Farmlands Plan 365 January 2015 by Farmlands

JANUARY 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.

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Facial eczema - a preventable disease Facial eczema (FE) significantly impacts on the health and productivity of cattle (Towers and Smith 1978). Every year, December through to May brings the inevitable facial eczema risk that presents significant welfare concerns to most farm animals. Left unprotected, the disease causes unnecessary suffering amongst most ruminants.

• Any redness and peeling of

disease, especially at calving.

zinc) in water. This can put cows

Timing is critical to maximise the

off drinking water, so it needs to

• Clean (graze) paddocks out to reduce the amounts of rank,

summer/autumn. know when the risk period begins.

this toxin that when ingested severely

District counts may be useful but

damages the bile ducts of the liver,

must be used as indicative only.

meaning the animal is unable to rid

2. Animal management

the body of wastes, including being

Supplementation of the dairy cows' risk periods will reduce the toxic effects of FE.

prevented with sound management

• Zinc oxide (80 percent elemental zinc) daily in feed or by oral drench. • Zinc oxide via a controlled release

NB: Research has shown that cow daily water intakes (and therefore zinc) are variable, so cows may not be completely protected against FE at all times.

• Farmers could consider the use of fungicides to mitigate the reproduction of toxic spores. Fungicides (active is carbendazim) do not kill all spores, they only reduce a percent, so the PSC must be low (<20,000) and sprayed on green, growing pasture to

diet or dosing with zinc over the

However, FE is a disease that can be

What to look for:

flavouring.

• Monitor on-farm spore counts to

of dead or dying pasture litter. It is

practices.

or weeks or in combination with

1. Pasture management

a mycotoxin produced by the

from pasture.

be introduced over a few days

effect of any preventive technique.

dead pasture material.

unable to break down chlorophyll

(Cuttance, VetEnt 2013). • Zinc sulphate (40 percent elemental

Preventing facial eczema

• Avoid topping paddocks in

chartarum, which grows in the base

minimum protective level

• Sudden or unexplained metabolic

FE is caused by sporidesmin, microscopic fungus Pithomyces

elevating serum zinc above the

unpigmented skin.

be effective. Whatever preventative option you choose, make sure all staff are aware of the plan and how to implement it but also put checks in place to make sure the method is working - then you know

• Cows and heifers seeking shade.

bolus. Offers a consistent daily

all of your animals remain protected

• Frequent kicking, licking at flanks.

dose of zinc for up to 5 weeks in

against the silent killer we know as

• Restlessness in the cow shed,

cattle and 6 weeks for sheep.

facial eczema.

kicking cups off. • Sudden drop in milk production.

• The Time Capsule® bolus is more effective than a Dosatron at

Supplied by Andrew Oakley, Technical Manager, Agritrade.

References Towers N.R., Smith B.L. The protective effect of zinc sulphate in experimental sporidesmin intoxication of lactating dairy cows. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 26, 199-202, 1978. Cuttance E. The effectiveness of The Time Capsule® and Dosatron trough treatment for the prevention of facial eczema in dairy heifers, VetEnt 2013.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Resistance is futile Cyromazine was the first of a line of insect growth regulators (IGR) that worked by preventing moulting from one stage in the fly lifecycle to the next via a hormone blocker. This is different to other related IGR compounds such as difubenzuron, which acts as a chitin (external shell) growth inhibitor.

very important feature that sets it above

evolved, including the Australian green

most others – no known resistance.

blowfly, Lucilia cuprina.

Despite 30 years of continuous use, no

This feature makes Swat the go-to

resistance has developed - not even a

product for early, middle and late season

reduction of the protection period.

fly control for now and hopefully the next

This feature has been put to the test

30 years.

with every sort of application technique,

Article supplied by Bayer.

good and bad, both in the field and in the laboratory and still no resistant flies have

All the IGR compounds have unique properties that make them superior to previous compounds. These include wide safety margins, low toxicity, nonstripping, non-irritant, easy mixing with longer-term fly control not seen in any previous products.

SWAT LIQUID 10L

Even though cyromazine has no lice control or maggot knockdown, it has one

Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A10169.

Potent fly and lice control Cyrex Liquid is a combination of two powerful active ingredients, cyromazine and spinosad and provides dual protection from flystrike in one application.

Cyrex Liquid’s two powerful actives

Cyrex is your one-stop saturation dip

target two different stages of fly

for flystrike and lice control.

infestation. It delivers up to 12 weeks

Article supplied by Elanco.

fly control and fast maggot and lice knockdown.

CYREX LIQUID 10L • Proven efficacy from two different chemical classes. • Up to 12 weeks fly prevention. • Fast knockdown maggot kill. • Improved wound healing and evacuation from wounds. • Kills lice within hours. • 7 day meat withholding period. • Excellent safety profile for operator and animals. Registered pursuant of the ACVM Act 1997, No. A09917.

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HORTICULTURE

Security and catching the perpetrator Too often we hear of fruit and vegetables being stolen from fields and road side stands. Most times the police are not contacted because the chances of catching the culprit are slim. Even police will struggle because of the lack of evidence. A cheap security option that will help identify offenders is now available from Farmlands. The Motion Activated Security Camera by Selecta is a camouflaged unit that when mounted on a tree or pole is barely visible. It measures 14cm high by 9cm wide and 6.4cm thick. It is powered by eight AA batteries, which will give a life of up to 6 months. It is weatherproof and designed for the outdoors. The cameras were originally developed

replaces the flash system, such that

consensus being they are truly

high quality images are also captured in

impressed with the image quality.

total darkness. This was key to making

Give it a go and get that peace of mind.

this a valuable tool for hunters, so as

The latest model is now WiFi enabled.

not to disturb animals in their natural

This allows you to auto upload your

environment.

photos through Android/Apple phones

Think about the potential uses for this

or tablets using a Selecta EYEFI SD

camera for a second - you can see

card. There is also now a Selecta Solar

who is snooping around buildings while

Panel with a built-in battery, which

you are not there. You can protect

will make your camera operating time

fuel supplies and equipment. Some

longer. All of these items are available

farmers are using such cameras to

at your local Farmlands store.

catch people dumping rubbish illegally and even boy racers ripping up grass

Article supplied by Silvan Security.

paddocks. Growers of marijuana have been identified from such systems. You can even use them as a hunting aid! Every report received on the units has been positive, with the general

for hunters to track animal movements. It sends out an infrared beam that will detect movement up to 20 metres away. Once movement is detected it will begin taking photos or a video (depending on what option you have selected) for as long or as often as you like. The images are up to 12MB in size, which is important to provide the level of definition to identify person(s). Images are saved to a memory stick, which holds 8GB of images (or video). This means upwards of 4,000 images can be collected. Black and white images will also be collected at night without giving off a flash. The same infrared technology

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HORTICULTURE

“Colour-it” reflective cloth is a must Farmlands “Colour-it” reflective mulch is a must for apples destined for Asian markets. Those markets demand highly coloured fruit, which is promoted with Colour-it cloth. Farmlands began marketing Colourit cloth 3 years ago and the level of repeat business indicates this is an exceptional product. Of course, we already knew this when we entered the market! The first prototypes are now being used for the sixth year in a large Hawke’s Bay orchard. Colour-it was produced with an aim to make it better than any other cloth currently available. A superior product has been achieved, with durability, a sound tensioning system and cost. These have all been achieved without compromising the desired result of improved fruit colour, as shown by two

Tensioning of the cloth is achieved

The Farmlands Horticulture team

sets of independent testing.

using a claw and bungy system. Other

will be more than happy to discuss

Colour-it reflective cloth is 180 microns

systems rely on a staple being nailed

how Colour-it reflective cloth can

thick, compared to 120 microns for

into a tree and connections made from

improve the quality of your fruit.

competitor product. It has been further

that. The bungy system simply loops

Article supplied by Luke Hansen,

improved, with the material containing

around the tree and back onto itself,

National Manager, Farmlands Horticulture.

4.5 percent UV stabilisation, in line with

resulting in no tree damage and a less

European standards. The thicker cloth

fiddly arrangement. The hooks that

and increased level of UV stabilisers is

attach to the cloth are shorter, which

aimed at giving longer life and greater

gives the advantage of less punctures

durability. In many orchards, the cloth

on tractor tyres, due to hooks not

will be moved upwards of three times

getting picked up. Shorter hooks do not

in a season. For this reason and to

compromise the tensioning.

give many years of use, we opted for

The cloth is available in widths from

the greater thickness, to give growers

2m to 5m wide, in increments of 0.5m.

exceptional value for their investment.

Roll lengths are either 100m or 500m.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Talk about pressure

HILL COUNTRY FARMING - A FAMILY AFFAIR

Just like playing for the All Blacks – when opportunities arise, they must be taken. This is certainly the philosophy of the Directors of Morrison Farming, based near Marton in the Lower North Island. The Morrison family have been farming around the Marton area for six generations and have just celebrated 150 years of sheep and beef farming. Morrison Farming is still a family business and is nowadays run by a Board of four Directors. When the 940 hectare Mangara Station, near Hunterville came on the market, the Directors recognised an opportunity to grow the business, by integrating this farm into their low land farming operations. They set the wheels in motion to purchase the property. July 2013 became the purchase date but long before this, background information was gathered about the farm’s infrastructure and development feasibility budgets were created and assessed. Mangara Station is a medium to steep property, typical of the surrounding area. The farm's topography ranges from 110 to 300 metres above sea level and has an average rainfall of 1,000 to 1,200mm. To achieve the best production returns, it became apparent that some large scale infrastructural projects would need to take place. The Directors formulated a strategic plan, incorporating four major development projects: 1. Increase the base fertility of the farm 2. Increase paddocks from 22 to 70 3. Establish robust all-weather farm tracks 4. Install an efficient stock water system

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| William Morrison (Director) and Daniel Clayton (Farm Manager).

When ranking these projects in order of importance, the stock water project emerged as the most pressing. “We could have spent a lot of money on fertiliser and fencing very quickly," William Morrison, one of the Directors, says. "But if a good stock water system was not in place, what’s the point?” The next question arising was - what type of water system would best suit this property? The options were to build dams in each paddock or install a reticulated system. Efficiency and capital investment costs were the important factors in assessing each system. Whilst the budgeting of the dam option was as simple as getting a price from the local contractor, the process for planning and costing a reticulated system seemed a lot more complex. William identified the three critical elements of the reticulation option as being:

1. Water source 2. Energy to power the system 3. Mechanics – pump, pipeline and fittings William’s issue now was to find the expertise to assist with feasibility and costing these key elements. Morrison Farming has a policy of supporting local business whenever possible, so William approached a local pump company and Farmlands Marton for assistance. Farmlands involved Peter Carswell, the Rural Projects Manager for Iplex Pipelines, to provide assistance with assessing water requirements and system design. Peter’s first step was to carry out a comprehensive GPS survey of the property and provide the Morrison Farming Board with a number of options for consideration.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

“This was a very challenging project, due to the extremes of altitude and the fact that an on-site power source would be required,” Peter says. The system’s hydraulic design determined that two pumps would be required. The first is a submersible pump installed in a 4 metre deep flooded chamber, fed from an infiltration gallery located in the farm's stream. This pumps water up to holding tanks on the river terrace, from where a second surface mounted pump lifts water to a number of 30,000 litre tanks, located at high points around the property. Troughs are then gravity fed from these tanks.

Peter says. “It’s only the availability of this high pressure Blackline pipe and ductile iron compression fittings system that made this project feasible and cost effective.”

Both pumps are powered by a diesel generator, which starts automatically, controlled by a solar-powered timer and shuts off via a pressure switch. “While all this sounds technically impressive, it’s important to remember that pumping water 200 metres uphill has only recently been achievable through a coiled polyethylene pipe,” Peter says. “Prior to this, galvanised pipe in 6.5 metre lengths with threaded joints would have been required, blowing out the material and construction costs and making a reticulated scheme uneconomic.”

To date, William (alongside Farm Manager Daniel Clayton and their contractor) have

The second pump’s operating head of 1,900 kPa determined that the initial part of the pipeline be designed around Iplex 25 bar Blackline HP polyethylene pipe. “The design parameters and pressures are certainly higher than can be expected on most farms,”

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After costs were assessed, the Board made a decision to go with a reticulated scheme. “At the end of the day, the decision was quite easy,” William says. “The financing of a reticulated trough system, especially when considering the production benefits accruing from better quality water and more reliable and easier access to that water, compared favourably to the cost of establishing dams and their ongoing maintenance.”

installed the mainline and are currently installing the gravity pipelines to the new troughs. “We have certainly learnt a lot about water systems over the past few months and without the expertise and the outstanding service we have enjoyed through our dealings with Farmlands Marton and their suppliers, I am not sure where we would be,” William says. “I’m firmly of the belief that investment in well researched and designed reticulated stock water systems by New Zealand hill country sheep and beef farmers would deliver greater returns on investment than other, more traditional farm inputs.” For more information on stock water systems or other rural pipeline projects, see the knowledgeable team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Iplex Pipelines.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Reservoir valves, water tanks and pumps Utilising standard or high-flow trough valves on water tanks fed by electric pumps can appear a simple, cost effective solution. However, this means as soon as there is the slightest drawoff, the valve will open, pressure in the line will drop and your pump will start up. If the draw-off was very small, the pump will refill the tank very quickly and the pump will stop. The process will repeat with the next draw-off, which may also be very small.

Fitting a variable speed drive to your

them. The length is pre-determined by

pump, allowing a soft start up, or

the end user and is representative of

having a timer fitted can negate this

how much you want your tank water

problem. Another simple solution is an

level to drop before the pump starts

Apex Pump Buddy. This is a completely

up. This could be, in a large tank for

mechanical device that does not

example, 1-1.4m with a total useable

require the services of a specialist

water height of 2.8m. The top weight

tradesman to install. You simply screw

is close to the valve and the bottom

in the Pump Buddy to where the trough

weight is at the end of the cord.

valve had been.

Once the water level drops to just

The Apex Pump Buddy differs from

past the top of the lower weight, the

a standard trough valve, be it piston

valve will open and the pump will start.

type or diaphragm, by using weights

Your pump will then have a good, long

With lots of short run times occurring,

rather than floats to activate the valve.

run time.

significant wear on a pump ensues.

The two weights are neutrally buoyant

The length of the cord between the

In addition, electricity costs increase.

in water with a length of cord between

weights is determined by water demand and tank height. The advantage of an Apex Pump Buddy over a timer is that if demand increases above normal the pump will start sooner, rather than the possibility of the tank becoming completely empty. In addition to the Apex Pump Buddy is the Apex Big Boy Reservoir Valve. This works on exactly the same principles but delivers significantly higher flows, should your pump be capable and your pipes sized accordingly. For example, with just 40 kPa (5.8psi) of residual pressure at the valve, the Big Boy will flow more than 250L/minute. For more information, talk to one of the friendly staff at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Hydroflow.

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DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Declaring war on facial eczema Facial eczema occurs in warm, moist conditions, when the fungus Pithomyces chartarum rapidly multiplies throughout the pasture. The fungal spores contain a toxin called sporidesmin. The production of sporidesmin causes considerable stress to young stock and dairy cows once ingested. Cows in particular become very sensitive to light, skin becomes inflamed and milk production drops dramatically. It’s time to act now!

hit 20,000 per gram of pasture, spray

ensure cows maintain their water intake,

your pastures immediately.

add Caramillo Masking and Flavouring

Dosatron inline dispensers

Agent to disguise the taste of zinc and

Dosatron inline dispensers provide the

keep your animals drinking.

mechanism to dose stock drinking water

Dose 20ml Caramillo to every kilogram of

with the required amount of zinc sulphate

zinc sulphate dosed.

(heptahydrate). Every litre of water has

IntenSE Trifecta Chelated

the desired amount of zinc treatment

This product can be dosed in conjunction

to help protect the liver from the toxins.

with zinc, as the ingredients are

Dosatrons are simple to install, very easy

chemically stable. Copper status in dairy

to use and cuts out the need to drench

cows can be lost when high rates of zinc

Pasture spraying (X-spore or Topsin)

when set up properly. Cows consume

are dosed, so combine IntenSE Trifecta

a significant amount of water during the

Chelated with zinc, to offset this issue.

summer, so this is an effective method to

4ml dose contains:

If you farm in an area with frequency or prior history of facial eczema then the best approach should be to apply an approved pasture spray, to kill the spores before they start breeding. Pasture fungicides’ active ingredient is either carbendazim (X-spore) or thiophanatemethyl (Topsin), which when applied at

address the needs of the animal. Start dosing zinc sulphate at low rates before the onset of facial eczema and increase as the spores counts rise. Having zinc in the diet, coupled with pasture spraying, provides a two prong

5mg selenium 150mg copper 4mg cobalt The risk of facial eczema is on the rise, so it’s time to develop your plan of attack. Farmlands has a range of

label rates stops the growth of the fungus

approach to fight this disease.

that causes facial eczema. Timing of

Caramillo Masking and Flavouring Agent

application is important and the product

Animals may take time to adapt to the

should be applied prior to the danger

taste of the zinc sulphate present in their

period. As soon as pasture spore levels

water, as the product is very bitter. To

CARAMILLO 5L

DOSATRON 8000

INTENSE TRIFECTA CHELATED 20L

• Disguises the bitter taste of zinc in stock drinking water and drenches. • Encourages animals to maintain water intake. • Cost effective - only use 20-40ml per kilogram of active ingredient.

• Labour savings device. • Provides option to start zinc treatment before the onset of facial eczema. • Eliminates drenching time in the shed. • All water troughs receive proportional dose every day.

• Facial eczema may hit this summer. If dosing high rates of zinc then protect your copper status in your cows by dosing Intense Trifecta Chelated.

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options and strategies to combat this terrible disease. Article supplied by Bell-Booth.

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DAIRY MANAGEMENT

The importance of effective cleaning We are well into the season and the hot weather is coming. We need to ensure we continue to focus our attention on the cleaning programmes, to ensure milk quality is protected. As the weather becomes hotter, alkali wash cycles can play an important role. They are the best at removing fats, protein and lactose. If these elements are not effectively removed, they leave an ideal environment to grow bacteria, reducing milk quality. The goal is to maximise your milk payments, not have them reduced by downgrading your milk quality. Typically, powdered alkali based products contain chlorine, which assists with protein removal. Being powder based allows the chlorine to be more stable within the formulation. Stability directly relates to product expiry dates. With newer milking machines coming with automated cleaning systems and

requirements are increasing and also

In New Zealand, the cleanliness of milk

becoming more common place, so

contact surfaces can be very challenging

the popularity of liquid products is on

at times over the summer period. Ecolab

the increase. With liquid based alkalis

product is backed by an independent,

the formulation needs to be balanced.

dedicated, experienced team that

Containing the right levels of ingredients

supports you 24/7, offering free on-farm

can be a real challenge, especially

service. Should any milk quality issues

for chlorinated based alkali products.

arise, your Ecolab Territory Manager has

To overcome any challenges in the

a number of tools at his disposal which

chlorinated alkali cleaning cycles,

have proven effective over the years for

Ecolab recommends adding some

the investigation of milk quality issues or

additional XY-12.

for doing plant inspections, using tried

We need to continue our vigilance on

and proven technologies such as milk line

detergent residues. The importance

cameras and temperature data loggers,

of rinsing the cleaners and sanitisers

to name a few.

from the milk contact surfaces cannot

For more information talk to

be overlooked. There have been two methods of rinsing recommended either using milk or water. In addition, Ecolab has a range of acid based products that

the friendly staff at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Ecolab.

are designed to make the rinsing step as easy as possible.

dispensing pumps, health and safety

XY-12 25L • Sanitising, de-odourising and disinfection properties. • Can also be used as an additive to alkaline cleaning solutions. • Multi-purpose product used in cleaning and sanitising applications.

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NUTRITION

BettaCow Basic Blends Provide Options for Summer Feeding In contrast to spring and autumn, summer presents farmers with a unique set of challenges in terms of both pasture availability and quality. Both of these play an important role in determining total feed intake and subsequently production and weight gain or loss over the summer months. While maintaining production over summer is an important short term consideration, the effect of any weight loss or gain over the summer months can have a long term effect on the next season’s production as this will play a role in determining her condition at calving next year. This in turn affects both milk production and fertility. Results from work carried out in New Zealand show a drop of 12.5 to 15kg MS for each body condition score below 5 at calving. Similarly a decrease of 1BCS at calving has been found to delay the onset of oestrus by 7 to 10 days and to increase the number of non-cycling cows at the planned start of mating by 7 to 8%. Pregnancy rates to first service are also reduced when cows are below body condition 5 at calving. Putting condition on cows often takes longer than we think but drying off cows early has implications for milk production in the current season. It also removes the opportunity to take advantage of increased pasture availability and quality in the autumn. Planning ahead to minimise body weight loss over the summer period means that cows don’t

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have to be dried off early. Summer crops, grass silage and maize silage can make a significant contribution to the total nutrient intake of the cow and play an important role in helping to ensure that her nutrient requirements are met. However, these feeds vary widely in their nutrient composition and different feeds may be more suitable than others in some circumstances. For example, chicory is high in protein and complements the low protein in summer

NRM also offers a range of additives

pasture, while turnips provide high levels

which can be included in a custom

of soluble carbohydrate.

blend. These include lime, magnesium

Another option available for farmers is

oxide, salt and vitamins and minerals. For

a BettaCow Basic Blend, produced by

producers looking for a cost effective and

NRM and available through Farmlands.

palatable way off supplying zinc during

Produced from a selected range of

the facial eczema season, zinc oxide

commodities, these custom blends can

can be include in the feed. Similarly, a

be tailored to suit the requirements of

mycotoxin binder, Mycofix Secure, can

individual farms. Particularly suited to

be included to help overcome issues

farms where pasture availability is limited,

such as ryegrass staggers.

the BettaCow Basic Blends can be a

If you are looking for a low cost

useful tool allowing producers to balance

feed option to help maintain cow

the supply of nutrients and cost.

condition over the summer months

While individual commodities such

contact the friendly staff at your local

as palm kernel meal can be useful

Farmlands Store.

supplements, most commodities do not provide a balance of nutrients. For

Article supplied by NRM.

example, maize DDGS provides a good source of energy and protein, but is low in starch, while tapioca which is high in starch provides very little protein. BettaCow Basic Blends are a great way to take advantage of the benefits of different commodities without having to purchase a range of different feeds.

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NUTRITION

Feed to balance protein supply over summer Although energy is typically the first limiting nutrient for milk production under New Zealand conditions, reduced pasture quality over summer months can result in low dietary protein levels. The accumulation of stem in late spring and summer pasture means that cows grazing summer pasture have a higher intake of structural fibre which has a lower energy value but which also takes longer to digest and so tends to limit total intake. One way to overcome the reduced energy intake and help the cow to maintain production and limit body weight loss is to feed a low fibre, energy dense supplement such as grain or palm kernel. Feeding cows to optimise rumen function is another aspect which must be considered if feed is to be utilised

as effectively as possible. In summer

Feeds such as palm kernel meal can

this means ensuring that sufficient

be a useful summer supplement as it

rumen degradable protein is supplied

is relatively energy dense, provides a

for the rumen microbes to support their

relatively high protein level and is one

proliferation and subsequently aiding in

of the cheapest supplements currently

the digestion of the higher NDF summer

available. However, like many of the

pasture and allowing for greater feed

other protein meals (cotton seed meal,

intake. Providing a source of good quality

sunflower meal and DDGS) which have

rumen bypass protein during the summer

appeared on the New Zealand market it

months helps to support microbial

is low in soluble carbohydrate which also

protein supply to the cow and supports

plays an important role in the proliferation

ongoing milk production. Monitoring milk

of the rumen microbial population.

urea, in conjunction with other production

Both the NRM ProForm Protein+

parameters, can be a useful tool to help

Standard and Protein+ Premium

understand when total protein intakes are

are formulated to contain a range of

less than ideal.

raw materials to provide a balanced

The NRM ProForm Summer Dairy feeds

supply of energy, protein and soluble

have been specifically formulated to

carbohydrates required by predominantly

complement varying pasture quality and

pasture fed mid-lactation cows. The

quantity to help support milk yield and

high quality protein sources, such as

body condition over the summer months.

soya bean meal, used in these products, provide a source of both rumen degradable and rumen bypass protein. Available throughout the North Island, and supplied in a pelleted form, feeds in the NRM ProForm range are ideal for in-shed feeding. Highly palatable, they encourage feed intake and can help to improve flow through the dairy shed. They are also a useful way to supplement the macro (calcium, sodium and magnesium) and trace mineral requirements of the cow. For more information, talk to the friendly staff at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by NRM.

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NUTRITION

The benefits of steam flaking grain Horses that are rapidly growing or in hard work require higher levels of energy and nutrients for growth and development, as well as to perform at the levels required. The increased demands they have mean that a denser form of energy-rich feed material is required. Typically, these come from high starch grains in the diet. In order to digest grain efficiently, it is necessary to process them. Grains are typically crushed in a rolling mill. This helps to expose the energy-rich starch within the grain and increase the surface area, for better access and faster digestion by enzymes secreted in the gut. However, to get the most energy out of grains, the application of steam is used in the highest

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nutritional quality grain to produce steam flake feeds. The effect of the steam initiates the first stages of digestion in the starch within the grain. When heated in the presence of water, the chemical structure of starch moves from an inert state into a gelatinised form, where it starts to unravel into longer strands that are bound to water. This makes it much more digestible in the gut. Steam flaking grain results in a stable, dry final product that is highly digestible once it is in the watery environment of the gut. As an example, whole maize grains are only about 20 percent digested in the horse. If the maize is crushed then digestibility increases to maybe 50 percent - but steam flaking can give up to 80 percent digestion. Hence, processing is very important in terms of the efficiency of breakdown and energy and nutrient availability in the upper

part of the gut, which is the appropriate area for its absorption. Such digestive efficiency in the correct area of the gut reduces the risks of undigested energy and nutrient-rich materials moving into the lower hind gut, where they are used by undesirable bacteria, which can produce acids and toxins, causing digestive disorders in the horse. It is not only the overall energy and nutrient profile of grain that is important when formulating diets for hard working horses. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also about the processed form of the grain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as this has a major influence on the release of nutrients and energy in the correct part of the gut for maximum performance. Article supplied by Dr. Lucy Waldron, McMillan Equine Feeds.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Making the most of better returns With the sheep and beef sector going through a positive period, it’s a good time to take a look at your fertiliser programme, to make sure your farm can perform at its optimum and make the most of the good returns on offer. Comprehensive soil testing will help you to see where your investment in fertiliser is best spent. Soil testing is recommended at least every 2-3 years, so that you can see trends in nutrient levels. Carry it out at the same time each year so that your results are comparable. You should divide your property into blocks for testing, e.g. your more productive flat land, steeper land and cropping areas, so you can treat each area differently. On ash and sedimentary soils you are aiming for an Olsen P of 20-30, sulphate sulphur

of 10-12, Quick Test magnesium of 8-10 and a pH of 5.8-6.0. Quick Test potassium should be 7-10 on ash and 6-8 on sedimentary soils. Target levels may vary depending on your production goals. If your fertility levels have dropped in the past few years, you may have noticed lower fertility grasses and woody weeds creeping into your pasture. To put a halt to this trend, focus on addressing deficiencies of phosphorus and sulphur – nutrients that help to support higher fertility grasses and clover. Both of these elements are found in the Superten and Sulphurgain range of products. Long-term research at sites like Ballantrae has shown that withholding fertiliser, or applying low levels over

prolonged periods of time, leads to decreased production. Interestingly, there is also some evidence that higher applications of superphosphate (375kg/ha/year versus 125kg/ha/year) may have a positive effect on winter growth rates in particular, with some analyses showing proportionately higher winter growth rates on the higher fertility blocks. If you are thinking of lifting production by applying capital fertiliser make sure you are able to utilise the extra feed grown - this may mean further subdivision is required, more stock need to be on hand or your grazing management needs to change. It is also worthwhile considering autumn nitrogen applications, as these will give you extra pasture to get you through tight winter and early spring conditions. Having breeding stock in better condition come spring will also mean they are able to rear higher quality offspring. SustaiN and PhaSedN are both good product possibilities to consider but your Farmlands or Ballance representative will be able to advise you on the best products to use in your situation. Finally, don’t forget to get in early when booking your fertiliser applications. This year looks to be even busier than usual and leaving it late may result in your applications being delayed as contractors become busy. For more information, talk to your local Farmlands representative. Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

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THE FARMLANDER |

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Farmlands Grain and Seed update Compliments of the season. I trust the new year has started well, the ryegrass harvest has started, cereal crops are ripening and winter feed crops are continuing to grow. The Grain and Seed unit finished 2014 with a great day at the Foundation for Arable Research Chertsey site's Open Day. Our site was very busy with the mouth-watering, grain fed beef from 5 Star Beef on the BBQ a highlight. There was again a large turnout of farmers and industry personnel at this bi-annual crop expo. Grain trading through the last quarter of 2014 was steady. Prices stayed reasonably firm with a significant amount of free crop purchased, albeit with volumes being well back on 2013 due to the drop in the dairy price.

Deliveries of our forward contracted grain was virtually complete by Christmas and most silos were empty going into the new harvest. It was a significant milestone to pay a Bonus Rebate in November on our grain sales and purchases and on our small seed purchases from shareholders. We look forward to this possibly continuing, on the back of the ongoing success with our Grain and Seed Trading and of the retailing out of our vertically integrated feed and seed, procurement, manufacturing/mixing and distribution models. Spring 2014 Retail Seed sales were well ahead of last year, with a standout product being fodder beet seed, with the volume sold up 150 percent year on year. Forage cereal and brassica seed sales also increased in volume.

We have good stocks of seed available for your autumn sowing requirements. Please contact your local Technical Field Officer or store for any technical information required and to place your order. We increased our technical support and agronomy expertise in December with two more Arable and Forage Agronomists being appointed to the Grain and Seed team. These staff are a powerful internal resource and will assist shareholders and TFOs with keeping up to date with latest developments in the arable and pastoral sectors and will complement our existing Grain Traders and experienced Grain and Seed staff. Please get in contact with our TFOs, Grain Traders and seed staff with your grain and seed enquiries - we look forward to being able to assist. Best wishes for the harvest and for the rest of the year. Regards, Mark Elliotte General Manager Grain and Seed.

| THE FARMLANDER

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Choice chicory hailed on the dairy platform the paddock the cows go up,” Reon says, supporting recent DairyNZ work on Choice in the Waikato. DairyNZ trials near Hamilton found that the feed value of chicory is both high and consistent, with regular tests over 2 years finding a very narrow range of energy (12.5 to 13 MJ ME/kg DM) and protein results (20 to 25 percent dry matter). This feed value makes it the ideal supplement for ryegrass pastures, which often have inadequate quality in summer and autumn, to optimise milk production. In addition to the boost in cow performance, chicory grows more rapidly than ryegrass through this period, allowing relatively small areas to have a positive impact on total farm milk production.

| Reon Williams, Morrinsville.

Choice chicory is fast becoming an integral part of securing summer protein on North Island dairy platforms. Performing well on a range of soil types as a summer crop, many farmers are seeing the true benefits of this multi-graze crop to boost milk production. Chicory is an easy and effective way to fill the feed crunch over the dry summer and autumn periods. As well as being a good lead into pasture renewal by breaking weed and insect lifecycles, it has also been classed as “ facial eczema free” by DairyNZ. With the combination of high dry matter production and feed value, it’s no wonder Reon Williams is absolutely delighted by the production and

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response he is getting by feeding 3-4kg/DM/cow/day of Choice chicory to his animals through the summer. Reon milks 300 mixed age Friesian cross animals in Tahuna, Morrinsville and has found real value in the use of Choice chicory as a summer feed when pasture quality declines. “It works really well and the cows love it,” Reon says. His Choice chicory is in by late October as a pure crop sown at about 8kg/ha, with first grazing about 8 weeks later. The value of building in more home grown feed, increasing his sown area from 11ha to 16ha this year, has meant he can capture more production from December onwards, which is often a real crunch time. “We had a really big response in the vat to feeding it - every time I go into

Having a Choice chicory crop enables flexibility in challenging years. The increase in use of chicory has seen more cultivars being marketed. Grasslands Choice chicory is New Zealand bred, to maximise forage production and grazing tolerance. The crop provides very cost effective summer protein, while acting as a clean-up tool before re-grassing in the autumn. Reon does recommend the crop to be rolled after sowing and to make sure that it’s possibly controlled by herbicide in the autumn, before planting new ryegrass with AR37 endophyte. For more information, talk to your local Farmlands representative. Article supplied by Agricom.

THE FARMLANDER |