Plan 365 March 2019 by Farmlands

MARCH 2019

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

NUTRITION

FORAGE AND ARABLE

HORTICULTURE

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

DAIRY MANAGEMENT

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

NUTRITION

Feeding management at weaning time The later summer months of February and March are a common time for equine breeders to begin the process of separating foals from their dams â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and correct nutrition is essential for what can be a stressful time. Planning is required and strategies for weaning will differ according to facilities available, as well as procedures adopted to minimise stress and make the process as smooth as possible. The herd nature of the horse means they are required to have constant company and while larger establishments will often wean foals so they are paddocked together, owners with single foals will require another equine companion for them. To meet the increased energy and nutrient requirements of the lactating mare prior to weaning, in most cases a balanced broodmare feed such as NRM Evolve or McMillan Broodmare along with adequate forage in the form of pasture, hay or other fibre products is required. It is essential that the foal becomes accustomed to eating the hard feed before weaning, as this minimises complications associated with introducing a new feed at the same time as the stress of separation. This often occurs naturally by sharing the mareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feed. In most cases, broodmares are less affected by weaning and some will be more than ready to be separated from their young, energetic offspring. This is often the time when mares will gain weight, as lactation gradually ceases and energy is no longer required

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| In most cases, broodmares are less affected by weaning and some will be more than ready to be separated from their young, energetic offspring.

for milk production. Mare dietary alterations should therefore occur according to body condition and most mares will require less hard feed than when they had a foal at foot. Mares who gain weight easily can be transitioned onto a balancer pellet such as NRM Mare Balancer to ensure nutrients are still supplied in the diet without adding calories and contributing to weight gain.

essential vitamins and trace minerals.

Most foals are weaned from at least 5 to 6 months of age and by this stage they are independent and able to consume any forage or hard feed required. The time of growth between 6 and 12 months is crucial for skeletal development, as the risk of developmental orthopaedic diseases is high. Research has shown that to minimise the risk of conditions such as osteochondritis, physitis and wobblers developing, the most important considerations are to achieve steady growth and to provide a low glycaemic diet that is balanced with all

compare values as they grow and to

Steady growth in weanlings is achieved by monitoring condition carefully and avoiding any rapid changes to energy intake. While many stud managers have a highly experienced eye and can spot changes in body condition quickly enough, weighing and measuring weanlings gives much more accurate readings, as well as the ability to look for any significant changes. Providing the best diet for the growing horse requires adequate forage and the selection of a breeding feed that has a low glycaemic index (to avoid peaks in blood glucose) and is balanced with all the nutrients essential for optimum growth and development. For assistance with feeding plans for growing horses and broodmares at any stage of pregnancy, consult with an experienced equine nutritionist. Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutritionist.

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NUTRITION

Food safety for your animals Health and Safety on farms can extend to what is fed to animals to keep them as healthy and safe as possible. Some animal feeds are surprisingly dangerous to some classes of stock, so it pays to read and understand the label when feed arrives. There are a few things to be aware of when choosing a feed for your animal. Coccidiostats Coccidiostats are often found in calf, lamb, chick, dairy and some rabbit feeds and are important for these species to prevent a common parasitic issue. There are different forms of coccidiostat with different names such as Bovatec®, Rumensin®, Deccox® and Cycostat®. If a feed

contains a coccidiostat, it should be stated on the label along with clear feeding instructions. Coccidiostats are classed as ACVM registered additives, meaning they can only be fed to approved species and may have withholding periods for eggs and milk, so it is important to check the label for this information. One major thing to note when it comes to coccidiostats is that some animals are very sensitive to them and it may cause health issues, or even death, if consumed. These animals include dogs, horses, donkeys and all camelids such as alpacas and llamas – it is therefore extremely important to ensure these animals cannot access coccidiostatcontaining feeds. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact your vet.

Macromineral levels Calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus are classed as macrominerals and the level required per day by an animal can differ greatly depending on their physiological state. For example, a laying chicken making an eggshell a day needs a lot more calcium than a young chick and a lactating animal needs more calcium than a non-lactating animal to make milk. Growing animals also need the correct balance of macrominerals to support skeletal growth. If an animal is fed too much of a macromineral it can cause health issues. For example, feeding too much calcium to an animal that doesn’t require it can cause kidney damage. On the other hand, too little of a macromineral can also cause issues. For example, low calcium in a dairy cow diet causes milk fever. It is therefore important to stick to feeding recommendations and give an animal the correct feed for its current state and change feeds as they move from one stage to the next. Micronutrient levels Micronutrients include trace elements such as copper, selenium, iodine, zinc and manganese, as well as vitamins such as vitamins A, D and E. These nutrients need to be consumed in small quantities a day but can have a big impact on health. Just as with the macrominerals, the requirement for micronutrients varies with the species and physiological state. A good example of this is copper requirements. Cattle require more copper per kilogram of body weight compared to

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NUTRITION

sheep, so if a cattle feed with a high level of copper is fed to a sheep for an extended period, it can cause copper toxicity (this is the same with calf vs. lamb feed). Even within some species the requirements may be different. For example, lactating cow feed will often contain high rates of copper, which makes it inappropriate for calves. Some multi-feed options such as NRM MultiFeed Nuts have a safe level for a wider range of species. Always check the product label to ensure a feed is approved for use by your target animal.

“

Some animal feeds are surprisingly dangerous to some classes of stock, so it pays to read and understand the label when feed arrives.

Ruminant protein-containing feeds Is it against the law in New Zealand to feed ruminant protein to ruminant animals (this includes cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and deer). This is due to the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as “Mad Cow Disease”. Ruminant protein can be included in some animal feeds

due to the risk of contamination

your animals to ensure they are as

such as dog and cat food, plus some

during manufacture. All products

happy and healthy as possible.

pig and poultry feeds. Even feeds

that fit into this category must be

that do not contain ruminant protein

labelled on the front of the bag.

in the formulation but are made in a

Small differences can make big differences, so be aware of this

Contact your local Nutrition Specialist if you are considering feeding something that is not detailed on a product label.

when making feed choices for

Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Nutritionist.

feed mill that handles ruminant protein still cannot be fed to ruminants,

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NUTRITION

Supplementation in late lactation If you have studied the DairyNZ Economic Survey data over a number of years like Wales and Kolver (2017) and concluded that supplementary feeding cows is good for profitability/ha, return on assets and equity growth, when is a good time to increase supplementary feeding? Whatever system you currently follow, I think the last 3 months of lactation are an ideal time to give cows more feed because they are: • Free from the metabolic issues and slow rise in dry matter intake which limits them in early lactation. • Free from the pressures of trying to mate whilst eating pasture, which is also trying to reproduce. • Past the challenges of summer such as heat stress and facial eczema.

energy and protein to partition to recovering weight (from muscle, fat and bone density) and can be dried off later, provided supplements are high quality.

condition. I think it is better to

A 500kg cow needing to gain 0.5 BSC over 90 days needs to gain about 200g/day, requiring about an additional 10MJ ME per day, so high quality supplementary feed is usually the best complement to high quality autumn pasture.

the dry period or early lactation when

Substitution will mean that when fed supplements, the pasture intake per cow will drop slightly but managed properly, in the long-term, the pasture eaten per hectare should be the same across all systems.

and 5 farmers should be planning to

DairyNZ’s Dairy Cow Annual Requirement table suggests that cows giving 400kgMS need to eat an extra 700kgDM at 11 MJME/ kgDM to increase milk production by 100kgMS – a response of 142gMS/ kgDM – which is why supplementary feeding has been so beneficial in terms of profits and efficiency.

Late lactation provides a great opportunity to increase milk volumes and set cows up better for the next lactation. As indicated by the DairyNZ Key Performance Indicator table (see below), a key benefit of increased feeding is increasing the days in milk. Although cows fed more produce more milk, they typically have additional

Where herds have never received supplementary feed before, the response in the vat may be subdued as they divert more of the additional nutrients into growing and body

introduce cows to supplements in late lactation to increase income, rather than leaving improvements to conditions may work against you. Where cows have been fed supplements in the spring, feeding in the autumn is likely to increase the days in milk and reduce the decline in milk produced per day. System 4 feed through autumn but may wish to review which supplements and feeding levels are most appropriate this year. In-shed feeding provides a convenient, low-waste and reliable way to deliver high quality supplements to cows. With the introduction of Fonterra’s FEI and exceptional grass growth in some regions this season, we are seeing a move away from straight PKE towards blends and compound feed. For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist who can recommend the best available options in each region. Wales and Kolver. (2017). Challenges of feeding dairy cows in Australia and New Zealand. Animal Production Science, 57, 1366-1383. Article supplied by Dr. Rob Derrick, Lead Nutritionist.

Key performance indicators by farm system according to DairyNZ Cow liveweight

System 1: No imported feed

System 2: Imported feed for dry cows

System 3: 10-20% imported feed

System 4: 20-30% imported feed

System 5: 25-40% imported feed

North Island and unirrigated

400

300-320kgMS

300-320 kgMS

320-340 kgMS

340-360 kgMS

360-420 kgMS

500

375-400 kgMS

400-425 kgMS

425-450 kgMS

450-525 kgMS

Canterbury and Southland

400

320-340 kgMS

340-360 kgMS

360-380 kgMS

360-420 kgMS

500

400-425 kgMS

425-450 kgMS

450-475 kgMS

450-525

Days in milk

230-250

240-260

245-265

265-280

275+

Adapted from DairyNZ Facts and Figures (Ed 1).

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Improve nitrogen efficiency Plan nitrogen applications more effectively with a new tool. With farmers facing increasing pressure to use nutrients more efficiently, nitrogen is increasingly in the spotlight. Nitrogen efficiency is all about minimising nitrogen losses, so the nitrogen can be used on-farm and negative environmental impacts avoided. “Improving your nitrogen efficiency isn’t just about reducing your environmental footprint – it’s also about improving your financial returns,” Ballance Agri-Nutrients Precision Agriculture Specialist, Ollie Knowles says. To help pastoral farmers improve their nitrogen use efficiency, Ballance has developed a software tool, My Pasture Planner. It helps farmers identify the most responsive areas to apply nitrogen fertiliser and at the optimum rate. “My Pasture Planner incorporates the expertise of AgResearch scientists, giving you the best nitrogen application solutions, right at your fingertips,” Ollie says. The software uses total soil nitrogen test (soil Total N test) information. A soil Total N test, done to a depth of 75mm, determines a soil’s potential to supply nitrogen for pasture growth. It identifies areas that will be more responsive to nitrogen fertiliser, so nitrogen application rates can be tailored accordingly. My Pasture Planner helps you explore the possibilities and check or adjust your nitrogen application rates. “If some areas have low and some have high soil Total N, you can use the same amount

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| Nitrogen efficiency is all about minimising nitrogen losses, so the nitrogen can be used on-farm.

of nitrogen fertiliser but apply more where response is likely to be greater and less in other areas,” Ollie says. “If all areas have high soil Total N, My Pasture Planner can help you to predict likely responses, rather than assuming a typical year-round average of 10kg DM/kg N. You can also identify which months give a greater return from nitrogen application, by using soil nitrogen levels combined with built-in pasture growth rate data. “If all areas have low soil Total N, you can get a better idea of responses, instead of using industry averages. You can improve feed budgeting and economical use of nitrogen fertiliser as a low cost supplementary feed. You can also explore the opportunity to support pasture growth and persistence by increasing your nitrogen application rate.”

Farmers can easily access outputs from My Pasture Planner, as it is integrated with MyBallance, an online secure place to keep farm fertiliser information. “Mapping capability makes it simple to create a 12 month nitrogen plan. The MyBallance integration means you see a fertiliser recommendation mapped out for your farm,” Ollie adds. Ballance has updated and enhanced N-Guru to produce My Pasture Planner. My Pasture Planner is owned exclusively by Ballance and is available to Ballance customers registered with MyBallance. Existing Ballance customers can register at www.myballance.co.nz. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Slug monitoring efforts must improve Crop farmers in New Zealand must put more effort into monitoring their crops for slug damage to avoid a repeat of the damage seen in the past. Abie Horrocks, Research Manager (Environment) at the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR), warns that while spring’s weather will ultimately dictate the impact of slugs on this year’s crops, the current trend embracing reduced tillage means slugs are now an increasingly troublesome pest. “Don’t wait until you can see slug damage in the crop, by then the slug population will likely be so high that you’ll be on the back foot with control,” she says. “Regardless of slug problems in the past, monitoring the in-crop populations – especially through the all-important establishment phase – is crucial. It’s so easy to get complacent and then you’ll get taken by surprise when the slug population erupts. It is not uncommon for slugs to outnumber baiting points, so managing before populations escalate can help.” Monitoring is particularly important in susceptible crops such as clover, seed grasses and brassicas but all other crops, including cereals, can also suffer damage. “Establishment is when crops usually face slug problems, so warning bells should go off if the crop is being drilled in generally wet weather, or if it is slow to emerge or grow through the early vulnerable stages,” Abie says. “It’s important to think about incorporating a slug control strategy into your overall cropping plan, which involves much more than monitoring

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alone. For example, pay attention to seedbed quality. Aim for good seed and soil contact and coverage, which prevents slugs from moving through crevices in the soil where they can readily access the seed.” Natural predators are worth encouraging. Carabid beetles – of which New Zealand has three native species that are commonly found in the paddock – are keen slug predators, especially at the immature stage. “Carabid beetles can make a valuable contribution to slug control, reducing the need for, and frequency of, pellet applications. But you’ll need to be careful with insecticide use to encourage populations,” Abie notes. “Carbamate-based products, for example, are not ‘beetle-friendly’.” Including the grey field slug, four species of slugs are agronomically significant in New Zealand agriculture – research carried out by FAR and Plant and Food Research (as part of a Sustainable Farming Fund project titled “Integrated management of slugs in New Zealand cropping systems”) suggests the two that are the most common are the grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum) and the brown field slug (Deroceras panormitanum). “The grey field slug is the one to look out for,” Abie warns. “Lab trials suggest the grey field slug responds most quickly to changes in moisture and causes up to four times more feeding damage.” While knowing which species are present in a crop won’t affect the overall strategy, Abie encourages farmers to identify species during monitoring so they can react accordingly.

FAR’s recommendation on slug monitoring has been welcomed by crop protection company Lonza. Lonza’s Business Development Manager, Mike Swift says there has been a big change in Europe over the last 10 years, with much greater emphasis on awareness and pre-emptive control strategies that involve population monitoring to stay ahead of the game and a move away from the “one-size-fitsall” approach to slug control. “There’s a growing realisation that slug control should be part of the same, modern precision-led approach to crop protection that we adopt with products such as fungicides,” he explains. “Where several factors contribute to an effective decision-support system. European farmers are now much more aware of the importance of monitoring and understanding slug populations.” Lonza is the leading supplier of solutions for professional growers and amateur gardeners alike across all the main continents, including the control of mollusc pests. Axcela® is the new slug and snail product manufactured via a unique wet-extrusion process by Lonza. It combines the advantages of the specific mode of action of Meta® Metaldehyde with the latest formulation techniques, to give these pellets the highest level of control over slugs and snails under a wide range of conditions. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Lonza.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Mixed clover finishing systems gaining traction The use of flexible mixed clover finishing systems has recently been gaining traction with New Zealand farmers. The increased persistency and rapid liveweight gains achievable with the addition of clover has helped Taumarunui farmer Scott Hill achieve far greater farm gate returns. Scott is the owner and manager of a 98ha lamb finishing and dairy grazing block near Taumarunui. He faces a number of challenges on his farm from pest pressure (commonly found in the King Country), along with free draining pumice (which although good in the winter months, proves to be a challenge in the summer months). Following advice from other farmers and his local Farmlands Technical Field Officer Vanessa Hughes, Scott put a mix of Relish red clover and Asset AR37 Italian ryegrass into his system at a rate of Asset AR37 18kg/ ha, Relish red clover 4kg/ha and an addition of Tribute white clover 3kg/ha. Relish red clover has had multiple years of proven outcomes as a high powered specialised feed for lamb finishing. In the past, red clover has been viewed as a short-term option, however Relish red clover is a major advancement in persistence and is an option that can be considered for 2-3 years plus. The addition of Asset AR37 to the Relish proved valuable for Scott in the winter, providing a muchneeded punch in productivity. Asset’s density is a significant trait for making it user friendly and persistent especially with winter

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| Farmlands Technical Field Officer, Vanessa Hughes with Taumarunui farmer, Scott Hill.

grazing under trying wet conditions, which normally has a big impact on the success of short-term pastures. It didn’t take long to see the benefits gained through this mix. “It was very fast to establish and the production has already been impressive – the first cut we did harvested 3,000kg DM/ ha of high quality feed. The Asset Relish mix produced a lot of very high quality feed, which is why I wanted to cut and bail it,” Scott says. The King Country is challenged by a number of pests including Argentine stem weevil and black beetle, which can dramatically affect the persistence and production of forage grasses. “Anything without endophyte hardly lasts 12 months,” Scott says. AR37 endophyte provides the best long-

persistence of the Relish red clover Asset mix, best management practices suggest rotational grazing with pregrazing heights of 20-25cm leaving a residual of 4-5cm. The spring growth of Relish is very rapid and being well prepared to utilise this growth is key. This requires an increased stocking rate to maintain quality, or as Scott has done, utilise this for high quality silage. Coming into the autumn months it is important to give it a tidy up before shutting it up for winter feed. If too much dead material builds up in the second autumn or winter, ongoing productivity can be compromised. The flexibility and the user-friendliness of the Relish red clover and Asset mix has made it a good option for a number of farm systems.

Country but right across the country.

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

To maximise the production and

Article supplied by Agricom.

term, natural protection to several pasture pests not only in the King

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Feed efficiency in lactating cows Feed efficiency measures the ability of cows to turn feed nutrients into milk or milk components. In the simplest terms, it is the kilograms of milk produced per kilogram of dry matter consumed1. With our mainly pasture-based systems, this is not something we think about a lot in New Zealand. But perhaps we should. Feed efficiency becomes increasingly important during times of decreased profit margins (high input and low returns) and with New Zealand no longer being regarded as a low-cost producer of milk by world standards, profits will be getting squeezed. A way to combat these decreased profit margins is to increase the milk made from every kilogram of

| It has been shown that feed efficiency is directly related to forage digestibility, in that the more digestible it is, the greater the feed efficiency.

dry matter fed. An added benefit to increasing cows’ feed efficiency is

profitable as it means getting more

Gastrointestinal parasites can negatively affect feed efficiency2. With each mouthful of pasture, infective L3 larvae are also ingested. The parasites decrease appetite and induce an immune response that costs the host animal energy and protein. This parasite challenge is generally highest in the autumn. An analysis of 75 published trials3 has shown that treating cows for parasites can increase production by 0.35kg milk per cow per day. The analysis also found that the endectocides (such as Cydectin® Pour-On) produced better results than the other drenches and that trials where treatment was given in mid-lactation produced better responses than when given at drying off or calving.

milk per unit of dry matter fed1.

Cydectin Pour-On has nil milk and

that fewer nutrients will be excreted in manure, so feed efficiency affects both economic and environmental efficiency. This is of considerable importance to farms struggling with nutrient and waste management1. It has been shown that feed efficiency is directly related to forage digestibility, in that the more digestible it is, the greater the feed efficiency. Since energy density has the same relationship with feed efficiency, the greatest effort should be applied to ensuring only feeds and forages of the highest quality are fed to lactating cows. Making improvements in feed efficiency will almost always be

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meat withholding periods, allowing you to use it during lactation. It also removes the effects of parasites for as long, or longer than any other pour-on endectocide available in New Zealand (e.g. Ostertagia ostertagi for 35 days), improving feed efficiency for longer. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. 1. VanSaun, R and White, R. (2016). Feed efficiency in lactating cows and relationship to income over feed costs. Penn State Extension. 2. Gibson, T.E. (1963). The influence of nutrition on the relationships between gastro-intestinal parasites and their hosts. Nutrition and the host-parasite relationship. Symposium proceedings, 22, 15-20. 3. Sanchez, J., et al. (2004). A meta-analysis of the milk-production response after anthelmintic treatment in naturally infected adult dairy cows. Prev Vet Med, 63 (3-4), p. 237-56. Cydectin is a registered trade mark of Zoetis. ACVM No. A6203. Article supplied by Zoetis.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Healthy calves key to successful calf rearing Whether you’re a dairy farm rearing calves for heifer replacement or a dry stock farm growing beef animals, your goals are similar – to produce quality replacement heifers that become high producing cows and will last over time in the herd, or to grow beef animals to target weights faster and in better condition, so they achieve slaughter dates earlier, or on time, at better weights. One of the simplest and most efficient ways to ensure calves are hitting target weights is regular weighing and monitoring throughout the season. There’s a range of hardware and software solutions available that make life easy for you when it comes to weighing and EID, adding value to your bottom line and ensuring you

meet your compliance obligation too.

that aren’t tracking to weight, so

Tracking growth using a Tru-Test weighing platform, weigh scales and EID stick reader connected to a livestock management software package like FarmIQ helps improve productivity and animal management within your farming operation.

you can separate them out from the main herd and concentrate on extra food or get them vet checked for underlying health issues. • Performing on-farm trials to compare groups of animals to determine the impact of

The process of getting data from weigh scales is simple and effective and the performance benefits can be significant. Once connected to your livestock management software, files containing trait and production data (breed, sex, weight, condition score) can flow in. You can pull data in by EID or mob and use it to drive a range of features and reports, including: • Tracking animal weights against targets to identify not only top performers but also those calves

alternate farm management decisions (e.g. sire genetics) on liveweight production. • Building a performance history against individual dams within a flock or herd to help identify those animals to retain, mate and terminate. • Meet NAIT and processor compliance requirements. Regular weighing allows you to manage animals individually and make the decision to sell at the optimum time to achieve the best price. It also gives total herd traceability and livestock management software helps record, track weight growth and manage herd genetics, providing an easy to understand graphical snapshot of where your animals are at. Plus, it helps identify trends and lets you make timely decisions on-farm. You can even download sessions from your Tru-Test devices and upload them directly to your livestock management software, or share them directly with your NAIT account. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Tru-Test.

| Regular weighing is one of the most efficient ways to ensure calves are hitting target weights.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Prepare your pool now to avoid algae It seems to happen every year – the rain comes, summer memories fade and the pool gets abandoned. Then spring rolls around and you race over to the pool for a pre-season plunge – only to find the frogs and algae have beaten you to it.

Winterisation can save energy,

At this stage, getting the pool back into top condition for swimming can be expensive and an unnecessary waste of valuable time. However, a little bit of work up-front when you decide to close the pool for winter will help you beat the seasonal changes.

winter when it is not being used.

It is usually essential to maintain a balanced level of chlorine in your pool over the winter months in order to prevent bacteria and algae growth – but winterising the pool water can replace the need for this. Winteriser is a long-lasting winter solution for swimming pools that provides a low level of sanitation and a high level of algaecide control. Lasting up to 5 months, it is an effective barrier against algae growth through pool hibernation.

meaning you can save money on electricity bills, while also ensuring your pool is ready for swimming when the weather turns warm again. Take the following steps to keep your pool clean throughout the When you decide to close the pool for winter: • Vacuum and brush the pool thoroughly. • Backwash the filter. • Check that the water is balanced and adjust if necessary. • Shock with chlorine to lift the level to 10ppm. • The next day, add Crystal Water Winteriser to extend the properties of the sanitiser. With the filter running, add Crystal Water Winteriser directly to the water around the edges of the pool at the rate of 400ml per 10,000L.

| Winteriser provides a high level of algaecide control.

During winter when the pool is closed, for best results: • Shock with chlorine once a month.

Run the filter for 3 hours.

• Run the filter for 2-3 hours per day through winter (or one full day, once a week). • Backwash filter fortnightly. • Cover the pool to prevent leaves or debris build up in the pool. • Prevent frost damage to pool and accessories. Winterising treatment may need to be topped up depending on conditions and rain splash out. For further information, contact the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Space Industries. | It is essential to winterise your pool before you close it for winter in order to prevent bacteria and algae growth.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Family legacy drives innovation The agriculture, construction and manufacturing industries are the backbone of New Zealand. Working in New Zealand’s unique and varied climates and landscapes comes with its own set of challenges – but supporting the industries that are at our country’s core has been the focus for one Kiwi family for generations. “Growing up in our family has taught me to work hard, to innovate and to care about the people,” Delfast National Sales Manager, James Currie says. “We’re proud to be kiwis. It shapes our family and it shapes our brand.” James says that his Grandfather, Colin Currie, has always been hardworking. “He’s always had a passion for people and he’s always put family first.” Several generations on, these commitments have never changed.

| Supporting the agriculture, construction and manufacturing industries has been a focus for the Currie family for generations.

in the family. From the beginning, the Delfast team has consistently worked

Colin, affectionately known to the family as “Papa”, had been farming since high school and in 1960 he took over the family sheep and beef farm in Bunnythorpe, Manawatu.

hard to create relationships with our

“Farming sheep means high quality fencing – it’s been in our blood, right from the beginning,” James explains.

users has never changed, it has been a

“Family comes first for Papa, so in 1964 he made the decision to sell the farm to better support his family. From the farm, Papa moved his family to Palmerston North, where he developed his sales skills with an outdoor clothing company.”

stapler that has changed fencing for the

Eventually, Delfast was started by Colin’s sons, Andrew and Ian, in 1992.

and worked with the unique conditions

“Papa’s ‘sheer hard work’ has definitely been engrained in all of us

product users were frustrated and we

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product users and a reputation of providing every Delfast user with the best service for their products. This commitment to serving our product key part of who we are,” James says. “In 1998, we developed a contractors’ better – something we couldn’t have done without the relationships we’ve built with our end users. We saw that our end users needed a better product than what was on the local market. They needed something that would last they were working in. We saw that our wanted to do something about that.”

The result was a staple product that became a pivotal point for Delfast. “Not only that, we’ve developed over 1,000 product lines that are ideally suited to our product users’ needs and to the unique challenges of New Zealand’s climate,” James says. “Papa’s care and commitment to people has remained a foundation of Delfast today. We’re dedicated to bettering the experience for our end users. Our goal is to create an environment where people are confident to own the Delfast products they have. We want to think smarter, not harder for our end-users – to make building the best, effortlessly.” For further information, contact the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Delfast.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Why choose solar? In recent years, portable solar fence energizers have developed as the most convenient and versatile energizers on the market. Innovations in solar technology mean it is now a practical and cost effective solution for electric fencing where mains power is unavailable or portability is required. Solar energizers are a gamechanger for all farmers wanting to capitalise on the benefits of solar power for temporary or even permanent electric fencing. Compact, robust and fully integrated with an internal rechargeable battery and solar panel, these energizers are a convenient alternative to batterypowered fence systems. Solar energizers are fully self-sufficient, using solar power to charge an internal battery, meaning it does not require a constant supply of batteries to keep it functioning. Convenience Ease of use really sets solar energizers apart. In the past, you could buy a solar powered energizer but then would have to purchase a separate solar panel and battery to integrate into it. All of which was heavy and hard to transport around the farm. Now, you get the energizer, the battery and the solar panel in one easy to carry package. With a convenient carry handle, they are extremely portable and easy to set up in any location. With only one control switch, you do not have to be an expert in electric fencing to operate it. These solar energizers are incredibly simple to set up and operate.

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You just hook it up to the fence and earth stake, turn it on and walk away. There is very little maintenance required, occasionally, the solar panel may need to be cleaned and the connection wires should be checked for damage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but otherwise the energizer will continue ticking without any need to charge or replace the battery. Gallagher Solar Energizers are made using only high quality batteries, which typically last 3 to 5 years. Reliability Gallagher Fence Energizers all undergo significant stress tests to ensure they provide longevity and reliability to farmers. These portable solar energizers are designed to withstand the harshest of farming environments. A super-tough plastic casing and lightning protection ensure they provide continuous pasture, stock and fence protection in all weather conditions. The reliability of the power supply is where the solar range really starts to show its worth. With built-in battery management algorithms, the energizer monitors its power based on how much battery voltage is left. If the energizer experiences periods of little or no sunlight, it will adjust its pulse rate and power output to ensure operation for up to 3 weeks without sunlight. Versatility Each of the Gallagher Solar Energizers can be installed in many different ways â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they can be installed on the base of a Gallagher Ring Top Post for portable fencing options or for longer term scenarios, they can be nailed to a wood post or sit on top of a

| Solar energizers are a convenient alternative to battery-powered fence systems.

steel post. The base of the energizers allow for 360 degree placement, so that the solar panel can always be positioned towards the sun, regardless of which way the post is facing. The Gallagher Portable Solar range offers unparalleled convenience, reliability and versatility. With options from 0.1 up to 2 stored joules, these energizers offer an electric fencing solution that works wherever you do. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Gallagher.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Bait selection important for rodent control Rodents spoil food, spread disease and cause damage by fouling and gnawing. Rodents become more visible and annoying in autumn when they are out looking for new food sources and homes to escape the cooler temperatures. Rodents are prolific breeders, which means your home and farm buildings could soon be overrun with large number of rats and mice. As soon as you see evidence of a rodent invasion, that is the time to implement a sensible rodent control plan to keep populations in check. Choosing a bait that is highly palatable with a suitable sized bait station will help you control the situation. Rats and mice prefer fresh, high quality foods and will reject spoiled or low palatability foods when given a choice, so bait selection is important. A bait with a chocolate lure is very effective – a single feed can become a lethal dose. For successful rodent control, it is

best practice to use a suitable bait station. A well designed bait station ensures the bait is kept dry and fresh, therefore ensuring the feed source is desirable to the rodent. Bait stations secure bait in place and prevent the rodents from removing it to store elsewhere. They also protect non-target species from accessing the bait.

Tips for successful eradication: 1. Do not handle bait with bare hands, as rodents are suspicious of human scent and may avoid baits that have been touched. 2. Ensure rodents do not have access to alternative foods such as stock feed, garbage or human food scraps.

A quality bait station should be lockable, robust, easy to use and well designed to accommodate both rats and mice.

3. Maintain fresh baits by checking and replacing them every two to three days initially and later, every week or two.

The design should allow for either indoor or outdoor use. Some can be pegged/nailed or screwed down and the wire hoops provided will prevent rodents from removing the bait. The larger designed bait stations can be located along a wall or building to take advantage of the typical hunting characteristics of rodents. Larger sized bait stations allow the rodent to feed inside without the fear of being discovered.

4. Be particularly vigilant during autumn when the first cold and wet weather arrives, as this usually drives rodents indoors to find shelter and food. 5. To protect non-target animals from secondary poisoning, collect any dead rodent bodies and burn or bury them. Spoiled or unwanted bait should be disposed of in a similar manner. Available at your local Farmlands store, PestOff offers a range of bait stations to suit different rodent control requirements. Where infestation is heavy and localised, use up to five bait stations per 100 square metres and in areas where infestation is light and extensive, use one PestOff Dead Rat Café per 100 square metres. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. P5099. See www.nzfsa.govt.nz/acvm for registration details. Article supplied by Bell-Booth.

| For successful rodent control, it is best practice to use a suitable bait station.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Get your rabbit population under control The vast majority of the New Zealand public recognise the nationwide problem of feral rabbits – especially the damage caused to the environment and to farm production. Rabbits are New Zealand’s second major vertebrate pest problem after possums. Introduced into New Zealand in the early part of the 18th century for food and sport, rabbits reached plague proportions by the 1880s, seriously affecting the viability of farming in some areas. Rabbit predators, such as stoats, weasels and ferrets, were introduced by the Government in the 1880s without success and the rabbit problem still remains. Methods such as trapping, shooting, poisoning, gassing and rabbit-proof fencing have become the main means of control. As rabbits are nocturnal they spend most of their day underground in the safety of their burrow, living in colonies or warrens before venturing

out at twilight to feed for most of the night. These warrens usually consist of a series of tunnels and burrows, interconnecting with several entrances. Often when rabbits are observed out and about during the day this indicates an even higher population. The home range of the rabbit is generally 2 to 3 hectares, however they will stray further in search of food.

The placement of the bait is vital, so for a successful operation it is critical that farmers lay the bait appropriately. • Locate rabbit sightings, usually identified via their droppings, short grazing and scrapes or scratchings in the pasture. • Rabbits are neophobic (they don’t like new things), so place bait stations in all areas where the

Pindone is a first-generation anticoagulant poison designed for the control of rabbits in rural and urban areas. The cereal-based pellet is designed to be consumed over several days to be effective. The toxin in Pindone reduces the clotting power of the blood, thereby causing internal haemorrhage. Death occurs 4 to 11 days after bait consumption. While rabbits may be active in the treated area for 4 to 5 days after taking the poison, very few rabbit carcasses will be found as rabbits will usually go back to their burrows to die, making it safer for any off-target consumption.

rabbits are grazing without bait for several days before baiting. • When applying bait, allow more than enough bait for all the rabbits in the area. • If all bait is gone after the first night, you have not put enough bait down in the area. • For the first 4 days, check the bait stations each day to ensure a continuous supply of bait. • Following this check for further signs at 10 to 14 days and if there are still signs of rabbits, repeat the application. • Do not lay bait if heavy rain is expected within a day of laying out the bait. • Bait should always be applied using bait stations. In cases where there is concern about bait being accessible during the day time, use a bait station that can be closed off to stop non-target species getting access to the bait. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Key Industries.

| The placement of the bait is vital, so for a successful operation it is critical that farmers lay the bait appropriately.

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