Plan 365 June 2016 by Farmlands

JUNE 2016

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

NUTRITION

FORAGE AND ARABLE

HORTICULTURE

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

DAIRY MANAGEMENT

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

HORTICULTURE

Farmlands now importing bamboo for horticultural use There are more than 1,000 species of bamboo in the world. Bamboo plants can range in height from a few centimetres to 40 metres, with stem diameters ranging from 1mm to 30cm. When treated, bamboo forms a very hard wood that is both light and exceptionally tough. In tropical climates it is used in house construction, fencing, bridges, canoes, furniture, construction and scaffolding, as a substitute for steel reinforcing rods in concrete construction and many other uses. The cultivation and harvest of bamboo is environmentally friendly. It is mostly hand cut by teams of farmers. A 3 year harvesting

cycle is possible on most of the smaller diameter specifications. It is a natural product and ideally suited for use in horticulture, as there are no preservatives or chemical treatments used (with the exception of MPI required border control treatment). Fresh harvested bamboo is washed in large machines then dried (seasoned) by storing under cover for a minimum of 1 year. The product is then sorted, graded and bundled ready for export. The common horticultural uses include tree and vine stakes, flower sticks and overhead shade poles. There are two grades of bamboo – Cane A and Cane B, reflecting the different quality standards. “A” grade bamboo is straighter, has a thicker cell wall, a more consistent diameter and is therefore stronger and will last longer. Farmlands now imports “A” grade bamboo directly from China. Shareholders have been very pleased with the quality, consistency and value of the canes. We have selected this particular supplier based on this consistent quality and reliable supply.

The supplier is a Chinese family business employing more than 100 staff. They purchase raw cane for processing from farmers in neighbouring and often remote villages. Bamboo can be supplied in many diameter and length specifications, which can be tailored to individual requirements (although some minimum volumes may apply). Due to the length of time from ordering to delivery, it is important to work on a 2 month lead time for larger volume orders of canes. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Mark Daniels, Farmlands Horticulture.

| THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

HORTICULTURE

Farmlands Horticulture Product Guide Horticulture is the forgotten industry when the media discusses rural sector news. While some areas have been generating headlines for a variety of reasons, horticulture has been quietly plugging away and generating great returns, with little fanfare. Farmlands understands and recognises that as the horticulture industry continues to produce and diversify, shareholders need to know what products will improve their operations – and what options are available in a growing industry. To continue our complete service to shareholders and their diverse options, Farmlands has launched the 2016 Farmlands Horticulture Product Guide. The guide is the largest, most comprehensive guide we have ever compiled, taking into account the growing niche markets available and processes our shareholders use.

The guide is designed to introduce new inputs that are available to shareholders, while profiling the respected, traditional product lines. The contents cover nearly every corner of the horticulture industry, with product selections for viticulturists, apiarists and everyone in between. Thanks to new, strategic partnerships with key suppliers, Farmlands has built a network of quality, dependable suppliers who have built their own reputations on high calibre products and services. From fertiliser and crop management through to winemaking supplies and even cafeteria supplies, every aspect is catered for. Farmlands Horticulture also acknowledges the growing influence of organic process in the industry and we have ensured there are plenty of products available that include the BioGro New Zealand certification. The Farmlands Horticulture Product Guide not only reflects the strength

of the product range available to you, it celebrates the diversity of our own shareholder base. Whether you are looking for the right product to boost your production, trying to achieve organic certification or simply looking for the right packaging for your export, you can find it in here. When our shareholders ask, we supply. Farmlands was created to get shareholders a better deal on what they needed to succeed in business. Hopefully this guide provides every product you need to keep that success going. Keep an eye out for the Farmlands Horticulture Product Guide – making its way to you soon. For more information, contact your local Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

GET YOUR COPY SO ON! CONTACT YOUR LO

CAL FARM TECHNIC LANDS AL AD MORE IN VISOR FOR FORMATI ON.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Farmlands autodrafter winner in action Congratulations to Dave Somerville of Waimahaka, Southland, who was the lucky winner of the Coopers Animal Health – Farmlands autodrafter competition drawn recently. Dave qualified for the autodrafter draw by ordering Coopers drenches from both the Farmlands site at the Waimumu Fieldays and from the Invercargill Farmlands store. Dave is a long time user of Coopers drenches and particularly likes Scanda® as it controls internal parasites, including tapeworm in his sheep and has a short, 10 day meat withholding period, while also being low dose, meaning drenching is easier on his hands.

The new autodrafter will be of great benefit to Dave’s 305 hectare, 3,000 ewe operation. As he can finish up to 4,300 lambs, the autodrafter is going to help get lambs off the farm when they are ready and not a week later. Dave’s 305 hectares are split between four blocks, so he is also having a trolley system built to allow the autodrafter to be mobile around the four blocks. As Dave often drafts lambs on a fortnightly basis, having the autodrafter will not only increase information accuracy but should provide efficiencies in turning weighing from a two person job into a one person operation.

Dave has been considering using electronic identification (EID) on his stud stock for some time to monitor animal performance records. Now that he has an autodrafter with EID capability, his decision to use EID should be a little easier, while also potentially improving his farm management capabilities. For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Coopers Animal Health.

| Above: Farmlands Invercargill Business Manager Peter Thompson (left), prize winner Dave Somerville and his children Cosmo (2) and Elisabeth (8), with Coopers Animal Health Territory Manager Kurt Molloy (right).

| Left: Farmlands autodrafter winner Dave Somerville (right) and his father Ken (left) with the new prize on Dave’s farm in Waimahaka, Southland.

| THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Are you losing your battle with lice? Lice infestations are becoming a serious problem for many farmers. Optimum wool length and environmental conditions during autumn and winter favour lice survival and development. It sounds easy to control lice, right? We know they spend their entire life on the sheep – so why can’t we just treat and forget about the problem? If you are a parent you will understand! Lice control and eradication can be unsuccessful, as it only needs a small surviving population of eggs, nymphs or adults to multiply and the problem continues. Heavy lice infestations cause loss of wool value and animals look unhealthy and under-perform. There are multiple products available with various claims and time recommendations for lice treatment. Many products contain harsh chemicals and should be used with care to avoid human and environmental exposure. Care and informed product selection is recommended. Stock should be checked for lice every time you yard them. Lice are easier to identify in animals with greater than 6 months’ wool. Part the wool in at least ten areas on both sides of the sheep and look for lice at skin level and lower fleece. Multiple sites need to be inspected, as the parasite often has uneven distribution over the sheep. The most effective time to treat animals for lice is when their wool is short. Coopers MAGNUM® is best used within 24 hours off-shears, when increased grease production (stimulated by shearing) aids the product’s binding and new grease

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

encourages lice feeding and uptake of the ingredient. MAGNUM contains an ‘insect growth regulator’ in an aqueous formulation, which makes it safer for operators. MAGNUM used correctly as part of a strategic lice control plan, will provide at least 20 weeks’ lice control – guaranteed. Visit www.coopersonline.co.nz for information on the Coopers 10 point lice guarantee. Using MAGNUM at pre-winter or prelamb shearing provides extended cover during the harder months of winter and into spring. Used pre-lamb, MAGNUM prevents the transfer of lice from the ewe to the lamb during suckling. The Coopers lice range also contains Coopers ZENITH®, with the same active as MAGNUM but is formulated for saturation dipping (shower or plunge). When saturation dipping is used, it is important

that full saturation of the fleece to skin level is achieved – a difficult task once a fleece has 2-3 months’ growth on it. Heavy lice infestation on sheep with 3 months or more wool growth can be devastating for your season’s wool production. Emergency lice treatment is required to reduce fleece damage and animal irritation. Coopers VANQUISH® is a powerful synthetic pyrethroid (SP) pour-on for use in these situations with up to 10 months’ wool growth. Coopers recommends effective, sustainable and responsible lice treatment that becomes part of your animal health plan. For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Coopers Animal Health.

THE FARMLANDER |

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Treating ewes pre-lamb Most farmers, if asked what they would like to achieve from their ewe flock, would probably say “more lambs sold at weaning and less dags”. To achieve these goals, it’s important to understand what is happening to the ewe prior to lambing. The 35 days before lambing is a crucial time. The lambs are growing fast within the ewe and ewes are also developing udder tissue. All of this takes energy and protein – energy and protein sourced from either the grass it is eating or its body reserves. Twin and triplet ewes simply can’t eat enough feed to adequately meet their needs, so they must utilise body reserves. As a result of this, the ewe will lose condition and not be able to fuel the immune system adequately. This makes them more susceptible to the effects of both parasites and disease. To increase the number of lambs that are available for sale, you must decrease

wastage of both ewes and lambs that occurs over lambing and through to weaning. Clostridial bacteria are a major cause of sudden death in both ewes and lambs and their effect can be easily prevented by routine vaccination of the ewes pre-lamb. Lifeguard® 5 in 1 is a low 1ml dose vaccine that will help you achieve this outcome and you’ll get more doses out of each 500ml pack! To sell more lambs at weaning you must maximise pre-weaning growth rates. This is achieved by ensuring the ewes are able to produce as much milk for their lambs as possible. Ensuring ewes are in good body condition (Condition Score ≥ 3) and have ad lib high quality feed is key to achieving this goal. Within most flocks, particularly after droughts or hard winters, there is always a proportion of ewes that are not up to condition pre-lamb. It is these ewes that

will drag down your overall ewe flock performance and contribute significantly to the parasite contamination on your property. The performance of these ewes and their lambs can be dramatically improved by giving a persistent acting drench such as Eweguard® or Cydectin® Long Acting Injection for Sheep. Treatment of poorly conditioned twin bearing ewes with Cydectin Long Acting Injection for Sheep has been shown to increase ewe weight at weaning by 3.3kg and lamb weights by 2.6kg, compared to untreated ewes1. This means lambs can be ready for sale at least 10 days earlier and ewes require less feed and time to get back up to mating weight. Treating ewes pre-lamb with long acting anthelmintic products has also been shown to significantly reduce dag score2. This will reduce the risk of fly strike and decrease the amount of dagging required. Having a pre-lamb plan that addresses the areas of nutrition, ewe body condition, prevention of disease and targeted parasite management will help you achieve better ewe flock performance and profitability. For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Zoetis. References: 1. Bingham C. Comparison of the production effects of two different long acting pre-lamb treatments in twin bearing ewes. Proceedings of the Society of Sheep and Beef Veterinarians of the NZVA 2016. 2. C.M. Miller, S Ganesh, C.B. Garland and D.M. Leathwick. Production benefits from pre and post-lambing anthelmintic treatment of ewes on commercial farms in the southern North Island of New Zealand, New Zealand Veterinary Journal 63, 211-219, 2015.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

The bag then the bottle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a three step plan for preventing milk fever relapse During calving and the peak in-milk production that follows, New Zealand dairy cattle are faced with a sudden increase in demand for calcium, energy and other minerals. Some cows simply canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat enough to keep pace and are forced to draw overly on bodily reserves. All of these factors can put them out of balance and lead to metabolic conditions such as ketosis, grass staggers and most commonly, milk fever. Initial treatment for milk fever with injectable calcium solution is typically fast and immediately effective, however the chance of relapse remains a risk. What the studies say: Studies have shown 30-35 percent of cows initially treated with intravenous calcium will relapse if not given supplementary oral calcium. This number can be even higher in older cows. Using oral calcium following initial intravenous treatment has shown to prevent relapse by up to 60 percent. Treatment plan: To help prevent relapse and give the cow the best chance of returning to health and production, consider a three step treatment regime to provide a sustained supply of calcium, minerals and energy. 1.

| THE FARMLANDER

1. Injectable calcium solution administered by IV and/or SC*

Intravenous (IV) calcium solution (administered into the vein) acts quickly and gets the cow up and walking again, often within several minutes. However, this route of administration is quickly utilised by the body, which is why treatment is often supplemented with a bag under the skin. Subcutaneous (SC) administration (giving a bag under the skin) takes comparatively longer to absorb, giving the cow a more sustained supply of minerals over the next few hours.

Using both routes of administration (a bag into the vein and one under the skin) as your first line of treatment will provide rapid calcium replacement plus slow release of calcium.

The Bayer range of metabolic solutions offers injectable calcium

either alone or together with magnesium and energy for cases complicated with grass staggers and/or ketosis.

Suitable products: CBG 37.5, Glucalmag, Glucalmax, Glucalphos.

*Please remember that you do need to take special care to check that the bag you are using is suitable for the intended route of delivery. While most injectable metabolic solutions in the range are suitable for both IV and SC, some are not.

2. Follow-on treatment with oral calcium

Once the cow is up and walking following initial treatment and has regained enough muscle control to swallow normally, orally administered calcium (Oral-Cal) or oral calcium with added energy (Oral-Max) provides a continued level of support to help prevent relapse.

Administer one bottle of oral calcium (Oral-Cal or Oral-Max) as soon as the cow is standing and swallowing normally. Repeat with the same dose 10-12 hours later.

3. Lastly, provide an energy boost.

Finally, administer propylene glycol (Ketol) for an additional energy boost, quicker metabolic recovery and a positive influence on the post-calving energy gap. Administer 240ml twice daily as a drench, or mix in the drinking water or feed.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

SYMPTOMS

Milk Fever

Grass Staggers

Ketosis

Deficiency: Calcium Weakness, wobbliness, depression, lying down with head turned back, glassy eyed, constipation, low temperature, fast but weak heart rate.

Deficiency: Magnesium Excitability, nervousness, s tiff or spastic gait, sitting on knees unable to get up, arched back and paddling legs when cast.

Deficiency: Energy Lack of appetite, grinding of teeth, apparent blindness and circling, sweet, sickly odour to breath and milk.

CONDITION

SUITABLE PRODUCT

INGREDIENTS

CBG 37.5

Calcium

Magnesium Sulphate 20%

Magnesium

Warning – Administer under the skin only.

Glucalmag 2 in 1

Glucalmax 3 in 1

Glucalphos 4 in 1

As part of a complete and balanced range, Bayer offers supportive oral calcium and energy treatments to help guard against relapse.

For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Bayer. References: 1. Jonsgard K, Odegaard S.A. and Overby I. 1971. Supplement of calcium gel by mouth in addition to treatment with calcium by vein in paresis puerperalis in

Calcium plus Magnesium

Calcium plus Magnesium and Energy Calcium plus Magnesium Energy and Phosphorus

cows. The Obstetrics Institute of the Veterinary University, Norway. Nord. Vet – Med: (23) 606-619 2. Rajala P.J., Grohn Y.T. Disease occurance and risk factors analysis in Finnish Ayrshire cows. J. Dairy Sci. 1998, 81, 3172-3151. 3. Thilsing-Hansen T, Jorgensen R.J., Ostergaard S. Milk fever control principals: A review. Actc vet. Scand. 2002, 43, 1-19.

Oral-Cal

Oral-Max

Ketol

• Oral calcium supplement.

• Oral calcium supplement and anti-ketogenic agent.

• Energy supplement with added minerals.

• Aids in the prevention and treatment of milk fever and ketosis in cattle.

• Aids in the treatment and prevention of ketosis in cattle.

• A full dose of calcium, plus added energy and magnesium.

• Fast acting energy boost.

• Aids in the prevention and treatment of milk fever. • A full dose of calcium in every bottle.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

Transition ration management There is a growing awareness that transition period management (described herein as the final 4 weeks of gestation and the first 4 weeks of lactation) has profound implications on cow health, milksolids production and reproduction over an entire season. Cows managed to the best of one’s ability during the transition period are well placed for a successful lactation to follow. So where should we focus our efforts? a) Dry cows – total energy requirements continue to increase during the dry period due to increased fetal demands, plus we have increasing levels of insulin resistance. Underestimating feed requirements can result in body condition losses well before calving. To avoid this, a simple rule of thumb is to increase DMI by 1kg DM per cow every 10-12

| THE FARMLANDER

days throughout a 60 day dry period, taking most dry cow rations from 8kg to 14kg DM per cow daily. b) Do everything possible to prevent milk fever and the plethora of metabolic diseases associated with it. Milk fever itself is a metabolic disorder that occurs primarily due to ration imbalances. So the good news is that if we can change the balance of the ration, we can greatly reduce clinical and sub-clinical incidence. High forage potassium levels tend to be our greatest enemy. Balancing pre-calving rations begins with offering the lowest potassium forages available.

Milk fever is essentially low blood calcium and presents either clinically (downer cow) or sub-clinically. Calcium absorption primarily occurs intestinally and is directly influenced by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and active vitamin D. Magnesium has a positive association with dietary calcium absorption via PTH stimulation and vitamin D activation. Increasing total ration magnesium to levels around 0.45 percent per kg DM is very beneficial pre-calving. Adding magnesium in chloride and sulphate form is prudent, as these ‘anionic salts’ have a negative DCAD value. Reductions in the DCAD value of the total ration will reduce blood pH. When this occurs, the cow’s natural response is to ‘buffer’ the blood and it releases phosphorus from skeletal stores to satisfy this

objective. When this occurs, we will also see a release of calcium to further support blood calcium status. c) Utilise as many of the raw materials that you will feed post-calving in your pre-calving ration, with the proviso that they are suitable for this purpose. This allows both the rumen ‘bugs’ and the papillae that line the rumen wall to be adapted to the end products of rumen fermentation, allowing for improved DMI and feed conversion efficiency post-calving. d) Ensure you have adequate feed on hand to meet the nutrient requirements of highly productive, freshly calved cows. A fresh cow will need to consume 18-20kg DM daily to meet its suddenly increased nutrient requirements but it takes time to get there. If pasture available to graze has a very low dry matter content, chances are that fresh cows won’t push beyond 14kg DM as grazing intake. Providing high quality hay, silages and concentrates that are readily and rapidly consumed can support increased intake and work towards reducing the number of days and degree of body condition loss post-calving. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Inghams.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

NUTRITION

Protein in the ruminant diet Protein is the second most commonly limiting nutrient for livestock, coming in behind energy, which takes out the top spot. Protein is particularly important for high-yielding dairy cows, as producing large quantities of milk increases protein requirements significantly. Protein is also very important for young stock who are rapidly laying down muscle and skeletal tissue as they grow. Protein is measured as crude protein (CP), which is calculated from the chemical determination of the nitrogen content of the feed. This nitrogen level is then multiplied by 6.25 to get the assumed CP value. There are two main fractions of protein. Firstly there is the microbial protein, which is the fraction that is degraded in the rumen and utilised by the resident microorganisms to synthesise their own body matter. Secondly there is the rumen by-pass protein, which is the fraction that is not degraded in the rumen and passes on to the lower parts of the digestive tract. Both microbial protein and rumen by-pass protein potentially contribute to the total metabolisable protein absorbed by a ruminant animal, as the microbial protein formed in the rumen eventually moves through to lower parts of the digestive tract for utilisation by the host animal. It is easy to get confused between the microbial protein and the metabolisable protein as they have similar names! Once in the small intestine both fractions of protein are broken down into amino acids, which are absorbed by the host

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

animal and are directly responsible for weight gain, milk production and muscle maintenance. Some protein is indigestible and will be voided in the faeces. Microbial protein Due to the symbiotic relationship ruminants have with their resident microorganisms they are able to make use of nitrogen from non-protein nitrogen (NPN) sources such as urea and ammonia compounds. Microbial protein is a very important protein source for ruminants and the amazing relationship they have with microorganisms allows ruminants to produce high quality animal protein such as meat and milk from feeds such as grass, which is high in NPN. The protein that comes from rumen microorganisms has an amino acid profile that is the closest to what the cow requires for milk production. Microorganisms need a source of readily fermentable energy to assimilate NPN into their own body matter. For this reason it is important to balance energy and protein in a diet to ensure that the rumen microorganisms have a suitable energy source at the same time as they receive high protein feeds. By-pass protein Rumen by-pass proteins skip breakdown in the rumen as they are unavailable to rumen microorganisms. Raw materials such as soyabean meal, canola meal and cottonseed meal contain a good proportion of by-pass protein as well as some rumen degradable protein. By-pass proteins are particularly important for high yielding dairy cows as when protein

demands increase with increasing milk yield, the capacity to create microbial protein in the rumen becomes saturated and some by-pass protein is required to continue to meet the requirements of these animals. By-pass proteins are also important for young stock who may not have a fully functional rumen yet and therefore limited ability to assimilate microbial protein from non-protein nitrogen sources. The amino acid profile of by-pass proteins can become important at very high levels of production. Pasture and protein Although pasture is generally classed as a high protein feed, this is not always the case. As pasture becomes stressed at certain points of the season the protein content can drop significantly. Adding in a higher protein supplement when this occurs can boost milk production/ animal growth significantly. Article supplied by Dr. Rob Derrick, Farmlands Nutritionist, Farmlands Nutrition.

THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

Calf rearing tips by Karen Fraser

Calves should always be a priority – they are our future herd. With spring approaching, the concerns of the season can cause anxiety, however it’s an exciting rollercoaster ride! Good housing and management of calves is essential for animal welfare. The calf shed environment and requirements are: • Safety, warmth and shelter. • Ventilated and draught-free at calf level. • Sunlight. • Bug-burden free.

• Non-crammed environment, well drained, good depth of bedding (regularly replenished) and a viruscidal disinfectant used 2-3 times a week during calf housing.

How do you know 100 percent that the new calf has received the right amount of IgGs (immunoglobulins) off Mum? Short answer is, we don’t. Have a plan in place to ensure the calf gets everything necessary for optimum health and is well-equipped with the right amount of antibodies. The quicker the calf is uplifted, the better. On large dairy farms we manage to pick-up twice daily. If purchasing calves, I prefer to buy from a reputable supplier, ideally who I can trust to vaccinate dry cows and ensure calves get colostrum in sufficient quantity and quickly. These two things could be the making or breaking of calf-rearing outcomes.

Also ensure you are implementing a health plan: • Thermometer. • Good electrolyte. • Colostrometer to test colostrum quality. • Tube drencher. • Gloves. • Whiteboard for daily passport for each shed. • Neck-tags. • Colour-marker sprays. • Notebook. • Faeces sample pots. • Iodine.

My own plan: If you can smell ammonia, your ventilation is failing – proactive management is critical. My preference is to rear calves on shavings but they become very expensive. I have used washed pea-metal for years and had great success with this option, however it needs to be managed correctly. Remove each season to weather and re-use – I’m fussy with each stage of that bedding choice. Clean running water in troughs is essential. If you won’t drink the water, do you expect the calf to? We clean troughs at least three times weekly. The secret to success is liquid gold! First, milking colostrum!

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

• Ensure the farm vaccinates cows. • Expedient calf pick-up.

hours. If the calf doesn’t suckle it is tubed.

• Another 2 litres (10 percent) within • Colostrometer 24 hours – day 1 testing (the higher colostrum. the content of IgG • Day 1 colostrum the denser the with blood milk will be) for present, “clotty milk quality. mastitis”, is still • 2 litres (10 percent high in antibodies of body weight) (but not ideal within the first 6-12 for storage).

• Viruscidal disinfectant (Virkon) and a sanitiser for feeders and tubedrenchers. • Probiotics/ prebiotics (promote gut health with useful bacteria). • A good rapport with your vet will be cheaper in the long run and keep you proactive and knowledgeable – they’re important for drug and health expertise.

The simple fact is, calves die from dehydration before anything else. The key: calf rearing starts at birth – NOT 24 hours later. Article supplied by Karen Fraser, Young Stock Manager.

We move calves onto day 2-4 colostrum up to about 2-3 weeks. You can choose any method for rearing your calves but you can’t afford sacrifices when it comes to feeding high quality first colostrum.

THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

From monogastric to ruminant — an impressive transformation Rumen 80%

Reticulum 5%

The digestive tract of the neonatal calf is dramatically different to that of the adult ruminant. When a calf is born they have an extremely small rumen, only a fraction of the size it will need to be as a mature animal and the largest compartment of the gastrointestinal tract is actually the abomasum, as the main source of nutrients in early life is milk. For this reason, newborn calves are similar to monogastric ‘single stomached’ animals as the abomasum (referred to as the ‘true stomach’ due to its similarity to how a monogastric stomach functions), is the compartment that is doing the most work. As the calf gets older however, the rumen is required to increase in size as the animal prepares to consume high fibre feeds and the rumen quickly overtakes the abomasum in terms of size and functionality. The rumen is a stomach compartment that is critical for ruminant animals and an adult cow may have a rumen as large as 200 litres in capacity, which is vital for processing high fibre feeds such as grass. It is therefore easy to see the importance of developing the rumen of calves, as it is an impressive transformation that is no easy feat. In a more natural environment calves would not be weaned until an older age and not as abruptly. However in an artificial rearing environment we need to wean them much earlier, which they can deal significantly better with if they have a well-developed rumen.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Rumen 70%

Rumen 30%

Calf

Rumen 70% Omasum 7–8%

Abomasum Abomasum Abomasum 70% 30% 20% 10 – 12 weeks 4 months

So, how do we develop the rumen? Offering a grain based calf feed is the key. Establishing a rumen microbial population is the first step in developing the rumen. While the rumen of the young calf is sterile at birth, bacteria with the potential to colonise the rumen are rapidly acquired from the environment, other animals the calf comes into contact with and feed. For these bacteria to grow and multiply they require a source of nutrients in the rumen and hard feed provides a substrate, which supports the proliferation of bacteria. The end products of the fermentation of starch found in grain based hard feeds also play an important role in the development of the epithelial tissue lining the rumen (known as papillae). It is this epithelial tissue that will play a vital role in absorbing the volatile fatty acids released by the fermentation of feed by rumen microbes, as the calf matures and thus affects the efficiency that the animal can use feed. Tips for hard feed intake

•

• •

•

Abomasum 8% Fully developed

amounts this early in life but it is important to have it available so they get used to it. Initially, calves will just nibble at the feed but after a while they will get a taste for it and intakes will increase. Always make sure the feed on offer is fresh. This is particularly important at the start when calves are only consuming small amounts. Do not put large amounts of feed out and leave it to mould or be contaminated by vermin. Clean troughs regularly. Calves maintain a lot of mouth activity after a milk feed – hand feeding some hard feed immediately after their milk feed can help get them used to the texture and flavour. Always have fresh water available – water is critical for hard feed intake and rumen development. Store unopened bags of feed in a cool place out of direct sunlight to ensure freshness.

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

• Hard feed can be offered to calves from day one – they will not eat large

THE FARMLANDER |

NUTRITION

Nutrition for the mare in third trimester Most mares in the breeding paddock will have had their energetic offspring weaned by this time of the year and if they are in foal again, their maternal duties will have now switched to the developing foetus. The equine gestation period ranges from 320 to 362 days and the final 4 months are crucial for providing the correct nutrition. Commercial breeders in New Zealand mainly aim to have foals born as close to 1st August as they can, which means that June is a time when most mares are entering this significant third trimester of their pregnancy. Nutritional management of the mare at this important stage involves maintaining body condition through altering dietary energy levels, while ensuring adequate intake of protein and the trace minerals that are crucial for both the mare and the rapidly growing foetus. From early pregnancy through to late pregnancy, energy requirements increase by 15 percent and protein and mineral requirements increase to a greater extent. It is therefore important to cater for this by increasing caloric intake through increased levels of forage and/ or concentrate and increasing protein and mineral intakes through using a feed formulated for the increasing nutrient requirements of a broodmare. In order to appreciate the significance of specific nutrients at this time, it is important to understand that the growth of the developing foetus is not linear. At 7 months of pregnancy, the foetus is

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

still only 20 percent of the weight it will be at birth and it is less than 2 percent of the mare’s weight. This means that most of the foetus’ growth is carried out during the last 4 months of pregnancy. Trace minerals zinc, manganese, iron and copper are particularly important to supply during third trimester, as the mare’s milk is deficient in these trace minerals. The foetus is therefore required to store these in the liver, to compensate for decreased levels in the mare’s milk that the foal will be receiving after birth. Various studies have proven the importance of supplying adequate levels of trace minerals in third trimester. One such study by Dr. Simon Pearce (1997) looked at timing of copper supplementation and the link with developmental orthopaedic disease. The study showed that copper supplementation in foals at 21 days of age, where the mare had not received copper supplementation, resulted in higher levels of cartilage lesions (which

indicated growth abnormalities) than foals in which the mare had received copper supplementation during late gestation. This highlights the importance of trace mineral supplementation of the mare and that attempting to catch up on nutrients once the foal is born is generally not beneficial. When selecting a feed for a mare in third trimester it is important to consider energy, protein and trace minerals carefully. Farmlands has a selection of feeds that have been specifically formulated to complement New Zealand pastures and meet all nutrient requirements for late trimester broodmares if fed at the correct level. These include NRM Evolve (available in convenient nut form) and the palatable textured muesli McMillan Broodmare. For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutrition Technical Advisor.

THE FARMLANDER |

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Maize silage offers great insurance Maize silage is an integral part of a successful dairy farm system for David and Sue Forsythe. The couple, who milk a split-calving Friesian' X Jersey herd on 185 hectares (effective) south of Te Awamutu, have been feeding maize silage for 22 years and are convinced of the crop's benefits, both as a quality supplement and as an important part of their pasture renewal programme. Each year around 11ha of maize silage is grown on-farm as part of the farm’s re-grassing programme. Low producing paddocks are planted in maize followed by an annual ryegrass crop. The same paddocks are cropped in maize a second time and then planted into a permanent pasture mix that includes plantain the following autumn.

“Using effluent allows us to grow two consecutive crops of maize silage in a paddock without the need for any artificial fertiliser,” David says. “The maize reduces surplus soil nutrients and we get a crop yielding around 25t DM/ha for just 12-13c/kg DM”.

In the 2014-15 season the couple peak milked 880 cows and produced 456,000kgMS (2,465kgMS/ha and 480kgMS/cow). In the 2015-16 season they peak milked 850 cows and are on track to produce around 380,000kgMS, despite a prolonged summer drought.

David is looking for a hybrid that delivers a high dry matter yield with a good grain content. In the 2015-16 growing season he planted Pioneer® brand P1636.

Ultimately, David plans to reduce the herd to 650-700 cows and change to a 100 percent autumn calving system, which will be less complex to manage than the current split calving system.

“Pioneer provides us with proven hybrids and we get great support from the local Pioneer and Farmlands representatives.” The couple also buy in around 700t DM of maize silage each year. All the maize silage is inoculated with Pioneer® brand inoculant at harvest time. “We start feeding out the maize silage a week after it is harvested and usually continue until the grass starts to take off in early October.” Dry cows are fed up to 8kg of maize silage per day. They spend their days in a herd home eating and are put onto pasture at night when they are full.

Maize silage will continue to play an important part in the farm's supplementary feeding regime. “Having a big stack of maize silage on hand year-round is great insurance, because we can adjust the feeding rates up and down depending on how much pasture we have on hand,” David says. “It’s a great feed.” For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by David and Sue Forsythe.

“Maize is great for putting weight on cows, especially in the autumn and it helps keep the dry cows very settled and content,” David says. “When they go out to the paddocks they just lie down, so they do very little pasture damage and most of the calves are born outside.” Milkers are fed 2-6kg DM of maize silage combined with a range of by-products including biscuit meal, corn steep liquor and kiwifruit.

| THE FARMLANDER

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Talking turf with Peter Griffiths To ensure shareholders continue to receive the best technical advice on every aspect of their operation, Farmlands has access to a wide range of experts. Turf is one area where experience is a vital component of finding the right requirements. Farmlands is privileged to be able to call upon experts that love nothing more than talking turf and coming out tops. And these experts can come from a long way away to do the talking. Peter Griffiths joined DLF Seeds in February as Turf Manager, having moved to Christchurch from the United Kingdom. Peter brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the turf industry. Peter takes up the story: “I grew up in agriculture, farming beef, dairy and sheep in Wales. I first studied agriculture at Usk University. I then left home to work in Civil Engineering and hard landscaping. “This took me into golf course construction. The last place I constructed, Cottrell Park Golf Club in the UK was a 36-hole championship venue. I stayed there for 8 years as the Course Manager and at the time was probably one of the youngest Course Managers in Wales on one of the largest facilities. My team and I took the course into the top 100 courses in the UK through hard work and great attention to detail.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

“I also went back to Glamorgan University to study Sports Turf and Environmental Studies. “I left Cottrell Park in November 2004 to join Rigby Taylor Ltd as a Technical Sales Representative. Rigby Taylor is the largest supplier to the turf industry in the UK covering all sports, including polo and race courses, schools, contractors and local authorities. “My role included account management along with writing programmes of works for course maintenance and giving practical advice to committees/ turf managers on seed choices, fertilisers and chemicals.

“DLF supplied us with all our seed mixes in the UK and I was a frequent visitor to DLF’s turf breeding station in Angers (France) to see the latest innovations in turf seed technology. “When DLF approached me and asked if I would be interested in working in New Zealand, I quickly packed up and moved here!” To find out how Peter can help sort your turf requirements, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by DLF Seeds.

THE FARMLANDER |

FORAGE AND ARABLE

New solution for broadleaf weeds Dow AgroSciences is proud to officially launch its newly registered cereal herbicide Paradigm™. Using the newly developed Arylex™ compound, Paradigm is a flexible, low dose, wide spectrum solution for the control of broadleaf weeds in cereals. Available in 500g packs, the easy to use formulation can be tank mixed with many other products, simplifying applications and saving time. Paradigm has been developed for post-emergent use in wheat, barley and triticale to control fumitory, cleavers, volunteer brassicas, shepherd's purse, chamomiles, mayweeds, cornbind and a wide range of other broadleaf weeds. Paradigm is a true all-rounder solution, with an emphasis on flexibility of application timing, tank mix compatibility and a weed control spectrum that offers cereal farmers an excellent weed management solution. “Paradigm is a truly impressive product, brought to fruition through many years

of research and development by Dow AgroSciences,” Nick Koch, Dow AgroSciences New Zealand Marketing Manager says. “There are only a few true research and development companies that are searching for and discovering new chemistry and once a new molecule is found, it can take more than 15 years of development to bring a product to market. So when a new product finally achieves registration, it’s a big deal. It gives farmers a new flexible weed control solution that actually helps to improve production – and that’s the bottom line.” Paradigm has been developed with the time-poor farmer firmly in mind. With the flexibility to ‘mix and match’ Paradigm with other products in the spray tank – farmers can achieve one pass weed, pest and disease control – saving time, money and reducing soil compaction. Formulated using GO DRI™ technology, the 500g WDG packs are easy to handle, clean and dispose of via the AgRecovery™ programme. Paradigm is highly selective to the crop and breaks down very quickly, with active ingredients in Paradigm (Arylex™ and Florasulam™) rapidly metabolised in the

| THE FARMLANDER

crop and the soil without causing any residue or carryover issues. It is broadly compatible with other agricultural chemicals and is extremely flexible in terms of application timing with a wide application window – ideally being applied early in the season on small weeds but also suiting later application to crops, as late as full flag leaf emergence. Paradigm has been extensively tested across New Zealand with research trials over several years and a wide demonstration programme with both farmers and agronomists last season. Across these trials the feedback on Paradigm has been overwhelmingly positive, with particular attention drawn to its effectiveness on control of fumitory, particularly in cold conditions. Dow AgroSciences recommends mixing with Uptake™ Spraying Oil to maximise performance. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Dow AgroSciences.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

FORAGE AND ARABLE

Winter weed spray brings both immediate and long-term benefits If thistles and other broadleaf weeds have been standing between you and productive, quality pasture growth lately, it’s time to take them out of the picture with a winter spray programme for established pastures. The benefits of doing so are two-fold. First, by getting rid of those weeds now, you’ll put yourself in a better position to grow plenty of good grazing in spring, when you need it most for lambing and calving. Second, you’ll help extend the life of existing pastures, by maintaining a dense, healthy sward of grass. This makes it harder for any weed seedlings that do manage to germinate in this environment to become established. The opposite also applies, however. Broadleaf weeds that survive this winter will be more widespread next season, not to mention harder and more expensive to control. They will also further compromise your ability to maximise the farm’s most cost-effective source of feed.

If you have any questions about identifying different weed species, talk to your Farmlands Technical Field Officer – they will be happy to help. They can then also recommend the most appropriate choice of herbicide, application method and spray timing for your situation.

Broadleaf weeds that are typically targeted in this type of winter spray programme include thistles, ragwort and buttercup. They’re autumn germinating, frost hardy and have the highest economic impact, especially where they have been able to colonise thin or bare areas of pasture.

Tried and trusted products include Sprinter® 700DS, a high quality liquid 2,4-D amine herbicide and Relay® Super S, a 2,4-D ester formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate.

There are some handy guidelines around preparation and timing that will help ensure you get the best return on any winter herbicide investment but the most important first step is to identify what problem weeds are present on the farm and where.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

For best results, always aim to spray when weeds are small and actively growing. Phenoxy herbicides work by being carried through the plant tissue after application and if plants are not growing, the chemical will not be able to do its job properly. Because of this it’s also particularly important to avoid spraying weeds when they are frosted, waterlogged or moisture stressed.

Graze the paddock before spraying, to ensure the weeds are well exposed. Again this will help the chemical do its job – good coverage is a must. Allow 2 to 3 days for growth to freshen after grazing then spray the recommended herbicide. Wet weather can compromise results if it occurs too soon after spraying. Relay Super S needs 2 hours before it is rainfast, while Sprinter 700DS needs 6 hours. Last but not least, always comply with local regulations for phenoxy herbicide applications. Some regions such as Northland specify certain time periods for these products. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Nufarm. ® Sprinter and Relay are registered trademarks of Nufarm Limited.

THE FARMLANDER |

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Helpful heat detection

On the surface, Gallagher’s new Flashmate® Electronic Heat Detector appears to be a simple flashing light. Hidden inside however, is thousands of hours of research packed into a very clever microchip. Fixed on the cow’s flank beside the tail ridge so it maximises retention and doesn’t interfere with tail paint application, the easy-to-use device utilises technology similar to the touch screen on a smartphone. It is coupled

with an intelligent microchip to look for specific patterns of riding activity, including the frequency, number and length of contact. Flashmate detects an extremely high percentage of cows in heat, including those very difficult to detect using tail paint alone. Once a heat is identified, Flashmate will flash red for 26 hours, indicating the cow is ready for artificial insemination. The device continues monitoring for subsequent heats and if the cow does not return to heat after 25 days it will

begin flashing green to indicate that the cow is a ‘non-return’ and likely pregnant. Alternatively if riding activity returns, the unit once again flashes red meaning it can be used for multiple heat cycles during its one season battery life. For more information, please talk to your friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Gallagher.

Flashmate - How it works

Heat Pattern Detected FLASHES RED Flashmate flashes red for 26 hours once the right heat activity pattern is detected to indicate the cow is ready for artificial insemination.

| THE FARMLANDER

No Subsequent Heat Pattern - FLASHES GREEN Once AI’d if the same cow does not come back into heat within 25 days, Flashmate will flash green to indicate possible conception.

Subsequent Heat Pattern - FLASHES RED If the same cow returns to heat again Flashmate will again flash red.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

All-in-one, cost effective weighing solution For many farmers, the weighing of animals is not a regular practice and often the price to set up a weighing system can be cost prohibitive. To help farmers that are looking to start weighing, Gallagher has released the W110 Digital Weighing System, an all-in-one entry level weighing solution. The W110’s simple installation and intuitive user interface makes it the ideal solution for those farmers who occasionally weigh their animals on an infrequent basis. The system includes a digital weigh scale indicator with mounting bracket and set of loadbars with cables. Simply add a platform and you are ready to start weighing.

In addition to livestock, the W110 is also an ideal solution for weighing produce such as wool or hay bales. As Gallagher Product Manager Dan Loughnane explains, the new Health and Safety legislation has increased the importance of knowing the weights of these items.

Knowing your bales are within the weight restrictions will minimise re-packing or additional charges.” For more information, please talk to the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Gallagher.

“An example is the National Council of New Zealand Wool Interests’ recent restriction of greasy wool bales to 200kg to reduce the risk of workplace accidents during dumping and shipping.

The W110 system can weigh up to 1,500kg and is powered by 4xAA batteries, meaning no need for mains power and the ability to easily move to multiple locations if required. The large digital display on the scale makes it easy to read weights and has the option to manually lock onto a moving animal weight or change modes to have the weight lock automatically. The galvanised steel loadbars fit most sizes of platforms with slotted top-mounting holes and the loadcells inside are environmentally sealed for added protection.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER |