Nelson Marlborough Farming May 2022

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Game bird season is upon us BAYLEE KERSTAN West Coast Fish & Game

The first Saturday of May marks the start of the game bird season across the country. Many hunters will have spent hours preparing mai mais, touching up decoys, practicing calling, and some will have travelled large distances to enjoy the great social hunting occasion we know as opening weekend.

The West Coast region has again had above average counts across their game bird species, indicating that hunters are in store for a great season, especially when some time is spent scouting.

The West Coast, having relatively few hunters but with vast wetland areas, it is a matter of hunters needing to

SEE PAGE 2

Three generations of Blanchfield’s participating in an organised hunt. Photo: Supplied.

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Salaries up in farming sector Salaries for farm employees across the dairy, sheep/beef and arable sectors have grown strongly over the past two years, according to the 2022 Federated Farmers – Rabobank Farm Salaries Remuneration Summary Report.

The report — which collates the results of a remuneration survey conducted between late 2021 and early 2022 — found salaries across onfarm positions were up by a weighted average of 14 per cent since 2020, with the mean salary rising to $63,931.

Dairy sector salaries increased by an average of 15 per cent, with salaries for sheep/beef positions up by an average of 14 per cent and arable

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salaries up by an average of eight per cent.

In addition to data and trend analysis for salaries across a number of on-farm roles, the report also provided a range of information relating to on-farm positions.

This included total package values (which factor in other employment benefits such as food and vehicle use), workers’ length of service, accommodation costs and weekly hours worked.

Rabobank has partnered with Federated Farmers since 2008 to develop the report which was intended for use as a reference guide by both agricultural sector employers and employees.

Rabobank NZ chief executive Todd Charteris was pleased to see farm salaries on the rise but said it was also important to acknowledge the challenges employers faced in sourcing new staff over recent years. This had played a key role in driving up on-farm salaries, he said. “Farm owners have found it increasingly difficult to source skilled labour over re-

cent seasons and this is highlighted by the report which found close to 70 per cent of employers were now finding it harder to source good employees than 12 months ago.”

Covid-19 border restrictions had contributed by limiting access to overseas workers, while New Zealand’s low overall unemployment rate had hindered efforts to get more local workers to take on new jobs in rural locations, Charteris said.

As a result, farm employers had to pay more to attract and maintain good staff.

Recent changes to immigration policy were another factor that had contributed to increased salaries on-farm, Charteris said. “Since midlast year, international workers have been required to earn an hourly rate above the median wage to be eligible for some lengths of visa.”

Other factors that led to on-farm salary growth over the past two years included the healthy returns for farming businesses during this period and the high recent rate of inflation, the report found.

- RNZ

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with neighbours and friends for some light-hearted fun. This month’s edition covers upcomHello readers, ing bull sales an excellent opSumma Donald The recent news that inflation is portunity to connect with farmsumma@nmf.co.nz up by 6.9%, the worst jump in ing colleagues, there’s some sage Raylene Wadsworth 30 years, comes as no surprise. advice from Brent Boyce and raylene@nmf.co.nz But the rate of inflation on individual stories about rural goods coming in from overseas people around the Top of the Accounts Queries GET FREE UPGRADES ON SELECTED POWER TOOLS running at 8% is very worrying accounts@topsouthmedia.co.nz South. Plus there’s been rain to PLUS OTHER GREAT DEALS* for business. help boost autumn growth.

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from page 1 to go to the birds rather than waiting for them to come to them. As a result, many hunters appreciate hearing other hunters out pushing the birds around, making it very much the case of the more hunters the merrier. The West Coast region holds organised hunts every season to help manage game bird populations in areas where complaints have been received from landowners. These events offer both great hunting and socialising opportunities for hunters whilst landowners appreciated seeing good tallies of pukeko and paradise shelduck coming off their properties. The West Coast region also has a summer season to help disperse post moult paradise shelduck and to apply additional hunting pressure to pukeko. Aiding

farmers and maximising opportunities for game bird hunters.

May also marks the start of the spawning season for sport fish, in particular salmon. As the season progresses brown trout spawn followed by rainbow trout in early spring. Over this period the fisheries are extremely sensitive to disturbance and sedimentation, with a whole year’s recruitment easily wiped out. Sports fish often spawn in the small side streams that run through many rural properties, so even the smallest of streams need protecting. If you are unsure about whether your proposed activity might be damaging to your local fishery, please do not hesitate to contact us at Fish & Game, we are more than happy provide advice where we can to get the best outcome for everyone.

Note from the editor

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collision, the cow’s rear-end met with the open window of his ute where she deposited an outrageous amount of dung all over him. What made the story humorous was the way he related the story. Are you one of those people who has a story? Then contact me at news@nmf.co.nz.

Finally, you may notice a new masthead on the paper this month. The goal was to better reflect where our paper goes and who we service. We’re here for all farmers in the top of the South Island, from Greymouth to the Marlborough Sounds and from to Kaikoura to Golden Bay. We hope you like it.

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Concerns for orchardists despite huge apple harvest Jenny nicholson While sunshine has meant a good season for local apple growth, there are issues causing concern with picking, packing, and export.

“The year has been both a blessing and a burden,” says Golden Bay Fruit export and customer service manager Kylie Pratt.

They have had a bumper crop of high quality and large-sized fruit, but the global shipping crisis impact persists. Coupled with high freight prices, she says the export environment is very challenging.

Golden Bay Fruit’s harvest is about two-thirds complete, having started earlier than usual about the second week of February. There are still some large volume varieties still to be picked, with plans to complete harvest by the end of May. Kylie estimates their harvest will be about The sunny autumn weather has allowed for a strong apple harvest this year.

60 million kg. In previous years their exports were Pink Lady, still to be picked. is not a lot we can do.” or ships, Nelson is one of the split evenly between Asia A lack of staff in both the He says there will be a price first places to be dropped and Europe. This year they orchards and packhouses increase coming on apples. off. They are also competare seeing more demand in is a worry for Heartland. “The cost of production is ing with meat, kiwifruit, and Asian markets.

Although the borders have going up so the price will milk powder. Port depth is The cooler nights and mild opened to RSE workers, flow on to the consumer.” another issue. days have been favourable Tristan says there is a short- He says the key things are “The port isn’t deep enough for picking. Kylie says they age of backpackers who fuel pricing, shipping, and to fill vessels completely,” have been lucky with staff, have previously made up a the increase in labour costs. Tristan says. “There may be the Motueka community large part of their workforce “Shipping is tough with ves- a vessel come in but not all being supportive and RSE in both orchards and pack- sel and container availabil- the containers can be loadstaff coming back year after houses. ed, and some can be left beity,” Tristan says. year.

“With staff shortages and “It’s particularly difficult in hind.”

Jedi Linton Date: 03/09/2020 Heartland Attn: Group chief ex- Covid-19 related leave dur- Nelson.

He says that although it is ” ecutive Tristan Lynch agrees there 1are several too early to say how exports’ ing the Company: NZ Van Spares limitedpeak of harvest, He No.says of pages: all varieties of apples have there have been some apples things making shipping out shipping will go, it isn’t Planner: HRL Ruralleft Ag on Planner 2021 Kevin Quinn done well this year. Harvest the tree, ” he says. “We ofFrom: Nelson difficult.

When looking good for the whole is well underway, with some deal with it, just like the in- timing is tight, or there is country for getting apples Region: North Canterbury Phone: 022 639 2655 of the last apples, including dustry does each year. There less availability of containers offshore.

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Two notable farming leaders to retire from Federated Farmers duties Current President of the Nelson branch of Federated Farmers, Martin O’Connor, is due to retire from the role at the coming AGM on May 12. Martin was first elected to the Nelson branch board in 2014. His dairy farming experience and networks have been invaluable locally as have his fire and disaster relief activities and management in more recent years.

Meanwhile former president Gavin O’Donnell is retiring from farming in June and also his role as Federated Farmers Nelson treasurer. Gavin was president from 2011 – 2014, and has continually contributed before and after that on especially environmental issues, including his current chairing the Tasman Environmental Trust.

Dairy prices fall again Global dairy prices have fallen for a third consecutive auction, as market disruptions forced Fonterra to sell more product on the platform.

The average price at the fortnightly global dairy auction fell 3.6 percent to $US4885 ($NZ7250) a tonne, after falling 1 percent in the previous auction. The price of wholemilk powder, which strongly influences the payouts for local farmers, was down 4.4 percent to US$4207 a tonne.

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Three Waters reform ‘draconian’, says mayor TONY ORMAN Government proposal for the controversial Three Waters Reform was decribed as “draconian” by Marlborough mayor John Leggett when speaking to Marlborough Federated Farmers’ monthly meeting.

“It is generally accepted something has to be done to improve the quality of drinking water in some parts of New Zealand,” he said.

“Some councils have underfunded water supply infrastructure and need to sort this out.

“However what Government is proposing is too draconian and is

a one-size fits-all approach where such an approach is not necessary,” he said.

John was responding to a comment and question from Meat and Wool chairman Richard Dawkins.

“Have you ever seen such a radical policy being shoved through?” asked Richard.

“Just because some, like Wellington, have neglected their water infrastructure, there is no reason to impose such a radical reform on the rest of the country.

“What’s the motivation for local government minister Nanaia Mahuta?”

John Legget replied that a meet-

ing between a deputation from a group representing 31 local councils across New Zealand (known as Communities 4 Local Democracy) and Minister Nanaia Mahuta as minister for Local Government had no positive outcome.

The group presented the minister with an alternative 10 point plan and sought a pause in the reform process to enable the plan and other proposals to be properly evaluated.

“The government is controlling this process and the meeting with the Minister made absolutely no headway. Government is pushing hard and this will be a very regu-

lated process,” he said.

‘Communities 4 Local Democracy’ currently represents 31 local councils, including Christchurch City Council in the South Island, with more showing interest in joining.

The vote in several councils to join the group has been lost by a single vote. There is clear division amongst councillors as to whether the proposed reform is headed in the right direction.

Under the current Three Waters proposal, part of Marlborough, part of Tasman and Nelson districts will be part of Entity C along with a number of North Island districts- a total of 22 local

authorities.

Marlborough will have one share at the table.

John Leggett said Minister Mahuta expects to have the Water Services Entities Bill before Parliament mid-year and submissions will follow.

“Local government elections are coming up towards the end of this year- the Three Waters issue will be drawn into electioneering by candidates as part of the bun fight”, he said.

Marlborough’s bigger issue may be the treatment of wastewater with the outfall consent for the outfall at Riverland’s site due mid-decade.

85% of silage film imported to New Zealand now being recycled

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About 85 percent of the silage film being imported into New Zealand is now being recycled, after silage wrap distributor Webbline joined a large-scale recycling scheme.

The scheme is run by Plasback, which collects plastic waste from farms and recycles it into material that can line farm yards, sheds and walkways.

Plasback commercial manager Neal Shaw said plastic waste is usually buried or burnt on farms, or sent to landfill.

Those that opt in to the recycling scheme have to cover the cost of the waste bags and collection, but Shaw said properly disposing of plastics is a farmer’s responsibility.

“People see themselves as custodians of the land - they’re there to leave it in a better condition than when they took it over,” he said.

“Farming is intergenerational, so what we’re doing today will impact on the farms of the future.

“Do you want to be remembered for the huge pit that you’ve put down the

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back of the farm that you filled with plastic and never dealt with and creating that waste problem for the next generation to try and fix up?

“We have a responsibility, I think, to manage this as effectively as we can.”

In 2020, the Ministry for the Environment announced that all farm plastics sold in this country would soon have to be covered by an accredited product stewardship scheme - making farmers responsible for recycling leftover plastic products and packaging.

The consultation on regulations for the scheme is expected to begin later this year.

Webbline crop packaging manager Tim Currie said the company joined Plasback to support the government’s goal of product stewardship for farm plastics.

“We joined Plasback for two reasons.

The first is that we want to be seen to be supporting the industry’s efforts to recycle its waste.

“The second is that Plasback is accredited by the government and it has de-

Te Uru Rākau

veloped an efficient model for doing this,” Currie said.

Plasback’s Neal Shaw said everyone in the farm plastics supply chain, from manufacturers through to consumers, will soon be responsible for recycling leftover plastic products and packaging - so farmers should get on board now.

“There is plenty of talk in the industry about supporting product stewardship, but it is time for all suppliers to back up that talk with action and join a scheme,” he said.

Shaw said local councils need to toughen up their rules around farmers burying or burning their plastic waste.

“A lot of the district councils have not really addressed the issue fully, saying people cannot burn or bury waste product on the farm anymore.

“Some of the the councils allow it, but say that the plastic needs to be burned at a temperature of 1000 degrees.

“I’m not sure there’s many farmers that stand there and monitor the temperature of the plastic when they’re burning it. It needs to be practical.”

- RNZ

New Zealand Forest Service

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.

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“Healthybastards Corner” Hi Country Bumpkins, Dr Dave here, it looks like I have been recruited to do a regular “Healthy Bastards” feature in this highly esteemed magazine and so here is a big “Hi” from me.

This month I want to cover one very important health issue that affects elderly people. However before I do this it’s important that you understand that when I am giving you my medical opinion it is based on over 40 years of medical experience which is “scientifically based evidence” - I am not a just the run of the mill “quack” giving you my five cents worth.

Presently I have three jobs which are so good I actually call “adventures”.

These include my GP medical centre located in Bulls, my aviation medical practice called the Bulls Flying Doctor Service (www.flyingdoctor.co.nz) and lastly the Healthy Bastards Campaign (www.healthybas tards.co.nz). Through this HB campaign I have now developed a charitable trust called the Healthy Bastards Helping Hand Trust which is small time at the moment but fingers crossed it will grow with time so I can help the disadvantaged in our communities.

Coolas and “what a relief ”, as now I have go that off my chest, I can now give you my health message for this month which is a warning to people who plan to “buggar all” in their “retirement years”.

This is because in my long GP experience I have seen into many peoples lives and there is often a common story which goes like

this: they work like dogs in their working lives to pay off their mortgage, bring up a family and then manage to survive in this mad old world. Finally, they get into their late 60s to realise their dream of living a stress free life in their holiday home to slow down.

In doing so, their activities involve ambling around the sec-

tion doing odd jobs, occasionally murdering a fat trout in Lake Rotoiti and having less social stimulus because they only related to other like minded friends.

It sounds great, but the reality is that both our minds and body needs to be exercised and to have at least some a samll amount of stress to keep them going!

There is plenty of good scientific literature to back this up, for example a recent paper in the American Academy of Neurology, entitled “walking, gardening, swimming, dancing may prevent brain shrinkage in older adults”, states that exercise is critical to keeping big brains. Similarly, in the “Psychology and Aging Journal” gives us some great evidence associating the rapid decline in cognition (the brains ability to work as a computer) with retirement.

The key health message for this month then, is that when you get to a point in your life where you decide to shed your stressful job and head for the hills don’t see it as “retirement”. Treat is as a change in lifestyle whereby you are making big changes in your life with regards to work and situation. But, with a big “B”, you’ll still maintain a good level of physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep your brains going.

Anyway, I hope this health tip is useful to you. Maybe you might have a burning question you want answered. If so contact then the editor through news@nmf.co.nz and they’ll get me on the job.

Best regards “Dr Dave.”

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Don’t become complacent after recent payout Andrew ritchie At a recent DairyNZ gathering of farmers near Havelock, facilitator Mark Shadwick said that some may think it odd to be considering the implications of cost increases in the midst of a $9.50c payout. “However I believe there is a danger that we may become complacent.”

The meeting went on to discuss the range of price rises that have taken place during the last two years. Diesel and nitrogen fertiliser were top of the list with both having risen in cost by 60%. The price of phosphate and potash have only risen by 15% in comparison. Grazing had risen by 18%, labour 15%, and current interest rises amounting to 40%. A representative from Westpac Bank who was present said that he could see rates rising by 200 points within the next 12 months. Data from 30 dairy farms in the top of the South Island for the year 2020 show that operating expenses per hectare averaged $6200.

Mark then illustrated the implications of different cost increases versus a $7.05c payout and costs per hectare of $6200, and the payout required to make the same average profit. At a 20% increase in costs, a payout of $8.15c would be required at 30% the payout would need to be $8.70c. The consensus of the meeting was that costs had risen between 25% and 30% an additional average cost approximately $1920/

DairyNZ facilitator Mark Shadwick. Photo: Andrew Ritchie.

Ha. At a payout of $8.40c farmers would still be managing to pay the mortgage.

The discussion progressed to the various levers that could be pulled to reduce costs without sacrificing profit and productivity. The average rate of nitrogen use in the area is 165 units per hectare.

One farmer had reduced his nitrogen use from 200 units to 80 units by using it only as a growth promoter when a feed gap presented itself. Mark, who in the past changed a dairy farm he was managing from a high input operation to an organic system, used red clover to produce the necessary nitrogen for plant growth. He stressed that the use of red clover required good management.

Analysis of areas used for

effluent disposal needed no additional nitrogen and had in fact a surplus of nutrients available to the plants.

Some areas where effluent was not applied showed a deficit of potash.

Whole farm testing was suggested in order to target fertiliser application to the areas where it was most needed.

In many cases Olsen P levels on the average dairy farm were high enough to the point that phosphate need not be applied every year but it was important that sulphur was applied in some way if this was to happen.

Labour cost increases were mentioned with the wage of a skilled migrant being put at $29/hour. An attendee was advertising for a skilled worker for the cost of $70,000 per annum but was

unable to include a house in the package. It was pointed out that a free house was no longer able to be part of a salary, with the Inland Revenue forcing farmers to factor in a rent for a house that was provided.

Several farmers present had moved to once a day milking, which had reduced the labour requirement. Some workers were now on an hourly rate and working a civilised 44 hour week. The increased cost of supplements was discussed, with palm kernal now being quoted between $598 to $612 per tonne up from the $300 plus of previous seasons. One famer has replaced PK with maize but was cautioned to monitor the protein level of his feed. Stocking rate was seen as the key factor in cost control. Chasing production by applying nitrogen and maintaining a high stocking rate was not the way to go.

DairyNZ data has shown that the more money spent the less is kept at the end of the year. Those with operating costs below $6500/ ha were showing profits between 25% and 45% on average during the previous two years.

The meeting was left with the message not to become complacent and to contemplate what levers can be pulled in the event of the milk solid price heading in the opposite direction. As interest rates are on the rise it may also be an opportunity to pay off some debt, while the payout is at the current level.

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Tasman Report

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WAKEFIELD Premium Nelson Land Investment Situated on the outskirts of Wakefield Village at 89 Golf Road, is this piece of prime bare land of 67.5 Hectares in three titles that have been incorporated together. Alluvial soils and excellent water rights make it ripe for horticulture, market gardening, grazing or land banking for future developments.

Minutes to the Wakefield Village with the cycle trail and the Wai-iti River along the boundary.

The property has a designated building site and a beautiful piece of native bush in QEII covenant.

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I hope the Autumn is treating you people are turning up and supwell as the farming and horticul- porting these from the community tural season winds down and we groups to the coffee and food venprepare to burn all the firewood we dors it is good to see the crowds. stockpiled for Winter.

I had the pleasure of assisting the A great season has continued for Marlborough Aviation Heritage pastoral and dairy farming and a Centre in the “John Smith “ Moschallenging harvest for our horti- quito engine run fundraising day cultural and viticultural over ANZAC weekend. clients as they have This plane was preserved navigated CoVID, staff by the late John Smith shortages, climatic in the Seaton Valley in challenges, and prodMapua and has been reuct delivery problems stored to engine running what is normal any way standard (never to fly) by these days? The great a team of enthusiasts and run of April weather has is on display at the Omahelped with the shoulka Museum – there were der of the season and Joe Blakiston several thousand specwhen you look around tators there from all over 0274 344 069 the world at what is gothe top of the South and a ing on it puts all our problems into few from as far as Auckland to see perspective. The outlook is posi- the engines fire up – the crowd got tive for agriculture in general, even their money’s worth, but this is a with the economic headwinds. must see.

One quick request – Rural markets Time spent off your property is esare strong and PGG Wrightson sential to your work life balance so Real Estate need listings – please support the events that are organgive our team a call. ised and get out to enjoy our beauMarch and April have seen the re- tiful part of New Zealand. turn of a steady stream of events, Have a great month. and it is great to see how many

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Plus GST (if any) Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 12 May

Substantial Tasman Pipfruit Landholding 97.132 hectares in Eight Titles.

This prime coastal property is situated just off the coastal highway near Mapua. With easy north-facing contours and sweeping sea views, it offers a major development opportunity with the land being zoned Rural Three.

The property is run as an intensive pip fruit orchard and is a fully integrated business with onsite packing and cool store facilities.

Only minutes to Mapua the property has access points off Nile and Apple valley roads and has a large coastal highway footprint. The property has two homes, two cottages plus staff amenities.

There is ample reliable water through two dams and a well. The net planted area is 36.9 hectares in eleven varieties of apples and pears, the balance of the land is in grazing, forestry and wetlands being established.

Purchasing Options:

VIEW By Appointment Only

A) The whole property 97.1312 hectares in Eight Titles including the processing facilities.

B) 93.7563 hectares in Seven Titles, including two homes, two cottages and staff amenities, but without the processing facilities which will have its own title of 3.8 hectares (subject to survey) For further information contact the agents.

Doug Smith M 027 543 2280 E douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz Joe Blakiston M 027 434 4069 | B 03 579 3702 E jblakiston@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/NEL35944 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

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The autumn has been patchy; and the climate is not playing • Mycorrhizal (soil fungi) can access • A 1% increase in active carbon in the ball either. There is real pres10 x the water and nutrients to cycle canthan retain 4 more sure on farmers budgets with intosoil plants plant rootslitres aloneof water per sqm rural inflation running ram• A 1% increase in active carbon in the pant. Case in point – fertiliser • 90% nutrients naturally soil canof retain 4 more litres of cycled water and nitrogen. a plant is done through soil perinto sqm The good thing is that the microbes. Because we add and feed • 90% of microbes nutrients naturally price of superphosphate is soil with ourcycled products, intowe a plant is done through soil capped at $367/t until the are protecting this critical Each ingredient in our BioActive is made up of phytonutrients, proportions that work with the soil microbes. Because we add and feed end of May. After that – who function and working the way nature Soils products has a pivotal role to probiotic Westand Coast artist Dale Cotton and Aucklander Gina Ferguson won the top microbes we are aiding, rather than vitamins, digestible soil microbes with our products, knows how expensive it could intended.

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Our products fish and prize a tthe Fielddays No.8 Wire National Art Award. we are protecting this critical against them. is made up of phytonutrients, proportions that work with the soil get? It should be ingredient noted thatin our BioActive price on that. ecosystems.

We have invented arole to– FarmWise. function and working the way nature seaweed minerals are Soils products has a pivotal vitamins, digestible andtherefore probiotic Brent Boyce microbes we are aiding, rather than in September 2008, super Pasture carries approximately intended. simply a way toplay harness Neptune’s bounty pivotal to the plants biology, which in building healthy, fertile soildelaysagainst Because You we turn thecan’t soil’sput biological galling thing for this microbes. situation Our products fish and significant in the them. supreached $560/t, Urea $1,111/t; 32% protein on a good day, with a price on that. and transfer all its goodness onto is why a stronger, healthier, nutrient ecosystems. We have invented a seaweed minerals are therefore lights on, we arethe redefining what’sthis bias reis thatminerals it is man-made.

It’s seeds, sprays, and DAP was $1,783/t. Urea ply of some further from judge. With West Coast artist Dale Cotton and Pasture carries 10% beingapproximately basic land, (as goes with land), bounty dense from ourwhich inputs. waysea to harness Neptune’s pivotalplant to theresults plants biology, possible for your farm, now and for Because we turn the soil’s biological hard enough dealing general parts.on ausually is already $1,270/t, and DAP materials andand also took secAuckland artist Gina Ferguson and moved, Gina Ferguson 32% protein good day, with a trace elements.

The balance resulting significant andintransfer all itslong-term goodness onto is why a stronger, healthier, nutrient future generations. lights on, we are redefining what’s Using BioActive Soils fertiliser The key is to order early and with drought. is now $1,410/t (and likely to have taken out the top prize in the ond place with her artwork Cluster further 10% being basic minerals land, (as sea goessoil, withplant, land), dense plant results from our inputs. benefits to your farms possible for your farm, now and for in a consistent, ongoing way, This season has been very to keep on top of any requirekeep climbing).

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Using BioActiveArt SoilsAward fertiliser ments – and be exhaustive frustrating – a comment has aechcompounding effect as It may well bebenefits prudent buyfarms with their work It never The artists’ statement for the winto to your soil, plant, in acounconsistent, ongoing Wesome are not aallsimplistic Steve Ellison: Company oed by many seasoned with your dealers. and apply orlivestock. of next chemical each application is introducing rains butway, it pours. ning work, Owner It never rains but it and has a compounding effect NPKS input as the conventional that lifeThe And trying to get stock away? try folk. A wet winter years phosphate requirements and feeding to the soil.as This annual competition, hosted by pours, drew inspiration from the Weindustry are not aknows simplistic chemical each is introducing fertiliser is quite a lottery at present. lasted to December,cumulative thenapplication a effect by the end of May. It could it,Itrather Waikato Museum, and supported poem ‘Rain’ by Hone Tuwhare, and results in: NPKS input as the conventional and feeding life to the soil. This weform standofalone as an innovative Prime animals are just not dry, then heavy rain, then dry be in the superphosby the New Zealand National Fiel- says that the piece relates to how “our fertiliser industry knows it, rather •cumulative Building carbon in thein: soil for effect results fertilisation programme that through the system. again – basically to wet to sow moving phate insolid lower rainfall areas; days Society (NZNFS), has entered relationship to our environment inwe stand alone as an innovative greater moisture retention •an Building carbon in the year soil for addresses the all-important link – This is going to have serithen to dry to grow in endor serpentine super if on a paits 25th of challenging artists to forms our past, present, and future.” solid fertilisation programme that greater moisture retention biology, the backbone of a highly • Creating stronger plants that ous effects on the winter feed less cycle.

There are still some kihi soil or heavy rainfallthe area. turn an iconic Kiwi farming product Gina and Dale have been collaboaddresses all-important link – functional Where situation for many farmers. I issues with not enough winter stronger resist pests weeds Also have a biology, chatsoil. with yourimportant into artand and stake their claim to a rating for the past 18 months, most the backbone of a highly • naturally Creating plants that growth andifhealth nutrients areof too many dairy farm- feed and low crop yields in resistshare accountant tofunctional see thesoil. early ofand $8500 in prize money. recently having their sculpture on Whereknow important naturally pests weeds • Developing a more nutrient rich required, we and do add NPKS ersand who purchase would have any taxThe Rotorua-based sculptor, multi- display in the Auckland Botanic Gargrowth health nutrients arehave a majority of some areas. The autumn is for youralivestock • diet Developing more nutrient rich other inputs to we ourdo fish & cull seaweed cows required, add NPKS and still on farm. The warm at present – here’s hopation advantages. disciplinary artist, and this year’s dens over the summer. diet for your livestock other toand our to fish &time seaweed Maximising soil fertility

by Kara, adhered strictly To find out more about the compeminerals fertiliser ensure the last I had to dry herds off ing for a bit of rain• and The supply chain ofinputs goodsbase, judge, Eugene Maximising soil fertility by minerals base, maintaining atohigh functioning andincrop production isto ensure a bit early for feed situations was grass keeps growing •for servicesgrass is also a fertiliser fraught the blind-judging process, which tition, visit waikatomuseum.co.nz/ maintaining akeeps high and crop production soil ecosystem thatfunctioning is full of identities life maximised, however we do inisdrought in 2001. The longer. theitbig position.

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Family and farming her happy place BARBARA STUART Courtney Clarke got her love of dairy farming from tagging along with her grandparents, helping to feed calves and to feed out when she was a small child.

She says she spent three years in Wellington studying with the NZ Institute of Sport trying to convince herself there is more to life than farming, only to find her happy place back in the Takaka Valley, milking cows.

In the end, working with animals in the outdoors won her over. She left behind the pressure of working with people for rural life and says she can’t emphasis enough how much she enjoys the lifestyle.

Courtney says the skills she picked up from her grandparents set her up to have the right temperament with cows. Fe-

males she says are naturally more nurturing with stock, probably tidier and cleaner in the shed and more likely to find it easier meeting quality regulations.

“It might take us more time but in the end many females often do a better job noticing any health issues the cows might have or if a trough needs fixing.”

Courtney works for John and Betsey Hills as herd manager for their son Hamish who manages the farm and says every day is great. John and Betsy have been awesome to Courtney even finding a nice husband for her she laughs.

“They know I like marshmallows and gave my fiance tips on how to win me. Unbeknown to them I had a pet bull calf that I gave marshmallows too as a treat and the calf bunted

John for a six, it was after marshmallows and he didn’t have any. We all had a laugh about that.”

Courtney says the future in the Takaka Valley looks promising for her fiance but the industry as a whole has a lot of unknowns.

The Te Waikorupupu springs lobby group is seeking a Water Conservation Order on the headwaters of the Takaka River and its tributaries which will heavily impact on farming in the Takaka Valley.

Alternatives are not necessarily the clean answer they are looking for.

She thinks its things like dung beetles and other technologies that will bring the answers over time.

In the meantime she is looking forward to her wedding at the end of the year and enjoying life back in the Takaka Valley.

Courtney Clarke, back in the Takaka Valley working with cows. Photo: Supplied.

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A celebration of farming success at The Pyramid Andrew ritchie A large gathering of farmers and associated industry members attended a Field Day at The Pyramid to celebrate the success of the Dawkins family who won the Marlborough Sheep and Beef 2021 Farmer of the Year Competition. One of the first speakers to congratulate the family was veterinary consultant Peter Anderson. He stressed the importance of maintaining good records, without which it is impossible to benchmark your farm’s individual performance. “You are paid on the number of kilograms of lamb sold and in 2020 the ewes at The Pyramid weaned an extraordinary 60.5kgs of lamb per ewe mated. The top 25% of farms averaged 49% and the countrywide average is 39%.”

He said that this is the result of an excellent lambing percentage and good lamb growth rates.The lambing percentage in 2020 was 158% compared to an average figure of 127%. Lamb growth rates

Chris introduces family and key workers to the meeting. to weaning was 330gms/day; the average is 272gms/day. Over 78% of lambs are sold off their mothers. Good birth weights and excellent weight gain means lambs average 38kgs at weaning.

The composite ewes are heavy, weighing in at 79kgs but are efficient, weaning over 77% of their body weight. An important factor in the ewe’s performance is the high lamb survival rate and this has improved by increasing the survival rate of triplets born.

Their current system of undercover lambing means that 250% of triplet lambs survive to weaning. Peter Anderson said that the animal performance records on The Pyramid were as good as any records so far judged in the Marlborough Farmer of the Year Awards.

Chris Dawkins outlined the evolution of The Pyramid illustrating its progression to the award winning, profitable enterprise it is today. His father purchased the

Capabilities-Customers-Cost Andrew ritchie Sam McIvor, CEO of Beef and LambNZ, recently spoke at The Pyramid where the Dawkins family were presented with the Marlborough Sheep and Beef Farmer of the Year Award.

He constructed his talk around the three ‘Cs,’ Capabilities, Customers and Cost.

He talked about the value of farming and how to match the capabilities of the enterprise to the assets, and to the climate.

He urged landowners to use an environmental plan to identify the risks and potential presented by the soils and water availability.

“Beef and LambNZ have a financial anlysis programme which benchmarks 530 New Zealand farms with 2000 data points which will help you to recognise the strengths and weaknesses of your property.”

Customers: “New Zealand has the ability to feed 24 million people. We are targeting foodies who are interested in the provenance of high value, quality food and who have the ability to pay the price.In the US there are 30 million conscious foodies so we are using our ‘Taste Pure Nature’ message to build our grass fed story.”

He says that during the past few years there has

Sam McIvor CEO of Beef and LambNZ. been more interest in the environment,carbon footprint and climate change so it is important to know your emissions status.

The Beef and Lamb emissions calculator can be of assistance to famers.

The sheep industry will soon be regarded as carbon neutral.

It is important to keep building our story on this front and we are constantly scanning for customer trends. Regenerative agriculture is curr ently a buzz word and many are willing to pay for products that are perceived to be sourced from this system. “I believe that the New Zealand

red meat industry is already built on this system. I am optimistic about the red meat sector and I think we will double our production by 2050.”

Cost: Costs are escalating wildly and regulations are a part of what is driving these increases.

As an organisation we will fight tooth and nail to make sure regulations are enablers rather than restricters. It is crucial to watch input costs like a hawk and to continue to drive productivity.

McIvor concluded by thanking the farming community for the opportunity to work on their behalf.

property in 1954 in a neglected state, little subdivision, covered in weeds, no power, no reticulated water and a domestic water supply gathered from the roof of the house. Chris took over the farm in 1978 as a single 23 year old, at the time it had a government valuation of $180,000. By this time his father had fenced it into 19 paddocks with many of those fences still standing today.

Within 8 years, water reticulation had been added and considerable renovations to the house had been completed. New sheep yards, cattle yards and work on the woolshed had also been completed. Chris’s father and mother had moved to town where his mother had adjusted well. However his father continued to commute to the farm 7 days a week for the following 26 years. In 2015 the Tummil block consisting of 187ha was purchased, this coincided with the establishment of the first vineyard block. Fourteen percent of the block was planted in forestry. The farm now

covers a total of 603.1ha of which 447.7 are effective. Fifty four ha is in viticulture, 56ha in forestry woodlots with 12 ha recently harvested. The aim has been to produce an efficient and high performing farm with a diverse stream of income, which is environmentally sound, financially viable while demonstrating best practice. In 2020 Chris and Julia’s son Richard and his wife Jess purchased the stock and machinery and leased the grazing of 400 ha.

The third generation of the Dawkins family will now go on to make their mark on The Pyramid. The family are no strangers to winning awards for excellence, having won the Supreme Award at the Cawthron Environmental Awards in 2019. At the time Richard said that they would continue to make the best use of the land, maintain their principles, push new boundaries and achieve new milestones.

There can be no doubt that there will continue to be a celebration of success at The Pyramid.

May 2022

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bull sales Martin Farming Bull breeders Richard and Denise Martin and their family are delighted with the consistency and conformation of this season’s crop of bulls and warmly invite people to attend their on-farm bull sale, even if it’s just to look and observe breeding progress made over recent years. After two years of constraints caused by Covid, Richard says, it will be good to welcome people onto the property again and to connect with others in the farming community.

The Martins have 35 Angus and 4 Herefords on offer at this year’s Bull Sale. Richard apologises for fewer Hereford Bulls, saying its simply due to an imbalance of bull calves born, plus the need to fulfil long standing dairy industry client orders. However, Richard adds this is only temporary and will have more available next season.

In accordance with their breeding goals, the Martin family have focused on a more moderate frame, carcass quality, conformation and overall balance of economic traits - “they are looking good, and we are very pleased to present them for sale”.

Raised on their steep hill country farm in Wakefield, the bulls come to the sale fit for service. To make the line-up, key tools are used in Richard’s selection process. All lots are independently structurally assessed, including docility scored.

They undergo a comprehensive fertility test, and are ultrasound scanned for EMA, IMF, and Rib Martin Farm Sales Angus Bulls & Rump Fat. Anyone looking for bulls who can get around the hills should find worthy prospects in this year’s line up. The Martin’s are proud of the fact that many of their clients have been purchasing bulls from them for in excess of 30 years. Richard says they pay for the freight on bulls where clients accept delivery in reasonable time post sale, and if approached, is agreeable to winter over where applicable.

With the next generation taking a keen interest, daughter Lucy looks after all the pedigree and nait records, therefore anyone with questions should look out for her at the sale. Catalogues will be available towards the end of May and if you wish to receive one by mail, please email richard@martinfarming. com.

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385 Church Valley Road, Wakefield, Nelson facebook.com/MartinFarming

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May 2022

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bull sales Woodbank Angus Stud

Breeding pedigree cattle runs deep through the veins of farmer Ben Murray and his wife Caroline. Their property, Woodbank Angus Stud, is located in genuine hill country, 40km north of Kaikoura at the bottom end of the Clarence River.

Proudly focusing on the maternal traits of their breeding cows, the exceptionally knowledgeable couple say the cows are the ‘engine room’ of the business. “Our cows are farmed in a commercial environment similar to our clients. This is important for us as we know our bulls will shift well to their new homes.”

The cows need to be fertile, athletic and efficient producers to work in Woodbank Angus Stud’s farm system.

“The bulls they produce are

what we believe will add value to our customers herds.”

Running the females in a pretty similar environment, Ben says the bulls that they put out into the industry tend to shift pretty well onto other farms. “At the same time, they tend to be balanced between performance and phenotype, so we try to appeal to 100% of the market if we can.”

The fourth-generation farmers are placing 65 bulls up for sale this year, meticulously selected from a group of 200. “For our bulls to be selected for sale we try to offer bulls with a strong sound phenotype and with breeding values of breed average or above, and place a lot of emphasis on structure, consistency and type.”

Matariki Herefords will be joining Woodbank Angus Stud for the bull sale in June

providing a combination of over 120 of their prize stock.

“On the day we have a combined sale with Matariki Herefords and will have several hundred buyers and onlookers line the stands from all over NZ.” An e-catalogue will be made available to the public as well as updates on their social media page: @woodbankan gusstud.

Blacknight Angus

Rai Valley farmers, Ben and Nadine Maisey, from Blacknight Angus are hugely committed to delivering an exceptional calibre of stock, sourcing top-quality genetics to be able to continually offer genetic gains to the Angus industry. Participating in the Blenheim bull sales to be held at Leefield Station on June 20, the couple say they aim for balanced genetic

excellence focusing on the traits that have commercial profitability for breeders, including carcase quality and weight, growth, calving ease, fertility, and conformation. “We know that every aspect impacts the profitability of the operations of our clients.”

“We have bulls sired by top international sires including Clunes Crossing Dusty, Deer Valley Wall Street, Sydgen Enhance and others. They are well grown, thick, solid, and sound young bulls. Most are ranked in the breed selection indexes in the top 10% of 2020 born bulls registered in New Zealand, with some in the top 1%.”

They look forward to showcasing at least 10 of their very best bulls at the sale this year and say an e-catalogue will be made available to the public shortly with bidders having the opportunity to bid online via the BIDR Hybrid Livestreamed Auctions website, as well as in person at the venue.

Quality of product has always been paramount to the couple. “All bulls have been structurally assessed by an accredited assessor and are backed by a three year guarantee of fertility and soundness viewing of the bulls by appointment is welcome as well as on the Bull Walk, Friday May 27th.

Leefield Station

Hosting the Blenheim bull sale on June 20, is the historical Leefield Station, owned by the Marris Family, nestled in the beautiful Waihopai Valley, Marlborough. Greg Crombie, Leefield Station farm manager, has been working the farm for the last four years and is extremely proud of the high-quality bulls the Station produces. The challenging environment, he says, is perfect for breeding hardy and resilient bulls able to thrive in all environments around the country.

“Purchases have our personal guarantee that the stud cattle have been

farmed in an extremely challenging environment in a commercial farming reality where only the very best make it through to sale.

I have farmed large scale commercial cow herds in the past and would be happy to use any of these bulls myself.” Greg says they focus on breeding bulls that are able to produce highly fertile females, having male progeny that have an even growth pattern out to 600 days. “We are consistently working on improving our intermuscular fats (IMF) in our cattle for a greater consumer eating experience.

Here at Leefield Station, we aim to sell all bulls with above average Angus Pure Index’s (API) and we are achieving this by artificial inseminating (AI) half our females every year to proven sires. Our genetic selection is balanced by breeding structurally functional commercial cattle.“ Bull Sale begins at 9:30am, Monday, June 20 at 1171 Waihopai Valley Rd, Waihopai Valley, Wairau.

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 21 June

✓ Calving ease ✓ Temperament ✓ Growth ✓ Conformation ✓ ✓✓Phenotype. ✓Fertility Calving ease Temperament ✓ ✓Carcase Growth traits ✓ Conformation Farm visits and inquiries welcome Ph 03 571 6271 ✓ Fertility ✓ Phenotype.

Farm visits and inquiries welcome Ben & Nadine Maisey ✓ Carcase traits

Ph 03 571 6271

Farm visits and inquiries welcome Ph 03 571 6271 Ben & Nadine Maisey Ben & Nadine Maisey

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May 2022

INAUGURAL ON-FARM BULL SALE MONDAY 20TH JUNE 2022

TOP SELLING BULL, BLENHEIM BULL SALE 2021

TO REGISTER FOR A CATALOGUE PLEASE EMAIL kate@marisco.co.nz w w w .l e E f i e l d s t a t i o n . c o .n z

GREG CROMBIE LEEFIELD STATION FARM MANAGER

FARM VISITS AND ENQUIRIES WELCOME PH: 0275 511 011 greg@leefieldstation.co.nz

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MONTHLY

Negotiating with neighbours under the RMA AnnA BensemAnn As a landowner you may be approached by a neighbour to provide sign off on their project as it may affect you. They may want to set up a commercial activity that increases car movements on the road, or put a shed close to your boundary where it may shade your property. In any case, you have rights when it comes to deciding if you want to give your written approval (affected party approval) to a project.

As with any local government process there is paperwork involved. Usually, a council form and copy of the resource consent application is provided. Sometimes, the consent application may have already been sent to council, and council have told the neighbour that you are potentially affected. You should always

be provided a copy of the plans and written resource consent application when your approval is being sought. You might want to seek an expert’s opinion, such as a resource consent planner or your solicitor.

It is entirely your choice if you wish to provide written approvals or not. If you do, it tells the council that either you’re not affected by your neighbour’s activity, or you are happy to live with any effects. When deciding on the application, council is required to disregard any effect on your property if you have given written approval.

Written approvals cannot be conditional on the neighbour doing something they have not outlined they will do in the application for resource consent. For instance, you cannot write on the form that you give your approv-

HORI ZONTAL LOC K UP

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

Get in touch about your next project, and with their experience and expert knowledge they’ll save you time and unnecessary cost in preparing VERTI CAL LOC K UP your resource consent, giving it the best chance of being approved without delays.

PLANNING SURVEYING WATER PERMITS ENGINEERING

SUBDIVISIONS AND BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS SEPTIC TANK DISCHARGES EARTHWORKS CONSENTS

P. 03 578 7299

anna@blg.nz

www.blg.nz

al, as long as your neighbour pays for the boundary fence. However, if you wish to negotiate a deal with your neighbour to carry out some works that benefit you, or ensure you are not adversely affected by their activity, we suggest either get a separate legal agreement is drawn up, or the neighbour amends their application to include the works before you sign off on the project.

If your neighbour has been told they have to get your approval, and you choose not to provide this, their application will be notified to you by council and any other persons who were also identified and decided not to give written approval. This is called limited notification and gives you the opportunity to make a formal submission in opposition or support to the application to explain what

the concerns are. If this progresses to a hearing the neighbour will be required to pay for the costs of council staff and decision makers at the hearing.

Negotiating with a neighbour can be a very stressful process. The written approvals system under the RMA enables you to choose if you are happy with the proposal or not, but only if you are considered an affected party.

In any case, you are not obliged to sign off on an activity. The effect of not providing approvals is council are obliged to give you the opportunity to make a submission, and must consider any adverse effects on you in making a decision.

Anna Bensemann, Senior Planner, Baselined Group Marlborough 0279460445, anna@blg.nz

Intenders and instinctives DArren CrAwforD

Senior Advisor Community Readiness and Recovery FENZ

From an academic view, audiences for targeting fire safe messages fall into four categories.

1. Protectors, are most committed to fire safety 2. Sensibles (speaks for itself) 3. Intenders, intend to do their best but often lead very busy lives 4. Instinctives and disengaged, uncommitted to fire safety Intenders are 69% women.

Busy lives might not have time for proper fire safety efforts but are aware and intend to do their best. Likely to; leave electric blanket on all night, leave lint in the dryer, leave cooking unattended while managing several other tasks at once.

Instinctives make up about 8% of the population, 58% are younger men, 18-29 years of age and are likely to be flatting. Instinctives are uncommitted to fire safety. Likely to Leave electric blanket on overnight, use dryer without cleaning lint, use fireplace to burn rubbish and dry clothes

on or close to a heater.

Occupants have only 3 minutes to escape a house fire, creating a 3-step plan to save your life and that of your whanau, a 3-step plan consists of.

1. Have an initial plan for escaping your house 2. Have a second plan in case the first is not possible due to blocked exits or fire preventing your escape 3. Have a dedicated meeting place (often this can be the letterbox or a neighbour’s house) You can create an escape plan by visiting wwwescapemyhouse.co.nz. The plan takes only a few minutes to create and is sent to your email for printing and displaying in a prominent place. It’s a great idea to have a practice run blindfolded, this helps to understand how disorientating black smoke is.

As Winter approaches there are some simple steps we can take to prepare ourselves and others to prevent or survive a fire.

• Keep a minimum distance of one metre from a heater.

This includes drying clothes, warming ourselves or having a

heater too close to curtains or furnishings • Don’t be an over-plugger.

Overloaded power multiplugs and power points can overheat and easily cause a fire • Be careful where you stash your ash. Disposal of fireplace or brazier ash is a common cause of fire, store ash out of the wind, away from your house and in a metal container, preferably with a sealed lid.

• Get your chimney cleaned.

Chimney fires are avoidable, cleaning your chimney each season not only prevents fires, but your fire will burn more efficiently and use less wood.

Book your sweep before the Winter rush, it’s a good idea for locals to combine and get their chimneys swept at the same time to share travel cost especially in remote locations.

I hope you all stay warm and safe this Winter and if your young adults are ‘flying the coop’ or leaving the University hostel give them a handful of smoke alarms as a housewarming gift and encourage them to go online and complete an escape plan for their new flat..

Farming TOP SOUTH

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Farm Diversity is a Win!

May 2022

Advert

0 Win Valley Road, Dovedale

135 Ha with a multitude of options…….. Having all your eggs in one basket has never been the smartest strategy to take. This private predominantly north facing secluded bare land block just outside of Dovedale offers approx. 55 Ha of easy rolling to steeper hill grazing, approximately 23 Ha of young Pinus Radiata with another 22 Ha ready to be planted on cut over, along with a large stand of established natives. Potential options open for future plantings and carbon farming. Established access tracks make the running and maintenance of this property simple, alongside good fencing and cattle yards, 2 Dovedale units are available for stock water as well as other natural water and springs. A great hut at the highest point of the property makes the ideal spot to escape the world.

If this has your attention get in contact with the listing agents now for the full story.

Tender Closing Thursday 19th May 2022

Where Town Meets Country

214A Ross Road, Hira

This large modern family home is private and sunny, offering stunning 360 degree views, with just the right amount of land to run some stock, a horse or the kids pets.

Well designed with the open plan kitchen and living in the heart of the home, the two separate wings allow parents and children to have their own spaces. Extra room for extended family or guests in the private self contained studio unit.

Step off the deck to the garden and lawn, situated on a large flat terrace with paddocks gently sloping away from the house.

All the hard work is done, but you can add your own touches to the garden and landscaping to create your own paradise, just North of Nelson.

Price By Negotiation

Top of the South Rural

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News

Farming TOP SOUTH

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Biocontrol and biosecurity on the farm Andrew ritchie

liquid, which could be used in a spray form. Veterinary Senior Advisor with Beef and LambNZ, Will Warwick Lissaman welcomed a Halliday, spoke on the subject of group of farmers, scientists and protecting your farming business Marlborough District Council from ‘silent thieves’. He said it was officers, including the mayor essential to reduce risk by instiJohn Leggett and mouncillor tuting measures during livestock Gerald Hope to a recent meetmovement, people and equipment ing on biocontrol and biosecumovement, and by using vaccinarity on the farm. He outlined the tion programmes and pest conformation of the Chilean Needle trol, for example in the incidence Grass action group some seven of TB spread. years ago. The change in land When stock comes onto your use and the change in ownerproperty use a quarantine padship of properties has meant the dock in order to stop disease loss of knowledge and awareness spreading to existing stock and to of the problem. “We must comvaccinate or otherwise treat dismunicate with the community ease. Maintain boundary fences and advocate for them with the to stop intermingling of livestock, help of Landcare Trust and the and have an animal health manMDC to encourage best practice agement plan. Disease is less likely and the adoption of tools and reif stock is well fed. Breed for resistsources to eradicate two imporance eg. in the case of faceal excetant weed pests Nasella Tussock ma stop the spread of disease from and Chilean Needle Grass. We must come together and be good Plant pathologist Seona Casenato displays her ‘Black Death’ and different species, for example dose dogs for sheep measles. Be aware neighbours to help combat the fungal broth. Photo: Supplied. of who is coming onto the propspread of these weeds.” Nasella is dig up buried seed, In another The cost per hectare was $2094 erty, where they have been and native to South America it probcase Roundup and Taskforce and the profit from the beef graz- what they are bringing with them. ably came to New Zealand in were used. The land was put into ing, over and above the cost of im- Have a gate at the entry point with the 1800s and by the 1930s had rape and grazed with cattle. This proving the pasture was $1000/ha. a sign prohibiting unauthorised formed monocultures in Marlwas followed by Omaka barley Plant pathologist based at Lincoln entry, a hose and disinfectant is borough and North Canterbury. and finally a pasture was sown in University Seona Casenato report- ideal. Maintain a visitor register In 1946 an act was passed to fund October of lucerne, plantain and ed on her project to investigate the and regularly wash hands. Identify the astronomical cost of control. potential for the biocontrol of Na- where imported feed such as hay cocksfoot.

It can overrun desirable pasture sella Tussock. She is working in or silage may be coming from and conjunction with scientists in Aus- what pests and diseases may be tralia and Argentina. She says they being imported. “The spread of M have isolated four different fungal Bovis was a lesson for us all.” Cook organisms out of 1000 candidates. or freeze all offal before feeding to One fungus bleaches out the foli- dogs and maintain control of mice age while others cause blight in and rats who are likely to spread the seed. She is now working on leptospirosis. Remove carcasses methods of field application such and bury deeply before other anias aerial spraying, prills and weta- mals can come into contact with ble powder as well as determining them.Learn to do a PM to identify a shelf life of the product. Casena- what the animal died from. Rotate All health starts in the soil. With Golden Bay Dolomite you’ll be enriching to displayed fungus in two forms livestock around paddocks to reyour soil with the dynamic nutritional combination of 39% magnesium and at the meeting. One in a powder duce parasite spread and involve 59% calcium. Which over time optimises your base saturation calcium and magnesium levels. With a healthier soil, you’ll quickly improve your pasture form which she has given the staff and visitors in maintaining health and growth, and the health of the animals and humans further up the name ‘black death’, and the other vigilance by stressing the imporfood chain. Best of all, Golden Bay Dolomite is completely locally sourced, exhibiting small dots of fungus the tance of awareness of the spread which is makes it the healthier option for your budget too. size of poppy seeds in a broth type of pests and diseases. and loves dry open country.

Stock cannot digest it and it can form balls in the stomach, leading to death. CNG grows into thick stands, smothering desirable species. Stock will not eat it and the sharp needles of the seed can injure eyes. Wool infested with the seed can be downgraded and the seeds can penetrate skins and flesh. It is easily transported by attaching itself to anything that brushes past.

Annette Litherland from Landcare Trust outlined the results of several reseeding projects that have substantially reduced plant populations of Nasella Tussock and CNG. In all cases the plants were killed off using a chemical called Taskforce that kills the plant through the root system and also forms a residue that stops the seed germinating for up to five years. At the Atacama property Taskforce was used and the land was summer fallowed to allow moisture to accumulate. A mixture of plantain, cocksfoot, ryegrass and clovers were sown, where possible by drilling. The subsequent pasture was grazed by bulls and dairy animals. Annette emphasised that drilling or oversowing should be used rather than cultivation which would

EMPOWER YOUR SOIL & YOUR BUDGET

Here’s why it’s the best single solution for soil: 59% calcium to nourish your pasture 39% magnesium to optimize the photosynthesis so essential to plant growth completely natural biological fertiliser option even more effective in raising PH levels than liming

Dr William A. Albrecht

Why not enquire about a free soil consultation? phone: 03 525 9843 email: sales@goldenbaydolomite.co.nz

May 2022

LIFTOUT

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3 Day Autumn Expo Field Day 2022 10th – 12th May • 720 New Renwick Road • 10am – 3pm each day

TRS plans massive 3 day Autumn Expo Field Day Tractor Repairs and Spares Ltd will stage a massive Autumn Expo for three days from the 10th of May to the 12th at 720 New Renwick Road, opening from 10 am to 3pm each day.

The company aims to display a one stop shop for those involved in the viticultural industry and the agricultural field.

TRS will have a large range of equipment, as well as representatives from most of their top brands, including Fendt and Massey Ferguson, Kleantech, Gregoire, TopCon GPS, ERO, Hustler, Farmgard, Rata and more.

They will also be joined by Motorworld, Tasman Crop and Marlborough Motorcycles for the three days. There will be spot prizes throughout the event, including an oil skin vest for the first person through the gates when they open at 10am each day.

The main prize you can be in the draw to win is a Masterbuilt BBQ prize pack, with the 2nd draw being a kids ride on tractor.

You can enjoy a barista made coffee, morning tea and gourmet BBQ lunch, all courtesy of TRS each day.

Fendt display at the TRS Expo

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March 2022

THE EXPERTS

FOR TRACTOR SALES AND REPAIRS

Celebrating 25 years of TRS It all began back in 1996 when Adrian Orchard, a fully qualified technician, started Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd as a home-based business, working out of a service vehicle, with his wife Pam doing the bookwork from home.

Today, Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd have grown to include 65 staff across 4 branches. All situated in purposebuilt premises and offering outstanding service.

In 1997 Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd was offered the Massey Ferguson agency and Adrian’s reputation around the region for quality workmanship and delivering on time was the reason the offer was made. Having progressed from the workshop floor, he

has an excellent knowledge of the industry. Adrian has a very good team of employees, who embrace the company’s commitment to quality workmanship and giving the best possible service.

2007 saw the innovative step to open a branch in Seddon, another important area of Marlborough’s wine production. Although operating from small premises, the Seddon operation proved to be a valuable asset to the region and in 2010 the move was made to a purpose-built site.

2010 was a big year for Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd with the Seddon building and also being appointed AGCO’s agency for Massey Ferguson

See us for the Top Brands

Come and see us for our full range of stock.

On-farm and on-vineyard servicing available.

2 Warwick St, Mayfield, Blenheim Entrance off Grove Rd through Winos or off Warwick St

03 579 2500

Fendt and Gregoire harvesting

May 2022

LIFTOUT

Farming TOP SOUTH

MONTHLY

THE EXPERTS

FOR TRACTOR SALES AND REPAIRS

The TRS building in Renwick and Fendt in the Nelson region. A suitable workshop was found, and the Nelson branch was born.

2016 was another step forward for Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd with the purchase of TFM Tractors in Hastings. The TRS banners went up on new premises at 1211 Omahu Road.

With a small team ready to carry on the service and support that has become part of the Tractor Repairs and Spares Ltd culture. Adrian currently has plans underway to build a purpose-built premises in Hastings More recently Adrian and Pam purchased FMR Wholesale (now TRS Wholesale), well known for their market leading technology in vine-

yard recycling sprayers.

TRS are also the sole distributors in New Zealand for the French built Gregoire grape harvester. Adrian has been involved with Gregoire in NZ for 20 years, and as the agent for the past 7 years. Gregoire continues to grow in popularity. This is teamed with being the largest supplier of Fendt tractors in the country, with Fendt being a market leader for Viticultural tractor choice.

Every year for harvest they operate 24/7, meaning they can offer first class service for all their clients.

Adrian’s motto is “its not about the breakdown its about how fast we can fix it”.

Grape harvesters undergoing service

In Stock Now! Massey Ferguson

5711D

Come and take it for a drive at the TRS autumn Expo Brilliant utility tractors that suit a large range of farming and viticulture applications.

• • • • •

100hp and 110Hp options From 1800mm wide 100 lpm Hydraulic flow 16 speed Dyna 4 Transmission Great loader integration with a range of loaders to suit your application

Limited stock available from March onwards.

Talk to our sales teams today to find out more and receive a personalised proposal to suit your business needs.

Contact our friendly team today on 03 572 5173 Renwick or 03 544 5936 Richmond tractorrepairs.co.nz

Three Fendts ready to go

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2022

News

MONTHLY

Govt ignoring experts on live animal shipments Compelling evidence from cattle breeders, vets and export industry experts has been totally ignored as the Government continues its plans to ban live animal shipments, National’s Animal Welfare Spokesperson Nicola Grigg says.

“Parliament’s Primary Production select committee has just completed an inquiry into the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill, which will ban the export of live animals by sea, following the sinking of the Gulf Livestock ship in 2020.

“National acknowledges the lives lost in the sinking of the Gulf Livestock 1 and expresses its deepest sympathies to the families impacted. However, this was a tragic maritime disaster and this response is as disproportionate, as it is ideological.

The MPI report states ‘given the Government has made

clear its commitment to the ban being in place by 30 April 2023, the recommendations in this report are intended to give effect to this decision… the Bill should progress as it was presented to the House at the First Reading’.

“This makes an absolute mockery of the select committee process and, indeed, an inquiry. I am deeply disappointed with the Ministry for Primary Industries and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor for turning a blind eye to submitters opposing the ban.

“Many industry submissions made the point that this is an unregulated industry and said that, rather than an outright ban on live exports, the Government should legislate for a ‘gold standard’ programme that would set standards like built-for-purpose ships with feed, water and air

conditioning systems, as well as maximum stocking densities, vet and stock handler training, better reporting, exporter licensing

Nicola Grigg, National’s Animal Welfare Spokesperson. and an importer quality assurance programme.

“Certainly, we have heard evidence of substandard

practices that no fair-minded New Zealander would accept, but a licensing regime like this would ensure New Zealand exporters adopt the highest animal welfare standards in the world.

Ms Grigg, who is also the spokesperson for Rural Communities, says the projected economic loss caused by such a ban has been grossly underestimated and rural communities across New Zealand will be detrimentally impacted by both job and revenue loss.

“Given the current domestic and international economic and geo-political environments, food supplies and exports will be more important than ever in the coming years. The world’s food security relies on Kiwi farmers and growers being encouraged to do their bit – not hampered by their own government.”

ARE YOU NEEDING WORKER ACCOMMODATION ON YOUR FARMS? Why not get a high quality, factory built home, delivered to you!

Get in touch to discuss your new home needs!

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25

Nelson Dental Centre in the heart of the city is your one 26 May 2022 stop for general dentistry and oral health services using digital technology to provide the highest quality of care and experience for your dental needs.

Oral Health = Total Health

We are seeing all patients vaccinated and non-vaccinated Nelson Dental Centre the heart ofof thethe citycity is your one Nelson Dental Centre ininthe heart isand your oneServing the community and keeping all patients staff safe stop for general dentistry and health services using using stop for general dentistry andoral oral health services, during this current outbreak ofquality covid-19. digital technology to providethe the highest of care digital technology to provide highest quality of care and Meet your professional care providers: and experience for your experience fordental yourneeds. dental needs.

Dentists: Janette Wilcox, OralHealth Health = =Amy Total Health Oral TotalLangfield, Health Pierre Gill We are seeing all patients vaccinated andproviders: Meet your professional care Hygienists: Deborah Pratt &non-vaccinated Vikki Neilson Serving the community and keeping all patients and staff safe Dentists: Janette Wilcox, Amy Langfield & Pierre Gill

during this current outbreak of covid-19. along with the friendly support team of dental assistants, Hygienists: Deborah Pratt & Vikki Neilson Meet your professional care providers: reception caring forPierre your dental health practice manager and Along withDentists: the friendly support team of dental assistants, practice manager Janette Wilcox, Amy Langfield, Gill and receptionists caring for your dental health and well-being.

Hygienists:and Deborah Pratt & Vikki Neilson well-being.

along with the friendly support team of dental assistants, practice manager and reception caring for your dental health and well-being.

(03) 548 4445

Book Online: www.nelsondental.com

41a Halifax Street, Millers Acre Carpark, Nelson

Telephone: (03) 548 Telephone: (03)4445 548 4445 Book online: www.nelsondental.co.nz.

Book online: www.nelsondental.co.nz.

41a Halifax Street Millers Acre Carpark Nelson 7010

41a Halifax Street Millers Acre Carpark Nelson 7010

Got something to buy, sell or promote?

Contact us: sales@nmf.co.nz Farming TOP SOUTH

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Farming TOP SOUTH

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Poor dental health leads to poor health outcomes Regular dental checks are part of keeping ourselves well, says dentist Janette Wilcox. It’s her observation that poor dental health can lead to poor health outcomes. Busy rural people often have a number of barriers explaining why they put off coming to the dentist but she says, in the long run regular checks are the most cost effective way to manage overall good health.

Janette has always been fascinated by teeth and their resilience. Like other areas of the body, the mouth teems with bacteria, mostly harmless but Janette explains the mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts and certain of these bacteria can cause gum disease and other issues. She says a dentist is always on the look out for more serious issue like mouth cancer, acid reflux as well as tooth decay.

Long term use of medications like decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants can reduce saliva produced in the mouth and its function to

Dentist Janette Wilcox. Photo Barbara Stuart. wash away food and neutralises acids produced by bacteria. These medications cause a condition called Dry Mouth.

Since the Covid outbreak she’s noticed the increased tension experienced by some patients has cause bruxism or tooth grinding these conditions all impact on the resilience of the teeth and a dentist is able to recommend seeking further

help to alleviate and prevent problems.

Janette came to Nelson in 2004 from London where she was trained at St Guys hospital. Until recently she was involved in Forensic Odontology and was one of those helping to identify bodies after the Christchurch earthquake where teeth records played an important role.

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2022

Advert

MONTHLY

27

FARM MACHINERY & REPAIRS LTD Quality Used Tractors and Machinery

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

New Holland TNF80. Very tidy Kubota 5030 hydrostatic very low vineyard orchard tractor complete hours factory cab remotes #6 CLCforklift Chisel1000kg. plough. Good order.$6500.00 withKverneland Hustler front coming in $15750

Kubota L5030 4x4 Iseki 2160 tractor. $6000 Hydrostatic Transmission, #5 Celli Pioneer 170 Spike Rotor, VG order. Cage roller & good spikes.$12500.00 low hours. Coming in.

Hooper 6x24 bush and bog Kverneland CLC Chisel #7 Lely 300 Rake & Tedder V tidy, $3500.00. disc in excellent order hy plough. Good order. $6500 ram $3750

600l vineyard over row weed Celli Pioneer 170 Spike #6 Kverneland CLC Chisel plough.

Good order.$6500.00 Electric controller.

Rotor, VG order. Cage roller sprayer $4750 & good spikes. $12500

1.5m Howard nugget 1000L motorised spray #8 Duncan 633 Heavy dutyunit Cultivator/Crumbler $4500.00 slasher near new 75hp box 150 reel and gun. Never $3500 used. $6750

Berti TFBY100 mulcher #7 Lely 300 Rake & Tedder V tidy, $3500.00.

Fieldmaster M60 Topping excellent condition very hard # Mower. $3200 18 Nobli VK 135 Mulcher..$3500.00 to find narrow rows. $4750

Austin 3.6m Cambridge roller H Duty with wheels. $7500

#8 Duncan 633 Heavy duty Cultivator/Crumbler $4500.00 Farmguard heavy duty full Nobli VK 135 Mulcher. hydraulic grader blade with $3500 #19 Feeder Leader 2 bale feeder. New chains land wheel. $7750

Binger double in row trimmer in very good condition. $8750

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

• Kverneland 4 furrow mounted plough, very good cond $4,000

• Trimax 1.8 Vineyard Mower, tidy order $3000

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

• Dual wheels Snap/locks 38” 36” 34” 30” from $2,200

• Fieldmaster Saber 1500 Topping Mower $1500

• Massey Ferguson 135 petrol tractor $3,500

• 11 tyne & 13 tyne grubbers from $1,500

• John Deere 6200 4x4 and loader $25000

• Duncan 3m Maxitill very tidy $2,000

• Hydralada double in-row vine trimmer. Fully serviced with joy stick. Coming in

• 6ft MF grader blade $1,850

• Bauer PTO irrigation pump $1,500

• Hydes good hy post driver $2750

• AJAX PTO irrigation pump $1,500

• Farmgard pre ripper 3m very good condition $5,000

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

• Rata vineyard cultivator crumbler range of sizes available

• Clough Contoura tidy order 14 feet coming in

• Clough 4 furrow semi mounted plough good order $1,200

• 9ft Cambridge roller $1800

Graham 021 228 3956

• 3PL fork lift 1000 kg 3m lift $2000 • Mole plough good order $1850 • Hardy 800l 10m boom coming in • Yeoman 13 Tyne chisel plough $1750 • Clough 15 Tyne cultivator $1600 • Aicheson 2m wide 3pl direct drill $2500

All prices plus GST

Most of these are currently listed in classified

28

May 2022

Farming TOP SOUTH

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MONTHLY

Opinion: Urgent decisions for farmers GARRICK BATTEN The Covid pandemic has been called a ‘black swan’ event because of extreme rarity, severe impact and widespread effect that was obvious in hindsight, unpredictable, with severe consequences and catastrophic damage to the economy. Farmers, particularly those who go duck shooting, are familiar with black swans and should realise that Foot &Mouth will be worse.

Covid-19 and M.bovis have an important message for farmers and NZ about clear parallels and an inevitable future with F&M disease. So their lessons, their management and mismanagement must be kept in the front

of mind for F&M. Yet biosecurity screen penalties are currently less significant than Covid penalties, people other than farmers need to understand their Covid experiences will show how F&M control measures will affect everyone.

Farmers need to educate the public on both needed F&M strict controls and the direct and indirect effects on everyone’s lives and the economy. Controls include the complete prohibition of people and animals moving around infected sites. As public resist controls, farmers need to anticipate their likely responses as this is not a human disease, so it will be considered less serious.

Yet it is spread by more than just

people, so is more serious. Vaccination is not on offer, so antiCovid behaviours for whatever reason could repeat border resistance, false facts, misinformation and disinformation.

Check out the 2014 MPI/NZEIR economic evaluation of an outbreak with a plunging exchange rate, no export meat slaughter for 10 months, and dairy production closed down for the remainder of the season in the North Island while South Island milk was double pasteurised. Trading partners varied in the time they re-opened export markets to NZ. That national economic cost would far exceed the Covid loss from few international tourists and students. MPI, MSD and MBIE are

involved in recovery and support for rural communities but bureaucrats are problem-focused.

Farmers are solution-focused, so there are basic philosophical differences to managing a disease outbreak. For example, consider requiring resource consent for preparing locally to dispose of a 3000 cow dairy herd.

Although no response plan will ever follow a predictable path, government has been guilty of making up Covid policy and operations on the hoof because it was not adequately prepared for that major pandemic. Farmers must ensure that all government is better prepared to handle F&M by firstly understanding its significance, having specific

policies, plans and procedures for expected and unexpected eventualities, and ensuring resources to carry them out before the inevitable outbreak occurs.

Farmers need to trust the government to do its best to protect their business on farms and in marketplaces. Contrast that with a government endorsing a raft of environmental regulations introduced in a rush without appreciating their agricultural significance.

If it is prepared to spend unkown billions on Covid effects, including as much on wage subsidies and business support as the equivalent loss of international tourism income, could the farming sector expect similar support?

Rural communities connecting BARBARA STUART “You can’t underestimate the value of rural communities getting together and connecting,” says Gavin O’Donnell, past President of Nelson Federated Farmers, at a recent fun function held at the Upper Moutere Community Centre.

The purpose of the event, supported

by Federated Farmers, Young Farmers, Rural Women NZ and the Rural Support Trust, was to connect across demographics and communities and to get to know people from the wid-

er community over food and light hearted fun.

There was a good turnout from the younger farming community whose icebreaker games created laughter and conversation.

Gavin also said, “When there are climate, fire or other issues suddenly happen and times are challenging it helps to be connected.”

It’s also important to have the links in place to connect in these emergencies. The Nelson branch of Federated Farmers has been one of the avenues for feeding information to

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Civil Defence, Ministry for Primary Industries and other stakeholders during recent weather bombs events to ensure the right assistance is where its needed for rural people.

Tasman mayor Tim King spoke to the gathering about the importance of the rural voice at the council chambers and encouraged the young people present to get involved in Federated Farmers and Rural Women where they can get the support and training to learn about governance, how to write a submission and to speak with confidence publicly.

Past chair Gavin O’Donnell and Mayor Tim King at the Community Conversations event.

Farming TOP SOUTH

MONTHLY

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May 2022

Farming TOP SOUTH

West Coast

MONTHLY

west coast Predator-free genetic engineering called mad science Tony orman Recent proposals for genetic engineering by Predator Free NZ 2050 are akin to “mad science” says a wildlife expert.

Laurie Collins of Westport who has had a life long involvement in pest management work.

He said recent comments advocating gene technology as a “weapon” were of deep concern.

“Where does it end with gene technology which could be unwisely applied to any wildlife?” he asked.

Laurie Collins first began his career in wildlife work as a NZ Forest service cadet with the first 1080 poison trials in the Greenstone valley at Lake Wakatipu.

Subsequently he went on to work in local body and as a private wildlife contractor.

The idea of genetic engineering is nothing new. The Royal Society of Te Aparangi in 2019 released a range of resources considering

what gene editing is and how it might be used in New Zealand.

The Royal Society then stated that, “as a technology, gene editing is rapidly moving ahead of any consensus on the rights and wrongs of how it should be used.

One of the scenarios, explored by the Royal Society, is the potential uses of gene editing for pest control.

On March 30, just a month ago, Predator Free 2050 Limited (PF2050 Ltd) announced it is investing $6.7 million into research projects to enable the Predator Free 2050 mission to “eradicate invasive rats, stoats and possums from the whole of New Zealand, to help reverse the decline in our native biodiversity.”

Predator Free 2050’s Science Director said support would be given to “research on rat genetic control, stoat breeding, predator fertility control, predator detection and autonomous robotics”, while continuing to drive the

scaling-up of eradication with the current technologies.

However Laurie Collins said the proposal was fundamentally flawed.

“Firstly possums were not a predator but a herbivore. Ironically Predator Free 2050’s science director formerly with Landcare Research should be aware of Landcare studies on possum stomach autopsies which showed no bird, feathers or egg remains.”

He said past pest programmes around the eco-poison 1080 had also ignored Landcare Research studies which showed after a 1080 drop, the 20 percent plus or minus surviving rat numbers mushroomed into population explosions.

Within a year, rats had regained former numbers and three years later were three times pre-poisoning levels.

“All that was achieved was a population boom in rats,” he said.

“And that’s not to mention insect

West Coaster Laurie Collins Predator Free 2050 “fundamentally flawed.” Photo: Supplied. and bird fatalities from the poison itself. Or that stoats feasting on the rat boom, then in turn, exploded in numbers.”

Laurie Collins described the

Predator Free 2050 ideology as a “flawed fad.”

He said a predator is an integral part of Nature’s food chains.

Predators are an important part of a healthy ecosystem.

Predators remove vulnerable prey, such as the old, injured, sick, or very young, leaving more food for the survival and success of healthy prey animals.

Also, by controlling the size of prey populations, predators help slow down the spread of disease.

Predators will catch healthy prey when they can, but catching sick or injured animals helps in the formation of healthier prey populations because only the fittest animals survive and are able to reproduce.

“The Attenborough TV wildlife programmes vividly show the predator role. The Predator Free 2050 programme shows this fundamental aspect of ecology just doesn’t seem to be understood,” said Laurie Collins.

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2022

West Coast

MONTHLY

31

west coast Using her top two inches to go dairy farming BARBARA STUART Karamea dairy farmer, Charlotte Aitken says, “you can do anything if you are passionate about what you do and use the top two inches of your head.”

Charlotte hasn’t always been a dairy farmer. Brought up on a sheep and beef farm at Dovedale she has always loved cows and wanted to be a dairy farmer. Now settled in Karamea and enjoying rural life she recently hosted a get together with other farmers on behalf of the Rural Support Trust in recognition of how tough its been for West Coasters in the Buller area after the recent flood event which saw Karamea farmers completely cut off for a week.

As a school leaver Charlotte worked in the Richmond Post Office where she met her husband Murray. Over the years she worked in banking and together she and Murray spent eleven and

Second from left, Charlotte Aitken, Karamea Dairy Farmer hosting RST barbecue. Photo: Supplied. a half years in London where she worked for the Kuwait Bank, Foreign Exchange team. It was turning fifty that set Charlotte on a whole new path and a list of three things she wanted to achieve in the following five years. She want-

ed to work on two different dairy farms and to purchase her own farm. Charlotte worked on two farms in the Wairarapa and four years and nine months later she purchased the 83 hectare farm at Karamea. At the time it felt scary

but she says assisted by husband Murray, who does the accounts and happily works through every list of jobs she gives him, they made the move. Charlotte and Murray love the Karamea lifestyle and its farming community.

She gives credit to local Karamea farmers and neighbours who have given her advice and welcomed then into the community and to Brent Boyce for his makeor-break advice, to walk away from from a farm purchase deal unless the numbers work. Charlotte reports now, three dairy seasons later they are settled into dairy farming and the bank manager is pleased too as they are paying down debt.

This season she’s released four types of dung beetles and says it will take 2-3 years to show results. She is also encouraged by the improvement in mating conception rates. Most farmers plan for a nine week mating season

but her herd mating management was timed for eight weeks with only 8.5% empty rate for the cows and a six week mating period for the heifers who have returned 5% empty. She says, the Flashmate detectors which pick up when cows are in season have made a difference plus our Karamea AI technician is fantastic. Charlotte also drops milking back to three times over two days before mating and twice a day during mating. Once mating is over they crank them up to ten milking’s over seven days with no loss in production. In fact she says we do slightly more and got a better conception rate. The benefit to this she chuckles is, you can plan to get to the Karamea Pub earlier on a Friday for a couple of hours where she and Murray chat to the older retired farmers. “I call it my counselling session,” she quips, “they’ve exceptional knowledge which I’ve valued.”

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May 2022

Farming TOP SOUTH

Tasman

MONTHLY

tasman Nelson Federated Farmers report Federated Farmers Golden Bay May 2022

Not unexpectedly, various Covid influences surfaced during the April FF monthly Zoom meeting chaired by Gavin O’Donnell in the absence of President Martin O’Connor.

Kerry Irvine, in his Meat and Wool report, noted mixed results at annual calf sales generally that should have been better given concurrent feed and schedule conditions. Sales were adversely affected by Cook Strait ferry disruptions due to staff manning affected by Covid related absences. So North Island buyers who usually compete for Angus calves in particular were lacking. Shipping and Covid also affected staffing that had delayed processing plants accepting stock throughout the South Island.

Although an AGM date has been confirmed for the group of young rural people working to establish a Tasman organisation, it is struggling to get more members in support as people are absent for Covid reasons.

That will also be expected to restrict their attendance at the Rural Women, Federated Farmers and young rural people’s Rural Connections gathering set for the Moutere Hills Community Centre on 10 April with food, drinks and Mayor Tim King to speak. There was meeting discussion and agreement to continue to support this group in their efforts to establish a Tasman organisation, despite cur-

rent ongoing communication issues with the national Young Farmers organisation.

Covid has also affected Rural Women’s planned Top of the South meeting with groups now only meeting locally. However, it reported a very successful Murchison event that garnered 14 new members with more activities planned for that branch.

Eloise Martyn updated members on her Community Hub initiative and the first two sessions held at the Wanderer’s rugby clubrooms. Both were successful with the first session engaging with young farmers and investigating areas of interest that the Hub could support.

The second session had a range of people from a variety of organisations discussing ways they could support, assist and enrich this rural hub. Eloise, and Janice from Rural Support Trust, are currently at stage two of the MPI funding process that while currently is looking likely, is not yet secured. They have a plan B with a range of interested parties for a discussion around costs and operational processes, with more information to come on all options. The next hub sessions are on Friday 29 April and Friday 27 May, 10 am-2pm for anyone wishing to call in with enquiries and to discuss any matters with Eloise and Janice with a cup of tea or coffee.

Eloise also reported on another rural community initiative at St

Arnaud with FENZ to reduce village fire hazards and consequent purchase of community waste chippers, and was recommended for repeating elsewhere.

Jenny Ridgen MPI reported that the Buller Taskforce Green now covered Murchison and Maruia if needed, as did the Buller mayoral fund that was able to assist with non-insured costs restoring fencing tracks and similar damage. That flood identified a weak link in the district rural communications network that is being addressed as the system is continually tested and improved.

National FF has been conducting a survey asking members to identify the appropriate priorities as it tries to work with the 60 priority areas already under action in Wellington. This survey, that really needs input from non-members and particularly other rural people with inevitable concerns at the flood of government regulations being introduced and imposed, is another reason for joining FF to make those concerns known and actioned. This has to recognise that every farmer and farm is different with unique situations and one-size solutions do not necessarily fit, but that joint action is needed for satisfactory progress and resolution.

Nelson AGM is set for 12 May at 3pm at the Moutere Hills Community Centre.

Ann Thompson

who have been affected by Covid at least two weeks after testing positive to recover. To fully recover takes time. Get extra help if you need it.

Covid The monthly meetings of Federated Farmers in Golden Bay continue to be held by Zoom. This makes it easier for members to Work by Feds in Golden Bay join in the discussion, save on The team has been busy workfuel costs and to keep people safe. ing on a number of issues, a few Keeping people safe is, of course, of them being: Tasman District all about Covid. And yes, Covid is Council (TDC) Stock Control and definitely in the Bay. Parties and Droving By-law; TDC Annual school seem to be the main way Plan and Future Development of bringing Covid into the com- Strategy 2022 – 2052; Meeting munity and the recent school and with TDC to discuss the best ways Easter holidays will have brought to deal with and implement the new Freshwater Regulations; and their own risk.

Being sick with Covid on farm is Keeping pressure on the Council no joke as someone still has to do to maintain river work standards the work. Wayne Langford (Presi- to protect farmland. In all of these, dent of Federated Farmers Golden Federated Farmers aims to keep it Bay) and his family found this simple and practical for farmers. out as all five of them came down No other group does this. with the virus. It became apparent to them that the worst effect Want to send stock off? was the lethargy that came with The difficult season weather-wise all the other diverse symptoms, is causing farmers to de-stock earmaking the simplest task on farm lier that usual. While some have hard and taking far longer than it had delays in getting stock away, should have. At the meeting, Tyler the meat processors are working Langford spoke of her experience hard to get stock culled in time for and advised that farmers really winter. need to take time to recover and to not push themselves before they AGm were feeling up to it. I know, this The Federated Farmers Golden is easier said than done when the Bay AGM is to be held on Wednescows need milking and the stock day, 11 May. Federated Farmers need shifting and checked, but go- CEO Terry Copeland, arable farming hard too soon, even though er and FFNZ Board member KaI have been andsimworking locally since 2008.expert Bal ren Williams and RMA the tasks used to beliving routine, Matheson willwork be lined ple and could leadhonesty, to acci- integrity Use myeasy, experience, and ethicuptoto andents, further fatigue and perhaps swer questions from farmers. For deliver you the highest value for your number one asset.

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Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2022

Tasman

MONTHLY

33

tasman Collingwood Volunteer Fire Brigade Graham miller

Collingwood volunteer fire brigade crew. Photo: Supplied.

The Collingwood brigade is well supported with day and night time call out member numbers but a recruitment drive is planned over the next six months to achieve the full crew of 20 members again.

The down side of dealing with all emergency situations in smaller communities like Collingwood is the high likelihood of knowing or possibly being related to people volunteers are called to. This can pose on going stress to personal which is something the brigade continuously discusses with its members. There is also a great network within the FENZ organisation to assist with the tragic events volunteers are exposed to at times.

Like all parts of New Zealand waiting and dealing with Covid over the past two years has consumed alot of time and seems to

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to RSA members and has since become a whole community approach to ensuring all households have smoke alarms installation assistance.

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have fractured alot of communities at times. Hopefully it’s now becoming apart of our day to day health concerns that we all have to deal with. For the past 18 years Collingwood Fire Brigade has installed smoke alarm batteries.

This originally began as a service

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have called outs but understand the importance of readiness for any emergency situation that comes their way.

The brigade has two urban fire appliances an older type 2 Hino and a 4WD ultra light Mitsubishi Canter. The brigade started a trust 18 years ago which has raised funds and been locally funded to buy and maintain Rescue cutting gear a large generator and hand held radios. The main Trust investment was donated to the brigade by our neighbouring Station. Takaka and the Golden Bay community. This being a Leyland water tanker which has since been up graded to a Volvo water tanker carrying 9200 lts of water which is used for FENZ emergencies when required. The tanker is also used for water tank water replenishing through the drier periods which is becoming harder with compliance requirements but something the brigade still believes is an important role to undertake to keep our community safe.

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Established 1911 after a devastating fire that completely destroyed the whole township, the rural township of Collingwood was rebuilt and established its volunteer fire brigade. The small township continues to be a service centre for the north western tip of the South Island.

With a population of around 1000 people the mostly farming area is looked after by a FENZ urban volunteer fire brigade with a crew of 16 personnel at present.

The area is surrounded by National parks and large vegetation areas with small pockets of housing areas. This means fire education about the dangers of vegetation fires in the drier months is of high priority as fires seem to be a yearly event these days. On the other end of the emergency spectrum there are large flooding events isolating many roads and built up areas around the district.

The worst of these in 2010 damaging houses and roading infrastructure around the area as well as creating havoc to low lying farms. The Collingwood brigade covers all emergency events when required. The brigade like many FENZ stations around the country has members of all ages and at different stages of volunteering pathways from 1 - 2 years up to 30 - 40 years of service.

The brigade on average has around 20 - 30 call outs a year varying right across the complete emergency range. The brigade members train more than they

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May 2022

Farming TOP SOUTH

Marlborough

MONTHLY

marlborough Enjoying community service Barbara Faulls, who represents the Marlborough Sounds Ward on the Marlborough District Council finds the role of councillor rewarding. She has always been involved in her community in a voluntary capacity but she says serving on the council is a step up involving lots of reading and getting out to meet with residents which she enjoys.

She’s very proud of the Te Hoiere Project which she cochairs and the community and staff who are involved. Barbara says it is an example of a whole community approach to resolving the issue of sediment and other issues in the catchment.

The project involves wonderful people and stakeholders ranging from landowners, forestry companies, Department of Conservation, iwi, recreational stakeholders and council, all coming together to tackle issues, source funding and even conducting their own citizen science.

She says that central government is keeping councils busy with reforms affecting farmers and the workload passed down keeps councillors and staff very busy as they seek to give clear messaging to affected land owners. Its a huge change for farming businesses as there is so much to deal with. The impacts

TONY ORMAN

Barbara Faulls, Marlborough District Councillor. of Three Waters, a review of the Resource Management Act, the requirement for individual farm plans for all productive land use, plus ongoing plan reviews, all take up considerable amounts of time.

What she really enjoys is getting out around her ward to hear from locals what’s really going on and how she can influence some change on their behalf. Like the Kenepuru residents who lost their road in the weather bomb last year. We can ’t always completely resolve issues people have as the role of working with diverse groups at council often results in some compromise from all parties.

Barbara says, the staff at council try to help as much as they

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can especially when it comes to easing the new regulations into place with landowners in a collaborative, educational approach through the Marlborough Primary Producers forum. They’ve even submitted to government when regulations have been impracticable.

She says it’s been pleasing for her to see improvements made through her involvement in the Small Townships committee projects, such as an upgrade to Neil Street in Havelock and the Rai Valley Village Green. Most of all, as a dairy farmer’s daughter, and having grown up in the rural community of Linkwater, she enjoys having the chance to help people in her ward as much as she can.

If the purpose of Beef+LambNZ’s He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) is to reduce global emissions then the likely outcome will be miserable failure says Marlborough Federated Farmers’ Meat and Wool chairman Richard Dawkins.

“While the HWEN roadshow event held in February was an informative introduction of things to come, the two taxation options on offer would be best described as which is the best of two bad options?” he said.

Farm sequestration is not fully accounted for i.e pre 2008 exotics not included, anything registered in the ETS not included, as well as pasture and soil carbon storage unaccounted for. There is no recognition of a ‘cooling effect’.

Methane emissions have steadily decreased since 1990 in NZ agriculture, and will continue to do so.

He also cited “inefficient spending of tax revenue”.

“No pricing mechanism has yet identified. How can we agree on a system when we don’t know the cost?”

Richard Dawkins said with loss of stock numbers through land use change, increasing costs, labour shortages and taxes coming down the pipeline which are not based on science or reality, there are challenging times ahead.

“If the purpose of HWEN is to reduce global emissions then we will have failed miserably,” added Rich-

ard Dawkins.

Marlborough Federated Farmers forestry section chairman Chris Dawkins referred to a discussion paper written by former Hastings mayor and MP Lawrence Yule called “Managing Forestry LandUse Under the Influence of Carbon.”

Co-funded by B+LNZ, along with Local Government New Zealand and 16 individual councils, the paper looked into the drivers of wholesale land-use change for carbon farming and what can be done about the issue.

There is growing concern that a big risk that the current unconstrained offsetting regime will continue to accelerate highly productive food-producing farms going to forestry. The paper outlines the risk that short-term land-use decisions around forestry will have long-term land-use flexibility, rural communities and export returns.

“Currently, increasing carbon prices in the NZ ETS means carbon farming coupled with plantation forestry is in short-term significantly more profitable than sheep and beef farming.”

“There is little national guidance to help local authorities stopping swathes of productive sheep, beef and wool producing farmland being converted to forestry,” said Chris Dawkins.

The government needed to change the ETS because that is the legislation that is causing the problem.

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Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2022

Marlborough

MONTHLY

35

marlborough Marlborough Rural Support Trust report This season has been challenging for both the dairy and wine sectors due to labour shortages and the unusually wet weather for Marlborough. The number of humid grey days has led to fungal problems in the grapes and the need for a lot of extra spraying.

The grape harvest is now well underway and there is some concern amongst viticulturists because Brix levels are lower than normal.

It’s been a good season for pastoral farmers with excellent growth and plenty of supplementary feed stored away.

Sarah White reports she had been alerting rural people to the importance of having a plan in place before the Omicron Covid variant peaked in the region. She says cases are being reported and ensuring there is back up to carry out routine farm tasks or to bring

in food while isolating will help to reduce stress on people when recuperating. To date she says most appear to have good systems in place. On a brighter note, we have had the first season of Surfing for Farmers, held here along the East Coast. It has been very satisfying to hear of good numbers of farmers attending.

Sarah says she is the first point of contact in Marlborough for peo-

ple who might want help or some advice due to unexpected circumstances. The trust covers all aspects of rural agribusiness; dry stock, dairy, cropping, horticulture, forestry, poultry, viticulture and rural contracting. We support all rural people - owners, managers, staff, and contractors. The RST website also has lots of helpful information she says. If more than a cup of tea and a yarn is needed, Sarah

can connect those in need with the professionals who can provide further support. She can talk over the phone or come to you for a free and confidential chat, anytime, anywhere.

The trust’s 0800 help line is overseen by experienced co-ordinators who will help choose the right person to assist in resolving the challenge at hand.

Contact 0800 787 254.

Environment Plan TONY ORMAN

Marlborough Federated Farmers is tackling the Marlborough Environment Plan with the matter likely to go into next year.

“It’s a matter of continuing hard work by Federated Farmers on behalf of all farmers,” says Scott Adams, Marlborough Federated Farmers president.

The Marlborough Environment Plan (MEP) has been MEP combined, reviewed, and redrafted, with the previous Marlborough Regional Policy Statement, the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan and the Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan dovetailed to create a single resource management document for the district.

“The MEP sets out what people can do on their land, and how it may be developed into the future.

“It also provides direction

and rules on resource use in areas relating to biodiversity, landscapes, water use and more,” said Scott.

The decision on the full plan was released at the end of February 2020, after nearly two years of rolling hearings, on a topic-by-topic basis.

“There were a number of positive changes for farmers as a result of Federated Farmers submissions and hearing evidence, which now make many areas more workable for farmers,” said Scott.

Back in April 2020, Federated Farmers reviewed the decision and lodged an appeal to the Environment Court, identifying 75 appeal points, which included opposition to classifying stock movement over beds of rivers or lakes as a prohibited activity, defining sheep and cattle as intensively farmed livestock, the restrictions on woodlot planting and harvesting and policies on freshwater quality.

In total, 52 appeals have been lodged to the Environment Court on the plan, and Federated Farmers has joined 13 of these as an interested (s274) party in either support, or opposition.

Mediation took place throughout 2021 and will continue into 2022 and likely 2023.

Meanwhile the Marlborough District Council’s Annual Plan 2022-23 consultation document will be adopted by council for consultation on Thursday 7 April. Public submissions will be open from 8 April to 9 May, with public hearings taking place 7, 8 and 9 June.

Council will then deliberate on public submissions on June 13.

Features include a proposed rates rise of 5.37%, which represents a decrease from 6.43% forecast in the 2021 Long Term Plan and the highest ever capital expenditure budget of $83.4M.

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MONTHLY

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.

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May 2022

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Farming TOP SOUTH

Forestry

MONTHLY

forestryupdate

Impressive rigs require above average skill BARBARA STUART

road rangers are definitely in a league of their own.

Driving impressive big logging trucks or any truck Simon’s new to the Top of the South for that matter with their legendary road ranger gear and has only been here since Novemboxes takes more understanding and more skill than ber, when he says Waimea Contractthe average person comprehends, says Simon Cun- ing took him on in spite of his lack of ningham, who drives logging trucks for Waimea experience driving a big logging truck Contract Carriers. and trailer. The organisation put him The big thing is, all trucks are animals to handle but through their training programme learning how to line up tight corners your proof carefully and approve it or submit corrections by the Fin properly and manage a Please full loadcheck on road which he really appreciated as he Youthecan or submit changes to your ad within the ATOL system at a time that suits you. approve loves job.now Brought up in Auckland in your ad proof email your ad, then click the APPROVE or CORRECTIONS button right from there at Titirangi, Simon saidtoasview a school boy he had trouble learning and his Driver, 06/24/21 Simon Cunningham. Photo: Barbara Stuart.booked size C customer OLSEN & CO publishing family PF decided to send himLTD to the(RMD) lo- Logging Truck advertcalIDRudolph CH-8994297AA publication AdvisSupp NEMin reality the real incentive dimensions 1 Steiner school(100%) where they Friday. Most of the driving off road to keeping Independent worked out that he learned by watch- for logging and the quality of roads on the road is no one wants to be that section CUSTOM SQUARE proofed 9 ing and doing. When he left school he varies from hard packed wide open guy calling the loader down from the Log Buyers began working for Turner’s as an ap- highways to skinny narrow goat tracks workline to pull us out of a bank.” prentice mechanic but gradually drift- where you scrape the bank on one side Simon has mostly driven European Forest Managers ed into working as a drain-layer forPlease andcheck try toyour avoid a carefully plummeting drop rigs, hiscorrections favourite being Scaproof and approve it or with submit by the the Final Proof Alt Ken Turner’s son, Adam.

It was workon the other.

Simon says, this requires nias which handles like a large car.

Harvesting or submit changes ad makes within the canon now system atrigs a time that like suitsa you. ing for Adam that heYou took theapprove role concentration but toit’syour what theATOL American handle “cowJust in afollow t in your ad proof email to view your ad, then click the APPROVE or CORRECTIONS button right from there - no new ema of trucker. Adam had purchased an job both interesting and punishing. shopping cart”, he says, but they make Marketing & customer OLSENsteep & CO LTD (RMD) publishing booked size CSQ of QUART V old 1983 Merc2233 andPFSimons “You have to be precise with06/24/21 your driv- up for it with an ungodly amount advert ID CH-8994297AA (100%) publication Adv Supp NEM horsepower, the kinddimensions 12.3X12.4, cm learning curve as a trucker began.

He ing lines and spatially aware at all times used to jumpstart Establishment section CUSTOM SQUARE had to figure out the complex gear sys- or risk the truck, the load or more imdead planets. Howeverproofed he says9/06/2021 “they 12:2 tem on his own over several years and portantly put yourself at risk. Driver are consistently reliable in that when a fair few broken gearbox teeth. Now safety is number one with no pressure they break down its reliably the same he rarely gets lost in the gearbox which from management to do anything in- parts that give out which I’m learning can still happen near home time on a dividuals are uncomfortable about but to appreciates he adds with a smile. stuartforestry@outlook.co.nz

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May 2022

Farming TOP SOUTH

Livestock

MONTHLY

livestock Reasonable clearances despite challenges The crossbred wool market has continued to meander along its quiet pathway and, whilst prices in general have not improved during the past couple of months, wool exporters should be congratulated for their ability to support most types offered for sale thus enabling reasonable clearances to at least maintain a flat price

graph. While crossbred wool growers will not see that as assisting their financial woes around total wool production, harvesting, transport and selling costs, at least a huge stockpile of unsold wool has not been created. Having said that, many crossbred fleece wool types (both full length and second-shear) have proved a

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little difficult to move, at a reasonable price, due to yellowing and vegetable matter (VM) contamination as a result of climatic conditions and nutrition levels. Measurements showing higher Y minus Z readings and often higher VM percentages along with a poorer visual assessment than usual, for specific wool clips, have caused market hesitation due mainly to the very limited interest from Chinese mills who have traditionally purchased and processed these types. Chinese ports have remained congested and Covid driven lockdowns have forced closure of port terminals, factories, and land transport operations, further complicating market relief. For perspective as to how Chinese port interruption can cause global issues, back in June 2021 when a Covid outbreak hit the Yantian terminal in Shenzhen, twice as many vessels were delayed as were affected by the “Ever Given” incident in the Suez Canal!

As eluded, the better colour (low Y minus Z measurement) and low VM (approx 0.2% maximum) crossbred wools have received solid support from the wool trade during the past month with specific interest in secondshear types displaying these good characteristics. Large quantities of crossbred lamb’s wool also continued to come onto the market during the March/April months, with also the best interest from exporters shown towards those with similarly low measurements. Many lamb’s wool lines offered for sale displayed coarser micron readings compared to earlier, due to their longer staple length, as shearing of some of these types had been delayed due to shearer shortages often caused through Covid related issues. Throughout the month, and as earlier mentioned, poorer colour wools did not gain the same attention as the better colour types, particularly those with Y minus Z readings higher than approximately six units which remained difficult to move. Several lines which measured above ten units (not normal for South Island wools) suffered considerable discount with a number of these passed-in at auction by brokers, failing to reach grower expectation.

With no fine wools on the market in NZ, apart from a few second-shear merino types which sold extremely well during late March, most fine wool activity for the month of April was focused on Australian growers selling at auction there, and where the market maintained a reasonably solid level for most merino types on offer. Halfbred or mid-micron wools however received mixed reaction from the buying trade in Australia with most types losing some ground throughout the month.

From an apparel perspective, European processors have continued to report solid demand at retail with at least one manufacturer, who sources a substantial quantity of their merino wool requirement from NZ for active wear, reporting that 2021/22 to date has been their busiest year ever. Recent reports of renewed interest in woolen carpets in NZ is also good news, although this is unlikely to make any short-term difference to wool prices with NZ carpet consumption very small in global terms.

That’s my view.

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2022

Fertilizer

MONTHLY

39

fertilizer Why its OK to say no to urea During the 1990s when dairy payouts were escalating and there was an abundance of flat land, primarily in Canterbury, suitable for conversion the key to ramping up pasture production was the application of urea.

The sign to the wider community that the operation was serious and sizable was the erection of a urea silo.

Although not necessarily intended as a status symbol, the silo along with new utes and 120hp tractors sent an undeniable signal to the wider community that serious farming had now arrived.

Synthetic nitrogen is an exceptionally effective development tool when used in conjunction with new grass species particularly true annual grasses and winter growing hybrids.

Because of the immediate increase in growth, it is assumed that a continuation of regular nitrogen inputs will continue to provide an ongoing lift in total growth.

That doesn’t occur and a ceiling is soon reached and when heavier rates are applied to achieve the same boost there’s a steady downward spiral.

This will not be immediately obvious and any reduction in annual growth can be attributed to unfavourable climatic conditions that occurred during the season, with climate change a convenient scapegoat.

Synthetic nitrogen works by creating a rapid rise in bacterial activity in the soil. As they multiply a food source is required to maintain their activity and carbon is consumed releasing nitrogen for plant growth.

Should more carbon be consumed than sequestered from primarily dung and old root a reduction in moisture and nutri-

Matters of the soil JOHN BARNES

Managing Director Fertilizer New Zealand

Soil is made up of parent material such as finely ground rock, clay, peat and carbon mixed with air and water. If any of these four basic parts are missing there will be some deficiencies. So here is the problem - for almost 100 years we have considered that what was needed to grow exceptionally good food is soil, fertiliser and water. There was no consideration for carbon, nor was air con-

sidered in the broader scheme of things. It has been considered as compaction where the soils have seized up. This is because there is limited or no carbon left in the soil and it has ceased to function as it should.

Soil is not inert; it is (or should be) alive. We nurture and care for plants we grow and animals we care for. In the same way our soil’s ecosystem should be considered as living.

So what to do? All soils need air so they can function and they also need carbon. Scientists tell us

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ent holding capacity occurs and a degree of resilience is lost.

When all climatic conditions are favourable growth can still reach expectations however the drop off with a change in soil temperatures or moisture becomes increasingly rapid.

It may take several decades for a significant loss in total soil carbon however it is the labile, or mobile, fraction that is most rapidly depleted and that fraction is largely responsible for the speed at which nutrient is cycled.

To compensate larger and more frequent amounts of water-soluble nutrient is often applied with potentially a short-term gain, but the long downward grind continues.

Nitrogen is an essential growth element and if not applied in the synthetic form it must come from another source and in permanent grazed pastures that is from clovers.

The 1984 edition of Fertiliser and Soils in New Zealand Farming by

Carbon-rich soil.

Peter During containing a significant amount of nitrogen fertiliser research shows that pastoral soils here may contain between 5’000 – 14’000kg N/ha in the top 15cm.

Of that approx. 450kg is taken up by herbage and after accounting for that returned via uneaten herbage, dung and urine, 240kgN/ha is required to be fixed by clover to balance the uptake.

Clover in a well-managed sward can fix far more than that, provided astute grazing management

that soil needs to have about 5% of carbon to function properly.

Unfortunately we often use soil to bury our rubbish and this has led to a degenerative process which leaves the d in an unhealthy state.

All around the world we have been testing for available elements and not total nutrients.

Not all fertiliser applied is or stays available and will not be considered or reported in most standard soil tests. This in effect creates a less than perfect environment for a plant to grow, and in turn leads to less than perfect animals and/or produce.

Feeding the soil that feeds us is the start of the process of the food

chain so it stands to reason that if the soil isn’t fed properly then what we eat will be inferior.

Every day we rely on the soil to produce what we eat. We apply poison to kill the pests and the diseases in our crops or in our animals and then we consume them. It is quite possible that some of these chemicals will end up in our food.

However, regenerative farmers are aware of these issues and have worked to correct them.

Regenerative farmers start with a stocktake of their farm.

as taught in the 1970s and 80s is employed, and those skills are readily obtained.

There are farmers today growing and producing well in excess of district average with no reliance on synthetic nitrogen that may provide the blueprint for those wishing to reduce costs significantly and develop their operations independent of mainstream doctrine.

Over twenty years ago Functional Fertiliser developed the two products CalciZest and DoloZest containing soft carbons inoculated with a wide range of selected beneficial fungi and bacteria that improve physical soil structures and rapidly increase the rate of nutrient cycling. When used as the base of total nutrient programmes the reliance on synthetic nitrogen can be rapidly phased out with more total pasture grown at a lower cost. Over time urea silos on properties may well come to signify inefficiency rather than rapid development.

What do they have as available elements and nutrients, what is there not being used but could become available, is there enough carbon and if there isn’t how will this be rectified, what numbers of beneficial microbes and fungi are on their farm and how do they get them to optimal levels?

As they move to a more holistic approach and their ecosystems start working their produce will become sought after because it’s healthy.

40

May 2022

Farming TOP SOUTH

Horticulture

MONTHLY

horticulture Spray-free orchards project wins $7.4m government grant New Zealand Apples and Pears has begun a seven-year project to try to make the industry sprayfree by 2050.

The seven-year, $14.77 million project has received a $7.44m grant from the government’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund.

Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor said plant health standards for detectable pests and food safety standards for agrichemical residues were important requirements for New Zealand’s export markets.

“Fruit that doesn’t meet those standards won’t be allowed into those markets. In addition, Europe and Asia, which are New Zealand’s largest markets for our apples and pears, have set new targets for the reduction of agrichemicals by 2030.

“As with our entire primary sector, we need to stay ahead of the game to achieve our ambitious growth targets.”

New Zealand Apples and Pears research and development programme manager Rachel Kilmister said there were already spray alternatives available but they needed more research and test-

ing.

“There are semiochemicals which are pheromone plant-based natural chemicals which can disrupt the meeting of pests with an orchard, so you can use those in-

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stead of spraying chemicals.

“Some other technologies are based around cultural control where you treat the ground and try to remove diseases and pests through treating the leaves that

fall to the ground.

“There are also barrier controls which you put over the soil to stop pests emerging - so there are already options there.”

Kilmister said new apple varieties created by Prevar were already being bred to be pest and disease resistant and will be critical for achieving the spray-free target.

By 2030, the research programme aimed to have further reduced pesticide application by 50 per cent by using targeted and smart technology.

Achieving a spray-free status by 2050 would also result in a reduction of industry greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent.

O’Connor said horticulture export revenue was expected to reach $6.9 billion for the year to 30 June 2022.

“By further reducing pesticide use, this programme aims to safeguard export revenue to the tune of $1.1 billion between 2023 and 2030.”

- RNZ

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MONTHLY

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2022

Motoring

MONTHLY

41

motoring

Isuzu MU-X, tricked up truck for 2022 Country MOTORING with Ken Strungnell

Released in September last year, the all new MUX from Isuzu, was a full year after the new D Max on which it is based.

The first major upgrade since its release in 2013, the latest model shares little with its predecessor, save for the transmission and engine, a 3-litre turbo diesel which is uprated now by 10kW to 140 with a 20Nm lift to 450 torque. Diesel power only, hints at the market Isuzu wants to capture in these days of hybrid or pure EV everything! Isuzu claims a fuel burn of 8.3 l/100km which I nearly matched including some slow off-road work and towing at 9.4. An 80 litre tank should return close to a 1000km range.

CO2 210g/km.

Now partnered with Mazda, the MU-X is not copied and rebadged for Mazda which is a pity as the Mazda BT50, a D Max clone, is great competition, providing a viable alternative, particularly as Mazda’s CX 8 Diesel AWD and petrol CX9 AWD are really dated by comparison.

More important today is the highest rating so far for 5 Star ANCAP safety. With the $80,990 hi-spec one model range you now need to add the government’s clean car fee of $3795, [on which you cannot claim the 15% GST].

This a significant $15,000 increase over the old model is mitigated by the huge increase in spec.

Competition in the market includes the Ford Everest, due for replacement this year, Toyota’s Fortuna and the Mitsubishi

Pajero Sport, which is cheaper in most models and offers good spec levels.

All are SUV’s based on their respective utes, which are body on full chassis with coil rear suspension, replacing the leaf springs in the utes.

The departure and major plus the MUX has is a class-leading full 3500kg braked tow rating, compared to the others which range from 2800-3100kgs.

I’ve never been a fan of towing 3500kgs with a vehicle tare weight of around 2 tonnes. That said, well done to Isuzu for their move, upping the game. Part of that confidence comes from the now-standard Trailer Sway Control [TWC] aligned with the technological avalanche of electronic wizardry to assist in preventing accidents and reduce driver workload.

New to MU-X is the 9 inch touch screen for Sat Nav Bluetooth Android and Apple Carplay and also acts as a radio with speakers increased to 8. However it seems fussy to use. Not the intuitive infotainment systems more common now. I’d prefer for the country areas to have a manual volume and tuning knob as the self-search often misses stations with a weaker signal in country areas. Also, why are there three clocks all reading a different time? A previous driver/reviewer must have tried to correct one and given up as it read a full two hours fast, [daylight saving?]

I do like the heated leather front seats missing from the D Max and the soft touch surfaces on the dash and control areas. Much attention to detail has been paid to

Locally Owned & Operated

M-UX interior showing all leather seating, double glove box, electric park brake; down hill assist and diff lock buttons by gear selector. seats in the rear. All five are adult sized and still liberates 311 litres of cargo area. Drop the rear two and that increase to 1119l. A nice touch is the completely fold flat 3rd row seats with a slightly lower floor than the power operated tailgate leaving a little lip to hold items in the vehicle. A 60/40 split 2nd row are reclinable and very nicely shaped and padded, as well as providing much more leg and hip room than the previous models generous offering.

Strangely there are no 12 volt outlets. Today’s demands are more aligned with USB’s so there are two. Air conditioning is provided in roof outlets for all rear passengers.

I like the design of the MU-X with sweeping curves it is distinctive and shows little in common with the Dmax even down to a redesigned nose particularly the slim headlights On the road, the 20inch alloys shod with impressive Bridgestone Duellers handles most surfaces easily with little body roll. Coarse chip can be frustratingly noisy

with any widow cranked down, conditions than most would though flick on the standard as we’ve created some serious dual zone climate air with the challenges on our off road training glass up and the noise deadens facility at home. Although I was significantly.

On unsealed cognisant of not damaging the country roads I dialled up pristine new vehicle it does lend the 4WD high rotary knob to itself with 30 degree approach 23 provide extra traction and found degree ramp over and 26 degree it also held a tighter line through departure with the removable corners. That could be due to a tow hitch stowed and wading at remapping of suspension settings 800mm, to some serious cross and gear ratios from the six speed country ventures. auto only box, or down to the tyre My only other reservation is the one only model range, that may, choice.

Hills or flat terrain the big SUV based on price limit market penetration. coped easily and without fuss.

Although on paper the motor My favourite feature is the remote is down on kWs the 450Nm of start button on the key fob torque is developed earlier in the allowing frosty morning starts rev range than most competitors, from the house, to warm both the meaning fewer gear changes engine and interior, before you and more relaxed driving. With enter the vehicle - great stuff. the under-stressed motor and For all that, it is a very nice way Isuzu’s legendary reliability, long to traverse the countryside, on life, few problems are likely if formed roads and back woods serviced regularly. Some D-Max’s adventures in comfort. have travelled over a million km trouble LOG SPLITTERS free, I’ve seen several!

Off the road is also a forte’ of the M-UX with the dial easily selecting low range locking the centre diff while lowering Large range in the ratios and stock, motorised & tractor powered changing the active traction control to maximise w h e e l adhesion.

I tested it over CHIPPERS much tougher Heavy duty PTO chippers Gravity or hydraulic roller feed 3.5”, 5”, 7” and 10” models

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May 2022

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Farming TOP SOUTH

MONTHLY

NEW LIFE POURED INTO TEAPOT VALLEY RESTORATION PROJECT Three years after the fire that devasted the Teapot Valley hillside, restoration is well underway.

Funded by MPI’s Billion Trees programme, our four-year Jobs for Nature project aims to restore fire-affected hillslopes that were burnt in the 2019 Pigeon Valley fire, as well as reconnecting remnants of alluvial forest along Teapot Valley Stream.

The restoration site covers around 60 ha, including several areas of intact forest in good condition, hosting a diversity of plant and bird species.

Other areas of the site have more limited native vegetation, but some natural regeneration is occurring which will be supplemented with in-fill planting to increase plant diversity and abundance.

In areas most impacted by the fire, full revegetation is required, with 16,000 native plants on order for planting this winter and another 17,000 plants in winter 2023.

As well, some experimental direct seeding will be carried out, with native seed introduced to areas cleared of weeds.

If successful, direct seeding provides a costeffective complement to planting, particularly over large areas.

Weed control in the site started in mid-2021 and will continue throughout the project.

Project manager Fiona Ede says that the ongoing support of landowner, Tasman Pine Forests Limited, has been instrumental in getting the project underway, and she is excited about what the project will achieve.

“This is a great opportunity to learn how fireaffected vegetation communities recover and how we can accelerate their recovery through planting, direct seeding and effective weed control promoting natural regeneration.”

Fiona and her team have also been busy monitoring the existing vegetation, with monitoring to be undertaken again at the end of the project.

Fiona says comparing before and after data will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the restoration activities.

TDC staff involved in the revegetation project on the four year Teapot Valley restoration project.

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2022

Notice Board

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Farming TOP SOUTH

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