Nelson Marlborough Farming August 2020

14,500 copies distributed monthly – to every rural delivery & P.O. mailbox in Nelson, Marlborough & The West Coast. August 2020

INSIDE Scanning to lambing Pasture Quality pg 5 Federated Farmers Reports pg 6 Filling the Hayshed pg 9 Fertiliser Feature pg 13-15 Creative Approach to Lawmaking Unwelcome pg 17 Is the RMA really a problem? pg 18 Country Motoring pg 19

Andrew Ritchie

Beef and lamb NZ recently ran a seminar entitled ‘Scanning to Lambing’ in Seddon where extremely dry summers are the norm and the maintenance of the body score of ewes is uppermost in local farmer’s minds. Trish Lipeat from Vet Marlborough emphasised the importance of nutrition during the last 4 to 6 weeks prior to lambing. During this period the lambs are growing fast and take up an increasing amount of room in the gut of the ewe, leaving less space for the processing of bulky food. The feeding of high energy supplements is important at this stage especially to ewes carrying twins. Ewes should ideally have a BCS of 3 at this stage and if she is not being provided with enough high energy nutrition the lambs will take the energy from the ewe’s back. This will result in the lactation not reaching its potential and a penalty of kgs/lamb at weaning. Several farmers present were feeding barley or nuts and some were worried about mismothering if the feeding regime was continued after lambing. Tom Fraser suggested that a change of vehicle from the one that was feeding out supplements before lambing would be enough to stop the ewes clustering around the farmer’s transport. He also said that training ewe hogget’s to come to barley or nuts in summer dry country whatever the type of season would make them remember for the rest of their lives. Another member of the audience maintained the wisdom of always having some sheds full of hay made in abundant seasons as an insurance policy against the years of drought. Questions were asked about the timing of the administration of clostridial vaccines. Trish said that ideally it should be given 4 weeks before the start of lambing but conceded that the spread of the lambing period would result in different levels of protection for early and later lambers. She also advised the use of LSD prelamb at the same time as the administration of clostridials. Those using fodder beet as a supplement should give animals a fibre supplement whilst on the crop. No sudden changes to the diet should be made, allow time for the rumen bacteria to adjust to alterations in the feed regime.

Faecal egg counts have been low but Trish warned that ewes will be using energy to fight worms and it would be good practice to give capsules to leaner ewes and multiple bearing ewes diverting energy to growing lambs. The timing of shearing was discussed and the amount of energy used by a shorn ewe to maintain body temperature. The options for a tough season such as this were not to shear or to shear early. Pasture growth rates have slowed so there are fewer incidences of nitrate poisoning, not so many bearings or sleeping sickness. So, there are some advantages to tough times.

Beef and lamb NZ recently ran a seminar entitled ‘Scanning to Lambing’ in Seddon recently.

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Jobs and debt

Hon Nick Smith

I have two core worries for the Top of the South and New Zealand’s future. Job losses and debt. National has outlined our economic plan to get NZ working again.

We have a jobs crisis. Unemployment numbers nationally hit 200,000 this month, the worst in 25 years. Nelson has had the fastest increase of any region with jobless numbers more than doubling from 2,000 to 4,200. Young people are being hit the hard-

est with our unemployment rate for under 30s the worst in New Zealand.

This unemployment problem began before Covid-19.

National’s strong economic management saw unemployment numbers drop every year from 2010 to 2017. Unemployment benefit numbers grew by 10,000 in 2018 and another 13,000 in 2019. They are now increasing at 40,000 per month since April. The problems will compound when the Government’s wage subsidies end in October.

We need a relentless focus on saving jobs. That is why I campaigned so strongly for port access of foreign boats for Nelson’s marine engineering industry and for the retention of Air New Zealand’s regional maintenance base at Nelson Airport.

I am equally concerned about debt. The Government is spending and borrowing at unprecedented rates all of which will need to be repaid. $25 billion or $16,000 per household has already been spent and Labour’s intention is to borrow over $140 billion or $80,000 per household.

This scale of debt will leave New Zealand no room for decades to deal with future disasters or downturns.

Labour thinks the answer to every problem is big spending. I see waste like the $570,000 on a slide at Parliament and $10 million in grants to AJ Hackett’s bungee business. $400 million has

been spent on Kiwibuild that was meant to build 10,000 homes per year but delivered only 400 in three years. $1900 million was announced for mental health in Budget 2019.

It has not made it to front line services and core services like Nikau House in Nelson are being closed. Millions have been spent on Auckland light rail but is wasted with it now being cancelled.

We need to be more prudent and focus on quality of spending. The borrowing should be for assets and infrastructure, so we grow New Zealand’s balance sheet over coming years. That way we pass on to the next generation valuable assets alongside the debt.

Labour is squandering New Zealand’s strong finances with Government’s nett worth declining from $143 billion ($75,000 per household) to just $33 billion ($17,000 per household).

National’s five-point plan covers responsible economic management, will deliver infrastructure, reskill and retrain the workforce, build a greener/smarter future and stronger communities. It will deliver more jobs and less debt. I commend the detail at national.org.nz.

It is good that New Zealand has come through the Covid-19 health emergency better than most countries.

National’s plan best equips New Zealand to navigate our way through the jobs and economic crisis ahead.

The Government’s bold plan to boost primary sector economic recovery Minister of Agriculture, Hon Damien O’Connor

Our Fit for a Better World roadmap launch Recently the Prime Minister and I launched a bold plan to boost primary sector export earnings while protecting the environment and growing jobs.

Our Fit for a Better World Action Plan is a 10-year roadmap to unlock greater value for a sector vital to New Zealand’s economic recovery. It centres on three themes: Productivity: adding an additional $44 billion in export earnings over the next decade through a focus on creating value.

Sustainability: reducing our biogenic methane emissions to 24-47 per cent below 2017 levels by 2050; and 10 per cent below by 2030. Plus restoring New Zealand’s freshwater envi-

ronments to a healthy state within a generation.

Inclusiveness: employing 10 per cent more New Zealanders from all walks of life in the food and fibre sector by 2030, and 10,000 more New Zealanders in the primary sector workforce over the next four years.

Our primary sector is such a huge part of our economy and our brand. They’ve made significant strides to improve the sustainability of our products and practices. Our Fit for a Better World roadmap builds on that, and the potential that exists for us to go even further. It spells out practical ways for the sector to fetch more value, create more jobs and bolster our green reputation in a global pandemic environment to ensure New Zealand builds back better, together.

The Government is already backing parts of the roadmap with more than $1.5 billion invested in freshwater quality, water storage, supporting exporters, reducing agriculture emissions, assisting farmer catchment groups, the One Billion Trees scheme, getting people into sector jobs, rural sector resilience and developing new high-value crops To further kick-start delivery of the roadmap we’re accelerating nearly $100 million via the flagship Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures fund and in forestry for innovative and creative projects.

The sector’s ability to record 4.5 per cent growth

to about $48 billion of exports in the past year despite covid-19, highlights demand for our top-quality products. However, we need to act quickly and boldly and can’t continue to rely on volume growth to generate greater returns. We need to create new billion-dollar, category-leading products services for consumers here and overseas, while respecting Te Taiao – the natural world.

Te Taiao is uniquely New Zealand approach that describes a deep relationship with nature in which our long-term wellbeing as a society is tightly bound to the wellbeing of the earth, rivers and oceans. If we look after our environment, it will look after us.

Our Fit for a Better World roadmap builds on the work both primary industries and the Government have already started and brings together actions, investment, and resources that will work in concert to accelerate the transformation we need.

More than ever we must be very closely aligned and in touch with our customers and ensure that we are delivering products they value.

We must engage with customers and consumers who want to buy New Zealand products, because they offer something special.

Over the coming months we’ll be working with the sector on rolling it out.

There is huge potential in this Roadmap, but it can only be achieved through a close partnership with industry and Maori.

August 2020

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From Joe Blakiston PGG Wrightson Tasman Real Estate Manager - Blenheim

Spring is almost upon us in this most unusual year as we prepare for a covid free run up to the elections in September. From a Real Estate perspective things have been so buoyant it is hard to really imagine that changing with rural and lifestyle enquiry very strong which mirrors the residential momentum we have seen in Tasman.

Of course with a shortage of listings as is the case generally over winter there is plenty of competition for what there is on offer, but we have seen several new market drivers appear in recent months.

Several strong rural sales have been made to buyers dissatisfied with returns from bank deposits and the money deemed better invested in land purchases. Secondly expats returning to Tasman have seen several strong sales mainly in the larger lifestyle block market. We expect this to be a significant boost to the Tasman buyer pool from now on.

And of course, change of land use continues to drive our rural market with established traditional farms selling to Horticultural conversion creating strong cashed up buyers prepared to pay a premium for any new local listings.

So all in all it is a great time to consider selling and my only wise words is to talk to your local trusted PGGWrightson Real Estate sales agent early in the piece as our job is to know the market, know the buyers and to give you the right advice from the outset.

You will see some great listings in this month’s edition .

I hope all our farming clients are in a positive frame of mind heading into our new season. I recently attended a Farming for profit seminar in Blenheim with several thought-provoking speakers.

The best part of these events is it gives farmers a chance to change the lens and get out amongst farming friends and the professional community for some social time as well as new ideas.

Time off the farm is invaluable and sometimes hard to schedule, but just do it if you get the chance.

That’s all from me have a great month, Joe Blakiston

August 2020

Pasture quality rules are simple Speaking at the Beef and lamb seminar in Seddon Tom Fraser said “basic science does not change.

So much of the work done years ago still applies.”

One kilogram of dry matter produces 18 megajouls of energy. Fifty percent passes out as faeces and the amount of energy left amounts to between 8 to 12 megajouls.

Pasture quality rules are simple, animals will always select the highest quality diet so the diet ME is higher than the pasture ME. A lamb consuming a diet of 12 megajouls will grow at 300gms/ day. Too much protein will provide more energy to get rid of than the animal can

manage. Legumes are better than grass having fewer stems and dead material.

When a leaf emerges the quality is at its highest and declines with age. From April through September pasture will be of the highest quality. Temperature has a major effect and quality declines within a period of 10 days. Stress thickens up the cell walls and grass quality goes down. Legumes do not do that. Below 9 megajouls animals cannot eat enough to put on weight, poor pasture quality relates to poor animal performance.

In the winter and spring period quality will take care of itself.

Attendees were provided with a tool for a laptop, which provides an understanding of the effect on animal performance and pasture quality. By feeding data into the computer the programme will indicate how animals will perform on the pasture and for how long they will maintain that growth rate. Items for inclusion are growth rate, component of legumes and herbs present, average temperature, amount of dead material, number of animals, area of pasture. Lucerne will break down in the rumen within 4 hours giving more room to consume more. Dead material will take 48 hours to breakdown.

Thirty to forty percent of the rumen content could be composed of dead material.

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Andrew Ritchie

It is important to push as much through the factory of the rumen in 24hours as you can. In the example fed into the programme the pasture was still showing a good amount of metabolisable energy, but the amount of dead material was preventing the animals from harvesting enough to maintain growth at the same level as on day one.

Tom emphasised the importance of forming a feed plan budget. “Everyone who grazes animals on a farm is operating under some feed plan/budget whether for a whole year, a week or a day.” Dairy farmers do one in the autumn to set up for the spring, it should be no different for the sheep industry. Achieving the target has a massive effect on the

kilograms of lambs weaned per hectare. While the results of decisions made are more easily measured by the amount of milk in a dairyman’s vat each day, sheep farmers should know the body score and pasture cover required to achieve their target. Autumn is the easiest time to evolve a feed plan as all trading stock will be gone, crops will be in the ground, hay will be in the shed and pasture growth will be similar every year.

What it will be in January is anyone’s guess. A 65 kg ewe will require 10.5 megajouls of energy to maintain her and the average feed requirement is reasonably low during May, June and July. A feed budget will enable the farmer to change options to achieve the tar-

get. In the last three weeks before lambing do I buy grain or nuts? Grain is of a consistently high quality.

The nutritional content of nuts may vary.

A deficit in the feed plan can be addressed by nitrogen application, which will give a response within three weeks. So an application in late July will provide feed by mid-August. Consideration could be given to an early application to sunny blocks. A 5kg response can be expected in July/August and a 10kg response can be expected in September.

All grass is nitrogen deficient. Ammonium sulphate will provide some sulphur, particularly useful for clover growth. Tom said that a kilogram of dry matter grown in July, August, and

September is worth far more than that kilogram in December/ January.

On the subject of weaning Tom maintains that it should not be a fixed date each year, but should be dictated by the conditions at the time. Lactation is at its peak by day 20 and declines thereafter.

By day 50 the percentage of nutrition coming from milk is low. Grass quality is declining and the fewer legumes available will be eaten by the ewes, therefore it is better to wean and leave the lambs to graze the better pasture. Any ewes with poor lambs should be weaned and sent to the works as the lambs will grow better on good pasture than remaining with the ewe.

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Federated Farmers

Nelson Federated Farmers Report

Marlborough Federated Farmers AGM

More members are taking the opportunity to join monthly zoom open Executive meetings. The July meeting had TDC Mayor Tim King and Cr Christeen McKenzie as an added attraction, endorsing their earlier stated intentions for improved rural communication.

The Mayor commented on the Nelson Tasman Climate Change Forum, noting the proposed Charter had not yet been signed and that outcomes would be driven by legal requirements. The needed cross-section of opinions had not been achieved, and it had drifted into non-climate areas reflecting specific and personal agendas. Subgroup contacts are to be available to members for their contributions. The Te Tauihu Intergenerational Strategy that is also included in the 2020 Vision for Tasman drew comment of impracticality and the Mayor indicated many mooted ideas will not reach the final LTPlan stage.

Mayor King commented on aspects of recent government funding announcements including ‘shovel-ready’ project approvals. Money had been allocated especially for Waimea Inlet native plantings, and hazardous tree removal, water table and drainage improvements that could benefit rural areas. Members contributions noted minimum 5ha when smaller areas could be equally suitable, funding available for planting only, getting suitable planting and fencing staff on minimum wages when the covid-19 wage subsidy exists, and adequate sources of suitable plants. It was also noted that Tasman is already very well forested and there are few opportunities left for tree planting without affecting individual farm viability.

The Council awaits advice on applications for other tagged Three Waters funds and that also involved the annual budget capital spend. Discussion then moved to Council finance where income losses will be met by cost savings with a post-Christmas review because of unknowns. However, there will be issues having to manage, enforce and monitor multiple government regulations on water and land use.

The other item of Council business of interest is the current proposal for greater ratepayer representation and input from Golden Bay and distinction with other isolated and remote areas in the region. President Martin O’Connor will discuss with national policy advisers and Golden Bay Federated Farmers.

Other meeting business included final details for the Tapawera Pre-lambing and Calving social gathering funded by B&LNZ and Fed Farmers, and the 75th Jubilee conference with a zoom address from Massey University Prof Paul Moughan, both of which were held during July. Next zoom open meetings are 6.45 for 7 pm on 11 August and 15 September.

New Zealand’s Future Direction Debated The future direction of New Zealand relative to population and economic and environmental values featured at Marlborough Federated Farmers annual general meeting when Waikato National MP and agriculture spokesman David Bennett was guest speaker.

In question time, David Bennett who owns two dairy farms near Te Awamutu was asked by Northbank farmer and Marlborough Federated Farmers vice-president Scott Adams about New Zealand’s population size with the policy of GDP adhering to a growth strategy.

“Where do we want New Zealand’s population policy to go?” asked Scott Adams.

“New Zealand does not have a population policy.”

David Bennett replied the subject was a controversial area and not specifically related to the agricultural sector, as most of New Zealand’s population growth was now urban

based. “New Zealand’s population is determined through our immigration settings and birth rates,” he replied. “Some argue for a smaller population. However, I believe this limits our ability to attract talent, maintain world class institutions and can put us out of step with our neighbours.

For example, the populations of Sydney and Melbourne are anticipated to grow from 5m to 9m each in the next generation.” New Zealand was fortunate that it could control entry to borders. “We should be encouraging people that want to add value to our country to come. The skills and diversity they bring will be part of the next generation of farmers and growers that will increase New Zealand’s exports and productive capacity,” he added.

Scott Adams responded by saying it seemed logical and prudent for New Zealand to develop a population policy. “Farmers manage stock numbers relative to carrying capacity. There’s a finite limit.

We need a population policy for people.”

New Zealand could feed 40 million people, but the question was about economical, environmental and social values. “But do we want 40 million people? There are challenges in growth with pressure on infrastructure such as water supply as shown by Auckland’s problems.” David Bennett pointed out that Melbourne was annually adding 100,000 people a year, more than New Zealand as a country did.

Bigger or Better?

Gary Barnett, Tua Marina farmer asked how does “bigger become better?” David Bennett said a population policy was not simply setting a number. The growing population in Sydney and Melbourne were markets with much potential, which New Zealand should be catering for rather than growing numerically. Water was a big factor with environmental values too. Some Auckland beaches were not safe to swim.

“There’s a fundamental

Tony Orman difference for New Zealand.

We’re in business, every farmer is in business and New Zealand is in business.”

In his speech David Bennett said Federated Farmers played an important role in the country’s politics as advocates for farming. Primary industries were the most important ones in New Zealand’s economy with New Zealand having a huge advantage in the efficiency and resilience of its farmers.

Consumers were increasingly discerning. European countries would become more competitive with targets such as 25 percent of land to be organic not uncommon.

“The EU countries are pushing, and we need to adapt and push too,” he added.

There were areas of concern within New Zealand’s farming picture such as conversion of farms to forestry being a huge issue and with rural communities such as the East Coast and Wairarapa worried about their future. Farm employment with likely restrictions on entry, was looming to be a big issue.

“Undoubtedly there are big challenges for any government but quite frankly some of the Labour led government’s ministers are just not up to it. A government has to be up with the play. It’s not up to politicians to tell farmers how to run a business,” he added.

David Bennet cited the example of an organic bill meant to have a unified approach. However, MPI managed to create a structure that failed. “You need a minister who would ensure the bureaucrats didn’t do that,” he added.

David Bennett said Kaikoura National MP Stuart Smith was a very good MP and solid advocate for Marlborough.

Regulation Choke Asked by Waihopai farmer Geoff Evans about regulations “choking” farmers, David Bennett said every politician wanted to see the RMA reformed. Under MMP the previous National government could not get agreement to pass needed changes

and the current Labour-led coalition government had the same problem. “That aside the current government is in dreamland. They just don’t grasp reality,” he added.

In his president’s report Phillip Neal referred to mounting regulations. “Every month it seemed central government was introducing a new law, rule and/or reform for the rural sector. In addition, we are fighting for our rights.”

He referred to the ”rushed legislation” on firearm reforms which led to poorly conceived legislation. “The new legislation really affected legal law-abiding firearm owners who were required to surrender their legal guns while there remained the anomaly of unlicensed and illegal guns still circulating in our communities.”

Phillip Neal also referred to freshwater reforms where he said numerous submissions from farmers were ignored by the coalition government.

Elections were:President Phillip Neal, Vice presidents Scott Adams, Evan White, Treasurer Gary Barnett.

Secretary: Glenda Robb.

Dairy Section, Evan White, Meat and Wool Scott Adams, deputy Richard Dawkins, TbFree/OSPRI Gregg Wooley, High Country Jim Ward, Environment Awards David Dillon, Top of South Chris Bird, Rural Advisory Group Scott Adams.

Life Member Waihopai valley farmer David Dillon was awarded a life membership for many years service, some years as president and being instrumental in the Marlborough Environment Awards. In response David Dillon said farming often faced unexpected challenges as in his years as president there was the Wither Hills fire and a “100-year drought”.

“Patience is a virtue in farming with the vagaries of climate’s droughts and low rainfalls,” he said. “Marlborough farmers survive on teamwork”.

August 2020

Pressure forces move, for all the right reasons By the time you read this Harpers Machinery will have moved to new home at 5 Opawa St, Blenheim. After 12 years in their current location they will be in a new purpose built premises and have a new name…BA Marlborough.

“It’s just around the corner from the old building” says Chris Johnston who has been a familiar face to Harpers customers. “A bigger premises and increased workshop space was required due to the steady growth within the region. The team is also expanding to meet the increased demand for our services, so a larger space will allow us to better serve our loyal customers with even faster and more efficient delivery and servicing of machinery.”

Harpers Machinery has been a wholly owned subsidiary of BA Pumps & Sprayers since its inception in 2008. BA Directors, Mark, Penny and Guy Rendle, saw the move as an opportunity to bring the organisation’s branding into line, and are excited to announce the launch of BA Marlborough. BA Marlborough will feature the same team, ex-

pertise and experience, and will continue to play a key role in servicing one of New Zealand’s key growing regions.

BA Pumps & Sprayers is a family owned and operated business based in Hautapu, Waikato founded in 1989.

Committed to best spraying practices, they manufacture NZ made spray products for the viticulture, horticulture and agricultural sectors and are one of New Zealand’s leading players in the space.

BA Marlborough stock, sell and service the BA Pumps & Sprayers extensive sprayer range, Shurflo pumps and Teejet nozzles, Collard vineyard and hort equipment plus have the experience to adapt and customise equipment to suit individual needs. They carry a full range of components and accessories and a range of fertilizer spreaders and water blasters.

For more information call into BA Marlborough in Opawa Street or call them on 578 5490.

Many thanks to the Blenheim Sun for the great pics.

Chris Johnston with a Collard leaf trimmer - and at right the range of sprayers from BA Pumps & Sprayers: tractor mount, ATV, ute, trailer mounted or trailed, any option to suit all applications.

New BA Marlborough premises at 5 Opawa Street Blenheim

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Nelson Federated Farmers 75th Jubilee Barbara Stuart QSM for services to conservation

About 50 people joined a stimulating programme celebrating 75 years of Federated Farmers activities in the region that were reported in a historical booklet available to all members. They heard a fascinating and encouraging zoom address from Prof Paul Moughan of Riddet

Institute, Massey University that will be covered in detail later. He specifically highlighted the importance of producing animal milk and meat protein in the context of the next 30 years that he described as a wicked global challenge for adequate food production and environmental stability. He

reinforced clear arguments with new science that measured their superiority over plant proteins for quality and digestibility.

Mayor Tim King discussed some local aspects of that, especially about water, new legislative and regulatory requirements, ratepayers’ costs, and the problem with imposed one model that did not suit locally, and yet still more unknowns. He noted that Tasman was in a strong position already to handle these issues and those raised by Prof Moughan.

We have very good water quality; food production is important socially and economically in the region from commodities to retail products with suitable facilities in place.

Mayor King presented a Life Membership certificate to Colin Gibbs, commenting on his various roles in the farming community. One was as initial Chairman of the regional Rural Support Trust, and current Chairman Richard Kempthorne expanded on its role and activities now.

Barbara Stuart is a retiring member of the Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board.

She was a member of the New Zealand Walking Access Commission Board and was among the first private landowners in New Zealand to create a formal public walkway across her family farm at Cable Bay, near Nelson. While working for NZ Landcare Trust, she led the Aorere Catchment Project, which improved water quality in the rivers and near-shore area of Golden Bay. Also, the Sherry River Catchment Group, Rai-Pelorus and Upper Buller Groups as well as The Starborough Flaxbourne Soil Conservation Group with Doug Avery. Mrs Stuart has been involved with Federated Farmers, Rural Women New Zealand, and the Rural Support Trust coordinating mental health support for Nelson Tasman rural communities.

Mrs Barbara Stuart

Not all proteins are the same Mayor Tim King presenting Life membership certificate to Colin Gibbs

Life Members Colin Gibbs and Andrew Hodge cut the celebratory cake donated by Rural Women

Professor Paul Moughan of the Riddet Institute based at Massey University addressed the Nelson Federated Farmers 75th Jubilee recently in Richmond. The Riddet Institute has studied nutritional values of proteins and found that not all proteins are equal. Professor Moughan says “high protein foods are in vogue”. There is growing awareness of the role of protein for satiety and body muscle metabolism. These are functional foods for supplying dietary nutrition to humans. Based on some twenty years of government funded research the Riddet Institute has developed a new scale for measuring amino acid’s ability to fuel the body. The dollar return to New Zealand from this leading research is very considerable. This work is a world-first and has been taken up internationally. Vegetable based proteins are of lower quality than animal protein and while we need a mixed diet, in a world were population growth will peak at ten billion by 2050, sustainably produced animal protein will play a significant role in feeding the world’s population. The world is facing a wicked challenge in respect of food supply especially in developing countries with a burgeoning middle class, over the next thirty years.”

The new information puts New Zealand farming in a solid position for supplying

Professor Paul Moughan sustainably produced food. Professor Moughan says, “the old system of measuring protein under-values animal protein especially milk. He encouraged farmers to develop partnerships between Agriculture, Science and Marketing and to maintain sustainable practices. He said New Zealand farmers have been practising regenerative farming for the past hundred years and they are part of a real “Kiwi” knowledge wave, growing diverse foods within the caveat of acceptable environmental restraints.”

August 2020

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Time to consider how to fill the hayshed Article supplied by OsGro seed service

Now is time to think about how to replenish the stocks of hay, balage or silage on farm.

It’s no secret winter feed crops have been poor to average, and farmers have had to feed a lot more supplement than usual. For many farmers this has meant they have feed out all supplement on farm and had to purchase extra feed in.

With Spring approaching now is the time to consider what to plant to restock on supplement, there is no question that home grown feed is the cheapest form of supplement you can have.

Why should I plant a specialist crop to make forage supplement?

What specialist crops offer are very high yields off small areas, which can be high quality feed if made in the appropriate time, the alternative is locking large areas of pasture up and cutting it for hay silage or balage. Certain farmers may have a stand of Lucerne, this does make idea supplement no question.

Plastic is not magic.

You get out what you put in. To make quality supplement, you must cut quality crop or pasture, and quality is a trade-off of yield. I have seen so many farmers cut long rank pasture for supplement then wrap it in plastic and expect quality feed in the winter.

With balage or silage yes, the plastic ensure the ensiling process, but you still need to put quality in to get quality out.

What options are there?

Cereals Oats are a winter/spring sown green chop option that have the ability to produce a significant yield and can be sown during the winter months through to the spring.

Triticale is a good way of producing large volumes of whole crop cereal silage to replenish supplies, these can be sown during the winter through to early spring.

Barley is a very user-friendly whole crop cereal silage; it has a large planting window from winter through to November.

Oats / Peas mixes. These are common and by adding peas it is a good way of increasing protein and overall yield of the supplement.

Maize silage is a proven cost effective, high value, high carbohydrate forage that is the perfect partner for pasture. Maize is mainly used in the Dairy industry but can be used very effectively in beef finishing systems. Sow October/November .

Sorghum is grown in the warmer regions of NZ and produces high quality, high yielding summer feed for silage or balage. It is a tropical grass, so care need to be taken where it is planted and requires a soil temperature of 16 degrees and rising.

Talk to your local independent seed broker about what options are best for your situation.

Sharyn Miller from Harcourts Rural with Graham Pomeroy Rural Support with Toby Randall and Graham Cook

Rural Support benefits from BBQ The Rural Support Trust has received a donation of close to $1,000 following a successful BBQ fundraiser held during the clearing sale on the Sangster property in July.

The BBQ was organised by the Harcourts Rural team, who turned up with their custom-built BBQ trailer and 130 wild venison patties which were kindly processed for free by the good guys at Meat Solutions in Richmond.

Toby Randall from Harcourts says. “It was a great excuse to head out hunting for some venison” and “Clearing Sales are a real community event, they’re a great way to sell goods but also a great way to catch up with old faces and talk to friends and neighbours. Being on the road and working in the rural sector we understand just how remote some of these places are and farmers aren’t always good at talking about their issues and problems- they generally just get on with it. That is where Rural Support comes in, whether it is just having a cuppa and talking through things or offering advice and support. I think it’s a great charity to get behind and mental health is an often-unspoken issue.”

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August 2020

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Fake News Covid-19 and human health have been the focus of our lives for months, and now a global search for answers and a vaccine as a buffer for future health, life and activities. Vaccines save lives, although their scientific basis can be

Garrick Batten disconnected from public sentiment especially from anti-vaxers who behave similarly to some environmental activists.

Anti-vaxers are a relatively small fervent group using some outlandish claims that scare and polarise worries and advocate alternatives based not only on fear but the heart. They talk to themselves, sticking to their own stories in a sea of misinformation, already spreading on-line about Covid-19. That rising tide can be worryingly effective. As it surges, sometimes it swamps reality and reason because social media platforms are driven to maximise user engagement, not information based on facts and evidence.

There is an ongoing parallel with information about the environment.

The government’s Essential Fresh Water policy and implementation plans reflect how insidious misinformation can be. Using handpicked experts to produce acceptable reports then adopted by Cabinet without normal Select Committee and Parlia-

ment consideration also highlights how indirectly corrosive it can be. That rush perhaps recognises the questionable quality of that information.

Greenpeace claims credit for this misinformation, and director Norman constantly criticised dairying for waterway pollution while being paid as a Green MP, at one stage claiming that dairy farmers were so rich they could afford an environmental tax. Unable to get sufficient support in Parliament, he now uses his organisation to continue that agenda. Recent outlandish statements require halving the national dairy herd to “reduce industrial dairying because it is our biggest climate change emitter and water polluter”. So joining Trump and other opinionists where truth only matters if useful to the speaker and lying seems to work.

Feelings can smother facts and use of social media has been as successful in this as for the anti-vaxers.

It is a fact that plants need feeding to grow. Otherwise there is less to eat for mobile animal composting machines that build soil carbon and microorgan-

isms. The Greenpeace demand to limit and ultimately ban synthetic nitrogen and superphosphate fertilisers would starve farms. But they have not spelt out that consequence to society or the economy because such facts would counter ideological and selfish objectives. Soil does not make plant nutrients, only stores them, and they need replacing to balance outputs. Farmers have had several bad experiences such as in WWII and the late 1980s of expecting soils to continue to grow plants without feeding them. One dairy cow can take 45kg superphosphate, 35 kg potash, and 25 kg lime out the gate each year.

However, farmers would be thrilled to get the $1b that Greenpeace wants the government to fund regenerative agriculture as it basically endorses their current management. Based on fact, not from Greenpeace environmental activism in the anti-vaxer model.

Garrick Batten, Brightwater, writes on rural topics from a lifetime professional and practical career locally, nationally and internationally. www.ruralscribe.wordpress.com

Reducing farm emissions not farm incomes

By Stuart Smith MP Good environmental practice is not only important to protect our natural heritage, but is crucial in securing the sort of future we want for our children. With more than 85 per cent renewable electricity generation already, we are off to a good start in New Zealand in trying to reduce our emissions. We are now looking at how we can reduce emissions in other sectors such as agriculture.

It’s essential that we do not place unnecessary costs on businesses and that the actions we take are based

on good science and will lead to better environmental outcomes. Economic growth and improving the environment can and must go hand in hand. People respond best to change when engaged and given incentives.

It was incredibly promising to hear the recent announcement by AgResearch that New Zealand sheep farmers now have the ability to breed animals that emit less methane. Nearly half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture. The main source

of agriculture emissions is methane from livestock digestive systems, which makes up almost three quarters of agriculture emissions.

Low methane appears to be a breedable trait. What is most promising is the economic benefits to the farmer that can result from breeding low methane animals. Benefits have been shown to include faster lamb growth, more lean meat, less fat, better parasite resistance and better wool growth. On top of this we could see a cumulative 1 percent reduction in emis-

sions each year.

This is an incredibly promising area where good science can lead to positive environmental outcomes without detriment to our Kiwi farms. If we can establish an accountable and measureable way of reducing farm emissions without impacting farmers financially, then there will be huge benefits to the New Zealand economy. Farmers’ confidence has been at all-time lows these past few years and these findings will help provide certainty around the future of their businesses.

August 2020

Fertiliser

13

Is your fertiliser The pH Fertmark approved? connection Philippa Rawlinson, Executive Director, Fertiliser Quality Council Only Fertmark approved fertiliser guarantees that what’s on the label is what’s in the product.

The Fertiliser Quality Council is urging all fertiliser users to check whether the product they are using has been approved by the Fertmark scheme. In short, if it’s not, then there is no guarantee that the product is true to label.

Fortunately, the majority of fertiliser used in New Zealand is registered and approved with Fertmark and, as such, has been through an ongoing audit and verification process under this quality assurance scheme. While this is good news, we still estimate that there is about 20% of fertiliser being spread that is not Fertmark approved and has not been tested to ensure verification.

This means that farmers and growers who use nonFertmark registered products cannot be certain that what they are using is what they ordered. The consequences of this can be highly detrimental. For example, where a farmer has conducted a nutrient test and orders in a fertiliser supply rich in phosphorous, he needs to know that his order is accurate. And if the grass doesn’t grow in line with his expectations, and needs, this will have a negative effect on his business.

The FQC is keen to encourage farmers to either check the fertiliser product they are using against the list of Fertmark registered product on the FQC website at www.fqc.co.nz or ask their fertiliser supplier or agent directly whether the product is Fertmark approved. Where the answer is yes and proof can be shown (typically this a product label displaying the Fertmark tick) all doubt is removed and the farmer can be safe in the knowledge that the fertiliser order will be exactly what was placed – and contain exactly what was expected.

For fertiliser users who opt to purchase fertiliser from suppliers who haven’t voluntarily registered their products with the Fertmark scheme, there will always be an element of the unknown and associated risk.

Fertmark is New Zealand’s only fertiliser auditing scheme. It was established in 1996 to give farmers confidence in the fertiliser products they were using. It now includes the requirements of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act (ACVM) which require fertilisers to be supplied in such a way as to minimise risks to food safety and animal welfare.

pH is a soil condition you hear about a lot from “experts” – excessively so, in fact. Nevertheless, pH is important, and we should not ignore what it is telling us. pH measures soil acidity and alkalinity. And, as soils become more acid, grasses and clover do not grow as well. Which reflects why pH levels provoke so much interest in New Zealand’s grass-based agricultural system.

The acidity or alkalinity of any substance is defined by pH using a scale of numbers from 0 (most acid) to 14 (most alkaline) with 7 neutral. Most soil pH varies from 4 to 10, but most crops do best in slightly acid soils (6-6.8).

Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients, which may be connected with nutrient deficiencies and toxicities; it also determines the types of soil organisms and their ability to flourish – most bacteria, for example, cannot live in very acid conditions, whereas many fungi can.

The traditional belief is that acidity is bad and should be countered by the application of lime. But it is important to remember that some acidity is necessary for plants to absorb certain

nutrients from soil colloids.

We should also remember that, when pH levels are above 6, the nitrogen-fixing bacteria azotobacter can flourish; well aerated soil allows aerobic bacteria to grow, along with fungi and actinomycetes. But if heavy rain accumulates in a low area, air is excluded and harmful anaerobic, denitrifying bacteria are allowed to release nitrogen, while fungi actinomycetes and aerobic bacteria remain become temporarily dormant.

It’s also worth noting that experts usually base their liming recommendations on one pH test. But testing several times a year reveals that pH can change significantly during a growing season.

What’s more, fertilisers and soil conditioners have shortterm and long-term effects on pH. So, as long as the pH does not reach extremes either way, testing and “correction” are less important than many people think. The use of lime to “sweeten” soil is a case of doing the right thing for the wrong reason.

In fact, crops benefit more from the calcium they get from the lime than they do from pH control.

Once soil pH drops under 5.8, the availability of organic nitrogen to grasses

and molybdenum to clovers is reduced. As pH drops below 5.5, the amount of toxic aluminium and manganese in the soil increases, and roots do not grow into the soil. The result is that plants suffer more when rainfall is low.

While nitrogen fertilisers (except calcium ammonium nitrate and any nitrate fertiliser) do increase soil acidity, their effect is much less than photosynthesis and nitrogen.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry quotes these rules of thumb to determine the relationship between nitrogen fertiliser and ph levels: ammonium sulphate requires 5kg lime/kg N to neutralise acidity – 112kg/ ha lime per 100kg/ha ammonium sulphate applied; diammonium phosphate (DAP) requires 3.5kg lime/ kg N (64kg/ha lime per 100kg/ha DAP applied); urea requires 1.8kg lime/kg N (82kg/ha lime per 100kg/ ha urea applied.

MAF says that evidence from recent trials demonstrates that when soil

Satellite Spreading Smarter spreading of fertiliser will save companies money, improve soil condition and have better environmental outcomes, says Dillon Senior from Centaland. The company has just introduced a variable rate spreader that applies a fertiliser at a rate dictated electronically by a GPS soil map.

“It kills two birds with one stone,” says Dillon, who sat in on one of the machine’s first runs and watched it change the output multiple times in one row, having received information from the soil map. “You get better results with less cost and less input. It’s a bit of a no brainer from my perspective.” The GPS soil mapping considers variation of soil in a field, so application matches requirements, rather than a flat rate across

a block, he says. “This results in much more efficient use of inputs and increased take up in the soil.” Grower Richard Holdaway has used the system to spread gypsum on a block in Morgans Rd. “We have invested heavily in mapping and soil zone testing, and this system lets us put the product exactly where it’s needed, in the appropriate quantity,” he says.

Dillon says he has had a positive response to the concept from clients despite the initial investment required of a soil map. “But once you have yearly data coming in, you have so much more power to make smarter decisions and save more money, which is very important to help ensure profitability during these times of market uncertainty.”

temperatures fall below 6ºC when nitrogen uptake is low, the risk of loss from leaching rises. MAF suggests farmers follow these strategies: - Match nitrogen applications to plant growth to increase N uptake by plants - nitrogen uptake increases during periods of active plant growth.

- Avoid applying nitrogen during dry (drought) periods - dry periods reduce both plant growth and plants’ ability to take up nitrogen.

- Avoid applying nitrogen after a dry (drought) period until sufficient regrowth has occurred after rain – this prevents the applied nitrogen from being lost before the plants are able to take up nutrients.

- Ensure that applied nitrogen is in proportion to other nutrients, according to plant requirements. The application of nitrogen will increase plant growth and the uptake of other nutrients; but, if too much nitrogen is applied relative to other nutrient requirements, plant

growth will be restricted and the efficiency of nitrogen use reduced. -- Consider using nitrification inhibitors, especially on camp areas. In areas where animal urine is deposited, nitrification inhibitors reduce nitrate leaching and increase the amount of nitrogen available for plant uptake. The overall effect is to reduce nitrogen loss and increase dry-matter production.

- Ensure that soil fertility and pH levels are at economic optimum for the individual farm before embarking on high nitrogen use. Increased use of nitrogen increases the uptake and export of other nutrients, and may result in pH changes. Use soil tests and nutrient budgets to establish optimum soil fertility and pH levels.

- Ensure that your farm system and infrastructure allow the full use of extra pasture growth.

John Barnes is the managing director of Fertilizer New Zealand Ltd For more information: phone 03 541 0287

Fertiliser

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Paving the way for precision ag Anders Crofoot, Chairman, Fertiliser Quality Council

Anders Crofoot Established in 1994, the true value of the Spreadmark standard is only now being realised by the wider agricultural industry.

For the past 25 years Spreadmark has been quietly underpinning successful nutrient placement across both the ground and aerial spreading sectors. Initially, this fertiliser industry standard was devised to raise the bar across the profession.

It was created to ensure that there was a thorough code of practice in place for nutrient spreaders to adhere to and so augment their reputation.

Spreadmark accreditation was set up as voluntary in anticipation that spreader operators who trained to meet the Spreadmark requirements would have a competitive edge, par-

ticularly as more and more farmers began to recognise the assurances that Spreadmark accredited spreaders brought with them.

At the heart of the Spreadmark programme was the determination to ensure that fertiliser was distributed on the land where it would be of the most agronomical benefit and have the least negative environmental impact. This meant accurate and even placement was paramount – this also gave an early nod to the precision agriculture movement we see today.

It is no wonder then, that Spreadmark is often described as being ‘well before its time’. For the best part of a quarter of a century, Spreadmark accredited spreaders have been practicing precision techniques to ensure the best outcomes for farmers as well as the environment.

In addition, the Spreadmark scheme was created to include high level spreader operator training across health and safety, risk management and aligning the

nutrient spreading task with the overall farm management plan.

Spreading companies that seek Spreadmark accreditation undertake stringent testing to allow them to use the Spreadmark trademark.

In turn, the benefit to fertiliser users who employ Spreadmark accredited operators is that they are guaranteed that their spreading job will be accurate and even, that health and safety won’t be compromised and that no environmental regulations will be transgressed.

This, again, showed great foresight as these are some of the important areas on which modern day agriculture places great emphasis.

Today, Spreadmark goes one step further in that spreading operators now use highly sophisticated technology that enables them to provide auditable proof of the completed spreading task. As we all embrace an increasingly auditable world where traceability now plays a major part in food production, farmers, growers, food processors

and regional councils are increasingly being required to provide evidence of fertiliser spreading for their farm audits.

New Zealand food companies, too, are being asked more and more by overseas buyers to prove that the manufacture process is environmentally considerate, ethical and authentic – right down to how the nutrients were applied.

Without doubt we will see more and more requests for proof of nutrient placement but fertiliser users can rest assured that if they are using a Spreadmark accredited operator, these requests can be easily satisfied.

Further information: Anders Crofoot, Chairman, FQC chairman@fertqual.co.nz 027 426 5324 Philippa Rawlinson, Executive Director, FQC director@fertqual.co.nz 021 512 971 Lisa Carruthers, Communications, FQC lisa.looppr@gmail.com 021 122 0364

Spreading company grows to meet demand

Brooks Spreading Ltd are a well know name in the industry and have constantly developed and evolved the business to suit the needs of the agricultural market in the Top of the South Island.

Vehicles and equipment are constantly being updated and now include three 4 x 4 Iveco Spreaders (one permanently based in Murchison), with self-unloading trailers, two tractor spreaders, one specifically for horticultural work. Plus, two tipper units for bulk cartage of fertiliser and other general bulk cartage.

Brooks Spreading also have

an elevator which can unload fertiliser from the bulk units to the spreaders.

Brooks have always set high standards and have their fleet Spreadmark certified and all drivers undertake spreadmark operator training. All spreading work is recorded using TracMap GPS proof of placement mapping. Dean Brooks is the immediate past President of the NZ Groundspread Fertiliser Association. The Association has worked to improve spreading efficiency, effectiveness and operator safety for generations and has

made a huge contribution to the economic viability of the primary sector in New Zealand.

Brooks cover Nelson, Marlborough and Buller regions using Ravensdown, Ballance or Fertiliser New Zealand products, they are happy to spread any solid fertiliser no matter who the supplier may be.

Operating since February 2003 they are currently based in Spring Grove.

If you want to talk about your fertiliser spreading options give Dean or Sarah a call on 0800 542 383.

Fertiliser

August 2020

15

Inputs, outputs and outcomes all matter Without energy life does not exist, and the purpose of pasture is to convert energy from sunlight into food, providing the energy essential for human survival.

The conversion process is known as photosynthesis, whereby via plant leaves sunlight interacts with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and other essential elements to provide the vegetables, grains, fruits, meat, and milk we require to be useful and productive.

There is much more besides however it’s a useful start point for this discussion.

Without sunlight we cease to exist, and it is only the conversion of this energy via plants that allows our current civilisation to remain.

The testing process that is currently relied on to provide the nutrients that ensure both pasture and crops flourish largely ignores the energetic side of the equation with the assumption that when all essential elements are available plants and animals thrive.

Modern agriculture is based on many years of dedicated work by well-intentioned people and the volumes of research that have resulted has allowed us to progress to this point, however to go forward we have to evolve

our understanding and farming practises.

The historic data is sound, providing the base from which we now progress.

Where there is currently a disconnect lies with the industries that have developed from the outstanding work of scientists, thinkers, engineers, and farmers.

Over time we’ve come to expect simple answers and an easy fix for the things that haven’t worked as we’ve wanted, and that also has to change. Daily observation is a technique essential to sound farm management, along with the time to process, internalise, and make sense of what is seen, heard,

and felt.

By making changes we can grow more, harvest it more efficiently, build top-soil, filter water and return nitrogen to the atmosphere. Financial surplus lifts as input costs reduce and those farmers already part of this movement become incredibly enthused by its simplicity.

Re-introducing the human factor and using existing science to put art back into farming is essential, and the systems already exist and have been in use by farmers for over fifteen years.

Both products and processes will be refined and made more efficient, however it is not necessary or helpful to try

to re-invent the wheel.

We have had recent discussions with intensive dairy operators looking for answers to persistent calcium/magnesium related metabolic disorders and empty rates of 15% and above.

They know they must change but are so busy that only a quick fix can be considered, and frustration builds as it becomes obvious that a system change is required. Often a proviso that is put in place is that a reduction in animal numbers is not possible.

Recently I was told that an increase in pasture growth along with a reduction in animal ill-health issues and

fewer empty cows was most welcome provided that the stocking rate of 4 cows per hectare could be maintained.

Four cows require approximate 45kg of DM/day of maintenance feed. Over 365 days that’s a total of 16,425kgDM/ha. Even if the property is growing that amount there’s no surplus so production can only be from bought in feed.

With annual N inputs of 300kg/ha that farm will be growing less pasture each year and the outcome will be an ultimatum from the bank, if not this season certainly within the following two.

On one hand this is not good, on the other it’s driv-

ing these systems rapidly to the point where fundamental change is essential if farms in their current form are to remain.

That’s one example, and where there’s one there will be another nine close to teetering. Few farms are selling and when sales do take place they tend to be at heavily

reduced prices.

Farmers collectively have the solutions to their current predicament and leaving decisions to outside agencies hoping that somehow the answer will be forthcoming is not sound management. For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

16

Government’s creative approach to law-making unwelcome

Kim Reilly, Federated Farmers South Island Regional Policy Manager Making good regulations relies on following sound, robust and proper law-making processes.

The government’s recent approach to a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) instead fell somewhere between dancing around the line of proper process, and boldly jumping beyond it.

Federated Farmers raised earlier concerns with the lack of public input into important aspects of the Bill, particularly where matters went beyond its intended scope.

Those concerns only intensified as the Bill worked its way through the parliamentary process.

All major political parties agree that the RMA needs

comprehensive review and reform. In fact, as early as 2018, the Government agreed to a two-stage reform process.

Stage 1 was to be a narrow-scoped Bill on matters that did not add significant complexity or costs. Stage 2 was to be comprehensive reform of the entire resource management system.

To facilitate Stage 2 reform, the government set up a working group, whose final report is due back to government this month.

It was agreed that Stage 2 was where complex issues, such as the interaction between the RMA and climate change policy, were to be considered. The government’s own background documents made it clear such matters required significant consultation with a range of stakeholders to understand views and practical implications on the ground.

As climate change was not included within the Bill when it was released for submissions, submitters did not know to submit on it, provide evidence, or raise it during Select Committee hearings.

However, a hundred or so individuals did submit saying that climate change should have been part of the Bill.

Select Committee’s re-

sponse to this feedback should have been that Cabinet had agreed it was too important to be considered as part of the narrow Bill, and that it would be addressed through the comprehensive Stage 2 reform.

Instead, the Select Committee added it onto the Bill after submissions and hearings had finished, with no opportunity for other submitters or councils to provide views or evidence.

Of even more concern, is that further significant changes were made to the Bill via what is known as ‘Supplementary Order Papers (SOPs), presented to the House the day the Bill was passed (24 June 2020).

These significant lastminute additions included provision for regulations to be made around farm plans, and fertilising monitoring and reporting.

Neither of these matters just ‘appeared’ on the Government’s radar in June 2020. They were clearly considered well before this time, but the decision was made to circumvent good process.

Government papers from July 2019 discussed how the government could turn the existing framework of industry-led farm plans into a risk-based regulatory regime with mandatory,

enforceable farm plans, and infringement offences.

It was noted that while including such matters in the Bill itself would allow the public to properly submit, that this important process risked delaying the Bill.

Ultimately, it was decided to instead add these matters to the Bill via a SOP at the end of the process after public submissions, to avoid delaying the Bill’s passing.

To be clear, the concept of mandatory, enforceable farm plans, which were open to infringement offences when not met, were not discussed with farmers, or the sector, at any part of the Bill process, or the separate Action for Healthy Waterways freshwater reform process.

All these major additions to the Bill were found to only partially meet Government’s quality assurance criteria, due to the lack of public input or consultation on each.

Fundamental changes to our resource management system are too important to rush and get wrong.

Being creative is an admirable trait in most aspects of Kiwis ingenuity. It is not, however, when it comes to adhering to New Zealand’s democratic law-making processes.

Nutrient spreading – a vital first step John Schultz, President of the New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers Association Nutrient spreading is the essential starting point for all food production in New Zealand, and it’s good to see growing commitment to getting this vital first step right.

With increasing emphasis on precision farming and more research going into soil science and nutrient development, the days of simply getting the fert’ on are being well and truly left behind.

It was once commonplace for farmers to work towards ticking off the fertiliser spreading task on their job sheet as quickly as possible, so they could move onto the next thing that needed attention. However, nowadays most are working closely with their nutrient supplier and their ground spreader to focus more on ensuring nutrient spreading is a task well done.

Nutrients have always been expensive but what we are seeing now is greater knowledge, resources, data information, and training available for farmers around smart working and how best to run an efficient and profitable farm business. With this support, fertiliser users are increasingly determined to make sure they use and apply this pricey product to their best advantage whilst protecting the environment.

Environmental regulations have shone the spotlight on all agricultural practices, and for the first time, on nutrient placement. Environmental directives are hugely important and I’m proud to say that ground spreaders in New Zealand have been placing fertiliser accurately and evenly in locations where it can be of the most agricultural benefit and the least environmental harm for over 25 years. Most ground spreaders operate to our industry standard, Spreadmark, which came into effect in 1994 – and which requires ground spreaders to undergo rigorous training across several areas.

This training covers the practical application of nutrients to ensure the best possible outcome for the farmer or grower. This takes into consideration geographic and climatic conditions, so the operator can make the best decision about the optimum time to apply nutrients – based on weather patterns, wind direction and local topography. Product knowledge also plays its part here and, with increasing product choice, farmers can be confident that their ground spreaders understand the varying characteristics between products and will calibrate their machines accordingly.

Spreader trucks these days are highly sophisticated vehicles. Many cabs are fitted with hi-tech GPS equipment to precisely identify areas of application as well as pinpoint waterways, farm borders, boundaries and any other areas that need to be avoided. The GPS also generates valuable data that allows for year on year comparisons of product, application, growth and cost.

Importantly, ground spreaders also undergo robust health and safety training. This is an area of immense importance to our industry and identifying and assessing risks and hazards is a significant part of the training.

As an industry association, the NZGFA welcomes the illumination of our sector. It has given us the opportunity to showcase ground spreading as a highly skilled profession.

Importantly, it has opened up the conversation between fertiliser users, ground spreaders, nutrient suppliers and food processors to make sure that this important first step in the food production chain is in no way left to chance.

John Schultz is the President of the NZGFA. Established in 1956, the NZGFA is one of the most long-standing, active industry associations in New Zealand.

Further information: John Schultz, President NZGFA www.nzgfa.co.nz 027 439 9768

August 2020

17

Across my desk John Hollis Rural Agribusiness Broker Colliers International Limited Nelson

Welcoming the Farm Debt Mediation Scheme

Marty Logan, Partner, Pitt & Moore A government backed scheme to assist primary producers in financial distress took effect on 1 July. Unlike some of the other recent debt relief measures that apply to business more generally, this was not a Covid related measure, but recognises the particular pressures that primary producers are facing.

It is backed by the Farm Debt Mediation Act. The scheme applies to primary producers in fields such as agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture. Some primary producers, such as forestry,

fishing and lifestyle farming are excluded.

At the heart of the scheme is the mandatory requirement for banks, and other security holders, to go through a formal mediation process, in good faith, with their farmer clients before they can take any action to enforce their security (for example beginning a mortgagee sale process). Farmers don’t have to wait for their creditors to act and can initiate the mediation process themselves. The scheme provides a streamlined process for setting up the mediation and farmer’s costs are capped at $2,000.

A mediator is appointed and they then conduct a mediation meeting with the parties.

The scheme is no “magic cure-all” for farmers given that mediators have no ability to impose solutions on either party. If the farmer cannot reach an agreement with their creditor at the mediation then the creditor can proceed with enforcement, provided they have negotiated in good faith.

However, mediation can

still be a very useful process.

Firstly there is the practical aspect of forcing the parties to put all other matters to one side for the day and focus their energies on resolving this one issue. It can be surprising what a difference this focussed approach can make.

Secondly the parties have the benefit of a mediator who is skilled at assisting parties in working through their issues and arriving at a mutually acceptable solution. With a mediator involved parties are much less inclined to walk away from the table and instead will often continue negotiating past their usual comfort point. Accordingly we would urge farmers who are experiencing financial difficulties to consider using this scheme on a proactive basis. If your bank invokes the scheme, then we would recommend that farmers take appropriate professional advice on how to approach the mediation to maximise the opportunity for achieving a positive outcome.

Writing a report to overseas clients I found myself using the term “The New Normal”. We’ve all heard it since the Covid outbreak, and it has almost become a throw away line. However, if you think about it, there will definitely be a “New Normal”, for in addition to Covid, we currently have no or very little investment coming in from overseas, our streams will need fencing off, trees are to be planted on marginal land to offset GFG and a great percentage of our soils are in need of regenerative fertilising to reduce leaching and restore natural fertility.

It’s quite a list of very signifi-

cant changes for our industry to cope with, while carrying a heavy dependency from Wellington to pull our economy out of the doldrums.

If you ask, what will be the effect of all this, it’s actually impossible to know for sure.

However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the reduction in farms sales continue, if for no other reason that people, once satisfying all the new regulations and the responding to the effect of Covid, will simply stay put for longer and concentrate of making their farms more environmentally efficient and profitable.

Our world has already changed.

I cannot see the younger generations ever being able to travel the world enjoying the freedoms we enjoyed on our OEs, which is sad for all. I remember on my own OE, upon arrival in Canada I was automatically granted citizenship. As they say in the classics, “those were the days.”

One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be quite a ride, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see New Zealand at the Global forefront of shaping “The New Normal.” We’re actually very good at handling change.

Have a great month and work safely.

John Hollis

Should I take Co Enzyme Q10?

We generally make all the Co enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) we need. Some however should take extra as a supplement. CoQ10 is made in your liver from the same enzymes that make cholesterol. This is why drugs that reduce cholesterol can significantly reduce circulating CoQ10.

I recently spoke to a client who had experienced a lot of muscle pain and stiffness while on statins.

After just a month on high grade CoQ10 (CoQsol®) the pain had completely gone and is now able to tolerate the medication without side effects. I generally find it takes 1-2 months to restore muscle function and energy.

Muscle issues from statin use is one of the most common reasons from muscle and tendon pain and weakness. It is a shame that many suffer needlessly as in most cases is quickly resolved with a high quality CoQ10 without having to stop the medication. What makes CoQ10 unique is its ability to accept and donate electrons. This enables CoQ10 to move hydrogen electrons within your

cell mitochondria to make the energy your body requires. Inadequate CoQ10 levels reduce energy output and this is felt as tiredness and often as muscle weakness.

I regularly prescribe CoQ10 for those with health issues known to reduce energy especially those with autoimmune or neurodegenerative problems.

While CoQ10 is not a cure it can help to lift general energy and well-being.

In most cases I will add CoQ10 as the patented CoQsol® or my specialised MTQ10 formula for those needing extra CoQ10 plus a lift in energy.

MTQ10 combines CoQ10 with a B complex plus other energy co-factors. Most people feel a real difference within 1-2 months.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.

18

Is the RMA really the Problem?

Anna Bensemann, Senior Planner, Baseline Group Marlborough Ph 03 578 7299 Email anna@blg.nz

Wool Procurement Manager, PGG Wrightson Wool

Difficult Times for Wool Industry During the past month, most New Zealand coarse wool growers appear to have come to terms with, what can only be described as, an appallingly weak market delivering quite possibly the poorest wool returns in living memory.

With good quality fleece wool returning not much more than $1 per greasy kilogram and oddment types considerably less, growers of crossbred wool types could be forgiven for wondering why any care should be taken with wool preparation in the wool shed environment, despite continual feedback from around the globe that New Zealand coarse wool is regarded as some of the best. Recent information released by the International Wool Textile Organisation, a global body representing all facets of the wool industry, suggesting that the future for much of the wool pipeline, regardless of wool type, is extremely bleak, given the severe financial restraints resulting from a rampant Covid-19 pandemic, most definitely gives cause for concern.

With the first month of the New Zealand wool selling season for 2020/21 complete, wool auction sales to date have been rather subdued events, but with relatively low pass-in rates as the majority of growers have “bitten the bullet” and met the market. North Island wool auctions have, naturally, contained mainly coarser wools, with a very small market improvement evident at Napier on July 23rd, whilst a number of mid-micron wools were offered within South Island broker catalogues and, at time of writing, several merino wool clips were beginning to pour into South Island wool stores. While prices achieved for many of the mid-micron wools may have appeared reasonable, when compared to the coarser wool types, grower returns have been reported to be between 30% and 40% below those ruling at a similar time last season. At time of writing there had only been a few lines of merino

sold via the local Christchurch auction, with prices being substantially easier than during July 2019 but in-line with latest Australian pricing.

As we progress through the next few months of wool sales, it’s likely that many coarse wool growers who have resisted the sluggish market, some for more than 2 years, will decide to clear their wool stocks. Whilst all wool brokers and wool merchants who have unsold grower owned wool in their stores will obviously welcome a sales plan, the success of that approach will depend upon the ability of the New Zealand wool export trade to take ownership and on-trade the extra wool, even at these low levels, especially given that many of the “old” wools will display poorer colour and come onto the market out-ofseason. [It’s interesting to note that in the August 2019 publication of Nelson Marlborough Farming I wrote: “A considerable quantity of old seasons’ wool was also catalogued on behalf of growers (mostly from Southland) who had resisted previous pricing in the hope that the market might improve”.]

I always find it difficult to understand why, particularly in a world which apparently believes in sustainable, biodegradable, renewable, and healthy resources, wool is not in a much better space? Surely to everyone involved (including the sheep) wool “ticks all of the boxes” yet many coarse wool growers across NZ could be facing their third year in a row when the cost of production and marketing will be greater than wool value. A Southland farmer, who mainly finishes lambs and hoggets in a relatively small operation and produced 62 bales of crossbred wool in the year ended June 30th, informed me recently that, in round figures, the wool alone part of the operation returned a loss of $11,000. Let’s hope mutton and lamb stay buoyant!

That’s my view.

The Resource Management Act (RMA) has come under fire since it came into force in 1991, with many governments tweaking its provisions in an effort to better protect our environment while streamlining development.

It seems in an election year the RMA has come under fire once again with threats to scrap the system and start with new legislation.

One option presented by our politicians is to follow the examples from overseas and have two pieces of legislation; one to provide us with an urban planning framework and a second to protect our precious environment (essentially a non-urban planning framework). This is not a new concept with similar split planning frameworks in Australia and the UK. However as with any legislation changes, the details will be important, and we need to question if a new legislative framework is the right solution.

For years we have heard the issue that development gets

held up for resource consents and this adds significant costs and delays to development.

But is the RMA to blame for this or is it the way developers and councils work together to achieve positive planning outcomes? With each district responsible for developing its own permitted standards, residential subdivision and urban development is limited by the expectations created through the provisions of the district plan. As community documents, district plans are subject to public scrutiny, and alterations. This means competing interests can push our planning documents in different directions resulting in rules that hinder streamlined land development. Equally the RMA now focuses more on developers having all the aspects of their development covered off before they lodge their resource consents, front loading the information and cost in the process. This occurs with variable success depending on the attitude or knowledge of the developer and council’s willingness or availability to work with developers before the resource consent processing clock is ticking.

In terms of our wider environmental concerns a new planning framework that

deals with how we farm, harvest forestry, manage our waterways and care for our forests sounds amazing, but the same issues of conflict between rural commercial interests and maintaining our pristine environments will still exist. Any new legislation will be challenged with finding a way to ensure the environmental bottom lines are achieved and balancing this with the need to enable primary production and development to occur. Simply imposing costs on land owners to achieve compliance with new legislation will not enable progress in our primary sector.

Any new planning legislation will need to be aware that any requirement to seek consents, commission a report, or ask for public input in a user pays system will place additional costs on landowners and developers. This will not reduce the red tape, the hassle or the frustration felt by these users, it will simply create a new system to learn, new hoops to jump through and new legislation to complain about at each election.

Developing now under the RMA may be a preferable option than under a postelection unknown planning framework.

August 2020

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My Mustard Mitsubishi Mirage Big where it counts As a rule I don’t drive the base model small vehicles as they usually don’t fit the rural market. However, with the lockdown, legal or not, less vehicles have come to the South Island. Car companies have focused [buzz word till Sept 19] on Auckland based journo’s then sold their press fleet as Subaru did.

Mitsubishi however has booked me into the Triton VRX and Pajero Sport then last week, the mustard coloured Mirage, so there’s that. I will admit to being less that enamoured over the prospect of a week with the $19,990 Mirage. There are now very few sub $20k cars in the market, except perhaps for Suzuki with two.

My concerns were ill founded despite its diminutive size on the outside.

With 3 cylinders 1200 cc and power outputs of 58kW and 102Nm, it is remarkable athletic and economical. MMNZ claim 5 l/100km yet we easily held on to 4.8 over 538km of mainly country motoring with just 55km in Christchurch.

Interior. We attended a local 5km away clearing sale, so took the Mirage knowing we could return home for a trailer on the Ute if we needed to. Well we purchased 17 lots though all were small items save for a 600x1200x700 welding table and a chest of draws. I filled the car with the rear seats folded down though not flat and in two trips got all the booty home, the second trip with my wife who had guarded the purchases. The internal size is big where it counts in seat size and luggage capacity.

Safety is addressed with 5-star ANCAP rating that recognizes ABS ESP Traction Control Hill Start Assist Lane Departure Warning and Forward Control Mitigation.

The 7-inch dash screen utilised for infotainment and Apple Car Play/ Android Auto to activate Google maps, as like most Mitsi products has no embedded Sat Nav. Bluetooth USB MP3 AM/FM and Reverse camera along with engine performance info are all displayed on the screen. Manual Air Cond. Cruise Control and keyless entry make for a complete package.

On the Road. Like the Mini from the 60’s the wheels are pushed out to each corner assisting both the balance and handling of the car. At a shade under 900kgs the Mirage is quick off the mark with its seamless CVT transmission mated to the new engine provides a very satisfying growl. On metal roads the baby Mitsi drives into and out of corrugations and potholes and care must be taken, though it does handle the shingle in a very composed way.

The handling otherwise is sharp, as you’d expect despite only175/15 tyres and given its 3.2 turns lock to lock and 9.2 m turning circle, it is easy to park.

Don’t ask what the tow rating is.. it doesn’t have one nor pretence of being an upmarket model. It is however very practical, economical and great value.

At this price point and with Mitsubishi’s 5/10 Diamond Warranty the Mirage could well be a first car or a family learner. I would suggest is more at home on well maintained sealed roads. I liked the Mirage more than I expected and so the week was really a pleasant experience.

Short sweet and small the Mitsubishi Mirage

“AutoMania - Iconic New Zealand Collections” Published by Bateman Books, price $49.99. Book review by Tony Orman.

If you’re a car enthusiast and many are, this is a book for you!

It’s a visually striking book that draws you in to visit some of the most absorbing motor vehicle collections in New Zealand.

The collections are public or private, so the private news are understandably without a location. The photos are superb and in conjunction with the text make for a striking publication.

Author of several motoring books Don Jessen and Bateman Books have combined talents for an interesting book.

Like too many this book lacks an index. Perhaps while the private collections are obviously fully private, they might have had a regional indication. But undeniably this is a superb book covering vintage cars to motorbikes, military vehicles to famous movie cars and an insight with the garages housing the amazing collections.

The Carbonised 30-06 Daryl Crimp If you are looking for a versatile, dependable rifle capable of shooting medium to large game, you still cannot go past the classic 30-06. Despite the plethora of calibres spawned in modern times from a basic family of cartridges, the 3006 remains an ‘all-rounder’ for New Zealand game, from goats, all deer species, through to the tahr in its challenging domain. If you extend your range and hunt internationally for African game, moose, ibex, or elk, the one-stop-shop rifle will do all you need.

Developed by the US military and released to market in 1906 as a ‘lighter-weight higher velocity round capable of retaining killing power over greater distances, the 30-06 featured Spitzer or pointed bullets. Pronounced in America as ‘thirty-aught-six’ and ‘Thirty-O-six’ here, the name is a marriage of the calibre (30) and the year it was introduced (1906).

It belongs to the 30 calibre family, fitting between the .308 and the .300 Win Mag, which are all recognised as high velocity long range calibres capable of 1000m shots.

In fact, all have seen service as accredited sniper rifles and

the 30-06 became a popular machine-gun cartridge after World War 1.

The 30-06 is a marvelous calibre for reloaders, with its large cartridge size accommodating a wide range of loads: it can be loaded with 100g projectiles for goat and wallaby or powered up with 200g projectiles for tahr, sambar, African plains game and moose, for example.

Modern advances in technology have turned this faithful old workhorse into a modern superstar; a bit like Queen being revitalised by Adam Lambert! With the addition of super lightweight custom-made carbon fibre stock and carbon wrapped barrel, the 30-06 is truly a superb New Zealand calibre capable of tackling all New Zealand game, while handling some of the toughest and roughest environments on the planet. The advantages of 30 calibre over lighter project tiles is retained killing power at longer ranges, while the ultra-light carbon fibre stock is less taxing in the mountains, and the carbon wrapped barrel is less prone to heating and therefore retains greater accuracy.

It really is a dream rifle.

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