temp, Room Temp,

Bunnings Trade Team.

Fan Speed, Vane Position • On/Off status and AC Mode LED indication

42 | THE FARMLANDER

Find your nearest store at bunnings.co.nz/stores or call 0508 BUNNINGS.

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Safeguarding your farm dairy effluent system As many dairy farmers approach the end of the current milking season, some thought needs to be given to the upkeep of their farm dairy effluent (FDE) system, following the demands placed upon it during the year. Many farmers will already have a preventative maintenance programme in place but for those who haven’t, it is timely to consider the following simple

• Regularly check waterways to ensure effluent is not entering these.

• Check flow-switches on pump.

• Grease the applicator.

• Check nozzles.

• Flush clean water through delivery lines and applicators.

Six months to annually • Strip down pump for

To obtain a copy, visit the DairyNZ website www.dairynz.co.nz.

The booklet encourages both dairy farm owners and farm staff to take a proactive outlook in checking their FDE system. Examples of the things to be checked via the quarterly walks include: • Has the sump ever overflowed?

• Do the holding ponds leak or overflow?

system maintenance checklist.

• Check pump seals.

• Is there vegetation on the pond’s surface?

Daily

• Have a nutrient analysis done on the

• Do the irrigation nozzles block?

• Before and after each milking, check that the storm water, or wash water, diversions are in place.

Regularly

oiling and cleaning.

stored effluent, soil and pasture.

• General storage facility maintenance such as weed spraying and sludge removal.

• Assess whether the soil is dry enough and the water table is low enough to allow effluent application to the pasture without excessive ponding or run-off.

The DairyNZ Farm Enviro Walk

• Shift the spray applicator at the completion of each run.

checklist for the farm. It aims to

• Make sure water troughs are covered, if affected by the spray drift.

can lead to effluent and nutrients,

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

technical support booklet is an excellent source of information.

The outline of this very instructive booklet is a simple self-assessment highlight practices on your farm that such as nitrogen and phosphorus

• Have any pipes burst?

• Does ponding occur when you irrigate effluent?

• Are there dead worms on ground surface?

• Does the grass brown off after applying effluent?

• Is the effluent from the stand-off and feed pads collected and treated?

As well as checking the existing system, it may well be time to look at extending the current system.

Article supplied by Iplex.

entering ground or surface water.

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 43

WHAT'S IN-STORE?

New pigtail lasts longer, so saves time and money Gone are the days of replacing lots of bent, broken or rusty posts every year – a new pigtail, designed and manufactured in New Zealand, uses leading edge technology to ensure superior flexibility and a much longer life.

This new pigtail increases on-farm efficiency, with less time and money spent replacing broken posts.

Renowned for their innovation, Strainrite Fencing Systems has taken the electric fence pigtail post to a whole new level with the Dura-top Pigtail.

Brandon Given, who farms cattle and sheep on 430 hectares near Raglan, has been using the new Dura-top Pigtail posts for more than a year.

“It used to be really time consuming and frustrating having to replace broken ones all the time – but that’s a thing of the past now,” he says.

The Dura-top Pigtail post is engineered to reduce tangling during use and storage. This also means it is

| Farmer Brandon Given with Strainrite’s new revolutionary, tangle free Dura-top Pigtail post.

more efficient to install and offers maximum resistance to wear.

insulator coupling not only insulates

Strainrite Fencing Systems are

“If you had asked me 2 years ago if

the top steel loop from the shank but

committed to providing quality

you could improve the pigtail, I would

also doubles as a convenient handle to

fencing products that are built to the

have said no,” Strainrite Director

move when the temporary fence is live.

requirements of the farming sector.

Maurice Wooster says. “But, here we

“These new Dura-top post handles

With a focus on product development

are with a new family of pigtails.”

are still in great condition, even

and innovation, Strainrite Fencing

“It’s not just an improvement,” Maurice

after being out in the elements for a

Systems listen to the market and

says. “The Dura-top range resolves all

good while now,” Brandon says.

deliver market leading fencing

the common issues related to pigtails.”

The galvanised spring steel

products that withstand the tough

Strainrite’s unique and proven hot

shaft offers enhanced corrosion

and demanding farming elements.

dipped galvanised pressed steel foot

protection, increased durability

The Dura-top Pigtail is available

design offers superior strength and

and greater bend resistance. The

exclusively at Farmlands. Head

a great hold in the ground. Plus, the

Dura-top Pigtail is available in

into your local Farmlands store

high strength glass fibre reinforced

6mm or 7mm shaft thickness.

today to find out more.

44 | THE FARMLANDER

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FARMLANDS FUEL

Avoiding environmental hazards and waste Is this the spill waste below your tank? Is your tank being over-filled above its safe fill level and overflowing with heat expansion? Is your tank lacking a dipstick for the fuel tanker driver to accurately gauge refuelling quantities to avoid over-filling and spills? Are your tapes, hoses and nozzles or filter leaking?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, contact the Farmlands Fuel team now for assistance the supply of replacement accessories.

company may not cover you if you

Don’t wait for your fuel tanker driver to

are found to be non-compliant.

say your tank is unfit or unsafe to fill.

Farmlands Fuel has the expertise

had little or no maintenance. Problems

A tank leaking one drop every 30

to assist you in avoiding

can be avoided by performing regular

seconds equates to lost fuel of more

environmental hazards and waste.

basic checks to make your fuel storage

than 500 litres per year. Check your

Talk to your local representative or

safer and reduce the risk of any fuel

insurance policy to ensure spills,

contact the Farmlands Fuel team

contamination. Regular checks should

fires and compliance are covered.

on 0800 666 626 if you would like to

include hoses, tap outlet, filters and

It is possible that in the event of

discuss any environmental or tank

nozzles. Farmlands Fuel can organise

a fuel incident, your insurance

compliance support.

in fixing your tank situation.

Many farm tanks have been in service for a number of years and may have

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | Š April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 45

Choices Rewards brings you more than 1,500 of the best rewards from Farmlands Card Partners – check out the latest rewards we have added to our range!

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Goods available from 1st - 30th April 2017. While stocks last.

46 | THE FARMLANDER

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © March 2017. All rights reserved.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

Winners enjoy World Superbikes Gulf Oil New Zealand hosted 12 Farmlands shareholders and 14 Gulf Oil and Farmlands Fuel commercial customers recently at Phillip Island in Melbourne for Round One of the World Superbikes.

The shareholders won the VIP experience of a lifetime by purchasing Gulf Oil from Farmlands – the prize included 2 days at the World Superbikes Round One, as well as return flights to Melbourne, transfers to Phillip Island, accommodation, VIP hospitality entry to Gulf’s trackside area, breakfast and lunch at the hospitality suite, access to the VIP trackside viewing area with an open bar and the chance to meet the Gulf BMW team and riders and get a tour of the team garage.

Technical Field Officers Robin Moody and Stephen Vince and Farmlands Fuel Territory Managers Carey Ellison, Daniel Reeve and Andrew Gowers also won the opportunity to attend the weekend.

| Sander Kriek (left) and Toby Satherley.

and the mechanics, as well as full behind the scenes garage tours,” he says. “The weather was wonderful and our guests left the weekend really feeling a stronger Gulf Oil and Farmlands connection.”

Gulf Oil National Sales Manager, Sander Kriek, says it was a fantastic trip with hosting from the two Gulf Oil International sponsored race teams – Milwaukee Aprilia and Althea BMW.

Shareholder Toby Satherley was also

“Our guests had unrivalled access to the riders, the team management

one of Gulf Oil and Farmlands Fuel’s

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

the winner of a Grid Access Pass.

“Only select race team members are allowed on the grid, so it was pretty amazing to get this opportunity for key customers,” Sander says.

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 47

Works for you CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

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48 | THE FARMLANDER

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CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

Rural Support Trusts appoint National Council New Zealand’s rural community will

All Trusts have trained facilitators who

and the Kaikoura/Marlborough

be better supported when times are

can assist rural people with a range

earthquakes have made the

tough, with the election of a national

of issues, whether during or following

relevance of the Trusts very clear.

body to represent all 14 Rural

an adverse event, or in “peacetime”.

In its first meeting in January, the

Support Trusts across the country.

The facilitators are all local people

National Council elected its first

who know the area and the farming or

Chairperson, Waikato Rural Support

growing industries and much of their

Trust chair Neil Bateup – and Gavan

work is helping sometimes isolated

Herlihy from Otago was appointed

rural communities keep connected and

Vice Chairperson. The Rural Support

build morale when the going is tough.

National Council will be structured as

as the Otago Rural Support Trust.

In the last 2 years Minister Nathan Guy

a charitable trust, which is responsible

Others, like Taranaki, have been

has provided extra funding to Rural

to the Trusts around the country.

set up out of Federated Farmers. A

Support Trusts to improve access

For further information on the Trusts,

number of Trusts, such as Northland,

to mental health support in the rural

visit www.rural-support.org.nz

were formed or strengthened with

community. Co-ordinators are trained

Your Rural Support Trust is always

(then) MAF’s assistance after the

to recognise and manage signs of

available. Need a chat? Concerns

On-Farm Adverse Events Recovery

depression or extreme stress and are

about yourself, your partner, family,

Framework came into effect in 2007.

connected to rural health professionals.

worker, neighbour or friend? Contact

The new National Council will

Recent adverse events, such as the

your local Rural Support Trust on

help make Trusts more efficient

current drought in North Canterbury,

0800 RURAL HELP for a free, private

and effective, sharing resources

the 2 year South Island drought

and confidential chat.

Rural Support Trusts operate independently in their areas. Some have been around since the 1980s to provide support on hardship or assistance in adverse events, such

and experience and providing a single point of contact interacting with other organisations and the Government. The Trusts and National Council work closely with MPI, which provides partial funding along with their own fundraising work.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

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THE FARMLANDER | 49

CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

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0800 200 600 FAR_06386

www.farmlands.co.nz Terms and Conditions apply.

Savings and Discounts based on normal retail price. While stocks last.

Prices valid from 1st - 30th April 2017.

50 | THE FARMLANDER

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WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

Get involved – fixing up quake farms If you are between jobs or feel like some new scenery for a few days, give 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING) a call. This line is the central point of contact to match volunteers and paid skilled workers with damaged farms in Marlborough, Kaikoura and the Hurunui.

Under MPI’s Skilled Worker and Volunteer Programme, Federated Farmers collects requests for help and offers of assistance and Agstaff has responsibility for running the workers on the ground, including managing essential paperwork like contracts, pay, accommodation and health and safety.

“We are still working in an earthquake zone and with the risk of aftershocks the safety of people on the ground is our top priority,” Agstaff representative Jones says. “It’s a massive piece of recovery work there.”

With entire boundary fences disappeared under hillsides and buckled terrain and massive boulders pushing through fences, the need for fencing skills is clear.

“We’ve had offers of volunteers in the hundreds,” MPI Director Resource Policy, Kate Hellstrom says. “The key is getting the right skillset into a team and getting the jobs done area by area, so we are effective and efficient.

“Fencers are obviously needed – along with building and general farming skills. It’s essential for many to get at least their boundary fences and stock yards under control and that’s our top priority with the fund, which runs through to the end of May.” Federated Farmers’ Adverse Events

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Spokesperson, Katie Milne says that it’s getting down to the wire to help farmers get things sorted with winter

Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan

inevitably approaching. She hopes there are farmers and fencers out there who might want to experience another part of the country.

to help earthquake-hit farmers with

“Even if they can offer a few days, that would be extremely welcome.

The help famers have received to date is tremendous and we can’t thank people enough for their generosity.”

growers need skilled hands to get

The other challenge is getting farmers to stop and ask for help.

“New Zealand farmers are a tough bunch and loathe to ask for help in case they are getting in the way of someone who is worse off,” Kate says. “We are asking them to register their damage anyway, so that we can at least help with essentials like boundary fencing to help people manage their animals and get back up and running more quickly.”

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

Guy announced the $600,000 fund for skilled workers and volunteers recovery from February to May 2017.

“As we move from the response to recovery phase, some farmers and back to pre-quake operational levels,” Nathan says. “Many have suffered damage to key infrastructure such as fences and water reticulation systems. This kind of infrastructure requires experienced labour to get back up and running.

“All skilled workers deployed will be appropriately remunerated and volunteers can have some costs reimbursed. The initiative will also help ensure that issues such as like health and safety are managed in what is still a challenging situation.”

THE FARMLANDER | 51

CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

Card savings that hit our bottom line – that works for us.

52 | THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ James and Nigel Fraser, North Canterbury.

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

The Card that gives back Works for you

Saves you money ⊲ Rebates or discounts at 7,000+ Card Partner locations. ⊲ Interest free when your Account is paid on time. ⊲ From energy to insurance, farm equipment and appliances, we negotiate the savings for you.

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⊲ One consolidated tax invoice to manage all your farm and personal spending.

⊲ Earn Choices Rewards Points on your Farmlands Card spend.

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⊲ Card spend contributes to your end of year Bonus Rebate*.

Find out more about how Farmlands Card works for you.

0800 200 600 | ask@farmlands.co.nz | www.farmlands.co.nz/card

*The Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited Bonus Rebate is subject to the Directors’ discretion.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 53

CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

Time to plough The harvest is done, the rams

Ploughing Association, Jim Brooker,

are out and the cows are dried

has also gained an accolade

off, so that means it is time to

for being the first ploughman

plough. This is especially the

to represent New Zealand at

case for the Courtenay-Paparua

a world final in England.

Ploughing Association, as they

To the naked eye, ploughing may

are well underway with the rd

organisation of the 63 New Zealand Ploughing Championships.

seem dull but it is actually quite technical and done at a slow speed where accuracy is the most important aspect. Judges

This year is a special one too, as the

will be looking for straightness,

championship final also coincides with

uniformity and an ideal seed bed

the Courtenay-Paparua Ploughing

to sow into. The winners of the

Association’s 150th anniversary.

Farmlands Fuel reversible class

The first recorded ploughing match was held on 30th September 1867 in a paddock owned by the Seaton family at the back of the Desert

and Gulf Oil conventional class will go on to represent New Zealand in Germany at the 2018 World Ploughing Championships.

New Zealand Ploughing Association

Woolshed on Woolshed Road,

President, Bruce Redmond, says

Courtenay. 25 horse teams ploughed

he is looking forward to seeing

at this match and a dinner was hosted

the celebrations of 150 years

afterwards at C. Watson’s Halfway

unfold for the oldest ploughing

House, Old West Coast Road.

association in the country.

150 years later, the Courtenay-

Events for the 63rd New Zealand

Paparua Ploughing Association

Ploughing Championships will

is holding the championships in a

begin on Wednesday 19th April and

paddock not far from the original site, which is still owned by the same family. There will still be horse teams ploughing, along with the vintage

the official competition runs from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 23rd April.

Join in the action of the competition at 1900 Highfield Road, Courtenay – there will also be trade displays,

class, the Farmlands Fuel reversible

art and craft stalls, food stalls,

class and the Gulf Oil conventional

entertainment, steam engines,

class, with a total of 40 competitors.

vintage displays, a straw bale maze

Three of these competitors are also

and a children’s play pit with ride-on

on the organising committee for the

toys. Entry is $10.00 for adults and

event and have been involved with

free for children under 16 years.

ploughing over the last few years.

Patron of the Courtenay-Paparua

54 | THE FARMLANDER

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

FARMLANDS LIVESTOCK

FEATURE DAIRY HERDS HAWKE’S BAY FEATURE HERD

DAIRY HERD AUCTION – TE AWAMUTU

220 outstanding Crossbred cows, being a computer split of 2-8 year olds from a 400 cow herd.

Dairy herd auction – Tuesday 11th April A/C of Hophead Farms Limited

BW 95 PW 103 RA 98% as at 5/03/17.

To be held on the property: 107 Kiwi Road, Te Awamutu.

th

Calving from 6 August 2017.

On offer: 150 Friesian Crossbred cows. Calving from 17th July 2017.

Note: Cows will be sold in-milk. Also on offer a good selection of farm machinery.

$2,095 + GST p/h.

Great opportunity to purchase cows with three generations of ownership.

To view and for further information, contact: Philip Webb 027 801 8057

To view and for further information, contact:

Chris Johnston 027 257 4091

Jason Duncan 021 170 5354

Stephen Weck 027 455 1106

DAIRY LIVESTOCK FOR SALE Area

Tally

Description

BW

PW

RA

Calving $ + GST

Agent

Herds (June Delivery) Canterbury

700

Friesian and Friesian Jersey X, LIC bred, 55 years ownership

72

83

1.08.17

$1,950

Rob Blincoe 027 677 8969

Waikato

75

Autumn calving carry overs, delivery now

81

113

96%

25.03.17

$1,875

Steven Weck 027 455 1106

Canterbury

85

Pedigree Holstein Friesian cows, plus 30 in-calf heifers

6.08.17

$2,600

Richard van Wynbergen 027 445 6056

Waikato

225

Friesian and Crossbred herd

72

97

10.07.17

$2,000

Steven Weck 027 455 1106

Northland

70

Jersey cows, plus 28 in-calf heifers ($1,475)

75

66

15.07.17

$1,575

Blair Sidwell 021 325 325

99%

R2 Heifers (May Delivery) Waikato

58

Mainly Crossbreds, capital line

108

122

10.07.17

$1,800

Steven Weck 027 455 1106

Canterbury

140

Friesian content from capital line, well grown

103

110

1.08.17

$1,800

Andy Stringer 027 421 1686

Taupo

50

In-calf Jersey heifers

110

86

25.07.17

$1,500

Willy Purvis 027 630 7004

Canterbury

150

Capital line of heifers from herd listing above

111

129

97%

20.07.17

$1,700

Rob Blincoe 027 677 8969

Southland

100

Friesian and Friesian X

100

120

1.08.17

$1,500

Scott Gibson-Smith 027 255 8501

Southland

80

Friesian and Friesian X

90

115

1.08.17

$1,600

Scott Gibson-Smith 027 255 8501

NA

$1,100

Steven Weck 027 455 1106

R1 Heifers (May Delivery) Waikato

61

Friesian and Friesian Crossbred R1s, capital line

121

136

FAR_06389

For further information, contact the Farmlands Livestock team: livestock@farmlands.co.nz 0800 200 600 www.farmlands.co.nz

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 55

CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

Growing sheep milk industry bolstered by science New research is adding weight to the benefits of sheep milk as New Zealand’s industry continues to expand its base and reach to the world.

New Zealand now boasts more than 30,000 sheep for milking at 16 different producers, providing quality sheep milk products to overseas markets and a distinctive New Zealand dairy sheep breed, Dairymeade, has recently been registered.

In the past few months, new sheep dairy genetic material has been successfully imported into New Zealand for the first time since the 1990s, to add to the quality of the country’s stock and improving New Zealand’s ability to compete on a global scale.

At the 2017 Sheep Milk New Zealand Conference last month in Palmerston

North, scientists from AgResearch, Massey University, University of Otago and Callaghan Innovation presented the latest research into sheep milk, including science made possible by a $6 million fund from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) – “boosting exports of the emerging New Zealand dairy sheep industry”.

AgResearch scientist, Linda Samuelsson says that while sheep milk – and products from it like cheese – may still seem an unusual concept to many New Zealanders, its qualities are already well recognised around the world.

“There were a number of pieces of research presented at the conference that further underline the benefits sheep milk has to offer when it comes to nutrition and digestion and how we can enhance milk production,” Linda says.

“For example, in a study using rats we found that sheep milk made solids pass through the animals’ systems rapidly – which we’d expect would mean improved gut comfort, reduced constipation and general improvement for a sluggish gut.

“In another study with rats, sheep milk proteins were more readily digested than cow milk proteins, with higher levels of essential amino acids. A

further study shows a major waste stream from sheep cheese – whey – has the potential to be processed into a stable base ingredient for beverages or soup stocks under controlled circumstances.”

Associate Professor Craig Prichard, from Massey University, says aside from the health benefits, there is exciting potential for the development of innovative new sheep milk products such as cheeses.

“We know the sheep milk products have distinctive characteristics depending on what region of New Zealand they come from, so there is a real opportunity to develop some really distinctive regional offerings that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.”

The 2017 Sheep Milk New Zealand conference featured Gilles Frégeat, General Manager of Upra Lacaune (the French sheep dairy breeding society) as the keynote speaker.

Maui Milk was the principal sponsor of the conference, supported

by Kingsmeade Cheese, GEA, Farmlands Co-operative, AGMARDT and ABS (Animal Breeding Services). The conference was part of the New Zealand Agrifood Investment Week 2017.

| Kingsmeade Cheese was one of the sponsors of the 2017 Sheep Milk New Zealand Conference.

56 | THE FARMLANDER

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

REAL ESTATE

Avo-can-do!

Don and Cherie Redgrave wanted a lifestyle change. What they got was an adventure, tranquillity and plenty of avocados.

Fifteen and a half years ago, the pair upped sticks from Auckland to escape the rat race. Don, a salesman at the time, was looking for a change from being in the big smoke. Their Pukenui avocado orchard, now known as Cheron Avocados Limited, proved to be the perfect fit.

“We looked at tomatoes, kiwifruit and

| Don and Cherie Redgrave on their Northland avocado farm.

avocados but I loved the look of this place, because of the lake and the

Cheron is a dream lifestyle scenario –

potential I saw in the farm,” he says.

close enough to the shops but isolated

When it came time to move onto the

enough to enjoy the best of rural

18.6 hectare property, the only issue

living. Don says they have both loved

was their lack of knowledge on growing

their time there – a house overlooking

avocados. In fact, Don had never even

the lake, with geese and pukeko as

driven a tractor before. The previous

guardians of the water. The house is

owner stayed around long enough to show them the ropes and they have been living their dream ever since.

Unfortunately due to health issues the time has come to move on, even though

separated from the orchard, which is in extremely good health. And even though the property access is off the main road, the almost kilometre-

Don is quick to point out any other

long driveway takes you away from

reason and he and Cherie would not be

the noise and closer to relaxation.

budged from their slice of paradise.

“Even though we’re on the main road,

This means Cheron is on the

you wouldn’t know it,” Don says. “We’re

market – and is an opportunity

about 10 minutes north of the local

for anyone willing to seize it.

shopping area, Pukenui, about 6km

“Basically they (the buyers) don’t need

to the west coast and 6km to the east

to know a lot, because I came on here knowing nothing,” Don says. “The previous owner spent a bit of time with me and I’m more than happy to

coast beaches. The fishing is fantastic and we’ve got the northernmost golf club in New Zealand.”

spend a bit of time with the buyer.

Cherie says golf is just the

“You can also pick up advice from

start – fishing, bowls, the lot!

consultants and the Avocado Council

“There are plenty of community

– a lot of advice comes for free.”

activities going on,” she says.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

As for what type of person should look at the property, Cherie simply states “a family who could enjoy the house and the lake”.

“From a retired husband and wife, it only takes two people,” Don adds. “It’s very easy run – it’s not a full-on job. You can go away for holidays for quite considerable amounts of time, especially in winter and you don’t have to worry.”

“You only really need to get extra help in for picking and pruning,” Cherie says.

Cherie and Don now move on to the Bay of Plenty, where they have purchased a three quarter acre section at Te Puna that they plan to build on. Cherie’s mother is moving over from Australia to live with them, to be closer to family. And even though there’s not much room for trees, Don says he’d dearly love to plant some avocados once they have settled.

To learn more about Cheron Orchards, visit listing number KT1028 at www.farmlandsrealestate.co.nz or email paul.yates@farmlands.co.nz

THE FARMLANDER | 57

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Update Awards time of year is a highlight and recently we celebrated our success. Our ability to achieve sales consistently year upon year, across residential, lifestyle and rural market sectors, is due to an exceptional level of hard work by our professional salespeople.

Congratulations to all our winners.

Business Innovation Award 2015/2016 Bill Millham and Yvonne Forlong, Palmerston North/Feilding Top Ten Salespeople 2015/2016 1 – Simon Richards, Timaru 2 – Neville Hamilton, Invercargill 3 – Patrick Bowden, Balclutha 4 – Shari McLaughlin, Greymouth 5 – Trevor Norman, Wanaka 6 – Merv Dalziel, Oamaru 7 – Malcolm McNaughton, Christchurch 8 – Noel Lowery, Leeston 9 – Ian Moore, Neill Dick and Tim Meehan, Waimate 10 – Dave Hardy, Dunedin

Top Office Award 2015/2016 Winner – Timaru First Runner-up – Invercargill Second Runner-up – Dunedin

Top Rural Salesperson 2015/2016 Simon Richards Farmlands Real Estate, Timaru

Top Lifestyle Salesperson 2015/2016 Noel Lowery Farmlands Real Estate, Leeston

Top Residential Salesperson 2015/2016 Ondy Herrick Farmlands Real Estate, Masterton

Property ID: RT1014

Bay of Plenty grazing land with options This fertile land is consistently running 20 stock units to the hectare and growing good cattle with ease. Option to purchase the entire property of 250 hectares more or less or as smaller blocks ranging from 4 to 116 hectares (subject to title). Each block has good fencing, water troughs in each paddock and boasting strong pasture. Contour is flat to rolling with some steeper sidings. The property is situated in Otamarakau Valley, 33km from Te Puke, 44km from Whakatane and only 6km from the beautiful Pikowai beach. Price by negotiation.

58 | THE FARMLANDER

www.farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

Phil Badger Lifestyle/Rural – Bay of Plenty 027 357 5704 phil.badger@farmlands.co.nz

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

REAL ESTATE

Boundary Indicative Only

Property ID: DG1023

An all-round performer

www.farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

Diversity gives a competitive edge to this 186 hectare beef and dairy farm situated near Dargaville. Fertile peaty clay loam flats form a small dairy platform, while two gentle west-facing basins provide grazing for beef cattle plus all the dairy dry stock. There is a 12 aside cow shed and two good homes – one of them near-new. A split calving herd and plenty of calf sheds provide an opportunity to build up stock numbers. Our vendors are ready to go and will consider offers over $1,500,000 (land and buildings).

Deadline sale closing 2pm, Thursday 20 April 2017.

Nicky Reid Rural – Northland 0800 100 027 nicky.reid@farmlands.co.nz

Property ID: DG1003

A smart move

www.farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

This dairy farm is located only 83km north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, 10km west of Wellsford. There are two good homes and a 32 aside cow shed. Buildings and improvements have received a significant injection of cash in the past few years.

In spite of a few management issues, production has averaged 86,500kgMS over the past three seasons on an all grass system with the help of an adjacent block of lease land, which would also be available to the successful purchaser. Tender closing 2pm, Wednesday 12 April 2017 (unless sold by private treaty).

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Nicky Reid Rural – Northland 0800 100 027 nicky.reid@farmlands.co.nz

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 59

REAL ESTATE

Property ID: MT1034

Tidy operation

www.farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

“Bamfarm” is located in Waitakaruru, approximately 1 hour from Auckland and 20 minutes from Thames. 105 hectares of fertile land subdivided into 72 paddocks. The 26 aside herringbone dairy shed with PPP in-shed feed system was fully rebuilt in 2005.

Renovated three bedroom home with new kitchen, open-plan living, double garage and outside room. The property has been farmed on a once a day milking platform with an average of 67,000kgMS for the past 4 years on a mainly grass input with some supplement. Price by negotiation.

60 | THE FARMLANDER

Glen Murray Lifestyle/Rural – Waikato 027 488 6138 glen.murray@farmlands.co.nz Ian Morgan Rural – Waikato 027 492 5878 ian.morgan@farmlands.co.nz

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

REAL ESTATE

Property ID: HS1042

European inspired forest hideaway Set in established gardens up above the Tuki Tuki Valley, Havelock North, sits this 12 hectare property in two titles. The land is a mix of easy medium hill and has 8.4 hectares of fully tended 24 year old pines, which will provide a significant income stream in a few years. The four bedroom family home has two separate living areas and expansive north facing decking. It has many interesting features including Austrian wood burner providing a central heating system to radiators throughout the house, plus Norwegian oak flooring in all rooms. Tender closing 4pm, Thursday 18 May 2017.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

www.farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

Mark Johnson Lifestyle/Rural – Hawke’s Bay 027 487 5105 mark.johnson@farmlands.co.nz Paul Evans Lifestyle/Rural – Hawke’s Bay 027 533 3314 paul.evans@farmlands.co.nz

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | © April 2017. All rights reserved.

THE FARMLANDER | 61

REAL ESTATE

Property ID: TU10920

Great deal!

www.farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

This farm option really is a great deal. Location is great, only 20 minutes inland of Hokitika. Being only converted for six seasons, the 30 aside herringbone cow shed is near-new and well located.

Three year production average 100,233kgMS. The scale of 150 hectares effective means you can either continue twice a day milking and wintering the cows on with calves going off, or move to a fully self-contained system. It is a versatile property with a lot to offer. For genuine sale by retiring vendor. $2,600,000 plus GST for land, buildings and shares.

Shari McLaughlin Lifestyle/Rural – West Coast 027 266 6850 shari.mclaughlin@farmlands.co.nz

Property ID: DU2468

Large West Otago farming property Cone Downs – 1,410.81 hectares freehold provides a balance of tussock hill or productive, developed hill country, located in Moa Flat, Otago. Development over a decade or more has seen the introduction of gravity sprinkler irrigation to approximately 29 hectares. Complemented by a very good range of farm buildings, a four bedroom home, one bedroom self-contained cottage, woolshed and covered sheep yards, large cattle yard complex with Te Pari crush, plenty of woodlots and mature shelter, well laned and fenced to a very high standard. Price by negotiation.

62 | THE FARMLANDER

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Dave Hardy Lifestyle/Rural – Otago 027 533 2770 dave.hardy@farmlands.co.nz Craig Bates Lifestyle/Rural – Otago 027 489 4361 craig.bates@farmlands.co.nz

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REAL ESTATE

Property ID: RA1742

The island

Bush block

Property ID: RA1744

Nestled between Coopers Creek and Eyre River in North Canterbury, this 38 hectare property will fit well into your current farming system as a run-off/finishing block, or as a trading unit.

Due to the normally high rainfall area you will get the benefits of reasonably high growth rates. There is electricity to the boundary and rural water supply with storage tank, which creates options for whatever you choose to do. Price by negotiation.

This attractive 80.9 hectare bush block, with a movable hut, is less than 2km from the centre of Kumara on the West Coast.

Live off the grid and get away from the daily grind at this private oasis. Could be developed into agricultural land or suitable for manuka honey production. You could also take advantage of its location right on State Highway 73, perfect for starting up a home business being near the West Coast Rail Trail. $359,000 plus GST.

Maurice Newell 027 240 1718

Maurice Newell 027 240 1718

Retiring vendor

Emily Newell 027 472 0409

Property ID: IN2020

Pine Bush dairy farm

Emily Newell 027 472 0409

Property ID: IN2022

This an ideal opportunity for a young family to start their farming career. 204 hectares of rolling and hill country currently growing good grass, is well fenced with a sprinkling of native bush, its own rock pit and a duck pond. There is a very tidy four bedroom home supported by a range of farm buildings and yards. Within easy travelling distance to Edendale, Mataura and Gore, gives good options for schooling. $2,600,000 plus GST (if any).

Well established 259 hectare unit situated in Pine Bush, Southland. Large lease block 4km away for ease of wintering and young stock control. Four bedroom manager’s home plus two additional homes. 40 aside herringbone cow shed with circular yard, double sided concrete feed pad plus stand-off pad.

Excellent fertiliser and re-grassing history, with stands of pinus radiata. Deadline sale closing 4pm, Friday 7 April 2017

Val Tytler 027 315 7201

John Beaufill 027 431 0054

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Derek Ayson 027 667 9601

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | Š April 2017. All rights reserved.

Patrick Bowden 027 436 5161

THE FARMLANDER | 63

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