Plan 365 May 2017 by Farmlands

MAY 2017

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

NUTRITION

FORAGE AND ARABLE

HORTICULTURE

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

DAIRY MANAGEMENT

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

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Exit drenching – why and when to use it The purpose of introducing an exit drench (or knock-out drench as it is also known) treatment into a planned drenching programme is to remove any drench-resistant worms that have survived late spring and late autumn drenching. Importantly, it slows resistance development and results in better animal productivity.

the effective life of drench actives.

last drench of the autumn season.

Moxidectin is well known as a useful

Exit drenching does not mean adding another drench to your drenching programme. Instead, you substitute the last drench of the season with a product that is chemically different to those used previously and is effective against all common production limiting parasites on any given property.

that it can cause major production

As well as preventing pasture contamination with resistant parasite eggs as you move into winter, exit drenching is important to help prolong

active. Reserve the use of moxidectin

After the Barber’s Pole season has passed, remaining lambs will benefit from an exit drench. This needs to be a drench with no known resistance on your farm, which generally means using a triple combination drench such as Evolve Sheep. This exit drench is usually the fifth or sixth drench of the season and is given in autumn after the temperature cools down or you have had a few frosts. The use of this drenching option is to ensure that any resistant worms that have built up over summer and early autumn will be eliminated by this drench, which will also ensure no resistant worms are carried over into the winter months.

active when Haemonchus contortus (Barber’s Pole) is a concern. Although most short-acting combination drenches will kill Barber’s Pole worms, this species has the ability to reproduce rapidly under the right conditions (warm and humid), so losses between monthly drenches with a short-acting product. The longer action of moxidectin provides protection during the high-risk warmer months. However, it is important to use this drench strategically to delay the onset of resistance to this useful for the months when Barber’s Pole is a real risk (autumn) and ensure that an exit drench is given as the

The product chosen as an exit drench must be highly effective, so it makes sense to use a product from a different drench family to that used during your drenching programme. For example, after the use of moxidectin, choose a drench that does not solely belong to the macrocyclic lactone (ML) active family. It is recommended to use best practice, which is the use of a triple combination product such as Evolve Sheep. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Donaghys Animal Health.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Take the heat out of mating Peter and Heather Baxter have a good eye between them over their 200 cow herd at Tirau, South Waikato, having farmed there for 28 years and enjoying the close contact with their stock that goes with having a smaller herd. Needless to say, the couple have a good fix on key events through the farming year including mating and calving but recently they have lifted their ability to detect cows on heat to a whole new level, thanks to their decision to use Gallagher’s FlashMate™ Electronic Heat Detectors. Into its second full season on the market, FlashMate is a standalone disposable device to monitor cow heat behaviour every hour of every day. An intelligent microchip within the device detects patterns of bulling activity on a cow and once identified will flash red for 26 hours, indicating the cow is ready for insemination. If the device doesn’t monitor any significant bulling activity within 25 days it will begin to flash green, indicating she is a “non-return” and likely to be pregnant. Peter says he was drawn to the FlashMate at last year’s National Fieldays, impressed with its simplicity

and a price he found surprisingly acceptable for such a sophisticated device. He was able to pick them up through his local Farmlands store at Putaruru when he needed them. “Our son who works with us was going away travelling over mating time. Heather and I were keen to have something that would take some of the pressure off over that time – the FlashMate seemed to answer that.” The couple found the devices easily attached to the cows’ backs at the start of mating using the glue provided and came with a bib for holding the devices before affixing them from the rotary platform.

up another five to six cows that would have otherwise been missed using the

As soon as they were on, the couple found mating was simpler and more accurate.

usual techniques for heat detection.

“We never felt the need to check on the herd during the day, knowing FlashMate would – and did – pick up any cows bulling between milkings. And during milkings you would often have a cow come in on heat with the FlashMate flashing. It meant you had time to draft her out there and then when otherwise you would have missed her until the next day.”

before the usual 3 week period.

The FlashMate also proved highly accurate in detecting cows having silent heats that would not have been seen bulling, or possibly even have had their tail paint rubbed. “We only run AB for 5 weeks, so if you missed her in week 3, that was it until you put the bull out.” Peter says anything that can help increase the 3 week submission rate is welcome in a small herd, where every additional cow makes a proportionately greater difference to final calving spread.

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He estimates they would have picked

The devices have also helped detect any “short returns” to put up again While Peter and Heather are a conventional spring calving operation, FlashMate has proven very popular with winter mating farmers where the shorter, colder days of winter with lower sunshine hours can compress a cow’s heat period and make detecting whether she is even on heat or not a difficult job. While it was only one season’s mating, Peter estimates FlashMate helped lift the herd’s 3 week submission rate from 85 percent to 90 percent, tightening up the calving pattern in a climate where inductions are no longer an option and later calving a more expensive outcome than ever before. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Gallagher.

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NUTRITION NUTRITION

Rabbits proving popular Nestled in the foothills of Massey in West Auckland is a 4 acre property managed by Meryl Simmons, her husband Roger and two of their seven children, Amana and Nissi. Unlike the other lifestyle blocks in the area that mainly focus on sheep, cows and horses, this property is established as a large scale pet rabbit breeding business. The family-owned business, Shiloh Rabbits, began in October 2000 with a pair of rabbits fittingly named Adam and Eve. As the breeding side grew, people began asking Meryl to rehome rabbits and board rabbits while they were away, which soon developed a boarding and rehoming service. Further services provided also include claw trimming, grooming, sexing and health checks, as well as also operating as a retail outlet for everything required to be a rabbit owner – which includes hutches and runs, hay, bottles, bowls, brushes, trimmers, toys and food. Shiloh Rabbits is one of the largest users of NRM Rabbit Pellets for their own operation, as well as onselling to other customers. Meryl believes that rabbits make popular small pets as the care they require is often less intensive than dogs, while the individual personalities that rabbits can develop over time still provide a high level of enjoyment. Shiloh Rabbits mainly breed mini lops, which are the most popular breed for

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pets in New Zealand and also dwarfs for private and commercial sale. The Simmons family have one personal pet rabbit (a white plush lop called Tala) and many favourites scattered throughout the breeding operation, including an impressive Flemish Giant called Benson and a beautiful harlequin mini rex called Angelica. The average litter size is three to six baby rabbits, with the babies being weaned and sold from 6 weeks. Meryl takes pride in providing an on going service when selling rabbits privately and all rabbits are sent to their new homes with care instructions and required accessories. The care instructions are extremely detailed with information on all aspects from common health problems to behaviour, with a specific focus on nutrition. Rabbits have a unique digestive action of being “double digesters”, ingesting their first passing of faeces, known as caecotrophs, before passing a second time in a smaller more round form. Meryl recommends a diet of pellets, a handful of fresh hay daily and “greens” including grass and weeds such as puha, dandelion leaves and flowers, dock and plantain. Suitable vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, parsley, carrots and small amounts of fruit. Shiloh Rabbits has been using and recommending NRM Rabbit Pellets consistently for 14 years to provide

| Roger, Meryl, Nissi and Amana Simmons.

optimum nutrition to their rabbits at any stage of breeding and growth. Meryl recommends using plain pellets rather than mixed pellets that can encourage selective eating and has been loyal to NRM Rabbit Pellets due to the consistent high quality, low cost and that they are made in New Zealand. The inclusion of a coccidiostat for the prevention and control of intestinal coccidiosis is also a significant benefit and one that Meryl feels has contributed to the decrease in gut parasites over recent years. For more information on rabbit health and nutrition, contact your local Nutrition Specialist. Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Nutrition Technical Advisor, Farmlands.

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NUTRITION

Macro minerals in the ruminant diet Minerals are inorganic elements required in small quantities by animals and are present in all feedstuffs at varying levels. High producing animals have higher requirements for minerals and minerals can become even more important when feeding particular feeds known to be low in certain minerals (for example maize silage, which is low in calcium and sodium).

becomes. Minerals are split up into

ruminant diet include magnesium,

two main categories – macro minerals

calcium, sodium, phosphorous,

(usually required in larger amounts,

sulphur, chlorine, potassium and

e.g. g/kg of body weight) and micro

sulphur. Some of these macro minerals

minerals (usually required in smaller

are essential to supplement on a

amounts, e.g. mg/kg of body weight).

pasture based system, while others are

Macro minerals can be very important

usually available in adequate amounts

to supply in adequate amounts to

to meet animal requirements (although

avoid deficiencies, which can cause

each individual farm will be different).

severe issues (such as milk fever and

For further information, contact

Like water, minerals contain no energy or protein, so the more there is added to a feed, the lower the nutrient density

grass staggers) causing death if not

your local Nutrition Specialist.

identified and treated promptly. Essential macro minerals in the

Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Assistant Nutritionist, Farmlands.

Macro mineral

Function

Symptom if deficient

Supplementation (check with a vet or supplier)

Comments

Magnesium

In enzymes and nervous system (transmits nerve impulses) throughout the body.

Hypomagnesaemic tetany (staggers) – nervousness leading to convulsions and even death.

Causmag (magnesium oxide) on pasture, blocks, in feed or magnesium chloride/sulphate in water. Slow release bullets.

Not stored, so needed daily. Poor weather, very lush growth and potassium can reduce magnesium intake.

Calcium

Found in bones and teeth but also enables nerves and muscles to function.

Milk fever post-calving and also when bulling if dry matter intake falls.

Limestone and dicalcium phosphate. Supplementation is especially important when diets contain wholecrop silages or grains. Supplementation is also more important in early lactation.

Milk fever more common in older dairy cows at calving than heifers.

Sodium

Maintains fluid and ion balance in body.

Abnormal licking of wood, soil and urine, reduced performance.

Sodium chloride (salt) in mineral supplements or rock salt. Salt in compound feeds. Salt both stimulates and regulates intake.

Always ensure when supplementing salt that adequate drinking water is available.

Phosphorous

Essential for bone formation and almost all metabolic reactions.

Reproductive issues. Muscle function issues, “crawler cows”. Can also be associated with milk fever.

Dicalcium phosphate. Supplementation is particularly important when feeding fodder beet.

An often forgotten mineral. Supplementation is particularly important for grazing livestock.

Sulphur

Important for the manufacture of microbial protein.

Reduced microbial fermentation causing decreased dry matter intake, decreased weight gain/milk yield.

Calcium sulphate, ammonium sulphate. Not commonly supplemented.

Normally adequate in the grazing ruminant’s diet and doesn’t routinely require supplementation.

Chlorine

Helps maintain osmotic pressure and body fluid balance.

Constipation, cramping, convulsions, reduced dry matter intake.

Sodium chloride. Magnesium chloride.

Normally adequate in the grazing ruminant’s diet and doesn’t routinely require supplementation.

Potassium

Muscle contraction and water balance.

Dehydration, muscle weakness.

Potassium bicarbonate. Not commonly supplemented.

Normally adequate in the grazing ruminant’s diet and in fact, too much potassium can be a problem pre-calving and increase milk fever risk.

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NUTRITION NUTRITION

Preventing equine winter weight loss Prevention is a vital factor in managing condition in horses, particularly for the winter months. While most parts of New Zealand often experience more mild winters than other countries, the cold and wet conditions can have a significant impact on a horse’s ability to maintain weight. Weight loss can happen quickly if the horse isn’t monitored and is more common in horses that are old, young, sick and injured. Certain lighter breeds with faster metabolisms such as Arabians and Thoroughbreds are often more at risk also. Taking measures to prevent weight loss before the colder months set in is highly beneficial as if a horse does lose weight, achieving weight gain is often more of a challenge during this time. Body Condition Scoring using the 0-5 Australian and New Zealand system is an ideal way to assess energy requirements and learning to assess Body Condition Score on a regular basis is a key skill to have in maintaining a horse’s body condition. The system works on a progressive

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scale where 0 is emaciated with extremely prominent spine and hip bones and 5 is obese with a cresty neck, large belly and possible areas of patchy fat. Ideal Body Condition Scores vary depending on the discipline the horse is used for, however should lie between 2.5 and 4. Evaluating body condition through visual and physical assessment should be carried out in the autumn months to identify weight loss in horses that are at risk, so you can take preventative measures early.

it is essential to ensure the horse still

If the autumn body condition assessment reveals a score lower than a 3 then dietary changes to increase the amount of calories consumed would be necessary to achieve weight gain before winter. With horses that are notorious for losing weight over winter regardless of receiving a significantly high calorie diet, it would be beneficial to aim to increase Body Condition Score to higher than optimum level at around 4 before the colder months begin.

Reputable feed companies such as

As pasture growth can be restricted at this time of the year and horses are often kept off paddocks out of the mud,

consumes at least 1.5 percent of their body weight in forage per day by having access to a high quality hay. Offering some or all of the hay as lucerne is also a great way of increasing calories. Constant ingestion of hay not only helps to provide calories and fuel fermentation in the hindgut but also assists with keeping the horse warm. To achieve weight gain it is important to select the correct feed for your horse and feed it at the levels recommended. McMillan and NRM have a range of suitable feeds that have combined different energy sources and are all fortified to ensure requirements for essential nutrients are met. Fat is a great way of increasing calories safely and adding fat from a source such as KER Equi-Jewel stabilised rice bran can also be highly beneficial. For further assistance with weight management in your horse, consult an experienced Equine Nutrition Advisor. Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutrition Technical Advisor, Farmlands.

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NUTRITION

Supplementary chromium for dairy cows at calving An organic trace mineral that is finding increasing use both here and in Australia – chromium – could be worth considering if pre- and postcalving rations have been fine-tuned and still cows have been losing too much condition in early lactation. Dairy cows the world over lose weight in early lactation because dry matter intake per day rises more slowly than milk production, putting cows in a negative energy balance. In pasture based systems, spring dry matter intake is often additionally limited by physical availability – the pasture may not be there to feed or of lower feed value than would be ideal. Changes in the rumen as the microflora adapt to the post-calving diet may also be slowing the rise in dry matter intake but importantly feedback signals to the brain may also be limiting intakes. As glucose levels in the blood rise, the pancreas releases insulin, which activates glucose receptors in cells throughout the body so that more glucose enters the cells and blood glucose levels fall. As blood glucose levels fall, appetite increases as the brain encourages the body to seek out more feed. Pregnant cows become

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insulin insensitive as they approach calving in order to free up more glucose for the rapidly growing foetus and this continues after calving. When cows become insensitive to insulin, glucose is not able to enter cells where it is metabolised for energy. Chromium is an essential trace element that improves insulin sensitivity, leading to greater glucose uptake, which drives dry matter intake and supports milk production and/or reduces weight loss depending on the predisposition of the cow.

malnutrition and that demand for

The National Research Council (NRC) do not state a minimum requirement for chromium for dairy cows. Inorganic forms of chromium are poorly absorbed. International trials (e.g. McNamara and Valdez 2005) for organic chromium (i.e. 10mg chromium/ day delivered as chromium propionate), which have been with higher yielding cows would suggest an increase in milk volume of between 2-2.5 litres/head/ day and increased DMI of 1-1.5kg/ head/day (forage). Supplements shown to be beneficial for high yielding cows may seem inappropriate for lower yielding pasture based systems, except chromium requirements are more critical at times of stress and

intake after calving.

chromium from the developing foetus and loss of chromium in urine may compromise a cow’s chromium level at calving irrespective of future milk production. Over conditioned cows in particular are more prone to ketosis and fatty liver because they have a greater disposition to mobilise body fat than thin cows. For cows in better condition in particular, the clearing of blood glucose and the reduction in fat mobilisation may help to improve feed Delivering 8-10mg elemental chromium per head per day from 21 days before calving is recommended. Research has focused on the response in early lactation but chromium can be fed throughout lactation and may especially worthwhile when cows are heat stressed. Accurate delivery is recommended, so feeding in a finished feed or pre-mix is preferred. For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist. J. P. McNamara and F. Valdez 2005, Adipose Tissue Metabolism and Production Responses to Calcium Propionate and Chromium Propionate. Journal of Dairy Science Vol 88, pages 2498 – 2507. Article supplied by Dr Rob Derrick, Nutritionist, Farmlands.

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DAIRY DAIRY MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

Split or autumn calving? Four good reasons to get your cows back in-calf 4n1 also contains vitamin E, which

everything in between. Many parts of

If your mating outcomes are going the wrong way, a 4n1 programme may very well turn your farm around. Nutrimol 4n1 targets the four big issues:

the North Island have seen elevated

Heat strength

and white blood cells and tissue

spore counts applying stress to the

4n1 is crammed full of iodine – it’s essential for thyroid gland function, foetal survival and overall development. 4n1 should be added to the diet on a daily basis to assist hormone production, which in turn supports heat detection and the readiness of the cow to “comeup” and maintain a strong heat.

from the effects of oxidation.

Embryo development

4n1 30 days prior to the planned

4n1 contains folic acid (vitamin B9), which has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects involved in formation of the central nervous system. Sufficient B9 is critical for supporting rapidlygrowing foetal tissue during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

start of mating and continue until

The summer and early autumn have seen an array of weather conditions from drought to flooding and

cow’s liver, so the road to mating could be even more challenging than usual. Combine that with the reduction in cow numbers, fewer nutritional inputs and these pressures could reduce the cow’s ability to reproduce. Bell-Booth specifically formulated Nutrimol 4n1 to address poor heat strength, heat length and short and long returns. The unique 130-day 4n1 mating programme targets cows to achieve better mating outcomes. Users say heat strengths are stronger, making heat-detection easier.

acts primarily as an antioxidant. An important area of function is in the lungs where it protects red

Rumen support The addition of a prebiotic to Nutrimol 4n1 completes the overall component line-up and provides a food source for the “rumen bugs,” helping to assist the cow with its feed conversion. For best results, start dosing Nutrimol

60 days after the end of mating. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Bell-Booth Limited.

General health and well-being Dairy farms are more profitable with more cows in-calf: • Next season’s milk production hinges on achieving more days in-milk • There is no money in carry-over cows • Your cow is your asset, conception is your livelihood

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4n1 contains vitamin A to promote mucous membrane health, skin health and the growth of body tissue. Good levels of vitamin A reduce the reproductive tract’s susceptibility to infection. 4n1 contains vitamin D, which stimulates the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, essential for bone formation, especially in rapidly growing animals.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Fresh, attractive and tasty but deadly effective Rodents spoil food, spread disease and cause damage by fouling and gnawing. Although rodents become more visible and annoying in autumn when their numbers are high and they are looking for new homes to escape the winter, sensible rodent control involves year-round preventative action to keep populations in check.

• To protect non-target animals from secondary poisoning, collect any dead rodent bodies and burn or bury them. Spoiled or unwanted bait should be disposed of in a similar manner. • For successful rodent control, it is best practice to use either the PestOff Dead Rat Café or PestOff

Rats and mice prefer fresh, high

Departure Lounge to secure bait,

quality foods and will reject spoiled

protect non-target species from the

or low palatability foods when given a

bait and keep bait dry and fresh.

choice, so bait selection is important.

The PestOff Dead Rat Café can be

The PestOff Rodent Block bait uses

used either indoors or outside, can

a cereal base with brodifacoum as

be pegged/nailed or screwed down

the active ingredient. The chocolate

and the wire hoops provided will

lure is very effective – a single feed can become a lethal dose. Tips for successful eradication • Do not handle bait with bare hands, as rodents are suspicious of human scent and may avoid baits that have been touched. • Ensure rodents do not have

prevent rodents from removing any of the PestOff Rodent Blocks. The larger PestOff Departure Lounge is designed to be located along a wall or building to take advantage of the typical hunting characteristics of rodents. The Departure Lounge allows the rodent to feed inside

access to alternative foods

without the fear of being discovered.

such as stock feed, garbage

Where infestation is heavy and

or human food scraps.

localised, use up to five bait stations

• Maintain fresh baits by

per 100 square metres (10 x 10m)

checking and replacing them

and in areas where infestation is light

every 2 to 3 days initially and

and extensive, use one PestOff Dead

later, every week or two.

Rat Café per 100 square metres.

• Be particularly vigilant during

For further information,

autumn when the first cold and

contact the friendly team at

wet weather arrives, as this

your local Farmlands store.

usually drives rodents indoors

Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. V005099.

to find shelter and food.

Article supplied by PestOff.

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Purchase 6kg or more of PestOff Rodent Blocks at any Farmlands store and go in the draw to WIN 1 of 40 Dead Rat Café bait stations!

*Terms and Conditions apply. Promotion runs from 1st April to 30th June 2017. Visit www.farmlands.co.nz for full Terms and Conditions.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Push-fit – the new thing! Jeremy of J Shore Contracting has been involved in project managing and installing stock water reticulation systems in the greater Canterbury region for the last 11 years. He is also involved in laying PVC mainlines for pivots and solid-set irrigation systems. For the last 3 years Jeremy has worked with Farmlands for the logistics of product supply and Iplex for system design, allowing him to offer a “turnkey” stock water solution to his clients. “Working with Farmlands is great,” Jeremy says. “The wide store network allows me to call into the local store and collect pipe and fittings for any unexpected system alterations. Farmlands carries an extensive range of quality water fittings and valves. Likewise working with Chris, the local Iplex Territory Manager, allows me to have confidence in the system design I’m offering my clients. “One of the great new things Iplex has introduced in recent times is a ‘push-fit’ fitting system to join metric polyethylene pipe. I’m a convert to this new style of fitting and rarely use the old ‘tighten the nut’ type of fittings anymore.” Chris says that Jeremy is certainly enthusiastic about the new Plasson Series 1 fittings. “But when you

Plasson Series 1 coupling.

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| Jeremy Shore uses Plasson Series 1 fittings for trough connection.

consider the advantages, it’s hardly surprising. Time is money for a contractor, so their smaller, more streamlined design, which allows pipe to be joined above ground and then fed through the mole-plough chute, is a real winner. Even if the pipe is being laid in a trench, with this fitting’s simple low-insertion force, push-fit assembly, reaching down into the muddy old trench to join the pipe is a piece of cake!”

added tamper-proof level of asset

The features of the Plasson Series 1 fittings have seen the benefits that plumbers currently enjoy duplicated in the rural market. The locked in place connection requires a wrench to disassemble the fitting, giving an

fittings or other rural pipeline

security to exposed pipework and improved aesthetic around farm buildings, tanks and troughs. “Don’t just take my word for it,” Jeremy says. “Try them out at your local Farmlands store, they really are easy to use and I’ve never had an issue with them, even in rough, hill country installations.” For further information on pipe components, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Iplex Pipelines.

Push-fit Plasson Series 1 assembly.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Don’t risk it with rodent control of these risks can be minimised.

being a first generation rodenticide,

Risk: Poor palatability. If baits are

is more rapidly metabolised and

not eaten, no matter how toxic the

excreted by rodents. This results in

rodenticide is, it will be ineffective.

less ingested toxin by an unintended

Racumin formulation, using vegetable

victim and a more successful recovery

fats and carbohydrates, appears

following an appropriate treatment.

to be exceptionally attractive even

Most other products in the market

when competing against existing

are second generation rodenticides

food sources. In one farm store a

with an associated increased

rat or rats ate through the plastic

toxicity to non-targeted species.

container to access Racumin baits.

Risk: Poor management of baits. No

Risk: Bait shyness. High palatability

matter how safe and effective the

will also prevent bait shyness, where

rodenticide is, good management is

rodents communicate adverse

still important in the overall outcome.

experiences. Also, baits like Racumin

Remove other food sources where

that take slightly longer to kill are

possible, place baits close to runs

less likely to be associated with

and inspect bait consumption daily.

rodent demise and be communicated

Risk: Handling baits. Racumin comes

to others in the colony.

in tea bag size biodegradable paper

Either case can result in expensive treatments or even death if not caught early enough. This is why rodenticide selection is very important.

Risk: Primary poisoning. This can

sachets for safe and easy handling.

be minimised by placement of

If baits disappear rapidly there will

baits in situations inaccessible to

be more rodents than first apparent,

With good bait management and the use of an appropriate rodenticide such as Racumin® most

stations which also prevent rodents

There is a lot at risk if growing summer rodent populations are not controlled as autumn feed resources become less abundant, resulting in obvious scavenging behaviour and increased rodent sightings, which are just the tip of the population iceberg. Rodents, being pretty smart, will move to a warmer environment, your house, with damage and possible disease transmission that inevitably follows. There is a risk that any control measures will be too late or ineffective and the worst case scenario results in poisoning of pets or non-targeted species. This can be by primary poisoning via direct access to bait or secondary poisoning by ingestion of poisoned rodents.

pets or in specially designed bait moving poison into open spaces. Risk: Secondary poisoning. Racumin,

so replacement at a rate where some baits are left behind is critical. Under-feeding will only make rodents sick, not dead. If limited baits are shared between large numbers, this definitely contributes to bait shyness. For further information, contact the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. ® Racumin is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group. Registered under the ACVM Act 1997. Article supplied by Bayer.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

New herbicide technology the perfect “all-rounder” New Zealand cereal farmers are innovative and they’re always looking for new technology to help remain competitive. Investment in new technology has given Kiwi farmers the edge to stay one step ahead, resulting in improved yields, reduced costs and ultimately a healthier bottom line. Typically grass weed herbicides cannot be mixed with broadleaf herbicides as they are known to cause antagonism, thereby reducing their effectiveness. This means grass weed and broadleaf herbicides need to be applied separately, sometimes weeks apart. Rexade™ GoDri™ is a breakthrough technology from Dow AgroSciences that adds significant value to New Zealand wheat and triticale farmers, allowing “one pass” weed, pest and disease control in wheat and triticale up to growth stage 31. To have a new herbicide that does both grass and broadleaf weeds in a single pass is a significant technological breakthrough, saving time, reducing operational costs and ultimately improving profitability. Additionally, rapid dispersion formulation technology (RDT™) allows Rexade GoDri to be safely mixed with a host of complementary herbicides, fungicides and insecticides to truly maximise efficiencies on-farm. Rexade GoDri is a highly concentrated dry granule formulation that is easy to mix and measure. Once added to water, Rexade GoDri granules disperse immediately, requiring minimal agitation to dissolve meaning that nozzles, screens and filters

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| A Rexade treatment in commercial demonstration trials last season, showing excellent control of brome grass.

will remain free from blockages. Containing two unique active ingredients – pyroxsulam and Arylex™ – Rexade GoDri is highly effective at controlling wild oats, rye grasses and brome grass as well as many significant broadleaf weeds such as fumitory, chickweed, cleavers, field pansy, speedwell and many more, including those known to have developed resistance to group “A” herbicides. Historically group “A” herbicides, which include the “fops” “dims” and “dens” have been over used in New Zealand resulting in poor grass weed control. Wild oats and ryegrass in particular are increasingly problematic and resistance management strategies are needed to restrict the problem. The most effective strategy is to rotate chemistries with a different mode of action (MoA). Rexade GoDri is ideally suited as a rotation partner with Group “A” herbicides to help manage grass weed resistance. Best results are

achieved when weeds are treated whilst they are small, using full label rates and restricting use to a single application per season – with the exception of brome grass, which may require an additional application for thorough control. Rexade can be applied between three leaf to first node (GS13-31) and is ideally suited to control a number of key grass and broadleaf weeds not controlled by Firebird® herbicide. The weed spectrums of Rexade GoDri and Firebird are very complementary and Rexade GoDri is ideally suited as the first post-emergence grass weed herbicide following preemergence applications of Firebird. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. RexadeTM, GoDriTM, RDT TM and ArylexTM are registered trademarks of Dow AgroSciences. Firebird® is a registered tradename of Bayer. Article supplied by Dow AgroSciences.