Plan 365 September 2015 by Farmlands

SEPTEMBER 2015

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.

FORAGE AND ARABLE

The sharpest pasture burndown solution Farmers and growers across the country: are you chasing better and more consistent plant burndown spray out of your pasture this coming growing season? Have you tackled poor broadleaf weed control, unreasonable plant-back and grazing restrictions? Sharpen® is BASF’s break through herbicide, delivering broader spectrum weed control and faster burndown. It’s a cost effective additive to enhance your glyphosate spray mix. Sharpen ensures a great kill of a wider range of broadleaf weeds that glyphosate alone cannot control. With many pasture based farmers facing a challenging economic time this coming growing season, it is vital that every dollar spent maximises returns. Tough to kill weeds such as broadleaf docks, catsear, buttercups,

dandelions, fumitory, mallows, nightshades, plantains, shepherd's purse and spurrey (yar) are just some of the weeds hit hard when Sharpen is used with glyphosate. As Sharpen is compatible with all formulations of glyphosate, there is no need to change from your favourite brand. Just make sure you add the recommended rate of Hasten™, the preferred esterified canola oil and you're well on the way to a superior burndown spray result. Sharpen now has a new label registration of nil milk withholding, 2 day grazing and 14 day meat slaughter withholding periods. Bundle this with faster burndown and you are on to a winner. The benefits don't stop there either, short plant back times for most crops, along with a simple flush out of the spray tank rather than a full decontamination

will keep you well onside with your spray contractor or operator. Herbicide resistance is looming as a major issue facing farmers in New Zealand and there are already a number of reported instances having occurred. Sharpen helps you avoid this issue, which in turn ensures that you leave the land in better order for next season and for future generations. Sharpen is already a proven performer in maize and sweetcorn crops, offering strong residual control of weeds that in many instances, older chemistry can no long offer. Cleaner crops mean healthier crops and most importantly higher yields. Sharpen is a totally new herbicide with superior performance and weed spectrum compared to older generic chemistry currently being used by New Zealand growers. Sharpen enhances glyphosate when used at a lower rate, yet becomes a residual herbicide when used at higher rates. BASF is proud to bring Sharpen to New Zealand as it offers farmers here new proprietary chemistry, which provides sustainable solutions to numerous broadleaf weed issues while giving superior results at a very affordable price. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by BASF.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Boron at the beginning With fodder beet and brassica crop planting on the horizon, it’s a good time to start thinking about boron. This essential trace element needs to be available to the plant right from the start, which is easy if you apply it with the starter fertiliser. Plants use boron to build strong, healthy cell walls, which are important for the overall structure of the plant. The classic symptom of a boron deficiency is brown heart, which develops because the cell walls become leaky – enzymes inside the cells escape and cause damage, much in the same way that a bruise develops on an apple if it is dropped. "Boron must be used as a preventative, rather than a cure," Ballance Science Manager Aaron Stafford says. "Trials conducted by Plant and Food Research showed that applying boron at sowing significantly reduced the incidence of brown heart and scaling in swedes. Spraying boron onto foliage late in the crop’s development increased the level of boron in the leaves but it didn’t have any preventive effect on the incidence of brown heart or skin cracking." Boron needs to be incorporated into cell walls as they form, so it needs to be available to the plant right from the start. Applying boron as part of a starter fertiliser is an easy way to ensure plants get the boron when they need it.

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The boron requirements of fodder beet and brassica crops can be met by an application of 1-3kg boron/ha, which is supplied by Cropzeal Boron Boost when used at typical rates of 150-300kg/ha. "Using Cropzeal Boron Boost as a starter fertiliser is the easiest way to ensure your crop gets the boron it needs," Aaron says. "The boron is incorporated into every granule, so it ends up being evenly distributed through the crop, which greatly reduces the chance of localised deficiencies. "Some people are concerned that putting on boron at sowing increases the chance of it being lost by leaching, because once it’s in the soil, boron is converted to boric acid and that’s quite mobile.

"However, we have to consider the conditions at the time we’re using it. In late spring through to autumn, there’s not a lot of drainage in soil – evapotranspiration is high and we don’t get the rainfall patterns that result in saturated soils – so there’s little risk of boron leaching. "The crops are also growing quite quickly through this time, so if the boron is rapidly released – as in Cropzeal Boron Boost – then it’s available when the plants need it. The aim is to have the boron available in the root zone when there’s good soil moisture and rapid crop growth." 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

Using a quality silage inoculant Silage is a valuable supplement providing additional energy when your livestock need it most. Using a high quality Pioneer® brand inoculant on your silage can help you hit your production targets by decreasing fermentation losses and increasing the amount of milk or meat you get from every tonne of forage you ensile. Why use an inoculant?

Faster fermentation1

Silage making is a fermentation process that occurs under oxygen-free conditions. Bacteria convert crop sugars to silage acids, which drop the pH and preserve the pasture or crop. Silage is always slightly lower in quality than the fresh forage that was ensiled. The type and number of fermentation bacteria present determines how much dry matter, nutrients and feed energy is lost in the silage making process.

Independently reviewed New Zealand research1 shows Pioneer brand inoculants improve fermentation speed and quality. Six pasture silages were inoculated with five commercially available silage inoculants. Pioneer brand 1174 had a greater rate of pH decline1. There was no difference between other brands and the untreated control1.

Pioneer brand silage inoculants are applied to the crop or pasture at harvest time. They provide the right strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria in ideal numbers to efficiently ferment your pasture or crop. Figure 1

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Benefits of inoculating with Pioneer Pioneer brand inoculants deliver the following benefits: Reduced losses, more feed™ – a more efficient fermentation delivering

less shrinkage and silage run-off and more feed. More milk™ or more meat™ – quality silage delivering more milk or meat for every tonne of pasture you ensile. Tested and proven products – pioneer brand inoculants have been rigorously tested and have guaranteed bacterial levels, proven to get the results. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Pioneer.

Pioneer offers three tested and proven product options that can help you improve silage quality this spring:

Product

Description

Suitable for

Pioneer brand 1127

Helps improve fermentation, retain nutrient content and enhance digestibility of pasture silage. Improves the feed value and milk or meat production of pasture silage.

Pasture silage

Pioneer brand 1174

Improves dry matter recovery and silage quality of all forage crops. Lower priced product for more cost-sensitive users.

All types of silage including pasture, maize, cereal and lucerne silage

Pioneer brand 11H50

Helps improve fermentation, retain nutrient content and enhance digestibility for improved animal performance. Produces top quality lucerne silage for all high producing livestock operations.

Lucerne silage

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

ONE AR37 – proven in the toughest conditions 50

West Coast farmer Ross Thawley understands there is more to pasture production and persistence than just endophyte, with soil fertility, rainfall and management (including establishment and grazing) also an influence. However, the importance of endophyte for Ross cannot be understated. The availability of AR37 endophyte in a cultivar with the strong genetics of ONE50 perennial ryegrass has given him great results.

its release. It is no surprise that it is a popular choice for sheep and beef or dairy systems, due to its excellent production, particularly in summer, autumn and winter months. ONE50 is a late heading ryegrass (+20 days relative to Nui), so its flush of growth occurs towards mid to late spring, with excellent summer growth carrying on into the autumn and winter.

Located just out of Reefton on a 200ha dairy farm, Ross had struggled to find a pasture that would perform under high insect pressure and in soils that become very hot and dry over summer. After discussing this with Ross Walker, his Farmlands Technical Field Officer, Ross made the decision to use ONE50 AR37. Sown 5 years ago, Ross has been very impressed with how it has performed compared to other options. ONE50 diploid perennial ryegrass has been a solid performer, often exceeding farmers’ expectations since

The majority of Ross’ ONE50 AR37 has been autumn sown into tough paddocks high in coal fines, which can be relatively free draining but through summer the soil can get extremely hot and dry. Other endophytes and cultivars have struggled, which has limited his production over the summer months. Since using ONE50 AR37, Ross has been impressed with a dramatic lift in production due to excellent summer performance and high persistency through harsh weather events. “The bounce back after the dry is one of the reasons ONE50 AR37 has been great for us,” Ross says. AR37 endophyte has a higher level

of resistance to more pasture insects than any other ryegrass endophyte commercially available. AR37 is effective against Argentine stem weevil, black beetle, porina, pasture mealy bug and pasture root aphid. Porina has been one of Ross’ biggest problems as his farm is surrounded by native bush, attracting high numbers of porina moths. Ross has seen the benefit of increased pasture production and persistence from both the good genetics of ONE50, coupled with the insect pest protection (predominantly porina) provided by AR37 endophyte. “It’s the one thing that stands out, in a tough area with a lot of insect pressure. ONE50 AR37 has outperformed anything else.” It’s not just Ross Thawley who is seeing the results of ONE50 AR37. ONE50 has been extensively trialled with multiple endophytes throughout New Zealand as part of the National Forage Variety Trials. The data from these trials contributes to the DairyNZ Forage Value Index (FVI). In the upper South Island and lower North Island, ONE50 AR37 shows an advantage of around $200.00 per ha, per year over ONE50 AR1. In the upper North Island the economic advantage is around $350.00 per ha per year to AR37. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

| Farmer Ross Thawley with Farmlands Technical Field Officer Ross Walker.

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Article supplied by Agricom.

THE FARMLANDER |

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Ultra happy with high pasture production Dairy farmer and Farmlands shareholder Bruce Eade and his parents Ken and Nancy Eade milk 550 Ayrshire and Holstein dairy cows on 260 hectares on their family farm ‘Fairleigh’ at Kelso, West Otago. Bruce needs a grass that is able to yield well, particularly in winter and early spring, with good pasture quality to maximise milk production. Five years ago, in consultation with Farmlands Tapanui Technical Field Officer Nick Aitken, Bruce opted for Ultra enhanced perennial ryegrass, bred by Cropmark Seeds. Since then, Bruce has sown roughly 20 to 25 hectares of Ultra each year for the last 5 years and is very happy with it. Bruce sows the Ultra either in the spring, or in March following harvesting of his winter wheat, at a sowing rate of 19kg per hectare along with plantain, chicory, Demand white clover and red clover. The Demand white clover has been a valuable addition to the mix due to its yield and persistence – and having been bred in Southland, it is well suited to conditions in the region.

| Farmlands shareholder Bruce Eade, left, with Farmlands Technical Field Officer Nick Aitken.

Bruce is very happy with the resultant pasture. It gives him a high producing and high quality sward that his cows like and milk well on. “I find the Ultra to be very fast establishing and high yielding,” he comments. “The Ultra pastures are consistently producing 12–16 tonnes of dry matter per hectare per year for me. A feature of the Ultra that I like is its strong winter and early spring growth. It is high quality feed too – and being late flowering I get consistently high quality into late spring. “The cows seem to find the Ultra very palatable and graze the paddocks cleanly and evenly. The Ultra handles heavy grazing well and persists very well – better than other varieties that I have sown on the property,” Bruce adds. The Eade’s farming operation includes a cow wintering barn and grass silage is a key component of the winter feed. “We grow 35 hectares of winter wheat yielding more than 20 tonnes of dry matter per hectare and cut large amounts of grass silage for the cow

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barn. Because of the strong winter and early spring growth of Ultra, we are able to shut up more than 100 hectares of Ultra for silage each year. That’s a significant proportion of the property.” Bruce is very happy with the milksolids production being obtained from his Ultra pastures. “All in all, Ultra is a very important part of our business. It produces large quantities of quality feed for our cows at an economical price and at times of the year when we really need the production – and it persists very well too. We have increased production from the property every year thanks to the Ultra and will continue to sow Ultra again next season,” Bruce concludes. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Cropmark.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Palatability creates an 'invisible fence' A definite grazing preference for Aber High Sugar Grass (HSG) was clearly seen by veteran Southland farmer Jim Allison and his neighbours. “People would ask about the ‘invisible fence’ in our front corner paddock,” says Jim – who has been farming sheep, cattle and grain crops for almost 60 years on his ‘Cross Flat’ farm near Otautau (40km northwest of Invercargill). “We ran out of seed when planting Kingston and another standard ryegrass, so AberDart was planted in the middle as a trial and we found that the outside was grazed to a lesser extent and the sheep were usually in the middle on the AberDart. “The second year I had cattle in there and the first time they just grazed everything but the second time they went straight into the middle and didn’t put their heads down until they got there.” First sown in the autumn of 2005, the highly palatable AberDart was again sown in another crop area on Jim's farm the following year and after seeing the same grazing vigour, he has continued re-grassing each year with Aber HSG. “It’s that (animal response) that convinced me that if they enjoy it so much then it must be good for them.” In past years Jim was tailing 1,900 lambs, fattening beef weaners to 12 months and had a good half of the 185 hectare farm planted in grain crops. This spring, less than 200 Romney and Hampshire ewes will be lambed on a

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“I have tried other grasses suggested to me on the basis of given trial results but the bit about Aber that you can’t easily quantify is the stock’s preference for it. I am completely sold on that.

| Farmlands representative Gary Mitchell with Southland farmer Jim Allison.

‘downsized’ farm of 80ha as Jim and his wife Denise prepare for their retirement in town. However the crops of barley, wheat and oats will still be planted and there’s still enough livestock grazing the AberDart and its successor AberMagic, covering a third of the farm. “The Aber is the only perennial I’ve sown since that first paddock 10 years ago,” says Jim, whose grandfather began farming land in the Gladfield area in 1892 with his two brothers. “For 40 years I thought I knew what I was doing but a lot has changed,” says Jim, who recalls the challenges presented by the sudden elimination of stock subsidies, those two droughts more severe than any in recent years and this winter pitching up their wettest June on record. He likens Aber grasses to the New Zealand bred Ariki ryegrass, released in the 1950s and well-liked by stock, grazing it harder than any other paddock on his farm and yet lasting 22 years until ploughed in.

“We had drafted lambs that were on AberDart and with the gates all open those lambs went all the way back through two other paddocks of good grass and clover to get to the grazed AberDart again, without stopping.” Jim attributes the Aber HSG’s persistence to roots he’s seen “at full depth, down seven or eight inches” while ploughing it up for a rotation of grain crops. While most farmers in the region will re-grass in the spring, Jim sows grass in the autumn, by the end of March, to avoid a problem with fathen and other weeds but still have grass emerge well ahead of frosts. “We never have a problem. If the new grass has not come through (on time) then it’s either a seasonal effect or something I’ve done but the Aber pasture will eventually fill out.” He grows AberDart and AberMagic with white and red clovers, cocksfoot and timothy and allows new grass time to establish through light grazings and won’t cut hay or baleage for the first 18 months. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Germinal.

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NUTRITION

Understanding laboratory analyses As the saying goes, “if you can measure it, you can manage it”. So the ability to understand the value of feeds is important, whether deciding on a fair price for traded feeds or trying to balance home grown forages to increase profitability or production. If you send a feed or forage sample away to a laboratory, the reported analyses should include neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) – as a percentage of the dry matter. In the days before NIR analysis, samples were boiled in a detergent at pH7 (i.e. neutral) for 1 hour and the soluble cell contents’ material washed away through

in palm kernel expeller is typically

Sometimes it is useful to consider the

a glass container with a porous base.

higher at 45 percent compared to

effective fibre in the diet, which requires

The non-soluble dry matter left behind

about 30 percent ADF in soy hulls.

physical examination rather than a

gives an indication of the cell wall

Knowing the NDF content of feed is

laboratory test. Effective fibre is

material in the sample and is reported

useful, because it consists mainly

structural fibre that can be regurgitated

as NDF. The retained cell wall material

of structural tissue that reduces the

and re-chewed during rumination.

is then boiled in an acid detergent and

availability of the cell contents to

When very low NDF levels are reached,

the soluble material washed though a

microbial digestion and provides one of

cows may not be consuming enough

porous base – the material left behind

the best indicators we have to predict

structural fibre to support rumination.

represents the indigestible fibre, including

dry matter intake. As grass matures,

Rumination helps cows to deal with the

hemicellulose and lignin and is reported

it becomes more fibrous and less

acids produced from highly fermentable

as ADF. Straw has a high NDF and

digestible. Structural tissue also fills

forages. Opinions differ as to whether

increased lignin levels (reflected by a

up the rumen, so combined with lower

cows on lush, high protein pasture even

typical ADF value of about 50 percent),

energy levels, animals grazing older

need a floating mat of long fibre in the

which even rumen bacteria cannot digest

grass have a double whammy that what

rumen, which can be regurgitated and

and therefore delivers little energy and

they are eating delivers less energy and

ruminated – but if the total diet NDF level

can be retained in the rumen for up to

they can consume less of it. Selecting

drops below 35 percent, it could be

7 days – occupying valuable space that

supplements with lower NDF levels

worth offering some effective fibre to see

at times may be better filled with higher

may be appropriate if pasture NDF

if production lifts from its presence.

quality feeds. Whilst the NDF content of

levels are increasing, whereas high NDF

palm kernel expeller and soy hulls may be

supplements can be helpful in managing

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

very similar, the ADF level typically found

residuals during a feed pinch.

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NUTRITION

When and how to wean Weaning is the process of transferring a calf from a liquid milk diet to a solid based diet. When a calf is weaned it becomes dependent on rumen fermentation of fibre and starch to meet nutritional requirements, rather than milk (which when consumed, bypasses the rumen and is delivered straight to the abomasum for digestion via the oesophageal groove). Successful weaning is dependent on ensuring that a calf’s digestive system is well set up for processing pasture when the decision to wean is made.

offering high quality hard feed to calves,

Top tips for weaning:

which encourages papillae development

• Do not wean calves during periods

in the rumen and the establishment of

of additional stress, e.g. illness,

a microflora population essential for the

dehorning or extreme weather.

fermentation of high fibre feeds.

• Gradually wean calves rather than

The digestive system proportion

abruptly removing them off milk

change that occurs during the

(gradually reduce volume per feed

calf rearing process:

and/or number of feeds a day). • Be prepared to hold calves back from weaning if they are not eating enough hard feed. • Assess the level of milk in your system, if intake of hard feed is low (over feeding of milk can reduce intake of hard feed).

The aim of the calf rearing process is

• Continue to feed hard feed after

to maintain good growth rates while

Weaning can be a stressful time for

developing a calf’s rumen so that they

calves, particularly if the decision to wean

can eventually be weaned off milk, which

is made prematurely. If the rumen is not

although is an essential feed 6-8 weeks

properly prepared for digesting pasture,

after birth, is an expensive form of energy.

calves can go backwards very quickly

beneficial to continue feeding hard

The rumen is a small compartment of

and lose condition fast, as they simply

feed for several weeks/months

a calf’s digestive system at birth (about

don’t have the ability to get the level of

post weaning, particularly if pasture

30 percent), however it must develop to

energy and protein out of the grass that

quality is poor. Post weaning calves

be the biggest stomach compartment

they need to continue growing.

at pasture have been found to grow

(about 70 percent) by weaning time to

Making the decision to wean can be

faster on 16 percent pellets rather

made easier by setting targets that must

than barley but continuing to feed

be met before a calf can be weaned.

20 percent crude protein pellets

weaning has occurred. This helps to support growth rates in the newly weaned calf. Some farmers find it

may be advantageous.

Age/weight of calves are not the best parameters to use, as they do not assess

• Coccidia challenge is most likely

rumen development. A better parameter

to be highest in the 8 weeks

to assess is hard feed intake. The rule

following weaning. Calves take time

of thumb is when a calf is eating 1-1.5kg

to build resistance to coccidiosis

ensure a smooth weaning period. That’s

of hard feed for 3 consecutive days it is

and may benefit from being fed a

a huge change in size in a short period of

ready to be weaned, as we can be sure that the rumen is sufficiently developed.

coccidiostat for some weeks post

time. Rumen development during the calf rearing process can be achieved by

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weaning off milk. Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Technical Product Manager, Farmlands Nutrition.

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NUTRITION

Rearing chicks to grow productive hens Healthy, well reared chicks, given proper nutrition, grow in to productive laying hens. Time spent ensuring that chicks are well cared for in the first few weeks of their life will pay dividends when birds reach maturity and start producing eggs.

until the temperature is around

number of hours provided reducing as

21-23oC at 6 weeks of age.

birds get older.

Chick behaviour can be used to

Chicks should have access to a good

assess the effectiveness of the

quality feed and clean, fresh water

heating provided, as shown in the

from day 1. Sprinkling a little of the

diagram below.

feed on tissue paper or newsprint placed in front of, or around the feeders for the first 7 days can help

Hygiene is particularly important for all

to encourage feed intake. This paper

young animals – and the area housing

can be removed between days 7 and

the chicks and any equipment that

14. Feeders should be filled to their

will be used with the chick should

highest level making it easy for chicks

be thoroughly cleaned using a high

to access the feed. Once chicks are

pressure hose and suitable cleaning

eating well, be careful not to overfill

agent, particularly if they have been

feeders as this results in waste.

used previously. Disinfecting the

To ensure good, early growth rates

equipment and housing after cleaning

and frame development, choose a

using a sanitiser such as Virkon S is recommended. Allow the area to dry before placing shaving or other litter

| From Hyline Technical Update, Growing Management of Commercial Pullets.

good quality chick feed in the form of a crumble – one which is high in good quality protein and energy

material into the shed.

There are various ways that you

and also balanced for macro (e.g.

Young chicks do not have the ability to

can heat the shed, including the

calcium and phosphorus) and trace

regulate their own body temperature,

use of infrared lamps, which can

minerals. A good chick starter feed

so it is important that they are kept

be suspended above the chicks.

should also contain a coccidiostat

warm for the first few weeks of life.

Adjusting the height of these lamps

to protect against coccidiosis. From

It is important to ensure that the

helps adjust the temperature at the

about 6 weeks of age, the feed can

chicks are placed in a warm area on

bird level. For small numbers of chicks

be changed from a chick starter to a

arrival, so the brooding area should be

kept in a small area, using a 60 watt

pullet grower to ensure that birds do

preheated for 24-48 hours before the

light bulb should be sufficient to keep

not get overweight.

chicks arrive, depending on the area

them warm. Placing a cardboard fence

being heated and the environmental

Monitor the weights of your chicks and

around the brooding area for the first

temperature. Typical recommendations

compare these to the recommended

few weeks helps to confine the chicks

are to maintain a temperature at the

weights from the poultry breeder

to the heated area.

chick level of 35-36oC for the first 3 to

to ensure they are growing at the

Bright lighting in the first weeks helps

expected rate.

4 days, gradually decreasing this to 33-35oC until the birds are 7 days old. From 7 days of age, gradually reduce the temperature by 1oC every third day

| THE FARMLANDER

to ensure that chicks find feed and water and helps them adjust to the

Article supplied by Natalie Chrystal, Nutritionist, NRM.

new environment. Lighting can be reduced after the first week, with the

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NUTRITION

Plenty of choice with calf milk replacers Milligans GoCalf Milk Replacer is an economy option that is a favourite with dairy farmers. It is great for extending colostrum feeding or fortifying with whole milk when supply is short. It can be used from day 4 but it is recommended to use Milligans Classic calf milk replacer as a starter for optimum results – and GoCalf as a finisher due to lower protein levels and exclusion of a coccidiostat.

to whole milk. Using a CMR will be an

Milligans Ultra-Premium

option for capitalising on extra profit

Milligans Ultra-Premium calf milk replacer

and the benefits of using a quality CMR

contains the natural gut conditioning

don’t stop with just a little extra in the

package ExcelPlus Milk Additive,

back pocket. Using a quality CMR also

designed for better health and faster

helps produce a better animal, due to its

growing calves. Milligans + ExcelPlus

consistent formulation and vitamins and

Milk Additive can be fed to calves from

minerals specifically for a calf – you know

day 4. Milligans + ExcelPlus Milk Additive

it’s getting the best start it can in life for

is made from dairy proteins and fats and

better growth and longevity. With this year’s

contains a boosted vitamin and mineral

calf rearing season getting well underway,

pre-mix to maximise calf health. Milligans

GoCalf is made from dairy proteins and

pop into your local Farmlands store to find

+ ExcelPlus Milk Additive is a premium

fats and contains a balanced vitamin and

out more about Milligans GoCalf.

quality, highly digestible milk powder that

mineral pre-mix to maximise calf health.

can be fed on either the once a day or

GoCalf does not contain Deccox as a

twice a day feeding system. ExcelPlus

prevention for coccidiosis and is lower in

Milk Additive is exclusive to Milligans for

protein, aimed at the finishing market and

the use in CMR and will give your calves

keeping costs down. GoCalf is a quality

the best start to life.

economy powder, which can be fed

Milligans Multi Milk Replacer

on either the once a day or twice a day

Suitable for lambs, kids, fawns, foals,

feeding system.

cria, piglets, pups and kittens and other infant animals. Milligans Multi Milk Replacer is a high quality blend of dairy proteins and is fortified with a vitamin and mineral pre-mix to support the functions Milligans Classic

of the growing infant animal. Multi Milk Replacer can be used from day 1 but

This is Milligans’ most trusted calf milk

it is recommended to feed a colostrum

replacer that has been used on New

supplement such as ExcelPlus Colostrum

Zealand farms for more than 20 years.

for the first 1-2 days of life, to provide the

Milligans Classic can be fed to calves

much needed immunity the baby animal

from day 4. Milligans Classic is made

requires for growth and development.

from dairy proteins and fats and contains a boosted vitamin and mineral pre-mix to

Article supplied by Milligans.

maximise calf health. Milligans Classic is a premium quality, highly digestible milk Even with a lower milksolid pay-out,

powder that can be fed on either the once

GoCalf still stacks up per litre compared

a day or twice a day feeding system.

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HORTICULTURE

Easier way to control nitrogen when growing sweet corn and potatoes Nitrogen is the most mobile soil nutrient and the one plants have the strongest response to. It’s also the nutrient the general public comes down on regarding the environmental effects of applied fertiliser. With the drive to both improve farming profits and sustainability, growers need to use nitrogen wisely, to generate greater marketable crop yields for the amount of nutrient applied. This can only be achieved by adopting new technologies and efficient management practices. For optimum plant growth, adequate nitrogen must be available during the growing cycle to meet the plant’s demands. In a crop of potatoes and sweet corn, the plant’s demand for nitrogen ramps up from 40 days after planting, before dropping away at around 90 days as the crop matures. Smartfert-N is a 44 percent nitrogen control release fertiliser, which releases its nitrogen in line with the demands of these crops. Smartfert-N has a special biopolymer coating, controlling the release of nitrogen over a 90-100 day period. Applying Smartfert-N at the time of

nitrogen demand of potatoes and sweet corn. A number of grower trials in sweet corn have been conducted in Hawke’s Bay, with all the nitrogen applied at planting. sowing potatoes or sweet corn ensures nitrogen is released when the plant needs it the most. Smartfert-N technology encapsulates the fertiliser prill with a thin biopolymer membrane that allows moisture to be absorbed. The moisture dissolves the fertiliser and the nutrients release through the membrane over time. Dr Doug Edmeades, an independent soil scientist, has been contracted to advise on the science aspects of Smartfert-N. Under his guidance, AgResearch undertook both laboratory and glasshouse tests to validate Smartfert’s mode of nutrient release. This work was followed up with a number of field trials on pasture – the results of this show significant increases in production can be achieved per kg of nitrogen applied using Smartfert-N over standard urea. This research also confirms Smartfert-N releases nitrogen at a similar rate to the

DAP or 12.10.10 was used as the starter fertiliser and with Smartfert-N as the side dress. Smartfert-N was applied to half the normal side dress rate of nitrogen of urea, resulting in up to 12 percent higher yield, with 30 percent less rejects of sweet corn. A trial on winter planted potatoes with 200kg of nitrogen applied from Smartfert-N, compared with 200kg of nitrogen applied with urea, showed the Smartfert-N treatment produced a 17 percent increase in marketable yield over the urea. In addition to the increased yield per kg of nitrogen applied, Smartfert-N provides operational efficiencies to farmers, allowing them to apply all nitrogen at planting with the advantage that Smartfert-N can be mixed with other fertilisers and applied at the time of crop planting. Smartfert-N’s control release technology also reduces the environmental effects of applied nitrogen fertilisers, with less nutrient losses from leaching, volatilisation and denitrification compared to traditional nitrogen fertilisers. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Smartfert-N.

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HORTICULTURE

Black spot and powdery mildew control in pipfruit Black spot and powdery mildew are an increasingly prominent issue for pipfruit at this time of year. Seguris Flexi and Score are two options that can benefit your pipfruit programme. Not only do you benefit from reliable products, if you buy them from Farmlands during September, you could go in the draw to win a luxury mystery weekend trip for two. See in-store for details.

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SEGURIS FLEXI Seguris Flexi is a new generation SDHI fungicide for the control of black spot and powdery mildew in apples and pears, with a new (Group 7) mode of action. • Apply preventatively at 7 day intervals from tight cluster to 90 percent petal fall (all markets). • Seguris Flexi has a shorter PHI for some export markets than other SDHI fungicides – refer to latest export PHI spray schedule. • Highly rainfast once dried onto the leaf. • Binds to the leaf and fungus to protect against and shut down disease. • Translaminar and locally systemic with limited post-infection activity. • Apply in mixture with a broad spectrum protectant fungicide. • Apply no more than two consecutive applications and up to four applications per season. • Apply 1.2L/ha of Seguris Flexi in sufficient water to achieve thorough coverage.

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SCORE Score WG is a proven DMI fungicide for the control of black spot and powdery mildew in apples and pears, with a Group 3 mode of action. • Score WG is a systemic triazole (DMI) fungicide with preventative and curative activity. • Apply as soon as possible, but within 96 hours of a black spot infection period. • Always apply Score WG in mixture with a black spot protectant fungicide. • Apply up to four applications per season. • Score WG has a shorter PHI for some export markets than other DMI fungicides – refer to latest export PHI spray schedule. • Apply 25 grams of Score WG per 100L of water to deliver 500g/ha.

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HORTICULTURE

Psa management pre-flower ACTIGARD™ was one of the first products registered in New Zealand to help kiwifruit growers combat Psa. A limited label claim was approved in 2011, followed by a full label claim (foliar applied) in 2014. With its unique mode of action, ACTIGARD™ activates the plant to stimulate its natural self-defence against Psa, via a response known as Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR). The majority of kiwifruit growers in New Zealand are now using ACTIGARD™ at some stage in their Psa management programme, either pre-flower and/ or post-harvest. A maximum of four applications are allowed per season. While many growers have applied ACTIGARD™ in the spring without any issues, some have noticed a reduction in canopy growth, particularly when applied in the early spring growth period. Elicitors such as ACTIGARD™ work by switching on the plant’s own defence mechanism against Psa, which may divert some resources away from canopy growth. Any negative effect on growth is likely to be exacerbated if vines are under stress from factors such as wind, frost, hail damage, poor root health, disease, poor drainage, drought, nutritional deficiency etc. Syngenta is planning trial work this season to gain further understanding of the relationship between ACTIGARD™ use and canopy growth. Until this trial work is completed, Syngenta recommend

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delaying the first ACTIGARD™ this season

and should be applied 1-7 days prior

until approximately 21-28 days prior to

to flowering to help protect against Psa

flowering, with a second application 1-7

during the high risk flowering period. It

days pre-flower. This will allow time for

can take up to 7 days for ACTIGARD™ to

the canopy to partially develop.

fully activate the crop, so the addition of

ACTIGARD should not be applied

copper is recommended for immediate

to vines that are stressed due to

protection and for multiple modes of

adverse environmental conditions such

action against Psa.

as high wind, frost or hail. In these

ACTIGARD™ is rainfast in 2 hours

circumstances, growers should wait until

and being systemic it enters the

vines have recovered before applying

leaf, where it is protected against

ACTIGARD™. The use of foliar nutrient

wash-off from rainfall, to provide up to

sprays may assist in helping leaf and vine

21 days’ protection.

recovery and maintaining vine health.

The use of ACTIGARD™, copper and

Applied pre-flowering, ACTIGARD™ plus

antibiotics, together with more tolerant

copper can provide systemic protection

varieties and new management

over the high risk flowering period, where

techniques, has allowed growers to

other products cannot be applied for Psa

manage Psa and recover to pre-Psa

control. ACTIGARD™ is compatible with

outbreak productivity levels in the

Prodigy*, Movento* and Luna Privilage*,

2014/2015 season.

which is convenient in the pre-flower

For further information, contact

period when fungicides and insecticides

your Farmlands Technical Advisor

also need to be applied.

or the friendly team at your local

Unlike antibiotics, ACTIGARD™ can be

Farmlands store.

applied immediately prior to flowering

Article supplied by Actigard.

™

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HORTICULTURE

Effective Spray-out critical for crop establishment Using a tank mix of T-MaxTM plus glyphosate this spring will benefit farmers wanting to control tough to kill weeds such as docks, californian thistle, buttercup, ragwort and many other weeds prior to sowing forage brassicas, ryegrass, maize or cereals.

or poor seed germination which causes

Dow AgroSciences Marketing Manager

low toxicity, environmentally friendly

Nick Koch says the product is building a

alternative which is safer to use and can

strong following of users who understand

be applied either at pasture spray out

the benefits of achieving long term

in a tank mix with glyphosate, or post

control of many of the hardest to control

emergence of forage brassicas and new

weeds at the critical spray-out timing.

pastures. Applied at only 20ml/ha Sparta

“The initial benefit of using a tank mix

is cost effective.

of T-Max plus glyphosate at spray-out

Additionally, Sparta is registered for

reduced yield in forage brassicas, poor clover establishment in new pasture and, in severe cases, pasture may require re-sowing. Sparta is highly effective on springtails offering control equivalent to Lorsban™ without the odour. Sparta provides a

is fast knockdown with the flexibility of

killing weeds from the roots upward thus

use in forage brassicas for the control

preventing root chips from spreading

of caterpillar pests. independent trials*

during cultivation. Spray-out is critical

show that Sparta, applied at 150ml/

for long term weed control, an effective

ha provides outstanding control of

spray-out prior to the cropping cycle

diamondback moth, white butterfly,

is the ideal timing to clean out those

leaf miner and loopers due to its

hard to kill weeds creating a weed free

unique mode of action that moves the

foundation for pasture renewal. T-Max

chemical through the leaf, preventing

plus glyophosate offers long term control

wash off and controlling pests where

compared many other herbicides that

they hide.

merely burn weeds off at the surface only

Best of all Sparta is safe to key beneficial

“T-Max plus glyphosate is highly effective

to re-grow and set seed”.

insects and is ideal for integrated pest

at controlling docks which is a good

Control springtails with Sparta

management programmes.

– a new insecticide

For further information, contact

Insecticides are commonly tank

your Farmlands Technical Advisor

mixed with glyphosate for the control of

or the friendly team at your local

springtails at pasture spray out. These

Farmlands store.

tiny pests can cause significant damage

Article supplied by Dow AgroSciences.

by chewing on forage brassicas and

*Paul Munro, Peracto 2008/2011

a three day plant back period. The real benefits are longer term, T-Max kills the weeds from roots to seed so weeds won’t come back.” Dow AgroSciences Field R&D Manager Bernard Harris says the aminopyralid based herbicide provides extremely fast knock down of hard to kill broadleaf weeds, docks in particular have been a real standout.

thing because they compete strongly with crops, and are prolific seeders. Without an effective spray-out, docks will continue to be a problem well into the pasture renewal cycle. The active ingredient in T-Max ‘aminopyralid’ is unique as it sterilises the weed seeds before they become viable, additionally T-Max moves deep into the root system

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clovers as they germinate. The result of their feeding often looks like patchy

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HORTICULTURE

Weed and pest control key to productive, profitable spring sowing High yielding, high quality forage crops such as maize silage, fodder beet and fodder brassicas start well before the seed goes into the ground. For a profitable result, appropriate control of weeds and insect pests at the correct times is essential.

you purchase 2 x 20L of WeedMaster

So where should you start? First of all,

Pulse® Penetrant is always essential. It

a pre-plant herbicide to clean up cropping paddocks in spring saves time

PURCHA SE 2 X 20L A N RECEIVE D A 3L

TS540 in-store, you will receive a free 3L

FREE

bonus pack. Different weeds require different rates of WeedMaster TS540, so it’s a good idea

WHILE ST

OCKS LA

to check what species are present (e.g.

browntop, couch, perennial ryegrass etc.) before spraying. improves the penetration and uptake of WeedMaster TS540 and reduces the

with slugs is that by the time you can

rainfast period to 20 minutes.

see signs of predation, the damage has

In 2015, there’s a powerful new partner for

already been done.

WeedMaster and Pulse. Nail® EC boosts

That’s why it’s a good idea to check for

the control of several broadleaf weed

the presence of slugs before you sow,

species, for which glyphosate alone is

especially if there’s a history of slug

not always adequate, including mallows,

WeedMaster® TS540 glyphosate is a

problems. This is as simple as leaving a

seedling storksbill and nettle.

proven tool to control perennial weeds

few sacks or boards out on the ground

If these are among weeds present in your

overnight and checking how many slugs

cropping paddocks this spring, Nail EC

are under them in the morning.

can easily be tank mixed as part of your

If 2-3 slugs are found, slug control should

pre-plant spray out, broadening the weed

be a priority. SlugOut is a highly effective

spectrum without affecting your sowing

bait that can be applied pre-plant or at

schedule. That’s because Nail EC has a

sowing time. SlugOut is a must for direct

nil plantback period, so you don’t have to

This spring, we’re making it even easier

drilled crops too, because the trash left

wait for soil residues to dissipate before

to prepare paddocks for cropping with

in direct drilled paddocks provides the

the drill comes into the paddock.

WeedMaster TS540. From now until 16th

perfect environment for slugs.

For farmers sowing fodder beet crops,

SlugOut provides excellent coverage

this is particularly important. Fodder

with the highest concentration of active

beet seed is notoriously sensitive to

ingredient per pellet of bait and it’s easy

any residual soil herbicides, with

and safe to apply with no dust.

potential plantback delays of weeks or

For further information, contact

and helps get any crop off to a flying start, because it reduces competition from weeds from day 1. Most weeds can easily outgrow crop seedlings and this can have a lasting and negative effect on final crop yield.

and also leads to quicker turf and root breakdown of old pasture. This in turn makes for easier tillage, saving time and fuel and helps provide a better seedbed. It also reduces the fallow time required before sowing your new crop.

October, or while stocks last, every time

even months depending on that herbicide is used.

your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local

Insect pests like slugs are also a

Farmlands store.

potentially major problem early in the life

Article supplied by Nufarm.

of any spring sown crop. The challenge

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HORTICULTURE

Giving grapes a super boost – the power of Acadian biostimulant The 2014-15 Marlborough season saw many stresses on our vines – from the moment the buds broke right through to post-harvest, pressures in many guises were upon them. They went into the season tired from the huge crop loads that they had carried, only to have nature throw their stride through powdery mildew, trunk diseases, frost, heat and extended drought. It’s therefore timely to refresh our memory on the use of biostimulants in the management of vines, from shoot to root, 12 months of the year. For centuries in coastal areas, seaweeds have been added to soils to provide a rich source of organic matter. In recent decades, Ascophyllum nodosum marineplant extracts have played a significant role within mainstream viticulture – a tool

harvested from the cool, rich waters

and how plants react to these, i.e. root

to help crop growth and development.

around Nova Scotia. Acadian, through

development, flowering, fruit set and

Acadian Sea Plants Limited, with its

extensive field and laboratory research,

sizing. Molecular analysis and new

Acadian and Stimplex (liquid) brands,

has demonstrated the significant plant

bioassay rapid testing procedures have

is the world leader in marine plant

benefits of their extract products.

enabled the measurement of plant

extracts. These extracts are derived from

Acadian research has identified

reactions to different biotic (e.g. disease

Ascophyllum nodosum that is sustainably

unique chemical profiles of extracts

or insects) or abiotic (e.g. drought, salinity, temperature) stresses. The research suggests that these extracts encourage the plant to produce its own stimulatory hormones. Positive responses have been found in grapes in the face of a number of disease, insect and environmental challenges. For example, improvements in root mass development, crop uniformity,

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HORTICULTURE

plant health and stress tolerance are

Acadian products are earning their place

routine in both conventional and organic

in contemporary viticulture practices by

systems. The Acadian extract products

providing winegrowers with a wide range

contain a large profile of minerals but

of compatible supplements to enhance

their key effect is related to their organic

crop production. Their role in improving

ingredients â&#x20AC;&#x201C; polysaccharides, organic

plant nutrition and plant stress tolerance

acids, amino acids and proteins. These

is catalytic to the tool box of management

play important roles in every aspect of

measures needed by winegrowers.

plant growth, not just the responses to

For further information, contact

various biotic or abiotic stresses. Newly

your Farmlands Technical Advisor

published research demonstrates the

or the friendly team at your local

use of Ascophyllum extracts in boosting

Farmlands store.

soil microbes and improving the ecology of the root zone or rhizosphere. The

Article supplied by Johnny McMillan, Technical Advisor, Farmlands Horticulture.

Effect on Bunch Development (PN1) Percent Increase over Control

35 30

28%

32%

24%

20 15

Control (PN1)

Acadian (PN1)

5 0

Length

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Surface Area

Volume

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HORTICULTURE

Helping your world grow

healthier plants 100% natural Seaweed extract Greater productivity Resistance to stress A more productive and profitable season starts with good root anchorage. By stimulating the growth of a healthy root system, Stimplex® helps resist stresses above and below the ground to keep your fruit anchored and your trees strong.

Acadian is Ascophyllum nodosum:

Acadian is supported by global,

• Improves plant nutritional health.

• Acadian is derived from one of the

scientific research:

• Increases desirable yield for higher

most active seaweed species and is grown in cold, clean waters.

• Acadian partners with the best

profit through

scientists worldwide to provide you

» Increased production.

Acadian is good for your crop and the

with credible research, proving Acadian is a consistent, top quality product.

» Increased sizing.

environment: • Acadian hand harvests the seaweed

Consistent use of Acadian Extract in

to ensure the sustainability of the

your programme will deliver overall

ecosystem.

stronger, more productive plants even

Acadian maximises product efficacy:

in times of stress:

• Acadian liberates the active

• Acadian increases root growth and

compounds in what is believed to be

• Improves plant vigor – greener plants,

state possible through our exclusive,

improved plant canopy, and better

proprietary process.

photosynthetic capacity.

• All Acadian extracts follow a tightly controlled process to guarantee the

» Delayed senescence. » Increased shelf life of perishable crops. Article supplied by Acadian.

establishment of your crop.

the most uncompromised and active

Acadian guarantees quality:

» Improved quality.

• Maximises plant potential during stresses such as drought, salinity and temperature.

highest standards of product quality and consistency.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Elevate the health of young stock If you want young stock to grow, they need the right nutrition. High levels of parasitism can put animals under stress at a time when they should be growing rapidly. This can be addressed through using an effective drench and injecting stock with Elevate B12 to bolster cobalt levels, which will in turn help to improve their health and productivity.

time as any other selenised fertiliser, prill, drench or vaccines without consulting an animal health advisor. Giving your young stock an Elevate B12 during routine farm activities will ensure optimum health and better productivity that can lead to increased animal growth and wool production. For further information, contact

Bayer Technical Veterinarian, Richard

Richard says that Elevate B12 is a safe,

Porter says that docking and weaning

simple and inexpensive option over

are the ideal times to treat young stock

other B12 treatment options. With 4 to 6

for worms and B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12

weeks of activity, Elevate B12 works well in

deficiency is characterised by general

covering short-term deficiency and fits in

stock wasting, poor fertility rates,

well with drenching, dipping and weaning

failure to thrive (particularly in young

activities on-farm. Plus, farmers can

animals) and loss of appetite also seen

select from plain or selenised versions,

in parasitism. In prolonged severe cases,

so on farms where selenium levels are

anaemia and death may occur, usually

low, stock blood levels can be bolstered

from secondary immune suppression

at the same time. Make sure you don’t

and associated diseases.

use Elevate B12 Selenised at the same

your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Bayer.

ELEVATE B12 2000 SELENISED 500ML • For the treatment of and control cobalt deficiency, or cobalt and selenium deficiency in sheep and cattle. • No meat or milk withholding periods. Elevate is a registered trademark of Bayer New Zealand Limited.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Kicking parasites to touch early in the game is vital The first 4-6 weeks of lactation can determine the whole season’s production. During this critical time period, a cow’s valuable energy is likely to be compromised. Not only has it just calved and started lactation, it must also get back in-calf again in time to repeat the process 1 year later! Maximising cow health and nutrition during this time is essential, if milk production and reproduction potential are going to be obtained.

of energy and protein, placing extra

Whilst they might not be causing

Article supplied by Bayer.

demands on the cow’s already stretched energy resources. Hence, treating cows for worms at this time makes sense. Eon Pour-on is ideal for treating and controlling production-limiting worms at early lactation and offers the essential nil milk withholding. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

FREE

RUGBY B AL YOU PUR L WHEN CHASE 2 X 500ML E DGE OR A 5L EON P ACK WHILE ST OC KS LAST

clinical signs, worms cause a diversion

Get your young stock over the advantage line Anyone with young beef or dairy cattle will know that internal parasites can impact productivity and growth rates, with spring being a key period of concern. Worms picked up during the winter cause a diversion of energy and protein away from vital functions as well as affecting grazing behaviour, which limits the potential of this short window of high quality, abundant grass. Due to their lower immunity to these parasites, younger animals are particularly vulnerable and therefore deserve the best protection available.

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EDGE is a combination injection for cattle and sheep, containing the trusted active doramectin, together with the power of levamisole for enhanced protection. With a dose rate specifically for accurate dosing in young stock, EDGE injection provides combination efficacy against internal parasites for your young stock this spring. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Bayer.

FREE

RUGBY B AL YOU PUR L WHEN CHASE 2 X 500ML E DGE OR A 5L EON P ACK WHILE ST OC KS LAST

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Early intervention hoof care saves time and money New Zealand’s leading veterinarians and hoof care experts are in agreement over the immediate benefits available through blocking hooves. As cattle lameness and attention to hoof care becomes more of an issue through wet months, farmers throughout the country are investing significant amounts of time and money into this ongoing issue. “Blocking feet is a key to reducing pain and quickly getting lame cows back in the milking herd,” advises Neil Chesterton, veterinarian and lameness consultant. “Over a season I block approximately 60 percent of hoof injuries I treat. Serious cases need a block that lasts for a minimum of 3 weeks. However, less severe cases do benefit from blocking for 10 days to 2 weeks.” While Neil strongly recommends the use of blocking for all hoof injuries, the perceived short-term cost is the main limitation for most farmers. Ideally, Neil would like to see farmers use a block for even mild injuries, to get the animal immediately back into the herd.

The introduction of an early intervention

Prevention and early intervention of

treatment system, which can be used

cattle lameness is of vital importance

quickly and easily by the farmer, is

for farmers and their animals globally.

already receiving great interest around

Having a low cost, easy-to-use hoof

the world. Walkease blocks can be

care product, which can be used at the

left on the hoof indefinitely, as they

first sign of a sore hoof (pre-lameness),

will naturally wear down and wear off

is certainly good news for farmers and

while the cow walks comfortably on a

good news for their cows.

rubber jandal.

“A feature of the Walkease block is that it

“I find Walkease blocks a cost effective

wears evenly and thus does

solution for these milder cases of

not need removal as wood blocks can

lameness. The low cost, ease and speed

do. Even for the heavier cows I am

of application makes them a

surprised how effective the Walkease

good choice,” Neil explains. “Fitting a

block can be.”

Walkease block takes me about three and a half minutes in total, after treating the injured claw.”

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

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