Plan 365 October 2018 by Farmlands

OCTOBER 2018

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.

NUTRITION

Feeding for optimum performance The significant nutritional requirements of a hardworking horse mean that designing a balanced diet that provides these in the correct amounts is vital. From the all-important energy required to perform, to essential amino acids, trace minerals and key vitamins, simple changes to the diet can mean the difference between a winning and a mediocre performance. Energy for performance and weight maintenance during increasing work is arguably one of the most important factors of the diet – and the energy sources selected can influence exercise type and recovery. Most working horse diets will require a blend of structural and non-structural carbohydrates for energy, as well as some amount of fat. However, the levels of each of these provided should depend on the work type being asked of the horse. While structural carbohydrates such as forages should be the largest part of all equine diets, horses performing

fast-paced work (for example racing,

Each trace mineral and vitamin

polo, eventing and show jumping) will

plays a different role in the horse’s

most likely require some amount of

body and contributes to overall

grain in their diet. The starch grain

health and performance in various

contains is released rapidly into the

ways. Achieving optimum health by

bloodstream as glucose and fuels

meeting all nutrient requirements

anaerobic work and fast paced muscle

improves overall vitality, therefore

contractions. Horses performing

increasing the chance of improved

slower-paced work that is aerobic in

performance, while also reducing time

nature (for example endurance and

needed for recovery. Key nutrients

dressage) require higher levels of

for performance horses include

structural carbohydrates such as forage

chromium, antioxidants selenium

and slow release forms of energy such

and vitamin E, as well as electrolytes

as fat and less energy from grains.

sodium, chloride and potassium.

While protein is not as crucial to the

Hardworking horses are often

mature performance horse as it is

candidates for digestive problems

for breeding and growth, providing the correct level and ratio of amino acids is highly important for muscle development and maintenance. A performance horse receiving a diet that is deficient in protein or uses poor quality sources will over time begin to show signs of muscle wastage and lack of top-line.

such as gastric ulcers and hindgut acidosis, which can occur for various reasons (including management practices and stress) and can cause significant discomfort and therefore impact on performance. There are a number of essential management practices to avoid these conditions and ensure the equine athlete is able to perform to the best of their ability. This includes ensuring at least 1.5 percent of the horse’s body weight in high quality forage is consumed daily at a consistent rate, keeping grain meals to less than 2.5kg and only feeding digestible energy sources such as steam flaked grains and high quality fat sources. For assistance with feeding plans to enhance overall health and performance, consult with an experienced equine nutrition advisor. Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutrition Technical Advisor.

| Simple changes to the diet can mean the difference between a winning and a mediocre performance.

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NUTRITION

Balancing the major mineral needs of cows Once the threat of metabolic issues around calving has passed, it can be easy to overlook the need for supplementing major mineral levels in the milking cow’s diet. Not balancing the mineral content of diets can be a false economy, which jeopardises both the health and productivity of stock.

out some of the potential deficiencies

Whilst cows are good at mobilising

of a pasture based diet, which may be

body calcium in the short-term, if

exacerbated by the mineral content of

supplementary feeding is continued

some straights and conserved forages.

throughout lactation it may get harder

The mineral requirements of lactating

for higher producing, older cows to

dairy cows have been defined per kg

replenish their bone calcium levels.

of the dry matter intake by the National

Many pastures contain insufficient

Research Council (NRC). The mineral

magnesium to meet the needs of

The use of straights (commodity

to the nutritional requirement of dairy

purchased feeds) and simple un-

cattle, who are committed to depositing

mineralised blends of straights changes

minerals in their milk daily with the

the mineral supply in the diet relative

intention that it will help safeguard the

to a pasture-only diet and may make

health and vitality of their offspring.

a significant difference to the total

Straights tend to be a poor source

mineral supply to a herd and the farm

of calcium relative to the needs of

as a whole. Palm kernel expeller (PKE)

milking cows, as indicated in the table.

usage increased in 2017, at a time

Grains are an especially poor source

when compound feeds and blends also

of calcium, so grain-based compound

became more widely used – possibly

feeds like NRM Dairy Extra are fortified

as a way to dilute the contribution of

with added calcium. Farmers feeding

PKE, as Fonterra suppliers prepared for

rolled barley or wheat, kibbled maize,

the introduction of Fat Evaluation Index

distillers dark grains or PKE run the risk

penalties this season. The growing

that their cows will have to mobilise

protein, vegetative pasture should

shift from single straights to blends

more bone calcium than would be

have more than enough phosphorus

increases the opportunity to balance

necessary on a pasture-only diet.

for dairy cows. If milk urea levels

content of pasture is not ideal relative

milking cows and high potassium, high protein and low sodium levels can reduce the magnesium availability. For most herds, supplementary magnesium is required through to Christmas and beyond for higher yielding herds. Topdressing magnesium oxide can be particularly inefficient when it is needed the most. Delivering magnesium in a blend or compound feed with some readily degradable carbohydrate improves absorption and helps mask the bitterness of magnesium oxide. It is generally considered that high

fall through November it may be worth checking pasture protein and

Mineral content of feeds relative to the needs of milking cows

phosphorus levels, as sub-optimal

Calcium

Magnesium

Phosphorus

Sodium

NRC requirement for dairy cows (g/kgDM)

6-8

1.1-2.9

3.5-4.5

2-3.4

Approximate content per litre milk (g/litre)

1.6

0.8

Barley (g/kgDM)

0.9

1.2

0.6

Distillers dark grains (maize) (g/kgDM)

1.6

3.3

8.3

1.5

Maize grain (g/kgDM)

0.1

Adding salt to blends is a great

results may indicate declining pasture quality. A straight like distillers dark grains may improve a diet by adding both protein and phosphorus.

Maize silage (g/kgDM)

1.8

1.2

1.4

way to supplement sodium levels

NRM Dairy Extra (g/kg)

3.4

and also stimulate palatability, as

Palm kernel expeller (g/kgDM)

2.3

4.9

0.1

salt is a good appetite stimulant.

Soy hull pellets (g/kgDM)

4.9

2.2

1.4

0.1

For further information, contact

Spring pasture (g/kgDM)

2-15

1-4

2-6

0.3-6

your local Nutrition Specialist.

Wheat (g/kgDM)

0.5

1.3

4.8

0.2

Article supplied by Dr Rob Derrick, Nutritionist.

Typical values taken from a variety of sources as a guide only – actual levels may vary quite considerably.

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NUTRITION

Troubleshooting egg shell quality issues in your flock A bright yellow yolk from a freshly laid egg is a key benefit of home produced eggs. However, packaging is important for the perception of quality and egg shell quality is one issue that sometimes crops up with laying flocks – especially in the spring as birds come back into lay. When a flock has an increased incidence of egg shell quality issues, the following checks may assist with troubleshooting.

scraps), this could also be decreasing

Feed intake and quality A good quality layer feed that contains balanced levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D should always be available for birds. A laying chicken should eat approximately 130 grams of layer feed each day – if the amount of layer feed eaten drops, this can have an impact on egg shell quality. Housing until after they have eaten a hearty breakfast can sometimes stop them filling up on less well-balanced herbage. If birds have a lot of alternate feeds on offer as well as their layer feed (e.g. whole grains or table

access to cool water and shade.

their layer feed intake. Oyster grit can aid gizzard function and help to balance low calcium feeds birds may consume when foraging – but it must be offered separately to the layer feed, not sprinkled on top. Access to good quality water is also important, as reduced water intake results in reduced feed intake. High temperatures can reduce feed intake too, so over summer make sure chickens have Disease in the flock Some diseases can affect egg shell formation and cause eggs to be laid with thin shells, misfired shells or with no shell at all. Two common diseases which can result in poor shell quality are infectious bronchitis and egg drop syndrome. Regular cleaning of coops with a disinfectant product such as Virkon®S, as well as preventing contact with other birds will help with minimising disease burden in your flock. Check with your local veterinarian for vaccination options. Egg size/age of chickens Hens will deposit the same amount of shell for a small egg as a large egg. This means that there is less shell to go around a larger egg and thin shells can result. Older birds will naturally lay larger eggs that have thinner shells, so aging chickens may be the culprit. Rearing of chicks How a chick has been reared can impact on how they will perform as

an impact on bone development and when they eventually get to point of lay they will be more predisposed to laying thin-shelled eggs. It is therefore important to use a wellbalanced chick starter feed followed by a balanced pullet grower feed. Feeding over a moult period Laying chickens will typically go through a moult with the approach of winter and decreasing day length. During this period, egg production will decrease and may even stop. Believe it or not, what you feed a chicken over the moulting period can impact on egg shell quality in the next laying season and if a diet is too high or too low in calcium it can be an issue. The recommended feed for chickens going through a moult is a pullet grower feed, as it contains the right amount of both calcium and phosphorus. As soon as the moult period is over and chickens begin to lay again, they can be switched back over to a laying feed. Nesting box and bird management The design of nest boxes as well as the quality and depth of nesting material plays an important role in preventing damage to egg shells. Nests require 5cm or more of bedding material to provide a soft landing for the eggs. Stress Any factor that causes stress to the birds can result in poor shell quality. Make sure wild animals are not able to disturb the birds and that a good routine is established and maintained.

diet with balanced levels of calcium,

For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist.

phosphorus and vitamin D, it can have

Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Nutritionist.

a layer. If a chick is not supplied a

| Home-produced eggs – fresh, nutritious, zero food miles and bio-degradable packaging.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

The lasting value of a clean start It is often said that there is little difference between the cost of growing a low yielding crop and a high yielding one. However, the high yielding crop will always win when it comes to profitability – because every kilogram of dry matter (DM) that it delivers will dilute your overall costs of production as measured in cents/kgDM. Fortunately, you can start optimising the yield of your spring-sown forage crops for a more profitable result straight away, before they are even planted. The key lies in choosing the correct inputs to ensure newly emerged crop seedlings get off to great start, with minimal competition for vital resources like sunlight, moisture and nutrients. So where should you begin? It is a good idea to start with a pre-plant herbicide to clean up cropping paddocks in spring, because this saves time and helps reduces weed competition from day one. Most weeds can easily outgrow crop seedlings and this can have a lasting and negative effect on final crop yield. A proven first step is WeedMaster TS540 glyphosate herbicide, plus Pulse Penetrant, applied to paddocks prior to sowing forage crops. This pre-plant spray out provides several benefits. It stops existing perennial weeds from outgrowing crop seedlings during the critical establishment phase and it also speeds the breakdown of the turf and roots of old, existing pasture. This in turn makes for easier tillage, saving time and fuel and helps

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| Optimise the yield of your spring-sown forage crops before they are even planted.

provide a better seedbed. It also reduces the fallow time required before sowing your new crop.

alone is not always adequate – particularly creeping mallow, seedling storksbill and nettles.

Different weeds require different rates of WeedMaster TS540, so it is a good idea to check which species are present (e.g. browntop, couch, perennial ryegrass etc.) before spraying.

Nail EC is one of the few companion herbicides for glyphosate with a nil plantback for all crops, including fodder beet, chicory and plantain. Nail EC has rapid foliar uptake, so it is rainfast in 1 hour and it has livestock grazing withholding period.

Pulse Penetrant is always essential. This high quality organosilicone is designed to help the herbicide penetrate the outer waxy cuticle that protects plant tissue and it reduces the rainfast period after spraying to 20 minutes. Where required, Nail EC as a tank mix partner for this preplant herbicide application both broadens the spectrum of weed control and speeds up brownout. It contains the active ingredient carfentrazone-ethyl, which boosts control of several broadleaf weed species for which glyphosate

The tank mix of WeedMaster TS540, Nail EC and Pulse Penetrant will control a wide range of weeds – including annual poa, burr medic, chickweed, cleavers, creeping buttercup and mallow, fathen, fumitory, hawksbeard, nettles, prairie grass, oxtongue, speedwell, wireweed and shepherd’s purse. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Nufarm.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

New kale genetics deliver Farm Equity Manager, Ben Crickett runs a 480 cow self-contained dairy farm at Otautau with an intensive crop rotation consisting of fodder beet, swedes and then kale. The role of kale as the second or third crop in a winter feed rotation is one of the species’ key strengths for farms with limited area and the need to multi-crop intensively. Although not perfect, the disease tolerance and resilience of kale is an important part of its functionality in these situations. This past year, Ben’s Farmlands Technical Field Officer, Mike Magennity recommended he take an early look at the next generation of kale genetics from Agricom, with the New Zealand-bred SovGold kale being available in very limited amounts during the 2017 sowing season.

| Farm Equity Manager, Ben Crickett and his Farmlands Technical Field Officer, Mike Magennity standing in Ben’s SovGold crop.

between late November and early December but in Ben’s environment

SovGold combines excellent quality with a high yield potential. In any kale, the leaf component of the plant is where the quality is at its greatest. Ben has been impressed with the big visual leaves and he has been happy with how the crop has been utilised by his stock. As SovGold’s large leaves contribute to a large proportion of total yield, it has a high leaf-to-stem ratio. SovGold is able to hold quality, resulting in high intake and utilisation. SovGold will hold its quality right through winter and like Sovereign, is a later flowering kale.

he chooses to sow late to avoid insect

Ben’s SovGold crop was sown on 22nd December 2017, at a rate of 4.5kg/ha. The crop was sown with 250kg/ha of DAP and had two urea applications of 100kg/ha each in mid-January and mid-March. Kale is traditionally sown

complicating future management.

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pressure. The only reason to sow earlier than late November is if it is being sown in very dry conditions or if lambs are being used to graze the crop in February/March. Early sowing of kale may produce higher dry matter percentages and therefore possibly higher yields by late autumn, however this is associated with an aging plant with more lignin and lower quality stems. This can make utilisation harder and often leads to more stem left in the paddock,

still having a potential yield of 8-10t DM/ha, therefore making it a great option for young cattle or sheep. Ben has definitely noticed that the leaf size is bigger than that of the Sovereign kale, which he had previously been using. Of the four paddocks on-farm, SovGold has averaged a very pleasing 14.6t DM/ha. “This past year it was very dry at establishment and while the crop germinated, it did sit there for a while until it really took off,” Ben says. “We are really very happy with the yields and would definitely use it again.” SovGold offers a real fit in a range of farming systems and is also suitable for a range of stock classes.

are that SovGold will hold its leaf for

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

longer and maintain stem quality while

Article supplied by Agricom.

As an alternative to sowing a forage rape crop, SovGold can be sown in January or early February. The benefits

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Is herbicide resistance knocking at your door? It’s not if it knocks, it’s when. Herbicide resistance has been a hot topic for years. However, we seem to have more problems with accidentally introduced weeds than issues with herbicide failure.

carry adjuvant statements because

heading, e.g. Group K3 Herbicide and

they are required for optimum result.

the simplest resistance strategy is to

In the late 1980s, continuous season-

use different groups in rotation. Just

on-season use of simazine plus

by rotating the crop there is often a

glyphosate in Nelson orchards resulted

forced rotation of herbicide choice.

in problems with tall willow herb. This

Another resistance strategy, particularly

The same is not true for places like

was not an example of resistance

for glyphosate, is mixing with spiker,

Australia and North America – well-

but the selection for a weed not

enhancer or partner herbicide. This is

known graveyards for herbicides.

controlled by the herbicide mix. The

fine if the partner product enhances

There are several reasons New

solution was to alternate to diuron/

the glyphosate performance and is

Zealand has few true herbicide

linuron based products. This type

separately active on the problem

resistance occurrences – basically

of event occurs on many farms as a

weeds present. Using the latest

our farm systems are more varied

result of overuse of effective solutions – the spectrum of weeds changes in

new adjuvant is not the same as a

and we have access to a wide range of chemistries. Still one cannot be

response to the herbicides used, it is

complacent. The next resistance

not that the weeds become resistant.

problem is only a spray away.

If you believe your situation could

right. That’s how dandelion, tall willow

Resistance is when a herbicide

signal resistance, the first action

herb and mallow are more effectively

previously controlled a weed but

is to discuss with your Farmlands Technical Field Officer and they can

controlled than by glyphosate alone.

now is less effective or totally useless. Herbicide performance

seek out further advice if necessary.

relies on effective active ingredients,

The testing for resistance is not

formulations and application

a quick or cheap process and is

technology (including adjuvants). Get

reserved for cases that are likely to be

one factor out of alignment and the job

resistance rather than a routine test.

is second rate. There are many more

Before it ever gets to that stage there

enquiries where the circumstances

are a wide range of activities on-

around application are the problem

farm that should be done, to prevent

rather than resistance. That’s not to

the resistance in the first place.

say resistance is not occurring but

Obviously not using herbicides is

getting the product correctly applied

the strongest measure but that is a

is fundamental. These “ducks” must

different conversation. Limit the use

all be aligned – coverage, droplet size

of herbicides to only when required

and distribution, climate, sunshine

and rotate the chemistry used. This

intensity, rate of product, size of and

means alternate modes of action, not

age of weeds, choice of adjuvant(s),

just a change of trade name – 2,4-D is

combinations of products can be

2,4-D regardless of who sells it. A name

both a positive and a negative and the

change will not suffice – in the case

list goes on. By not using esterified

of 2,4-D swap to Pulsar® (bentazone

canola oil (as in Hasten) with Arietta®

based) or flumetsulam. Herbicide

performance is notably reduced. Labels

labels all carry a mode of action

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partner herbicide like Sharpen®. The saflufenacil in Sharpen is herbicidal on certain broadleaf weeds in its own

In the end, whether it’s resistance or compromised performance, we all want the same result – good weed control – and that is best achieved by selecting the right product and reading and following the label. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Grant Hagerty – Technical Development Manager, BASF New Zealand.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Pick the right brassica herbicide Forage brassicas are particularly susceptible to weed competition during establishment. This is especially the case when sowing into scenarios with moderate to high weed seed loadings in the soil, such as previously cropped ground or run-out pastures. Cultivation can also bring dormant weed seeds to the soil surface enabling germination within the crop. Most brassica crops will benefit from a herbicide while the crop emerges and establishes. Control of weeds during brassica establishment relies on choosing a suitable approach for your scenario (pre or postemergence programme) and then selecting herbicides that best fit the weed spectrum and crop rotation. Post-emergence weed control programmes are all about spraying if and when weeds have emerged. Select a herbicide that best controls the key weeds present, with a manageable grazing withholding period and a plantback suitable for the following crop. There are several post-emergence herbicides to choose from, each with their own weed spectrum. All of these herbicides have plant-backs that need to be considered for broadleaf pasture species like clover or other crops such as beet or lucerne. Corteva Agrisciences has developed

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Korvetto™, a unique post-emergence broadleaf herbicide, for scenarios where a wide weed spectrum and short plant-back are important. The plantback for clover following application of Korvetto is just 3 months, while fodder beet, lucerne and many other crops is 6 months. An application of Korvetto to spring or early summer sown forage brassica should not pose any restrictions for typical rotations in pastoral farm systems. This is a key advantage over many existing post-emergence herbicide options, which have longer plant-backs. Korvetto controls many weeds commonly found in forage brassica. Arylex™ active and clopyralid combine to kill a broad spectrum of weeds including fathen, black nightshade, hairy nightshade, shepherds’ purse, fumitory, thistles, yarrow, dandelion, narrow leaf plantain and many more. Application timing is important as best results are achieved on weeds at the 2-4 leaf stage. Delaying application often leads to poor control of some harder-to-kill weeds, by which time they are already competing with the crop and will not be suppressed by canopy. Poor plant populations or crop establishment, e.g. due to unforeseen pest damage or adverse weather events, often leads to a poor canopy and exposes the crop to weed

| Ideal time for post-emergence herbicide application – weeds are 2-4 leaf.

pressure throughout the growing season. These scenarios require careful assessment, so talk to your Farmlands Technical Field Officer as soon as possible for advice. Walk brassica crops regularly and thoroughly to identify issues early for timely treatment. When assessing brassica crop for weeds, consider the opportunity to control pests that may be present or are building up in the crop. SpartaTM provides control of springtail, leaf miner, white butterfly caterpillar and diamondback moth while aphids can be controlled using TransformTM. For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Corteva Agrisciences, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Taking a look at lucerne High in metabolisable energy and protein, lucerne can provide excellent feed from spring through to autumn. Lucerne is a legume and (just like clover) can fix nitrogen from the air to power its growth. It is usually planted for grazing or conserved feed on dryland farms but can also do very well under irrigation. Lucerne’s deep taproot makes it very good at foraging for water and it recovers quickly from dry spells by rapidly mobilising nutrient reserves from its roots. A wellmanaged stand can last up to 8 years. Spring start Lucerne is dormant over winter, so is better established in spring than autumn. It prefers a soil pH of 6.0-6.2, an Olsen P of 15 and sulphate (S) of 6-10 ppm. Test to 150mm, where roots will be searching for nutrients. Testing to this depth will also reveal whether high aluminium levels will limit root and nodule growth. When it comes to micronutrients, herbage test to find out exactly what the stand needs – don’t rely on standard lucerne mixes. Lucerne needs molybdenum to help fix nitrogen (> 0.5 ppm is the target) and may need boron if grown on pumice soils. Spring is also a good time to assess the impact of winter on existing lucerne stands. Check waterlogged spots,

| A well-managed lucerne stand can last up to 8 years.

as lucerne doesn’t like the wet and

weeds out. On the other hand,

these areas may not recover. Re-sow

over-grazing will shorten the life

them after spring weed control to stop

of the stand, so managing grazing

weeds flourishing in bare patches.

properly is very important.

Replacing K

Lincoln University Professor Derrick

If harvesting lucerne, you need to apply

Moot is an expert in this area and offers

potassium after every second cut to

valuable advice on grazing lucerne –

account for the amount removed. If

including tips on stocking rates, rotation

grazing, replacing potassium is less of

timings and set-stocking approaches

a concern unless site levels are low.

– through the Lincoln dryland pastures

Grazing guide

blog (blogs.lincoln.ac.nz/dryland).

Lucerne stands need to be kept

Note that lucerne doesn’t take up

at 15-20cm high to stop stems from getting too stalky and to keep

sodium, so provide a salt lick for grazing stock. Animals may also need a bit of fibre (like hay), especially if they have come off hard hill country.

Crop use

Replacement K

Grazed in-situ

0 to 30kg K/ha

Harvested for hay

15kg K/ha per tonne of DM harvested

Harvested for baleage

20kg K/ha per tonne of DM harvested

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For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Now is the critical time to protect cereal yields October is here and autumn/winter planted wheat and barley is at its most vulnerable to disease attack.

crops the awns may be visible. While

especially this year with wheat

the lower leaves and stem of a barley

attracting very high prices.

crop deliver a high percentage of

The simplest way to protect your

Why is now so important for disease control?

the final yield, in recent years this

crops is to apply Aviator Xpro at GS39

has started to change. An increased

and to follow this 21-25 days later

area sown with barley cultivars with

with either a second application of

larger flag leaves combined with

Aviator Xpro or with an application of

more frequent and more aggressive

Prosaro, plus a strobilurin fungicide.

attacks by Ramularia leaf spot,

Protecting barley

Most wheat crops will reach GS39 (flag leaf emergence) in late October, which means all leaves will have emerged. With the top two leaves of a wheat crop delivering around 70 percent of yield, it is so important to protect them against disease attack. The threat is also increasing. Throughout New Zealand, the Bayer field team has seen an increasing incidence of aggressive and very yield damaging attacks by speckled leaf blotch, leaf rust and stripe rust occurring in late October and November. Turning to barley, all will have the flag leaf fully emerged and for the earliest

mean that late season fungicides for barley are now normally necessary. Protecting wheat

Here the target is Ramularia leaf spot. This disease is the unseen killer, growing within the barley

The key diseases to prevent are

plant until a trigger (plant stress,

speckled leaf blotch and leaf rust.

sunlight etc.) causes Ramularia leaf

Both diseases can devastate yield

spot to rapidly develop necrotic

and over the past two seasons Bayer

lesions, which kill the leaf.

has recorded yield reductions of 50

Apply Aviator Xpro at GS39, a time

percent from late disease attacks â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

when there are likely to be very few

a loss from speckled leaf blotch of

Ramularia leaf spot lesions visible.

6.8 t/ha* and a loss from leaf rust

Then, if your crop is irrigated or

of 4.1 t/ha**. Yield losses of this

has good financial potential (at

kind are always devastating but

the price available for barley, this means most crops this year), apply a second application of Aviator Xpro around 14 days later. Available fungicides, including Aviator Xpro, do not kill Ramularia leaf spot but they manage the impact of the disease. With timely application, Aviator Xpro significantly slows down disease development, allowing the crop to continue to assimilate yield. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. * Bayer trial 2016/2017, Timaru. Disease speckled leaf blotch untreated yield 5.5t/ha, programme using two applications of Aviator Xpro 12.3t/ha. ** Bayer trial 2017/2018, Timaru. Disease leaf rust untreated yield 10.1t/ha, programme using two applications Aviator Xpro 14.2t/ha. Article supplied by Bayer Crop Science.

| Ramularia leaf spot.

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| Leaf rust.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

A step change in lamb finishing potential The use of red clover finishing systems has recently been gaining traction with New Zealand farmers. The increased persistency and rapid liveweight gains achievable with new cultivars has helped farming brothers Daniel and Matt Nicholson achieve far greater farm gate returns. Increasing lamb liveweight gains per head has allowed their operation to grow and finish more stock per hectare than ever before. Currently Daniel and Matt operate two farming properties in south Wairarapa. The friendly team at Farmlands Masterton recommended Relish red clover would have a fit on both. Tokaroa is a 607 hectare farm where most of the Relish is utilised and currently holds 6,500 stock units. Here, the

main focus is on the finishing of trade lambs, old ewes, replacement ewe lambs and beef cattle. Their second farm, Bush Gully Station consists of 1,417 hectares and 11,500 stock units. Bush Gully Station’s main focus is on its breeding ewe flock. Ewe lambs are transported and grown out on Relish red clover at Tokaroa where they maximise the species’ summer growth potential. From here the ewe lambs are kept on red clover until they reach an ideal weight for mating. “Relish gives us the horsepower to get these ewes producing well and back up to our target weight on time,” Daniel says. These ewe lambs, now hoggets, lamb in October onto Relish stands when it is growing near its maximum. The lambs born onto Relish stands are brought up to weight as quickly as possible before being sold. “Relish is the only perennial feed that we can guarantee liveweight gains consistently of 300g/head/day,” Daniel says.

to utilise the true potential of Relish.

Red clover is functional throughout many regions of New Zealand including the harsh environment in south Wairarapa. Red clover has an extensive root system that is able to permeate through the topsoil in addition to its taproot. This taproot allows the plant to extract valuable moisture and nutrients from further down the soil profile during the dry harsh summer months, while also having the ability to fix generous amounts of atmospheric nitrogen back in to the soil. Daniel and Matt utilise mixes of Relish with AgriTonic plantain and Tribute white clover for early lambing ewes on Tokaroa, when it is too early

leave a residual of 4-5cm post grazing.

During this early spring period, they have noticed this mix to be beneficial to the ewes, due to AgriTonic plantain elevating their calcium levels. In return, “this enables the ewes to produce more milk for lambs early, before the Relish really gets going,” Daniel says. Historically the persistence of red clover has been a deterrent to farmers, however the new genetics of Relish have solved this issue for many. Relish offers a significant advancement in red clover persistence with longevity of the crop being a key benefit. Pleasingly this benefit comes with “industry low” levels of formononetin (oestrogen). “The persistency of Relish is great, we are achieving excellent stands with 4 years of maximum production,” Daniel says. Best practice management to maximise production and persistency of red clover is to rotationally graze with pre-grazing heights of 20-25cm and The spring growth of Relish is very rapid and being well prepared to utilise this growth is key. This growth will require an increased stocking rate to maintain the quality. Coming into the autumn months as growth slows it is important to graze any residual growth prior to winter months to minimise disease presence through the cooler and wetter seasons. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Agricom.

| Relish red clover has helped Daniel Nicholson achieve far greater farm gate returns.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Ensure your calves hit their target weights Healthy, well grown calves are the key to any successful calf rearing operation. Whether you’re a dairy or drystock farm, one of the simplest and most efficient ways to ensure calves are hitting target weights is regular weighing and monitoring throughout the season. One of the simplest reasons you should be weighing your livestock is to make sure your animals are consistently gaining weight so you continue to profit. Traditionally farmers have relied on their years of experience to know when animals are gaining weight and are ready to be sold or slaughtered. Weighing backs up that experience with facts. It’s all about input verses output – the input cost of feed, staff wages, time, health treatments, pasture and equipment maintenance per day versus the weight your animals are putting on per day. In order to profit, your input costs need to be lower than your output gains. Regularly weighing your livestock can help you to: • Ensure animals are continually gaining weight. • Review the speed that animals are gaining weight each day. • Identify good performers who might require less feed. • Identify poor performers that may require medical treatment. This will help you to determine the most profitable point to sell or slaughter your livestock. Regular weighing will help you recognise when your input costs

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| Regular weighing allows you to manage animals individually.

are in danger of becoming greater than your output gains, so you can continue to run a successful, profitable business. Tru-Test has the hardware and software solutions that make life easy for you when it comes to weighing and EID, adding value to your bottom line and ensuring you meet your compliance obligation too. Tracking growth using a Tru-Test weighing platform, weigh scales and EID stick reader used in conjunction with a software package like MiHub Livestock, Minda or FarmIQ helps farmers improve productivity and animal management within their farming operation. Regular weighing allows you to manage animals individually. Identify top performers, or those that may need extra attention to bring them up to weight and make the decision to sell animals at the optimum time, to achieve the best price. Using a Tru-Test solution also

gives total herd traceability and MiHub for Livestock Management helps record, track weight growth and manage herd genetics. MiHub is a cloud-based online software system that provides a tool to manage the data you collect. Free when you purchase a Tru-Test 5000 series indicator, MiHub turns weigh session data into an easy to understand graphical snapshot of where your animals are at and helps identify trends. MiHub Livestock is the simple way to monitor animal weight gains and track performance to target weights. Gather accurate information using your Tru-Test EID reader and weigh scales, analyse it using MiHub Livestock, keep compliant and send to NAIT, as well as use it to make timely decisions on-farm. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Tru-Test.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Achieving goals using monitoring technology A fourth-generation farmer at Waikuku, North Canterbury, Alastair Robinson is making use of high performance technology to achieve goals on his farm. The property has been in the family for almost 100 years and is home to a Royal Oak Holstein Friesian stud, milking 900 cows at the peak and 750 over winter. Alastair has been on the farm full time since 1993 and has grown the operation by taking opportunities to purchase neighbouring properties and lease blocks as they came to the market. He says his strategy was purely to be in a position to take any opportunities as they arose – and he has also had a little bit of luck. Alastair has three main goals for the farm over the next 2-3 years. Firstly, he is aiming to have a lower percentage of empties and carryovers. He is also aiming to have more accurate mating records for drying cows off at suitable times to allow for recovery. Lastly, he is aiming to decrease the number of wasted straws each year. He has chosen a cow monitoring system, SenseTime™ by Allflex, to assist him in reaching his management goals. The SenseTime system delivers actionable information on the reproductive, health, nutritional and wellbeing status of individual cows and groups. Primarily purchased for mating, Alastair planned to fit 200 SenseTime collars a month and had a total of 425 collars on when the Allflex team caught up with him in July. He started

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| Alastair says the SenseTime system is already having an impact on heat detection and insemination accuracy.

with the empty cows he is mating for autumn and the early autumn calvers that he is starting to mate now.

are inseminated on a false heat, the cost of wasted straws and heat patches can add up very quickly.

Alastair says the SenseTime system is already having an impact on heat detection and insemination accuracy.

“We won’t see the full benefit until we have them on longer but I can easily see it saving us $20-$30 per cow per year,” Alastair says.

“It has been really helpful and accurate so far, the collars have picked up cows that staff have missed, including one silent heat.” The SenseTime system also fits with his current automations and in-shed feeding facilities in his 70-bail rotary shed. “As our mating is spread throughout the year, the focus does shift from staff to a certain degree,” he says. “We also were really keen to see if we could pick up sick cows sooner and have a better chance of successfully treating them. We were getting about 1-2 cows per milking that the staff had missed for mating but this morning we had four picked up, which was great.” The farm uses pedigree straws at approximately $40 per straw. If cows

They currently use the system twice a day, after each milking, by monitoring the heat graphs for specific cows. “We monitor the cow’s optimum mating window and if she is a little early, we hold off inseminating until the next milking,” Alastair says. “It is great, I feel confident we are inseminating at the right time and are not missing any.” Alastair says he is really looking forward to getting the collars on his springers and fresh cows. “You can’t always be down in the paddock, so it will be good to know when they’ve started calving.” For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Allflex.

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HORTICULTURE

Timely disease management now pays off later Spring is a high-risk time for fungal infections in apple trees, because it brings an ideal mix of conditions – warmer, often wet weather, which promotes rapid growth of spores and bacteria and soft, fresh growth of blossoms and leaves from dormant branches. Protectant fungicides at this stage of the season are essential to prevent primary infection of diseases such as black spot taking hold in the new season crop. By successfully averting primary infection, growers can reduce the need for fungicides later in the season and lessen the potential for secondary infections to establish. Black spot (Venturia inaequalis) is a serious disease for New Zealand apple growers and if it is not adequately controlled it can result in large losses of marketable fruit. Typical symptoms are circular black spots on leaves and fruits. On fruits, the spots can coalesce resulting in cracks and rots. Black spot infection and spread is favoured by wet and mild weather. Other apple diseases, which can become established on fresh new growth at this time of the season include Glomerella, ripe spot and sooty blotch. Nufarm Research and Development Manager, Alan Cliffe says repeat applications of protectant fungicides such as Manzate Evolution are used from green tip onwards to prevent fungal disease spores from germinating on fresh, newly emerged plant tissue.

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| Black spot is a serious disease for New Zealand apple growers.

Such spores are always present in the background environment to a greater or lesser degree, depending on orchard management, previous disease outbreaks, crop variety, hygiene and prevailing weather conditions. Manzate Evolution is a contact fungicide, which means it does not move into the surface of the plant. “It needs to be applied prior to disease infection and subsequent applications should be carefully timed to ensure its ongoing protective action keeps up with the rapid pace of early season plant growth,” Alan says.

grouping of fungicides and has a multi-site mode of action, which stops disease organisms from adapting and mutating. This means that even after decades of use, fungal strains have not developed resistance to Manzate Evolution. The Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) places mancozeb in the M mode of action group (M3) and it can be mixed with at-risk fungicide groups such as SDHIs to prolong their efficacy and delay the development of resistance.

Recommended re-spray intervals are 7-14 days, using higher rates and shorter intervals early in the season or under severe disease conditions.

Formulation benefits of Manzate Evolution include quick wetting and suspension of the fine granules, uniform deposition on the plant surface and low dust and low foaming characteristics.

Manzate Evolution is a water dispersible granule formulation containing 750g/kg mancozeb, a long-established and very broad-spectrum protectant fungicide.

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

It belongs to the dithocarbamate

Article supplied by Nufarm.

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HORTICULTURE

Robust, effective botrytis control for grapes Fungicides are only one part of successfully controlling botrytis (Botrytis cinerea) in New Zealand wine grapes. However, like all the other elements of best practice disease management, they play a critical role in determining a successful outcome.

season, New Zealand growers have another fungicide available for botrytis control, which acts against the disease at key stages of its lifecycle using a new active ingredient.

the very start of the disease lifecycle,

Prolectus, the new botryticide from Nufarm New Zealand, has several important benefits in this regard. Prolectus is a suspension concentrate (SC) fungicide based on fenpyrazamine, a new active ingredient offering unique chemistry and properties, which is able to block botrytis in various stages of its biological cycle. Key attributes include excellent translaminar properties, which deliver powerful curative and protective activity, as well as offering excellent rainfastness. Fenpyrazamine is a Group 17 active, which penetrates quickly into the crop to provide an immediate effect on botrytis infections. Importantly, it is also safe on a number of key beneficial insects used for biological pest control, including predatory mites and parasitic wasps.

varieties in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and

local market withholding period is 7

It is at this stage that timely fungicide

Nufarm Development Specialist, Cynthia Christie says because fenpyrazamine acts at multiple points of the botrytis lifecycle, Prolectus is able to provide robust and effective disease control.

application protects the crop. This

“It prevents germ tube elongation at

Article supplied by Nufarm.

Botrytis or bunch rot is ubiquitous in New Zealand vineyards, as it is in every vineyard around the world. Infections pose a major challenge for growers and winemakers, as the disease affects grape yield, quality, colour and flavour. The tiny organisms that cause the disease are present in the environment year-round, so effective control entails an integrated approach that includes vine vigour control, canopy management and good vineyard hygiene to reduce the amount of botrytis inoculum building up in the environment. One of the highest risk times for infection is when grapes are at flowering to bunch closure, because airborne fungal spores infect dead or dying flower parts, such as flower caps and aborted berries.

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impacts infectious mycelial growth, prevents lesion development and finally, inhibits spore formulation,” she says. Field tested on several different grape Marlborough, Prolectus provided the same level of botrytis control as the reference fungicide used for the trials. It is registered for botrytis control and has MRL’s set in many major wine growing regions around the world. Up to two applications applied no later than 80 percent capfall will result in nil detectable residues in wine. Applications made pre-bunch closure, another key spray timing for botrytis, can result in detectable residues. Users should consult the New Zealand Winegrowers Vineyard Spray Schedule or contract winery for the latest MRL information to plan a use pattern that meets their export destination MRL requirements. The weeks after the last application. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

7 years on It is a bitterly cold and wet, late August day at Matahiwi Road near Masterton. Farmer, Tom Holmes and Iplex Pipelines Rural Project Manager, Pete Carswell, are sitting in a Can-Am side-by-side, in the middle of an 8 hectare paddock discussing land drainage. Pete has returned to Tom’s property to see the changes that subsoil drainage has made to this block. This long-term trial, on understanding the benefits of land drainage on a dry stock farm, has featured in two previous Farmlander articles (circa 2012 and 2013). Arranged through Farmlands Masterton, utilising land drainage

| Tom Holmes is impressed with the improved pasture performance of his block.

consultant Warren Woodgyer, the expertise of Manawatu based Blackley

“There has been a major change in

Construction to install the system and

the soil structure following the initial

Iplex’s high-flow smooth-bore Nexus land drainage pipe, the changes to this block have been transformational.

drainage,” Tom says. The paddock was originally a heavy clay base and after years of saturation, the soil

7 years ago, at this time of the year,

profile was very compacted with

this paddock was virtually impossible

virtually no pores and had a thatched

to walk on, let alone drive a vehicle

root mass close to the surface.

over. The drainage system design, utilising 110mm Nexus lateral lines, with 160mm Nexus laid under a shallow depression running the length of the paddock to form a grass runway, stone dykes to mitigate erosion and mole-drains has resulted in: • Vehicle access for virtually 12 months of year. • Improved pasture performance. • Lamb safely on the block without fear of undue lamb mortality. • Graze cattle on the block for 9-10 months of the year.

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A programme of aeration to a height above the mole drainage lines has seen a transformation in the soil structure. A look at the soil profile now shows a healthy layer of top soil that is providing a strong seed bed for crops and grasses. “I’m convinced that a good drainage system, combined with aeration, can turn around soil structures to become

Tom also notes that as a dry stock farmer, land drainage has always been of interest but the relatively high cost has been a detractor. However, beef and sheep meat returns have certainly improved and are now much more consistent, so the “return on investment” through the greater productivity off well drained land is more acceptable. “As with any trial, we had an undrained ‘control block’ on Tom’s farm adjacent to the drained paddock,” Pete says. “Nothing reinforced to me more the differences between these two blocks 7 years later, than my side-byside getting stuck in the undrained paddock when visiting Tom that day!”

fertilisers and high-powered cultivars

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

when the soil structure is broken?”

Article supplied by Iplex Pipelines.

highly productive,” Tom says. “Why spend good money on the flash

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Cost effective infrastructure essential For many cost-conscious farmers, saving money on investments such as farm infrastructure is extremely important. However, ensuring that the infrastructure can last the test of time is just as essential. Lighter and more cost effective than timber gates, steel gates are now the most common type of gate used on New Zealand farms. They are galvanised to reduce corrosion and being lighter they are easier to get out to the fence line and for one person to swing. Due to increased demand across New Zealand for simple, yet functional farm gates suitable for the costconscious farmer, EuroSteel went to market to secure this supply. Having started off with two employees, EuroSteel (a division of Euro Corporation) has now grown to more than 400 staff spanning eight locations across New Zealand. Since 1994 the founders of Euro Corporation, the McKenzie family, have been servicing the wider rural and broader construction industry.

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EuroSteel Rural Manager, Stuart Tyler says that from the very beginning, Euro Corporation has been dedicated to helping customers succeed. “Without our customers and clients, we wouldn’t have a business,” he says. “Being a New Zealand owned and operated market leader, we are always aiming high to deliver to the needs of our customers whether it be in product, service, quality or price.”

The concept gates were then put

Obtaining the right gate, which was priced fairly and could withstand the harsh New Zealand environment, was no easy task. EuroSteel got to work with a local design engineer to create chain link and barred gate specifications and concept samples.

product fit for the market,” Stuart

“It was important that we designed a gate that had the correct protective coatings and steel frame diameters, with adequate holes for venting and draining,” Stuart says. “Strong welding points were also critical, to ensure durability in high stock pressure areas. The final designs included key features such as, heavy galvanised coating, double lacing laps on all corners, three vertical stays and clean finishes.”

to the test on a number of New Zealand farms. Once the design and testing phase was complete, EuroSteel engaged with several offshore production mills, eventually narrowing this list down to two key manufacturers that shared the same competencies, disciplines and values. “It was crucial that these manufacturers had the capability to construct our says. “This manufacturing process is supported by a robust, independent and accredited quality assurance programme. This programme ensures all products meet the strict standards in place, prior to being containerised and shipped to New Zealand.” This comprehensive range is now made up of 15 different gates to suit various farming types and conditions in New Zealand. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by EuroSteel.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Installing your water tank Now that winter is over, things are starting to dry out and spring has sprung, you may be looking to get a new water tank to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for the summer ahead.

Planning how you will install and add the plumbing accessories to the tank is also important. The Promax team highly recommend that you run your project past a drainlayer or plumber to ensure your plans will work.

Here are some handy hints and tips to consider when installing your new water tank:

To take advantage of the maximum catchment of water, downpipes can be fed from both gutters into the one tank. The overflow capacity must match the downpipe capacity.

• Ensure that the tank site is flat and level and also free from any foreign matter that may damage the tank’s base. • Ensure that the tank site is well compacted if fill is used to prepare or level the site.

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Avoid free hanging, unsupported pipe work. It puts excessive strain on fittings and tank wall.

1. Ensure a flexible hose is installed after the gate or ball valve with a minimum 300mm length.

• If a sand base is used, a retaining cover should be used to prevent sand from washing away after installation.

• If the tank is not secured properly, wind or stormy weather can blow it away or move the tank out of its level place. Add 200mm of water to the bottom of the tank to weigh it down.

5. Do not allow the tank site to deteriorate after installation due to any form of erosion or site destruction caused by vermin such as rabbits.

Important considerations when plumbing the tank are:

• Ensure that the tank site is at least 300mm larger in diameter than the tank.

• Remember that a full tank will weigh up to 30 tonnes – so it is important that the surface it sits on is level, stable and firm.

4. The number of inlet pipes, their sizes and capacities must equal the number of overflow pipes, their sizes and capacities.

When pipe work is exposed or over a longer distance, insert a length of flexible pipe 300mm to absorb shocks and movements. Alternatively, lay pipe work into ground just after the 300mm flexible pipe to avoid running over and damaging fitting or tank.

2. The tank outlet must not be subjected to extra force, e.g. over-tightening of fittings. 3. Overflow must be piped clear of base to avoid erosion.

Burying your tank is a great way to avoid height restriction issues. A buried tank with shrubs planted around it is also more attractive in your backyard. Promax Corrugated Enduro tanks can be buried up to 1 metre in the ground and still retain their 20 year warranty. If you are planning to bury a Promax corrugated tank, you should prepare the base with 100mm minimum of compacted sand, just as you would if installing the tank above ground. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Promax.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Solutions that suit New Zealand conditions Reliable, fit for purpose solutions are key aspects to making farm life easier and more profitable. Dependable solutions are especially important when it comes to farm infrastructure such as gates, as to most farmers this infrastructure can be a significant investment. The research, design and manufacture of gates and gate hardware to standards New Zealanders can be proud of is especially important to Gallagher – and this is reflected in the recent introduction of a 5 year warranty for their products. For Gallagher’s Gate and Gate Hardware Manager, Ian Richards, refining and maintaining processes to continually set benchmarks for excellence has been top of mind since his grandfather – John Richards Senior – started what was called Franklin Machinery Exchange in the South Auckland suburb of Pukekohe in 1941. “Recognising a market need for quality metal products, by 1960 the business further diversified into developing frame gates and gate hardware,” Ian says. Having taken on that commitment to

developing quality metal products, Ian explains that was met with the need for investment into people and machinery to deliver on those customer expectations. “When we’re designing gates and gate hardware that are produced in Pukekohe, we think a lot about New Zealand’s farming landscape. That meant we’ve always had a strong desire to have control over the complete manufacturing process – that led to the installation of a zinc electro-plating plant and later a hot dip galvanising plant, so that our output could consistently deliver what was needed.” Continuous improvement, fresh thinking and innovative undercurrent saw Gallagher purchase the company in 1994. “The shift to Gallagher meant we could leverage the skills of a network of manufacturing and rural specialists. Being part of an international brand comes with some truly useful benefits for customers too – and that’s who we’re dedicated to,” Ian says. “Ever since the start, we considered – and continue to consider – design

to be critical in the success of our products and a number of our designs have come directly through working with farmers. All of our equipment is made and maintained by our in-house engineers who uphold a high level of control on quality, so that we’re producing gates and gate hardware that is not only made to last but represents value for money due to their design and the quality of materials used in manufacture, which is why we are confident to introduce the 5 year warranty.” Ian says they have come a long way with their manufacturing processes. “Gate frames need to stand the test of time, so the hollow structures are punched for venting and are submerged in a bath of molten zinc at a temperature of 460 degrees Celsius.” This method of hot dip galvanising is considered the best form of corrosion protection. “The process itself means the product is galvanised on the internal surfaces of the pipe, as well as the outside. This protective coating provides excellent corrosion resistance for exposure in the toughest conditions,” Ian explains. “All outputs are checked for accuracy against drawings and testing jigs. That’s something we’ve done for the last 60 years and look forward to doing for the next 60 years – all to ensure we’re delivering for our customers.” For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Gallagher.

| New Zealand’s farming landscape is taken into consideration when designing gates and gate hardware.

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