Plan 365 May 2016 by Farmlands

MAY 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

Exit drenching — why ewe use it and when The purpose of introducing an exit drench treatment (or knock-out drench as it is also known) into a planned drenching programme is to remove any drenchresistant worms that have survived late spring and late autumn drenching. Importantly, it slows resistance development and results in better animal productivity. Exit drenching does not mean adding another drench to your drenching programme. Instead, you substitute the last drench of the season with a product

that is chemically different to those used previously and is effective against all common production limiting parasites on any given property. As well as preventing pasture contamination with resistant parasite eggs as you move into winter, exit drenching is important to help prolong the effective life of drench actives. Moxidectin is well known as a useful active when Haemonchus contortus (Barber’s Pole) is a concern. Although most short-acting combination drenches will kill Barber’s Pole worms, this species has the ability to reproduce rapidly under the right conditions (warm and humid), so that it can cause major production losses between monthly drenches with a short-acting product. The longer action of moxidectin provides protection during the high-risk warmer months. However, it is important to use this drench strategically to delay the onset of resistance to this useful active. Reserve the use of moxidectin for the months when Barber’s Pole is a real risk (autumn) and ensure that an exit drench is given as the last drench of the autumn season.

ensure that any resistant worms that have built up over summer and early autumn will be eliminated, which will also ensure no resistant worms are carried over into the winter months. The product chosen as an exit drench must be highly effective, so it makes sense to use a product from a different drench family to that used during your drenching programme. For example, after the use of moxidectin, choose a drench that does not solely belong to the macrocyclic lactone (ML) active family. It is recommended to use best practice, which is the use of a triple combination product such as ‘Evolve Sheep’. For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Donaghys.

After the Barber’s Pole season has passed, remaining lambs will benefit from an exit drench. This needs to be a drench with no known resistance on your farm, which generally means using a triple combination drench like ‘Evolve Sheep’. This exit drench is usually the fifth or sixth drench of the season and is given in autumn after the temperature cools down or if you have had a few frosts. The use of this drenching option is to

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Winter lice treatment — do it once, do it right You may think lice look harmless – they don’t suck blood like ticks or damage skin like maggots, they don’t move fast or jump like fleas. In fact, they hardly move at all – but don’t be fooled! Clinical infestations of lice significantly reduce wool yield and quality from rubbing, plus pelts can be damaged from cockle, a hypersensitivity reaction to lice. Insecticides have been front and centre in the effort to control lice infestations, however many chemicals have come and gone as lice have become resistant to these actives, or the method of application has become tedious and costly. This is especially true with many of the run through systems, which give good cover over the back where flies strike but limited cover to the underside of sheep, where lice are quite happy to hide until chemical levels subside. Pour-on formulations give more accurate dosing and are easy to

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apply with no costly equipment. More importantly, combination pour-on formulations with accurate dosage and effective application will slow the development of lice resistance where other single actives have become obsolete. Zapp Encore is an excellent combination pour-on containing triflumuron and imidacloprid, two highly specific lice actives with different modes of activity. Imidacloprid provides rapid knockdown by killing on contact all stages of the lice life cycle, except the eggs. Triflumuron kills at the three moulting stages, plus has a residual action, like all insect growth regulators (IGR), which prevents re-infestation and the normal winter population build-up. Together this combination pour-on product provides excellent knockdown and long-term protection. Treatment timing needs to factor in many variables, such as stock class, length of wool, equipment and labour required, weather and withholding periods. Make sure you treat sheep as per label instructions, always basing your dose rate on the heaviest sheep in the mob. Frequently check your applicator dose to make sure you are applying the correct quantity. It is also good to use a product that contains a scourable dye, allowing you to easily identify those

treated in the mob, re-treating any you think you may have missed. You should always employ preventative measures for lice control as well. Limit lice numbers by shearing at the most suitable time and applying an effective combination product in an efficient manner, without excessive wool growth. Also ensure you have a clean muster, treating all stock at the same time. If you are not then make sure treated and untreated mobs are kept separate for at least 4 weeks following treatment. Using these techniques, and a combination product like Zapp Encore for knockdown and prevention, means you can do the job once, and know you have done it right. For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Bayer.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

More antibodies when you need them Why is pre-lamb vaccination important? Lambs are born without antibodies and rely on antibodies in the ewe’s colostrum for protection against clostridial diseases including pulpy kidney and tetanus. Clostridial vaccination of the ewe just prior to lambing is utilised on most New Zealand farms to maximise the level of antibodies lambs receive in colostrum. Lambs cannot get any antibodies from their mother via the placenta (compared to other animals, including humans, who can), so they are reliant on suckling good amounts of quality colostrum soon after birth. The gut of the newborn lamb is best at absorbing these antibodies within the first 6-12 hours of life, so it’s crucial this colostrum is the best quality and volume possible. The duration of protection gained by the suckling lamb is determined by the amount of antibody absorbed from colostrum. Inadequate levels of antibody intake by lambs can be seen with:

poorer quality colostrum – so you want the highest potency and longest lasting vaccine available. The vaccine you choose at pre-lamb is one of the factors that determines the level of antibodies available for suckling lambs. Nilvax is a high potency, longer acting 5-in-1 vaccine that also contains levamisole, which can be used as part of a combination treatment to help protect against worm burden. Importantly, the levamisole also acts as an immune stimulant, meaning a much better response to vaccination and higher antibody levels than other 5-in-1 vaccines. In a trial comparing the immune response of twin-bearing ewes to different pre-lamb vaccines, significant differences were seen between vaccines. Not all vaccines are created equal as seen below in Figure 1. Pulpy kidney (C. perfringens Type D) mean antibody levels in ewes measured 14 days after pre-lamb vaccination1.

• Weak sucklers

Pre-lamb clostridial vaccination aims to negate this last point – by boosting the ewe’s antibody levels just prior to colostrum production. Younger ewes, those heavily pregnant with multiple lambs and those in lower condition or under nutritional stress may be less able to respond well to vaccination and produce

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What does more antibodies mean for your farm? • Ewes can be vaccinated earlier – up to 6 weeks before lambing. This decreases the risk of sleepy sickness caused by mustering and yarding close to lambing. • Ewes are more likely to respond to vaccination. • More antibodies are available to suckling lambs – important as multiple lambs share colostrum.

Nilvax can be used with more flexible timing than other 5-in-1 vaccines, allowing you to choose the length of protection you need for your lambs and helping with time

• Multiples – who share colostrum • Low antibody production in the ewe

Given the dry season and tight feed conditions seen this summer in some districts, ewes may be lighter than ideal and as a result, may be less likely to respond well to vaccination. When ewes are vaccinated pre-lamb with Nilvax, this results in more clostridial antibodies in their colostrum.

• Lambs are protected for longer – up to 16 weeks of age.

• Poor mothering ability • Inadequate milk production

| Nilvax combines a powerful 5-in-1 with a powerful immune booster. The immune booster increases the 5-in-1 immune response, increasing the antibodies available to the lambs for longer. The vaccine gives higher levels of clostridial protection for your lambs up to 16 weeks.

0 Eweguard®

Ultravac®

MULTINE®

NILVAX®

Figure 1: “Pre-lamb Ewe Vaccination – Comparing Apples with Apples” Dr. John Moffat – Proceedings of Society of Sheep and Beef Vets Annual Seminar 2004. Eweguard and Ultravac are registered brands of Zoetis New Zealand Limited.

management. If used with similar timing to other 5-in-1 vaccines, you will get protection longer towards weaning time. Alternatively, you can use it earlier. The choice is yours. For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Coopers.

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HORTICULTURE

Management of BYDV in cereals Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is a viral disease vectored by cereal aphids. BYDV can cause significant yield losses in wheat, oats and barley, especially in autumn sown crops. Symptoms of BYDV may not become evident until 3 weeks after infection and include stunting, yellowing or reddening of leaves. Initial BYDV infection occurs when infected aphids fly into a newly emerging crop. These aphids reproduce, creating live offspring that can spread secondary BYDV infection within the crop. Cereals are most vulnerable to BYDV when infected as seedlings up to GS 31 (first node visible on main stem). Yield loss from BYDV can be reduced by using a seed treatment insecticide (e.g. Gaucho or Poncho) and foliar insecticides. Seed treatment will provide protection from BYDV for up to 6 weeks after planting, until the start of tillering (GS 21). After 6 weeks, plant growth will have diluted the concentration of the seed treatment and its effectiveness is therefore reduced. If no seed treatment insecticide has been applied, crop inspection should commence immediately after crop

emergence, otherwise monitor crops from the start of tillering or 6 weeks after planting. If aphids are present, an approved foliar insecticide needs to be applied as soon as possible to prevent the spread of BYDV. Insecticide persistence is influenced by temperature and ultraviolet light, with insecticides having greater persistence in autumn sown crops, due to lower temperatures and lower UV levels than spring sown crops. Recent FAR trial data has shown Karate Zeon provides longer lasting aphid control than some other foliar insecticides applied to autumn sown winter wheat (see table).

Mean persistence of insecticides applied in autumn sown winter wheat ml/ha

Persistence (days)

25.3

Karate Zeon

20.0

Mavrik®

150

15.2

Treatment Karate Zeon® ®

6.9

Pirimor®

200

5.9

Transform®

100

7.8

Transform

6.9

Mavrik

| Source: FAR Arable Updated - Cereals, Issue 205 (Feb 2016)

Benefits of Karate Zeon for BYDV control • Contains a powerful UV protectant for longer lasting aphid control. • Fast knockdown, repellency and anti-feeding activity helps prevent the spread of BYDV.

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• Convenient low use rate of just 20-40ml/ha. • Capsule Suspension (CS) formulation reduces odour and risk of skin sensitisation. • Capsules adhere strongly to the plant when dry for reliable rainfastness. • Active ingredient is effective at low temperatures. • Excellent tank mix compatibility with herbicides, fungicides and plant growth regulators. Karate Zeon is a Group 3 (pyrethroid) insecticide. To reduce the risk of resistance, growers should rotate or alternate with insecticides from a different chemical group. Options for alternating with Karate Zeon include Transform (Group 4 insecticide) and Pirimor (Group 1 insecticide). Do not alternate Karate Zeon with other Group 3 (pyrethroid) insecticides (e.g. Mavrik). Beneficial insect populations are relatively low at the early growth stage of cereals, when the risk of BYDV infection is greatest. The use of Karate Zeon early in the season is therefore unlikely to have a significant impact on beneficial insect populations, while offering longer lasting aphid control. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Syngenta.

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HORTICULTURE

The quirks of composting For years, this has been nature’s perfect recycling system. By taking waste materials from your home and garden and combining them in the correct quantities, under the right conditions, you can turn your waste into a valuable source of nutrients and goodness for your garden. Using similar composting concepts as those used by home gardeners, there are now a wide range of commercial composting businesses throughout New Zealand, supplying bulk compost into a number of horticultural and agricultural businesses.

Compost is a valuable input into any system as it provides slow release nutrients and in the long-term it can aid in such functions as better soil structure, water retention, increased soil biological activity and increased soil carbon. Like creating the perfect meal, your compost is only as good as your ingredients and your recipe. Many compost manufacturers follow a tried and true formulation to produce a consistent result, waiting only until they have the correct ingredients in the correct proportions to reproduce their quality product. The recipe definitely includes such components as moisture, temperature and aeration. Compost simply doesn’t sit in a heap and invent itself, it needs to be turned and aerated as the biology goes to work to produce the final product.

Farmlands will assist you with collecting your yearly soil sample and its interpretation. The resulting recommendation may include an application of compost in conjunction with some specific nutrients.

Unfortunately, there are some products in the marketplace that may not be suitable for your needs, due to the very different raw materials, recipes, production method and final product analysis. It’s crucial to discuss your commercial compost requirements with your Farmlands representative so that we can connect you

with what is needed specifically for your property based on the soil test analysis. You may already have an abundance of organic matter present but it may not be as available as it should be. This may indicate the need for a soil biology activator. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Gaz Ingram, Organic and Biological Manager, Farmlands Horticulture.

Farmlands is currently supplying compost to market gardens, broad acre cropping, kiwifruit, viticulture, avocados, pipfruit, pastoral farming and many more sectors.

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NUTRITION

Feeding dairy cows in late pregnancy Preventing rather than treating metabolic problems at calving could be more cost effective and less time consuming in the long-term.

and are unable to rise. Where fodder

mineral pellets and molassed blocks

beet makes up the majority of the dry

through to free access minerals are

cow diet, cows will be at greater risk

available, which offer more targeted

from P deficiency – especially if hay

supplementation with greater

Fodder beet is becoming increasingly

or straw, which contains low levels

convenience, less waste and a range

of P, is being fed to provide fibre

of additional benefits including added

rather than silage.

magnesium, trace elements and

popular as a winter feed throughout New Zealand. Better agronomy has increased typical yields, reducing the cost per kg DM. Higher rates of fodder beet feeding per cow per day, to reduce the risks associated with break-outs, has reduced supplementary forage usage and therefore costs further. The relatively high ME of fodder beet and increasing tendency to feed ad lib increases the ability for cows to gain a full Body Condition Score (BCS) or more over the dry period, so more cows are likely to calf down at or above the ideal BCS, which can increase the risk of both milk fever and ketosis. Unless

even vitamins. Good trace element

Component of the diet

Typical P content g/kg DM*

Vegetative pasture

4-5

Grass silage/baleage

2.8-3

Mature pasture

1.5-2.5

Clover hay

2.5

Fodder beet tops

2.0 (can range

sulphate both offer benefits over

Fodder beet bulb

1.25 (can range

magnesium oxide before calving and

Cereal straw

incidence of milk fever. In-calf heifers

from 0.6-4.0)

from 0.8-3.8)

*Taken from a variety of sources – actual levels will vary depending on location and crop.

status can help reduce retained fetal membranes and stimulate the immune system against mastitis and infections. Cows may benefit from a little supplementary magnesium throughout the dry period but especially as calving approaches. Magnesium chloride and magnesium

may be more helpful in reducing the may benefit from a dry cow diet containing higher levels of protein than

fodder beet is fed after calving it

Work by Jim Gibbs suggests

mature pregnant cows, especially in

should be transitioned out of the diet

supplementary feeding of P at about

the last 2 weeks before calving, when

2-3 weeks prior to calving, to minimise

9g/head/day throughout the winter

a low protein diet may compromise

metabolic issues and improve protein

feeding period right up to calving is

the quality and quantity of colostrum

supply.

recommended to make up for the P

that is produced. Protein enriched

Fodder beet typically contains less

deficiency in fodder beet. Probably

pre-calving pellets containing anionic

the cheapest way to deliver P is

salts are an effective solution for

phosphorus (P) than is generally recommended for pregnant cows (2.7-3.5g/kg). It can sometimes be associated with high rates of milk fever in early lactation, which manifests itself as ‘creeper cows’ – alert downer cows that respond poorly to normal calcium and magnesium treatment

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dicalcium phosphate (DCP), which can

springer cows.

be purchased as a fine powder and head/day delivers approximately 9g

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

P). The DCP can be made into a slurry

Farmlands store.

that is poured over silage or hay. A

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

typically contains 18 percent P (50g/

range of proprietary products from

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NUTRITION

Weighing up whey based calf milk replacers Like little Miss Muffet, calf rearers should know the difference between their curds and whey.

therefore an inevitable by-product of

calf should not be weaned until they

the cheese making industry. Utilising

are eating roughly 1kg of meal a day

this whey protein in CMR has proven

for 3 consecutive days.

to be very effective both in terms of

So now you know the functionality of

animal performance and economic

whey based CMRs in the abomasum

efficiency and whey based CMR

and the benefits this can have on hard

dominates the calf milk replacer

feed intake – what else do you need

market overseas.

to know?

In milk there are two main groups

Whey based CMR differs from whole/

• The proteins in whey CMRs are

of proteins that naturally exist – the

skim milk based CMR in terms of the

‘caseins’, which includes a number

way it behaves in the abomasum when

of different casein structures and

consumed by an immature ruminant.

then all of the other milk proteins

Whole/skim milk based CMR forms

that are grouped together under

a curd when rennin is secreted by

the name ‘whey proteins’. When the

the stomach and the pH is lowered.

pH of milk is lowered, the casein

However, the proteins in whey CMR

proteins coagulate together, forming

have already been subjected to this

a gelatinous curd, while the whey

process, so will no longer curd in the

proteins remain suspended in the fluid

abomasum. This non-curding property

section of the milk. This functionality

of whey CMR means that it gets

of the different proteins is harnessed

digested more rapidly – calves tend

by cheesemakers, with the curds or

to get hungry faster following a milk

coagulated protein being separated

feed. They consume more hard feed

off and made into cheese, while the

as a result and hard feed is cheaper

whey is left behind. Whey protein is

per megajoule of energy compared to

Whey based calf milk replacers (CMR) are based predominantly on whey proteins rather than the profile of proteins that are normally found in traditional whole/skim based CMR.

vat milk/CMR. Consuming more hard feed also aids rumen development, as the starch breaks down in the rumen and stimulates papillae growth and micro-organism populations. Animals

digested well by calves from 4 days of age. • Calves can do just as well on whey CMR as more traditional milk replacer, provided they are offered enough high quality calf feed. • Whey CMRs generally do not contain a coccidiostat, so this is something to be aware of if whey CMRs are used. • Whey CMRs are associated with less scouring than traditional casein based CMRs. • Whey CMRs are popular for fortifying whole milk at up to 50 percent to extend stocks of transition milk. • Supplies are finite, so giving a forward commitment can help secure product if available.

developed rumens at weaning and

For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local

have less of a post weaning check –

Farmlands store.

calves may even be able to be weaned

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

on whey CMR tend to have better

off milk at an earlier age. This is still dependent on hard feed intake and a

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NUTRITION

Beet pulp and soy hulls — ultimate fibre sources for horses While the importance of forage to the health of the equine digestive tract is widely appreciated, it is pasture, hay and chaff that are often considered initially by horse owners when selecting forage sources. Forage supplies fibre, a dietary component that undergoes microbial fermentation in the hindgut of the horse. The long-stemmed fibre that pasture and hay provides is essential for preventing gastric conditions, as it promotes chewing and the production of saliva. This saliva contains elements required to maintain the pH of the stomach and plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive tract health. In addition to long-stemmed fibre, there are a number of highly digestible alternative fibre sources that have significant benefits to the horse and are gaining popularity in New Zealand. Beet pulp and soy hulls are considered “super fibres” because they have energy levels much higher than typical forages. The energy levels in super fibres are almost as high as those found in grains such as oats and barley. These fibre sources are, however, safer to feed than cereal

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grains because they provide cool,

depletion during an exercise bout.

slow-release energy and using

Beet pulp and soy hulls are also

them in place of some of the grain

ideal for ensuring fibre intake in

in the diet can reduce the likelihood

older horses with compromised

of grain overload.

dental health.

Both by-products, beet pulp is the

McMillan Grain Free is a brand

dehydrated fibrous section of sugar

new product to Farmlands and is

beet that remains after the sugar has

a complete formulated fibre feed

been extracted and soy hulls are the

containing beet pulp and soy hulls.

fibrous outer part of the soybean.

As well as highly digestible fibre,

These fibre sources are often used as

Grain Free also provides protein,

ingredients in manufactured feeds,

fat and a fully balanced amount of

or fed on their own to boost the

organic trace minerals and natural

fibre component of the diet. Being

vitamins. Grain Free is ideal for

high in digestible fibre and low in

feeding alone as a complete feed, or

starch and sugars, both these feed

combined with lower levels of another

stuffs are ideal for horses that have

manufactured feed to provide fibre

low tolerance for easily digestible

while also topping up nutrient levels.

carbohydrates.

Grain Free is also a perfect energy

Beet pulp and soy hulls are mostly fed

source for horses and ponies requiring

soaked, providing further benefits of

low starch diets such as ones at risk

increasing water intake and assisting

of laminitis, metabolic issues, digestive

with hydration. This carries numerous

conditions or muscle conditions such

benefits to performance horses, as

as tying up.

consumption of fibre can also create a holding tank of water and electrolytes

For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local

in the hindgut. This reservoir may

Farmlands store.

prevent dehydration and electrolyte

Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutrition Technical Advisor.

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NUTRITION

Thoughts from an experienced calfrearer by Karen Fraser

“Stress is a stimulant – distress is a disaster.” “Good judgement comes from knowledge. Knowledge comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.” So with that quote, all my bad judgements have given me plenty of experience in the world of calves, which has now become a source of knowledge and life lessons.

I come from a farming background

Now let me introduce myself – I am

I have a passion for the young stock

Karen Fraser and over the next

industry, as this is the future of farming

few months I will be writing some

whether it be dairy or beef. On the dairy

handy hints and checklists for your

side, for many years rearing calves

up-and-coming calf season.

has been treated as second rate and a

in Central Hawke’s Bay and have spent years listening and learning from what life has thrown at me. My experiences have covered farm ownership, cropping, sheep and beef, dairy farming, directorships, a new conversion, high pay-outs and low pay-outs!

less important task for the dairy farm. However poor calves generally make poor heifers, who then become poor cows that don’t survive long in the herd. We are losing some of our best heifers prematurely, which slows the rate of genetic gain in the national herd.

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It is false economy to try to cut calf rearing costs in times of poor milk returns. I have seen and have experienced this first hand with my own heifers during low pay-out. The end result with taking away hard feed and cutting costs during the critical growth stages saw our heifers producing tea cup udders, struggling to keep milking and to still put down

Poorly grown heifers enter the herd

growth then not getting back in-calf in

on the back foot and will struggle to

their third lactation. These heifers were

compete with bigger, stronger cows

then culled at a huge price to the future

for feed. This in conjunction with the

of our dairy farm. There was literally

need to continue growing in their first

a massive difference between all our

lactation to make up lack of growth

other well fed heifers from previous

as a calf can cause low production

and future years.

and poor reproductive performance,

Huge lessons were learned during

meaning their life in the herd can

this time. After some life changes, I

be cut short.

now find myself running the dynamic

My strong passion for the future

calf rearing team and young stock for

of young stock/future herds has

Rakaia Island in Canterbury. I have

made me opinionated on health

been there for three seasons and

and wellbeing and furthermore on

am heading into an exciting fourth

nutrition – but in a good way.

season. The role is not only challenging

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NUTRITION

but exciting and each season we see

over and over. Next minute, you know

more challenges.

you’ve reared 100 calves well or 200

In total, the amount of calves that

and so on. Break things into a size

we deal with in one season many

that you can handle then do it again

people would take a lifetime to see and

and again.

learn from. There are always

When the season is starting to bear

new challenges to work through.

down, break things into plans and

We support six large dairy farms to

steps and do each small step one

raise their heifers from day one – 2,000-

basic step at a time.

2,500 replacement heifers, 150 Jersey

Budgets should be done, plus now is

bulls, 50 White-face and thousands

also a good time to write down a list

of bobbies. My calf rearing learning

and ask yourself some key questions:

has spanned years, many thousands

• Do I need extra staff/help?

of calves right through to the fattened stage or back into the milking platform. So that is a snapshot of who I am in the farming world. The best advice I can offer for the coming season is to be ‘proactive not reactive’, ‘listen to gut-feel’, smile, slow down so that you can watch and listen and plan, plan, plan as you head into May. The advice I normally give is if you can rear 1-10 calves well then breathe and keep repeating your programme

• How many hours a day? • What type of person am I looking for? Good quality staff is the pivotal point!

just found your perfect calf rearing

When I’m looking for calf rearers, I

colleague. Work is demanding,

look for all sorts of skills, as a team

therefore should be well rewarded. I

becomes strong having different

work on one newbie person for every

people with different strengths. With

250 calves.

a sparkle in their eye, excitement and

• Equipment may be cleaned and

a keen and positive attitude, plus a

stored but does it need replacing/

passion to do well and speaking with

repairs? Fieldays is coming up, so

pride in themselves, you may have

prepare for some bargains! • Did the sheds get cleaned out after the last calf left the shed last season? The more time a shed has been cleaned out and back to bare dirt, the better chance it has for sunlight to work its magic and reduce bacterial populations! Next month I will cover sheds, health plans, colostrum and many other little titbits of help. The important point to remember is that calf rearing does not start in the calf barn, it starts with a healthy herd and good staff. For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Karen Fraser, Young Stock Manager.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Waste management, nature’s way • Winery waste • Dairy waste • Compost The days of dairy and winery waste stagnating under trees or in a paddock are simply no longer acceptable. Fortunately, billions of dollars have been spent around the world developing biological solutions to transform waste and there are now some real solutions. As hard as it is to admit, our Australian cousins have come up with a solution that is both environmentally sound and financially viable. In consultation with the Australian wine industry and AWRI, Connell Brothers – Enzyme Solutions developed the product Sanizyme. It has a complex combination of enzymes and microbes that exist, multiply and colonise the otherwise anaerobic waste. As these populations grow, the solid waste is transformed into fine particles that settle to the pond floor. The aerobic nature of the water allows it to remain full of oxygen and most importantly, free of smell. The micro-biologist that developed Sanizyme recognised that microbes used to break down organic waste often get tired, stressed and either die or become inefficient. As this occurs very unpleasant odours are produced. The micro-biologist also figured out that if the organic waste is processed into smaller portions by specific enzymes, the microbes survive and manage to digest the waste. There are several different types of enzymes that break down very specific parts of the cell. Some will target starches while others target proteins, fats

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and carbohydrates. Enzymes are therefore formulated to break down these very specific targets. Using Sanizyme stimulates and feeds the natural biological components in waste, restoring balance and providing positive ecological impact. There is noticeably much lower levels of unpleasant odours from the winery or effluent pond. Sanizyme is also incredibly useful in domestic applications, such as composting and septic tanks. Compost is the life of your garden or crop, however you must use good quality compost to see the benefits. Sanizyme will introduce enzymes and microbes that will markedly accelerate the composting process. The compost components can then be readily used by plants. For the best results ensure that there is a good mix of base material. Manure, straw, green waste, grape marc and sawdust are all able to be added and broken down successfully. Adding seaweed fertiliser or molasses into a warm solution with Sanizyme will feed the enzymes and microbes and initiate multiplication for the task at hand. Commercial trials are currently being undertaken on the use of grape marc for addition as under-vine mulch. This would be a great way to reduce waste and add to soil biology. Septic tanks only smell when they are not biologically balanced. Regular additions of a blend of microbes and enzymes will restore that balance, allow efficient processing and remove smell. The effluent water will be cleaner and the tank will

require less frequent emptying. The tank can be treated simply by flushing the Sanizyme down the toilet. “I was very impressed when I looked under the microscope at just how quickly the biodiversity of the microbes and bacteria had built up in just 1 or 2 weeks from the addition of Sanizyme into the commercial wastewater system,” Craig Forman, of Winery Waste Management Company Hydramech says. “There was everything from tiny bacteria to the larger protozoa of the microbe world and it was extremely active. It would normally take 6 months to build up such a diverse population for breaking down winery waste. I will have no hesitation in using this product confidently when these commercial treatment plants require start-up or boosting of microbe populations.” For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Mike Eaton, Technical Advisor, Farmlands Horticulture.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Maximising your farm with maize silage In the current low pay-out environment, many farmers are looking for ways to reduce costs without decreasing production. Home-grown maize silage is an excellent alternative because it produces high yields of low cost dry matter that can be stored and fed at a time when it will generate the best returns. High in carbohydrate-rich grain, maize silage is the ideal cow conditioner and it’s a great way to lift milk protein percentage. Use home-grown maize silage to: Decrease your supplementary feed costs While the best maize crops will yield more than 30t DM/ha, most dairy farmers can grow maize silage crops which yield 18 - 24t DM/ha for just 12.2 – 16.2c/kg DM1. No other harvested crop provides the same amount of quality dry matter at such a low cost. Table 1: Typical maize silage dry matter cost

Maize silage dry matter cost Maize silage yield (t DM) in the stack

High fertility paddock t DM/ ha

Maize silage cost per kg DM in the stack (c/kg DM)

Maize silage cost per MJ ME (c/MJ ME)

16.2

1.50

displace bought-in concentrates as well as other crops such as chicory and turnips, which are more difficult to establish, less reliable and produce much lower dry matter yields. Reduce spring pasture surpluses Many farms have decreased stocking rate and this will result in higher spring pasture surpluses. Taking an area out of the grazing round and planting it in maize is an excellent way to control excess spring pasture levels. A short-maturity maize hybrid can be planted in October - November and harvested in February - March in time for autumn feeding. Increase cow condition Meeting cow condition score targets (BCS 5.0 for mature cows or BCS 5.5 for heifers and second calvers) can generate a significant payback. Cows that calve in better condition produce more milk, get back in-calf quicker and have less animal health issues. Maize silage is used 50 percent more efficiently than autumn pasture for Body Condition Score gain. Table 2: Profit ($/cow) from increasing cow condition score levels2 Home-grown Maize Cost

Body Condition Score Change

when you need it the most! While typical response rates to supplements are in the range 60 - 80gMS/cow/day, much higher response rates are possible in pasture deficits when cover levels are less than 1,350kgDM/ha. Trials conducted at Westpac Taranaki Agricultural Research Station showed that feeding maize silage to keep cows milking generates a milksolids response of more than 150gMS/kgDM fed. While fibre-based feeds such as pasture or PKE drive milk fat percentages, feeds like maize silage, which contain high levels of carbohydrate, drive milk protein percentage. Since protein is worth more than fat, maize silage produces higher value milk.

14.6

1.35

13.3

1.23

12.2

1.13

11.2

1.04

10.4

0.97

References:

9.7

0.90

3.0 to 4.0

3.5 to 4.5

4.0 to 5.0

12c/kg DM

$82.00

$69.00

$59.00

14c/kg DM

$78.00

$65.00

$54.00

16c/kg DM

$74.00

$61.00

$50.00

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Pioneer® brand maize silage 2016-17, page 42. Returns calculated for a 450kg Jersey X Friesian cow at a range of home-grown maize silage prices and a milksolids return of $4.25/kgMS. For more details see www.dairynz.co.nz/

Get more milk and more milk protein To decrease your supplementary feed spend, use home-grown maize silage to

Article supplied by Pioneer.

You’ll maximise the return you get from home-grown maize silage if you feed it

animal/herd-management/body-condition-scoring/bcs-strategies/

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Boost herd fertility outcome The Gallagher Flashmate™ has exceeded all expectations from a Waikato herd manager in helping make a smooth transition from spring to autumn calving and to lift the accuracy of heat detection. Hamish Maclean manages the 1,300 cow Bay Farms operation at Manawaru in eastern Waikato. The pressure of getting 1,300 cows in-calf over spring time differed this year, with the decision to move to a split calving pattern and ultimately to 100 percent autumn calving, meaning not all cows were required to be in-calf at the end of spring mating. The Gallagher Flashmate is a standalone heat detection unit that attaches to cows to monitor their heat behaviour. It identifies positive heat behaviour, which causes it to flash red for 26 hours, ample time to identify the cow, draft it off and ensure it is inseminated. Its location on the cow’s rump also enables continued use of tail paint – as recommended by Gallagher.

Over spring time Hamish did only 4 weeks of AB mating, with one eye on the need to have empty cows on hand to mate over winter for autumn calving transition. “I would have been expecting – and happy – to have had a 60 percent in-calf rate from 4 weeks AB, at best over spring. However we ended up with 70 percent in-calf, it would have been the best 4 week in-calf rate we have ever had.” That figure also compares highly favourably against the national 6 week in-calf rate target of 78 percent and even exceeds the current 6 week national average of 65 percent. In the middle of autumn mating for the rest of the herd, Hamish is also reporting good submission rates, with three quarters of the cows detected in the first 2 weeks. Looking back over his spring mating and conception data has

convinced Hamish the Flashmates are an investment in the farm’s mating policy well worth keeping. “What impressed me the most was when we checked over the pregnancy results, a lot of cows were in-calf to the first mating. They had been accurately identified first time, even the ones that did not rub with tail paint, which I made a point of noting down when the Flashmate had detected them as being on heat.” And he found the Flashmate offered more peace of mind. “Normally over mating I would not have a single day off, you would not want to step away from it. But with Flashmates I was able to have a day off, knowing I can rely upon the Flashmates and the staff to identify them.” For Hamish, the move by Bay Farms to winter milking is part of a re-assessment in a tough pay-out climate, looking at the options that can be taken up that suit the farm and the system. He believes Flashmates will remain an integral part of that operation, even with a tighter budget. “I have been dairying for 14 years and honestly the Flashmates are the best thing I have come across in that time – they work and you would be crazy if you did not use them.” For more information, please talk to your friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Gallagher.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Good reasons to use aggregate backfill As many farmers know, land drainage is an expensive proposition, “like buying the farm again”, however on poorly drained land the production benefits and payback time can be impressive. So why would you increase the development cost by surrounding the pipe with imported stone aggregate backfill? There are many good reasons, all of which improve the performance and longevity of this valuable asset. Many materials can and have been used to surround land drainage pipes – native soil, stripped turf, wood shavings and even cut manuka. Impermeable native soil seals off the drainage pipe, while friable soils tend to compact over time, lessening the efficiency of water entering the pipe. Many drainage systems using native soil for backfill have operated trouble free for years, however they tend not to remove water quickly enough to support today’s intensive farming practices. Wood shavings and manuka breakdown, compress, become impermeable and can structurally compromise the drainage pipe. The benefits of aggregate backfill include lessening soil ingress into the

pipe, structurally supporting the pipe, increasing the effective drainage pipe diameter and providing an aggregate drainage column that a mole-drain can intercept. Once the commercial decision to use imported backfill has been made, it is important to select the correct grade. Land drainage speeds up the movement of water in the soil profile – this carries soil (fines) into the drainage pipe, decreasing the pipe’s bore, slowing the flow and ultimately blocking the pipe. Stabilising the interface between the soil and porous aggregate backfill in the trench with many points of contact is key to lessening soil migration into the drainage pipe. Blackley Construction, a large contracting company based in the Manawatu, had an excellent cross section working model of a drainage trench on their site at this year’s Central Districts Field Days. “We recommend AP5 to 15 (size range 5mm to 15mm) aggregate,” James Christensen, Rural Contract Manager for Blackley says. “It’s easy to work with, supports the pipe, compacts less, remains porous and

controls the speed of water flow in the soil, lessening fines migration into the trench and drainage pipe. “Large stones (AP25 to 50), leave large air spaces, encouraging soil movement into the trench profile through compaction and fines migration from the sides and top of the trench. Larger aggregate also tends to be less stable and can move and settle over time, damaging the drainage pipe and/or causing trench slumping, leading to drainage system failure. “To gain the maximum benefits from your land drainage system and extend the system’s life, use the correct size of gravel backfill and building in pipe flushing points. Using large, cheaper aggregate is a false economy and will ultimately compromise your system. Ensure there is sufficient depth of gravel in the trench to benefit from other farm maintenance operations, like mole ploughing.” For more information on correct backfilling with drainage stone, please talk to your friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Iplex Pipelines.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Quickly chill milk and save money Ag journalist Ken Strugnell visits a special ‘cool’ dairy farm near Rotorua, with Keith Turner from Temprite. I’d been told it was possible to meet Fonterra’s milk chilling regulations and save money on power. So I was keen to find out how this special farm achieved it. To find out more, I decided to talk to the installer of the heating and chilling equipment used on well known farmer Lachlan McKenzie’s Kaharoa dairy farm. The farm, on rolling country, uses a once a day milking programme and as I was to find out, the Promax insulated 30,000 litre tank works well here. Arriving at Ngongotaha, I met Temprite’s Managing Director Keith Turner. Temprite, well known in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, was the company that had installed the cooling system that I was there to look at. I asked about Keith’s company, its relationship with Promax and just how the farm owner justified the claimed $350.00 a month on its cow shed electric bill, which was all down to the Promax tank. Regulations changed for the 2016 season for the cooling of milk from the cow to the collection tanker. In the vat at collection time, it has to be chilled to 6 degrees, within 2 hours of completion of milking. On this farm, it was to be a retro fit to meet the new rules – one which will occur on most existing dairy farms, to abide by the regulations as they are phased in. I asked Keith how it worked. The ‘double bank plate cooler’, Keith explained, was

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really the heart of the simple system. This double bank cooler has milk flow through each side of the cooler unit. On the left it is chilled from the cow at around 37 degrees, by ordinary spring or tank water at around 14-16 degrees, as in most farm dairy sheds. That brings the milk down to around 16-18 degrees. The milk continues its journey round the plates, this time on the right hand side, which run to and from the Promax insulated tank, which has the water at 6 degrees. This brings the milk into the collection vat at around 8 degrees, sometimes less. So all the collection vat has to do is lower it by at most 2 degrees. This not only saves money but it also is incredibly quick. Andrew Grant, the farm manager, joined us to show the power bill, which had a $350.00 saving compared to the same month and 900 Friesian/Jersey cross cows as numbers the previous year. “The system is quick because the Promax tank water is chilled overnight on low rate power. It means that we are not spending time and energy on chilling liquid after milking, other than the cow’s milk.” Keith’s suggestion of partially burying the Promax tank by just more than a metre, was used to good advantage. When I undid the tank lid and felt the temperature of the water at around midday, in full sun it was shockingly cold. The temperature gauge on the Promax tank read 7 degrees after milking and yet there was no condensation on the outside of the tank.

I asked – how then did they chill this water down again following milking? “Simple really – we use the same 25kw chiller hooked up to the milk vat, through which we pump the insulated tank water, using off-peak overnight power. Then, the 30,000 litre tank easily copes with the daily production from the 900 cows and will easily do more, as you felt from how cold the water was after milking.” Keith says the tank is so efficient at keeping the milk cool that even absorbing 10 degrees off the cow’s milk does not really alter the water temperature much. Keith explains that the retro fit to meet the regulations is an easy one to do, both in terms of down time in the shed and space required. This very ‘cool’ dairy farm now meets the regulations, saves money on its power bills and the fully automatic operation of the new system means little or no retraining to make it work optimally. For more information, please talk to your friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article suplied by Promax.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Be ready for rodents Rodent numbers are expected to explode this autumn, with high levels of beech trees flowering and producing large quantities of seeds (mast). Masts are a climate phenomenon triggered by a summer that is warmer than the previous one and 2016 is predicted to be a big season. Beech tree seeds provide a food source for rats and mice and it will result in a significant increase in rodent numbers. Stoat numbers are expected to increase, as rodents are one of their primary food

sources. The increased numbers of rodents and stoats places our native wildlife at significant risk. The problem can easily escalate once the beech mast finishes – a diminishing food source means rodents become predators, eating birds, lizards, eggs and chicks. The need for increased pest control during beech mast Controlling rodent numbers with a proactive pest control programme helps to reduce numbers of predators on our farms, around bush lines and other native areas. Farmlands encourages land owners to form a baiting strategy to help reduce the threat to our wildlife. We have stocks of Pestoff Rodent Blocks and Pellets on hand – applied in bait stations they provide a potent solution to the rodent problem. The highly palatable and freshly made Pestoff bait provides a single feed lethal dose.

Tips for successful eradication • Do not handle bait with bare hands as rodents are suspicious of human scent and may avoid baits that have been touched. • Ensure rodents do not have access to alternative foods such as stockfeed, garbage or human food scraps. • Maintain fresh baits by checking and replacing them every 2 to 3 days initially and later, every week or 2. • Be particularly vigilant during autumn, when the first cooler and wet weather arrives, as this usually drives rodents indoors seeking shelter and food. • 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. • Where infestation is heavy and localised, use up to five bait stations per 100 square metres (10m x 10m). In light-infestation areas, place one Dead Rat Café per 100 square metres. Controlling these pests that thrive during a beech mast goes a long way towards addressing the problems. Pestoff Rodent Blocks and Dead Rat Café bait station, coupled with a localised pest control programme, allows land owners to do their part to help our native birds flourishing in their habitat. For more information, please talk to your friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Bell-Booth.

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