Top South Farming June 2022

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CIRCULATING TO 14,500 RURAL PROPERTIES IN MARLBOROUGH, TASMAN, NELSON AND WEST COAST JUNE 2022

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Ploughing Champs come to Seddon

Tricky footwork involved at the National Ploughing Championships in Marlborough. Photo; Andrew Ritchie.

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June 2022

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Success built on relationships

Farming TOP SOUTH

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ANDREW RITCHIE

Circulating to 14,500 rural properties in Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and the West Coast every month.

Paul Millen is the project manager of the New Zealand Drylands Forest Initiative and recipient of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry ‘Forester of the Year 2021 Award’.

The Drylands Forestry Initiative won the Supreme Environmental Award at The Cawthron Environmental Awards in Marlborough in 2017. He recently spoke at the forestry Field Day at The Throne, saying that the success of the NZDI was built on relationships formed.

“Throughout the project these relationships have thrived with landowners from Northland to Canterbury, with the Marlborough Research Centre, the University of Canterbury, Proseed NZ and many more individuals.”

The aim is to establish a sustainable multi regional hardwood producing business, based on the planting of eucalypts.

Since its inception in 2003, NZDI has invested over $10 million dollars in research and

Contact us News

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Paul Millen at Eucalypt plantation, Marlborough. Photo: Andrew Ritchie. planting, with the goal to produce 20,000 tonnes of timber per annum to sustain a medium-scale timber mill at Kaituna.

This would create 200 jobs and add $85 million to the NZ gross domestic product.

He estimates that 3000 to 5000 hectares would be enough to sustain production, but planting would have to take place each year to maintain consistency of supply. The plantation

at The Throne contains over fourteen thousand trees. Since 2003, seed has been collected from around New Zealand and Australia aiming to select for genetic improvement along the way.

The ability to have a good growth rate with a single straight trunk and resistance to pests and diseases is paramount.

Core testing is also being carried out. “Initially we would

grow five trees to produce one good one, now it is the other way round. We are now growing trees that are at eight metres within two years and 100mm in diameter. The genetic improvements are enormous.”

Unlike pine trees, eucalypts will recover from a fire, and the fire risk is not higher than a pine forest. They have the ability to coppice from the tree stump, and are ideal for slopes susceptible to erosion.

Note from the editor

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BARBARA STUART EDITOR

Here we are, it’s June, with the shortest day approaching soon.

The year has whizzed by with so much going on for rural people.

The news for food producers remains worrying.

Harvest crops are in for orchardists and viticulturists who’ve juggled Covid and staff shortages but the anxiety of getting good quality fruit and produce to markets still weighs heavy for many as shipping delays continue.

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The impacts of financial inflation, rising costs and a wide range of shortages due to the global supply chain problems are all contributing to uncertainty.

The announcement from the government that they are working with farmers to develop He Waka eke Noa a framework to measure emissions appears the best way forward for those of us on the land.

As it comes into law we have to deal with it whatever personal beliefs people hold. What’s abundantly clear is that we are

getting more extreme weather events putting lives at risk.

Maintaining good mental health is paramount as we work through these troubled times.

There is nothing like a good laugh for energising and feeling light-hearted. In this month’s edition we have Dr Dave Baldwin’s sound advice to have fun and hang out with people who lift our mood.

Thank you to those who’ve generously allow us to interview them for this edition so that there are interesting stories for you to read.

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Farming TOP SOUTH

Everyday hero DARREN CRAWFORD Fiona Bryan is a senior firefighter at the Moutere Volunteer Fire Brigade, while her day job is as National Executive Director of the Empowerment Trust.

Fiona says she had always been interested in fire-fighting so one evening in 2012 she popped down to her local fire station on a training night to check it out. Now Fiona’s children leap out of bed when the siren sounds and have her keys and shoes ready for a quick response, while the community pitches in when Fiona is at a fire by collecting her children from school and helping out however they can.

Several things started Fiona on this journey. She wanted to challenge herself, help her Fiona Bryan, Senior Firefighter for Moutere Volunteer community and be a posiFire Brigade. Photo: Supplied. tive example to her children, which she has achieved in from family, the fire crews link people together and acmore ways than she could and formal support from cess support agencies.” have imagined. The role FENZ helps massively, there Darren Crawford (Senior and training puts you out- is always someone shoulder Advisor Community Readiside of your comfort zone tapping you to check you’re ness & Recovery) says the support people receive imFiona says. She laughs when okay.” she remembers the brigade The first fire she attended mediately after an incident chief ’s encouragement that was when the Moutere com- can really help them on their “all you have to do is open munity centre was ablaze. “I path to recovery. the station doors and start remember looking at it once “It can be a long journey the truck up” when she the fire was out and couldn’t back to some form of norquestioned if she was up to believe I had done it, it was mality for people affected by surreal”. traumatic events, but early the challenge “I thought I was confident Fiona describes herself as support can make a signifiand capable, the job and being naturally calm under cant difference and comtraining pushed me physi- pressure. She is also drawn munities seem to invariably cally and mentally but the to helping with people’s re- step up and help in positive covery after an incident. “I and generous ways.” benefits haveDate: been enor-03/09/2020 mous to myNo.life outside have a passion for support- Fire and Emergency has a of pages: 1 FENZ and have helped me ing people through difficult focus on supporting comtimes, From: ” FionaKevin Quinnthis can be challeng- munities to reduce fires and believe in myself. says, “the job can be very ing but rewarding, it’s im- keep people safe from fire Phone: 022 639 2655 confronting.” But support portant as a community to and Fiona says volunteer Size:

June 2022

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brigades give lots of opportunities for their members to be involved in these activities. “Not everyone wants to ride fire trucks but there are many important roles like making Home Fire Safety visits and brigades will welcome the help.”

“It’s been a real privilege to be able to help when people are in distress. If you are considering helping your community by supporting your local fire brigade, just do it!”

Fiona says she has never regretted calling into the station on that training night ten years ago.

Volunteering with your local fire brigade is a great way to contribute to your community and become part of a team. Fire and Emergency New Zealand is a diverse and inclusive organisation.

At Moutere, a third of the brigade are women, There are multiple other ways to volunteer without becoming an operational firefighter. Medical First Responders volunteer only for medical emergencies, Brigade Support volunteers help run the brigade by completing administrative tasks without having to be on the frontlines. Operational support roles can be a good option for people wanting to be at the incidents supporting firefighters by keeping the public and brigades safe. If you are interested in volunteering with your local brigade, visit fireandemergency.nz/volunteering/becoming-part-ofa-brigade/ to learn more.

Ploughing Champs FROM PAGE 1 ANDREW RITCHIE Ploughing enthusiasts from all over the country converged on the small Marlborough town for the National Championships on the 14 and 15th of May. James Cameron’s property hosted the event on 40 hectares of flat, fertile, stone free soil, one of the few areas currently devoid of grapes in the region.

Thirty four competitors took part in the various classes. The reversible class, conventional, vintage, contemporary and the horse class. Interest from the general public centred on the horses where Colin Drummond from Erewhon Station used a team of six horses to pull a three furrow plough.

In the contemporary class the next generation of ploughmen were demonstrating their skills.

First place was taken out by Paula Jordan carrying on the tradition of the generations that have gone before. Second and third places were taken out

by Richard and Ben Cooke both members of another well known Marlborough ploughing family.

Ian Woolley secured his 8th National title in the conventional section achieving a score of 404.5 points. The reversible section was won by Bob Merhtons of Timaru with a total of 391.5 points both of these competitors will go on to represent New Zealand at the International competition to be held in Ireland in September.

Competitors were judged on straightness, uniformity and tidiness of their 100m x20m plots.

Three hours was allowed to complete the plots, no weeds or stubble was to be seen poking out of the furrows and the soil was to be left as even as a corrugated iron roof. Enthusiasm for the sport was evident among all involved from the competitors to the judges and the organisers, many had travelled from all corners of the country. Several of the contestants spoken to were not from a farming background and had taken up the challenge in their retirement. All of them now know where Seddon is if they didn’t know before.

48mm x 86mm

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Young people future of the industry SARA HOLLYMAN For Lenny Payne, the thing he enjoys most about his job is getting out of the workshop and heading to farms across the Top of the South to put his trade to use.

Lenny has just completed his Level 4 motorcycle engineer qualification, joining nine other qualified mechanics at Filco Farm and Sport.

For Lenny the journey wasn’t easy, two lockdowns and a switch from paper-based to electronic learning meant he was fielding curveballs from different angles as well as simply ‘being a young fellah’, but last month he crossed the line and completed his qualification.

“It feels really good to get it done, it was a bit of a struggle, as all things are as a young fellah, but got it done,” Lenny says.

Determination and a support-

ive work environment helped see him along the road to becoming qualified.

Filco Farm and Sport owner Dave Filer says seeing young guys coming through and completing a qualification in a hands-on trade is something that’s increasingly rare. He says they have always put a big focus on training.

“These guys are the future of the industry, and the industry relies on young people getting qualifications to give service to our customers, and without service we are nothing,” Dave says.

As part of the Filco team Lenny covers a huge area as part of their off-site servicing. He travels anywhere between Springs Junction and Reefton through to Kaikoura.

Dave says going to farms in remote areas are what’s kept Filco running for 35 years.

“We’ve got some customers that

I started with in 1987 that we are now into fourth generation of family, which is incredible.”

Lenny was just five years old when he started tagging along to the local A&P shows with his dad Rod, who has been a member of the Filco mechanic team for 21 years.

Hanging around the Filco trade displays, motorcycles were arguably in Lenny’s blood.

“He always said he was going to come and work here and so to see him qualify now, it’s a privilege really,” Dave says.

MITO training advisor Paul Booth says Lenny’s achievement is something to be proud of.

“He’s done really well, he’s done a lot of work.”

Lenny wants to spend the immediate future getting some more knowledge under his belt before seeing where the trade takes him.

Newly-qualified Lenny Payne, centre, MITO training advisor Paul Booth, left, and Filco’s Dave Filer. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

Drop of forecast apples due to hail-damaged trees logistics and shipping disruptions and lack of containers have all impacted particularly heavily in the Nelson region.

Nationally, NZAPI says a crop re-forecast predicts a decrease of 12% on the organisation’s preseason estimate.

In January this year, the 2022 apple and pear crop was predicted to reach the equivalent of 23.2 million export boxes (Tray Carton Equivalents, or TCEs, as they’re known in the industry), destined for customers in more than 80 countries. That

forecast has now been adjusted to be approximately 20.3 million boxes, representing an estimated reduction in export earnings of $105 million.

NZAPI CEO Terry Meikle says a perfect storm of adverse weather events in key growing regions and major labour shortages during the heart of the harvest combined to result in growers not being able maximise their crops.

“While our crop may be down by around 12% on initial estimates, it is a testament to the resilience and capability of our grower community that we are still likely to make the most from such an incredibly challenging harvest.

“Growers have not had the surety

of labour to do everything they normally would to maximise their crops. Labour shortages were further exacerbated by the impacts of the pandemic affecting key regions at critical moments during the harvest and the backpacker workforce not being available. In this environment, maximising the crop volumes was simply not possible,” says Meikle.

The major apple growing region of Hawke’s Bay is expected to be 15% down on the January estimate, and its East Coast neighbour, Gisborne, fared the worst of the regions, down 20%, with both having experienced major adverse weather events. Gisborne

had over 530mm of rainfall during the season in multiple events, while Hawke’s Bay had 321mm, with Meikle saying it has been “an incredibly difficult time for growers to manage their orchards”.

Meikle adds: “Unfortunately, the ongoing disruptions in the global supply chain network and a global inflationary environment appear set to continue to create headwinds for our industry in the coming months. While undoubtedly this has been the most challenging of harvests in recent years, the resilience of our grower community to produce quality fruit that gives our overseas and domestic customers a great eating experience is admirable.”

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Nelson is expecting a 7% decrease in the number of cartons it will produce this season, says New Zealand Apple and Pears.

The growing season has been regarded as good, with the projected 7% decrease in the number of cartons produced being attributed to trees that were decimated by the hailstorms in the 2021 season not producing a crop this year. While the weather gods were notably better for growing apples in the South Island, port

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June 2022

Katie Milne nominated for WFO Chair Former Federated Farmers president Katie Milne has put her name in the ring to become the head of the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO). Katie was nominated by Federated Farmers. Katie has been on the board of the WFO representing Oceania for the past three years.

Katie says now is the time to throw her hat in the ring for the job. World livestock producers are under pressure due to climate issues to redesign food systems and go to more plant-based systems. Katie believes that policy needs to be well thought out.

“We need to look at what’s grown where, diversity of systems and what the worlds needs are.” She says the world needs a big mix of food systems, we need to identify gaps and options to reduce risks like what’s happening in the Ukraine. Katie is up against two men, one from Canada and another from France. The coming weeks will be critical for farmers worldwide because of the economic consequences of the Ukraine crisis on production and trade disruption. Many farmers internationally face the burden of this and rising costs

New Alliance Group Rep, loving Nelson Mike Quinn is the new Livestock Representative for the Alliance Group replacing the well known Dave Miller.

Mike’s from Oxford where he worked for “20/20 Lifestock.”

He’s enjoying the new role and getting to know the local farmers he meets when out and about buying stock for the works in Nelson, Oamaru and Levin.

He says he’s enjoying all that Nelson offers and the fact there is less wind here than Oxford where the Nor Westers blow off the Southern Alps. His interests outside of work are hunting, mountain and dirt biking. Contact for Mike Quinn is 021 784 908.

Well being workshops with Sir John Kirwan NZAPI is running two mental well being workshops with Sir John Kirwan and the support of MPI in Nelson and Central Otago next month.

All Black legend and mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan will share his powerful story of reaching the very top of his sport, his mental health journey, and how you can help yourself and those around you by prioritising your well being.

The workshops are free to attend and whānau and family members are welcome to join. The workshops are supported by MPI. When: Wednesday 8 June, 5-7pm.

Where: Moutere Hills Community Centre.

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Tree enthusiasts gather ANDREW RITCHIE The Marlborough Landscape Group organised a hugely successful field day at David and Sue Dillon’s property at The Throne in the Waihopai Valley in late April.

The Marlborough Landscape Group advises Council on how to enhance and protect the landscape of Marlborough.

Members include local business, forestry, farming, winegrowers and environmental groups. Group Co-ordinator Bev Doole said the group’s aim was to connect industry and Council and encourage thinking about landscapes and trees. She highlighted the tree planting in the Taylor Reserve in Blenheim as an example of the influence of the organisation. Introducing the property, David Dillon talked about how his grandfather planted an avenue of eucalypts alongside the Waihopai road in 1900 now an impressive plantation of substantial trees.

Their survival has been fought for over the years with various landowners and electric lines companies threatening to cut them down. David’s father Tim Dillon spent the war years in the western desert of North Africa and came home with an increased appreciation of the need for shelter and of the shade provided by trees, as well as the need for a reliable water supply. To that end he built a large dam to supply the property with reticulated water and planted many shelter belts on the property.

The diverse nature of the plantations on The Throne has to be seen to be believed. The first plantation passed on the tour contained hybrid oaks thought to be bred from some of the stock brought into the country by the early settlers and noted for their upright growth pattern, examples of which can be seen in Hagley

David Dillon, left, at his property The Throne in the Waihopai Valley. Photo: Andrew Ritchie.

Park in Christchurch. A totara plantation has been established and although less than four years old, these trees have already reached two metres in height. Mike Aviss, responsible for the sustainable management of native vegetation at the Council, told visitors that the totara used to be a dominant species in the region and that they are capable of living for 1000 years.

However, they could be harvested in 80 years. They provide a great deal of fruit for the native birds who would bring in seeds of other species in the future which would produce food all the year round. The totara have massive root systems and will sequester much carbon as they grow. In the wetter parts of the plantation, kahikatea have been established. These trees are virtually extinct in the lowlands but Marlborough District Council have been carrying out a seed collection programme from local trees that have adapted to the environment of the area.

Forestry expert Paul Millen said “it is necessary to be wealthy to be green, as plants cost approximately $3 each”. If planted at two metre spacing and 2500 stems/ha this would work out at $7500/ha with an additional $2 per plant for spot spraying.

Mike Aviss highlighted the Significant Natural Area programme overseen by the

Council. His job is to work with landowners to identify and look after indigenous areas of which there are 750 sites in Marlborough so far. One such site of northern pink tree broom survives on The Throne and has survived grazing and fire protected by a bluffy outcrop. There are only a few hundred of these trees surviving in Marlborough. The SNA fund matches dollar-for-dollar with the landowner the costs involved in protecting such areas, giving our native bird species a chance of survival. The other way of protecting such areas is to set up a QE 11 Trust which will permanently secure the area by covenanting the land. The Field Day continued with a visit to a pine plantation which was being harvested by mechanical means. Forester Aaron Robinson pointed out the desirability of having a flat area to gather the logs nearby and close proximity of a road helps to reduce cost at harvest time. The final stop of the day was a eucalypt plantation where fourteen thousand trees have been established as part of the New Zealand Drylands Forests Initiative where forester Paul Millen explained the reasons behind the project.

A thoroughly informative day was had by all who left inspired by the diverse range of plantings and the foresight of the Dillon family spanning several generations.

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He suffered from dyslexia Book but no one knew it Review BARBARA STUART

Brandon Hood hated school, he struggled with writing and expressing himself on paper.

He says, “I failed everything I did at school and couldn’t wait to leave.” Brandon now knows he suffered from dyslexia but no one knew about it. He says, back then a lot of people like him, who had difficulty learning, drifted into careers like fishing. Nowadays he says we have a label, dyslexia is a recognised learning problem and there’s lots of help for students.

At sixteen he persuaded his parents to let him leave school to go to sea on a fishing boat in South Westland.

“What a shock that was,” he chuckles. “I’d had a pretty sheltered life, I was homesick, the work was tough and the seas could be rough, but I stuck it out for six months and it’s made me who I am today.” Brandon found his niche at sea and reckons he was born with saltwater in his blood.

His maternal grandfather, went to sea at the age of thirteen, rising to the position of bosun on the Matangi which sailed between Nelson and Wellington, and his uncles all joined the Merchant Navy too. I knuckled down, Brandon said, learning everything I could on the big fishing boats. I learned how to navigate and to do chart work before we had GPS and by the time I was twenty I had passed my Coastal Masters ticket. With this under his belt he took off to do his Kiwi

“Solo” sub-titled “Back Country adventuring in Aotearoa New Zealand” by Hazel Phillips.

Published by Massey University press.

Reviewed by Tony Orman

Skipper Brandon Hoods on the job. Photo Supplied.

O.E in his twenties for a year or two.

It was on his return, after he’d met his partner Sharon and settled down in the 90’s, Brendon says he had a near death experience while crossing the Westport Bar. There were massive swells from a tropical cyclone. He was coming over the Westport Bar at night with other fishing boats when his fishing boat was hit by a wave. They broached and rolled onto 180 degree angle, scaring the daylights out of him, and by a miracle his fishing boat, the Hukawai, righted itself.

Another fishing boat, the Serene, was following them and when she was hit it rolled and the two fishermen on board

lost their lives. Brandon says they were forced to sit off the Bar all night. He didn’t sleep a wink and when they finally crossed the Westport Bar in daylight the next morning he was running on adrenalin. There were people on the Westport Moles filming them as they crossed, adding to the tension. Brandon says he’s never forgotten the feeling of elation over surviving after such a terrible loss of life and threat to his own life when he finally made it ashore.

In 1999 he joined Sanford’s, working as a deck hand on the mussel barges, harvesting mussels and after three years he became a skipper, working four days on and four days off. These days he works on

the mussel barge in the Marlborough Sounds, Golden Bay, Banks Peninsula and as far south as Stewart Island, visiting some of the South Islands most awesome spots and getting to see hectors dolphins, royal and wandering albatross. After over forty years in the industry, Brandon says, he has a hell of a respect for the sea and likes to encourage young seamen in his crew to learn navigation skills and chart work while they are at sea.

We have really good technology now and wind apps these days that are extremely accurate, reducing risk. Aquaculture has a huge future to offer young people if they are prepared to work and learn.

“In 2016, disillusioned with what Auckland had become, I left —packed up my whole life except for a tramping pack, boots and ski gear - and cut a fast track south.” explains journalist Hazel Phillips. “For the next three years I was strategically homeless”. But she always had a roof over her head from an alpine club lodge, a Department of Conservation hut or sometimes just camping out and even sleeping “under the stars.” Over the three years she tramped her way up and down New Zealand, from Southland’s Hump Ridge to Mount Ruapehu, the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Ranges to Arthur’s Pass and Fiordland, wearing out three pairs of boots in the time!

Hazel Phillips often delves into history from wilderness adventurers before her, particularly tragedies, to underline the respect mountains and wilderness demand. The historical diversions are well researched and often intriguing.

At the same time her, own philosophies and emotions, plus her experiences, add a strong personal touch.

It’s a well produced book, amply illustrated and written in an engaging manner. An absorbing read.

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RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

Tasman Report

If you believe all the headlines, that were the pre departure topic! you would think the world is about At several open homes we held reto end - the planet is overheat- cently on lifestyle blocks we had 50 ing, World War 3 is breaking out in 60 people turn up to view so there is Europe, Covid is rampant, the All a healthy interest in lifestyle and ruBlacks are going to struggle to win ral property, and we do not see this a few games, and house prices are diminishing. Kiwi’s love getting out falling as fast as interest rates, fuel of town and even with all the negaand input prices are rising. It really tive real estate commentary there can’t be as bad as all that are still some exceptional - our grandparents used results being achieved in to say if we control what both Rural and Lifestyle we have control over like Real Estate, so please living within our means, if you are considering a spending on essentials, move then make the call and not making one dollar to our team - you will not and spending two dollars. be disappointed!

I guess it means that afOn a wider scale with the ter 2 years of having inplunging global share creased equity in propermarkets, it is great to see ty and having historically Joe Blakiston the PGG Wrightson share high product prices over price continuing to climb 0274 344 069 many primary products which is a testament to we now must consolidate in many the company focus on customer reareas and ride out the next 12 lationships and adding value to your months or more. The world is cer- business across all our range of tainly opening up despite this with services. Agriculture is something many people I speak to planning a we know and understand - Real Estrip away overseas over the com- tate in particular, is a key part of our ing months - The topic soon comes business and we have experts loaround to “I hope they get Covid cally that can assist you - no matter now” so it is not an issue when trav- what your property type elling. What a weird world we live in Give us a call - it used to be duty free allowances Have a great month

NEW LISTING

SHENANDOAH 41 Pea Soup Road Forestry Investment & Hunting 103.6590ha in two titles and located approx. 27 km from Murchison. Forest area of 42.8ha, planted 1996 comprising 26.1ha Radiata Pine and 13.3ha Douglas fir. Both stands are registered in the Emissions Trading Scheme and included in the sale are 10519 NZU’s. A further 3.4ha planted 2017 in Douglas fir is currently unregistered. Balance area includes a mix of flat grazing area at the property frontage and a private open space valley bounded by native forest.

The perfect environment for wild game plus scope for further forest expansion. A fully self-contained Bach adds to the appeal of this property. Murchison District is fast becoming a popular mecca for those seeking a range of recreational pursuits.

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

Plus GST (if any) Closes 2.00pm, Friday 17th June 2022 (Unless Sold Prior)

VIEW Strictly By Appointment Only

Peter Evans M 027 224 9798 E pevans@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/NEL35970

SOLD

SHENANDOAH

APPLEBY

Flat Creek Forest West Bank Road Maruia

Golden Investment Opportunity

Carbon / Forestry / Hunting.. This block has it all, 106.2200 Hectares with approx 60ha in Forestry. The balance of the land is in native bush, scrub and river flats suitable for grazing or further forestry planting.

Included are a single room hut (under construction) and a 4 bay implement shed.

This very rare opportunity has come up to acquire a mature producing Sungold Kiwifruit Orchard at Appleby on the Waimea Plains. The property is 9.8 Hectares with 5.56ha in production of G3 kiwifruit, 4.52ha of mature fruit, 1.04ha grafted in 2020/2021.

78,749 trays of G3 kiwifruit produced in the 2021 harvest, great orchard returns. The 2022 crop is included in sale.

There is .5ha of ruby red licence ready to be grafted on to bounty rootstock in 2022. Another income stream for the owner is selling grafting budwood into the industry. There is around 2ha of bareland to further develop or build a house on. Excellent water supply, ag beam pergola structures, two new frost machines and good shelter.

The plantation forest is voluntarily registered in the ETS scheme and there are currently 16,958 units that will be included in the property sale. There is good hunting on the block, deer and pigs, with the DOC estate on three boundaries.

pggwre.co.nz/NEL35388 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Doug Smith M 027 543 2280 E douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz Peter Evans M 027 224 9798 E pevans@pggwrightson.co.nz

PRICE BY NEGOTIATION

Plus GST (if any)

VIEW By Appointment Only

Doug Smith M 027 543 2280 E douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/NEL35377 Helping grow the country

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Carbon credits unravelled ANDREW RITCHIE Murray McClintock, owner of Glazebrook Station, was asked to speak on carbon trading at the Field Day at The Throne.

He said the focus of the trading programme was to reward activities that sequester carbon and was established in 2008.

“We all pay for the system by using fossil fuels and companies may buy credits from companies sequestering carbon to offset their activities in a voluntary market. For example Fonterra uses 1 million tonnes of coal in the drying process in their milk powder plants.

The credits bought will be surrendered back to the Crown to offset the greenhouse gases produced.

Credits may be generated from forests both indigenous and exotic.”

To qualify, MPI must be satisfied that there was no forest there before 1990.

The vegetation must be capable of reaching a height of 5 metres at maturity and have the potential

for a 30% canopy cover, tration. In the case of fire credits are paid annually. destroying the trees, payIn the case of indigenous ments will be stopped unforest a case can be built if til the replacement trees the block has been actively reach the same age as farmed by clearthe fire damaged ing or burning on trees.

Conflict a regular basis in has arisen from previous years. A investors acquirprice of $400 to ing livestock $800/ha may be farms and plantpaid on regenering them in exotic ating bush. The species permaMurray amount of credits nently for carbon McLintock paid is averaged sequestration. throughout the growth of Prices paid for the land the forest and the current have exceeded the amount price paid is $75/tonne. a commercial livestock Over the life of the pine farmer can afford to pay, forest this could amount resulting in the loss of to $20,000 to $30,000Ha. employment in rural comThe downside of the munities and depopulascheme is the credits have tion of the area. to be repaid when the trees Legislation is being proare harvested if the block posed to ban permanent is not to be replanted. A pine forests and investblock can be registered for ment by foreign investors. the scheme if the area is 1 It’s hoped effective legislaHa or more. For blocks up tion comes into force beto 100Ha the average car- fore more damage is done bon produced can be cal- to the rural heartland. culated using region spe- The rules and regulations cific tables for pine forests. governing carbon credits For areas over 100Ha a are complicated, it may be field management ap- helpful to obtain expert proach must be used to advice before embarking calculate carbon seques- on such an enterprise.

A new strand in Wine Growing has been introduced to the NZ Certificate in Horticulture, for those working in vineyard settings.

It covers vineyard specific machinery and trellis systems, as well as learning around the wider industry and is partially covered under the FREE* Apprenticeship and Training Fund.

To learn more and enrol in the new programme visit www.primaryito.ac.nz/news or call 0800 20 80 20 * Free training only available up until Dec 2022 for eligible programmes.

If the programme duration goes longer, some fees will apply.

Visit www.primaryito.ac.nz for more information.

Keep your community informed, tell us first.

Contact us: news@nmf.co.nz

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New beehive surveillance project supports biosecurity The search is on for 100 volunteer beekeepers to join a new Biosecurity New Zealand surveillance project, looking out for a future bee threat– the small hive beetle.

Biosecurity New Zealand Deputy-Director General Stuart Anderson says the project is the latest of 14 targeted biosecurity surveillance programmes run around New Zealand.

“These programmes are all designed to give the earliest possible detection of exotic pest and disease incursions, so we have the best chance of future eradication or effective management.

“Our programmes include surveillance for high-risk pests, of high-risk locations, and vulnerable groups of plants and animals – on land and in water.

“Like the small hive beetle project, some programmes are targeted to specific species not known to be present in the country, like spongy moth and saltmarsh mosquitoes,” Mr Anderson says “Some of our programmes have been running for many years and have enabled us to run successful eradications.

The National Invasive Ant Surveillance programme (NIAS) for

Stuart Anderson says Biosecurity New Zealand’s routine surveillance programmes play a key role in our strong biosecurity system. Photo: Supplied. example is nearly 20 years old.

The estimated impact of an ant invasion to New Zealand is $318 million per annum, early detection is key to supporting eradication. Last year, 32 NIAS traps detected exotic ants leading to seven incursions being eradicated.

The new small hive beetle project is another example of a project based on biosecurity threat priorities.

While small hive beetle isn’t known to be present in New Zealand, its proximity to our country means it’s a threat worth being

prepared for.

This new project is unique in that it calls on volunteer beekeepers from the community to maintain traps in one of their hives. The exotic beetle traps are primarily checked by the volunteer, with the Biosecurity New Zealand sur-

veillance team offering support.

If they come across any suspect organisms during their routine checks, they will report these right away.

Beekeepers interested in joining the small hive beetle surveillance programme should visit Small Hive Beetle Surveillance Project.

Stuart Anderson says Biosecurity New Zealand’s routine surveillance programmes play a key role in our strong biosecurity system.

“As well as looking out for potential new invaders, the programmes can also tell us if a pest or disease that is established in Aotearoa is changing or moving.

“And the programmes also serve the vital function of enabling New Zealand to assure our trade partners that our exports are safe.

By using rigorous and reliable science, we can prove our primary sector goods will not carry pests or diseases to their shores.”

More information on our surveillance programmes can be found at Surveillance Programmes for Pests and Diseases.

For more information please call the MPI media phone 029 894 0328 or email: BiosecurityNZ_ media@mpi.govt.nz.

Bumper salmon season Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game staff observed an alltime record salmon spawning count within the main spring fed spawning area utilised by salmon within the Wairau Catchment in early May this year.

Past counts have ranged from 80-237 adult salmon utilising this area which provides spawning habitat for at least half of the total catchment salmon run for the Wairau River. This year saw the highest count more than double to 524 adult salmon.

Marlborough based Fish & Game Field Officer Vaughan Lynn noted that the record count was one of the highlights of his year at Fish & Game, and very satisfying to see the fishery in such good shape.

The high spawning count was also in line with the positive salmon fishing reports within the Wairau this year, although the seasonal fishing opportunity was shortened somewhat by high February flows in the Wairau.

This high count was not mirrored in the Clarence counts

which were about average this year based on past records, although some South Island East Coast salmon fisheries were reported to have had some of the best salmon fishing for the last decade and like the Wairau count this year, spawning counts were reported to be high in many of them.

It is considered that favourable sea conditions with plenty of krill about for the last year or two years (possibly influenced by how far up the cold Southland current reaches each summer) may have helped to really

boost both the average size and number of returning salmon this season, which is great news after nearly a decade of poor failing salmon runs all along the East Coast.

Any ‘would be salmon anglers’ wishing to try their luck on these silver torpedo’s next summer, are encouraged to go into the appropriate retail stores for advice on the right gear/technique for salmon fishing, plus source their Local Area fishing licence, or a day licence (also available on line from the Fish & Game website).

Wairau River,Salmon spawning, the Rainbow side stream. Photo: Jacob Lucas.

NOMINATIONS OPEN 2022 Forestry is a significant part of our region, providing a range of opportunities to our people.

The Top of the South (TOTS) celebrates the Forestry Awards and look forward to recognising their top performers, the heroes of the industry in a range of sectors across the industry and the TOTS Skilled Professional of the Year.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE

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Nomination form can be found online at totsforestry.co.nz Winners will take the stage at the Awards Dinner 22 July 2022 Contact Event Organiser | E prue@publicimpressions.co.nz

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Thomas Condon with daughter Catherine and granddaughter Lucy mustering up the Paringa. Photo: Supplied.

Days are numbered, fears family BARBARA STUART Thomas Condon is the Federated Farmers Meat and Wool representative for the West Coast. His family farms down in South Westland, between Haast and Fox Glacier in the Mahitahi Valley.

Thomas comes from a pioneering family who have a 140 year association with his land, surviving isolation and the elements over four generations.

He fears the family’s 200 breeding cow and finishing business, plus their Hereford stud farming days are numbered due to increasing regulation and current operational costs caused by Covid, plus emissions.

Thomas says remote communities always have the problems of transporting stock to market and getting supplies and materials.

Bruce Bay is further away from ports and markets than any other place in New Zealand other than the Chatham Islands.

It’s something families who live remotely expect but the lack of understanding about the low impact of farming in South Westland on rivers and creeks by policy makers in Wellington is painfully disappointing.

He says the one size fits all rule is likely to empty out many rural communities.

He fears family businesses like his will disappear, leaving the land to affluent outsiders and overseas people for a holiday escape or who think they are saving the world by letting productive farmland regenerate. With Russell Norman from Green Peace calling for Agri-business to reduce its animal numbers by a third the future is looking bleak for many in the food producing business.

Thomas remembers the Haast Pass opening and the final Haast Parin-

ga section when he was at boarding school in Nelson in 1965. His parents attended the opening at Knights Point. Sir Keith Holyoak opened the road, his parents stayed on for the celebration party and dance. Overnight there was rain and a big slip came down over the road. Three days later when his parents finally got back to Bruce Bay it was to find the generator hadn’t been turned on in their absence and the freezer full of meat had rotted. After that, his father refused to have a freezer until they connected to the main grid in 1981.

Thomas says, over the generations locals earned a living from all sorts of activities that have come and gone. There were sealers and whalers, gold mining, forestry, fishing, tourism and venison was a major industry and so were the roading crews, but farming always remained as the one stable form of income for families who’ve lived here without ever being a threat to the environment.

Climate and geography have always dictated what we do but now it’s animal emissions and three waters.

The areas of biodiversity earlier generations set aside are designated Significant Natural Areas on private land, water monitoring of our rivers and creeks reveals they are pristine. Meanwhile we are copping the same rules as those in areas where rivers are polluted and the biodiversity has long gone.

“I fear for the next generation and my grandchildren,” he adds.

This is our home and passing the family business and lifestyle on to our children and grandchildren is an important part of intergenerational farming. Thomas wonders will my Granddaughter Lucy be the last family member to experience mustering up the Paringa?

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Golden Bay community vision for self-sufficiency BARBARA STUART When a Golden Bay bakery had a vision to grow wheat locally, to be self-sufficient, they put out a call to local landowners who would like to give growing it a go.

One of the couples who responded along with others were dairy farmers Wayne and Nicky Packard, from Motupipi. Nicky says, the first trial planted last winter didn’t germinate due to the wet winter.

They replanted a hectare last spring using a seed variety from the 90’s called Mondol which germinated and successfully produced a three ton crop. Nicky says the crop yield was quite low but of good quality.

Bill Callwood, their neighbour who took an interest in the community project, purchased a small harvester enabling a mechanised harvest rather than having to harvest it by hand like some others involved in the community project.

Traditionally there was wheat grown by Maori in the Golden Bay area between 1820 and 1850 when there was 1000 acres of land utilised.

Wheat was then sent by sea to Riwaka for milling but, Nicky

Golden Bay farmer, Wayne Packard harvesting wheat on his Motupipi farm. Photo: Supplied. says, the group’s project is motivated by self-sufficiency and local demand. Plus growing the crop without artificial fertiliser or spraying fits, with their sustainable farming ethic.

This autumn they’ve planted an-

other hectare crop and as it’s been drier, the seed has germinated nicely.

Wayne and Nicky are hoping this trial with a longer winter growing season will produce a higher yield.

The flour they produced is being used by the bakery every day and the bread is a good quality sour dough.

This success has led to the bakery looking for more people to grow wheat locally.

“The proof of the trial exercise,” chuckles Nicky, “Is not about making a profit yet. We’re just establishing if growing wheat in Golden Bay could be a profitable option in the future, plus of course, good healthy bread.”

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The Waimea Sheep Dog Trial Club’s annual event was held recently with over a hundred entrants taking part. The century-old club has a wonderful history which members are keen to pass on to the next generation of farmers, shepherds and dog trialists. It’s a community club for all ages.

The youngest competitor was Izzy Posa at 14yrs old and the oldest was Vern Bishell who is in his 90s.

Colin Gibbs said, “the dog trials was a great success, run by a new crew who added fresh zest and a very good vibe to the day.”

NB: This years Blenheim Bull Sale will be held at LEEFIELD STATION Monday 13th June LAKE STATION HEREFORD BULL SALE commencing at 11am 873 St Arnaud-Kawitiri Highway Monday 13th June MARTIN FARMING HEREFORD & ANGUS SALE commencing at 2.30pm 385 Church Valley Rd, Wakefield Monday 20th June 2022 commencing at 9.30am

EVENT ONE - LONG HEAD JUDGE: Andrew Harman # RUNS:71 COMPETITOR DOG POINTS 1 st Andy Clark Girl 97.5 2 nd Eion Herbert Belle 96.5 3 rd Eion Herbert Ben 96 4 th Ian Broadhurst Porche 95.5 5 th Eion Herbert Mac 94.5 1 st Intermediate Graeme Cole Patch 93.5 1 st Maiden Henry Alloway Wire 68.5

Blenheim Bull Sale Hosted at LEEFIELD STATION 1171 Waihopai Valley Rd Bulls on offer from BLACKNIGHT ANGUS STUD & LEEFIELD STATION ANGUS STUD Tuesday 21st June 2022 Commencing at 1pm WOODBANK ANGUS STUD 200 Clarence Valley Rd

EVENT TWO – SHORT HEAD AND YARD JUDGE: Rosemarie Schupbach #

EVENT THREE – ZIG ZAG HUNT JUDGE: Murray Weaver # RUNS: 34 COMPETITOR DOG POINTS 1 st Ethan Smith Chubb 95.5 2 nd Ross Mackenzie Deve 94.5 3 rd Scott Mackenzie Ragnar 91 4 th Ross Mackenzie Quin 90 5 th Hamish Linton Frank 89 1 st Intermediate Ross Mackenzie Deve 94.5 1 st Maiden Hamish Linton Frank 89

A club for all ages. Photo: Sally Powell.

RUNS:62 COMPETITOR DOG POINTS 1 st Eion Herbert Belle 96 2 nd Hamish Linton Crown 94.75 3 rd Duncan Roberts Dan 94.5 4

ANGUS | HEREFORD A BALANCED AND DISCIPLINED BREEDING PROGRAMME

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Bred and raised on steep hill country

th Ian Broadhurst Porche 94 5 th Ray Jury Rose 93.5 1 st Intermediate Hamish Linton Crown 94.5 1 st Maiden Paul Simmonds Rain 91.5

EVENT FOUR – STRAIGHT HUNT JUDGE: Sam Manson # RUNS: 29 COMPETITOR DOG POINTS 1 st Ethan Smith Chubb 96 2 nd Ross Mackenzie Deve 95 3 rd Ross Mackenzie Quin 94 4 th Neil Manson Spud 92 5 th Ethan Smith Punch 91 1 st Intermediate Ross Mackenzie Deve 95 1 st Maiden Sam Lunn Pearl 61 Windy conditions made it challenging on the day for everyone. Thank you to landowners P. Brown and N. and V. Johnston, also Claire Parkes for the sheep and our many sponsors and volunteers. See you all next year For further information Contact Sally Powell, sally@tcvet. co.nz

10 TOP PERFORMANCE ANGUS BULLS SELLING ATPerformance THE BLENHEIM BULL SALE 10 Top Angus Bulls HOSTED AT LEEFIELDANGUS STATION TOP PERFORMANCE BULLS 10Selling at the Blenheim Bull Sale 21st 2022 SELLING AT JUNE THE BLENHEIM BULL SALE HostedATatLEEFIELD Leefield Station HOSTED STATION JUNE 21st2022 2022 20 June

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Health restructure ignores rural New Zealand The Government is squandering an opportunity to prioritise rural health and enshrine it in legislation, National’s Rural Communities spokesperson Nicola Grigg says.

“The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill sets out the framework for Labour’s ill-timed health restructure and after the second reading in Parliament yesterday, there is still a woeful lack of focus on the health needs of rural New Zealand.

“The genesis of this restructure was the Heather Simpson-led review of the health and disability sector. It mentioned rural health at least 30 times and made it very plain that rural services should be specifically planned for, recognising the unique challenges of living rurally.

“This idea is further emphasised by submissions made during the select committee pro-

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cess.

The Rural Health Alliance was concerned with the lack of focus on rural communities and said ‘it is well documented that rural communities have poorer

Nicola Grigg, National Party spokesperson for Rural Communities health outcomes than urban communities and this inequity needs to be addressed in these reforms’.

“The Rural General Practice Network also called for rural New Zealanders to be better

represented and said ‘health inequities will remain and might well worsen as focus shifts elsewhere’ and ‘change can only occur if this group is identified’.

“The Government needs to include rural communities as a key stakeholder in the legislation. This would require equitable levels of service, access to services in proportion to rural needs, and all parts of the new health system would be held accountable for ensuring that rural New Zealand achieves the outcomes it deserves.

“By excluding rural communities as a key stakeholder, this Labour Government has turned its back on more than 750,000 New Zealanders. It has one more opportunity to amend the legislation when the Bill reaches committee stage. It would be a lost opportunity to not do so.”

MONTHLY

OPINION

Shallow climate change commentary GARRICK BATTEN The media uses two common phrases to report on both the latest IPCC report and the first Emissions Reduction Plan: we have one of the highest per head emissions in the world, and half our emissions come from agriculture.

These echoes of environmental lobby groups then heap the blame on farmers without questioning.

The climate is changing globally and any NZ activities will have minimum effect from our less than 1% emissions.

That is not to say those activities should cease or be resisted, but per head emissions is a ridiculous comparison with say China, the biggest global warming contributor.

This is actually about warming from emissions. Our agricultural emissions are less than half the NZ warming effect.

So why are they constantly blamed by the likes of Greenpeace for wanting to slaughter half the dairy herd “based on evidence instead of denying the science”?

That comment ignores not only science but economics

and logic. Most of our agricultural emissions come from exporting meat and dairy foods earning $30B a year to feed 40 million people in the world and bear the emissions cost for that.

Internally. At the same time, we import coal, fuels and other carbon-based products but have to bear those emission costs internally too. Double jeopardy.

Logic would be an emission cost on every exporter if our food exports are to be so treated. Or equity would be that our agricultural emissions count could be reduced by 85%.

Last year’s IPCC Report stated biogenic farm methane is a short-lived gas with shortterm warming, and different to long-lived gases.

So our 20% from transport CO2 emissions that are increasing is more serious and recognised in the Emissions Reduction Plan.

Yet the government that has already invested billions of dollars in supporting tourism for social and economic reasons is enthusiastically hastening to invite more international tourists to add more

transport emissions.

Media interpretation of both those IPCC Reports continues to ignore our situation.

We are already the most emissions-efficient food producer in the world.

Apart from that being replaced by less efficient production, the Green minister chastises farmers and endorses Oram’s comments that there are lower financial costs in reducing farm emissions than in reducing CO2.

Both ignore current agriculture as the one industry with size and capacity to repay the huge debt propping up the non-farm sectors through Covid.

These and similar media comments eagerly interpret some IPCC information to attack farmers but ignore the clear IPCC statement that emissions reduction and mitigation must be in a manner that does not threaten food production.

NZ farmers await the government enthusiastically promoting our ability for that.

A future product premium from being the first and only country to price agricultural emissions is unknown.

Brand new home, barn, space and tranquillity Out country but only 5 minutes to Westport’s business centre including schools, shops, supermarkets and medical facilities. On the high ground with easy access but ultimate privacy. A great property to enjoy and potter. Lovely slow pace of life to be enjoyed here.

Property Information Land Area:2.0 ha* Floor: 78 m2* RV: $160,000 RV Date: 1 Sept. 2019 LV: $130,000 Rates Local:$ Regional:$ Chattels Fixed floor coverings, Light fittings, Rangehood, Extractor Fan, Gas stove (house), Heat Pump and Remote x1, Mirrors, Security Lighting, Security System (4x cameras), TV Aerial (Freeview), Washing Machine Taps, generator for connection

3

169 Alma Road, Westport, Buller This peaceful lifestyle block offers more sustainable living with exceptionally low running costs. Two x 30,000 litre water tanks plus a 2500 litre tank, gas hot water and cook top as well as a generator connection in the pole barn to power the house and a separate living area which is enclosed in the three bay pole barn. On an elevated sunny site a new two bedroom home overlooks approximately 5.4 acres (subject to survey).

1 Jo Makutu M 027 327 7240 P 03 789 8777 E jo.makutu@pb.co.nz While every effort has been taken to ensure the above information is correct, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the whole or any part thereof and interested parties are advised to make their own enquiries and satisfy themselves in all respects. *more or less

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June 2022

Advert

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19

FARM MACHINERY & REPAIRS LTD Quality Used Tractors and Machinery #5 Celli Pioneer 170 Spike Rotor, VG order. Cage roller & good spikes.$12500.00

Kubota 5030 hydrostatic very low hours factory cab remotes. Coming in.

Kubota L5030 4x4 Hydrostatic Transmission, low hours. Coming in.

Kverneland CLC Chisel plough. Good

Hooper 6x24 bush and bog disc in $3,750

#6 Kverneland CLC Chisel plough. Good order.$6500.00

Iseki 2160 tractor. $6,000

Austin 3.6m Cambridge roller H Duty with wheels. $7,500

#5 Celli Pioneer 170 Spike Rotor, VG order. Cage roller & good spikes.$12500.00

Celli Pioneer 170 Spike Rotor, VG

Fieldmaster M60 Topping Mower.

excellent order hy ram. order. $6,500 #7 Lely 300 Rake & Tedder V tidy, $3500.00.

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Cage roller CLC & good spikes. #6 Kverneland Chisel plough. Good order.$6500.00 $3,200 # 18 Nobli VK 135 Mulcher..$3500.00 $12,500

1.5m Howard nugget slasher near new 1000L motorised unit duty 150 reel #8 Duncan 633spray Heavy Cultivator/Crumbler $4500.00

#7 Lely 300heavy Rakeduty & full Tedder V tidy, $3500.00.

Farmguard hydraulic Nobli VK 135 Mulcher. $3,500

and gun. Never used. $6,750

75hp box. $3,500

grader blade with land wheel. $7,750

#19 Feeder Leader 2 bale feeder. New chains

• Iseki 6500 4x4 with loader uro quick hitch tidy tractor - $17500

• AJAX PTO irrigation pump - $1,500

• Daedong 80hp 4x4 Cab & Loader, very tidy recon motor - $35,000

• Rollex 6 metre folding roller, clod crusher rings coming in

• Massey Ferguson 135 petrol tractor - $3,500

• Clough Contoura tidy order 14 feet - coming in

• 6ft MF grader blade - $1,850

• 9ft Cambridge roller - $1800

• Hydes good hy post driver - $2750

• Trimax 1.8 Vineyard Mower, tidy order - $3000

• Farmgard pre ripper 3m very good condition - $5,000 • Rata vineyard cultivator crumbler range of sizes available • Clough 4 furrow semi mounted plough good order - $1,200 • Kverneland 4 furrow mounted plough, very good cond - $4,000 • Dual wheels Snap/locks 38” 36” 34” 30” from - $2,200 • 11 tyne & 13 tyne grubbers from - $1,500 • Duncan 3m Maxitill very tidy - $2,000

• Fieldmaster Saber 1500 Topping Mower - $1500

#8 Duncan 633 Heavy duty Cultivator/Crumbler $4500.00

• Hydralada double in-row vine trimmer. Fully serviced with joy stick - coming in • Mole plough good order - $1850 • Hardy 800l 10m boom - coming in • Clough 15 Tyne cultivator - $1600

Most of these are currently listed in classified • Aicheson 2m wide 3pl direct drill - $2500

• Bauer PTO irrigation pump - $1,500

Graham 021 228 3956

Please send a proof through to see how this lo Photos to follow Regards Graham

All prices plus GST

20

June 2022

Farming TOP SOUTH

News

MONTHLY

Healthy bastards corner DR DAVE BALDWIN

One of the ways I promote my Healthy Bastards campaign non pc ‘good health messages’ is by giving lots of talks to promote good health - there’s been hundreds of them over the last 30 years! Over all I reckon they must have been successful as “I’m still here”!

In the early days of giving these talks the basic formula was to lecture the audience in a non pc and humorous way using power point and funny video clips. The content was based on chapters taken from my Health Bastards Book (purchase online www.flyingdoctor.co.nz). I OS & USAGE have now changed this formula because I have found it more successful and fun if the organizers who set up my talks provide me with 10-15 questions from the audience in advance. I then set about preparing a talk answering these questions in a humorous way.ELEMENTS The advantage of SUPPORTING

rimary ogo

doing a presentation in this way is that I have more audience participation and I am also keeping up to date with what people on the street are thinking about when it comes to good health.

Despite the fact I prepare my talk based on the questions provided by the audience, I still start off my presentation the same way. Yup, I remind them right from the start that I can live with the fact that they might forget a lot of what they have learnt in the presentation that I give them but, don’t ever forget that “laughter is the best medicine” and this is today’s health tip. I then spend the first 10 - 15 minutes of my talks explaining why this is the case.

Firstly, I do this by reminding the audience that my message is based on experience of nearly 40 years in front-line medicine. I see so often how humour saves the day and maybe one of the

LOG SPLITTERS Services Lockup

best examples of this is how Hospital A/E staff, Fireman and the police survive the horrors that they see using black humour.

Secondly, I go on to emphasize the scientific evidence that proves laughter is good for you. Why? well to start with laughter does lots of good things in your brain like releasing “feel good hormones” called endorphins to create feelings of happiness and euphoria - very similar to drugs like morphine and heroin.

Laughter also promotes the release of chemicals in the brain to lift your mood just like anti-depressants will do.

Now I am not suggestion people should immediately stop taking their anti-depressant medication prescribed to them by their GP and spend all day watching comedy shows instead. What I am saying is that lots of laughter and positivity may help you get off anti-depressants

sooner (always in conjunction with medical advice) and even negate the need for them being prescribed in the first place.

Science has proven that laughter is also very contagious. Surrounding yourself with positive and happy people who make you laugh will make you feel good! I see this every day in my surgery when I pass through a waiting room. So often I see a room full of very sad looking patients and then, out of the blue, one real hoot turns up and lifts the spirits of everyone.

Anyway, I hope this health tip that “laughter is the best medicine” is useful to you. It ain’t new either as thousands of years ago the great Buddha is quoted as saying: “life is short, only surround yourself with people you can love and make you laugh”. My little addition to his quote is: “and stuff the rest!” .. he he he.

Best regards Dr Dave.

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MARLBOROUGH PLANNING | SURVEYING | ENGINEERING Anna and the team are land development experts and can help with all your resource consent needs around the farm.

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The role of planning in the cimate change ANNA BENSEMANN Standing in the field, shifting break fences for stock in the cool crisp autumn morning, feeling the frost round your toes and watching your breath carry through the early sunlit morning, can feel a world away from our Central Government decision makers on climate change matters. Yet these decisions made about how we reduce emissions and how land is managed to reduce risks from climate change, do indeed effect how farms are run on a day-to-day basis.

Everything from the recent budget announcements, to changes in national direction on environmental policy, and increasing amounts of national legislation through to National Environmental Polices and Standards can impact on farming practices. There is potential for the national one-size-fits-all approach to have an impact on the ability, and indeed the cost, for landowners to implement and comply with these new measures.

So, what can landowners do when the rules and regulations established at a national level do not seem to fit the specific on-farm situation? This is where Planners have a crucial role to play. At a regional and local level, Council’s have the ability to give effect to the national legislation in a manner that functions for the specific local areas and needs, within limits. Landowners need to be aware of any proposed changes at local and regional levels and participate in educating planners about the specific local needs for agriculture. This requires both communication and trust and is often established through consultation with community and farming groups, when a council is planning to change or review local planning provisions.

In cases where a landowner finds themselves with a unique situation of not being able to meet the permitted rules and regulations, there is an opportunity to seek a resource consent to breach specific provisions. When applying for a resource consent, each case is considered on its own specific merits and it is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate the scale of effects on the environment. This is another instance where planners play a crucial role. Advice as to what level of effects will be considered as appropriate is based on an assessment of the local and national policy guidance, what other similar activities have achieved consent and any mitigation measures that might reduce the overall effects - and can mean the difference between success or failure of an application for resource consent.

When it comes to climate change adaptation and management, national regulations around stocking rates, fertiliser use, vegetation clearance, or conversion of land use types between pasture, winter grazing, forestry, etc, are all examples where the one-size-fits-all provisions may not align with your future farming plans.

So, when checking on stock in the frosty early morning sunshine this autumn, contemplating your future farm plans, consider your role in ensuring local, regional and indeed national legislation is both fit for purpose and manageable for on-farm needs, by educating planners and decision makers at all levels.

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

Farming TOP SOUTH

MONTHLY

Where old world meets modern day

June 2022

Advert

254 Kohatu-Kawatiri Hwy, Motupiko

If you are a character home lover, you need to take a look at this exceptional lifestyle property with the homestead turning 100 years old- the current owners have lovingly and respectfully renovated to create the expansive and modern home that it is today.

As you would expect with a property of this age, history is all around, with some of the storage sheds, possibly being older than the homestead itself, along with mature parklike gardens and a wide variety of fruit trees.

The flat re-grassed pasture is perfect for raising your own stock and making winter feed – it really is the perfect mini farm.

Price by negotiation over $1,800,000

A baton that you want to be passed

368 Tadmor-Baton Rd, Tapawera

With the lifestyle dream becoming more and more just that, this productive river flat grazing property could turn that dream into a reality.

The Lockwood style home, with warm matai and redwood timbers offers 4 bedrooms, cosy log burner and a large deck that wraps around the sunny side of the house with terrific views.

With a consent to irrigate, providing more options for now or into the future and excellent shedding, including a freestanding double garage workshop and large farm shed, plus smaller 3 bay stables this property certainly gets all the ticks.

A short walk across the paddocks to the Motueka river and a stones throw from Tapawera.

Sale Details: Tender

Elegant, country living with views to match! 76 Teapot Valley Rd, Brightwater

Lifestyle with loads of opportunities

Sitting pretty on the top of the hill, this home will certainly not disappoint, from the second you drive down the tree lined driveway, you will be immediately impressed by the architecturally designed 350m2 home with its warm timber features and bold South Island schist cladding.

It isn’t often that we see affordable lifestyle properties in the Tasman Region.

Recently renovated, including a new designer kitchen complete with butler’s panty and new flooring the home is open and bright, opening out to the sunny patio and large flat lawn beyond.

10.44 ha of rolling to hill grazing offer plenty of scope to run a few head of cattle, have some horses or lease it out, plenty of work has been done out on the land!

Sale Details: Tender

491 Tadmor-Glenhope Rd, Tapawera

Just 12KM from Tapawera, consisting of a mixture of sloping and flat grazing, Douglas Firs and native bush pockets throughout with two streams, with multiple entrances from the road, the property has numerous sunny sites on which to potentially build.

The current vendors have started the process of converting a wool shed to a four bedroom dwelling, it now just needs your finishing touches.

The old milking shed also on the property, has a separate access from the road and there is water and power to here – great for storage or work from home options.

Price by negotiation over $749,000

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22

June 2022

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West Coast

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WEST COAST Work underway KMS VARIO 400/7 for flood protection PRE-PRUNER + 1/3 + 1/3 1/3 NOW IN 2023 IN 2024

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A “lot of potential work” is seen necessary to repair and improve stopbanks on the Wanganui River flats near Hari Hari.

The Wanganui River badly damaged rockwalls and eroded farmland during the February flood which also struck Westport.

Already a new protection wall less than 0.5km long has been built after a huge chunk of farmland on the true right bank of the Wanganui was washed away.

The West Coast Regional Council heard at its May meeting that some of the urgent work was approved by the end of April as an emergency procurement, by the previous director of operations Randal Beal.

The emergency procurement is allowed under council’s delegations manual due to natural disasters.

A report to the meeting said verbal quotes were to be confirmed and “availability to start” was the selection criteria.

“Rock lining the wall is a capital cost ... of approximately $100,000 to the adjoining landowners.’’

Council engineer James Bell had met with affected landowners from the Wanganui rating district who had confirmed the plan to proceed.

The work had been awarded to Arnold Contracting with onsite stockpiles of rock to be used.

Cr Debra Magner told the meeting she had visited the area with regional council staff.

There were two pieces of work to be done, one of which was already under way. The other work would be reliant on rating district approval.

“There’s going to be quite a lot of potential work on the Wanganui,” Cr Magner said.

Chief executive Heather Mabin said the issue facing the Wanganui rating district linked to a broader issue of how to pay.

From the February flood alone, $326,000 had been spent on emergency works.

“We are very aware that there needs to be a national plan.”

Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air

Keep your community informed, tell us first.

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West Coast

MONTHLY

June 2022

23

WEST COAST Leading change through innovation

Bill Watts of Blacks Point Museum. Photo: Barbara Stuart.

Redundancy a familiar saga in Reefton Bill Watts has lived in Reefton most of his eighty-four years.

Trained as an electrician, he’s held a number of jobs over those years working for the Power Company and as a linesman. He also spent time working at the Benmore Power Station site until he was made redundant, then at Roxborough where once again after they’d installed the generators, he was made redundant.

He spent time working for the NZ Forest Service as part of their pest control programme

which, he says, had a wonderful reputation, until it folded.

Like many of his generation who’ve lived and worked in the Reefton area, Bill has been made redundant a number of times.

Around 1972 he got involved along with his father and a whole group of enthusiasts in setting up the Golden Fleece Battery site at the Blacks Point Museum. Situated about 50m past the museum the site houses a stamping machine for crushing rock to release

the housed gold. It’s one of the very early models operating from the 1870’s-1911. Bill’s been part of a group who open up the museum to the public every Wednesday to Sunday for the past twenty-five years ,a job he took on from his father after he died.

Bill is full of knowledge about the workings of the old mining machinery and has dedicated much of his life to ensuring this part of Reefton’s fascinating mining history is shared with visitors.

Suppliers of all grades of industrial and household coal • West Coast sub-bituminous coal with low ash, low sulphur and clean burning qualities • High grade West Coast bituminous low ash coal • Premium grades available for your boiler or multi fuel burner • Bagged coal from 20kg to 1 tonne • Bulk deliveries • Coal storage in the Canterbury region for continuity of supply Give Mark a call on 027 531 0998 for a competitive price to have your coal delivered direct from our mines to your place.

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Fonterra Dairy Manager runner-up, her management role and displayed Robyn Mare from West Coast/Top exceptional best on-farm practice of the South, won the Ravensdown across all fields.

Pasture & Feed Management Award “The respect she had for her employer, her cows and the and ANZ Personal land shone through Planning and Financial Management with a very enjoymerit awards and able and enlighten$11,000 in prizes. ing presentation,” The judges desays Jack Meehan, scribed Robyn as ANZ Judge. a quiet achiever, “She really is a bank with an outstanding manager’s dream broad knowledge – her business both inside and outplanning is a true side the farm gate. strength and has alRobyn is farm manready led to indusager for Rob and try progression.”

Robyn Mare Michelle Little on Robyn farms in a their 155ha, 310-cow Greymouth challenging West Coast environproperty where she lives with her ment with heavy rainfall and difhusband Vince and their children ferent waterways and impressed the Troy (16) and Regan (14). judges with her ability to farm to the The judges noted that Robyn showed conditions. “She keeps her systems genuine ownership and clarity of simple and repeatable,” says Gray.

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June 2022

Farming TOP SOUTH

Tasman

MONTHLY

TASMAN Nelson Federated Farmers May Report President Martin O’Connor, in his eighth year leading the province in various roles for which he received appropriate recognition, welcomed double the number of people than last year at the 77th Annual General Meeting.

He reported a good year for prices and production now facing high inflation, and particularly the potential worker shortage disaster that government would need to address. He also criticised the ongoing rush of new laws in the middle of a pandemic now overcoming local government planning resources, and thanked farmers for their assistance with that. He used that and other examples to remind the industry that Federated Farmers is not a single issue organisation and needs support from all farmers, as many are getting a free ride.

The last year has helped to streamline local responses to the various adverse events that have occurred, and the evolution and maturity of the Rural Advisory Group, Animal welfare group, Rural Support Trust, and general benefits from cooperation throughout the sector. He especially mentioned Eloise Martyn’s infectious enthusiastic Provincial Support role that was also evident in the organisation of the Annual

extended to helping dedicated, passionate young rural people to establish their own group, and now the Monthly Rural Community Hubs. These activities focus on engaging with young farmers and farming families, improving visibility of FF importance, and supporting and creating opportunities by engaging with the wider rural community. Peter Matich, senior policy adviser, summarised aspects of central government policy on regional policy, highlighting regional and head office inputs into legislation such Brian Dineen, new dairy representative, Martin O’Connor, outgoing Federated Farmers chairman, as the Natural and Built EnvironNnew Fed Farmers chair, Stephen Todd and Kerry Irvine, Meat & Wool representative. ments Act, Freshwater plans, Low that he had worked with. Sue ment actions from thoughtless slope and stock exclusion regulaMeeting.

A notable event was his award- Brown takes his place as Nelson and unpractical legislation. Ste- tions, Overseer, and arbitrary phen Todd in his Dairy report NES for drinking water, as well ing Life Membership to Gavin FF representative.

O’Donnell, who with support of The meeting evolved a novel ini- repeated the theme of the testing as aspects of various local council his wife Sue had been a mainstay tiative to develop future leader- and frustrating actions from the Environmental and Biostrategy of the committee for 20 years in ship with the election of Stephen current majority government, plans. various roles of president, treas- Todd, Kerry Irvine and Brian and specifically mentioned the National VP Karen Williams covurer, part of the various support Dineen to sequentially serve one livestock export ban, but how ered several FF activities around groups, and in particular his role year each as president, and ap- HWEN focused on reducing current 30 policy issues, and also in environmental matters lead- pointed Rachel Fraser from FIN- emissions rather than pricing noted other farmer services such them. He also mentioned the suc- as the 17000 calls to the 0800 ing to chairing the Tasman En- DEX as treasurer. vironmental Trust. Gavin later In presenting his Meat and Wool cess of local support groups that support number, including 3000 presented his final report of the report, Kerry Irvine reminded extended to the feed coordina- for legal services. She discussed trust, supporting transformation- farmers that the world needed tion service line to other regions. various aspects of climate change al change in the region with an food they produced, and they He ended by reminding farmers that had been raised during the effective and accountable project should be proud of what they and that it was important to find time meeting, and noted the split-gas delivery model. Currently, the 20 their families were doing. He also to look after themselves and their decision and sequestration were part-time staff were involved in remarked on a good season for families, as well as their animals notable wins for farmers. She be20 projects with over $7m in what many Nelson farmers with bet- and farms. The Rural Women re- lieved that the government had he considered ter prices apart from wool. How- port presented by Barbara Stuart to be responsible to farmers and was the most ever, he concluded that farming endorsed the mutual benefit of equate benefits with costs, so that professional is becoming the easy part of the improved support groups, and St if it chooses to lead the world it c o m m u n i t y business with unease and tension Arnaud and Murchison Branch would not create a tax for no purpose. She challenged farmers to organisation from the unknown with govern- activities despite Covid.

Eloise Martyn thanked members show policymakers what and how for their support with her suc- they were farming and to also get Kiwis ontocity farms to encourage Nelson Centre in thethe heart of the is your one cessfulDental activities establishing the whole Team Agriculture.

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Farming TOP SOUTH

June 2022

Tasman

MONTHLY

25

TASMAN Be self led New president for Golden Bay Dairy winners and follow announced your passion ANN THOMPSON

BARBARA STUART The guest speaker at the Nelson Federated Farmers Annual General Meeting, Lyndon Bray, CEO for Tasman Bay Rugby, held the floor as he spoke on the topic of leadership.

His advice; be self led and follow your passion.

Throughout his interactive address he alluded to the similarities between his role, managing Tasman Rugby, and Nelson Federated Farmers as both face similarities.

Connecting with the grass roots needs, finding future leaders and working with a national body.

Lyndon Bray He spoke of reimagining his organisation to meet the needs of the club in an ever-changing world and had everyone chuckling over his analogy of the first rugby referees back in the 1880’s, resolving on-field issues by raising a white stick, comparing their system to today’s referees with line referee’s and technology.

“And we still stuff it up,” he retorted.

His advice; Lead from your vision, advance your purpose, connect with people through hope and optimism, help to unlock their potential because if we don’t we will stay the same and our organisations will die.

Federated Farmers in Golden Bay has a new president and she’s a fifth-generation Golden Bay farmer.

Cherrie Chubb grew up on the Hamama farm she and her husband Robert, now own so knows the area very well. They already have the sixth-generation lined up, as their youngest son (of three) is also working part-time there.

The farm milks 150 cows, is mostly self-sufficient and is low-cost.

Cherrie is quick to point out that she and Robert run the farm together and are both hands-on, sharing responsibilities and decision-making.

She concentrates on the animal aspect of milking, calf rearing, breeding (including carrying out artificial insemination herself) and the office administration. Robert takes care of the grazing management, machinery and land maintenance.

While her parents had been involved with Federated Farmers for many years, her own involvement with Federated Farmers was sparked by the location of the farm, which sits on the Arthur Marble Aquifer. A catchment group, Farmers on Ar-

thur Marble Aquifer (FAMA) was set up to respond to the Water Conservation Order (WCO) which is looking at water quality in that aquifer, and she is involved with the submission, mediation and hearing process. This opened her eyes to the importance of rural advocacy.

Cherrie has been on the Federated Farmers Golden Bay Executive for two years, jumping straight into the role of Dairy Chairperson. She is very appreciative of all the support she had at the beginning from others on the Executive, but it didn’t take long for her to hit her stride.

Her industry knowledge and keenness to see pastoral farming in Golden Bay remain a sustainable land use option and her pragmatic way of addressing issues facing farming was noted at both the local and national level.

As Dairy Chairperson she has attended the national Federated Farmers Dairy meetings, the National Council meetings and the Primary Industry New Zealand (PINZ) conferences.

From this work she certainly understands the importance and strength of the collective voice of farmers.

She is very grateful for the guidance from outgoing

New Golden Bay Federated Farmers president, Cherrie Chubb.

President Wayne Langford and has taken advantage of the training offered to her by the national body of Federated Farmers.

Working strategically with the Nelson branch, especially on the upcoming Tasman Environment Plan (TEP) is on her radar.

The provincial line up for Federated Farmers Golden Bay is: Provincial President: Cherrie Chubb, Dairy Chairperson: Tyler Langford, Meat & Wool Chairperson: Pax Leetch, Sharemilkers’ Section: Vacant, Immediate Past President: Wayne Langford, Executive Members: Sue Brown, Ann Thompson

In May, the winners of the prestigious New Zealand Industry Awards (NZDIA) were announced.

The Canterbury/Otago region took out all the top spots this year, a first in the Awards’ 33-year history. These included the Share Farmer of the Year, the Dairy Manager of the Year and the Dairy Trainee of the Year.

However, the West Coast/ Top of the South region did not go home empty handed - Robyn Mare, who farms in Greymouth, came runner-up in the Dairy Manager of the Year category.

A more comprehensive list can be found at dairyindustryawards.co.nz While it’s nice to get called up on stage at the finals, all those who enter these awards win through the process of preparing their farm and competing.

All the owners of the farms win too, as it’s their farm that gets showcased.

Congratulations to all who entered.

Federated Farmers is a proud sponsor of these Awards.

26

June 2022

Farming TOP SOUTH

Marlborough

MONTHLY

marlborough Yealands awarded top international trophy MATT BROWN A Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has come out on top at one of the world’s most influential wine competitions.

Giesen and Yealands Wine Group have been revealed as trophy winners at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) with the pair taking out four of the nine trophies awarded to five New Zealand wines.

Yealands Wine Group received a double trophy for their 2021 Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc – bringing home the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Trophy and reclaiming the coveted International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy against stiff competition from more than 20 countries.

Yealands Chief Winemaker Natalie Christensen says they are incredibly excited to win in such a well-regarded competition.

“Seeing our top Sauvignon Blanc from our Seaview Vineyard gain international recognition is a real buzz for the team. We love our vineyard, and the unique characters we get from here, and it’s awesome that our special little part of the global wine world came out on top.

“It’s also great to have the [International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy] trophy back in New Zealand, with the trophy having been awarded to Austria last year and South Africa the year before.” Natalie says.

In its 38th year, the International Wine Challenge is accepted as the world’s most rigorous, impartial and influential wine competition.

The International Wine Challenge assesses every wine ‘blind’ and judges each for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage.

Awards include medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and Commended awards with Trophies awarded to the very best wines in each category.

IWC Co-chair Tim Atkin MW says competition for the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy is getting stronger every year.

“In this year’s results, more than 20 countries were recognised for their Sauvignon Blanc wines and so compe-

tition for this trophy is becoming increasingly stiff.

“New Zealand winemakers will be particularly pleased with the results this year, having lost out to Austria last year and South Africa the year before,” he says.

Giesen was awarded the Marlborough Syrah Trophy for their Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah 2019 and the New Zealand Sweet Trophy for their The Brothers Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2017.

Giesen chief winemaker Duncan Shouler says this win is outstanding for the business.

“To have only five New Zealand wines who won trophies and for two of those wines to be Giesen is such an achievement for us.

I’m blown away.

“So much hard work goes into each vintage – a lot of blood, sweat and tears. So to have some of our best celebrated on the world stage at such a prestigious competition is truly amazing.”

New Zealand wines brought home a total of 280 medals, including the International Chardonnay Trophy for the very first time, a category that has traditionally been dominated by French wines. The top performing wine was the Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2020 from Hawke’s Bay producer Trinity Hill Wines.

Alongside the Trophies and Gold medal winning wine, Yealands also picked up two Silver medals and seven Bronze medals.

Marlborough Federated Farmers

National pledges to repeal Labour’s Three Waters law TONY ORMAN An elected National-led government would reverse the Three Waters reform if it is passed into law by the Labour government, said Barbara Kuriger, National’s spokesperson on Agriculture, Biosecurity, and Food Safety when she spoke to Marlborough Federated Farmers AGM. “The Three Waters reform is heavy on bureaucracy and is a complete overkill,” she said.

“We’re all desperate to get rid of red tape and get on with it.”

Clean water is important but imposing bureaucratic heaviness is wrong.

In question time, Barbara was asked for her reaction to the Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern speaking overseas on talk-back shows but failing to mention the efficiency of New Zealand’s farming.

“The image needs changing. No wonder, when we hear from government and the media tales of how horrible farming is, young people are generally not keen to go farming.”

She said it badly needed correcting.

“We don’t need to worry about extreme green groups because they just don’t want to know and even consider.”

However, it is a challenge to educate the public in general about the value of farming to the economy and that farmers, in the

vast majority, are responsible stewards of the environment.

“Perhaps it is necessary to focus on food production and food waste rather than just farming,” she suggested.

In answer to another question, Barbara said a National government would support environmental water standards by making them “deliverable by regions.”

Rules Like Leeches Evan White, in his dairy section report, said there seems to be more and more rules and regulations.

“They are like leeches, sucking the life blood out of farmers. Not only financially but mentally also. Although the dairy payout is at a record high, this must be the reason that farmer confidence is the lowest since 2009,” he said.

Volatile Markets In his report, forestry section chairman Chris Dawkins described the export log market as volatile, compared to the domestic trade.

“It tracks along similar lines to most primary products in that we are at the mercy of factors we have no control over.

The more-than trebling of shipping freight rates recently has tended to dominate the market.”

Other factors causing vol-

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atility were foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and international demand.”

ETS Failure Chris Dawkins said the Emissions Trading Scheme has been a failure in terms of reducing New Zealand’s carbon emissions.

“As a nation, NZ continues to pollute at an alarming rate, but merely offsets the emissions by planting up productive farmland so as to trade its way out of commitments to the Paris Accord for zero carbon by 2050.

A recent calculation estimated $700 million a year is being lost from sheep and beef earnings because of conversion of farmland to carbon plantings.”

Nait System Greg Woolley in his OSPRI TB-Free report said the new Nait website is being readied for full rollout at the end of 2023.

He said it should bring a more user-friendly system with electronic-ASD and improvements with data sharing between livestock improvement’s Minda and Nait. Tag and slaughter levies will increase.

Election Scott Adams was re-elected as president, with vicepresidents Evan White and Richard Dawkins.

Farming TOP SOUTH

MONTHLY

June 2022

Marlborough

27

marlborough True democracy being From rundown dairy farm to award winner ignored by government ANDREW RITCHIE Winners of the Farming Award at the Cawthron Marlborough Environmental competition had the chance to show off their achievements at Mt Oliver farm at a recent Field Day. Tania and Murray Frost purchased a rundown dairy farm at Linkwater 10 years ago. There were few water troughs, power on one side of the raceway only, a leaking effluent tank, no storm water diversion system and a multitude of gorse.

At the time the farm was milking 240 cows producing 77,000 milk solids but Murray and Tania could see the potential that the farm offered, despite its neglected appearance.

Fonterra’s Area Manager came to their aid managing to convince Fonterra that the farm should be regarded as new dairy farm conversion, this gave the Frosts some breathing space to begin putting the farm in order.

Over the next two years the Frosts installed 50 water troughs and 5 km of pipe, fenced off 10kms of waterways and extended the dairy shed from a 24 aside herringbone to a 40 aside shed.

A new effluent system was installed with the ability to store 2.7 million litres and the area spread with effluent was extended to 70 ha. Paddocks were double cropped and are now sown in a mixture of ryegrass, chickery, plantain and clover. A rigorous soil testing regime was set up and mussel shell lime is used with dolomite where necessary.

Nitrogen use has been reduced from 190

units to 150 and PKE use has been cut by 100 tonnes being replaced with grape marc and maize. Dairy pellets are now fed to individual hoppers from a silo next to the shed reducing pugging from outdoor troughs.

A programme of dung beetle introduction has been started in conjunction with the district council who subsidise the packs. The beetles drag the manure into the soil where their larvae feed and hatch. This has several benefits, there is less dung on the surface to runoff into drains and there is extra pasture growing where before there was a patch of dung.

The results of the Frost’s labours speak for themselves in the 20/21 season the farm milked 435 cows and produced 187300 milk solids, all done in the space of 10 years.

The Regional Manager for Fonterra Neil Cooper congratulated the Frosts on their achievements and emphasised the research going on to promote the message of sustainable dairy farming in NZ to the world markets.

“New Zealand is leading the world in monitoring greenhouse gases on individual farms and is focussing on science to reduce methane production with probiotics and seaweed.”

Facilitator Ross Beech emphasised the fact that NZ dairy farmers led the world in minimising the amount of energy used between pasture and milk production, making maximum use of science and technology to be the most efficient producers in the world.

Tania and Murray Frost purchased a rundown farm at Linkwater 10 years ago.

TONY ORMAN The government’s proposed Three Waters Reform was taking power away from local communities and centralising decision-making with democracy being whittled away, said Marlborough Federated Farmers’ president Scott Adams in his report to the organisation’s annual meeting.

While having a national base set of regulations for the quality and service had merit, the proposed co-governance representation was the major issue.

Scott expressed concern about He Waka Eke Noa regarding livestock and farming as related to greenhouse gas emissions.

Later, Richard Dawkins in his Meat and Wool Section chairman’s report, delivered stinging criticism of He Waka Eke Noa which he described as the single most pressing issue that the current generation of farmers will face and which will have implications for generations to come if implemented. He said it should be noted that New Zealand farmers are the most efficient in the world but nevertheless also needed to strive for constant improvement.

However the most calamitous part of the current government’s legacy is the proposed farming tax via He Waka Eke Noa. “The threat made to farmers

was that without He Waka Eke Noa, New Zealand’s agricultural emissions would be priced through the flawed Emissions Trading Scheme which does not accurately recognise sequestration.”

Richard said farmer feedback indicated serious flaws in the He Waka Eke Noa proposals and some surveys showed 75 percent of farmers were dissatisfied. Perceived flaws were the lack of assurances on pricing with no guarantees prices would not inflate, farm sequestration not fully accounted for, the probability of a bureaucracy “blow-out”, no measurements of different feed emissions profiles and numerous other failings.

28

June 2022

local

Farming TOP SOUTH

Forestry

MONTHLY

forestryupdate

Drone use in forestry CRAIG MCMIKEN

Director, Tasman Forest Management

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or more commonly referred to as drones, have come a long way over the last couple of decades and have become essential tools used across many industries. Forestry has well and truly taken advantage of this advancement in technology as drones have quickly become a key go-to tool in many aspects of forestry operations.

Current use One of the most common uses of drones in forestry is aerial surveying of blocks. Stands can quickly and easily be surveyed by air, a job that would take hours on foot now takes a matter of minutes

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Farming TOP SOUTH

local

June 2022

Forestry

MONTHLY

29

forestryupdate

Passionate about sustainable forestry PF Olsen Forestry Update BARBARA STUART

Proposed changes to the ETS – permanent exotics

The changes being proposed for the ETS are looking more likely to come into effect, disallowing new permanent exotic forests from being entered into the ETS and generating carbon credits for the owner. ‘Permanent’ forests are those that are established with no intention of harvesting, this is different from exotic forests that most of us are familiar with which are grown as ‘rotational’ forests, where the crop is harvested and replanted in perpetuity.

There has been a lot of misguided information floating around this headline. One News said “Exotic trees will be excluded from the ETS” – this is incorrect, only permanent exotic forests will be excluded.

This is welcome news for a lot of foresters as rotational forests are what fuel our logging and trucking contractors, sawmills and ports, and the ongoing tending required to grow each crop after the previous one was harvested.

It also provides a risk mitigation factor for forest owners, so that they are not solely reliant on carbon credits as their only income source off the forest.

Rotational forests provide more GDP contribution per hectare than hill country pas-

toral farming, while permanent forests provide an almost non-existent contribution, not to mention the negative public sentiment that they bring to the rest of the forest industry.

Log Market Update

Domestic log demand remains strong, however the expected slow-down in construction activity at the end of the year is providing a more business-as-usual outlook on this sector.

Export log prices have been running at moderate levels through most of this year, with a brief spike in Feb/ March. There are a lot of market dynamics at play, as has been the case since Covid came about in 2020.

Positive factors include lack of log supply into China and low NZD, while these are being countered by negative factors such as high shipping costs and ongoing lockdowns in China.

PF Olsen keeps a log price index that takes into account the average sawlog price across both domestic and export prices. This is currently at $121 per tonne, which is $2 per tonne above the threeyear-average.

Emissions Trading Scheme update

The price of NZ Units is $77, down $7 since February.

Brendan Horrell is a passionate forester eager to help farming communities in the region to find a diverse, sustainable pathway through their emissions responsibilities.

Brendan’s a proud Motueka Valley resident. As a youngster he attended Motueka High School, becoming head boy before heading off to Lincoln and Canterbury universities where he obtained a Masters Degree in Forestry Science. In his leisure time he’s always been involved in rugby. He played for Huia and Nelson Bays for a time but these days he’s involved with Huia junior rugby where his young family all play too.

He says he’s impatient to see how government will deliver He Waka eke noa (HWEN) and what the final policy will look like.

Brendan thinks there’s an amazing opportunity for rural landowners to actually strengthen their balance sheets, provide farm succession options whilst improving soil, water quality and biodiversity.

Certainly we need more trees in the ground and by integrating a variety of species, exotics through to native, rural landowners represent the key.

In the 1970s and 80s, the unsustainable destruction of native forests and con-

NOMINATIONS OPEN 2022

version to Radiata Pine plantation resulted in a powerful environmental movement leading ultimately to the creation of the Department of Con-

Brendan Horrell servation. However, the separation of production forests (radiata pine) and indigenous forests (for conservation) is no longer serving NZ well. New Zealand needs a more diverse forest industry and whilst radiata pine is our mainstay, our own sustainably managed native timbers should retain pride of place in our homes.

He say’s the Forests Act provides for the future potential for private land and rural people who are looking for ways to meet their emission obligations in coming years. Especially if HWEN can allow growing a high end product whilst maintaining continuous forest canopy in perpetuity. He believes we need to envisage a future where forest harvest utilising helicopter coupe logging

(mimicing natural disturbance and letting the gaps in the forest to regenerate) to harvest high value logs by helicopter especially. Brendan says this would give New Zealand consumers access to our own sustainablyproduced native timbers once again. The real irony is, says Brendan, New Zealanders are currently importing record levels of exotic timber and furniture from unsustainable harvesting practices and pay transport costs to bring it here, which we need to think about through a climate lens.

Many landowners in our region have pockets of indigenous vegetation which could be enhanced

to provide a whole raft of benefits and can be readily integrated into farm plans. Radiata certainly has its place here but for our future generations, he is also keen to see the enhancement of existing native regen and diverse plantings of Redwoods, Cypress and even Eucalyptus where sites permit.

A well crafted HWEN policy could offer the opportunity to adapt to a future where we can utilise those corners of our farm that are otherwise unproductive and have a win for the environment, emissions and a win for the farm balance sheet too.

Contact Brendan@IFS growth.co.nz

D Stuart Forestry Ltd Independent Log Buyers Forest Managers Harvesting Marketing & Establishment

Ph 03 542 3769 Mob 021 223 1099

stuartforestry@outlook.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND

Forestry is a significant part of our region, providing a range of opportunities to our people.

The Top of the South (TOTS) celebrates the Forestry Awards and look forward to recognising their top performers, the heroes of the industry in a range of sectors across the industry and the TOTS Skilled Professional of the Year.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE

31

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30

June 2022

Farming TOP SOUTH

Livestock

MONTHLY

livestock Better tone to crossbred wool market Despite continued significant shipping disruption due to port terminal closures, especially some high-volume ports in China, New Zealand wool growers have enjoyed a more robust wool market of late with prices for most strong-wool types improving substantially in the face of a much lower Kiwi dollar versus it’s US

counterpart. During April and early-tomid May, the Kiwi glided from its highflying level of approximately $US0.70 to land at around $US0.62, directly increasing farm gate returns for wool by between 8% and 11%.

In addition to the currency influence, a handful of exporters appeared to have

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new orders from their offshore customers, many of whom had experienced increased sales throughout the past year, supported by local mills who also reported steady enquiry.

During the past few months, broker catalogues in both the North and South Islands have contained relatively large percentages of poor colour (yellow) wool, whether full length or second shear, although the majority of poorer colour second shear types were catalogued in the North due to their wool growing environment.

Although many wools (both North and South) carried poorer than anticipated colour results, exporters were able to operate in the auction room to aggregate suitable parcels for scouring and shipment to their customers. Vegetable contamination (vm) continued to be an issue for a range of crossbred wool types, due to both the favourable plant growing season experienced but also as some old season wools were drawn from either farm sheds or broker stores, for a variety of reasons.

With vm levels crucial for spinners, depending upon wool type and processing systems operated, when assessing their final yarn output, exporters obviously had to tread carefully to avoid disputes upon delivery should the vm levels exceed forward sale agreements.

As eluded, an improvement in crossbred wool prices on the back of a weaker currency was well received from all corners of the wool trade, however the challenge remained for a continuation of improvement or, at least, some stability in pricing.

Pleasingly at time of writing and at the Napier auction of 19th May, market prices remained solid with a wide range of types improving further despite the Kiwi dollar having also strengthened to around the $US0.63 mark.

Well prepared crossbred second-shear wools displaying good character, good colour, and low or no vm, were strongly sought after as were stylish, full length fleece wools. However, very good support for all good-to-average style second shear and early shorn types, which made up most of the offering, as well as poor colour wools which had struggled to gain fair levels for a very long period, was obvious.

The better tone to the crossbred market during the previous two weeks up to and including time of writing, resulted in fewer bales being passed-in from auctioneers’ rostrums for failing to reach grower reserves, hence further reducing un-sold wool stocks sitting in wool broker stores. Whilst improved price levels have already encouraged a few growers to offer some of their held wool for sale, estimates of the quantity of greasy wool bales stacked in farm wool sheds and barns around the country remain murky.

In my view, growers who have old seasons’ wool sitting in their sheds should seriously consider moving that wool off farm soon if they wish to capitalize quickly from further market improvement, should that occur. Historically when wool markets have risen, for whatever reason, immediate and most beneficial rewards for growers have been evidenced from the open cry auction arena.

That’s my view.

Farming TOP SOUTH

June 2022

Fertilizer

MONTHLY

31

fertilizer Farming in winter for profitable spring growth JOHN BARNES

Managing Director Fertilizer New Zealand

Winter is when our field advisors analyse soil samples and prepare fertiliser recommendations. Our recommendations ensure plants have the right nutrients in the right amount to be able burst into life in spring. Grass, trees, and plants have abundant new growth in spring after being dormant all winter.

But is it accurate to say plants are unproductive throughout the winter months?

Many years ago, i managed an orchard. In early june, it was de-

cided to re-establish a block of apples. All the apple trees were from the same nursery at the same time. But we were interrupted by rain halfway through the project and resumed planting six weeks later.

When spring arrived, the apple trees planted first were significantly larger. You would have thought they were planted one year apart, rather than just six weeks - as they had more spring growth.

We expected that there would be little to no difference between the apple trees – given that plants typically looked dormant during winter with no visible growth.

So is winter soil dormant? While the plants looked dormant, the underground was full of activity.

It was busy preparing for the next stage of growth, building root systems, and creating the rhizosphere and storing nutrients in anticipation of spring.

In addition to nutrition, our soil needs life. Yet what we tend to concentrate on is just applying a range of nutrients. Life is what turns fertiliser into plantavailable nutrients.

What role do microbes and fungi

Learning from the best

The late Emeritus Professor Tom (T.W.) Walker of Lincoln University wrote in Dolomite, A first class source of magnesium, “it makes good sense to me to correct animal deficiencies through the soil and the plant. If my diet were deficient in protein and carbohydrate, I would rather correct it by daily increments than a great blow out every few months.”

There are few soils in this country where an increase in plant growth can be expected as a result of magnesium being applied.

Magnesium currently applied is for the benefit of animals primarily high producing dairy cows, although the health of any lactating animal is likely to improve mark-

edly with an annual dolomite application.

The number and severity of magnesium related metabolic disorders in spring grows each year due to induced magnesium deficiencies.

Warm wet growing conditions along with the use of synthetic nitrogen and potassium mean magnesium available from soil parent material steadily decreases.

Without replenishment more valuable time is spent treating animals and it is estimated that for every one animal treated for a calcium/magnesium related disorder there are another nine animals where production is lower had the problem not arisen.

Imagine if you will a situation where the number of cows requiring treatment in spring is no more than one in fifty with all those animals regaining their feet without assistance.

There’s more farms every year

achieving that status and with the cost of imported magnesium oxide escalating and the availability of uncertain we’re expecting more astute and forward thinking operators to be joining the club. All it requires is a call to the below listed 0800 number for a price to be obtained and transport to be arranged.

A single application between now and calving provides peace of mind knowing that regardless of weather conditions the health and well-being of valuable animals during calving and early lactation is largely secure.

It gets better than that too. A single application is sufficient to ensure that the magnesium content of a mixed herbage sample at grazing is between 0.22 and 0.25% throughout the next twelve months.

Animals well fed on pasture with that magnesium content are unlikely to be magnesium deficient any time during the year.

have? For life to exist in the soil, it needs to have a habitat for fungi and microbes to live. These tiny beings live and thrive in carbon and organic matter.

All the various cycles in the soil occur from carbon and organic matter, like the nitrogen cycle, which can provide almost all of the nitrogen required if the right microbes and fungi are present.

What happens underground during winter? During the “dormant” wintertime, the soil is busy preparing for the next

stage of growth. Underground, the earth is working, gathering nutrients, building root systems, creating the rhizosphere, which increases the nutrient availability to the plant via the root and fungi systems, which will be necessary for growth time known to us as the spring flush.

Fertilizer new zealand products contain a wide range of microbes and fungi – essential to enable soil to retain nutrients applied and naturally present in the environment.

Call 0800 337 869 for a fertiliser plan based on your soil and crop requirements. Or visit our website www.fertnz.co.nz.

For optimum animal performance Its essential that the rumen is functioning efficiently and over calving when sunshine hours are down extra energy and fibre will be necessary.

Meadow hay is the best option as it is made over summer when sunshine and plant energy levels were at their highest and the fibre is at least 25cm long, the lengthy required for a mat of fibre to form in the rumen.

Balage may also work well provided it was made from pasture with a minimum of 10% seed head, however top-quality meadow hay remains the best.

Hay was dismissed when we were milking cows with the throwaway line, “cows don’t milk on hay”.

That’s fair however when hay is made freely available to animals in spring they eat not a mouthful more than is required to

meet their requirements.

On a frosty morning followed by strong sunlight, animals will eat little hay, however, will make up for that devouring every last skerrick on a wet morning with a blustery southerly blowing.

The required rate of dolomite to provide peace of mind over spring is 250kg/ha. That applies close to 29kg of magnesium per hectare with annual maintenance on high performing dairy properties approx. 21kg Mg/ha.

Even if spreading the whole property is not feasible, applying to just the calving areas will still be beneficial and provide a feel for what is possible, with a bin of dolomite available when grazing the untreated areas. For more information call Peter on 0800 436 566 (4 Dolomite).

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June 2022

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horticulture International Day of Plant Health more pertinent than ever Thursday 12 May 2022 was the very first International Day of Plant Health. Initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, off the back of the International Year of Plant Health, the day recognises the vital role that healthy plants play in keeping people and the planet healthy.

Healthy plants, healthy food, healthy people, healthy climate.

Without healthy plants, there will not be healthy food. And access to fresh, healthy fruit and vegetables is essential for healthy people.

What often gets forgotten is the vital role that the people who grow fruit and vegetables play in ensuring fresh fruit and vegetables are on the table. Fruit and vegetable growers exercise kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of their crops, doing everything they can to keep the plants healthy to produce the highest quality produce possible.

As well as being great for people’s health, fruit and vegetable crops are also good for the environ-

Healthy plants, healthy food, healthy people, healthy climate.

Photo: Supplied. ment. Growing more fruit and vegetables in our country was identified by the Climate Change Commission as key to reducing New Zealand’s emissions.

These reductions largely come from a proposal to transition dairy and agricultural production to vegetable and fruit crops.

Growing demand worldwide for a more plant-based diet will also provide an additional incentive as more consumers become aware of the emission footprint

of their food.

The biggest reminder of the International Day of Plant Health is that plants are under constant threat from pests and diseases. As we’ve most recently experienced with fall armyworm being detected across the North Island, we all need to remain vigilant. Key to successfully reducing the impact of a new pest is early detection and awareness of what to look out for. Reporting something that does not look right to MPI’s Bi-

osecurity Hotline or using tools like Find-a-Pest are essential to being able to identify issues early.

For fall armyworm, all growers (particularly in the upper North Island) need to keep their eyes peeled, and become familiar with how to identify the moth.

As the climate warms, more pests will find our climate suitable, potentially increasing the risk to more plant crops.

Fall armyworm is a great example of this. The moth prefers to live in warmer climates, meaning the area most at-risk to this pest is the upper North Island, with very low risk to the South Island. As the climate warms however, the South Island will become more at risk.

Our biosecurity system is world class, but all growers and New Zealanders have a role to play. As our border opens up, and more people travel, the risk of an unwanted hitchhiker pest increases.

If you or someone you know is travelling, make sure to check your boots and bags and fill out

your declaration card properly.

We all have a part to play.

One thing that will surely help is Whanganui MP, Steph Lewis’s piece of legislation to provide better biosecurity information for incoming travellers. This is a great initiative that HortNZ has supported as it will help educate incoming travellers of the importance of biosecurity for protecting the health of our plants and animals.

There are several reasons to reflect on plant health for the very first International Day of Plant Health, but I think the most important is: “Healthy plants can help to end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and boost economic development.”

Indeed, the New Zealand fruit and vegetable industry has an important contribution to make towards this. Our industry feeds consumers domestically and abroad, employs an estimated 60,000 people, and contributes more billions to the New Zealand economy each year.

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Located in a private valley setting at the head of the Kenepuru Sounds. 68.28ha in three titles of seldom available gentle contour in the Marlborough Sounds, accessible by road 58km from Havelock township (approx 90min) and a two hour drive from Blenheim. The three bedroom residence (built 2018) is completely off-grid, powered by a Fronius solar power system with lithium battery bank providing sufficient power for all the mod-cons. A generator provides back up which has only been used minimal times since installation.

Fenced into 11 paddocks, currently a breeding and finishing unit running Angus cattle and sheep. Approx 90% can be worked with a tractor allowing for intensification and all winter supplements made on farm. The property would make an ideal deer conversion or dairy support and is located in an 1800mm rainfall area. The area offers several recreational and outdoor pursuits including hunting and fishing, the Nopera golf course, the Queen Charlotte Track, Punga Cove and Portage Resorts all within close proximity.

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33

Motoring

Farming

motoring It’s electrifying

I drive a Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 with more than one motor

34

June 2022

Country MOTORING with Ken Strungnell

A line from the first Grease movie has become the catch cry now for political parties in their scramble to get us all into battery-powered vehicles. I reported in June last year on the punitive ‘tax’ to be imposed on Ute buyers from April 1st this year when, despite assurances from the Prime Minister that Ford and Toyota had electric utes, none are actually available in NZ. And certainly none from the above car co’s.

However, the outlook is brighter for SUV’s with numerous models of Hybrids and an increasing number of Petrol Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).

So over the past couple of weeks I took a look at the new Ford Escape ST Line PHEV and the equivalent Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid. Both were the top model, with leather, heated seats, power tailgates and all the latest technology.

Similar in size, power output and closer on price, they both fall nicely into the medium size SUV category. However, they are different in several significant ways, Toyota dipped its toe into the PHEV field with the Prius Prime, though it’s now not available.

They have instead, stayed with the simpler and cheaper Hybrid Nickel Hydride battery Hybrid only system, meaning the vehicle has to charge itself through braking [regenerative] down hill and primarily with the petrol engine’s surplus power. The E-Four all

wheel Drive RAV4 has a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine, producing 131kW’s and 221Nm, though with the electric motors driving the rear wheels only, the power rating is 163kW’s claiming a fuel burn of 5.3l/100km the 55-litre tank will take you approximately 1037km.

The Ford Escape has a PHEV system that with a full charge on peak rate electricity gives an equivalent of 1.3l/100km or .6l/100km up to its effective range on EV alone of 67km. Of course, that’s not the whole story, as a full charge and 45 litre tank will take you at 4.3l/100km, a total of 1046km. So, it travels 1000km on 10 litres less fuel.

The Escape combined power rating is 167kW no torque figures available, though it too is likely to be similar, also powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, driving through the front wheels only as it is a 2WD at this stage.

Ford Escape PHEV

No one at Ford adequately explained the change of name of the previous generation Escape to Kuga, given Fords predilection to ‘E’ names such as Explorer, Expedition and even a wish to use Edge on an upcoming new model, now known as the Puma.

It’s hard not to like the PHEV version of the Escape. Driving it means pushing the start but-

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ton on the left side and behind the steering wheel. Not easy to see though, in practice easy to use. Then a quick flick of the dial up auto select release the electric handbrake and oh so quietly and quickly when pressed it moves off. Like most Hybrids and PHEVs, nothing happens other than the dash and centre console screens illuminate. Clear, easy to read and with masses of options available, the sheer amount of information takes some learning.

Once you’ve understood each screen, as with most vehicles, it’s easy to settle on the info you want. Technology, though the inclusion of active city braking is a first for this model, elevates its safety credentials. The ST is the performance model fitted with all the kit including Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, auto high-beam. That’s on top of auto wipers, lights, side mirrors with puddle lamps privacy-glass, blind spot info, reverse camera and GPS found on the lower spec models. As well as that ABS EBD and Traction Control.

The Escape fits a new group of buyers wanting interior space, great all-road ability, high seating for better visibility, and yet still retaining sedan handling and parking ease. 20 years after its release and back to the future naming, the Escape is important to Ford, as it challenges a very large market sector dominated by the rental favourite RAV4.

It still drives as well as before and now has electric-steering hampering feedback slightly, though still easy to place on the road with its intelligent auto little wheel slip

was evident even pushed hard on the shingle roads. I liked too the high seating position reminiscent of Land Rover as it both allows easy access and better front/side visibility. No vehicle towing rating is given, though that’s common to most EV’s as they tend to be very low. The petrol and diesel models can tow up to 2100kg braked The Escape in all models is commendable quiet dispatching road, wind, engine and body noise to history, largely by laminating not only the windscreen, but also the front windows along with extra sound deadening across the vehicle. The PHEV version costs $66,990 and qualifies for a clean car subsidy of $5750.

RAV4 Hybrid

I’ve always liked the ‘smallest Toyota SUV’ as it handles most like a car, making it an easy transition to its higher riding style.

Launched as a two-door in 1994 along with the Suzuki Vitara it invented the small SUV. The electronic gizmos now dominate, though largely unobtrusively.

Push button start matches the Escape, though it is however is easily confused with Hill Descent Control which both hide behind the lower right of the steering wheel.

Standard you’ll find, Radar Cruise Lane Departure Warning

Auto Headlights, with auto high beam, Auto Wipers Pre Collision System a radar cruise that keeps you at a safe distance and Blind Spot Monitor. The obligatory ABS VSC [ESP] EBD are all present as are 11 airbags.

On the Road. The RAV4 is well suited to country roads at home with seal or metal the electric steering providing feedback, while the AWD holds the given line when the going gets slippery.

Off the Road. Testing the bounds of travel away from the beaten track exposes the weakness of most soft road SUVs including the RAV4, the lack of suspension travel and the low front valence.

I liked the ride off road as even with a wheel cocked the RAV was stable and easy to steer. That said, in standard guise the limited is good value at just $57,990 with a clean car subsidy of $2387.24.

Other RAV 4 Hybrids start at $46,990 with the same subsidy So are either vehicles electrifying enough for widespread use in rural areas? You might not like the answer as it’s yes and no, depending on individual circumstances.

I feel the Escape can be the most economical especially if you can keep it under the electric range maximums between charges. The ST version is also really good on road in performance and handling. The RAV 4 is easier to live with. No need to bother with charging it, just let it do that for you. Yes, it uses 10-litres more fuel at least over a 1000km and while there are EV only drivemodes, it requires a full or nearly full charge to utilise it.

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Farmers Notice Board Got something to buy, sell or promote?

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