Top South Farming - April 2023

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Editor’s corner

BARBARA STUART EDITOR

Somewhere in the last few weeks I read a headline accusing New Zealanders of having climate amnesia. It claimed we’d quickly forget Cyclone Gabrielle and not act, which got under my skin.

I doubt there are very many farmers, vineyards or orchardists across the top of the south who haven’t been hit by extreme weather over the past years 20 years and taken steps to mitigate future damage. And who don’t get nervous every time another event is forecast!

None of whom would agree with that statement. What is

evident is these events are more frequent and there’s a definite need to be pro-active when it comes to preparedness. Even to the extent of shifting housing, orchards, plus other crops and baleage away from flood prone areas. We need to evaluate what the risks are for our personal safety and business and remain self-vigilant. We shouldn’t rely on government to bail individuals out.

What’s abundantly clear is most scientists say we can expect more intense rain events in the 500mm range and even more.

Plus, at the other end of the scale, extreme drought events. Managing both these extremes will be pivotal to our futures.

The Australian government, bureau of meteorology has announced that the La Nina weather pattern in the tropical Pacific has stopped. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is now neutral (neither La Niña nor El Niño) with oceanic and atmospheric indicators having returned to neutral ENSO levels. International climate models suggest neutral ENSO conditions are likely to persist through the

southern autumn. However, there are some signs that El Niño could form later in the year. Hence the bureau has issued an El Niño WATCH. This means there is around a 50% chance of an El Niño in 2023. We should remain alert to what’s likely on the spring horizon. It’s been an abundant season for grass on the farm and in my garden and orchard. A good reason for squirreling away produce just in case next season is less abundant.

Best wishes from the team at Top of the South Farming I hope readers find time to sit down and relax with a cuppa and enjoy reading this month’s edition.

Proposed firearm licence fee increase

Other than GST adjustments firearms licensing fees have remained static since 1999. However, New Zealand’s 248,764 firearms licence holders could soon be faced with paying a large cost increase when renewing, or obtaining, a 10year licence. The cost of a 10-year firearms licence could rise from $126.50 to $727.50, which is almost a 500% increase, if the current proposed bill is passed.

The government has said that the licence fees are under review as they have been covering much of the processing costs which is not sustainable. Over the last 10 years, the government spent $115.2 million,

while firearms users of the regulatory services contributed just $26.4m.

So, a price increase to cover the costs is needed, however there is real concern that such a large price increase during a time where cost of living is in crisis will result in an increase of illegal firearms.

Police data showed that we have an estimated 1.2-1.7 million guns in the country and about 9% of licence holders had one for employment or business purposes, 1% as a memento, and 90% for food gathering, recreational or sporting purposes. It is not yet known when a decision on the new fees will be made.

Martin O’Connor President of Nelson Waimea Clay Target Sporting Club

“It’s a real worry and could result in more illegal firearms out there. An increase in unwanted pests could also be one of the unintended consequences of this reform, if it goes to the extreme proposed.”

“It’s just another tax on the good ones – how many criminals handed their guns in during the gun buy back?”

“Looks like we will have no choice, I won’t be an illegal firearms holder, so I will have to pay it if it does go ahead.”

David Baigent Sporting shooter and farmer – Golden Downs

Steve German Contractor –Redwood Valley

Changes to public hunting permits

ELOISE MARTYN

Change is coming for those who use, via obtained permit, OneFortyOne’s forestry for hunting.

So what are the changes and why have they come about? I tracked down a couple of guys to see what the story was.

“Basically, we are trying to make getting a public hunting permit simpler. Last year after talking with a number of hunters we took on their views and have made some changes that will benefit those with a hunting permit,” explains Rob Crawford from R & M Security, who took over the OneFortyOne forestry security around a year ago.

One of the changes that has been made is an extended hunting season which will now run from 15th of April through until 29th October (subject to operational and weather conditions) which will be welcomed news for many keen hunters.

Another change is a one-hundred-dollar cost per permit.

The cost will cover the compliance checks and admin associated with the permit process, as well as enable increased security.

“We are really keen to see people out hunting but we want to make it fair, by charging for permits this will allow us to increase security so we can keep the forest exclusive for those who hold a permit. Why should those who don’t pay get to use it, that’s not fair,” states Crawford.

Another change that has made the permit system easier for

Challenges and opportunities in the Marlborough Sounds

ANDREW RITCHIE

users is that the permit issued will now cover selected hunting blocks across the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions. Previously hunters had to select one of these areas. This change gives hunters more variety and a larger area to hunt.

Surveillance in the selected OneFortyOne hunting forestry blocks a have undergone a makeover. Surveillance tools been significantly increased, and equipment has been replaced with state-of-theart gear. As well as cameras there are various magnetic alarms which are buried underground that send a signal straight to the security company if those lines are crossed or tampered with.

“The increased surveillance is there to protect machines, signs, gates, the trees as well as to let us know if there are people around who shouldn’t be. The people who have been hunting illegally need to be held responsible, they put the forest and all the responsible users at risk,” Crawford says.

“There are 500 hunting permits available this year and the hunting permit gives the holder access to 45,000 hectares in our Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough forests, this is just over half of our estate. We are probably one of the largest private landowners that gives this type of access,” Rob Woolley, Land Manager at OneFortyOne says.

And for anyone worried that

they might miss out on a hunting permit, last year there were around 340 permits issued so 500 should be plenty to accommodate all those who wish to access it.

Public hunting is not the only permit OneFortyOne offer as Rob Woolley explains.

“Along with public hunting, we offer permits in selected forestry blocks for beekeepers and recreational users, such as walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers. Whilst our business focus is on managing our production forests first and foremost, it’s great that the forests provide multiuse benefits for the community.”

The last change is that all those who apply for a permit need to have a minimum of third-party insurance on their vehicle, and provide proof of this when applying for the permit.

“This is actually protecting the permit holder, if something happens in the forest and it’s vehicle related, then the permit holder will be responsible,” explains Crawford.

“Overall, the changes should give permit holders more time in the bush, with more places to go and less people up there poaching, so reduced numbers accessing the blocks. It’s good news for hunters who take the time and get the permit. We really want to see people out and about hunting, so we are making sustainable changes that will benefit the users and protect the forestry.”

Beef and LambNZ held a Field Day at Manaroa in the Marlborough Sounds on 14 March, entitled Farming in the Marlborough Sounds Challenges and Opportunities. The event was fully subscribed with more than 70 people travelling out to the property on the mail boat. Agricultural consultant Greg Sheppard set the scene estimating the total stock units farmed in the Sounds to be 60,000.

Josh Jamieson and his wife farm 450 hectares which they have leased for many years having been originally invited to manage the property by the owner.

Josh’s father farmed mussels in the Sounds in the seventies but Josh admits to being more interested in farming livestock. The 1750 ewes are from a Romney base and lamb at 145%, all the lambs are finished on farm averaging 19kgs.

A herd of Angus cattle calve in October and originate from 40 heifers purchased from Ellerton Station. The calves are weaned at 200kgs and also are finished on farm, killing out at 300kgs. Josh admits to not having weighing facilities for either sheep or cattle so only finds out weights

when the killing sheets come in. He maintains a simple operation with no feeding out required, due to the grass growing throughout winter owing to the benevolent climate. The culling regime is hard with lighter animals being sent to the works. Deer velvet is produced from 120 stags showing an excellent return, although time constraints limit stock numbers.

Outgoing freight expenses by barge are assisted by Alliance Meats. The major limiting factor on the property is soil Ph at 5.2 on average and the cost of lime and its application prohibitive. Rainfall averages from 1000mm to 2000mm/year, although this year rainfall exceeded the average by 300mm. There is little competition from weeds the majority of them controlled with a knapsack sprayer two days a year.

Animal health presents few problems with faecal eczema beginning to appear in the district. Gross farm income comes in at $1500/ha compared to a class average of $1200 with expenses pared to a minimum. Josh maintains that the couple’s success is down to doing the basics well, keeping things simple and concentrating on the things that they are good at.

Rob Woolley

Technology saves costs

ANDREW

RITCHIE

Many dairy farmers are embracing technology in an effort to reduce the effect of increasing costs in the Top of the South. The benefits and disadvantages of wearable collars and tags were discussed at a recent DairyNZ Field Day hosted by the shearers at Canvastown and facilitated by DairyNZ representative Mark Shadwick.

Several companies are marketing systems offering animal health, reproduction and calving alerts. Most of the farmers present had investigated the benefits offered and highlighted the large variation in pricing and services on offer. In some cases, collars could be leased rather than owned and drafting gates were available working off the collars or tags. Commonly on the animal health front rumination, eating and activity were among the health alerts. Reproduction, monitored heats, insemination time, non-cycling cows and ovulation cycle. Health throughout calving was also monitored. Mark Shadwick said farmers in the UK used the monitoring systems extensively particularly in herds that calved all the year round. Two hundred farms in the Waikato, Southland and Canterbury were using the technology currently. It was felt that it was particularly useful in large

dairy herds. One 600 cow farmer said he would give up farming before he gave up the collars. There was an issue with the repeaters used to transmit the information to the central computer. Some had smaller range than others, ranging from 1.5kms to 12kms and shelter belts or even substantial single trees could block the signal. A mobile trailer unit could be purchased and possibly overcome this problem.

Collars in some cases had a five to seven-year warranty period. Setting up a system on a 500-cow herd was estimated to cost $130,000, including a figure of $28k for a drafting gate.

The loss of learned skills such as heat detection by staff was considered a disadvantage by some, but savings in cow mortality, pregnancy testing and labour generally outweighed the drawbacks.

A dairy farmer who has used the system for a few years admitted to having teething troubles in the first year and it was recommended that tail paint was used in the first year as backup. He believes he saved six cows per year by picking up metabolic disorders and calving problems early.

Mark Shadwick said that it should be borne in mind that alerts would come in 24 hours a day, so sleep for the operators may be in short supply!

The worst adverse event in our history?

TERRY COPELAND Chief Executive, Federated Farmers

There is no doubt in my mind that this adverse event and national state of emergency is among the very worst this country has ever experienced (if not the worst). The scale across nine provinces, the impacts of electricity and telecommunications disruption – with many properties still reliant on generators and many roads and bridges wiped out, means it will be a long time to bring normality back to many people’s lives. It was harrowing meeting and listening to people describe the damage, the sick feeling of how close they were to losing people and the very real frustrations of seeming inaction by the authorities. What is remarkable is that the loss of life was restricted to less than a dozen (at this stage). The Esk River rose from its normal 9 metre height to 18 metres in a matter of hours in the middle of the night. That sheer volume of extra water, beyond comprehension; as one scientist said, an extra 72 Olympic size swimming pools of water flowing through Esk Valley every minute…

Every new shower brought back memories of the worst night of their lives. We met farmers in Otane (Central Hawkes Bay). I asked one how his place was affected. He explained that of his 740-ha property, all but 20 hectares was still under water 10 days after the cyclone hit. Fortunately, his house and main implement shed were spared but there was nowhere for the water to drain. He was more concerned about the damage to some of his neighbours who were dealing with animals cut off in inaccessible paddocks, local roading and what impact further rain would have. The sense of community amongst farmers and growers was heart-warming. Their pragmatic, ‘roll up your sleeves’ and get stuff done approach, such a useful way to cope.

Later that same day visiting another group of farmers in the Glengarry and Rissington areas, we learned of a family who’d donated land for a community hall and camping ground, in memory of soldiers lost in the two World Wars had already set up a fundraising

page to save those community assets despite significant damage to their own property. We picked up Associate Primary Industries Minister Hon Meka Whaitiri to see first-hand and listen to their stories and concerns.

We all went to the Rissington Bridge (or rather where it had been) and saw how locals had been able to string up a flying fox to get food, medicines and fuel across the river. Forestry slash on Hawke’s Bay beaches is an ongoing issue. However, it’s not only slash causing damage. The bridge at Rissington was swept away due to the riparian plantings along the river- banks. Weeds on riverbanks have grown significantly since waterways were fenced off from grazing stock. Rivers broke banks and spread out because of shingle build up. We saw exactly these factors behind the Canterbury flooding in 2020. They are another challenge we need to learn and act on.

Another issue is the lack of a ‘Civil Defence radio’ and information about who was cut off, and where. Another was the situation of the military grounding private helicopter companies from making crucial food and medicine drops to clear skies for themselves. Why didn’t they simply bring these helicopters and pilots under their command and cover a greater area much more quickly? Why hasn’t

there been a survey done to understand the needs and situation across the dozens of small and not so small communities across the North Island in a methodical and consistent fashion?

Federated Farmers will be vocal about utilising the army to be on the ground to both deter ‘disaster tourists’ and the criminal element. A visible presence was needed to providing safety and comfort to locals. The police in the main have done a very good job, but simply cannot be across the number of smaller isolated areas. The army fulfilled this function admirably after the Christchurch earthquake. The vulnerability of the electricity network for the East Coast needs to be addressed. For years it was presumed the weak link across the network was pylons crossing individual farms. When it was the positioning of the substation for the Hawke’s Bay which caused the biggest weakness to the system, causing a grid emergency.

I will be visiting the Gisborne area in a couple of weeks to try and understand the concerns and issues they have and to support our people. Every area will have a different set of challenges and issues to deal with. By then, we will have launched the Farmy Army, which will make an enormous impact to help the hundreds of farmers get back on their feet.

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and the stunning surrounding native landscapes. The adjoining Aorere River provides good fishing for anglers with stands of native bush filled with resident bird song adding to the aesthetic appeal on the fertile river flats. The start of the internationally acclaimed Heaphy Track is within close proximity. With the high numbers of national and international visitors visiting the area, adventure tourism, hunting and lodge accommodation opportunities add to the long list of diversification options. Properties of this calibre, scale and multi income opportunities are seldom available in the Golden Bay region, inspection will impress.

Interactive online tool to give climate risk insights

Nelson and Tasman councils are developing an online “climate change risk explorer” so local communities can evaluate how they might be impacted by shifting weather patterns in the short and long term.

The interactive online map, which is developed by research and consulting firm Urban Intelligence, is on track for completion by September.

In March, council representatives discussed the new online tool in a webinar hosted by the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum. Both Tasman and Nelson councils are seeking feedback from communities on public services and places that they care about, so that these values can be overlaid with information on hazards from changing climate.

This Regional Climate Change Risk Assessment will be used to create the online risk explorer, which has already been launched in Christchurch.

Forum co-chair Joanna Santa Barbara said the damage from Cyclone Hale, Gabrielle and the August flooding in Nelson showed that we need strong community connections to help us remain resilient as adverse weather events become more frequent.

Webinar organiser and forum member Jenny Easton said it is the resilient communities that survive these climate shocks.

“Farmers know this and work in catchments, with networks to support each other through droughts and floods. We need to plan for the long term, and build back better or elsewhere, with seven gener-

BlueGreen’s, only one

STUART SMITH MP for Kaikoura

There’s only one political party in New Zealand with an environmental wing: National Party’s BlueGreens.

Politics is a strange game, it is far easier to point out the obvious than to offer workable solutions, which requires doing policy homework, challenging beliefs and at the very least considering other points of view. The BlueGreens adopted the solutions-based approach by inviting various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to speak at the Bluegreens Forum last week in Marlborough. This approach is unique in the New Zealand political landscape, where NGOs were given an opportunity to attend and actively participate in the proceedings. Russel Norman, Executive Director of Greenpeace, not only attended the forum but pitched a policy that concurs with BlueGreens’ unique approach to policy discussions. Some may see this as a negative, but I see it as a positive; after all, no political party has a monopoly on good ideas. There were many interesting, thought-provoking presentations, but what grabbed the headlines was Christopher Luxon’s keynote address where he announced our Three Waters policy. Some time ago, we announced our plan to return the Three Waters assets to councils and eliminate co-governance and the four large water entities.

Since then, Simon Watts and our policy team have been working on a replacement policy. Simply put, we will set and enforce strict water quality standards, and require councils to invest in the ongoing maintenance and replacement of their vital water infrastructure

ations in mind. That’s a challenge,” Easton said.

These extreme weather events are just the result of a 1.1°C average temperature rise since pre-industrial times, Santa Barbara said, adding that we are on track to eventually overshoot a 1.5°C rise and so we must sharply reduce our emissions. “It’s about reaching out, connecting with people, any mode of sharing cars, food, childcare, tools. These are all ways that we get to know each other and work out how to help each other in difficult times.”

The forum has released a community adaptation calendar, available on its website, with ideas for building individual and community resilience from season to season.

Tasman District Council climate change advisor Barbara Lewando

said it was becoming clearer to decision makers that we have to be resilient at a local level.

“It’s about what we will all be doing together. We have a legal and moral obligation to build climate change into all the work that we do.”

Maggie Fellowes, senior climate advisor for the Nelson City Council, pointed out that the speed of change will be uncertain because we do not know how emissions will track on a global scale.

“It only takes 0.37m of sea level rise for a one in one-hundred-year event to become an annual event.” she said.

Nelson is projected to experience a 0.37m rise in sea level between 2045 and 2062.

Easton said tools like the online risk explorer would help the pub-

lic as well as councils and insurers to evaluate risks to things such as electricity distribution, roads, productive land and parks. We must stop building in “dumb places,” Easton said, quoting a statement by Climate Minister James Shaw in February. These places are next to the sea, close to rivers, in the old river channels, beside pine forests, on unstable slopes, across fault lines or sprawled over good rural land. “It might be legally possible, but it’s not wise or fair for the rest of us. More than ever, we need to think of the common good, because we are all in this together,” Easton said. “A planned managed retreat is actually best before the disaster, and saves all the misery, disruption, deaths, waste to landfill, and years to clean up.”

while maintaining control of the assets their ratepayers have paid for. Councils will be required to demonstrate a clear plan to deliver ongoing investment in water infrastructure, and those plans will need to be approved by the Minister of Local Government. A Water Infrastructure Regulator will be established within the Commerce Commission to set and enforce standards for long-term water infrastructure investment, and councils will be required to ringfence money for water infrastructure, and not spend it instead on other services. These are longlived assets, and it is, therefore, appropriate that councils utilise long-term borrowing to fund water infrastructure. Neighbouring councils may choose to form Regional Council Controlled Organisations: we envisage several regional groups will likely emerge to deliver better water services; but ultimately, it is up to the councils. Financial sustainability will inevitably enable long-term investment in the infrastructure that will deliver quality drinking water, cleaner rivers, and swimmable beaches New Zealanders want and expect. Resilient, well-maintained, future-proofed, modern infrastructure will also enable communities to better cope with mounting pressures to accommodate housing growth - which is currently being stymied by a lack of infrastructure, like wastewater and stormwater services.

What is important, is that water assets stay in local hands, and investment in water infrastructure is secured so that New Zealanders can be assured their water is safe and affordable. Many have been calling for the National Party to announce our policies, and judging by my inbox, the wait was worth it.

Learning and leading

DAMIEN O’CONNOR

At the end of March I had the pleasure of attending DairyNZ’s Dairy Environment Leaders 2023 Forum, held in Wellington. It’s been a decade since the forum first began. The theme this year was ‘learn and lead’ and it was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the dairy farmers who are shifting the dial and leading the sector in cutting edge environmental practice.

Among the speakers were Ian Proudfoot of KPMG, Hamish Gow who is the current Sir Graeme Harrison Professorial Chair of Global Value Chains and Trade at Lincoln, Julia Jones of NZX, and Buck Shelford… who most would agree knows a thing or two about leadership and learning. I participated in a panel discussion with parliamentary colleagues James Shaw and Todd McClay where we fielded questions from farmers. I want to thank everyone involved in the forum over the past ten years and particularly Martin Bennett, Tracy Brown and Melissa Slattery who’ve chaired the forum over this time. There’s a phrase that says leadership is taken and not given. To my mind that means that anyone can take responsibility, step up and show others a better way of doing things. This goes to the heart of how our producers have been so successful as exporters - we’ve shared ideas and adapted to change. Ahead of the forum I took a few minutes to read the DairyNZ purpose and strategy. DairyNZ’s stated purpose is ‘to deliver a better future for dairy farmers.’ With that in mind, I asked the group to make sure they think of the future dairy farmers and

Wool product to supply disposable market

Derelee Potroz-Smith was raised on a Taranaki sheep farm where she developed a love of farming and the natural qualities of NZ Wool. As founder and CEO of Woolchemy

NZ she has recently gained international awareness for producing two ground-breaking new products made from wool. These products have natural qualities highly desirable for the disposable, personal care arena.

not just the future of those presently dairying. It will take critical and longterm thinking to meet the challenges of shifting consumer markets and trade landscape, sustainability and climate, alternative protein technology, and labour and ownership. Much of this is to do with frame of mind. For instance, He Waka Eke Noa can been seen as an example of tackling a tough issue. More importantly, it’s an example of seeing a tough issue as an opportunity to get ahead of our markets to meet our customers and beat our competitors. Unfortunately, the talk around emissions pricing has been all too much about short term thinking. I can relate to farmers being worried about uncertainty. Farmers operate in a world where they have minimal control and are exposed to market shifts and the weather. Having said this, we simply can’t bury our heads in the sand on climate - for one thing, our customers certainly aren’t. The reality is, if we don’t move then the world will move for us. Already, there is progress being made in the space

of alternative proteins and synthetic fermentation. More people than ever are conscious about their consumption, and they want to know that what they consume isn’t just good for them but also good for the planet. The Dairy Environment Leaders conference was a great example of farmers who don’t want to just keep up –they want to lead the charge. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, and I acknowledge that the sector has had a challenging time and that there are still challenges to work through. But the government is committed to doing that work alongside the industry and we are committed to not only ensuring opportunities for farmers now but that the next generation of farmers have just as much opportunity in the future.

Every trip I take overseas as Trade Minister meeting counterparts, exporters and their customers, as well as consumers confirms to me that we are making the right shift to lift our sustainability credentials. We look forward to the next decade of leadership from the Dairy Environment Leaders forum.

Derelee has produced two products “neweFlex” and “newZorb,” both durable, superabsorbent woolbased materials, perfect for use in disposable nappies and personal hygiene products such as nursing pads, bed pads, pet pads and wound care products. These products are engineered to absorb up to 1500-2500% of its weight in moisture and are price competitive with synthetic fibres. Derelee says, “This is attracting multinational funding interest.”

The product is safe to put next to baby and human skin plus its without chemicals that are present in synthetic products. Derelee says Woolchemy has the potential to process up to 26,000 tonnes of strong wool annually within half a decade and all

going to plan, ultimately more than 100,000 tonnes. This is about two thirds of NZ’s wool production, and a potential game changer for the kiwi farmer. Creating change and developing new wool-based products is tough while competing against the synthetic industry. Derelee said the current index systems are misleading the consumer; they don’t include or consider several steps in their products development. For example, they don’t tell us the amount of energy used to extract petroleum from the ground or what it takes to produce a fibre.

By comparison wool is already a fibre and what’s lacking is a proper context. She also questions if the current data indexes are correct and if these things are measured properly. This information would make the measuring index more reliable for potential end wool users.

“Yes, when wool breaks down it will emit methane but fibres from wool making their way into water will not add micro plastics into our oceans or air? In fact, they become a safe food source for fish life or in soil compost, having a positive impact,” says Derelee.

Check out www.woolchemy.co.nz

Biosecurity and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.

Photo: Supplied.

Derelee Potroz-Smith

Tasman Report

Easter is on the horizon, and we have seen some wonderful autumn days which make all the headlines we read about global and local problems seem a little easier to live with. The old adage of control what you can control and just deal with the rest is probably wise words - if you get too preoccupied with all the issues, we face without being able to influence them then we would all end up in a mess.

In real estate, we are certainly seeing this as people are sitting on their hands and thinking if in doubt do nothing. You can believe as many spin doctors trying to put a different slant on the market, but the black and white residential sales have slumped because more people are sitting back, tightening their belts, and waiting to see where prices end up. Lifestyle vendors are wondering where buyers are coming from as we see so many lifestyle properties on the market – the buyers of these tend to come from town so the supply has dried up. Rural is probably the best place to be in, with confidence still in most sectors but the increased cost of compliance and farm working expenses has put

SOLD

some pressure on the ability to get finance on some deals - But rural is certainly where I would much rather be working with clients over the next few months.

Add in the uncertainties about Interest rates and it’s a recipe for the lowest sales volumes being seen in decades - but it will change you buy and sell on the same market and people do move on in life so the chocks will be removed soon.

We have farewelled Peter Evans from our PGGW real estate team as he takes a well-deserved retirement and thank him for his years of service – he has been involved in some very significant sales in the region. PGG Wrightson and Fruitfed are moving to a new building on Estuary Road in early April so if you are interested in a career in real estate in a modern building and a great team give me a call!

In the meantime speaking of chocks – get along to the air show in Marlborough over Easter weekend for a great event that will take your mind off the farming world.

Have a great month

NEW LISTING

TAPAWERA 1584 Tadmor-glenhope Road

Tadmor Grazing Block

This 52-hectare bareland grazing block is a great first farm opportunity or a handy runoff for an existing farmer. The contour is easy to medium hill country with permanent fencing. Water is mainly natural with just a couple of troughs.

Farm improvements include a two-stand woolshed, 7 bay implement shed with a workshop and stockyards. With easy contour and good road access it would be an ideal block for a forestry investment

$700,000 plus GST if any)

VIEW By Appointment Only

REDWOOD VALLEY

Prime Irrigated Horticultural Land

An exciting opportunity to develop the horticultural enterprise of your choice. Land area 21.3997 Hectares comprising two titles (12.9023ha & 8.49974ha).

Located at the corner of Moutere Highway and Greenacres Road North, Redwood Valley. Irrigation is available via two established wells each with separate consents in place coupled with affiliation to the Waimea Community Dam. Improvements include a modest 1980's well-maintained dwelling comprising two double bedrooms, with a combined kitchen, dining and living room including a near new log burner for heating. A separate sunny lounge room and recently upgraded bathroom. A separate double garage, plenty of off-street parking with wellestablished gardens.

pggwre.co.nz/NEL37340

Doug Smith

M 027 543 2280

E douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/NEL37656

NEW LISTING

Doug Smith

M 027 543 2280

E douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

TADMOR 1584 Tadmor-Glenhope Road

Tadmor Valley Lifestyle..

Entry-level lifestyle block in the beautiful Tadmor Valley. If you have been dreaming of that rural lifestyle but prices just keep getting away from you well here is your opportunity. The vendors have sensibly priced this block to sell in the current market.

Set on 2.5885 hectares of flat land, the two-bedroom home is set well back off the road, has great 360-degree views of the valley, and gets all-day sun. The double brick home was built in 1979 and is spacious and comfortable. Heated by a coal boiler and radiators, the home stays toasty in the winter. The exotic plantings on the property keep the living areas private and the entertaining area gets all day sun.

pggwre.co.nz/NEL37514

2 1 1

ENQUIRIES OVER $630,000

GST Inclusive

Joe Blakiston 0274 344 069

Take care of yourself by talking

STAFF REPORTER

Times are tough currently, how about talking to someone who understands the pressures of rural life?

People are saying the same thing - times are tough, challenges are everywhere, and the future looks bumpy. There seems to be a never-ending run of challenging government policies, increased cost of living, farming costs and interest rates. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Rural Support Trust (RST) know from experience that severe weather, finances, relationships, and work pressures can all mount up and affect your wellbeing.

The Top of The South Rural Support Trust (TOSRST) is part of a nationwide network. The trust works with

rural individuals and their families, to help solve problems or personal challenges

“We support all rural people – owners, managers, staff and contractors, and to take care of yourself, one of the best things you can do is talk,” adds Evan Baigent, local farmer and RST trustee.

Evan explains that with rising challenges the trust has recently restructured and strengthened its tool kit to help rural people now and in the future.

“RST networks and training can help with all kinds of situations, it can help you get through your current challenges,” Evan adds. Evan has been involved in the trust for the past three and a half years. “It’s a way for me to give back and that’s something I enjoy; I also feel that the foundation of our soci-

ety is to have healthy rural people which creates vibrant motivated communities, and the trust helps achieve that.”

The RST trustees are about to host a series of events for rural communities. Richard Kempthorne, the Trust Chair, and the Nelson Tasman Trustees will host the events, with the support of staff from Tasman District Council.

The aim of these events is to give you an opportunity to hear information first hand and ask any questions you have.

The team will present what is currently known about government regulation reforms.

The issues will include relevant rural topics and there will be someone from the MPI On Farm Support team there to discuss various issues including He Waka

Eke Noa. There were similar meetings held over a year ago that farmers and growers found helpful. If you, or someone you know, has worries or are feeling overwhelmed find someone to talk to. RSTs are there to help recognise the huge pressure rural people are experiencing.

RSTs are local farming people, with knowledge and experience who can listen and work beside you to achieve positive outcomes for you, your property and family. Don’t feel alone if you identify with this message – help is available. Call Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)

Rural Conversations - See above right for upcoming events.

Farming experience at council table

ELOISE MARTYN

A diverse rural background of travelling the top of the south extensively carting general freight and distributing a large amount of stock feed farming large white pigs and charolais cattle on a Spring Grove family farm, as well as running his own farm in Tapawera for the past thirty years is what gives Stuart Bryant, Deputy Mayor of Tasman District Council and Lakes/Murchison ward councillor, the experience to give rural issues a voice at the local council table.

It’s this background full of variety and interaction with a wide range of people that first exposed Stuart to widespread rural issues.

“It didn’t matter where I went, if I was carting stock feed or at the A+P show people always wanted to chat about rural issues, especially farmers and growers who were seeking change, I liked mixing and mingling with the people and was interested in the issues,” says Stuart. Encouraged to try and help with the rural issues, Stuart thought that the June 1999 council by-election may be a way that he could help.

“I wasn’t actually standing to get elected; I was standing to encourage the community voting to really think about what type of person they wanted to represent them,

Rural Conversations

• Murchison: Thurs 27 April, 11.00am – 2.00pm, Murchison Sport Recreation and Cultural Centre

• St Arnaud: Thurs 27 April, 4.30pm – 7.30pm, Lake Rotoiti Community Hall

• Upper Moutere: Tues 2 May, 11.00am – 2.00pm, Moutere Hills Community Centre

• Tapawera: Tues 2 May, 6.30pm – 9.30pm, Tapawera Rugby Football Rooms

• Collingwood: Thurs 4 May, 11.30am – 2.30pm, Collingwood Memorial Hall

I never thought I would get elected!” he exclaims. “I possibly hadn’t thought it through in great detail either.”

Stuart has held the Lakes/ Murchison ward councillor seat for almost 24 years now. There has been no shortage of challenges facing the primary sector with a range of ongoing issues such as rivers, roads, access, biodiversity, environment, social and physical isolation, and medical access. Add to these the bigger ones coming from government such as He Waka Eke Noa, the Resource Management Act and Three Waters and it’s clear to see that these rural issues need a good advocate.

Stuart acknowledges that it’s tough going out there.

“There’s a lot going on and no doubt it’s going to be challenging for another few years. There are a lot of rural issues that can get lost in the urban pot if someone isn’t speaking up for them,” he explains. “We have opportunities coming up for the rural community to come together and hear from council about recent changes and what is still to come.”

Topics at the up and coming events will be around things such as freshwater, wetlands, SNA’s and biodiversity protection, pricing agricultural emissions, nitrogen use and stock exclusion. Stuart encourages all rural property

owners to attend. Regarding local changes to our Resource Management Act Stuart explains that the TDC is working through this process with the Nelson City Council and that it is going to take some time to work through it.

Time-frames are unclear which is frustrating. The good news is that Stuart has knowledge on how the Resource Management Act works and is encouraged by this to see it through. He also points out that by being a landowner himself any changes also apply to his

own land, stock, water and farming operations.

“By being a farmer myself I know what’s workable and what’s not, so I really speak up,” Stuart says.

Rural areas are reliant on agriculture as a source of livelihood, the New Zealand economy is reliant on the future of our food systems. We need people like Stuart, finding workable solutions to rural issues.

“I enjoy living rurally with a lack of neighbours and fresh air and I will continue this term to make sure rural issues don’t get forgotten.”

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Stuart Bryant, Deputy Mayor of Tasman District Council and Lakes/Murchison ward councillor, at home on his Spring Grove farm. Photo: Eloise Martyn.

Inghams switches processing plants to nitrogen

STAFF REPORTER

The CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) shortage which started around November 2022 has heavily impacted meat and poultry processors who use CO2 gas in their packaging, egg processing and slaughtering operations. The shortage was brought on by the closure of the country’s sole food-grade CO2 production facility. The cost of CO2 is around 10 times more than it was this time

last year and due to shortage, it has been severely rationed. During December and January major poultry processing company Inghams, who have several processing plants nationwide, were challenged with the significantly rationed supply of CO2 which resulted in plants being temporarily shut down, this impacted production volumes significantly. Faced with uncertainty around CO2 supply Inghams have concerted its

processing plants to nitrogen.

The company reports a 55% fall in net profit and stated that New Zealand’s core poultry volume declined 2.4% as it adjusted egg settings in response to significant labour shortages and CO2 supply constraints. They also said that inflation was impacting them in several ways with the cost of inputs rising - such as fuel, transport, chicken feed and packaging.

Feed costs alone had increased by A$57.9 million compared to the previous corresponding period. The company stated that it has implemented initiatives to address reduced farming performance, with more chickens expected to become available later in the year and that poultry has an advantage over red meat because it’s cheaper and that their expectations were that things would begin to pick up moving forward.

Paradise duck trend count

JACOB LUCAS

Each year in late January, Fish & Game staff can be found out monitoring paradise duck numbers across West Coast, Tasman, Marlborough, and Buller regions. The counts are carried out using fixed wing airplanes and ground-based visits using drones and binoculars.

The benefit of fixed wing plane is that it is possible to cover a huge area in a day, flying over known moult sites which are ‘minutes apart’ by air, and keeping an eye out for new additional sites that come into play with agricultural development. The not so great part of flying is the queasiness that comes with hours in a light aircraft, made worse when circling a moult site multiple times in turbulent air! Using a drone to get a similar birds eye perspective is a great alternative, they provide for a very accurate count by taking a high resolution photo, which can be subsequently analysed to record the number of birds. These, and ground based binocular counts, also provide a

good opportunity for a faceto-face catch up with farmers, many who kindly provide hunting access during the game bird season. In the West Coast region, we have again had a strong paradise shelduck moult count, being up 6% on last year, with a total count of 22,802 birds. This is largely due to high numbers being observed North of Taramakau, accounting for 17,007 moulting birds. Due to pukeko, paradise shelduck and swan populations on the West Coast being in very health states, they can sustain additional harvest outside the regular game bird season. With Fish & Game’s first priority of protecting the resource being met, the next priority falls to maximising opportunities for licence holders, and that is how we have come to have a summer season. To reduce crop predation issues by dispersing large post moult paradise shelduck mobs, the West Coast region is holding a summer season from the last weekend of February until the third weekend of March.

To provide certainty that late moulting paradise shelducks are protected and the hunting pressure is directed to the source of crop predation issues, hunting during the summer season is restricted to locations 200 metres or more from open water.

Elsewhere, a quick snapshot of the Nelson Marlborough region see’s bird numbers in Buller and Golden Bay sub-regions towards the higher end of historical counts. The Blenheim/Awatere area revealed a number on par with previous years, and the Nelson/Tasman sub-region showing a welcome decrease in birds from the reasonably high numbers previously. As many farmers know, ‘parries’ can become problematic before and after the moult, especially when they are concentrated on valuable crop. While West Coast Fish & Game region have a summer hunting season, Nelson Marlborough farmers can contact Fish & Game for assistance, where we can provide either a gas gun or a hunting permit to help disperse or control birds.

A West Coast paradise shelduck moult site captured by drone. Photo: Supplied.

Poultry processing company Inghams have recently switched to nitrogen use due to the CO2 shortage. Photo: Supplied.

The most important areas of focus

MAUREEN PUGH National List MP

A recent visit to the West Coast by my colleague Todd McClay, MP for Rotorua, was warmly welcomed by hunters and fishers.

In his newly-created role as Spokesperson for Hunting and Fishing it was a good opportunity to discuss his vision for the job and find out what the main issues are to focus on. This is the first time a position has been dedicated to the hunting and recreational fishing sector so everyone was keen to explore the possibilities.

Thousands of hunters enjoy getting outdoors and hunting but the divide between responsible gun owners, who simply want to enjoy the outdoors and put food on the table, and illegal gun users such as gang members, has been blurred. Having someone to speak for hunters will mean that policies won’t be developed without considering the impact on them and only when reaching agreement from Todd. The role will have a focus on a range of areas such as

management of game animals, gun laws, and access. This is great news because it means there is no stronger voice than one that sits around the table where big decisions are made which impact on thousands of Kiwis. We need to make sure that the privileges we have enjoyed in being able to head out into the back country and fish or hunt are protected for our kids. We don’t want it to be something that is either too expensive or too hard to get access to. New Zealand would be a lot worse off if hunting and fishing were out of reach for our young people. And while we all feel the brunt of the cost of living crisis, the freedom to hunt and fish has never been this important to many Kiwis.

Thank you to those people who turned out to Todd McClay’s meetings and also those who fronted up to meet with and hear Matt Doocey, MP for Waimakariri when he visited Westport and Greymouth to outline National’s plans in the vital area of Mental Health.

Matt has a diverse background in the area of mental health both here and overseas and has worked on plans to formulate National’s mental health wellbeing strategy – I know he is very concerned about the lingering effects of both Covid and weather events on rural and provincial mental health.

As National’s spokesperson on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Matt’s main message was about ensuring local solutions to local mental health support needs and using the innovation of our communities to come up with their own programmes. If elected, National will appoint a Minister of Mental Health to sharpen the focus on this important area.

You may have noticed that Todd McClay has added Spokesperson for Agriculture to his portfolios, so I look forward to bringing him back to the region in that important Trade and Agriculture capacity, because he’s always especially keen to interact with primary producers.

New DairyNZ leader returns to her farming roots

DairyNZ’s new strategy and investment leader, Alyce Butler, is excited to be working on solutions to key dairy sector issues, with a particular focus on staff shortages and dairy careers.

“We are thrilled to have Alyce join the DairyNZ team from her most recent position as director for Future of Food at Monitor Deloitte in Amsterdam. Alyce was raised and worked on a dairy farm in Taranaki, bringing handson experience of the responsibilities, opportunities and challenges facing our sector, and an optimistic outlook of what we can achieve,” says CEO, Dr Tim Mackle.

“We are lucky to have someone with a global perspective and wealth of knowledge join our leadership team, as DairyNZ continues to work with farmers to deliver our vision of a better future for New Zealand dairy farmers.”

Alyce will be focused on delivering solutions for on-farm capability and consider how DairyNZ can engage and partner better with farmers.

“One focus for Alyce will be on closing the labour and skills shortage gap, which continues to be a key concern for farmers. She will be helping our team to deliver solutions that attract and retain people in dairy farming. This includes

our Great Futures in Dairying plan, to shape dairy as a competitive career option through a range of workplace and technological advances.”

Alyce is excited to be returning to her farming roots and having the opportunity to support farmers, helping them feel more confident about the sector’s direction.

“Farmers are facing some difficult times, with a more volatile climate, changing consumer demands and government requirements, both on a national and international scale,” says Alyce. “My work will help support farmers through some of these key challenges, while also opening new opportunities. I want to help build a resilient and successful dairy sector, where dairy farming is a career people are proud of.”

Alyce’s background in providing strategic advice to many of the largest food and agriculture players in New Zealand and internationally, including driving strategic partnerships to solve complex sector-wide challenges, will be a great asset to help deliver a better future for dairy farmers. She also graduated with a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, from Victoria University of Wellington, and is a chartered accountant.

Staffing solutions available with Rural People

Paula Hems started ‘Rural People’ just over six years ago and is still very much involved in her business on a daily basis. Rural People has grown out of Paula’s desire to support dairy farmers across the South Island with their ongoing staffing challenges.

“To me farmers are the back bone of the country so I started the business to support them with their staffing needs,” explains Paula.

“To compliment this I diversified and have been offering dairy farmers a lot more with regards to HR, immigration and pastoral care services as well as educating farmers on the best ways to retain their staff, because retention is far cheaper than recruitment.”

Rural People source suitable candidates nationwide as well as offshore from places such as Ireland, UK, Cuba, Sri Lanka, Philippines and Nepal.

“I have the time to sift through all the applicants and I look at every single one and assess them fairly, so that I can find the exact fit for my farmers.”

Paula explains that not all recruiters are the same.

“Anyone can call themselves a recruiter, however there are two distinct ways of recruiting.”

“There is what we in the industry call a ‘bums on seats” whereby the recruiter puts anyone in the job just to make a fee, or you can be what we are, a professional services company specialising in recruitment and HR consulting.”

A point of difference that Rural People has is Paula’s process, she takes the time to get to know her farmers.

“I will come to the farm, so that we can sit down and get a in-depth understanding of what you are looking for and then I go about matching the candidate not just to the skill set, but I also look for the things you can’t teach such as ethics, morals and personality.”

After people are placed on farms Paula continues supporting the transition or find solutions if there are prob-

lems. “After I place a person on farm, I stay in touch with both our farmer and the worker to ensure everyone is happy and if issues do arise, I go back to the farm to find solutions.”

“I never finish recruiting and say, ‘see you then, have a nice life’ again that is what a bum -on-seats recruiter would do.”

“I have open and honest discussions with my farmers, as it’s not always the candidates that are at fault if things go awry.”

With many in the dairy sector in multiple locations throughout New Zealand reporting an ongoing struggling with finding, and retaining, suitable staff perhaps it’s time to explore what Rural People has to offer.

“Yes, we do have a major staff shortage in the industry but there are good people out there, we just have to look a bit harder these days, which is where I come in,” adds Paula.

To speak with Paula about your staffing issues call her on 0275 118 814. Advt.

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THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ‘THE ROAR’ AND GAME BIRD SEASON

If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll need to know about changes to the storage and transport rules for firearms and ammunition, and changes to the seven rules of firearms safety. Regulations were updated in February 2022, and to help Kiwis make sense of those changes, Te Tari Pūreke, the new firearms regulator, published a Secure Storage and Transport Guide. You can download a copy of the Secure Storage and Transport Guide from www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety

STORAGE AND TRANSPORT FOR FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION, KEY POINTS

AMMUNITION

ALL AMMUNITION MUST NOW BE STORED IN A LOCKED CONTAINER. YOU CAN NOW ONLY STORE AMMUNITION WITH FIREARMS IN A GUN SAFE THAT HAS A SEPARATE LOCKABLE COMPARTMENT THAT HAS A DIFFERENT KEY THAN THE KEY FOR THE GUN SAFE. YOU MUST KEEP THESE KEYS SEPARATE. AND REMEMBER TO KEEP THOSE KEYS IN DIFFERENT PLACES, NOT ON THE SAME KEY RING OR HOOK.

If your safe doesn’t have a separate lockable compartment, you need to store ammunition in its own secure storage container with a key, combination, or padlock, or in a stout locked cupboard.

TRANSPORTATION

If you’re driving to a hunting location, your firearm needs to be inoperable during your travel and, ideally, concealed from view. This means removing the bolt or an essential part (or if that’s not possible, applying a trigger or cable lock), or transporting the firearm in a locked carry case. The ammunition needs to be separately and securely stored in a locked glove box or similar storage area, if practical. And please, whatever you do, once you’ve finished using your firearm, lock it away. Never leave any firearms in your ute, shed, home or vehicle unsecured at any time. The only exceptions to the firearms and ammunition transport rules are if you’re using the firearm on a farm for farm-related activities, or you’re doing legally-authorised hunting or pest control (such as a regional council employed pest controller) and the licence holder is in the vehicle or the immediately vicinity of the vehicle with the firearms in it. Make sure you read or download a free copy of the storage and transport guide to keep up to date with the details of the changes: www. firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety/storage-transportation

FIREARMS LICENCES ONLINE

TAKING A BREAK WHEN YOU’RE TRAVELLING WITH FIREARMS

For those who travel with firearms to hunt locations, your inoperable and secured firearm can be left in your vehicle unattended, for example during a break in a journey, for up to 60 minutes. But you need to lock your vehicle and stay within the immediate area or vicinity of the vehicle and meet other conditions. Read the storage and transport guide for full details: www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety/ storage-transportation. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR OTHER ARMS ITEMS BE LEFT IN A VEHICLE OVERNIGHT.

THE SEVEN RULES OF FIREARM SAFETY HAVE CHANGED.

Get ahead of the changes to firearms safety rules with the Firearms Safety Code. Buy the book from www.firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/firearms-safety and have it shipped to your door or download a PDF copy for free.

TE TARI PŪREKE AND THE FIREARMS REGISTRY

Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority is responsible for managing firearms in New Zealand. We want to enable the legitimate use of firearms for feeding our whanau, conservation, farming and recreation while keeping our communities safe. This involves making sure firearms licence holders are fit and proper to possess firearms and are meeting the obligations of their licence.

New Zealand will have a firearms registry from 24 June 2023. The Registry is one of the ways Te Tari Pūreke is strengthening how firearms are managed in New Zealand.

THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE TO REGISTERING YOUR FIREARMS. The new Registry will record how many firearms there are, and who has possession of them. This will allow for more effective firearms regulation, provide better support to licence holders, and support Police in keeping our communities safe.

Te Tari Pūreke will provide more details about the Registry and what it means for licence holders when the Registry Regulations are published. This is expected to be in late April/May 2023.

Apply for a firearms licence and update your contact details online using MyFirearms: a secure, online portal available at www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz For more information on Te Tari Pūreke and any legislative or regulation changes that may affect you, go to www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz

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Book Review

(One for the serious sportsman-like hunter)

Tracking and Finding Deer in New Zealand by Roger Lentle, published by Bateman books. $34.99

Roger Lentle is a name well known to big game hunters for some years ago, in conjunction with Frank Saxton he co-wrote four very fine big game hunting books, cocker with practical and detailed advice - Red Deer in New Zealand, Stalking the Seasons Round, Alpine Hunting in New Zealand and The New Zealand Hunter’s Companion.

With a scientific background, Roger applies his skills to analysing and researching deer tracks, what they mean and basically how to find deer.

Roger has been a hunter for 50 years – in short a very experienced hunter and a natural ability given by his medical and scientific career to analyse and learn from experiences.

Opinion: Carbon farming is distorting land’s food production

TONY ORMAN

Carbon farming by corporate speculators is taking good land out of food production said Katie Milne in a keynote address on Food Security to Marlborough Rural Women NZ’s conference held recently in Blenheim. Even in Egypt corporates are buying up “half acre” subsistence farming plots to convert to carbon farming.

pines.

Katie Milne said it is important farmers are “at the table” such as international conferences when subjects such as climate change and biodiversity are discussed for often decisions reached can impact on food production.

price of carbon credits is distorting what land is worth and productive farmland is being sold for the future planting of trees – mainly exotic species such as pinus radiata,” said the organisation.

In a panel discussion on food security at the Rural Women

Tracking and Finding Deer in New Zealand” is an invaluable manual for every Kiwi hunter.

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“I have no trouble with production forestry, but carbon farming is ridiculous,” she said. “The market becomes so distorted by carbon farming taking land from food production. The carbon farming policy is a major threat to food security. The matter is critical.” The impact bites deeply into the social fabric of rural communities being eroded if carbon farming speculators are allowed to convert productive farms to monocultures of

Farmers are the solution to food security but remember some others see farmers as a problem,” she added. “The way New Zealand farms the land is not novel to us but is to the rest of the world.”

New Zealand must continue to strive to improve efficiency despite high efficiency now.

Meanwhile Beef+Lamb has expressed deep concern that “unchecked carbon farming” is being encouraged by government.

“The government is economically incentivising wholesale land use change from pastoral-based farming into exotic trees – because the increasing

NZ’s conference, Lyn Scanlon of Plant and Food Research, Landcare Research said New Zealand’s farming is too focused on export.

“New Zealand consumers are getting what’s left over after export. We’re too focused on export rather than feeding our own people,” she said. “Also New Zealander’s food nutrition education as appalling. We need to teach young New Zealanders about it. The dependence for many on fast foods, is impoverished eating.”

Another panel member Paul Jones warned that the fastfood industry is only going to grow.

The great forestry debate

OSCAR SAVAGE

Legal protection for your farm through the stages of life

Make a plan to protect your farming and rural assets now and in the future.

Plantation forestry has been promoted as a cure for many of our societal ills, with benefits towards alleviating the climate crisis, generation of income from marginal land and providing economic benefits via widespread employment. However, recent extreme weather events have highlighted some of the flaws of plantation forestry. This has forced central governments to reconsider if widespread plantation forestry a land use deserving of our continued active support. Or is it time to manage the industry differently seeking better environmental outcomes for all?

Landowners have been able to obtain financial support from the government to plant both native and exotic forests through the One Billion Trees Fund, which allocated $176 million of funding to support the establishment of forests. The project sought to plant more natives than exotics; however, the result is a vast majority of the funded tree plantings are exotic pine forests. The forestry industry also has the benefit of streamlined regulatory support under the National Environmental Standards for Plantation forestry (NES-PF). This document provides national level manage-

ment for key forestry activities instead of regional and district plans on a region-by-region basis. The NES-PF provides a consistent regulatory environment which overrides any local provisions and allows foresters to carry out activities that would require specific consideration through a resource consent for operators outside of the forestry industry.

Plantation Forestry can provide significant benefits compared to other land uses.

Exotic forestry sequesters significantly more carbon than native forests, and can provide more income than low intensity agricultural grazing. The conversion of as little as 5% of New Zealand’s dry stock farms is theorised to be capable of generation $760 million in profit per year for the rural economy.

Forestry’s benefits can come at a cost, and recent extreme weather events have brought this to the public eye again.

Storms in 2018 resulted in $1.3 million in fines being levied against forestry companies by Gisborne District Council for damage caused by forest effects. Recent storms in 2023

including Cyclone Gabrielle have shown the how forestry’s uncleared slash continues to exacerbate flooding effects, and forests caught in their post-harvest window of vulnerability can send astounding quantities of silt downstream from erosion prone sites, burying productive land downstream. Given the often-prominent position of forestry in the headwaters of catchments, it is now being debated by some as to whether this is truly a safe and sustainable land use, or if this industry needs to be managed with more local input. Is the national management of forestry under the NES-PF suitable given the repeated damage from natural hazards to communities in Tairāwhiti made worse by forestry harvesting methods? Ministerial enquiries due at the end of April may spark changes in the forestry industry in light of the damage seen.

Oscar Savage, Graduate Planner, Baseline Group Marlborough, ph: 03 578 7299 E: info@ blg.nz

TONY ORMAN

CM Mechanical Limited

Hammers to crack nuts - or nuts using hammers?

GARRICK BATTEN

Adaptable Reliable Precise

Can anyone really know what an animal thinks or perceives? We sometimes think we know how an animal feels based on experiences. But should we also give human motives or characteristics to animals based on how we think we know better than these “lesser” creatures? Like some people impress. Livestock farmers are working with their animals most days, and good livestock farmers understand them as far as they are able because their business depends on ongoing health and performance of both. Their experience enables them to interpret some behaviours to send messages, and a good stockman can identify an off-colour animal in the paddock before it shows obvious signs, merely by its behaviour. And they don’t call their young animals ‘babies’ like the animal activists in their frenetic campaign to eliminate livestock farming. Examples of one-off bad animal management are used to blame the whole farming industry. That leads to politically-backed changes without appreciating both the overall effects and the negative effects of complaints and actions. We had piggery and bobby calf examples that were inexcus-

able, and some later changes may have been essential and timely. But examples were not typical of most farms and subsequent animal handling and processing. The storm-loss of one ship carrying cattle meant a review of animal export requirements and conditions and a ban on this lucrative trade. That shipwreck had nothing to do with those conditions but never less provided a pinhead for animal activists to dance on and push for changes to farming, supported by ignorant politicians. There is no doubt that there has been a growth in animal activism that influences economic farm production, and this can be expected to continue as the gap between the understanding of farming and urban life continues to grow. If farmers wish their animals to live productively, profitably

and pleasantly they need to educate non-farmers about the practices that they use for that. And they must work to pre-empt future challenges by people who think they know more about animals than the animals themselves. And who cherry-pick science to suit their pre-determined conditions with unintended consequences.

The Acting PM told the last Fed Farmers Annual Conference that the government is committed to working with farmers to move forward on sustainability. But one could question the 2022 Budget including $32m for Associate Minister of Agriculture Whaitiri to address animal welfare. This Minister in 2018 produced a Framework for Action on Animal Welfare launched at a hui with 32 representatives of various animal activist groups including 10 dog and cat people, six vegans, one vet, a lone rodeo rider and no farmers. One aim was to “bring back farmers to good husbandry practices” to meet animal welfare standards through compliance and enforcement. Defined by those people.

Hopefully the pre-Budget policy cull has worked and Chippy has become Choppy, but remember why egg prices increased.

Farmers are willing, don’t knock them - National Party told

ORMAN

Golden opportunity 0 Glenview Rd

Located in the heart of Golden Bay, in the middle of Takaka township and Pohara Beach is this productive and flat grazing land that will be perfect for creating your new lifestyle block and building the dream home or add it to your current grazing portfolio. Just over 14 Ha with two titles means potential splitting of the land further in the future. In the past, the property formed part of a dairy farm and currently is used for grazing beef breeding cattle and growing out their young. With this as the background to the land, you know that it has good fertiliser and regrassing history, also making it perfect for growing winter crops and making bailage/hay. The fencing is suitable for cattle and through the property runs a creek.

All viewings and property information to be arranged through Sharyn Miller.

Deadline Sale: 6th April 2023

Despite by world standards in terms of being both highly effective in achieving production from the land and in low carbon emissions, farmers are willing to strive to improve upon these world leading efficiencies, said Marlborough Federated Farmers’ vice president Richard Dawkins in a keynote address to the National Party’s Blue-Green Forum held recently in Blenheim.

“Let’s actually empower our industry instead of crippling it and reducing our production,” he said. “Look, I think most farmers agree with the direction that policy is trying to set. We agree we want reduced emissions, we agree we want better water quality and biodiversity outcomes. But it

is the practicality of these policies which is the issue.”

Richard encouraged New Zealand to get alongside farmers instead of attacking them.

“Whether it is climate change and agricultural emissions, freshwater rules, the ETS and forestry, labour shortages or animal welfare, I encourage everyone in the room today to get alongside our farmers, because of their passion for their land and their planet.”

Richard spoke of his family’s involvement with farming in Marlborough from his grandfather Jack farming the steep hills in Marlborough Sounds’ Port Gore, then shifting to the current home farm of “The Pyramid” located 30km southwest of Blenheim in the Waihopai Valley.

Richard’s father Chris and

grandfather set about clearing weeds, improving soil fertility, fencing, planting trees, installing reticulated water systems and improving animal health.

“The three Dawkins generations have been at The Pyramid for 70 years now. We’ve had ups and downs but what keeps us going is the drive to be the best custodians of our land that we can be, leave it in better shape than when we arrived and continue the integrational legacy,” he told the audience comprising a number of National MPs, National’s leader Chris Luxon and delegates.

“I just hope the next government looks to celebrate and empower us farmers while seeking improved outcomes,” said Richard to loud and sustained applause.

The Clemens pre-pruner provides a less labour intensive option to pruning, with the added bonus of a more cost effective season.

TONY

Self-sustainable country living with income

40 Waireka Rd, Kikawa

Situated on two titles being 55.99Ha and 30.94 Ha, this property truly has so much to offer. Approx 8.4 Ha block has recently been entered into the ETS for carbon credits so start earning passive income immediately, with another 13 Ha undergoing registration. The balance of the land is made up of 40 Ha approx. flat to steeper grazing.

The alpine lodge home is striking to say the least with its stunning design and boasting cedar cladding and South Island schist features, and covered veranda. The home is warm and inviting being all doubled glazed and well insulated, with two spacious bedrooms in the main house with options for more rooms if required, but if it’s for family or guests - worry not, as the current owners have built a fantastic cottage that they first moved into when building, so options also exist for renting or Air B&B.

If this incredible property has your attention, don’t let it slip through your fingers and get in touch now to find out more.

Tender Closing 19th April, 1pm

Toby Randall

M 027 233 9170 toby.randall@harcourts.co.nz

Escape the everyday

99 Redwood Park Rd, Redwood Valley

This is a truly unique property that offers the ultimate lifestyle of luxury, tranquillity, and convenience. This stunning home sits proud on an elevated site enjoying stunning sea views. The land has been extremely well developed and improved over the years, with rolling to some steeper grazing land spanning approximately 20 Ha. Exceptional farm sheds, cattle yards and reliable water tick the boxes.

Warm, ambient and light, the spacious living and dining areas flow seamlessly onto a large outdoor entertainment area, perfect for those warm Tasman evening barbeques. The home has been thoughtfully designed and can very easily be split into two fully separated living spaces with individual entrances, so for extended family, friends or potentially Air B&B or some rental income on the cards. Don’t miss your chance to secure this exceptional property in one of Tasman’s most desirable locations.

For Sale

Toby Randall

M 027 233 9170 toby.randall@harcourts.co.nz

After more than 20 years of ownership and enjoyment from this incredible property our vendor has decided it’s time to allow a new owner the privilege of owning this vast piece of New Zealand high-country.

Of the 2346 Ha of land, approximately 892 Ha is effective with contours being rolling to steeper land, currently utilised for grazing sheep and cattle. The balance of the land is made up of either planted forestry, and or established native protected under the QEII trust. Two main water ways run through or alongside the property with the Omaka River

running along its eastern boundary and the Dillon running through the property, to the iconic Dillon hut. Also located on the property is the 4 bedroom 2 bathroom residence that enjoys great sun shine and stunning views down the valley, as well as stock handling facilities and farm shedding.

Continue grazing this fantastic property and enjoy all its natural beauty, or if you’re looking at this through business eyes, explore options for forestry and or carbon credits with a vast area being identified as potentially plantable and eligible for the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Other

options for this property include potential tourism business opportunities and the area and property is well known for hunting and game animals.

The location also gets the tick as while you’re out on the land, you feel hours from civilisation, but the reality is the property is located just outside of Marlborough wine country and a short drive from the airport, and/or one of plenty of internationally renowned wineries, or Blenheim township itself. Don’t miss your chance to experience and own the ultimate New Zealand high country block at the Ramshead. Contact me today to find out more.

Tender Closing 3rd May2023, 1pm

Toby Randall M 027 233 9170 toby.randall@harcourts.co.nz

Ramshead Station - Marlborough 1180 Tyntesfield Rd, Waihopai Valley

2023 West Coast/Top of the South Dairy Industry Awards

The major winners in the 2023 West Coast/Top of the South Dairy Industry Awards say that being caretakers of the land is a pretty special job to have and are proud to be part of a food-producing nation.

Ricky and Maria Johnson were announced winners of the region’s Share Farmer of the Year Category at the annual awards dinner held in Shantytown last month. The other big winners were Gurpreet Singh, who was named the 2023 West Coast/ Top of the South Dairy Manag-

er of the Year, and Ireland Cain, the 2023 West Coast/Top of the South Dairy Trainee of the Year.

The Johnsons are 50/50 share milkers on Robb and Jane Macbeth’s 194ha Maruia farm milking 420 cows. They won $8,000 in prizes and three merit awards.

“We entered the awards for the first time over 15 years ago and we entered again this year after hearing about the changes and it’s been well worthwhile so far,” they say. “The feedback and taking the time to look at how and why we do things has made us think

about where we are going and how we are going to get there.”

The couple’s children are now young adults and they say their biggest success was being able to bring their family up on a farm and having a tight unit.

“When you love what you do it doesn’t feel like work. The boys enjoy coming home to help on the farm and have a BBQ tea.”

Ricky and Maria cite their team as one of the biggest strengths of their business. “We have a great crew with Kerrin being with us for six seasons and Isaac for three

seasons. Being able to retain staff is awesome and makes life and the farm much easier.”

“The importance of having health and safety on-farm to keep us all safe is always evolving and the job is never done.”

The weather – be it drought or flood – has proved challenging for Ricky and Maria, as has sending their boys away to college due to living rurally.

A positive attitude helps during the harder times, with their animal’s providing motivation.

“Cows are amazing and it’s a great

life on the farm,” says Ricky. “It’s great to be able to work and have family around while you do.” Future farming goals include farm ownership on the West Coast. “We’re excited about the future of Westland Milk and supplying quality milk to them. They produce fantastic products and we may be a bit bias, but we think they produce the best butter in the world,” say the couple. “There is nothing quite like going to the supermarket and seeing a product on the shelf that you helped produce.”

Congratulations to all those from the Top of The South who took part

Dairy Trainee Winner: Ireland Cain (Reefton)

Dairy Manager Winner: Gurpreet Singh (Westport)

Share Farmer Winner: Ricky & Maria Johnson (Mauria)

Runner up Share Farmer: Hamish Morrison (Rai Valley)

3rd Place Share Farmer: Mark & Esther Tubman (Takaka)

Share Farmers Merit Awards winners

Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award: Merryn & Michael Ashton (Tapawera)

Federated Farmers Leadership

Award: Hamish Morrison

DairyNZ People & Culture Award: Ricky & Maira Johnson

Honda Farm Safety, Health & Biosecurity Award: Ricky & Maria Johnson

LIC - Animal Wellbeing, Recording & Productivity Awards: Mark Ring & Sarah Hope (Rai Valley)

Meridian Environmental Sustainability Award: Mark & Esther Tubman

Ravensdown Sustainable Pasture

Proud sponsors of WCTOS Dairy Industry Awards

2023

Award: Mark & Esther Tubman

Cuffs Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors Business

Performance Award: Ricky & Maria Johnson

Drummond & Etheridge Emerging Talent Award: Andre & Rebecca Weal (Murchison)

3rd Place Dairy Trainee: Alexandra Davidson (St Arnaud)

Share Farmer Winner Ricky and Maria Johnson - Mauria

Dairy Trainee Winner Ireland Cain - Reefton

Dairy Manager Winner Gurpreet Singh - Westport

Rural Ladies

As International Women’s Day happened recently we thought we would celebrate these women in rural roles...

Danielle Inglis OneFortyOne

As Sales and Operations Planner for forestry company OneFortyOne New Zealand, it is Danielle’s role to manage the company’s short to medium harvest crew schedule, coordinating the log volume needed to ensure we can meet our customer requirements.

Danielle’s job is a complex role that requires juggling mutliple tasks and priorities. Thankfully, coming from a horticultural family in Motueka (west of Nelson), Danielle developed practical problem solving skills at a young age.

It was her practical skills and also wanting a career that allowed her to spend some time in nature that originally attracted her to the forestry industry.

Her forestry career started when she contacted the University of Canterbury’s forestry school, who organised for Danielle to spend a day with OneFortyOne (then Nelson Forests) to meet our team and go out with some of the crews in the forest.

From there, you could say the rest is history. She was encouraged to apply for a OneFortyOne scholarship, which she was successful in receiving. This went towards her university costs and also gave her paid holiday work. Upon completing university she was offered a full time role with OneFortyOne.

It takes a unique skillset to do Danielle’s role, you need strong practical planning skills, good attention to detail, good people skills, and also the ability to juggling conflicting priorities. onefortyone.com

Golden Girls of New Zealand Lamb Win Gold & Represent Country in Australia

Premium lamb producer, Middlehurst Station, wins gold at the 2023 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards for their Middlehurst Station Deluxe Edition Premium Lamb Box.

Middlehurst Station, a family-owned and operated farm located in the Awatere high country, has won gold at the 2023 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards for their Deluxe Edition Premium Lamb Box. The award recognises the farm’s commitment to producing the finest quality lamb and their dedication to sustainable and ethical farming practices. This is the second year running that Middlehurst Station has won gold.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have again won gold at the 2023 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards,” said Sophie

Brunner Dearman

Brunner Dearman

B runner had a passion for cars and vehicles from an early age, and the opportunity to start studying automotive courses at NMIT every Friday came her way in 2015, she jumped at the chance.

As Brunner progressed through her studies, she fell more in love with the trade. Her dedication and hard work paid off, and she was awarded Top of the South Automotive Student of the Year. This achievement encouraged her to continue her education and complete the full automotive course.

By 2017 Brunner had joined MS Ford as a service assistant and car cleaner. It wasn’t long before she secured an apprenticeship with the company, and she has never looked back. Now fully qualified, Brunner is always looking for ways to improve herself in the trade. She loves the hands-on nature of the role and the different challenges every job presents.

Visit Brunner, and the rest of the MS Ford team, at 157 Haven Road, Nelson for all your automotive needs, or call them on (03) 548 9189.

www.msford.co.nz

Macdonald, one of the sisters behind the Middlehurst Station Deluxe Edition Premium Lamb Box. “Our parents, Susan and Willie, took over the Middlehurst Station in 1998 and have worked relentlessly to get the farm and merinos to this level of quality. Lucy and I started supplying lamb direct to consumers in 2020 and it’s such an honour to all of us to have our efforts recognised in this way. Our parents couldn’t be prouder.”

In addition to winning gold at the awards, the Macdonald sisters, Sophie and Lucy, have also been invited to represent New Zealand at the Rabobank Farm to Fork Summit in Australia. The sisters were approached by Rabobank to present their story to a crowd of their peers.

About Lydia Heyward

My Life...

You may ask why have I been in real estate for so many years – the truth is that I really enjoy meeting people and pulling all of the real estate pieces together to conclude a sale. It is very satisfying.

I am a country girl from the Murchison area, bought up to understand that hard work doesn’t hurt you and that having a straight forward and uncomplicated approach to life works best. My husband and I live on a 40 hectare rural property just outside of Richmond where we enjoy all things rural. Being able to share my vast real estate knowledge in a way that helps people, brings me great pleasure. You are welcome to call me at any time.

Lydia Superstar! Lydia has been nothing short of incredible. My dealings with her have been very professional and so very knowledgeable. She is calm and honest, and seems to have the knack and insight of leaving you alone to process and not pushing. We have bought and sold properties with her - it been a stress less experience!

Lydia is to be highly recommended for any real estate proposition… guarantee it’ll be angst free!

Jan (Purchaser)

5 Stars... Why would we have chosen somebody else when Lydia was available? Lydia has gone well beyond expectations to sell our property. We have great pleasure in recommending Lydia to anyone that is about to join, sell, buy, or be on the property ladder.

Lydia has expertise in abundance, is up front, open and honest, totally reliable, a person that makes one feel at ease even during testing times. We are more than happy to have chosen Lydia to market our property.

Caroline & Kevin (Vendor)

027 432 8532

lydiaheyward.bayleys.co.nz

Rural Ladies

As International Women’s Day happened recently we thought we would celebrate these women in rural roles...

Rachel Fraser grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Appleby which developed her passion for the rural sector. From a young age, Rachel was good at maths and loved animals but didn’t like early starts, so when it came to choosing a career, working in accounting and specialising in Agri Business was the perfect solution. Pursuing this career Rachel moved to Christchurch attending University of Canterbury, then worked in the chartered accounting environment gaining a broad range of knowledge across a variety of industries.

After 14 years in Christchurch, she returned to her roots in the Nelson region and is now an associate partner at Findex. Combining her own expertise with being part of the Findex family, Rachel can meet clients’ needs by drawing on specialists across a range of areas including tax, lending, investment, risk and personal insurance.

One of Rachel’s favourite aspects of her work is helping people. She goes above and beyond to ensure clients have a better understanding of the financial side of their business, empowering them to make informed business decisions.

Outside of work Rachel is the treasurer of Nelson Federated Farmers and involved in Waimea Rural Connections, a charitable organisation focused on the wellbeing of people in the rural community. Rachel is a mum of two active primary schoolers, with weekends consumed managing their sports teams and on-call backup farm worker for her parents.

As a local member of your community, Findex helps ensure your agribusiness gets the service and advice it needs to thrive. Contact our team today on 03 548 2139 or visit Rachel and the team at 20 Oxford Street, Richmond.

03 548 2139 20 Oxford St, Richmond

Looking for the rural lifestyle?

With a background in the sheep and agri industries of over 30 years, Harcourts Nelson’s Rural & Lifestyle consultant found the transition to rural real estate to be an easy and natural one.

Originally studying at Lincoln University, consultant Sharyn Miller went on to work as a wool buyer for a New Zealand wool exporting company for 14 years, purchasing wool on behalf of high-end Italian and Japanese spinning mills and liaising with farmers. Through her exposure to the rural industry, Sharyn says she gained a great understanding

of the people she dealt with on a daily basis. “I learnt to understand rural people and what was important to them,” she says. This knowledge proved useful when she went on to work for The New Zealand Merino Company as an area manager for 13 years working with her High Country farming clients in Central Otago, Mackenzie Country and then later in the greater Canterbury region.

“I wish I had of thought about Rural Real Estate as a career a long time ago as it is such an exciting and challenging industry, the people we meet

Sharyn Miller

and the very cool places we get to visit and bring to the market is a highlight for me,” Sharyn says.

Nelson and Tasman’s diverse and interesting rural landscape has always been a drawcard for Sharyn and with the varied nature of the rural real estate industry, she says no two days are the same – sheep, beef, horticulture, dairy, lifestyle all in one day!

Amanda Turner -The Butcherette

• NZQA qualification in meat retail butchery (advanced) curing, smoking & small goods manufacturer

• NZQA qualification in professional cookery level 4

I’m so proud to be a successful female butcher in a male driven industry, providing professional homekill and wild game processing services. Butchering all beef, sheep, pork and venison cuts respectfully, using traditional butchery methods. The backing and knowledge of being a qualified chef inspires my flavour combinations and creativity with meat.

At The Butcherette we produce high quality handcrafted small goods with pride, which includes an incredible range from cracked pepper and parmesan sausage rolls, meatballs, meatloaf with gourmet sauce, Swiss roll, pastry swirls, koftas and much more. Being on a lifestyle farm myself I know firsthand the time, hard work and care taken to raise an animal to its prime condition and have full respect for this process. I love to have the privilege to process the homekill animals with the time, care and respect that it deserves.

I pride myself in the attention to detail with every aspect of the business, I love the amazing people you meet whom’s paths you wouldn’t cross normally, and love adding the feminine touch to butchery.

WEST COAST

Milkers unsure what’s coming next

BARBARA STUART

Jason Ludlow and his wife Fiona are fifty-fifty share milkers at Karamea, calving 450-60 cows and milking around 435-445. The couple arrived in the area five years ago from the Waikato with their son Isaac who is also milking cows in the area. When I spoke with him recently, he shared his concern for the rural sector.

“I’m very unsure about what’s coming next from central government,” he confesses.

Like most farmers Jason has a good understanding of economics, the internal economy where dairy provides employment which filters down through rural communities and the external economy where New Zealand sells dairy produce on the international stage trading with other nations.

The family enjoys Karamea, which is a one and half hour drive from Westport with its small community atmosphere. Unlike the busy Waikato where the city has spread out into the country bringing criminal influences. “There’s so much uncertainty in the immediate future,” says Jason.

“Ranging from increased costs, dropping dairy pay-out, the carbon tax and the likelihood of ongoing high rainfall events or drought,” he said.

“We read mixed messages about predicted population increase one minute and then the next day another article predicting population decreases. Then there’s the science of meat pro-

duction in a laboratory which some think will supersede pasture fed natural beef and milk.”

All of this is causing indecision for he and Fiona about whether to continue toward the goal of farm ownership.

“In the scheme of things we are here for such a short time.”

After a dry summer where the grass was green, but rainfall was insufficient for maintaining good grass cover. Last week they’d had 45mm of rain and with more predicted he’s reasonably confident they will get good autumn growth. He plans to put on urea this week to help the growth along.

When questioned about how he’d cope with 500mm of rain, he said, “Getting prepared while operating under current government and council rules is a real handicap for many

Westgold’s creamy butters bring home gold

Westgold’s salted and unsalted butters have won gold medals at the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards with Westgold’s new Garlic & Parsley Infused Butter earning bronze. The success in this year’s awards follows a winning streak for Westgold’s much-loved salted butter.

Last year the butter won its fourth gold medal at the New Zealand Champions of Cheese awards which did not include a section for butter this year. As a result, Westgold entered the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards for the first time.

our farmer suppliers providing creamy delicious milk to our master butter makers who carefully craft Westgold.”

Judges were full of praise for the two gold medal winning butters which Westgold entered in the dairy category of the awards. They described Westgold Salted Butter as good quality and “creamy and tasty with a nice spreadable texture and gloss.” They said Westgold Unsalted Butter had a “clean, fresh flavour.” It was not too dense and spread nicely, while its aroma was “true and creamy”.

farmers. You can’t just get in a creek and clear out gravel so water can get away. We have locals who’ve lived here their entire lives, they’ve first-hand experience about what happens and where water runs but their knowledge is discounted. What’s dangerous are those bureaucrats who think they know but they don’t!”

Jason believes in the future there needs to be designated sacrifice areas reserved as flood zones where people can’t build. “Essentially we all want the same thing; we want to be safe and not to lose property. What will be interesting is getting consensus from our politicians on how and when this might happen.”

“The consent process and cost alone will likely stop any real action,” he adds.

“We always knew that our butter is special and winning two gold medals and a bronze reinforces this,” Hamish Yates, Westland Milk Products’ general manager sales and marketing, says.

“The awards demonstrate the excellence of our product, right from

“The 2023 entries of this, the seventh year of our awards, was one of the most satisfying arrays to judge to date,” said Lauraine Jacobs who led the team of 25 experienced food judges that assessed the 290 locally harvested, grown, and made food and drink award entries over two days.

Retired but still pottering about the farm

Karamea.

Retired dairy farmer Bill Simpson has lived in Karamea since 1962. I found Bill driving along the road towing a trailer of firewood. The load was made up of ancient Rata and Kamihi stumps which he said, “burn really well in winter.”

One of his sons has taken over the original farm and six years ago purchased Bill’s brothers property further down the North Beach road.

Suppliers of all grades of industrial and household coal

• West Coast sub-bituminous coal with low ash, low sulphur and clean burning qualities

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I stopped him to ask directions and we struck up conversation. He said when he first started dairying in Karamea everyone just sent the cream to the local Karamea factory. Then the factory switched to casine for a few years. Eventually the factory closed and whole milk is now sent to Hokitika. Since then, Westland Milk companies serviced the whole of the Westcoast. Bill married when he was young and raised four children at

Bill says he potters about the farm these days and he explained his regime for growing good pumpkins. “This season there’s not been enough rain. The rain’s only been getting as far as Westport,” he says. In a normal season they can get rain from both the north and the south. It’s a sub-tropical area where they normally expect good grass growth. Along the beach front its quite sandy and where they’ve humped and hollowed its dry this year in the gravels of the hollows. If you see him on the road give him a wave or stop for a chat.

Karamea dairy sharemilker Jason Ludlow is uncertain about the immediate future. Photo: Barbara Stuart.

BARBARA STUART

Retired Karamea farmer, Bill Simpson. Photo: Barbara Stuart.

West Coast Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY April 2023 27

WEST COAST

Two wins for the West Coast Young Farmers Club

ELOISE

MARTYN

Exciting news for the 21 members of the West Coast Young Farmers Club who recently won ‘Best Club’ (for the Top of the South region) and ‘Best Event’. The best event was won for their country ball held in June 2022 which is scheduled to be held again soon in a few months’ time.

“It was a surprise,” says Anthony Laughton, who works in the dairy industry and is vice chair of the group. “It means what we are doing is working.”

Anthony is referring to the groups decision late last year to increase the social side of the club and offer more opportunities for the members to get together and have a good time.

“It’s really important to our club that all members have opportunities to get off-farm, away from work and do something fun.”

The club recently held a well-received 4x4 fundraising trip that

A recent 4x4 trip hosted by the West Coast Young Farmers Club. Photo: Supplied.

explored the tunnels of Napoleon Hill on the West Coast. The group drove through beautiful native bush and creek with the main attraction being the historic gold mining tunnels. They also went via the Buller to the coast iron bridge track which is a ‘shortcut’ to the northern west

coast bypass Inangahua junction and Westport which took them over the top of Mt Williams range and down to historic coal mining town of Burnetts Face before finishing just short of Dennison.

“The people who came were amazing, we had retired couples, young ones, club members and

NEAL KINSEY PRESENTS THE INTRODUCTORY

ALBRECHT SOIL FERTILITY COURSE

people with kids. It was a real mix, it was great.”

The money raised will go towards a clay target shooting day and new uniforms that club members are required to wear during competitions against other Young Farmer clubs. “This was our second year doing the trip and we

will definitely be doing it again next year, it’s a good way to earn money for the club and everyone enjoys it.”

The club has a busy schedule ahead and is enjoying gathering momentum in the area. “We have a really good group of people, everyone helps each other.”

Whether your business is orchards, vineyards, cropping or pastoral farming, we invite you to take this opportunity to learn about the benefits of adopting the Albrecht/Kinsey system for your property.

America’s leading Albrecht consultant Neal Kinsey presents a three-day introductory seminar. Hear Neal talk about the most important issue facing our industries today – soil health.

Course pricing

Individual registration:

$890+GST

Double registration:

Date

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TASMAN

Golden Bay Federated Farmers

Breaking out of the stereotype

ANN THOMPSON

Getting schools to recognise the value of a career in agriculture is difficult, even in rural schools and even in areas where agriculture is a huge contributor to the local economy.

Take mid-Canterbury, for example. Some years ago, local farmers and business owners got together and persuaded the principals and some staff of the local schools to board a plane and have a special flight around the area, highlighting the agriculture endeavours that make up the patchwork that is the Canterbury economy. These teachers had clung to the stereotype that ‘working on a farm’ or working for the primary sector was for dummies and so hadn’t bothered promoting it to ‘smart’ students.

These people were amazed at what was going on in their backyard and now make sure their students know all the options available.

Things aren’t much different here in Golden Bay and so Alice Reilly, the local Field Technical Consul-

tant for the Rural Services Centre, has taken it upon herself to organise a rural careers session at the Golden Bay High School.

Last year she had attended the national Primary Industries New Zealand Summit, organised in conjunction with Federated Farmers.

One of the panel discussions challenged those in the primary sector to get more young people interested in working in it. Alice took up this challenge, knowing that some, both teachers and students, view working on farm as being boring, underpaid, dirty and too hard, and were also not hearing about the other careers that align with the sector. With this in mind, she has approached the Golden Bay High School in Takaka and also the Collingwood Area School, and the teachers are more than willing to get all their students to hear about what’s on offer.

Alice has organised a team of speakers to talk about their own businesses. She has sheep, beef and dairy farmers lined up to explain that it’s not just about

working in the mud with animals, but also managing staff and running a business, technical issues like pasture management, soil testing and mapping to make sure that nutrients aren’t leaching into groundwater and that the right nutrients are added at the right time and not wasted. And of course there are all the varied activities that make up the day in the life of a farmer. For a farmer, being tech savvy isn’t just about knowing how to get onto Facebook!

She has also included the rural contractors, veterinarians and allied sectors who are all crying out for people to work for them, to contribute to this day. It’s important to get before students before they decide that science and maths are not needed to work in the primary sector if they want to progress. While university may not be everyone’s choice, all students need a good basic education and having a goal is a good incentive to push the limits. Working in this sector is also a good ticket to working overseas, where their skills are well recognised.

Paytons happy with streamside planting

PENNY WARDLE

Cows once walked across a stream on the 8.5ha Rai Valley property where Michael and Marion Payton have lived for 40 years. However, last year its banks became deeply incised by flooding.

Michael read about riparian restoration being done under the Te Hoiere/Pelorus Project, googled it and found a number for catchment care coordinator, Aubrey Tai.

“I didn’t want to see the banks go back to blackberry,” he says.

The Paytons are delighted

with planting of over 700 native trees since done.

“It’ll do the creek good, helping clear the water up,” says Michael. “There were a lot of eels here and they

Sneaking off for a day’s fishing

BARBARA STUART

Matiu Noakes is one of those people who contribute to rural life in an understated way, supporting landowners with all sorts of jobs, from tree harvesting or digger work.

He says, “I had a colourful past during my teenage years but climbed back on the rails when I turned twenty-one.” These days as a responsible man who runs his own business, sneaking away with his family for a day’s fishing or hunting is what gives him a buzz.

“Life as an angry teen saw me hurt everyone around me,” says Matiu, “and mostly myself.”

Matiu and Naomi have three children and they say, “family life is precious.”

Nowadays they are so busy but they both think, “investing time into their children while they are young and willing to listen is a critical part of raising the next generation.”

Recently when the weather was looking good for a mid-week fish Matiu describes what they did. “We prepped the gear and set the alarm and were off at daylight, out to the spat farm off Kaiteriteri, dropping a setline on the way. We fished inside the farm but had no luck and when it turned choppy, we went back to lift our setline.”

should benefit.”

He’s weed-eaten the site twice and is amazed at how well seedlings have grown with good rains over summer.

Now after years of getting experience at a number of jobs like the Pupu Spring Salmon Farm, with the Department of Conservation as a hunter, possum control work and logging have all led to successfully running his own business. He has been an arborist for the past fifteen years and over the past three years he and his wife Naomi have been able to purchase and pay for their own 22 ton excavator and logging gear which includes a Harvest Tech De-Limber, enabling them to tackle woodlot logging.

“Then the wind dropped, and the weather calmed so we went back to the spat farm. We anchored up and that’s when we got into some good fishing. The kids were over-joyed and so excited for their old Dad when I picked up my best ever Snapper! It weighed in at 12.5 pound.”

Mostly, says Matiu, his job is baiting hooks and untangling lines.

“On our way back to shore we saw a workup of birds feeding on surface water. It was the kids turn to fish for Kahawai, they had so much fun, which really topped off our day.”

Matiu Noakes with his 12.5 pound snapper. Photo: Supplied.

Te Hoiere Project planting of native seedlings will help hold eroded banks of a Rai Valley Stream. Photo: Penny Wardle.

New science helps Golden Bay farmers

CHERRIE CHUBB

Golden Bay farmers in the Takaka Valley Catchment have been challenged by the need to protect their aquifer in recent years. While they recognise the importance of water quality and want to protect it, finding out about nutrient loss pathways more accurately will help them.

A farmer needs to understand which parts of their farms is more or less susceptible to nutrient loss past the root zone, and which areas within the landscape are different. This knowledge will support farmers to make better decisions for fertiliser applications, stocking densities and patterns of grazing. Especially, when coupled with existing precision fertiliser application.

Thanks to the work of a specialist geophysical team currently in Golden Bay, dairy farmers in the

recharge area of the Arthur Marble Aquifer are about to benefit from this knowledge. A radiometric sensor is being used by the LandscapeDNA team combined with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging which provides 3D elevation mapping). Soil pits are also being dug so that direct observations can validate the accuracy of interpretations, ‘ground truthing’ findings.

The Farmer Catchment group, FAMA, Farmers on the Arthur Marble Aquifer, will get a high-resolution detailed map of their properties landscape settings. Landscape settings cover soil variations as well as hydrology pathways and will complement existing farm maps and the ongoing soil sampling that farmers already do.

The Arthur Marble recharge area has unique and special connection to Te Waikoropupu Springs.

Water loss from both the Waingaro and Takaka Rivers and also from the valley floor contribute to the three cubic kilometres of

water that is the Arthur Marble Aquifer. Water from the aquifer discharges at Te Waikoropupu Springs as well as to offshore vents.

Andrew Boyce from Landscape DNA explains how effectively the technology has been used in Southland.

“New Zealand is one of the most

complex geologies in the world leading to a significant amount of variation in the way Nature has spread itself across catchments, farms, and even within one paddock. There is an emerging recognition across New Zealand that this landscape variation has a significant impact on determining the type, magnitude, and severity of emissions and water quality outcomes. Farmers in Southland are beginning to embrace this contemporary thinking and have begun the journey of taking a holistic view of the entire landscape, identifying the important processes which govern likely outcomes. Future outcomes are land use activities and farm management practices that are more aligned to the land-

Nelson Federated Farmers April Report

Our thoughts are with the farmers and growers whose whole livelihoods are devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle and are still facing many months, for some years, ahead recovering. Different people and departments of Federated Farmers have been busy directly supporting farmers in the affected regions since the cyclone wreaked havoc on the 12th of February. Many locals here are keen to help and officials are advising the best way to help is through cash donations.

“Cash donations mean people up there on the ground can source feed, fencing stuff and other farming materials then navigate with locals to get it there through the challenging roading situation,” president Stephen Todd says. Donations can be made via the Federated Farmers website where all of the donated funds will go to help farmers directly.

It is particularly important to recognise that these bad events affect individuals. The media love to highlight large areas with spectacular pictures, yet places like Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Wairarapa were forgotten in their coverage. But it is

farmers, families and their businesses as individuals that are affected. Each is different and needs individual help.

Remember the unfortunate Wakapuaka farmer last August with a herd of freshly calved cows and only a swimming pool farm to feed them on. He was as significantly affected as a farmer in Tairawhiti in February.

With adverse events in mind the province encourages those who were affected by floods last year to take time to explore how they can get ready for the inevitable future. Federated Farmers have information around increasing preparedness on their website which is well worth a look to see what improvements or steps you can take.

Dairy Chair, Brain Dineen has expressed continued challenges from the significant flooding event last year. In particular, balage wrap from lost feed which is ending up on river banks and in the actual river. Major clean ups are underway however looking to the future prevention is key. Brian urges farmers to look at feed storage options for more suitable locations on their properties. Something else to explore, if you have the option, is how

to make better use of higher ground in flood situations. If you have a hill, are you able use it as part of your adverse event plan to store food and then move stock there when needed?

served at 6pm. Members and non-members all welcome but you must register with catering details. Email numbers and details to nel sonfedfarm@gmail.com

scape settings, which in turn will contribute to better water quality outcomes.”

Fonterra is a major supporter of this project as; it provides new insights and information for farmers to have greater understanding of the land they farm.

Farmers are excited to learn more about the land they own. In turn landowners can adopt appropriate tools and solutions tailored to the catchment and individual farms. The project in the Takaka catchment builds onto previous work undertaken in Southland and, if successful, has the potential to be utilised in other catchments around New Zealand.

Our dairy exports to China were down 18% last year and the Meat Industry Association says our beef and lamb sales in China in January were also down. It will be great for all to see things pick up. That could help to balance the huge farming cost increases.

The Province AGM dates and details have been set. This year there will be a family friendly dinner held at the Murchison Rec centre on Wednesday the 17th May that will focus less on AGM talk and more on social time. The province is paying for the meal with self-funded drinks. Doors open at 4pm, AGM will be starting 5pm sharp and dinner will be

The Provincial Support Role has been filled and the Province welcomes Maree Edwards from Collingwood to the team. Maree has a rural back ground, is active in dog trials and works full time as the Ravesdown rep for the Motueka area. The Province is excited to have her and will formally welcome her at their up-and-coming AGM. It will also farewell Eloise Martyn who has done so much to activate the Province since her appointment two years ago. With Easter and school holidays fast approaching it’s important to look at how you can take break. With finance and labour struggles this is not always easy but it is important. Take some time and plan how you can have a break. If you can’t get off the farm for a night or two then try and organise a half day fishing or take the kids somewhere new – anything or anywhere to ‘break’ up the every day grind. Remember that by allowing yourself time to relax down you will feel fresher and farm better.

New Zealand is one of the most complex geologies in the world

Andrew Boyce

It will be great for all to see things pick up

marlborough

A history of farming in the Sounds portrayed

ANDREW RITCHIE

Mike Gerard presented an overview of the history of farming in the Sounds at the Beef and Lamb Field Day at Manaroa. He admitted to having only been in the area for 50 years but was married to a fifth generation resident. Pakeha arrived there in the 1840s settling on land sold by Te Rauparaha to the crown after he had slaughtered most of the native iwi of the area. Access was by row boat primarily and later by steamers and scows. In the late 1800s bridle tracks were created and stock was driven out along these byways.

Ebeneezer Hayes farmed Titirangi Station where he grazed 2000 cows and 10500 ewes during the early 1900s. He used drovers to walk his livestock all the way from the Sounds to Addington in Christchurch. Telephones came to the area in 1903 using the bridle tracks for the lines, thereby connecting the area with the outside world. The advent of refrigerated ships saw the establishment of the Picton works in 1900 and livestock was barged through the Queen Charlotte to the company. There were 23 suppliers to the Sounds Dairy Society situated in Paradise Bay and milk was collected every second day.

“In 1900 a census, which had no reference to gender preference, indicated that there were 170,000 sheep in the Sounds district,“

said Mike.

During the depression of the early 1900s a certain amount of depopulation occurred with much of the hill country becoming uneconomic to farm. Scrub clearance with fires initially provided fertiliser to the hill ground but this slowly ran out and the humus was destroyed. Lime and fertiliser was applied generally by hand to the flats until the Tiger Moths and later the DC3s took over, spreading from the air and

The Gerards have gone back to basics, milking a house cow, growing their own vegetables, and making their own cheese. Mike’s father-in-law used to say, “where there is a will there is a way, but be warned living in the Sounds means things will take twice as long, be twice as expensive and twice the amount of work.”

flying from Woodbourne or the airfields in the South of the North Island. In the 1960s the service ceased and fern began to establish. Merinos were brought in to control the fern in some areas. In 1986 Rogernomics arrived and scuttled many plans fostering the planting of pine forests. Since then, Sounds farmers have had to become more efficient rearing more lambs and finishing stock. Hoggets were mated and heifers were put in calf as yearlings, more lime has been spread and more shelter established to limit lamb loss.

The Gerards farm in Hopai bay where animal health problems include foot rot, high worm counts and ticks. Deer volumes have exploded and they took 150 possums out of their vegetable garden during the year. Freight for livestock from the Sounds costs an extra $4/head for sheep and $12/head for cattle. Ph of the soil is also a problem, and carting fertiliser by barge has added substantially since the road closed. Although there is currently a subsidy on barge operations. Fuel supply is also difficult since the floods, 44-gallon drums have to be utilised now and filled from the barge.

“It is like going back 50 years in time,” says Mike. People think of the Sounds as one area but the outer Sounds have higher fertility but less rainfall, so the stocking rate is approximately 10su/ha. The inner Sounds have higher rainfall lower fertility but higher stocking rates at 12-15su/ha. Attendees left with a much greater understanding of the challenges of farming in the Sounds.

Marlborough Federated Farmers: Not all slash is pinus radiata

Reports from professional sources in Hawkes Bay following the devastation by Cyclone Gabrielle indicate there is a lack of distinction around wood debris said Chris Dawkins in his forestry section report to Marlborough Federated Farmers’ recent monthly meeting.

“Much of the debris appears to be from river plantings of poplars and and willows,” he said. “However, there are major issues further north from post-harvest radiata residues.”

It was noteworthy that the forestry industry is backing the inquiry into “slash” after the widespread damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. Scattered mature poplar plantings did appear to be effective in combatting erosion and the initiative of MPI and the

Marlborough District Council with the proactive approach to the Hill Country Erosion Programme was laudable.

“Hopefully the large areas that are being re-vegetated in Marlborough through the assistance of this project will be well enough established before it is our turn to be clobbered by a cyclone,” he added.

Harking back to Cyclone Bola in February 1988 Chris Dawkins said trees were not the problem choking upriver courses and strangling infrastructure then, it was massive amounts of silt from collapsed hillsides.

Information then was that the only river on the planet with a higher silt load than the East Coast’s Waipaoa River (near Gisborne) was the Yangtze-Kiang River in China. As a result the East Coast Forestry Project was

instigated by the then 4th Labour government with tens of thousands of hectares of farmland retired from grazing and afforested in pinus radiata.

“It is the logging of those late 1980s planted pine forests now that are part of the problem,” he said. “I find it ironic that business owners in town, farmers, and horticulturists are receiving handouts and government grants and support due to the catastrophic nature of the flooding, yet there are calls for forestry prosecutions.”

In his president’s report Evan White said the devastation in parts of the North Island due to Cyclone Gabrielle’s was stark. “I know it’s all been said before but the scale of destruction of both houses, property and farm land is hard to fathom.”

Dairy Report

In his dairying section report Evan White commented that two drops in dairy payout prices aggravated by rising costs, were “bitter pills.”

“In February the Global Dairying Trade rose 3.2% on the 8th and dropped 1.5% on the 22nd. On the 24th Fonterra reduced and narrowed the farmgate milk price by 50 cents from a midpoint of $9 to $8.50. This is the second 50 cent drop this season which has come on the back of rising costs and at a time when we could all have done without the payout reducing.”

On farm farmers are fairly happy with grass conditions given the flooding up north and droughts down south. Most farmers will be doing final scanning and a local vet says there are some good

(low) empty rates around which is pleasing to hear.

“Right now, there seems to be a gap where we are able to get cull cows away. Important decisions need to be made now around milking them longer versus getting them away while space is available and looking after the remainder of the herd as drying off is less than three months away,” he said.

Freedom Camping

Evan White said it was a good result by the Marlborough District Council that freedom camping remains prohibited on roadsides in all five valleys.

“There are a few designated parking areas. This was a good outcome for farmers and Marlborough,” he commented.

TONY ORMAN

Mike Gerard presented the history of farming in the Sounds at the recent Manaroa filed day. Photo: Andrew Ritchie.

It’s like going back 50 years in time

Mike Gerard

A very happy shearer

BARBARA STUART

Angus Moore from Ward has once again won the PGG Wrightson VetMed competition also coming second in the Golden Shears Open Event held the first Saturday in March. Alongside him and sharing the caring for their six children, his wife and business partner Ratapu came 5th in the Wool handling.

“I’m a very happy chap at the moment and very proud of my wife too.” Angus says.

Winning the PGG Wrightson Vet-Med event twice before, Angus explains, “It’s a multi sheep shearing event covering all the wool types in the country.”

with the final rounds held at Marton with lambs at Waitangi weekend and Pahiatua where the event was second shear ewes later in February. Competitors were judged on speed and quality, taking into account care for the animal and the fibre. Based on points earned through those five rounds, the circuit semi-final was fought out in Masterton by the top twelve shearers on the eve of the Golden Shears. Winners of the circuit event get $2000 in prizes and a Hyundai Santa Fe for one year, “which is a very good prize,” says Angus.

Angus has shorn sheep from Northland to Southland. He was raised in Kekerengu and Ward, attended primary school at Ward and then Marlborough Boys College. You don’t get more local. The couple is now based in Marlborough having purchased a shearing run off retiring local shearer Joe Douglas in 2016. Angus and the team, shear from the Clarence to the Howard Valley, Awatere Valley and into the Marlborough Sounds and Ratapu Classes mid-micron and fine wool for local farmers during the pre-lamb season.

Chilean Needle Grass update

BARBARA STUART

The Chilean Needle Grass Action Group (CNGAG) has for over ten years been involved in the ‘why, what and how’ associated with managing, education and awareness of the invasive pest plant.

The group is independent from Marlborough District Council’s, Biosecurity Team and Ministry for Primary Industries but works with both.

Warwick Lissaman, who has a lead role as Chair of the group says, “We are always looking for new ideas and new energy for the group to maintain and raise awareness of Chilean Needle Grass. Identify, track trace, eliminate and monitor is one catchphrase used.”

Marlborough District Council (MDC) under-

takes control work and survey new ground on affected properties.

covered and to prevent spread within and off properties.

It’s important to follow ‘hygiene protocols,’ and to tell visitors about cleaning vehicles, farm equipment, shoes and clothing before leaving an infected property.

The event kicked off in Alexandra in October with fine wool section each shearer competing for points over five rounds. Then moved to full wool hoggets at Waimate, round three was hosted by the NZ Agricultural Show in Christchurch in November shearing Corriedales,

These often have light infestation that were promptly controlled by the MDC, biosecurity team. The council is committed to assisting landowners with control work to suppress CNG.

They currently have 200 affected sites, working with landowners to develop management plans as new properties are dis-

Warwick says, “If anyone in Marlborough suspects they may have CNG plants on their property they should take a photo and send it to the MDC, Biosecurity team, call them on 03 5207 400.”

It’s often our own actions that spread CNG, therefore Warwick urges landowners to, “protect your farm border, ask questions about where incoming feed, animals and machinery have come from.” Furthermore he recommends even visitors should be questioned.

Angus Moore in action.

Photo: Supplied.

Warwick Lissaman urges landowners to protect their farm borders. Photo: Barbara Stuart.

We are always looking for new ideas and new energy

Warwick Lissaman

local forestryupdate

Forestry workers now more like ‘office workers’

ELOISE MARTYN

Often we see articles about forestry workers safety, from tragic deaths to new safety mechanisms, we hear about it. However, we don’t often see articles around forestry workers health, so what is happening on the health side for those in the forestry industry across the

Top of the South?

Forestry safety has come a long way in the past fifteen years. Forestry risks are now well managed and the industry is not considered as risky as it used to be. One of the reasons for this change is the reduction of manual labour as more crews use mechanised machines. These have also enabled smaller crews to run producing a higher level of productivity than previously. But what affects has this change had on the workers?

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Mob 021 223 1099 stuartforestry@outlook.co.nz

visiting forestry workers on site to assess and support their health since 1999.

“It used to be mainly slips, trips and falls however these days workers are technically working an office job, an office on tracks, and office work put pressure on different aspects of our health. In the last few years, I have been seeing the same health issues pop up that office workers experience.”

They concentrate on what they eat and being active outside of work, which balances out their machine time.”

he ever sees show up are methamphetamine, marijuana and alcohol. “Working under the influence puts everyone in danger, you’re a hunted animal these days if you’re working in the forestry under the influence.”

adver tising

Back when there was more manual labour, workers were in good shape, they spent all day running up and down hills, carting with them their 8kg chainsaw and other equipment.

“It is increasingly becoming people wrapped in steel and seat belted in, so the risk isn’t there like it used to be,” says Peter Bird, an occupational health and workplace specialist from Precious People who has been

“When I used to take the pulse and blood pressure of manual tree fallers the results would be like those of an Olympic athlete,” Bird explains. He goes on to say that over the past nine years results from Point of Care Tests (finger prick test) have been showing an increase in things such as blood pressure and cholesterol, however he believes workers know their level of activity has changed and take preventative steps to stay healthy. “Most workers are aware of their level of physical activity.

Bird is a trained nurse who has always been passionate about men’s health and really enjoys providing education around managing health. “Anyone who becomes a nurse isn’t in it for the money,” he laughs. “The issues we are being faced with now are a combination of an aging workforce, less manual work and being in an office type of environment. One of the main focuses we have currently is reducing, and managing, overuse injuries.” An overuse injury is any type of muscle or joint injury, such as tendinitis or a stress fracture, that’s caused by repetitive strain or trauma.

Peter travels wide and far with his work and interacts with a wide range of people, he says that the contractors he works with are great at ensuring workers are looking after themselves and have the right gear.

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The number of forestry workers affected by drugs and or alcohol has been steadily declining the past two decades.

“Having the right seats in machines, taking microbreaks and making sure machines are at the right settings to decrease pressure on the user are things most contractors are doing. The people who have me up on their site all operate professionally these days, it’s great.”

“Not a lot fail their drug testing these days, it’s nothing like the early 2000’s when booze and dope were high offenders.” Bird says.

Bird says that the only substances

There is a focus on health in the forestry even if we don’t hear or see it. All our local forestry crews should have someone, like Bird and his team, who are working to educate and support forestry workers in many different aspects of their health.

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local forestryupdate

OPINION: Don’t rush to point the finger at forestry

MARCUS MUSSON

Director Forest360

You don’t have to look too far to find a negative report on our industry when it comes to the effects of the recent biblical rain events on the mobilization of woody debris. The media will never let the truth get in the way of a good story and politicians will jump on any chance to get voters on side – even if they have very little idea about the subject they are pontificating about. While the damage to the communities on the coast is devastating and we all empathise with everyone involved, pointing the finger squarely at forestry as the sole source of ‘slash’ is like referring to all utes in NZ as a ‘Hiluxes’ – part of the fleet, but there’s plenty of other brands in the mix. But that’s a story for another time.

The recent cyclones have obviously given the country a real hiding, and, as our teams operate in the rural environment, there are plenty of harvesting crews around the traps that are unable to operate due to road damage. This has seen

a significant drop in the deliveries to the ports of Napier, Gisborne and Marsden with many exporters in those regions being caught with cargo-less vessels, which is less than ideal when you charter these on a daily hire basis.

To complicate matters, Gabrielle also laid flat around 6,000ha of forests in the Turangi/Taupo regions. Aerial photos show the destruction which looks like God’s big mitt has been swept across the land and the trees broken off as if they were spaghetti sticks. This area equates to around 2.5 million tonnes of logs and the time clock is ticking for the salvage of this volume as it gets pretty iffy past the 4-month mark once the trees have been blown over. In this case, where the trees have been primarily snapped off rather than blown over with the roots on, the timeframe can be even shorter; as, once the bugs get under the bark, they are not suitable for any market other than pulp and firewood. The net effect of this windthrow is that there will be crews mobilised from around the regions to deal with

this wind damage which will see a blip in the supply volumes from NZ. Whether this will be enough to offset the supply reduction from the other cyclone effected areas is yet to be seen as it’s likely there’ll be a lag of at least 4 weeks in this volume hitting the ports on mass. The harvesting contractor workforce has been struggling with increased costs and erosion of working capital over the past few years with covid lockdowns, severe market fluctuations and endless winters. The inability for some to return to work post-cyclone will, unfortunately, be the end for a reasonable number. This will undoubtedly reduce our harvest level going forward, especially in the Hawkes Bay and East Coast regions. To top it off: there were at least 40 log trucks drowned in the Hawkes Bay during the flood and around 25 of those have been written off (to date). This takes around 3,600 tonnes per day of cartage out of the system in the region, which is difficult to replace.

March has seen a significant rise in At Wharf Gate (AWG) export

prices as exporters scrap for volume and vessels. A-Grade now sits in the mid to high $140’s/M3, up around $10/m3 on February and $15/m3 above the three-year average. We have higher sales prices and lower Forex to thank for the increase, but how much further the in-market sales can be pushed is a guessing game. There has been an increase in off-port sales since the Chinese returned from the Lunar holiday period, which combined with reduced NZ deliveries, has started to reduce the inventory position across Chinese ports. The speed of this inventory reduction generally dictates the quantum of the increase in sales prices. The flipside of this is that the shipping companies generally react to increases in sales prices with much more vigor than Andrew Coster to looting (which wouldn’t be hard) and we have already seen upward pressure on vessel rates which could have an impact on April AWG prices. The domestic framing timber market will be looking to the post cyclone rebuild as a bit of a lifeline

in the face of slowing demand. It is too early to quantify the size of the residential rebuild project, but one would imagine it would be significant. The wind damage mentioned above will have the pruned mills in the central north island feeling queasier than Rob Campbell after a phone call from David Parker. Much of this volume was a staple diet for these sawmills and now the next four odd years of supply is on the deck. This will create a shortage of pruned logs in the CNI following the salvage operation and mills will look for supply further afield.

The next few months will probably see continued solid pricing as demand outstrips supply, primarily due to supply constraints rather than an increase in demand. However, the outlook past the end of Quarter 2 is anyone’s guess. We had hoped that 2023 was going to bring some stability and better trading conditions compared to the previous two years, but at this point it looks like more of the same, with most of us thinking ‘bloody hell what’s next?’

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TSM Marlborough

Resilience is a word seen more frequently nowadays and our understanding is that it means the ability to stand up again after being flattened, both figuratively and literally, and our thoughts are with those in the Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Northland and East Coast regions. Rural communities are land based and the damage to land cannot be underestimated with the impact on individuals and communities unimaginable for those of us not directly involved.

Where we are able to assist is with the recovery of land. We subscribe to the philosophy that natural systems tend to wellness and left to time without intervention damaged land will recover, however there is much that can be done to speed the process.

Some of the steeper country is likely best planted in trees and possibly not grazed again, however it is under grazed permanent pasture that carbon is most rapidly sequestered and carbon in the form of organic matter is more valuable than gold as it is the essence of our survival. As carbon is sequestered and organic matter built the potential for increased plant growth steadily grows. The grazing of plants stimulates further growth. Dung and urine are de-

posited and along with uneaten leaf an organic cycle starts to operate, slowly at first but with sound management the speed of cycling steadily increases.

The other contributor to soil organic matter is old root. When a plant is grazed a process of root pruning takes place. The discarded root is digested primarily by earthworms, here in New Zealand it’s usually the humble but highly effective allolobophora caliginosa.

There were never naturally occurring grasslands producing anywhere close to the annual feed supplied by today’s high producing clover-based pastures. The pastures that provide much of the meat and milk necessary for our survival were developed by early settlers with a quantum step forward provided by the application of superphosphate after the second world war when DC3 aircraft were used to spread it over recently cleared hill country.

Creating the environment that allowed clover and higher fertility grasses to flourish allowed astute and hard-working farmers to build stock numbers with a consequent increase in soil fertility.

Inevitably some steeper country that is prone to slipping and at best marginally economic will be retired and whether planted in harvestable trees, manuka, or a variety of other species is yet to be decided. The silt that has been deposited in the bottom of the valleys will in time develop into highly productive soil capable of supporting animals

and horticulture providing essential food for people.

Balanced nutrition with rapid results Speeding autumn recovery

Permanent clover-based pastures require, along with regular phosphorus and sulphur inputs, extra calcium as clover naturally contains 3 – 4 the calcium of grasses. This is best provided by ag.lime with one of the benefits often ignored being the subsequent increase in earthworm numbers along with the activity of a wide variety of beneficial fungi and bacteria. Land damaged will recover more quickly when beneficial fungi and bacteria are introduced in much the same way as the human gut benefits from a probiotic after a course of antibiotic.

Functional Fertiliser developed two products, CalciZest and DoloZest, over twenty years ago that contain a wide range of beneficial fungi and bacteria. They were formulated to speed the rate of nutrient cycling and improve physical soil structures. In order to ascertain their effectiveness they were initially incorporated into total nutrient programmes and the outcomes measured. Over more than a decade of monthly pasture cuts a lift of 30% in annual pasture production without reliance on synthetic nitrogen was a common finding.

Because the slow growth winter period is the time during which all accumulated organic matter is fully digested providing nutrient for rapid spring growth, autumn is the optimum time to apply either product. For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

JOHN BARNES Managing Director Fertilizer New Zealand

Applying solid fertiliser is a great way of bringing up soil nutrient levels. It gives the plant the opportunity to take what the plant requires to grow and thrive. However, this way of feeding plants has its limitations. Soils must be at a certain temperature for the fertiliser to work, if the balance is not correct fertiliser can be lost either to the atmosphere or leached through the soil past the root system. By applying foliar fertiliser on to the leaf, the plant is getting the nutrients without it having to go into the soil. The leaf of a plant has openings that allow nutrients to go directly into the plant’s system, giving it an almost instant boost. Scientific data shows that you can reduce nitrogen use by 25% through foliar application. This translates to 80kg of urea applied in solid form could be reduced to 20kg if it was applied as a foliar spray with the same results. But applying just one element such as Urea can give an entirely unbalanced food source to the plant. Sure, it might grow tall and look good, but is it what the animals require or in the case of food for human consumption, is it nutritious? Probably not! A better way of growing is to apply liquid fertiliser that has a range of nutrients that are in harmony with each other.

The world of nutrient availability and balance is very complex. Some elements complement each other, while others react quite differently and oppose each other. So, applying just a few elements to balance up a plant is not always the best method of plant management. By applying a complete and balanced foliar fertiliser, a plant gets a balanced diet which leads to a healthy strong plant, and the animals that consume it will have a healthy diet.

So, how does this work?

Essentially it is about a healthy eco-system –healthy soil – healthy plant – healthy animal –healthy humans. If the plant that an animal eats has been treated with a completely balanced nutritional foliar fertiliser, then the plant will be healthy and thrive. How does a balanced liquid fertiliser work?

• Our premium product was designed by a world-renowned scientist. It balances up the nutrients in the leaf. Work carried out (and from personal experience) shows that within days the nutrient status of the plant/pasture increases.

• The animals which graze this pasture will take up a range of balanced nutrients which will help to cure many of the problems associated with ill thrift in animals.

• The animals will produce better, giving healthier milk and/or live weight gains with better yields. For more information liquid fertiliser contact our team 0800 887 869 or www.fertnz.co.nz

How to half your urea usage

With increasing pressure to reduce nitrogen (urea) use onfarm many farmers are looking for options to help them achieve this. Gibb-Gro is a popular option for South Island farmers for several reasons, but the main two being reduced nitrogen input and reduced costs while still looking after the environment. To put it simply using Gibb-Gro, in conjunction with urea, can half your current urea usage while still maintaining the same healthy growth you have been achieving.

The product was designed to be used by South Island farmers who experience a cooler climate/harsher weather conditions than those who farm in the North Island. “Gibb-Gro thrives when the ground temp is between 6 - 8 °C that’s why it’s ideal for a South Island autumn’s when you need a growth boost.” explains Grant Morris owner of Gibb-Gro. However, with restrictions around the

amount of nitrogen that can be used, as well as the media and governmental focus, it has become a popular product up north. It is a naturally occurring growth promoting substance that is obtained from the culture of the fungus ‘Gibberellic Fujikuroi’ which contains the naturally occurring gibberellic acid. It was developed in Japan 70 years ago during rice fermentation however the Gibb-Gro company has been using it nationwide since 2011. There are similar gibberellic acid growth promoter products around however most are only 40% gibberellic acid unlike Gibb-Gro which is 90% gibberellic acid. “If you’re using a gibberellic product then check out the percentage - if it’s less than 90 you should look at the cost per hectare of using Gibb-Gro, you will be nicely surprised,”

“More and more farmers are starting to understand that if you feed the biology in your

soil then the fed biology works for you.” Grant says. Roots secrete exudates (similar to gums, saps, resin) that the microbes feed off in the rhizosphere (the zone of soil surrounding a plant root where the biology and chemistry of the soil are influenced by the root). The microbes in turn release enzymes which assist the roots to take up water and nutrients. “There is a scientific cycle going on under the ground, once you get this system going and see the results you start to understand the importance of soil biology.”

Gibb-Gro has many benefits and, given that input costs are at an all-time high and environmental issues are challenging us daily, it would be worth investigating it and giving it a go.

Grant says he has farmers that have reduced their urea costs to a similar price to what were paying prior to the increases, as well as reduce the amount of nitrogen they are using.

Cropping farmer Andrew West’s property is located east of Ashburton in the typical coastal district of Wakanui, where temperatures average 16 degrees and the annual rainfall is 264mm. The cropping program has a relatively intensive rotation including specialty crops buckwheat and hemp. Andrew recalls that around 8 years ago he felt like they were hitting a wall yield wise and this stimulated them to start looking outside the square about what was missing. Their extensive self-reflection and analysisled them to 3 key findings:

They were fertilising the crops rather than the soil

Once realising that they were in a system that was merely feeding their crops rather than building their soil nutrient status they began to investigate the role different nutrients play in the profile. The importance of both magnesium and calcium in maintaining healthy soils became evident. Once they understood the role of these two nutrients a natural link to Golden Bay Dolomite was made with its composition of magnesium and calcium. Based on their production findings, Andrew believes that Golden Bay Dolomite is an essential ingredient to any nutrient program. As a natural product, Golden Bay Dolomite is one of the best sources available in the world of magnesium and calcium and is easier on soils than synthetic forms. The benefits of both magnesium and calcium are that they provide a foundation for the uptake of other key nutrients (NPKS) needed for plant growth. Calcium in particular acts as a catalyst for the translocation of other nutrients increasing their plant availability.

Understanding the importance of both magnesium and calcium in soils

Changing to Golden Bay Dolomite as a natural biological approach for building soil nutrients

Deferred grazing presents re-seeding option Kiwis Backing Farmers campaign

ANDREW RITCHIE

Deferred grazing was presented as a useful option for reseeding pasture at a recent DairyNZ Field Day near Canvastown.

Mark Shadwick, DairyNZ facilitator explained that the wetter season in many parts of the Top of the South had allowed several farmers in the area to identify surplus feed in spring. These paddocks could be shut up and bypassed in the grazing cycle and utilised later in the season as a supplementary feed. Paddocks should be removed from the rotation as a surplus appears ideally mid-October to mid-November allowing the ryegrass to enter its reproductive phase. Trials in the Waikato area have indicated that up to 250kgs/ha of seed may be generated, thereby renewing the sward without cultivating or drilling a paddock and avoiding the costs and time out of production. Re-seeded pastures are estimated to produce 15% extra in the year following deferment. It was suggested that

hay could also be made from the deferred pasture after seed has dropped in approximately mid-January. When feeding strip grazing should be used, as you would a crop for part of the day. Cows would then move on to another paddock in order to achieve a balanced feed as the deferred pasture will have lost some quality.

Michael Shearer trialled deferred grazing on his farm and recommended choosing a weed free paddock as he had experienced a lot of competition with the docks that were present. He also suggested not to push too hard and be in the situation of making baleage and having to feed it out a few weeks later due to a fed

shortage. The group went on to discuss the advantages of introducing mixed species to the sward. Mark mentioned that trials in Europe utilising multi species held quality for longer and were able to cope with dry conditions better. A dairy farmer in Golden Bay who had been incorporating chicory, clovers, prairie grass and fescue with the ryegrass and had noticed a greater degree of weed competition as well as a reduced rate of nitrogen fertiliser. It was suggested that the reduction in ryegrass in the sward may slow down the flush in early spring. The recommendation was to drill the grass seed and to broadcast the clovers and small seeds.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) in conjunction with 50 Shades of Green, is launching the Kiwis Backing Farmers campaign. The Kiwis Backing Farmers campaign will raise awareness of the overwhelming wave of environmental policies and proposals from the government that are undermining the future of our sector. The scale and pace of change means we’ve ended up with a lot of poorly crafted and conflicting rules that are particularly bad for sheep and beef farmers and rural communities. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins recently acknowledged that the Labour Government has gone too far, too fast and said he will make changes. We want agriculture included in that list.

We’re calling on the government to: press pause on any new regulations like Biodiversity and Resource Management Act reform and urgently carry out an assessment of the cumulative impact of all these policies – it must take an integrated approach. We are asking urgently they address the sale of sheep and beef farms into carbon farming (by putting limits in the ETS on the amount of offsetting fossil fuel emitters can do) and commit to doing this before any price on agricultural emissions is introduced. In these globally uncertain time we

need a cautious approach to any price on agricultural emissions and ensure that farmers get proper recognition for the sequestration happening on their farms from trees. We believe a review of methane targets in line with warming would be a more appropriate approach. Government also needs to fix remaining essential freshwater issues, like the low slope map for stock exclusion. We know there is widespread public support for farmers, particularly in regional New Zealand, and we want to harness this.

The campaign was initially scheduled to build onto the release of our sector’s pre-election manifesto but was delayed by Cyclone Gabrielle. The Kiwis Backing Farmers campaign is underpinned by a microsite at www. kiwisbackingfarmers.nz that encourages New Zealanders to easily show their support.

Farmers can help by visiting the Kiwis backing farmers site and getting involved and by sharing the campaign’s social media posts and encouraging friends, family and rural businesses to do the same – check out on Facebook and Instagram. Our farmers, their families and rural communities are at the heart of the Kiwis Backing Farmers campaign and B+LNZ wants to secure changes to the unworkable and unfair policies.

Wool market improves for best types

Wool industry participants and observers were obviously concerned when Cyclone Gabrielle dealt her cruel blow to such a wide area of the North Island, in particular crippling transport networks as well as one of the two main wool scouring facilities in New Zealand.

It is highly likely that every wool exporter has been affected to some degree by this event whether they had scoured wool packed into a container ready for dispatch to ship side, scoured wool sitting at the scour site in high density bales ready to be containerized, or greasy wool in farm bales awaiting the scouring pro-

cess. To further complicate matters the local Napier wool dumping facility (the process where either 2 or 3 greasy farm bales are compressed into the size of one farm bale before being containerized for export) suffered a mechanical breakdown, unrelated to the flooding, likely to halt that facility’s operations until late March.

It was expected that affected exporters would have to replace their losses by competing in the auction room and via country merchants and that growers who had wool for sale may reap the benefits, which unfortunately would not be the case for many growers who had also suffered extreme damage to their properties and infrastructures.

With still two wool scours in action the largest capacity remaining was that of the Washdyke lo-

cation.

A North Island wool auction, scheduled soon after the Cyclone Gabrielle event, was cancelled for obvious reasons, however after wool broker and wool exporter meetings to discuss the way forward were held, auctions recommenced during late February and early March supported fully by the export trade.

Prices for better wool types displaying good base colour (whiteness) improved in both islands as buyers scurried to replace some of their orders.

Along with good colour wools a number of poorer types also improved in value however because climatic conditions experienced across both North and South Islands for several months had been conducive to producing yellowing, the high volumes of extremely poor fleece wool did not

improve in value compared to earlier sales and in many instances eased considerably. Poor colour and mixed length oddments also struggled to gain reasonable bids.

Lamb’s wool, often a feature of February and March auctions, had not escaped the climate with South Island wools in particular producing high colour test results, unheard of during my time in the industry.

Many lines of Lamb’s wool showed discolouration in the tips of their staples due to wet weather before weaning, as well as yellowing of fibres in general caused by long periods of high humidity. A negative feature of many lines of Lamb’s wool offered during the February/March period was an obvious lack of care with in-shed preparation leaving discoloured seconds (bellies and pieces)

amongst good colour body wool resulting in many lines being discounted whilst well-prepared lines gained positive momentum. As eluded, poor colour wools have been the norm this calendar year to date, mostly through no fault of the grower but rather due to climatic conditions, however with crossbred and many mid-micron wool prices remaining generally very low, a large percentage of growers have preferred to reduce in-shed preparation to save costs.

Whilst cost saving sentiment can easily be understood in such a market, continuing to discount shed preparation standards will, in my view, continue to discount the entire wool clip from its previously highly regarded status amongst all wool processors across the globe. That’s my view.

horticulture

It’s going to take time

NADINE TURLEY HortNZ

It is now more than a month since Cyclone Gabrielle struck with devastating effects. While the clean-up effort is well underway, with immediate financial support from the government, the recovery is going to take time – up to if not more than a decade, much like Christchurch after the February 2011 earthquake.

When not shifting silt or piling up frames, trees, or vines, affected growers will have been asked to try and quantify the impact – short, medium and long term – on their operation. These data requests are to build up as accurate a picture as possible – for the Government, regional councils, banks and insurance companies – of the cyclone’s impact and how

industries and communities can best recover. This vital work is taking time for several reasons. One, the picture painted needs to reflect all the different parts of the primary sector that have been affected and, in some cases, farmers in isolated areas are only now able to access their stock and assess damaged infrastructure. Two, it takes time to understand the impact and estimate it with any sense of confidence, for example, will these trees survive or not? And three, discussions need to be had an agreement reached across central and local government, banks, and insurance companies as to the approach to take and what that looks like, over the next de-

cade plus. Timeframes being something affected growers are very conscious of, particularly when it comes to saving trees and vines, or trying to salvage vegetable crops that were not affected directly by the cyclone but have been subject to repeated wet weather. It is very tough for affected growers. On the one hand, there’s the cleanup and trying to harvest what’s untouched to salvage some income; and on the other hand, trying to objectively consider the future. And the future is a very individual pathway to plot, with lots of variables to assess. For example, if I’m not as young as I was, do I have the energy or desire to spend the next six to eight years building up my operation

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again? Because of this complexity, I sense it will take the government a bit more time before it is able to confidently decide what the next stage of the cyclone recovery – for the whole primary sector as well as parts of the country like Auckland and the Coromandel – looks like. That will be of cold comfort for some growers who are eager to forge ahead. However, it’s in everybody’s best interests for us all to get this right, particularly given long recovery timeframes. Please be patient, stay connected and focus positively on what lies ahead, confident that our industry is more than capable of forging a bright future – and that we will have the ongoing support of government and others vital to our industry’s success, because our fundamentals are sound.

NZ Hops unveils Superdelic

STAFF REPORTER

NZ Hops does it again, launching a new hop variety with the wow factor which is set to delight the tastebuds of craft beer fans the world over. Superdelic is the brand-new hop cultivar released into the 2023 market season by leading co-operative NZ Hops Ltd.

After more than ten years of breeding work, the early brewer trials suggest it will deliver like no other.

This exceptional hop has red berry fruit, candy, citrus and tropical fruit characteristics, offering brewers something new to add to their craft.

“We’re excited to release this unique hop and expect it will create a great deal of interest,” says Blair Stewart, general manager of NZ Hops.

“Its an amazing milestone to see a new variety enter market after years of breeding work and Superdelic has several strengths. It has excellent yield potential, allowing growers to produce high-quality hops efficiently and sustainably while giving brewers a new and interesting flavour and aroma profile to work with,” says Kerry Templeton, who leads the hop breeding programme.

Benson Haywood Territory Manager

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The Polestar 2?

Country MOTORING

I had another story written but decided to publish this one on a vehicle few will have heard of, yet is one of the best EV’s on the market and does qualify for the government clean car rebate. That and the governments promise in mid-March to have charge stations every 150km on the State Highways persuaded me it was the right time too... I guess the delivery of that sop to Greens will be up to Labour’s usual delivery standard! With 50,000 EV’s on the road it’s laudable... but unlikely.

So, to this Polestar. Firstly the profile of the liftback style fiveseat vehicles maximises space and looks conventional, even with a radiator grill look to the front, so won’t scare the horses. Better still, the interior is likewise familiar territory. Polestar is based on and made by Volvo, and has a maximum 5 Star ANCAP rating.

So let’s deal with the power, 180kW/330Nm from a single electric motor with a 69 kW/h lithium ion battery energising

the front-driven 4.6m long vehicle. Like most EV’s acceleration to 100km/h is, well... Stunningly quick in 4.9 seconds. P riced at $76,900 it attracts the maximum clean car rebate. Range is quoted at 470km.

The interior is dominated by the 12 inch ‘portrait style’ info screen.

I’ve included an image of one of the options for navigation taken at our farm. Integrated hotspot allows for Google OS maps and

An unfamiliar name, yet it’s the no.2 selling EV after Tesla

of the limited electrons! On the road with the 350kg weight of the battery mounted low and the aerodynamic styling of the Polestar, it rides incredibly smoothly and flat, so whisper-quiet you need the infotainment centre or a chatty passenger.

The torque curve allows for effortless hill climbing and the regenerative braking is very reassuring, no left foot needed most of the time. You can switch it down to a ‘Low’ setting but I didn’t feel I needed to. I also liked regaining battery energy!

the optics are great. Other Goo gle features are easily accessed and make the Polestar very user friendly. Think I might write my next review in there.

The front pews are set low if you’re used to SUV’s, yet they are very comfortable and easy to get in and out of. Strangely, the near Camry sized car felt a little cramped in front due to the centre console and the rear to the steeply sloping c-pillars.

Run a measure over them and theirs more room in the back than a Colorado. The boot area is massive with no rear driveline, flat and easy to load.

Interestingly, no tow rating is available and that’s common to most EV’s. A 1500kg trailer is likely to ‘drink’ twice as many

FArmErS DirECtorY

Filling the ‘tank’ from 20-89% takes a claimed 40 minutes, with the public full strength 300kW stations allowing time for a leisurely coffee. At home it will be more like most of overnight. This is a move in the right direction for EV’s as shown by the uptake so far, though I’ll stick with my Titanium diesel Territory knowing I can fill it with ease and tow the 2.5 tonne horse float. There will come a day, and maybe it isn’t too far, when new battery technology like potassium will allow for greater range and lighter weight. For now, the Polestar is one of the best value/range options available.

with Ken Strungnell

The Polestar, one of the best EV value/range options available.

Rural Community Noticeboard

www.tasmanhonda .co.nz

DairyNZ – Progression Management Takaka

Grow your skills, improve performance

Improve how you interact with and manage your team, get up to speed with industry tools and technology, learn how to identify areas for improvement on farm, plan for a rewarding career and take control of your financial situation.

10 workshops per course (over four months).

• Get up to speed with computers, tools and technologies

• Build your confidence in key financial concepts

• Kickstart your financial management skills

• Establish career development plans and get a taster of people management skills to achieve what’s important to you

• Take control and improve your on-farm and business decision-making

• Effectively research, evaluate and communicate information to your team and negotiate with rural professionals

• Feel comfortable in a supportive user-friendly learning environment for all levels with experienced tutors

• Connect with other passionate farmers

• Bridge the gap from Level 4 to 5 study.

EVENT DETAILS

• Start Date:19/04/2023

• Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

• Location: Takaka

• Contact person: Jenny Sinclair

• Contact phone:0800 467 768

• Details and Registration on : www.dairynz.co.nz

Sustainable Farming in Dryland Marlborough: Avon Valley Catchment Group Workshop

An open workshop for Marlborough farmers and conservationists.

Wed 12th April 9:45am - 4:00pm

The Pyramid Woolshed, 256 Avondale Road, Waihopai Valley New Zealand

Guest speakers include:

• Professor Derrick Moot, Lincoln UniversityPasture management in dryland Marlborough.

• Dr Shaun Forgie, Dung Beetle Innovations

- Using dung beetles to manage effluent and improve soil structure.

• Patrick Wilkins, M&R Forestland Management - Carbon forestry opportunities.

• Presentations will also cover the progress and plans for the Avon Valley Catchment Group, MDC funding for erosion control and upcoming legislative challenges.

• Landowners in the Avon Valley who are interested in being involved are encouraged to attend as well.

Lunch provided, so registering is essential. To register please email: wendy.sullivan@landcare.org.nz

The Rural Noticeboard is for local not-for-profit community groups and organisations to advertise community events or projects that will be of interest to our 35,000 rural readers over the top of the south. Thanks to the team at Tasman Honda for making this noticeboard possible. If you have an up-and-coming project or event that you wish to place on this noticeboard, please contact eloise@topsouthmedia.co.nz