Plan 365 April 2016 by Farmlands

APRIL 2016

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

NUTRITION

FORAGE AND ARABLE

HORTICULTURE

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

DAIRY MANAGEMENT

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

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Control Cooperia this autumn Normally autumn’s warm, moist conditions not only allow the larvae contained in dung pats to migrate onto the soil/grass, it also speeds up the intestinal worms’ environmental stages of their lifecycle. It is therefore the time of year when dairy and beef cattle, especially young animals with low immunity, will face their largest challenge from internal parasites. The three major worm species affecting New Zealand cattle are: • Ostertagia • Trichostrongylus • Cooperia Although it ranks in the top three worms, Cooperia worm has traditionally been considered a minor problem. Perhaps one of the reasons it was not considered a major threat to production was that the other two worms, Ostertagia and Trichostrongylus species, are so much more obviously damaging and overshadowed the effects of Cooperia. In recent years however, more attention has been paid to the effects of this worm on cattle production, particularly in intensive operations. These include intensive beef, calf rearing and even

heifer grazing operations. There is some scientific and much anecdotal evidence that, left unchecked, Cooperia can lead to lost production, clinical disease such as scouring and even death. The main impact a Cooperia infestation is likely to have on productivity is a reduction in appetite. Changes in grazing behaviour have been demonstrated in scientific studies where naturally infected animals spent less time grazing than non-infected herd mates. Also, Cooperia populations have increased due to management systems and inadequate worm control. Increased incidence of Cooperia related production loss is a direct result of these two factors.

Why use Edge Injection? • Treat cattle and sheep: Multispecies use – avoid multiple drench purchases for cattle and sheep. • Weather-proof: Impervious to the effect of weather, alleviating the concern of rainfall. Also eliminates the worry of other environmental factors such as dust, dirt or licking. • Ease of administration: Quick administration with less volume to carry around. • Accurate dose: Individual animal dosing at 1ml/20kg. • Pharmokinetically superior: Peaks quickly to therapeutic level (head kill), with predictable and rapid excretion (less tail selection). For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Edge injection is now registered for sheep as well as for cattle. Edge is a combination injection containing the trusted active doramectin, together with the power of levamisole for enhanced protection and was the first of its kind globally. This market-first combination of actives effectively treats all important production-limiting worms including Cooperia, which has shown in

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New Zealand to be less susceptible to many commonly used drench families. With a dose rate specifically for accurate dosing in young stock, Edge injection provides combination efficacy against internal parasites for your young stock this autumn.

Article supplied by Bayer.

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NUTRITION

Clean silos help reduce waste and increase feed intake Storage of animal feed in vertical silos, or bins, is the most common form of dry feed storage on New Zealand farms. Silos can be a great way to store feed, as they reduce wastage and protect feed from climatic events and from pests such as birds and vermin. Silos also allow farmers to reap the financial benefits of purchasing feed in bulk and feed it easily through in-shed feeding systems or into troughs and feed-out bins. Silos do however need to be cleaned thoroughly – at least once a year – to ensure that the feed stored inside them is kept as fresh as possible. A great time to do this is just before the start of a new season. The storage of feed in silos is subject to large fluctuations in both temperature and humidity within the silo, which can lead to condensation forming on the inside of the silo from time to time. Both feed and feed dust will stick to the side of the bin, absorb the moisture and build up over time. This feed will deteriorate with mould developing and subsequent mycotoxin production. When this spoiled feed falls off into good feed, consequences for the animal range from decreased feed intake and feed refusal due to the presence of mould, which animals can be very sensitive to the smell and taste

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of, right through to mycotoxicosis.

Safety is the most important

This can occur when poisonous

consideration and any attempt to

toxins produced by moulds are

climb up any silo requires suitable

consumed at high enough levels

safety equipment. Suitable protective

to cause animal health issues. To

clothing including gloves, eye

avoid these problems occurring,

protection and masks should be

silos need to be cleaned

worn at all times. A safety harness

at least once a year and preferably

with suitable anchor points is also

every 6 months, to ensure that

essential equipment.

excessive mould does not build

Contact your local feed specialist

up on the inside of the silo and

or Technical Field Officer for a

that feed delivered to the animal is

copy of the ‘Farmlands Nutrition

as fresh and palatable as possible.

Protocol for cleaning of on-farm

Farmlands has developed a new silo

storage silos’ fact sheet, which

cleaning procedure that describes the

explains the steps in both the wet

best practices for cleaning animal feed

and dry method for cleaning silos.

silos. There are two methods to use, either a wet method or a dry method.

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

The wet method is the most effective and preferable method for cleaning a silo, however dry cleaning is a better option when the silo boot cannot be removed easily or it is too dangerous to attempt wet cleaning. When using the wet method, using a suitable disinfectant such as Virkon® during the clean is worthwhile. Both methods benefit from dusting the inside of the silo with a liquid or powder mould inhibitor after cleaning, to hamper future mould growth.

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NUTRITION

Energy in the ruminant diet Energy is one of the most important nutrients for livestock and can have the biggest impact on performance. The energy requirements for any livestock can be broken down into maintenance (survival/bodily functions), production (lactation, pregnancy and weight gain/growth), activity (walking) and thermo-regulation (staying warm or cool). The more an animal produces, the less percentage of the total diet is required to satisfy essential maintenance requirements, which means that the animal becomes more efficient at producing.

Energy is measured in megajoules (MJ)

Using ME to evaluate a feed

per kilogram dry matter for ruminants

ME can be a useful measure of energy

and we value feeds according to their

content on face value but it does not

metabolisable energy (ME). This is the

tell you much about the efficiency at

energy supplied to the animal after

which the energy present in the feed is

subtracting energy lost in manure,

transformed into ‘work’ in the animal.

urine and methane. All organic matter

Not all ME is equal and ME from

contains a similar amount of gross

sources that are of a higher quality are

energy. However, the amount of energy

utilised more efficiently by ruminant

that’s actually available to an animal

animals, as less heat is produced

when it is consumed depends on the

during metabolism and different volatile

digestibility of the feed to that particular

fatty acids are produced. It is therefore

animal, i.e. how much of the feed is

worth considering where the energy

absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract

comes from in a particular feed (sugar,

during digestion, rather than lost to

For ruminants, energy is required by

starch, fibre or fat) compared to the

the environment. ME is an estimate

the rumen microorganisms. Rumen

balance of other feeds in the diet and

of what is available to the animal to

microorganisms ferment feeds

the requirements for each particular

satisfy its requirements. Sources of

consumed by the ruminant host animal.

energy component in a ruminant’s diet.

energy include soluble carbohydrates

As a by-product, they generate heat

(sugar, starch and pectin), structural

and volatile fatty acids (an energy

carbohydrates (cellulose and

form that is usable by the host animal)

hemicellulose), fats and protein

as well as microbial growth, which

(although protein is not an effective

is later used by the ruminant as their

or cheap energy source).

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

main protein supply. In ruminants, approximately 70 percent of energy is supplied by the rumen microbes in the form of volatile fatty acids, so it’s very important to get the rumen functioning correctly. The supply of energy for rumen microbes is best spread over

Metabolisable Energy (ME) = Gross Energy (GE) – energy lost in faeces – energy lost in urine – energy lost in gases (methane)

Gross Energy (GE) Faecal Energy

the day, to ensure that microbes always have what they need to function optimally. Some energy sources are not fermented in the rumen but may be digested as we would digest energy, lower down in the digestive tract.

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Digestible Energy (DE) Urinary and Gas Energy Metabolisable Energy (ME)

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NUTRITION

Feed balancers Many people only think of a balancer as a concentrated feed substance, however a nutrient rich lick such as Horslyx can provide a simple and cost effective method of balancing and supplementing the equine diet. The well-formulated lick is the equivalent of a human multi-vitamin supplement and balances the diet with the inclusion of essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements, including the unique Healthy Hooves package containing biotin, zinc and methionine.

Available in four different formulations

fussiest of feeders. Horslyx

– Original, Respiratory, Mobility and

is extremely palatable, providing

Garlic, Horslyx will appeal to even the

equines with essential nutrients in an appetising recipe. Along with optimum levels of forage, Horslyx allows your horse to slowly trickle feed the remaining nutrients required, allowing for optimum digestion and absorption. The unique composition of Horslyx is designed to be licked, not chewed, which slows down the rate of consumption and helps to keep your horse occupied and engaged, minimising stress and boredom levels – particularly when stabled. Horslyx provides the ideal feed balancer to help keep your equine happy and content while supporting the diet with all the nutrients required for optimum health. Article supplied by SealesWinslow.

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NUTRITION

The need for protein at parturition A great many ewes will have benefitted from flushing over mating this season, thanks to the much predicted drought being replaced in many regions by unexpected summer rain. Many dairy farmers will be contemplating increased empty rates, so now might be a good time to contemplate feeding requirements for next spring. The need for cows and ewes to consume enough energy as calving and lambing approaches is well recognised, even if the acute signs of energy deficiency – ketosis or twin lamb disease (pregnancy toxaemia) – are not seen. Typically considered to be the second limiting factor for animal production, a shortfall in protein consumption can be associated with more subtle issues but is perhaps worthy of more attention – especially if lambing a mob of triplet bearing ewes or calving heifers that have been wintered on a high yielding fodder beet crop. The protein requirement of cows and ewes in mid-pregnancy is modest compared to their needs whilst lactating and is likely to be easily met with pasture. Requirements increase during the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy due to the increasing need from the developing foetus or foetuses, re-synthesis of udder tissue

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and the production of good quality

crop makes up two thirds of the diet,

colostrum. Pregnancy and parturition is

as the remaining third of the diet would

a dangerous process for any mammal

need to contain about 20 percent

and the dam will to a degree rob her

crude protein.

own reserves to maximise the survival

Rumen microbes are predominantly

and wellbeing of her unborn offspring.

protein and the microbial protein they

Protein can be mobilised to meet the

synthesise is well balanced relative

needs of the unborn offspring and

to the needs of most stock. When

colostrum production but at what cost

microbial protein production is at a

to the health of the dam? Immunity is

maximum, feeding digestible bypass

suppressed anyway prior to parturition

protein (DUP) can increase protein

but work with sheep show that they

supply to the animal – critically the

suffer reduced immunity to gastro-

bypass protein must be digestible or

intestinal parasites close to lambing.

it will bypass the animal completely

This is reflected in high faecal egg

and just enrich the manure. Simply

counts, which can be lessened by

feeding more protein may not be the

feeding more protein, suggesting that

best option and interest is growing

nutritional deficiency can accentuate

in understanding the DUP content of

immune-suppression.

different supplements.

Whilst feeding a 13 percent crude

Protein can be relatively expensive but

protein diet may be adequate for

farmers especially wishing to advance

mature cows, heifers have a lower

the performance of multiple bearing

dry matter intake as a percentage of

ewes and heifers calving for the first

their body weight and need additional

time are recommended to consider the

protein for growth. Therefore a

protein in their diet around parturition.

minimum 15 percent crude protein diet is generally recommended for

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

first calvers. This could be difficult to achieve if a high yielding fodder beet

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NUTRITION

Feeding horses to achieve weight gain As the winter months are approaching, it is important for all equine owners to ensure that their horses are carrying adequate condition to cope with the colder weather ahead. While this may not be a significant challenge for horses with slower metabolisms that hold condition well, others will require additional assistance with diet to achieve this. Horses that consistently maintain a lighter body condition, despite correct dietary management, are known as ‘poor doers’ and achieving weight gain in these horses that generally have faster metabolisms can be a frustrating task for owners.

place to interrupt the parasite cycle and

Forage should be the foundation of all

prevent worm burdens. Dental health is

horses’ diets and increasing calories

also a key factor and annual visits from

through allowing free access to good

a reputable equine dentist are important

quality forage is the best and safest way

for ensuring teeth remain functional

to start increasing calorie intake. Hay

and any problems that could prevent

should be provided if pasture is in short

adequate chewing are addressed.

supply and including some amount

Horses with dental issues will often

of lucerne hay or chaff can increase

drop balls of semi-chewed food out

calories in the diet, as lucerne generally

of the side of their mouths in a process

contains higher energy levels than grass

known as quidding and any signs of

or meadow forages. Alternative fibre

this are an indication that the horse’s

options, such as beet pulp or soy hulls,

teeth require attention.

are also a great way of adding more

Environment can also play an important

fibre to the horse’s diet.

While metabolism plays an important

role and certain situations can increase

For horses that require more than forage

stress, which impacts on appetite.

to maintain weight, adding grains to the

It is important to separate horses

diet is an effective way of increasing

at feeding time if any are lower in

calories more. It is recommended to

the pecking order and therefore not

introduce grains slowly – feed small

receiving their fair share of hard feed

amounts of grain per meal and always

or hay. Digestive tract conditions such

select grains that have undergone

as gastric ulcers, hindgut acidosis and

correct processing techniques such as

diarrhoea can prevent weight gain

steam flaking to decrease the

through affecting nutrient absorption

risk of certain associated problems.

and energy utilisation and these should

Introducing a fat source to the diet is

be addressed immediately at any signs.

a great way of providing a cool source

Veterinary assistance should be sought

of energy in a concentrated form and

in cases where horses are losing weight

is highly effective at achieving weight

rapidly to diagnose any underlying

gain. Examples of fat sources include

causes, such as digestive conditions or

vegetable oils such as canola and

the possibility of more serious diseases.

linseed, as well as stabilised rice bran.

Despite the numerous underlying

For further assistance and advice on

causes that can influence the horse’s

designing a diet for your individual

ability to gain weight, one of the most

horse to achieve weight gain, consult

common reasons for lack of weight gain

a reputable equine nutrition advisor.

part in energy conversion and weight, various other factors can influence weight gain and need to be addressed before considering dietary changes. Parasites can be detrimental to weight gain through competing for nutrients and potentially causing damage to the digestive tract and it is essential that a regular worming programme is in

is insufficient energy. Therefore the next step after ruling out any of these factors

Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutrition Technical Advisor.

is to increase the horse’s caloric intake through feed.

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HORTICULTURE

Post-harvest care of deciduous crops Post-harvest inputs for perennial crops are important for the following season’s crop. A healthy tree has increased cold hardiness going into winter and is better equipped for a strong start in spring. Post-harvest irrigation of tree crops on very dry soils should continue, to maintain good leaf health until leaf senescence starts. Heavy irrigation is undesirable and may increase soil-borne diseases and hair root mortality. Nutrition Inputs should be based on historical nutrient testing, crop removal information, tree age, vigour, varietal responses, soil reserves and foliar applications made, particularly nitrogen. Autumn root development is extensive and good nutrient levels winter-stored in roots, young wood and buds improve spring tree health and new tissue development. Autumn applied nitrogen, boron and zinc are beneficial if levels are low or deficient. Autumn applications of magnesium, manganese and calcium aren’t plant stored and should therefore be applied during the growing season. Trace elements should not be applied to crops if levels are adequate or unknown, as toxicity may result in serious damage to plants and fruit.

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Disease management Disease carryover can be minimised by reducing disease inoculum levels after harvest. High levels of over-wintering disease makes effective disease control more difficult in the following season. The application of copper to stonefruit should commence at about 20 percent leaf fall to reduce the carryover of bacterial spot. One or two further applications should be made in rapid succession during the leaf fall period, as this disease enters through fresh leaf scars. Avoid applying copper to stonefruit trees too early, as soft growth and foliage may suffer from copper burn, increasing disease susceptibility. Premature, induced defoliation of stonefruit trees may increase the incidence of bacterial spot (Xanthomonas pruni). High rate copper applications in winter may help prevent blast infection. However allow at least 21 days before grazing sheep, particularly if winter applications of Bordeaux mixture or copper oxychloride are made. Extend this period in dry winters, to reduce copper residues in grass and allow greater growth to further dilute the copper residues.

If black spot is present in IFP apple blocks, a leaf senescent dilute urea application (5kg per 100L) is cheap and effective in reducing carryover into spring. Applications made significantly prior to leaf senescence may result in serious bud damage and reduced flower development. As urea applications provide autumn nitrogen inputs, they should be taken into account if additional nitrogen inputs are considered for any variety. Recent research indicates a significant increase in European canker resulting from high rate foliar urea applications during leaf senescence. Applications are therefore best avoided if this disease is an issue. Post-harvest protectant fungicide applications (Captan or copper sprays) assist in reducing black spot and European canker over wintering inoculum. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Martin Taylor, Technical Advisor, Farmlands Horticulture.

Post-harvest copper applications in olives reduce carryover of peacock spot, cercospora and anthracnose.

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HORTICULTURE

Managing kiwifruit irrigation and postharvest nutrition With the likelihood of continued dry conditions becoming a regular occurrence, the management of irrigation and post-harvest vine health is increasingly important. Growers need to understand post-harvest irrigation and nutrition in order to correctly manage vines leading into harvest. Water stress to both vine and fruit growth has been well documented and can provide both negative and positive effects. Miller et al. recorded that mild drought stress can increase storability, increase dry matter content and promote the start of maturation. It can also reduce fruit weight and in extreme cases cause fruit dehydration and fruit cracking. Soil waterlogging from excessive irrigation can also cause stress through nutrient leeching, anoxia (lack of oxygen around the root) and subsequent root decay, or phytophthora. A grower’s ability to measure soil moisture is an important management tool. Tensiometers (either electronic or manual) are the tool of choice and your local Farmlands Technical Advisor

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can assist with advice and installation. An alternative is the use of published evapotranspiration (ET) data, via newspapers or online. This shows daily volumes of water evaporated and transpired and can be used for orchard water volume scheduling. Water application rates vary depending on the age/size of the vine, the dryness and period of the growing season. During the early growth phase through to the end of fruit cell division soil moisture should be as close as possible to field capacity. This reduces stress during the period when many physiological processes occur and it also maintains plant turgor. Reduction in applications can be made later in the growing season to induce a mild stress and promote the start of maturation. However too much stress can check weight gains and early leaf senescence can be risked. Post-harvest nutrition provides the ideal opportunity to “fuel up” the vines for the next year. This is also a great opportunity to adjust any deficient elements. During bud break, vines rely heavily on macro nutrients and carbohydrate stored within the budwood to support initial shoot growth. Nutrient demand cannot be met by root uptake alone and the leaf area cannot provide sufficient assimilate to the plant. Smith et al. reported that up to 80 percent of N, K and P in the wood and bark was taken up by the developing

shoot. At this stage cold soils inhibit nutrient uptake and the leaf area is often too small for foliar fertilisers. Maintaining canopy health for as long as possible post-harvest is paramount for continued photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. This allows the vine to store carbohydrate and replace nutrient reserves for use during early bud break. Macro nutrients such as nitrogen and magnesium and trace elements (e.g. boron, zinc and manganese) should be applied in this post-harvest phase. Foliar application is suitable if the canopy is in good condition, alternatively ground application should be used if soil temperatures allow uptake. Foliar application is the preferred method, particularly for trace elements since only small amounts are required. With the plethora of fertilisers available, deciding on the appropriate product for the right timing can be daunting. Fertiliser is an investment in the orchard, so growers should seek sound advice about the most appropriate products for their system. Your local Farmlands Horticulture Technical Advisor can help with any questions. Article supplied by Dwayne Farrington, Technical Advisor, Farmlands Horticulture. References: Miller S.A, Smith G.S, Boldingh H.L, Johansson A. (1998). Effects of Water Stress on Fruit Quality Attributes of Kiwifruit. Annuals of Botany 81: 73-81. Smith G.S, Clark C.J, Henderson H.V. (1987). Seasonal Accumulation of Mineral Nutrients by Kiwifruit. New Phytologist 106: 81-100.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Give new pastures a flying start Pasture renewal is a significant commitment, so it’s crucial to do the job well. With this in mind, Dow AgroSciences has three products that can help farmers to maximise the value of their investment in new pastures. Sparta is a new generation insecticide that is highly effective at controlling springtails and is ideally suited to replace Lorsban™ 50EC for this pest during pasture establishment. Select and Preside are grass and clover friendly herbicides that offer exceptional control of a wide range of broadleaf weeds in new and established pastures. The aim should be to establish a high producing, quality pasture sward as quickly as possible. Left unchecked, weeds and pests can significantly reduce the productivity and persistence of young pastures. By using products like Sparta, Select and Preside, farmers can eliminate these problems and increase a new pasture’s production potential.

Springtail damage occurs as seedling pasture plants emerge and is often mistaken for poor seed strike. It is therefore important to control springtails before pasture plants emerge. Sparta, a naturally derived insecticide, is highly effective for the control of springtails, yet safe to use, protecting young germinating clover and grass from damage. Ideal timing is to apply Sparta with glyphosate at spray-out. If not applied at spray-out, Sparta can be applied alone but to be effective should be applied before new pasture plants emerge. Having taken care of springtails, controlling weeds at an early stage is also a priority. Select controls a wide range of common seedling weeds including thistles, fathen, buttercup, redroot, hedge mustard, black nightshade, willow weed and wild turnip. Applied to actively growing weeds, Select kills quickly and effectively without harming establishing grass and clover seedlings. Crucially, it is safe for use on all clover species. Select is ideal for farmers wanting to give new pastures a flying start. Preside is equally effective against certain broadleaf weeds but also controls additional species like sorrel, stinking mayweed, oxeye daisy, spurrey and field chickweed – a smothering weed that can quickly choke clovers and grasses in autumn. Preside is also clover-friendly and if mixed with Select, most common weeds of pasture can be effectively controlled with a single application.

Like Select, Preside is clover-friendly. Preside is also safe to use on chicory pastures. Both Select and Preside can be used on both autumn and spring sown pasture. Preside is also safe to use on pastures containing chicory where herbicide options are very limited. Select however should not be used on pastures containing chicory. New Zealand farmers spend millions of dollars on pasture renewal each year and they do this because new pasture can generate a significant return. Products such as Sparta, Select and Preside helps farmers to ensure their young, new pastures get the best start possible. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Dow AgroSciences.

Used on its own or in conjunction with Select, Preside is a valuable tool for controlling hard-to-kill weeds.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Don’t underestimate the impact of weeds A critical part of a successful crop is establishment and as the first growth emerges, so too do weeds. Arable weeds are especially competitive. They chase the same nutrients, water and energy that crops need and are often present in large populations. It is this combination of factors, coupled with rapid growth that makes them so successful. Removing weeds before they can compete is a key part of achieving good crop yields. Firebird controls many of the key grass and broad-leaved weeds that will compete with your crops. These include aggressive and yield robbing weeds such as vulpia hair grass, annual poa and field pansy.

Firebird is very convenient to use. With just one recommended dose rate applied straight after planting, before the crop emerges, using Firebird couldn’t be simpler. Because Firebird often provides effective weed control through to the spring, it allows more time to concentrate on other important jobs around the farm. This is a real benefit when time is limited during those short and challenging winter days. After several years of protecting New Zealand cereal crops, farmers have come to rely upon the consistent and impressive weed control delivered by Firebird, the perfect solution for autumn weed control. Four steps to get the best from Firebird.

1. Take care with seedbed preparation, aiming for a fine, firm seedbed, free from clods. If clods are present they can break down during the winter, releasing weed seeds into fresh, untreated soil. 2. Try and ensure your seedbed is moist. This allows Firebird to distribute evenly in the soil and to adhere to the soil particles. 3. Apply Firebird at the registered dose using a calibrated sprayer, fitted with the appropriate nozzles for herbicide application. Even though Firebird is applied before weeds emerge, good application is still very important. 4. Apply Firebird before weeds germinate, as any weeds that have germinated and emerged before Firebird is applied will not be controlled. Article supplied by Bayer.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Lead the way on barley seed treatment BASF’s unique seed treatment Systiva has revolutionised how barley is grown in many parts of New Zealand. Systiva has proven over the past three seasons to be an integral part in protecting not just the emerging plant but also in providing foliar protection from important yield limiting plant diseases that would normally affect end yield in barley. Systiva has a unique chemistry that allows it to move around the whole plant and redistribute as the plant grows, providing long-lasting activity and broad fungal control. From day one, crops have the best possible start. Systiva’s protection against disease infestation enhances plant vigour, ensuring greater resilience against challenging weather conditions. These benefits offer farmers the peace of mind in knowing their crop yield potential is greatly advantaged. Trials on autumn-sown barley have shown Systiva performs exceptionally well over other standard seed treatments, coming through winter into spring and providing an increased yield of at least 500kg/ha. Grant Hagerty, Technical Manager from BASF stated the crops he has seen this past season have performed well with reduced disease levels but also greater vigour, taller and more advanced in growth stage and with more tillers over traditional seed treated crops. Systiva applied to autumn/winter sown barley crops will provide good disease control, allowing more flexibility in the fungicide programme leading into the spring. Many advisors and growers

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have been going for the conservative approach, dropping the early (T0) but retaining a solid first spray (T1) and the all-important second spray (T2).

What advantages Systiva will give you as a barley grower: • A foliar fungicide treated directly to the seed. • Not worrying about getting on ground when wet or windy over winter if autumn sown (especially when contractors are involved). • Promotes robust crop establishment and vigour. • Works smarter, for greater farm management efficiency establishment and vigour.

that occurs around the critical spray timings for barley. They stated that they have the ability to move their fungicide programme around more without sacrificing disease control and ultimately yield. Systiva as a seed treatment provides that piece of mind that you know you have provided the best advantage to your newly sown crop to protect its genetic yield potential. The only challenge thereafter is optimising the management of the crop, to ensure the gains Systiva gives the crop over early autumn and spring are captured and are retained through to harvest. Article supplied by BASF.

• Aids in optimising farm management. • Provides powerful early disease control against seed, soil and foliar diseases e.g. net blotch, leaf and stripe rust, powdery mildew, loose smut, covered smut and the big one, scald in the early growth stages.

Systiva treated spring sown barley has been providing similar results throughout the country. This year growers have been commenting on how well their crops have been performing, especially in the Manawatu area, where they normally struggle to get onto crops due to the amount of wind

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Make your farm sharper

Autumn 2016 sees the fifth season of Sharpen use on farms for preparing ground for autumn planting. Setting up the seedbed for cereals, new pasture, brassicas and many other crops starts with good weed control coming out of the previous crop. This is where Sharpen, when partnered with glyphosate, steps up – not only increasing the speed of burndown from the glyphosate spray but also strengthening the herbicidal activity on difficult weeds like docks, mallows and dandelions. Ensure crops have fewer problem weeds to tackle in the early growth stages, thus get off to a great start. Sharpen is now an integral product in the grower’s toolbox for pre-plant burndown in seedbed preparation and conservation tillage or pasture renovation. The quicker degradation of the plant material and sod evident in a Sharpen plus glyphosate treated area may enable earlier cultivation and less energy/fuel to pull cultivation equipment through the soil, allowing

longer grazing or earlier planting/ faster seedbed preparation. Taking out broadleaf weeds faster can conserve soil moisture as well. Local trials have shown Sharpen has no influence on the pasture “sweetening” effect provided by glyphosate, thus grazing can be undertaken as you normally would, when sugar levels are maximised. This is usually between 4-7 days after treatment. Sharpen also has a sensible grazing withholding period matching that of glyphosate, i.e. at least 2 days so as to ensure the glyphosate works effectively, especially on larger grasses. When applied as a pre-plant burndown, always apply Sharpen at 25g/ha in mixture with an approved glyphosate formulation at the manufacturer’s recommended rates. Key to the performance of Sharpen is choosing the right adjuvant – BASF recommends Hasten™ Oil for all situations where pre-plant burndown is planned. Use Hasten at 0.5 percent or 500ml/100L water. The water rate should be kept up to ensure good coverage, as some of

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the target weeds can be large and shade other weeds in the understory. After the job is done, Sharpen tank decontamination is straightforward – flush the spray tank, pumps, pipes and boom with water. Remember to follow the labels of other tank mixed products as well, as they may require a more vigorous decontamination process. Sharpen has inherently low volatility and does not increase the likelihood of off target drift. Furthermore Hasten, in itself, acts as a drift retardant to a degree. Thus there is minimal chance of secondary movement off target from choosing Sharpen to partner your glyphosate. Nonetheless, do not use when overall conditions favour drift. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by BASF.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Three ways to establish strong pastures Newly sown pastures represent a significant investment in time, money and effort for many farmers at this stage of the season. Regardless of how thoroughly paddocks have been prepared up until this point, there is (literally) still plenty of opportunity for problems to emerge, in the shape of aggressive broadleaf pasture weed seedlings. Weeds compete so strongly with grass and clover seedlings from day one that even when they’re still quite small, they can permanently affect new pastures by reducing their quality, composition, DM yield and persistence. Weeds have another natural advantage – seeds of many species can successfully germinate and grow with less moisture than ryegrass and clover seed, so in a dry autumn they can often get a head start. However, with the right new grass spray programme and some attention to detail, you can take out the weeds before they take over your new grass. Follow these proven steps for a successful outcome. 1. Closely monitor newly sown paddocks. By closely, this means on your hands and knees if necessary. The sooner you can spot emerging weeds, the better your control will be.

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2. Spray before the first grazing. The best time to spray weeds in new pasture is about 6 weeks after sowing, prior to the first full grazing. At this time weeds are still small and there is about 70 percent ground cover, or more. Ideally, you need a herbicide that will not damage the newly established grasses and clover while providing effective weed control.

Tribal Gold is purpose-made for this job. It’s a recent innovation from Nufarm – a selective herbicide that combines three key active ingredients in one can, Tribal Gold contains MCPA, MCPB and flumetsulam. That gives it the grunt to control the broadest spectrum of seedling weeds in new pasture, without killing young clover. (Some temporary clover suppression may occur but recovery is rapid.) Tribal Gold is rainfast in 2 hours and easy to use.

3. Spray after the first grazing. If you miss the early spray window, don’t worry – there’s still time to eradicate weeds from newly established pastures, using Baton after the first full grazing. Baton is specifically formulated to kill weeds that are larger and more advanced and it also has

a very broad spectrum. This unique water soluble granule has low odour and is less damaging to clovers than other 2,4-D formulations. Trials show young pastures sprayed with Baton after the first full grazing produced 60-66 percent more clover DM and 9-23 percent more grass DM than those not sprayed. Treated paddocks also contained significantly less weed DM, i.e. weed content was 70-80 percent less than untreated paddocks. That’s a lot less weeds! For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Nufarm.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Maintaining farm culverts Keeping culvert pipes well maintained is important for the longevity of these assets that ensure efficient access around the property. Regular maintenance as and where problems arise is the key – don’t let things escalate until they become a major and expensive fix. Preventative maintenance is the best form of upkeep. Carrying a spade or shovel on the farm bike or in the ute allows maintenance work to be done quickly and easily. Culvert pipe inlets can be cleaned out and run-off erosion on the side of farm tracks can be rounded off, to lessen further scouring and reduce silting of the adjacent drain.

Regular removal of debris (gravel, branches, etc.), carried into the culvert pipe during high flows, maintains the pipe’s full bore size, improves flow, lessens accelerated debris build-up and reduces the chance of flooding and scouring during high rainfall events. It is good practice to reinforce the streambed at the culvert outlet to prevent scouring and undermining of the pipe. Reasonable sized rocks (up to 300mm), laid on a geotextile membrane are ideal for this.

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A strong weed spraying programme, to eliminate weed and thistle build-up in the channel is essential. This improves flow and reduces the build-up of debris, which could be carried into the culvert at high flows and cause a blockage. The maintenance of wing-walls (headwalls), whether they are concrete, wooden or sand filled bags, should be undertaken at the first sign of damage. This mitigates accelerated erosion and is far cheaper that renewing the wingwall should it collapse entirely. Spillways or fluming that channels water away once passed through the culvert should be routinely checked and any damage repaired immediately, to lessen possible erosion or under-scouring issues. Regular flooding, or excessive repair or maintenance work required on a particular culvert, may indicate it is undersized. The smaller the culvert diameter, the more prone it will be to blockage by small amounts of debris. Likewise, smooth-bore culverts will be less prone to blockage than corrugatedbore culverts of the same diameter. If culvert replacement or an addition is deemed necessary, things to consider in sizing the new culvert pipe/s are: catchment area upstream of the culvert, local rainfall designation, sizing tables, type of culvert (concrete, metal or plastic) and comparison with similar culverts on the property, which perform well in normal rainfall events. Your local authority is an excellent

source of information and some culverts will require resource consent. In summary, the outcome of routine culvert maintenance is to keep the culvert in a good operating and safe condition by repairing specific defects as they occur. Only do temporary repairs if you’re unable to do the job properly immediately. For more information, please talk to your friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Iplex.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Save feed and time with feeding your stock You’ve probably seen these revolutionary plastic bale feeders around the place and wondered – what’s the advantage? Being plastic, are they strong enough? Well, the answer is there are plenty of advantages and yes, it is absolutely strong enough – they are not only tough but lightweight and easy to use. The Promax Round Bale Feeder is made up of four quarters, held together with heavy duty, quick release lynch pins. It’s called a round bale feeder but it can work for bales of any shape or size because it’s modular – you just add the curved panels and you can enlarge or

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reduce it as you want with the quick release pins. You can even assemble it around a bale – it’s that easy! The Promax Round Bale Feeder is not only the most innovative on the market, it’s also the strongest. The UV protected plastic is sturdy and tough but at the same time is light enough to be moved by one person. You can roll it around, throw it on the back of the ute or pick it up with the forks on the tractor. The Z shaped truss is one of the biggest advantages of the Promax Round Bale Feeder – it reduces wastage by up to 30 percent compared to other feeders. This is because the stock can’t pull the feed out. They have to twist their

heads through the Z shaped truss before backing out, leaving the feed to fall inside the feeder – not on the ground to be trampled. This means the feeder soon pays for itself by reducing wasted feed. With no sharp edges and being sturdy and well made, the Round Bale Feeder is stock friendly. Ideal for cattle and horses, the Round Bale Feeder is your ideal solution for stock feeding. For more information, please talk to your friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Promax Plastics.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Sighter puts high viz into gateways A common high risk area on many farms is unseen wires across gateways and races, often put up to guide stock after milking and drafting. For anyone on a farm bike it can be a near invisible and potentially extremely dangerous barrier. The design team at Gallagher cast their minds skywards to come up with a visual marker that would help alert farmers and staff to the risk in an effective and simple way. For many years power transmission lines have had high visibility spheres fitted over valleys and other potential flight paths, to minimise the risk of aircraft accidents. The same principle is behind Gallagher’s High Visibility Sighters. Built from high density, durable, UV resistant plastic, the Sighters take the simple principle of Gallagher’s Hi-Viz Flags, but without the fraying, movement and cutting that the flags inflict on the wire or bungee gates over time. The two halves of the Sighter simply snap onto the bungy, braid or rope used across the race or gateway. Two internal spikes will prevent any lateral movement along the rope or bungy by penetrating the conductor, keeping it secure. The simple, streamlined design of the High Visibility Sighter ensures a smoother wind passage over it, reducing vibration and wear on the suspending wire or bungy cord. The Sighter comes in five packs with an even quantity of white and orange halves.

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Gallagher Fencing Products Manager Graham Johns is anticipating the High Visibility Sighter will be popular with farmers, as health and safety expectations rise on farms in New Zealand.

Graham has also noticed a number of additional uses suggested by farmers who viewed the Sighters at the recent South Island Field Days at Waimumu. “These included using them to highlight hazards or risky areas on a farm, or points where a water pipe may pass under a race.” Another suggestion was using them at the end of farm airstrips to highlight the presence of fences on the strip perimeter.

The combination of orange and white halves has proven to provide the most effective highlighting contrast against raceways and paddock backdrops.

For more information, please talk to your friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Gallagher.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Adequate equine fencing essential Euro Corporation, the supplier of X ™ Fence® has recently taken up sponsorship of one of New Zealand’s top emerging dressage riders. Sophie de Clifford has X Fence installed at her residence in Matamata and recently competed with her horse, Ashanti, at Horse of the Year with great success. Her partner, Leigh de Clifford also happens to be a specialist equine veterinarian who is passionate about some of the benefits X Fence provides over and above other fencing options in the way of horse safety.

veterinarians in New Zealand to incur the

“As an equine veterinarian one of the

much safer than post and wire or wire and

most common presenting problems are

batten fences, which can seriously injure

wounds on the distal limbs, with a majority

or maim horses that run into it.

of these being caused by inadequate

It is also superior to other netting fences.

fencing. A recent survey of equine

The secret behind its superiority is

The line wires are also specially configured

veterinarians in New Zealand highlighted

relatively simple – a strong, smooth knot

to only be 5cm apart, not only making it

how common serious wounds were in

and a clever design and configuration of

more visible to horses but it is practically

equine patients,” Leigh says.

horizontal line wires.

impossible for a hoof to slip through and

“Equine wounds were the third most

The X knot is forged instead of being

common cause for a veterinary consult

machine-tied like other netting but it also

and wounds on the distal limbs of

uses 10 percent thicker steel. Together,

horses constituted 85 percent of all

these two features add a huge 24 percent

wounds treated by a veterinarian. Distal

additional strength over TiteGrip™ fixed

limb wounds are considered by equine

knot netting to safely and effectively

longest time to heal, were the most likely wound to incur complications and were the second most common cause (behind colic) of death and euthanasia. “Wounds can result in significant time lost in training and derail a racing campaign or an entire season of competition. Severe wounds also have the capability of reducing performance once healing is complete.” X Fence is specially designed in order to reduce these kinds of injuries. It is

contain a horse in flight.

incur injury. This only makes up part of the clever design however, as these wires also periodically contain a small shock-absorbing bend to allow a degree of flexibility if a horse was to run into the fence at speed. Leigh agrees with the philosophy that has made X Fence design so successful. “It is obvious that adequate fencing is essential when managing horses. Key components to an adequate fence are strength, visibility, small gaps to reduce likelihood of legs getting caught and height. In addition to all of the aforementioned requirements…X Fence also has the added benefit of flexibility when impacted upon.” Article supplied by Euro Corporation.

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