Top South Farming - September 2022 by Top South Media

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August flooding in Marlborough

BARBARA STUART EDITOR

The resilient farmer, Doug Avery rang me when he heard our family at Cable Bay was hit, with these words of advice, which went something like this.

The sun is shining over Nelson as I write this column. After a rain event its usually other parts of the region who’ve been ham mered and this time it is the north east affecting Brightwater, Richmond and Nelson City to Havelock and the outer Sounds, leaving a trail of carnage. It’s over two weeks since the storm. Progress is being made but its going to take time.

are very much in our thoughts and please remember to reach out to my office if you need any assistance.

Got something to buy, sell or promote? Contact sales@nmf.co.nzus: Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

“You don’t need to run around trying to do everything at once.

While roads in Marlborough Sounds have been badly affect ed, the repairs from the last flood appear to have held up well, which is encouraging. With the magnitude of repairs required, a significant issue to consider is the shortage of rock for Thererepairs.areonly two quarries in Marlborough that produce rock of the required size for erosion

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the Resource Management Act conditions on the quarries are, it would be just plain silly to transport rock from outside the region for the repairs at sig nificant cost. The cap should be lifted to ensure that there is an adequate supply of rock for ero sion protection.

again highlights the importance of having community services located in Marlborough (and other rural communities for that matter), rather than trying to run a satellite cottage hospi tal in Blenheim. Currently those with medical appointments at Nelson hospital are being flown by helicopter from Blenheim which further demonstrates the need for a more balanced and sensible approach to our health services in Marlborough.

Being cut off from Nelson once

Note from the editor

Accounts Queries accounts@topsouthmedia.co.nz

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The coming days and weeks will undoubtably be difficult for those families who are cut off and or have suffered significant

Steve Page steve@nmf.co.nz

who’ve given help and to those wonderful people who worked with Civil Defence to make sure people were safe during the storm. From now on spring is around the corner. We will all pro cess our losses and try to pick up the pieces of life again. What we as rural people must remember is the impact of climate is not our fault. Its the collective global effect of the modern world we live in.

Summa Donald summa@nmf.co.nz

protection and their potential production has been capped.

Priority will be given to reopen ing the links between Blenheim and Nelson, with both SH6 from Renwick to Hira and SH63 from Renwick to St Arnaud suffering significant damage. SH63 has less damage, there fore crews will concentrate on reopening it first. SH6 has been badly damaged with undercuts and trees across the road and will take longer to reopen. Driv ing between the regions is now a 7-hour trip each way via the Lewis Pass.

Repairingproperties.roads and bridges will be another long process, and it will be expensive. The budget for last year’s flood repairs for infrastructure in Marlborough was $90 million. Unfortunately, the damage this time appears to be more widespread.

Raylene Wadsworth raylene@nmf.co.nz

The top of the South has had a tough time of it lately with re covery from the 2021 flood in Marlborough still coming to an end only to be hit by another major flooding event.

to 14,500 rural properties in Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and the West Coast every month. Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

STUART SMITH Kaikōura MP

Advertising Sales

NZ’s inconsequential impact unlikely to stop climate change. All we can do is adapt with mit

Circulating

the difficulty in accessing some

Marlborough District Council can take an additional 20,000 tonnes in an emergency, but I suspect that it will not come close to meeting the need.

News news@nmf.co.nz

My thoughts go out to those who have lost their homes or suffered damage from slips and Iflooding.would also like to acknowl edge the efforts of the emergen cy services who really stepped up to the challenge, responding quickly and effectively.

Prioritise and save your energy for the long haul. Rest and re cover. Its okay to take a break.” That’s exactly what the boss here and I plan to Meanwhile,do. I’m delighted to hear Golden Bay is up and running again. Westport was compared to other extreme events not badly affected and there is normality going on in the re Igion.know I will echo the voices of many affected people when I say thank you, we are grate ful for the support from those

Their immediate priority is to assess the situation; evacuate those whose homes are unsafe and get supplies to those that need them. That means going house to house and it will obvi ously take some time given the trying conditions in addition to

igations to minimise ongoing Yesterdayeffects. morning I noticed graffiti to a ‘logging truck’ warn ing sign at our gate, changed to logging f—k. The work of the Theignorant!damage was made by over half a metre of rain on already saturated soils. Not a single log blocked our creek. It was a number of slips coming out of a hillside of regenerating native bush, with springs gushing wa ter generated by high rainfall higher up in the catchment. Lets get over blame and finger pointing, remain positive about our proven best farming prac tice and give up wearing and using oil based products and services where its possible.

Youloses.

“The pandemic has made

“Canopy prices have ranged from $180,000 per hectare to $330,000 plus per hectare depending on location, vari ety, and yield history.“Bare land with suitablewaterfordevelopmenthasbeenreaching$70,000perhectareto$200,000plusperhectare,althoughtheseopportunitiesarenowsomewhatlimited.”Thedemandforsmall

Viticulture market thriving

“With the majority of the suitable land now planted in vines and the strong in ternational demand for the region’s wine, the industry is sure to continue to perform for generations to come.”

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Poswillo says Marlborough still offers good value for money for all property types compared to other parts of the country and enjoys strong domestic and inter national tourist numbers.

investment syndicates, su perannuation funds, and private investors all looking for vineyard acquisitions,” Poswillo says.

remote work more common and like many regions, Marl borough has experienced significant interest from people wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a move to regional New “PredominantlyZealand. we have seen the most interest in income-generating lifestyle properties, and 4ha to 8ha “Thevineyards.majority of these prop erties are conveniently lo cated within 20 minutes of Blenheim’s CBD with re cent sales ranging between $2,200,000 to $4,500,000, depending on the size, vari ety, and quality of the dwell “Vineyardsing. of this size tend to generate around $25,000 per hectare after working expenses with the higher yielding vineyards returning around $40,000 per hectare this season. We have sold many of these properties to people who have no experi ence in viticulture and em ploy reputable management companies to take care of the day-to-day running of the vineyard. This avoids the requirement of machin ery and is ideal for absentee ‘hands-off’ owners or people in full-time employment.”

DANIEL RICHARDSON

er-scale vineyards has also remained strong as people look to examine their life style options.

FROM PAGE 1

Photo: File.

“Wine companies have been active in purchasing largescale vineyards to secure ongoing supply along with

“

With the majority of the suitable land now planted in vines and the strong continueindustryregion’sdemandinternationalforthewine,theissuretotoperformforgenerationstocome.

achieving coveted interna tional accolades. The success of Marlborough’s sauvignon blanc has resulted in strong demand for vineyards in the Poswilloregion.” has brokered a number of notable trans actions in Marlborough re cently, including the sale of a tooknewopment.therland20hasheds,dwellingbedroomyard,blancsauvignonturedertyThe$14,250,000.Roadtere343vineyardprominentatAwaValleyforpropfeaa33havineafourandandofbareforfurdevelTheownerspossession

The total harvest represent ed a dramatic increase on last year’s number of 370,000 tonnes – a figure that was heavily impacted by adverse weather etalsseveralmiuminternationally“Newwell2022world.beingbuttosulteded,the“TheinternationalmostniescometheColliersspecialistAndytonotablebackdropcrediblytoMarlborough’sconditions.contributionthe2022harvestwasinimpressivegiventheofCovid-19andalabourshortagedueborderrestrictions.Poswillo,aviticultureandDirectoratMarlborough,saysharvestwasagreatoutforlocalwinecompawhowereabletomeetoftheever-growingdemand.majorityofwinefromregionhasbeenexportandlogisticalissuesreindelaysgettingwineinternationalretailersthe2022vintageisnowenjoyedaroundtheWiththemajorityofvintagesold,itbodesfor2023,”Poswillosays.Zealandisrecognisedasaprewineproducerwithcompaniesandvarithroughoutthecountry

Marlborough was the pri mary contributor to New Zealand’s record 2022 grape harvest, which brought a welcomed boost for grape growers and wineries and has fuelled demand for vi ticulture properties in the Theregion. harvest produced 532,000 tonnes of grapes with 414,649 tonnes from Marlborough, of which ap proximately 88 per cent was sauvignon blanc.

in May.

MAUREEN PUGH National List MP

“We have the equipment and the expertise to get the job done. I really feel for the farmers in Rai Val

Contracting specialists in farming and forestry earthmoving needs. Covering bulk earthworks, new subdivisions, and forestry blocks from large scale to small and private ly owned, contact Russell at RTL Contracting to find out how he can help on 027 543 2016.

land owners I have spoken to that they would much prefer to be maintaining these wa terways than having to deal with the mess, recovery and heartache of a clean-up. There needs to be easier, quicker access to the water ways for the basic preventa tive work that must be done.

Advt.

Preventative maintenance today makes good sense for tomorrow

Willing to lend a hand to those that desperately need it, Russell Lawrence, owner of RTL Contract ing, says his team have any earthmoving work cov Basedered.

ley. None of us want to see people in need left high and dry. I love the farming industry and have been in volved in it all of my life. We need to be able to as sist where we can.”

ernment can work together. It’s a good time to remind everyone to vote in the up coming local elections – you will receive your voting pa pers in the mail from Friday 16 September and the voting closes at 12 noon on Satur day 8 October, with provi sional results out later that Withday. so many important issues out there at the mo ment, why wouldn’t you exercise your right to have a say? Besides, this time it’s a quicker process because there’s less people to vote for since the Government has done away with District Health Boards.

in the Moutere, Russell covers most areas of the top of the south in cluding Nelson, Tasman, Murchison, Golden Bay and over to Havelock.

Thistions.is a great example of how central and local gov

Heavy duty expertise

“We have the ability to help people out with clear ing roads and slips and getting life back on track.”

4 September 2022 News Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

In the meantime if you have some thoughts or view points on how we can mit igate the damage that is be ing caused from flooding, I would love to hear esMyment.govt.nzmaureen.pughmp@parliathem.thoughtsandbestwishtothosewhoarecleaninguptheirdamagedpropertiesandabig‘thankyou’toeveryonewhoislendingahandwiththishugeeffort.

There are countless bridges which have piles that need to be unclogged and many small rural bridges that have aggraded to the point where water levels above the norm cause Bridgeproblems.approaches wash out and the repairs are costly. This is false economy. Pre ventative maintenance is much better than undertak ing major emergency cleanups, often under intense pressure because lives and livelihoods have been dis Therupted.same challenges are in front of every council in the country so my colleagues and I are working on some ideas that will offer solu

With diggers and earth moving equipment from 25 tonnes to 2 tonnes, bulldozers, trucks and the skills and know-how to get the job done, Russell is ready for anything.

My heart goes out to those people who have experi enced loss and damage in the recent severe weather events. I know from person al experience that the im pacts are However,long-lived.ithasshown once again that communities care and the wonderful volun tary response during the clean-up phase is testament to how people in all com munities look out for one another. It’s a big part of what makes New Zealand such a special place in which to Feedbacklive. from land owners is that a lot of waterways are clogged up and water is not getting away fast enough when there is sustained heavy Cleaningrain.out under small bridges and culverts, and having easy access to rivers to ensure they are managed in anticipation of these ex treme weather events is something that needs urgent attention. I know from the

Before After

His years of experience in farm management and development make RTL

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Golden Bay Dolomite provides approach health

At times, over the years, he has been forced to harvest wind-thrown trees left lying on the ground after storms, replacing them with seed lings for the next crop.

Over a picnic lunch, others shared their experiences of growing trees, maximising their potential enduse, harvesting, milling, planting an aboretum, etc., after which Bev an showed us stands of eucalyptus and redwood below the skidsite. He willingly answered many questions as the day went on.

Bevan gave an outline of the his tory of the 70ha tree-planted hills, beginning with his father utilising a snow plough to clear lines of dirt in the existing scrub, into which he and his son planted radiata pine

back at the skidsite meeting place, the children played “bush” games led by Tony Dick, chairman, including counting the rings on the end of a log to deter mine the age of the tree. They also learned ground-based logging and logmaking skills after learning how to fell a young pine tree. These skills were later demonstrated at lunch time when the adults returned.

New Zealand Farm Forestry Association’s Fieldday

to the maintenance of healthy soil and animal

Requesting Base Saturation analysis as part of your property’s standard soil testing program will give you an indication of your current soil magnesium reserves.

MAGNESIUM THE DUAL APPROACH!

The immediate spring magnesium demand in your soil can be met using Microfine dolomite as an animal health supplemental. Addressing magnesium supplementation early in lactation provides the best protection against hypomagnesaemia and any subsequent production losses and helps to keep your animals healthy.

Later,seedlings.more tree species were add ed- the snow plough was made re dundant in the event of more envi ronmentally-friendly methods. An aboretum was established along the valley floor beside the stream. As we walked through parts of the forest, Bevan shared his wealth of knowl edge and wisdom of experience of the tree species, ages and height, as well as potential end-usage.

Meanwhile,ation.

Bevan Walker - also inset Ross Feltham and Ross Wood Eric JennyAppletonNorthand Margot Syms Michael Higgins and Tony Dick Ian Schultz and Adam Schultz Ian Boyer and Robert Appleton Terry Gavin

The next fieldday is planned for November, 2022.

a dual

He also showed us how he highprunes trees to give a longer, clear trunk to maximise the value at maturity. This practice, along with thinning, is an ongoing endeavour.

6 September 2022 News Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

A most welcome sunny, calm Sat urday morning saw about fifty peo ple drive up Tunnel Road, south of Wakefield, to attend a NZFFA (Nel son) fieldday hosted by Bevan and Nora Walker on their very impres sive forestry farm.

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We left the Walkers’ Tunnel Road forest with admiration and respect for a family who have taken useless scrub-covered hills and remodelled them into an impressive genera tional forest farm with the ongoing potential for income.

Robert Appleton of Appleton Tree

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6 7. 8.

Nursery, Wakefield, was on hand to extend our knowledge of suitable trees for specific locations. He also supplied small trees for a special sale as a fundraiser for the associ

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Twenty eight year old Amy grew up on her parent’s farm. Unsure of what career path to follow on finishing secondary school, she did a season working on her par ent’s northbank unit. She liked it so did a season on Stephen Todd’s Murchison farm and then head ed south to a bigger dairy farm at “IRakaia.wanted to test whether I would be happy milking 1100 cows,” she Amylaughs. came through smiling, proving to herself she could well cope milking 500 cows in 45 min utes. Amy headed back to Marl

borough and did two seasons at Koromiko on Richard and Beryl Tripe’s and Simon and Amand’s Tripe’s Koromiko farm. Then she headed to her grandpar ent’s farm as a “low order share milker,” taking a percentage of the milk cheque rather than wag es. She had to buy motorbikes, employ staff and manage on a month by month basis for four years. Then she progressed to a

in July last year when they lost 20 percent of the milking platform but have since recovered. Sum mer drought can challenge but judicious irrigation with water use controlled remedies that. But Amy is not deterred by any potential hurdles ahead. She sees a positive path ahead in the dairying sector.

“You can’t beat real milk and real meat,” she says. “It’s a shame some urban folks don’t understand the basics of farming,” she says rue fully. “So we encourage friends to visit to see how things are run.”

Amy White-Clarke - “I absolutely love my cows and dairying.” Photo: Tony Orman.

fluctuations are a constant chal lenge. Payouts are currently up, but costs keep rising. There’s lots of compliance too and paper work involved. Getting staff is an on-going problem at times and Amy is expecting she and Jeremy’s first child in early August, so she’ll be on materni ty leave necessitating recruiting staff. Then nature can throw up a curve ball such as the big flood

your

The 300 cow herd is 80 percent Holstein pedigree breed.

“I’m fortunate I’ve plenty of top dairy farming advice handy, par ticularly from grandfather Adri an,” she smiles.

50/50 share milker position. Now she and Jeremy have set their sights long term on getting their own farm, ideally in Marl borough. Jeremy’s engineering qualification and experience is invaluable in on-farm mainte Amynance.is under no illusions to the challenges in taking a career path into dairying. It can be volatile in terms of returns. Dairy prices

TONY ORMAN

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It is on Adrian and Marlene’s farm that Amy and her husband Jeremy Clarke, an engineer by trade, are 50/50 share milkers.

“Jeremy and I aim for strong, ro bust cows, good milkers and with Aslongevity.”forthe dairying industry in general, there is a need to try and narrow the urban - rural di vide and get town dwellers to see what farming is all about. Public misconceptions can arise. Then there’s the movement promoted by vegans and creating artificial imitations of farm produce.

Share-milking venture aims for eventual farm ownership

Amy White-Clarke comes from a long line of Marlborough dairy farmers. Her father Spen cer White and mother Susan are dairy farmers on the Wairau Nal ley’s northbank, uncle Evan and Katrinas farm near Birch Hill, Wairau Valley and grandfather Adrian and Marlene White farm at Marshlands, lower Wairau.

“It’s a good career industry with opportunities if you’re prepared to put your head down and get stuck in,” she explains. “And if you are happy in your job then that’s a big bonus. In fact, I absolutely love my cows and dairying.”

• Build trust between yourself and your staff.

Devon Westley, Production Manager, Southern Woods Nursery. to check out the videos to

of these teams (and more) sharing their on-job training experience and

“The guys bring a lot of new skills to the business and we can improve the farm performance overall”

There are a few good reasons to train your team

• Create a positive brand for your business, especially in a tight labour market. Why not set yourself apart from your competitors?

“It’s a great way to offer continual development to our staff, to have a bit of career progression and having them constantly bring new ideas and grow in the role”

• A skilled team means more time for you to focus on the strategic priorities of your business (and to have more time for yourself and your family).

great news if you choose to enrol apprentices as the Government has extended MSD’s Apprenticeship Boost which offers financial support until the end of 2023. AdvertFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 9

• Your staff are working at a recognised industry standard.

What is the value of training your staff?

• The team can instantly apply their learning to the job and produce quality work – helping to grow a successful, sustainable business.

“Having the boys go through the Primary ITO apprenticeship scheme is really beneficial to the farm.”

Hamish McRae, owner of Lochiel Station.

• Literacy and numeracy support is available for those who need this support.

Primary ITO encourages you to visit primaryito.ac.nz/valueoftraining

“We put staff through training through Primary ITO because we like to invest in our staff and it makes them feel valued, it also helps with performance. If they have a goal to achieve, they can sometimes work harder.”

Kylie Faulkner, Compliance Manager, Sutherland Produce.

John Arenas, PAMU Mayfield Manager.

• The skills your staff learn are relevant to your business as all qualifications are developed for industry, by industry.

But don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some of our employer’s had to tell us about the value of training.

There’s

get in touch. 0800 20 80 20 I www.primaryito.ac.nz

A human diet needs to rec ognise economic and cultural barriers, beliefs and burdens. Plant-based diets are more ex pensive in a world where pov erty rules for many people in some countries. The EAT-Lan

There are emission aspects of plant foods that are also relevant.

Animals are very good at con suming plant parts not eaten by humans, and they can be farmed throughout the coun try. Soil carbon content under pasture is much higher than under market gardens. That is not to say that animal emis sions can be ignored, but prior ity must be based on feeding as many people as possible with food produced most sustain ably, economically, practically and politically.

more land and higher food costs. In this day and age, it is also doubtful whether farmers would revert to century-old techniques using human ex crement, soil transference and intensive labour to grow crops when ar tificial fertilisers and mechanisation have become the norm.

Plus significant waste from paddock to plate by removing inedible or unwanted plant parts. The suggested organic philosophy reduces net global food supplies as plant-based foods require more land that is impractical in countries limited by population over crowding, and soils, climate and water constraints. One Indian estimate was one-third

The government, particularly Minister for Climate Change Shaw was castigated by SAFE for the rewording of an In ternational Climate Change Agreement to replace “plantbased diet” with “sustainable healthy diet to reduce green house gas emissions”. Their problem and that of similar or ganisations is their NZ focus is not world reality.

• Gorse and Broom Control • Pre Plant Spray Outs • Post Plant • Crop Spraying • Fertiliser Application • Solids and Liquids • Seeding • Fire PhoneLightingRob 027 578 8933 Office 03 523 9951 email: rob@murchisonhelitours.co.nz

Helicopter Agricultural Spraying and Spreading

10 September 2022 News Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

Crops are produced for humans with emissions from manufactured equipment for cultivation and harvesting, and for fertilisers and water needed in the right place at the right time with more emissions to store and deliver. Pests and diseases are constant threats requiring more emissions for control materials and methods.

Logic suggests more plantbased human food would reduce emissions because animals can be inefficient in converting feed to food with 30-50% of emissions, This re lies on an EAT-Lancet report crafted by nutritionists recom mending reduce meat intake, patched with environmental considerations to criticise meat and dairy farmers and their emissions. It ignored global reality, and may suit wealthy nations. It is unlikely to be nu tritious or enough for the poor.

In a NZ context, the SAFE comment is irrelevant as there is little cultivatable land for food crops. And climate and water limits on what can be grown and where. Even having produced such crops there are significant problems and costs to feed them to the world as we do with our meat and dairy products.

GARRICK BATTEN

Reality rules food supplies

cet diet of nuts, fish, eggs and dairy is impossible to obtain, let alone distribute. But meat can be stored, moved and available from many and varied sources on the hoof. Having enough affordable, sustain able and healthy food is more important to these people than en vironmental effects.

Strict standards of cleaning of the drying and packing plant must be maintained as it is a medical product.

Brian Kindilien from the Puro company which was es tablished in 2018 to produce medicinal cannabis spoke about the growing of 10 hect ares of the hemp crop near Kekerengu. In 2021 they pro duced 2.8 tonnes of organic product and 5 tonnes in 2022. He emphasised that they are a specialist grower with the sole focus being on growing the crop and on genetics. The company was largely crowd funded but has recently se cured a grant to advance the

Full surveillance systems also available in store, contact us and we can find the right camera solution for you.

Photo: Andrew Ritchie.

Since 2006 industrial hemp has been used as an agricul tural crop it has been utilised in the motorcar industry where the need for the ability to recycle at the end of life has been a requirement.

NewsFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 11

Helius Therapeutics are mar keting the organic medicinal cannabis produced by Puro. The strict licencing procedure keeps society safe. The chal lenge for the company is to obtain a consistency of prod uct for the oils tinctures and pills manufactured but pro duced from an outdoor crop.

in 2009 the importance of cover crops in the vineyard for soil and vine health but wondered if hemp could also produce additional revenue. Three years research have since taken place in the vine yard showing nothing but positive effects. The crop is sown in November and har vested in March. Hemp has a long tap root so does not compete with the vines. The flowers attract bees and there has been an increase in beneficial soil bacterial and fungal activity as well as an increase in the worm popu lation. Once the seed heads are harvested plant matter is mulched into the vineyard. The berry yield and wine quality is unaffected by the hemp crop. The oils from the seeds are blended into skin care products such as day and night creams marketed under the Hark and Zander brand.

Kirsty Harkness is the first li cenced hemp vineyard grow er in the country. She realised

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“Soil, sun and water prevail.”

Chief Executive of The Marl borough Research Centre Gerald Hope traced the his tory of land use in Marlbor ough when he introduced the recent industrial hemp road Heshow.emphasised that those three essential elements have shaped the agricultur al economy of the region. They ranged from livestock, to fruit, seed growing, garlic and finally the grape indus try. The prediction is that the hemp growing industry could be the next crop to drive the local Richardeconomy.Barge has been as sociated with the industrial hemp industry for 25 years. The crop has been used for well over 150 years with the hemp plant being capable of producing up to 25 usable products. In the days of sail ing ships, it was used in can vas sails, ropes and clothing. Bags of seed were carried on board in case of being ma rooned when they could be planted, growing a crop to remanufacture sails, produce

Richard Barge says that the industry has the potential to grow into a billion-dollar en “Theterprise.whole plant can be uti lised it is a bio accumulator so can lift heavy metals form the soil, the seed produces ami

Richard Barge with some of the insulation material composed from hemp.

no acids, essential oils and fatty acids. Meal can be produced from the husks and fibre sourced from the stems can be used for insulation and fibre boards that are strong and hardwearing.”

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ANDREW RITCHIE

food and clothing. Since the early 1900s tinctures and oils have been used as health products. In the late 1930s hemp was demonised be cause of its association with marijuana, but the need for webbing fibre and cordage during the war saw a resur gence in its use when, in the US, farmers were encouraged to grow an acre each to help the war effort.

industry through MPI.

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This comes on top of the gov ernment ‘kicking the can down the road’ on making a decision on proposals to prevent exotic forests from registering in the permanent forest category of the ETS by 2023, a measure that was intended to address the issue of planting for carbon farming only (with no inten tion of harvesting).

also assist parents by providing a stricter hand in instructing their Thechildren.proposals will threaten the very existence of clubs and rang es with added layers of red tape, said Barbara Kuriger.

TONY ORMAN

public submissions on the Bill closed for the Government’s proposed new Arms Regulations — specifically aimed at gun clubs and shooting ranges — she was non-plussed.

Strong support has come for ACT MP Nicole Mckee who in the August 2022 issue of “Top South Farming” said proposed government reforms will jeop ardise firearm safety training by rifle and gun clubs.

If this is about forestry, why can’t the government treat the two land uses in an even-hand ed manner? It is encourag ing that former Conservation Minister and Greens MP Eug enie Sage finds herself aligned with Federated Farmers, demonstrating this is a much wider issue concerning all New SheZealanders.specifically acknowledged Feds in her address to Parlia ment at the second reading of the Overseas Investment (Forestry) Amendment Bill this week. She said: “Federated Farmers and particularly their president in the Wairoa area,

“I shook my head in disbelief and amazement. The proposals are a targeted attack on legit imate individuals and groups within our society,” she said.

Yes, there were complex is sues to work out for Māori landowners and farmers, but these are intergeneration al land owners who focus on long term benefit not making a quick buck.

We could have had a mora torium while the details were thrashed out to deliver the best outcomes for rural com munities, our iwi partners and New Zealand. Instead, as Feds, Beef+Lamb NZ, environmen tal groups and many others have noted, the Government has decided to kick for touch, rolling out the red carpet for speculators interested in fenceto-fence monocultural pine conversions across New Zea land at the expense of the envi ronment and people.

The new proposals are among the second set of gun law chang es Labour is intent on bringing in, as its response to 2019’s at tack by a lone shooter on two Christchurch mosques.

It’s a bit of a kick in the guts to farmers, rural communities and environmentalists that the government continues to jam its finger on the scales in fa vour of carbon farming, rath er than pursuing balance and fairness on land use.

Balance and fairness sought

“While government and police are target law-abiding citizens who belong to these clubs, it’s by-passing gangs and criminals who are the problem,” he said. “Rifle range and gun clubs are where young people learn to respect firearms and their safe Laurieuse”.

without the need to own one or a gun safe and assist them in ob taining a firearms licence. They

It will be troubling to most New Zealanders who recognize the importance of our rural com munities and the meat and wool sector to export earnings, the economy and our social fabric, that the government has failed to make foreign investors looking to make a quick buck through carbon farming meet the ‘benefit to NZ’ test that ap plies when overseas purchasers buy farmland.

Toby Williams, really high lighted the impact on farm ing communities of the major change in land use, particularly in areas like the East Cape and around Wairoa where you’ve got the hollowing out of the community when land goes from sheep and beef farming to “Theforestry.families go, the school closes, the infrastructure ser vicing the remaining farms becomes more expensive, and so that whole hollowing-out has quite significant social im pacts. …the other area where we think that it’s justified ap plying the stronger farm land test is just the major impacts that have occurred with for estry as a land use on the East Coast. One only has to remem ber Tolaga Bay and all of that slash coming down the rivers.” The Greens raised a Supple mentary Order Paper with changes that would require overseas purchasers of pro duction forestry land to meet the ‘farmland test’ criteria (i.e.

Collins said he was not criticising the police in total. “It’s not the police on the beat - invariably great officers - but the police bureaucrats and pol icy makers dreaming up these Criticismpolicies.” of the reforms also

“The amendments, despite this guise, have a much wider reach. They will instead, prevent or make it harder for law-abid ing citizens to use firearms in a controlled environment like a shooting range.”

WILLIAM BEETHAM

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Laurie Collins of Westport, spokesman for the Sporting Hunters Outdoors Trust organ isation, said the reforms were misdirected and were bypassing gangs and criminals.

WhenSafety.

that the purchase would re sult in economic benefits for New Zealand, benefits to the national environment, contin ue or improve public access, for example). In other words, an even playing field. But this failed to gain enough support.

Laurie Collins of Westport - “Government firearm bill woefully misdirected.” Photo: Supplied.

came from Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country and National Spokesperson for Ag riculture, Biosecurity & Food

Police and government off-target with firearm “reforms”

The Government is not focused on what we believe is the sole objective — to get firearms out of the hands of those who intend to use them to do harm. That should be the aim of any fire arms “Bringinglegislation.inhuge cost and com plexity for them is not how you solve the rapidly rising use of guns by gangs and criminals. Nor does it provide greater pub lic safety. Instead, allow firearms prohibition orders giving police warrantless search powers to go after these illegal users with illic it firearms. Now that’s a far bet ter idea,” said Barbara Kuriger.

Experts are available to teach people how to use firearms safe ly, allow people to use firearms

Firearms users go to these places to learn and/or enjoy the sport of target, rifle or pistol shooting.

“Despite the removal of 10,000 guns via the gun buyback scheme — almost all from li censed honest citizens — there has been no reduction in fire arm-related offences. In fact, quite the opposite.”

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to Malcolm and his brothers by passing his father.

Hill country was perceived as being more fertile. Malcolm be lieves this was because much hill country had been recently cleared of bush and was full of organic matter. The other major problem was that the farm was infested with rabbits.

14 September 2022 News Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

“Although father was a hard worker he never really cared for farming or business so in 1979 he handed me all the accounts and told me to get on with it.”

ary poisoning of wildlife through any residue left behind.

Malcolm and Ingrid married in 1976 so at the age of 26 and 27 they found themselves run ning Lake Station. Grandfather always insisted on keeping up with technology but at the same time steadfastly refusing to bor row money, maintaining that you could only spend it when you had it available. One exception was when Malcolm came home full

One particularly attractive block is on the 160 hectares where Malcolm and Ingrid are building their new house.

Ironically Malcolm says if they were cut down and replanted in

The well known McConachie family of Lake Station recently retired from the farm as there was no one in the family who wished to take on the business.

The first twenty years were spent basically treading water until the Korean War came along enabling the free holding of the farm due to the pound per pound income from Throughoutwool. the 1960s Malcolm worked as a musterer, shearer and contract baler before coming home to the property to work full time in 1974. Due to the impo sition of death duties Malcolm’s grandfather had left Lake Station

During that period many native trees were being cut down and sold but grandfather insisted on leaving the trees alone.

pines and carbon credits claimed the block would be carbon neu “Becausetral. the trees were there in 1992 credits can’t be claimed. Another instance of bureaucratic Grandfathernonsense.” was ahead of his time with his sheep breeding as well, crossing his Romneys with Poll Dorset’s achieving 110% lambing at a time when most were struggling to hit 100%. Mal colm once entered his hoggets in a competition but although it was widely agreed they were the best in the group he was slated by the judges who were died in the wool pedigree Romney or Perendale Thebreeders.lambing percentage today up to 162%. The well-known Lake Station Hereford stud was es tablished in 1982 when the Mc Conachie’s purchased 10 horned Hereford cows from Blairich Sta tion. Purchases were made from various studs and when the herd was recently dispersed it num bered 160 cows. Malcolm and Ingrid’s daughter Rebecca who was heavily involved in the stud has taken 23 cows to her farm in Gore and many of the rest have been dispersed throughout Her eford studs in the South Island signalling an end of an era.

Horses were used to clean up after the rabbits as they were found to be unaffected by eating the bait.

End of an era at Lake Station near St Arnaud

A loan was finally secured with Levin & Company but grand father thereafter detested bank managers and Labour govern ments. During the first five years more income was created through the sale of rabbit skins than from livestock. The rabbits were fed a diet of surplus carrots and jams from local factories before lacing the bait trails with strychnine. This poison was cho sen because there was no second

ANDREW RITCHIE

of enthusiasm for the latest idea of a round baler that he had seen in operating in a paddock in Can Heterbury.also had strong views on 1080 and the use of DDT, saying the salesman will never tell you any of the negatives of a chemical.

The property lies at 520 metres above sea level, close to Lake Ro toiti and the village of St Arnaud. Malcolm’s grandfather purchased Lake Station in 1936 on the heels of the Great Depression for 12,000 pounds. Much of the land is on the flat valley floor and this was seen as a disadvantage.

Malcolm and Ingrid McConachie with the flats of Lake Station behind them. Photo: Andrew Ricthie.

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“Asoff-farm.totiming, now is the oppor

“Youers. should always be alert to opportunities and possibilities in reallocating income,” he said.

“If foot and mouth disease was suddenly detected here, you’d be delighted you had some of your money off-farm or even offDigressingshore.” for a moment he said the disconnect between town and country had increased from when he grew up in South Can terbury where everyone had a connection with the local farm ing community.

“That’svestment.wrong. During the down turn is the time to invest.”

Statistics showed at about age 68, most farmers were looking to quit farming so from age 40 or 50, a farming couple should be starting to look at investing

When cash returns becomes available, three possibilities are to repay debt, finance farm de velopment or invest off-farm.

“A lot of New Zealanders who are now urban dwellers and have grown up in town, just don’t un derstand the impact something like foot and mouth would have on New Zealand. Everything would be impacted including Hecurrency.”advised options for farmers’ investment could be shares, i.e. ownership of businesses, list ed property and fixed interest. The way that they were mixed is critical. Business performance drives the share price.

In spite of his long background experience in finance, Martin Hawes said he had a financial advisor who invested money for “Inhim.retirement, you take on the role of a money manager. The capital you have will probably be significant and a critical part of your income and your retire ment well-being. A good trusted advisor ought to be a critical part of your money management,” he said.

Martin Hawes, diversification of income has merit. Photo: Supplied.

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A strong emphasis should be on retiring debt but be aware of opportunities to invest at least small amounts off-farm.

Martin Hawes said he viewed off-farm investment as looking to the future. Succession is one reason with some of the future money able to be directed to a family member who does not go Anotherfarming. reason is the asset in the farm and a third reason is “risk litigation” to lessen the impact of a body blow to pastoral farming

tunity with markets in down Judiciousturn.” investing can be over taken by human emotions he cautioned. The economy could wildly fluctuate and Martin Hawes cited the 2008 recession

it can be difficult to look after savings and turn them into an income. So it’s very im portant you do it properly. Thus get a financial advisor.”

“Contrary to oft-held opinion, this at a time of down-turn, is the time to invest,” he added.

with “bounces” upwards be tween 9 percent and 19 percent. “You can’t avoid that volatility.” Most people invested on the thrill and excitement of “boom times” and then as the economy heads down, they cashed in in

such as foot and mouth disease getting into New Zealand.

TONY ORMAN

Investing off-farm has merit in diversification of income and taking advantage of some excel lent opportunities to get returns on capital invested said financial author Martin Hawes in an ad dress to the monthly meeting of Marlborough Federated Farm

Referring to investment proper ty he identified listed property as an avenue to consider. Usually listed property can be in New Zealand but there are about 40 listed property funds in Austra lia and many more around the “Inworld.fact

with their diversifica tion, good yields and liquidity, I’m not sure why a retired in vestor would own any other sort than investment property,” he “Rememberadded.

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On the other hand there are critics who argue that if you say

the Northern Hemisphere. In the USA, ‘regen’ products are reported to be commanding high premiums and the market for them is growing quickly.

DAMIEN O’CONNOR Biosecurity and Agriculture Minister

In August the Government an nounced a significant partnership under our Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund that is focussed on regenerative farming practices (or ‘regen’) in the New Zealand context.

The lack of definition is the point where critics and advocates meet.

Some have an almost religious fervour when they make claims about the benefits of ‘regen’.

regenerative is ‘good’, it implies that what’s not regenerative is de generative - which I think is a bit Iprecious.believe we simply need to be open minded and methodical in our approach to evaluating it. The term has gained traction in the consumer markets of the West and appears to be, at least in part, a reflex against the dom inant food production systems in

Regenerative farming systems

All of this, most farmers would say, is just good farming. And that’s what we’d like our custom ers to be thinking too. Which comes to the nub of it. How can ‘regen’ add export value by meet ing consumer demand? As part of this effort, SFF Futures helped fund Beef+Lamb and Bragato Research Institute to conduct an international market scan and consumer survey on the topic. The aim was to understand the current state and future market potential of regenerative agricul ture in New Zealand’s sheep, beef and wine sectors. They commis sioned Alpha Food Labs to look at three of New Zealand’s international mar kets – the United States, Germa ny and the United Kingdom.This report asserted that there’s signif icant potential for New Zealand in this space, particularly for the red meat sector. This was princi pally because our production sys tems already align with concepts of regenerative agriculture, due to their pastoral nature.

What I do believe though, is that with consumers in our global markets becoming increasing ly interested in where their food comes from, the ‘regen’ ques tion gives us a rare opportunity to gather an evidence base and tell New Zealand’s food produc tion story. That is regardless of whether it’s ‘regen’ or not. I want to acknowledge the people and organisations who are working constructively in this space. This is a significant piece of work for New Zealand.

When I say ‘work for us’, I mean a balance between lifting produc

We’ve partnered with Ngāi Tahu in Canterbury, where they have two adjacent dairy farms at Eyre Forest. One will run regenerative systems and the other will run Forconventional.thenext seven years, inputs and outputs will be scientifically monitored, with financial, envi ronmental and social impacts be ing compared.

Our investment in these proj ects is the Government’s effort to progress the discussion in a cohe sive way. I don’t have a pre-deter mined view on this.

We will also be announcing in September another significant ‘regen’ research programme, which will also be working at the farm level. It will bring our total ‘regen’ research investment to $54.74 million, covering 11 projects across the country. In doing this work, we aim to vali date what there is in ‘regen’ that will work for us.

The report also showed there is a lack of a clear definition of ‘regen’ and said that we should work to validate a definition for the New Zealand context.

Global giant Nestlé has pledged to source 20 percent of ingredi ents by 2025, and 50 percent by 2030. These two pieces of infor mation should catch our atten tion and cause us to ask if we can capture export value through ‘re gen’. Indeed, many in our sector are asking if we can move into this space.

tion, lessening environmental impacts, lowering inputs, en hancing animal welfare, and im proving life on the land for those working it.

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newsLocal Sports Events Property Flights 20 September 2022 News Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

McLennan Brothers Berries, Ikamatua

It was 1981 when the first plants went in the ground and when they came into produc tion the berries were sold to outlets in Greymouth over the years, as well as at the gate. In the beginning people didn’t know what the berries were, Norman chuckles. “We heard stories about restaurants put ting them in fruit salad only to find guests leaving the blue berries on their plates.”

McLennan bros, Norman and Philip farmed at Ikamatua for many years. Norman milking cows and Philip growing blue beries and tayberries. Philip did the horticulture course at Lincoln University in 1980 and reckoned Blueberries and Tayberries would work well on the family farm with it’s acidic, peat soils. Together they fenced off a site and that’s how it all began. Philip was the innovator of the berries Norman says and a support to he and his wife Wendy on the dairy farm once harvest was over.

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smoothies and for jams. Since then, there’s been a steady de mand, says Norman. The arrival of the Reefton Dis tillery Company has been a pleasant bonus for the busi ness with both blueberries and tayberries used in the distilleries highly sought after Sadlyliqueurs.Philip died three years ago when he drove into the path of an oncoming vehi cle as he turned into his own Nowdriveway.thesecond generation of McLennan Brothers, Cory and Brett, have inherited the berry business helped by Norman and Wendy. Brett is busy with the dairy herd while Cory who

Before long they were put in Muffins and customers found out about the good news of anti-oxidants. People then began using blueberries in

BARBARA STUART

works in Auckland commutes on long weekends to help Norman and Wendy take care of the berries. They’ve just planted another 3000 blueber ry plants and anticipate it will take another four years before these come into production. Norman says, they are just a small outfit, the berries are not shaded or protected from the elements or even from the wonderful West coast native birds. Because of this they don’t produce the tonnage of more sophisticated opera Theytions. have a roadside shop where they sell fruit and jam from November to the end of February.

Norman and Wendy McLennan, berry fruit growers. Photo: Supplied.

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er.” Farmers were trying to make a living from steeply, bushed land, which needed felling. The soils were inher ently low in nutrients and removal of forest made the soil vul nerable to erosion. Native shrubs re grew persistently while broom and gorse invaded and clean musters be came increasingly difficult. Cattle and sheep got lost and went wild. The sea could in its wrath ful moments be an enemy with storms pushing tides to record heights and creating slips and mud. Pests began to appear. In 1894 porina or grass grub, made its first ap pearance. Scabies attacked sheep and imported weeds

“I hope readers will come away with a sense of a wellpaced engrossing narrative of place and people and their ef forts to establish - or re-estab lish - themselves in a unique part of New Zealand,” she says.

Up ahead there’s also need for more under standing and aligning our farming practices with customer values. Information about our production systems needs to pass through the supply chain to consumers. Sustainable food production will be key to long-term success.

For the rural sector there could be emerging concern ahead as dairy returns begin to ease back, costs remain and the break even point is reduced. Ongoing labour shortages, high input costs, tighter regulations and resourcing con trainst will have effect on bottom lines and per sonal well being.

“I realised how little I knew of the post-Treaty history of Maori in the Sounds,” she Yetsays..the European settlers had far from an easy life.

Nelson/Tasman • Murchison • Nelson Lakes Phone Keryn Rowe 021 447 802 Less Fuel • Less Time • Less Soil Damage Seed • Fertiliser • Slug Bait Stone Crusher • Broad Acre • Farm Roads • Forestry Roads SUPPLY POINT WORKING WITH YOU THE FARMERS FRIEND Always, FAIR PRICES, GREAT SERVICE, FAST FREIGHT Email: online@supplypoint.co.nz 10 Henley Street, Westport. Phone 0508 348 846 Mon-Fri 7:00am - 5:00pm | Sat-Sun: Closed www.supplypoint.co.nz We work with many Engineering, Farming, Trade and Contracting Clients around NZ and look forward to continuing this trust through 2022. Check out our huge range of products from Culverts and Water tanks, to PVC Fittings, Poly Pipe fittings to Valves and Repair Couplings., PTO shafts and Bearings to Link Pins, Top Links and a huge range of hardware and accessories. Plus much more at fair prices and quick efficient freight. The website is designed to make it easy for you to select the right products, find a solution for your requirements and to make further ongoing transactions easy with smooth ordering and invoice processing. Order online, pop in or phone us. Our Aim is to supply proven, quality products with prompt delivery to make it easy for you and your project. - offering further discount to assist with damage REPAIRSFLOOD 22 September 2022 News Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

“Whatever the prospect, the reality was invariably harsh

such as foxgloves, blackberry and briar flourished.

Fires broke out. ”In the ter rible dry summer of 1908 — great palls ofd smoke hung over the Sounds. Eli Bay to Beatrix Bay was ablaze with roar ing mountains of fire, hundreds of sheep were Helendestroyed.”Beaglehole is hopeful readers will find the book both informative and revealing, a challenging task when writ ing about history.

Tighter times ahead says economist

Book Review: Rich and complex history chronicled

Before European settlement Maori lived in the Sounds as nomadic hunters and gath erers. Then came the wave of European migrants and would-be farmers driven by the image of fertile lands, ripe for “Axe,development.fire,herdsof cattle and flocks of sheep slowly trans formed the landscape,” re counts Helen Beaglehole.

Marlborough Sounds had by 1856, resulted in Maori being relegated to inferior land and subsequent “poverty, illness and systemic racism.

A new book entitled “One Hundred Havens -The set tlement of the Marlborough Sounds” written by Welling ton historian Helen Beagle hole traces the region’s human settlement by both Maori and HelenEuropeans.Beaglehole has spent 40 years exploring the Marl borough Sounds by boat, bike and on foot. Ten years ago at the suggestion of a fellow his torian, she began to research the Marlborough Sounds’ “Ihistory.began researching with no idea of the size of what I was taking on,” she explains. As she dug deeper she real ised that it involved a mam moth challenge. She also realised the land sales of the

Low unemployment in the meat sector means it is challenging to staff processing chains. Expect further processing delays now that lamb kill sea son is running into the bobby calf season. Plus with 3.7 million lambs left to process (2/3rds in North Island) or 1 million more than usual it will be slow getting stock to works. Returns are predicted to remain strong throughout the coming season for lamb and around $30 above the five year average. Cow processing back 15% overall and 18% in South Island. High through put of cattle in the US has resulted in downward pressure on prices. China currently still has strong appetite for beef and is a more lucrative market. Wine exports are at 5 year low due to a smaller harvest, this however has been partially offset by stronger prices. Kiwi fruit exports are a little softer, especially in Japan. Seafood is in recovery mode due to Covid and its severe im pact on crayfish and mussel exports.

SUSAN KILSBY ANZ Agriculture Economist

Tighter global monetary policies are being used to rein in inflation and demand around the world. However food prices are still un derpinned by high production costs (limited output) and tight supply which will somewhat limit how far prices fall. Another worrying issue is debt which is now double earnings. House holds are feeling the squeeze and household cash flow is under pressure with wages for most not yet keeping up with the cost of living.

TONY ORMAN

Where old World Meets Modern Day 254 Kohatu-Kawatiri Hwy, Motupiko

Tender Closing 15th Sept, 1pm (No Prior Sale)

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

0 Win Valley Road, Dovedale

135 Ha with a multitude of options... 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.

Price By Negotiation Over $1,800,000

AdvertFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 23

Farm Diversity is a Win!

Prime Mapua Land Banking

Price on Application

Waimea Plains – Hort or Landbank 104 Bryant Road, Brightwater

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

179 Mapua Drive, Mapua

One thing we all know for sure, is they’re not making any more land, and this is certainly and good chunk of just that in possibly one of the greatest spots in NZ.

Pheasant Flat is a 9.76 Ha irrigated property located just outside of Brightwater in Tasman. The value in this block is either in the free draining productive Waimea plain soils and irrigation right or land banking with the future in mind as Brightwater and Tasman continues to grow exponentially, with developments moving closer and closer to this prime flat block. The property is Zoned Rural 1, and holds resource consent to take up to 2200 Cubic metres per week to irrigate up to 8.64 Ha. The property also holds a current consent to build a 2nd dwelling on it, with the first dwelling being the recently renovated 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom cottage with adjoining large carport/workshop. Other improvements include 2 x 3 bay farm implement sheds & cattle yards. If this ticks the box or has your mind ticking over, get in touch to find out more now.

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

This 7.21 HA prominent corner site is sure to be a key part of Mapua future development in one form or another, with all options still on the table, but sitting pretty right smack bang in the middle of Mapua Community is this flat parcel of land. Located between a substantial subdivision, the thriving town that is Mapua as well as other developments including, industrial and commercial sites, and a large block just sold that borders this property to the north believed to be flagged for future developments – so it would be fair to say this block is right in the heart of a changing and growing Mapua. It is no surprise to anyone that Mapua’s population has grown exponentially over the years with such strong demand, but what may be surprising is the Tasman District Councils future plans for Mapua and the surrounding areas and their extensive projected population increases.

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

Price on Application

• Based in the top of South Island owned and operated

gelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs, painted us quite a different picture of the recent European Free Trade Agreement (FTA) than we had received through the rural media. He gave it to us bluntly: we are not worth anything to the European Union (EU). We are a very small coun try, with an already open market, and on top of that we have refused to budge on the two main things the EU wanted from us, namely patent extensions on medicines and on agricultural chemicals. These two things would have cost our country millions.

4. Real food. Diana Rogers, an American dietician and author, pushes back on the messages that eating meat is unhealthy, unsus tainable, and unethical. She says “there is no substitute for real food”. This is a sentiment most of us will agree with. It’s just that there is a fair amount of muddy water obscuring what ac tually constitutes real food these days and it appears that what a lot of the world’s population views as real food is actually processed

Meet your professional care providers: Dentists: Janette Wilcox, Amy Langfield, Pierre Gill Hygienists: Deborah Pratt & Vikki Neilson along with the friendly support team of dental assistants, practice manager and reception caring for your dental health and well being

we are 100% locally

We are seeing all patients vaccinated and non vaccinated Serving the community and keeping all patients and staff safe during this current outbreak of covid 19

Anothercarbon.

24 September 2022 News Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

5. Listening to the signals. A lot of what was discussed at the con ference was not new information. It was just a reiteration of what we already know, but possibly we ha ven’t been ready to hear. As one of the speakers put it, “The sig nals of where we need to be are quite clear, it’s just sometimes we choose not to see them”. So, what are ‘The Signals’? It’s environmental stewardship, ani mal welfare, and carbon, carbon,

• Delivered free to 14,500 rural mailboxes every month, from Greymouth, Westport, Nelson / Tasman, Golden Bay, Marlborough, Marlborough Sounds and everywhere in between 20+ years of speaking directly to a target market for customers and readers alike.

3.instead.Food

the

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2. International trade. Less than 48 hours after returning to NZ from trade talks in Europe, Van

We are seeing al p non vaccinated Serving the community and keeping all patients and staff safe during this current outbreak of covid 19

waste. This waste ac counts for a staggering 10% of all global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as it decomposes, and if it were a country, it would be the third biggest GHG emitter just behind China and the USA. In New Zealand alone, $3.1 bil lion worth of food is wasted per year - that’s approximately $600 per person! This got me won dering who was wasting my $600 worth, because I’m pretty sure it’s not me.

In early July I had the privilege of attending the Primary Industries of New Zealand (PINZ) confer ence in Auckland, along with many other Federated Farmer leaders and others.

Vangelis maintained that we had secured a meaningful deal, though being of Greek origin he lamented the loss of the use of the word ‘Feta’ for our cheese mak ers. Some wag near me suggested that maybe we could use ‘Wheta’

The simple fact is that animals can provide us with food with a vastly superior nutritional profile that proponents of fake meat and vegan diets can only dream of, and they can do all this on land unsuitable for cropping. However, even if the whole lab grown meat thing turns out to be a flash in the pan (and the makers of fake meat in the US are losing market share because they are struggling to back up their claims around social and environmental superiority), we still need to be playing our A game with our live stock Animalfarming.welfare and environmen tal stewardship are going to be market access requirements for us and if we can get it all right the future looks particularly bright for us. And, while she didn’t cov er this, the recent floods which have hit our Top of the South

Federated Farmers Golden Bay September 2022

PAX LEETCH

•

region have proven that at least we can shift animals away from these high rainfall events. While it will take time for the pasture to recover, I can’t imagine the devas tation if all the land that has been affected was set out for growing vegetables and cropping, such as peas, beans, legumes, wheat and so forth, which are so dependent on seasonality for growth.

PINZ brought together a wide range of speakers with such a depth of knowledge and ex perience that it created a very thought provoking, inspiring, often challenging narrative that we are not exposed to day to day on the farm. I also found that the messages we heard were far more pertinent coming from the horse’s mouth than reading about them in the farming magazines.

• With Barbara Stuart, editor with extensive on the ground knowledge and a growing team of journalists and relevant editorial content to support her.

ference he has been to lately. And this was definitely a common theme over these couple of days. What became very clear over these two days is that the market is leading all of our changes. Food demand is increasing and won’t go back. The world pop ulation is set to reach 10 billion by 2050 and New Zealand is currently seen as the provider of safe, quality food, with high en vironmental and animal welfare standards. We can’t rest on our laurels though, as other countries are chasing our tail here.

1. New Zealand’s Special Agricul ture Trade Envoy, Mel Poultin, paid credit to what skilled, versa tile, hardworking people farmers are. Mel told us that in the face of changing times we should always remember to look back at where we have come from, take con fidence in what we have already achieved, keep going and don’t give up.

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

The world consumer is moving into the next evolution of paying for values, and regulation merely mirrors what consumers want. In 2019, 0% of consumers of lamb in the UK rated being carbon neu tral as important to them - three short years later, that figure now stands upwards of 25%. Similar figures are true for other environ mental attributes, especially plas tics Manypollution.ofus like to blame the government for the changes afoot for the primary sector and seem to think that if we can get a change of government in the next election all our troubles will be solved. I’m afraid the truth of the matter is that regulation is com ing thick and fast from overseas markets and private enterprise is way out in front of government on this one.

Book online: www nelsondental co nz 41a Halifax Street Millers Acre Carpark Nelson 7010

Telephone: (03) 548 4445 Book online: www nelsondental co nz 41a Halifax Street Millers Acre Carpark Nelson 7010 Nelson Dental Centre in the heart of the city is your onestop 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 Meet your professional care providers: Dentists: Janette Wilcox, Amy Langfield & Pierre Gill Hygienists: Deborah Pratt & Vikki Neilson Along with the friendly support team of dental assistants, practice manager and receptionists caring for your dental health and well-being. (03) 548 4445 Book Online: www.nelsondental.com 41a Halifax Street, Millers Acre Carpark, Nelson Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY Farming NEW SEASON BEGINS WITH RIGHT TOOLS! Ploughing Champs come to Seddon SOUTH Farming SEASON BEGINS WITHTHE RIGHTTOOLS!PRE-PRUNERS www.tobyrandall.co.nz Toby Randall Southschool vic administrator. Handling pressurehigh 100% locally owned and operated RAYLENE WADSWORTH raylene@waimeaweekly.co.nzPhone:0274589115

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If we don’t make these changes, we won’t have viable businesses going forward. We need to make our business calls on what the consumer is demanding of us now, because eventually carbon neutrality and environmental stewardship will merely be requirements of mar ket access. New Zealand farm ers and food producers have an amazing opportunity within this challenge, but we risk being over taken by other countries if we dil ly dally too long.

Telephone: (03) 548 4445

Meat & Wool Chairperson

Here’s what I took from a few of the sessions:

As someone who spends too much time mulling over jobs on the to do list, I took Mel’s ad vice and spent a bit more time thinking about the jobs we have achieved already. It’s been quite a liberating change of mindset. Mel speaks from experience, be cause it’s her job to advocate in ternationally for New Zealand’s agriculture trade interests from the perspective of a practicing farmer and identifying opportu nities for New Zealand to com mercialise its agricultural exper tise offshore.

Thingsrubbish.become murkier when we add environmental and carbon tunnel vision, reductionist think ing and the pushing of agendas into the mix.

of the speakers, Dan Boulton from Silver Fern Farms, stated that carbon has been the main agenda item of every con

To apply, fill in the form on our website at ReliefIfDonationsserviceHard645,BycentresByByandtasman.govt.nz/mayoral-relief-fundreturniteitheremailtoMayoralRelief@ncc.govt.nzdroppingitintoanyofourservicemailtoNelsonCityCouncil,POBoxNelson7040.Freepost76919copiesarealsoavailableatallourcentres.arewelcometoo!youwishtodonatemoneytotheFund,pleaseusetheNelson

Most important is your own personal health and wellbeing. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed there is someone you can talk to confidentially, you can call or text 1737 for 24/7 for Wellbeingsupport.

If you have concerns about farm livestock or pets, please contact MPI (Ministry of Primary Industries) on 0800 00 83 33 or the SPCA on 03 547 7171.

A lot has happened in the Nelson Tasman region over the past few weeks, and one question you may find yourself asking is where can I find the latest information?

You can also use Antenno to send us a quick and easy report of any issues you spot around the District.

We are allowing free tipping of flood-damaged material at our Resource Recovery Centres at Richmond, Mariri and Tākaka.

Lately, our Biosecurity Team have been observing a change in the seasonal behaviour of some of our target pest plants. The team operates on a yearly weed calendar, where characteristics are influenced by the seasons. We use these seasonal influences to our advantage, because they make some target species visible at all (e.g. annual plants) or easier to detect (e.g. plants only identifiable when flowering or dropping leaves).

Roading

August 2022 Weather Event

Variegated Thistle – Eradication Species

In 2021, Biosecurity Officers discovered mature, flowering thistles in July, an absolute first. This year, we have been notified of further instances of this by landowners. Due to its rapid growth, we may eventually be required to check sites several times within an extending season, to ensure we catch both early and later plants before they drop seed. With a 20-year seed life, this is pretty important!

Variegated thistle is one such annual plant, targeted because it can become a serious pasture pest. This prickly pest usually germinates in September, grows rapidly and produces many fluffy seeds.

Our contractors continue to work to restore damaged roads after the storm, however due to the number of slips, washouts and other damage, this is going to take a long time.

Nelson City and Marlborough District Councils also use Antenno, so you can get notified about different areas across Te Tauihu (top of the South).

Taiwan Cherry – Eradication Species

Youabout.can save multiple areas such as your

Free dumping of flooddamaged household materials

You may be eligible for additional financial support from Ministry of Social Development, you can call 0800 559 009 for further details.

home, work and school.

Climbing Spindleberry – Eradication Species

Old man’s beard is a deciduous vine which usually drops it’s leaves as soon as winter makes itself known. Currently we are in July, and the team is still seeing many old man’s beard plants either in full leaf or only just starting to yellow off. If this trend continues, smothered trees that are able to gain a small reprieve from old man’s beard during the winter will be further impacted.

Pest weeds take advantage of the warmer seasons

The254

There will be a lot of heavy machinery out there so please take extra care on our roads, drive to the conditions, observe all temporary speed restrictions and don’t forget to give our traffic management teams a smile and a wave at road works sites.

Antenno is free and an easy way to get notifications straight to your phone about things affecting areas you are concerned

Taiwan cherry is only distinguishable from the many other prunus species when it is in flower, due to it’s unmistakeable raspberry coloured, bell shaped blossoms. The team usually head out in August/September to carry out annual Taiwan cherry surveillance. This year, the first Taiwan cherry tree was spotted beginning to flower in early June! In this case, early flowering is more help than hindrance for the team.

AdvertFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 25

Are you looking for specific information such as road closures? Visit stateconditionsWakaroads,andwhichThemaps.conditionstasman.govt.nz/road-fortwointeractivefirstoneisaCouncilmapshowstheroadclosuresconditionsofallourlocalandthesecondisaKotahimapshowingtheandclosuresofthehighways.

City Council bank account: 03-07030325055-00 with the reference ‘Mayoral Relief Fund’.

• Visit our website, tasman.govt.nz.

support is also available by calling Rural Support Trust on 0800 787

Mayoral Relief Fund is open to Tasman District and Nelson City residents, ratepayers or business owners, and not-for-profit organisations who have suffered personal financial hardship because of the flood event that began on 17 August 2022.

We have three key channels that we keep up to date with information when we have a weather event or other emergency – our website, our Facebook page and Antenno.

Residents will need to complete a declaration form with their details and produce some form of identification like a driver’s licence or utility bill. They will have to sign that if their insurance pays out, they will pay for the tip fees then.

The fund helps on a one-off basis for extraordinary circumstances, where real need can be shown and is a last resort measure when people have exhausted other appropriate sources such as Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ), the Rural Support Trust, EQC and other government agencies.

WHAT YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW

This inconspicuous climbing vine is only identifiable during a brief window when it’s leaves turn a distinctive yellow just before they drop. This can also be timed with the change in colour of grape vines. This year, Biosecurity Officers visited known sites in May, only to find very few of the sites had turned. We have had to revisit sites and are finding plants in July that should be well past the leaf dropping phase. These plants still have yellow leaves attached. When there is only a small window of opportunity in an extending period of time it makes our job much harder.

For insurance queries, call your insurance company or broker directly and take as many photos of any damage as you can.

Old Man’s Beard – Sustained Control (Golden Bay and Upper Buller)

All donations are eligible for a donation tax credit.

• Follow our Facebook page, facebook.com/ •TasmanDistrictCouncil.DownloadtheAntenno app from the app store on your mobile phone.

• offered or working in a role on Tier 1 or Tier 2 of INZ’s “Green List” and who meet the requirements of the list; or • paid twice the median wage (currently $55.52 per hour).

Talk to us

The instruments under the RMA, including a policy state ment on freshwater manage ment, and an environmental standard relating to plantation Inforestry.additional regulations around large-scale land use changes came into effect in re cent years. These instruments along with other legislation relating to river controls is pri marily administered by region al and district councils, leaving the responsibility of managing rivers largely under council control.

At the time a Tier 2 “Green List” Work to Residence application is submitted, INZ is very likely to review the worker’s employ ment-related documentation from the preceding two years.

What do employers need to do?

It will be critical to ensure employment documentation meets INZ requirementsboth to support the employee’s residence application, and to avoid INZ potentially raising any issues with the employing en tity’s practices.

Who is responsible for river management?

via the umbrella effect. Forestry achieves this by inter cepting rainfall, increasing the water lost from plants to the air, reducing soil moisture, and increasing the permeability of Onsoils.farmland, the use of ripar ian planting reduces surface run-off into waterways and filters run-off before it reaches waterways. This proves the ad vantages of using plantings and forestry to protect catchments from flooding, as long as these activities do not contribute to debris in waterways.

Anna and the team are land development experts and can help with all your resource consent needs around the farm.

The Wairau River has a normal flow of around 120 m3/s, but can easily vary between 70 –170 m³/s. During flood flows in July 2021, the river reached a flow of over 5,000 m3/s and at the time of writing of this article, the river is flowing over 4,000 m3/s and clearly causing damage to adjoining land and putting pressure on stopbanks. This poses the question, who is responsible for managing catchments to avoid, and miti gate damage and loss from these flood flows? Is it landowners’ responsibility, or Councils? Flooding events can disrupt farming activities, damage crops, close roads and cause slips, particularly in remote and vulnerable areas like Wairau Valley, the Marlbor ough Sounds or State Highway 6 between Blenheim and Nel son. This can cause a direct dis ruption to farming activities or indirect disruption through the prevention of access of stock or milk Giventrucks.theproperty damage and lost income generated by flood, Marlborough District Councils 2022/2023 expenditure of $12.3 million on flood protection, control and storm water man agement seems appropriate in

• genuine and compliant with New Zea land employment and immigration law.

If you would like in-depth immigration or employment advice, or further in

• in a role with a job description that meets INZ’s job classification/description for the role on the “Green List”;

• full time, for at least 30 hours per week;

LAVINIA ASKIN Senior Solicitor Pitt & Moore

In addition, the employing entity must be

Oscar Savage is a Graduate Planner at Baseline Group Marlborough. 027 390 0204

At the time of submitting their residence application, the migrant worker must:

Dairy Cattle Farmer (Dairy Farm Manag er, Assistant Dairy Farm Manager, Dairy Herd Manager).

Positively, INZ has recognised the skill shortage in the farming industry, with some agricultural roles included in Tier 2 of INZ’s “Green List”. This means migrant workers in these roles are potentially eligi ble for a Work to Residence pathway and can apply for residence after two years, backdated from 29 September 2021.

Much like INZ’s Skills Shortage Lists, the “Green List” will evolve, with jobs being added and removed from time to time.

• have completed 24 months of work in New Zealand on a Tier 2 Green List oc •cupation;be55or younger; and

PLANNING | SURVEYING | ENGINEERINGENGINEERINGSURVEYINGPLANNINGHORIZONTALLOCKUPVERTICALLOCKUP P. 03 578 7299 anna@blg.nz www.blg.nz MARLBOROUGH SUBDIVISIONS AND BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS WATER PERMITS SEPTIC TANK EARTHWORKSDISCHARGESCONSENTS Outstanding in the field of SPRING SOWING DELIVERED NATIONWIDE WITHIN 4-5 DAYS OF ORDERING Ryegrass Clover & Brassica Mixes Barley - Oats - Pea Options Phone 03 324 3951 or Nick 022 083 3579 www.cridgeseeds.co.nz 26 September 2022 News Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

formation about the content of this arti cle, please get in touch with me at Pitt & Moore on (03) 5488349.

Tier 2 agricultural roles currently include:

What does the migrant worker need to demonstrate?

• meet the qualification/work experience requirements of the “Green List” (noteDairy Cattle Farmers must demonstrate a minimum of three years’ experience working on a commercial farm in a rele vant role);

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances.

Councilcontext. spend this money on flooding controls such as the upkeep of stop banks, and the maintenance of the Rural Drainage Chanel Network on the Wairau Floodplain. The Drainage Chanel Network in Marlborough consists of 160 kilometres of drains and sched uled watercourse working with 24 rural flood protection drain age and pump systems. This drainage network provides a pathway for surface run-off to be directed towards rivers with a large enough floodway to deal with the volumes and avoid the inundation of the productive land of the Wairau Plain.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has re cently created a new residence category, available to individuals:

It is often the goal of migrant workers to secure residence for themselves and their family in New Zealand. The ability to offer employment with a potential pathway to residency is becoming increasingly im portant to retain key migrant staff in the current labour market.

• permanent employment, or for a fixed term of at least 12 months at the time the residence application is made; and

New pathways to residence for migrant workers

Council also manages grav el extraction to maintain the volume of the river channels as flood flows are constantly bringing material down from the headwaters in braided riv ers like the Wairau River. Aside from urban and lowland flood management, rural land use has a part to play in the management of flood waters, given the headwaters of catch ments have a proportionately greater effect on catchments than lowlands and plains. For example, a catchment cover of forestry reduces peak flow of water during large rain events and protects soil from erosion

an Accredited Employer with INZ at the time the residence application is submit ted. In some instances, employers may need to assist the employer with obtaining an Accredited Employer Work Visa prior to submission of the residence application.

• meet INZ’s English language, health, and character requirements.

OSCAR SAVAGE

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

For the residence application to be suc cessful, employment must be:

Contact our friendly team today on 03 572 5173 Renwick or 03 544 5936 Richmond tractorrepairs.co.nz Now is the time to get your orders in for 2023 delivery of your Massey Ferguson and Fendt Tractors Contact our sales team today to order tractors to your exact specifications, and take advantage of our Indent order program until the end of September. TRS has limited supply of both FMR R Series and V Series sprayers available for the upcoming spray season Contact our Renwick or Richmond branches today for more information. AdvertFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 27

In its sixth successful year, organ isers hope this bi-annual event, to be held at the Greymouth Aero drome on October 14 and 15, will be the biggest yet.

rural sector or not.” Co-director, Anna Marie Thompson says the team have been preparing for the better part of a year and they are keen to get things underway.

The uniqueness of AgFest lies in the fact that it has grown to be the largest single event on the West Coast and that there is something for everyone at the venue.

October 14th - 15th www.agfest.co.nz2022

Hitting the aerodrome this Oc tober, AgFest West Coast 2022 is set to be a boomer weekend with over 400 trade and food stalls, competitions, entertainment and all things agricultural to entertain its attendees.

“It has been many months of hard yakka and pretty full on. We were initially going to host AgFest in April, but covid has really dis rupted things. We pushed the

nificance to all businesses on and around the Coast.

“AgFest is a great family day out for the whole wider communi ty. Our exhibitors come from all over the country. We have a fair ground, food stalls, a creative gumboot competition, enter tainment from New Zealand’s leading country rock artist Cam Scott, an AgChef ‘cook-off’, and a host of other activities planned.

After cancellations and post ponements hampered the sum mer line-up, organisers are ex cited to finally showcase the big event. “Come along to AgFest West Coast and you’ll experience every inch of farming in New Zealand from the latest in dairy sheds to the best gumboots to wear in them. You’ll see the lat est in farming vehicles and im plements, stock care, health and safety, and much more.

Organised by a core group of four, husband and wife team Andy and Anna Marie Thomp son and Tracey Anderson and Adam Berry, the idea was born when the team were approached by local agriculture firms to put together a collaborative ‘field day’

Greymouth Aerodrome

event to October to work in with the farming calendar, so we opt ed for between the end of calving and the start of mating season! Yes, covid has been disruptive but we are not going to let it get in our way!”

The team behind AgFest West Coast work tirelessly along with staff and contractors to bring

THIS RangioraWEEKENDShowgrounds,AshleyStreet,RangioraFriday10amtolateSaturday10amtolateSunday10amto4pm Covid Rules Apply 2434496 Yummy Food - Hot dogs, Chips, Candy floss 32 King Edward St, Mouteka 03 528 9065 www.motfarm.co.nz Come and see us at our stand at the AgFest Greymouth 14-15 October Ag GreymouthFest14-15October2022 28 September 2022 Feature Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

And Philip Duncan, head weath er analyst and owner of Weather Watch and Jamie Mackay from Newstalk ZB’s Country Show will both be in attendance.”

the event to the region and get huge enjoyment in building and presenting the experience. Rec ognising the importance of the agricultural sector on the West Coast, they say it is a wonder ful opportunity to showcase the very best of what the rural sector has to offer and to celebrate the agricultural industry and its sig

AgFest West Coast promises that this is an event that will hold hours of interest for every per son in your family regardless of whether you directly work in the

Need extra water to get you through the hot summer Fleximonths?Tanks NZ oﬀers a range of Water storage bladders that can store from 1,000 litres to 2 million litres. Ideal for ConstructionViticulture,Horticulture,Agriculture,andFireSERIOUS WATER STORAGE! See you atthe WestAgfestCoast Made in Canterbury New Zealand Puttees, Chaps, Radio Harness, Swag, Saddle Bags, and custom-made www.mountainhighclothing.co.nzitems E: info@mountainhighclothing.co.nz | P: 03 614 7731 FeatureFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 29 for the West Coast. Originating in Hokitika in 2011, numbers soon outgrew the venue and Grey District Council offered the use of Greymouth Aerodrome as its new home. “When we initially started promoting the first event back in 2011 we were hoping for around 40 exhibitors, but before we even had a decision meeting we already had 80 exhibitors booked. It just grew from Seeingthere.” exponential growth

hospitality is.

“This is part of who we are. You come to AgFest and we will look after you!”

VISIT ME AT THE AGFEST

The Greg DalyTeam www.gregdalyrealestate.co.nz Real Estate Agent REAA 2008 Office Phone 003 762 6463 We look forward to seeing you at AG FEST 2022 Check out our exciting new season farm listings Coast company looking after Coasters GM463307A combined service to farmers on the West Coast

Event goers, both rural and urban, are going to be wowed by what they see. The new and improved all weather ground with gravel lane ways will promise to make both exhibitors and event-goers time spent at the event more enjoyable. The Park and Ride service makes getting around a breeze, there will be food sites to tempt every palette, and along the way there is a huge community involvement with many local groups and charities

“However, 2018 was a mudfest. We had a torrential rainstorm and people were needing to get towed out. It was clear that something had to change for us to continue to use that venue in the future. We worked with the local council and they invested $200,000 in infrastructure starting with setting up permanent grav el roadways. This has hap pened, and the event site is now an all-weather ground.”

Winners take home $2000 worth of prizes and the bragging rights for Top Chef of the event. The Creative Gumboot competition has some amazing prizes up for grabs in each category and is open to entrants aged preschool through to adult. An after function in the style of Friday Night drinks will show out-of-town exhibi tors what true West Coast

As well as having one of the largest dis

The rest, as Andy says, is history. The organisers un derstand what it takes to put together a bit of mag ic boasting that their first year saw a couple from their children.successfullythecompetitionsBachelor/BacheloretteheldatoneoforiginalAgFestevents,goonandhave

30 September 2022 Feature Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

Set to sizzle in 2022, the popular AgChef West Coast competition, one of the shows highlight events, starts with pre-registered competitors bringing their home-made dishes to Grey High for judging. The top ten dishes will go through to the second round in the form of a live ‘cook-off’ on October 8, at 10am. Finalists will then head to the main stage at AgFest on Saturday October 15, to produce a dish of their choice from a mystery box of ingredients.

within the first three years, the team were excited to host AgFest in Greymouth for the first time.

light for the team as a whole. “Hosting the event here on the coast means a lot for the region. The majority of our ex hibitors come from away, which in turn boosts the local economy. We get a lot of Cantabrians and Nelsonians coming over for the day or the weekend, catching up with family and spending time in the re gion. The community also gets involved in so many different ways, for example, the local Karate Club is doing security, and for some organisations being part of the event can be their single biggest fundraiser for the year.“

October 14th - 15th www.agfest.co.nz2022

Greymouth Aerodrome

Having a strong community presence is a personal high

plays of agri-businesses and technologies there will be a host of other activities for those attending to get involved in at the 2022 AgFest West Coast.

Greymouth Aerodrome

October 14th - 15th www.agfest.co.nz2022

FeatureFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 31

by CP Limeand

promised to be the best ever AgFest. There are some great features this year you won’t want to miss!”

“If you haven’t booked your site and confirmed your spot

organisers encourage people to secure their tickets via the website or contact the team to secure an exhibitors site.

at Agfest yet, now is the time! Sites are filling up fast, but we will do our best to accommodate you. We still have a limited number of Sponsorships available if you would like more vis ibility for your business at the event. These range from Street names, to gold, silver and bronze options.” Call Andy on 0274 323 611 or Tracey on 0275 223 111 to discuss this further,

“We would love to see as many of our out-of-town friends come on down and enjoy the event. You will not be disappointed!”

Admission to AgFest is just $10, pri mary school children $5, and under 5s are www.agfest.co.nzfree.

Hoping to beat the 20,000 turnout from the last event,

or email westcoastagfest@gmail.com.’

You’ll find a healthier world (and profits) at our site at Agfest.

“Ifbenefiting.you’rea farmer, a lifestyler, or you already know what a legendary couple of days out this event is, be sure to head over to the Coast for what is

It’s not them or us when it comes to your favourite activity. Those constructing plans and policies to return New Zealand to its indigenous state also need to start factoring in the values (both, economic and recreational) and opportunities all species have and weigh this against the impact they have on an idealised indige nous utopia. There is a discussion to be had about the values of par ticular species, how they interact with other species, and what New Zealanders are prepared to sacri fice to have these areas returned to their indigenous state.

WEST COAST

Coasters enjoy this opportunity, visitors are now aware of the easy access and world class opportuni ties in New Zealand with visiting anglers and hunters now some of our most affluent and financial visitors to the region.

In some ways, the disjointed and differing legislation for the differ ent species precludes a common voice for hunting and fishing as a valued recreational use of the regions public land and species, despite it being a significant con tributor to regional lifestyles. A quick look through any classified ad will tell you that the largely in tact West Coast environment and the opportunities it provides is a big drawcard for job recruitment on the coast. What can we do about it our Avoidselves? the rhetoric and listen to the science before jumping on the ‘blame train’. The issues in our natural environment are com plex and ultimately result from

Photo: File.

Fish and Game is a statutory en tity established under the Conser vation Act to “manage, maintain, and enhance the sportsfish and game resource in the recreational interests of anglers and hunters”. They receive no government fund ing and are solely funded by licence sales in a user pays, user says sys tems where anglers, hunters and an Iwi representative govern.

ational and commercial opportu nity is elaborate to say the least. Often for commercial purposes, species such as exotic grasses, cattle, sheep and salmon were introduced, with other species such as trout and deer also ‘nat uralised’ to provide recreational opportunities following egalitar ian principles of providing for all.

In recent years West Coast hunt ers and anglers could be left feel ing a little hard done by regula Withtors. local West Coast commu nities being largely rural we still retain a strong connection to the environment. The natural envi ronment is highly utilised and re garded for its ability to provide a sustainable harvest of numerous species. Be it a seasonal taste of game meat, or the spring influx of whitebait, we certainly have ready access to some exceptional gourmet Unfortunately,experiences.thissmall recre ational take of both native and naturalised species does not re ceive much attention in planning and legislative controls placed on both the environment and the species themselves. In a popula tion and voting sense the West Coast region is minor in the larg er NZ environmental planning

Fish and Game will continue to champion sustainable harvest from the natural environment in the interests of anglers and hunt ers. We will also look for oppor tunities to compromise and get wins for both the environment and the people who live on the ‘coast so that we can not just live but prosper in ‘New Zealand’s last best place’.

Suppliers of all grades of industrial and household coal • West Coast sub-bituminous coal with low ash, low sulphur and clean burning qualities • High grade West Coast bituminous low ash coal • Premium grades available for your boiler or multi fuel burner • Bagged coal from 20kg to 1 tonne • Bulk deliveries • Coal storage in the Canterbury region for continuity of supply Give Mark a call on 027 531 0998 for a competitive price to have your coal delivered direct from our mines to your Phoneplace.0800 110 602 Email mark@birchfieldcoal.co.nz www.birchfieldcoal.co.nz 32 September 2022 West Coast Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

increased numbers of people competing for a limited resource. Sometimes just listening to the reasoned arguments for a partic ular action with an open mind will provide insights. Generally, a compromise is possible that en sures what we have now can con tinue to be sustainably harvested into the future whilst protecting and enhancing the environment for other species, commercial activity, and in turn prosperous ChallengeCoasters. bad arguments and negativity. We’ve all heard it… such and such is to blame for the poor catch this season, whilst in the back of our minds we know it is not that simple and natural populations are cyclic and re sponsive to numerous factors such as weather/climate, inter species interactions, hunting/ fishing pressure, effort, distur bance, disease…you name it. Maintain a common voice that champions sustainable harvest from the natural environment whilst allowing for commercial activity. Pitting one against the other in a divide and conquer strategy is rife in the planning and regulatory environment. Cities are championing recre ational activities such as cycling, walking and visiting local parks but regionally we also need to champion recreational harvest from the natural environment as an important part of our lifestyle.

Current goals to rid New Zealand of introduced naturalised species and return areas to their indige nous state is proving both contro versial and divisive. Yes, in some instances, we are still paying the price for historical introductions, which were made in good faith to further the opportunities for all New Zealanders.

New Zealand’s history of intro ducing species to provide recre

DEAN KELLY Fish and Game West Coast

Despitesector. value being placed on both indigenous and valued nat uralised species for recreational harvest in the recent New Zea land Biodiversity Strategy, de cisions on issues such as Tahr control, whitebaiting regulations and the continued vilification of other naturalised species such as sportsfish and deer indicate that those seeking a ‘feed’ and some healthy outdoors activity receive scant regard from a largely urban national perspective.

Opinion: Our naturalised West Coast environment

Remember though, Coaster’s themselves are part of the envi ronment and should be able to prosper and live here, not just en joyed by visitors.

To this day though, many West Coasters are still enjoying the recreational opportunities the current assemblage of naturalised and indigenous species provide and use our public lands for more than just viewing and travelling through. In fact, not just West

Anyone aged between 18-31 can join the West Coast Young Farm ers Club - to learn more you can do so by emailing westcoast@young farmers.co.nz or visiting their Facebook page.

Hosting the Moonlight Hall Country Ball. Photo: Supplied.

Young Farmers Club flourishing

West CoastFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 33

WEST COAST

Almost a year since re-igniting, the lapsed Young Farmers Club on the West Coast, the group is flourish ing. Chair person for the group, Jennifer Grubb says she and a few others put out a call to other young rural people in the area to see if they could re-establish the club. They held a launch event last Oc tober and there was a good turnout of young farming people, ru ral professionals and other trades, giving enough momentum to get Theunderway.group meets on the first Mon day of the month, rotating between Hokitika, Greymouth, Ikamatua and Moana, usually meeting at a hotel where they have a meal and time to socialise. They’ve also held a 4x4 event in May and very recently a “Country Ball” in the old Moon light Hall which was sponsored by West Coast Rural Support Trust and was a huge success. Around a hundred people aged from late teens to their 70’s danced the night

away to the music of well-known Coaster and Country Singer Jody Direen. Catering was provided by the Moonlight Hall committee. The group has more events planned over the coming months to get young people off farm to mix with other like-minded peo ple. On September 18th they are hosting a Young Farmers paintball competition at Kaiata. This will see clubs from around the region bat tling it out for an ultimate winner. They also plan to get involved with preliminary events for the Young Farmer of the Year competition, learning new skills and meeting up with other clubs. Jennifer says, be ing involved with the group helped her to make friends she would nev er have connected with otherwise.

With only a history of limited examples when such provisions need to operate, a better approach would have been to first work with farmers for them to suggest ac ceptable solutions to potential problems. Such consultation would have produced a basically acceptable draft bylaw and avoid ed all the current time and cost resources at farmer, staff and councillor level.

Tasman’s draft Stock Control and Droving bylaw

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leased a press statement and was interviewed on the radio, and Cherrie Chubb attended a Tas man Council Community Board meeting to raise Federated Farm ers concerns over the proposed Webylaw.have undertaken a compre hensive review of the draft by-law, and have sought the following •changesRemove the requirement for holding stock back from en trances, when livestock are being moved across or along the road (Council had proposed a 50m set •back).Remove the requirement for

Presidents Stephen Todd (Nelson) and Cherrie Chubb (Golden Bay) along with Provincial Exec members and the

Feds Regional Policy team met with Council staff during the con sultation phase, to discuss their

As you may have heard, Tasman Council notified a new Stock Control and Droving by-law in June as their last by-law lapsed five years ago and farmers have been freely droving stock on roads in Tasman and Golden Bay since that time. This by-law contains some impractical and unworkable rules. Federated Farmers (Nelson, and Golden Bay) have made a combined submission on the pro posed Stock Control and Droving ProvincialBy-law.

GARRICK BATTON

but as has been typical of recent years, this was introduced at their busiest time of the FFyear.considers the draft proposal as inade quate with likely litigation from increased uncertainty and regulatory overreach. Ex amples are unworkable SNA assessment criteria, pursuing protection outside SNAs and ludicrous revegetation targets, so farmers disproportionately shoulder the protection Consequently,burden.councils are trying to work out ways to satisfy such legislative require ments imposed by government and largely out of their control. So more staff, more costs and more rates. One approach is to try and develop a strategy to create policy decisions by working cooperatively with landowners, agencies, the community and funders. This would agree priority actions and established workable relationships. But that needs rural input and why FF has a critical role. Farmers do not have the time or sometimes ability to adequately review the information deluge provided,

So it is encouraging that a lesson may have been learnt and that there could be more cooperative change in the consultation process for the NPS IB and other impend ing legislation to encourage knowledge able rural input to build the necessary lo cal regulations, before first deciding what they are and defending that.

Despite no formal meeting in August, and the next one on 22 September, there was plenty of action at various levels nationally and Presidentlocally.Stephen Todd and his execu tive - all volunteers - continue to grapple on behalf of all farmers with the changing bureaucratic regulations to satisfy political Aagendas.goodexample is dairy farmers required to meet a legislated deadline to report syn thetic nitrogen fertiliser use. Except that despite doubling staff numbers, MfE had not designed reporting systems, so they just extended the time and specifically left it to councils and farmers to manage. And their seasonal physical, social, financial and emotional challenges continue and need to be recognised, let alone from the Rightrain.

droving permits – and instead, enable farmers to choose from a list of safety practices, which can be applied depending on the type of livestock movement they are •conducting.Removelimits on the number of livestock able to be moved – it is more about the safe and efficient movement of livestock along or across the road.

So input from the Nelson executive, local farmers and expensive contributions from HO policy staff produced a submission that supported practical proposals with positive suggestions for improvement, but opposed or suggested amendments to the vast majority of the draft.

Photo: File.

now the government is trying to fi nalise an NPS for Indigenous Biodiversity and a key stakeholders group is farmers,

ing mayor and councillors who can bring a real perspective to rural and farm life and Abusinesses.classiclocal example that the province has been grappling with is the draft stock droving bylaw because someone decid ed that it was needed, despite the last one lapsing five years ago. There seemed to be two backgrounds underlying this draft. The first was that non-farmers knew more about moving livestock than farmers. But it was never clear whether objectives were health and safety of farmers and their an imals that they work with all day and ev ery day. Or undefined excess road surface fouling that is ignored by construction traffic movement in a muddy winter. Or ensuring water quality standards from stock movements. Or safety of other road users. Or meant for driving animals along roads (which is droving), crossing roads, or alongside roads.

Nelson Federated Farmers August 2022 Report

concerns over the proposed by Additionally,law. Stephen Todd re

So the draft had solutions for all these and for all the possible objectives. Plus the need for possible permits and fees.

even assuming an adequate internet con Farmersnection. keep showing that they can oper ate within regulations by education with scientific facts and better use of commu nications. They can point out positive benefits and consequent negatives if they have the opportunity to continue increas ing overseas income from currently 72% of exports. As someone said at a recent meet ing, the average annual cafe consumption of over $2,000 per head is circular cafe businesses productivity and not for the ex port income to pay for the coffee. These issues also need understanding around the council table. If there ever was a time it is now to elect councillors who understand all aspects of the regional economy and environment from producers’ points of view. It has never been more important to en sure those who give up so much to act on our behalf are successful at the upcom ing TDC elections. The critical decisions ahead need support from an understand

• References to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater, and Te Mana o Te Wai need to be deleted from the bylaw (as these are yet to be addressed through the Re source Management Act regional freshwater planning process).

milk would be processed at Fonter ra’s Darfield site, which was in line with the co-op’s long-term strate gy, Fonterra chief operating officer Fraser Whineray said. “We know milk supply is declining over time, so we need to make sure we’re get ting the most out of every drop of milk and optimising our plants to match both consumer demand and available milk supply.

David Harwood

Community minded Harwood family

I welcome your call for a no obligation appraisal

Competitive commission and marketing tailor made to your individual requirements.

Trucking Company driv ers brave the hassles of trans porting these lambs through two major un-bridged river crossings encountering swol len rivers, tide levels and poor narrow road conditions plus the likelihood of on coming traffic. A six wheeler tow truck, car rying fertilizer or lime, is used to pull the stock liner through

I welcome your call for a no obligation appraisal and any advice I can give you.

Arthur D. Harwood whose name the family business still operates under today was the second generation (Davids fa ther,) who founded the farm ing side of business. Since then each generation has added on something new to the family business. The family now runs 900 dairy cows, 2500 deer and 12,000 sheep which includes finishing 8000 lambs out at their Te Tai Tapu property at Turi mawaiwai River for the Taylor Preston, Fresh Chill Market. The West Coast property is 9km long and approximately, 3 km wide, 760 hectares. Being typi cal West Coast, spring growth is very slow because of the strong westerly winds, so the Upper Takaka property is used to fin

The company is still working through what to do with the facil Fonterraity.

Competitive commission and marketing tailor made to your individual requirements.

the rivers and steeper inclines of the access road. It is loaded with sand for the return jour ney. Truck access is always a Itschallenge!alastbastion he says the ter rain is quite spectacular with huge sand dunes and wide open sea coast plus more river crossings for the recreationalist, campers, trampers and 4wheel drive enthusiasts, quad bikes and two wheelers all enjoy the area as well as the White-bait

I have been living and working locally since 2008.

Use my experience, honesty, integrity and work ethic to deliver you the highest value for your number one asset.

also plans to stop mak ing milk powder at its Brightwater plant near Nelson in April 2023, affecting 28 jobs. The company would shift milk processing from the small ageing plant at Brightwa ter to its bigger Darfield site near Christchurch in April next year, Fonterra chief operating officer Fraser Whineray

TASMAN

Professionalism | Knowledge | Competitive Pricing 0800 542 383 Dean 027 431 4090 Ben 027 571 6003 TasmanFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 35

Thesaid. move meant

Use my experience, honesty, integrity and work ethic to deliver you the highest value for your number one asset.

I have been living and working locally since 2008.

Use my experience, honesty, integrity and work ethic to deliver you the highest value for your number one asset.

CompetitiveProfessionalismKnowledgePricing M 027 543 2280 douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz M 027 543 2280 douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

David Harwood is one of a string of community minded Harwoods associated with Up per DavidTakaka.andhis family generously allow public access on the Taka ka Hill Walkway and on their Turimawaiwai River property on the West Coast. David says his grandfather, James Septimus Harwood came to the Farewell Spit Lighthouse in Golden Bay back in 1866 from the Taiaroa Heads Lighthouse in Otago. It wasn’t until 1898 that he ar rived in Upper Takaka when he purchased the accommodation house at the foot of the Takaka Hill. The property was an over night stop for travellers in those Jamesdays. pulled the Accommoda tion House down and re-built what became known as “the Rat Trap,” opening it in 1903 and burned down in 1994.

Iners.the 30 years of ownership rescues of all sorts have taken place. A number of vehicles have been lost or drowned in these rivers, unable to be re trieved much to the consterna tion of the owner especially if it is a brand-new vehicle. The rescue helicopter plays a big part in ferrying the injured mo tor bikers to Nelson which has become too common in recent Originallytimes. in pre-European times the area had a thriving Pa but in 1833 marauding tribes from Taranaki massacred every living soul over fishing rights. Patarau, David says means; many, many dead. It’s said there was a population of around a 1000 people living there. Gold Mining followed when the area was sold to an Australian Com pany who named the property the ‘Tai Tapu Estate.’ There were several other owners until the Harwood family took on the property over thirty years ago.

The Fonterra plant at Brightwater.

ish lambs in the slow growth periods. Two truck and trailer loads of 1400 are sent to Tay lor-Preston in July and a similar number in September. The bal ance sent to market in October to Upper Takaka, where they are rested and sent to Welling ton the next day, sometimes a week later. Turimawaiwai is at the end of the road beyond Pa tarau on the Westcoast where David says, “the weather is ei ther heaven or earth or hell on earth because of the wind.” For the past thirty years David has travelled out to the Te Tai Tapu farm almost every week where aided by staff they do the stock

Fonterra plant closes

The Tuamarina plant was opened in 2005 to concentrate milk and re duce onward cartage to its Clande boye Plant. Further environmental requirements mean the out of date plant does not meet current strate gic planning goals.

I welcome your call for a no obligation appraisal and any advice I can give you.

Fonterra has announced it will be closing its ageing Tuamarina plant and transferring current activities to the Brightwater Plant.

Introducing Doug Smith

Solly’swork.

“Part of Fonterra’s long-term strat egy was to direct more milk into its food service and consumer busi ness, less into Ingredients, and in some cases, to divert product away from the Global Dairy Trade auc tion, Whineray said. This, along with forecast capital and main tenance costs, meant the co-op had to make the “tough decision” to close the milk powder plant at Brightwater, he said.

Photo: File.

Introducing Doug Smith

The right people bringing the best advice to the table. Talk to your local Rural Sales Specialist Andy Poswillo about maximising your sale potential. Get in touch on 027 420 4202 or email andy.poswillo@colliers.com Rural & Agribusiness Marlborough Rural Realty Limited T/A Colliers. Licensed REAA 2008 36 September 2022 Marlborough Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

Formerams.

The big underlying but ignored, issue in the “Three Waters” Bill is the co-governance aspect said Marlborough Federated Farm ers president Scott Adams to the monthly “Everyone’smeeting.equal and represen tation should not be on ethnic lines,” said president Scott Ad

Rural Women

Marlborough Federated Farm ers Dairy Section chairman Evan White, in his report to the monthly Marlborough Federat ed Farmers Meeting, said the effects of the introduction of foot and mouth disease would be devastating on the economy.

president and Waiho pai farmer Geoff Evans said “one person, one vote” should be the norm. “The notion that because of colour of skin a person knows more about the environment than generations of high country farmers, as in my family’s case, doesn’t sit well with me,” he said.

Marlborough Roads

Co-Goverance of Three Waters and other bodies questioned

one delegate said the Marlbor ough District Council had done a sterling job in opposing Three ScottWaters.Adams said while he ap plauded council’s stand it seemed to be based largely on opposing Entity C which put Marlborough (and part of Nelson and Tasman) in with Wellington and the North Island’s east coast. “They’re only fighting part of it but people seem afraid to address the big bogey of co-governance. As soon as you criticise co-governance, you’re branded a racist. I believe every one is equal regardless of their genetic makeup,” he said.

Rapaura farmer Alister Camp bell said Federated Farmers was a very necessary organisation but the reality is farmers are now a small percentage of the the pop ulation due to marked urbanisa tion. It means reduced political clout he added.

Discussion centred on Marlbor ough’s rural roads and in par ticular the delays in getting the Kenepuru Road fully opened and operational. One delegate described Marlborough Roads as “disappointingly a bureaucratic monster.”

DamienAgriculturetings,eningfocusesaseasefoot-and-mouthland’stherease.foot-and-mouthagainstdisMeasurestofurprotectNewZeaeconomyfromdis(FMD)continuetheGovernmentonstrengthbiosecuritysetBiosecurityandMinisterO’Connor

Scott Adams

“If foot and mouth disease gets here, New Zealanders will really know what a recession is,” he said.

President Scott Ad ams said if foot and mouth enters Australia it is almost inevitable it will get to New Zealand. He said the New Zealand economy was already on shaky ground with New Zealand’s debt dangerously “Farminghigh. remains the backbone of the economy,” he said. “New Zealand had lost tourism - a big earner - and it is farming bearing the brunt of the current load.”

New Zealand has never had an outbreak of foot-and-mouth dis ease (FMD) and is officially rec ognised as MeanwhileFMD-free.government is strengthening protections

Some delegates felt Federated Farmers NZ needed to be more Fieldforthright.officer Harry Matthews said he was getting feedback from farmers who were not members, that they expected Federated Farmers NZ to be stronger in its public advocacy.

“There’s a lot of agnst out there particularly among younger farmers,” he said.

More forthright

Marlborough Rural Women re cently celebrated its 85th birth day. Elections at the AGM re sulted in Dot Dixon elected as president while Bev Black and Ellen Orchard were elected vice-presidents.

The discussion had arisen when

Early European settlers came to New Zealand to escape the feu dal system of the home country and set up an egalitarian soci ety believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and op portunities. “But sadly in recent years we’re heading back to a feudal system based on lineage. It’s now dividing the country and that’s sad,” said Scott.

TONY ORMAN

Foot and Mouth potential threat

Delegates spoke highly of those Marlburians of strong Māori bloodlines. Wairau valley farmer Evan White said as a youngster he had worked with local Māori down at the Wairau Bar.

“Everyone got on fine and we worked as a team,” he said.

said recently.

marlborough

Mark: 021 454 000 Anne: 021 454 731 mark.carey@xtra.co.nz Holdaway Rd, Moutere Nelson 7175 Service - Apple Tree Planter

Although we live in a far off corner of the world our car bon footprint is minimal when compared to European Incountries.theUK the kilograms of Co2 equivalent per tonne f carcass is 2849Kgs.

animal agricul ture also contributes 5.8% of global methane emissions but technologies for altering ru minant physiology in a practi cal manner have not yet been fully investigated.

New Zealand produces 688Kgs equivalent tonnes of Co2 in comparison.Cradle to grave KgsCo2 equivalent/Kg of liveweight in Italy is 17.6

The-26.3.European average is 15.1 while New Zealand is 7.3 -14.1.Incidently Italy leads the world with the highest use of antibiotics incorporated in the

in New Zealand is almost stabilised,with the half life of a methane averaging 6 -8 years,within 12 years 60% will have gone and within 50 years 98% will be gone.

ANDREW RITCHIE

The production of methane

New Zealand, Iceland and Norway are at the other end of the Mostscale.countries are so con cerned about food security that they have not tackled ag ricultural contributions.

For all land development, cultication, direct drilling, re-gassing, mulching, maize planting, apple tree planter, round & medium square hay and baleage production

Got something to buy, sell or promote? Contact us: sales@nmf.co.nz Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

New

Dr Rowarth went on to say, New Zealand farmers are so far ahead of the rest of the world when comparing their global Overall,emissions.thecountry produces less than 0.2% of global emis sions so tends to be omitted from global reports.

the present gov ernment understands or not, 81% of our trade is comprised of our agricultural products. They have nothing else.

A beef animal that is three years old will produce double the amount of greenhouse gas than one that is slaughtered at 18 months of age.

For example in the case of pork products, are the produc ers subject to the same animal welfare regulations, and what subsidies do they receive?

Whethertion.

marlborough

“Farmers should stay away from social media the un truths being told will only de press you,”urged Dr Jacqueline Rowarth an adjunct professor at Lincoln University. She recently spoke to a gath ering of farmers at a dinner hosted by Beef and LambNZ. “Do not believe the stories that veganism is good for you and for the planet. Vegans excrete more greenhouse gases than meat eaters and they are not receiving the essential amino acids, calcium, iron and pro tein provided by meat.”

Approximately three quar ters of global greenhouse gas emissions come from meth ane,approximately 5.8% of the contribution comes from fugitive methane emissions from fossil fuel extraction. The technology exists to limit this but because of the subsidies provided to the industry there is no incentive to invest in the

Coincidentlyscience.

Dr. Jacqueline Rowarth. Photo: Andrew Ritchie.

diet of their animals.

“It is time to congratulate yourselves New Zealand farm ers, you are getting better ev ery day, and remember what I said at the outset, pay no attention to the untruths pro mulgated on social media.”

NOW AT - 2 Warwick St, Mayfield, Blenheim 03 579 2500 Your One Stop Shop! • On Road • Off Road • Vineyard • Farm • Hedge • Lawn • Kea Trailers • Service • Parts • Finance MarlboroughFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 37

Social media is not good for you

RD2 Upper

Email:

Cutting the number of live stock units has been promot ed but this unsurprisingly will result in reduced levels of pro Theduction.Paris agreement, that New Zealand signed up to, spe cifically states that members should do everything they can to reduce greenhouse gases without limiting food produc

“In the meantime would it not be better to put He Waka Eke Noa on hold to allow time for science to catch up and solve the problem.

In contrast New Zealand farmers are having a taxation scheme foisted upon them while other countries contin ue with subsidies for food pro Foodduction.isarriving on our super market shelves at what appears to be a good price and under standably consumers will buy products that look like a good deal,but they might like to ask questions about what caused the price difference.

In the meantime New Zea land farmers have realised that one of the answers to re ducing methane emissions is to produce earlier maturing livestock utilising genetics and better quality feed.

These credits will not have to be paid back at harvest based on the carbon averaging method.

The storms in August has had a wide impact on the forest industry much the same as others. It was great to see that plantation forests fared well in the storm, with all hill country land uses seeing failures – in cluding natives. For PF Olsen, the storm saw isolated slips in forests, predominantly from freshly harvest

August Storm

At this price, an average hectare of farmland in the Top of the South will earn $23,400 worth of carbon credits throughout the first 18 years of the timber crop, followed by log revenue from harvesting 6-10 years after that.

local forestryupdate

Carbon Market

This is a $4 per unit increase since July.

D ForestryStuartLtd MobForestIndependentLogBuyersManagersHarvestingMarketing&EstablishmentPh0354237690212231099 stuartforestry@outlook.co.nz adver tisingpr approve it or submit corrections by the Final Proof Alterations ATOL system at a time that suits you. Just follow the CORRECTIONS button right from there no new emails The Professional Forest Management Company of Choice. PF Olsen is the leading provider of independent professional forestry services in New Zealand. Contact us now for all your forest management needs: • Harvest management and log marketing • Forest establishment and tending • Forest valuations • Due diligence on forest purchases/sales CH-8994297AA Nelson 03 544 0066 Blenheim 03 577 6675 booked size CSQ QUART VE NEM dimensions 12.3X12.4, cms SQUARE proofed 9/06/2021 12:22:08 adver tising Please check your proof carefully and approve it or submit corrections by the Final Yo u can now appro ve or submit changes to your ad within the ATOL system at a time that suits you. in your ad proof email to view your ad, then cl ick the APPROVE or CORRECTIONS button right from thereThe Professional Forest Management Company of Choice. PF Olsen is the leading provider of independent professional forestry services in New Zealand. Contact us now for all your forest management needs: • Harvest management and log marketing • Forest establishment and tending • Forest valuations • Due diligence on forest purchases/sales Nelson 03 544 0066 Blenheim 03 577 6675 customer PF OLSEN & CO LTD (RMD) publishing 06/24/21 booked size CSQ advert ID CH-8994297AA (100%) publication Adv Supp NEM dimensions 12.3X12.4, SQUARE proofed 9/06/2021 The Professional Forest Management Company of choice PF Olsen is the leading provider of independent professional forestry services in New Zealand. Contact us now for all your forest management needs: • Carbon accounting and advice • Harvest management and log marketing • Forest establishment and tending • Forest valuations • Due diligence on forest purchases/sales With 25 years experience in the industry the Tasman Forest Management (TFM) team offer services in: • Forest and woodlot harvesting • Domestic and Export Log Purchase • Forest Establishment • Emissions Trading Scheme advise and management • Forest Valuation • TFM are part of the Forest Management Group with offices throughout the South Island, Hawkes Bay and Southern North Island To find out more www.forestmanagement.co.nz Email: office@tasmanforest.co.nz Nelson 03 540 3177 Blenheim 03 572 7902 38 September 2022 Forestry Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

Planting production forestry on your lowest productivity paddocks to diver sity your investment portfolio. For more information, visit www.pfol sen.com.

creasing shipping rates and low NZD. The log consumption in China is re maining at lower levels due to the severe heatwaves being experienced. We expect prices to improve further in September on the back of further reductions in shipping costs. The un certainty in the Chinese construction sector will be the one to watch over the coming months.

PF Olsen monthly forestry update

ed sites that haven’t yet been revegetat ed. Forest damage was mainly isolated to Nelson and Marlborough region for ests with Tasman getting off lightly in Aftergeneral.the rain has stopped the impact continues with cleanup underway. Clo sures of State Highways 6 and 63 is hav ing a significant impact on the sawmills, as logs are not able to be transported between Nelson and Marlborough to supply the mills. All the major mills have been on reduced hours – this is expected to continue until forest roads and state highways are restored for use.

Log Market

The Nelson log price index in August increased by $4/T, being $1/T above the one-year average and $3/T below the two year average. As to be expected the sawmills demand is coming off historic highs, with con struction activity reducing from the boom of the last two years. Demand is still healthy however and forest owners looking to harvest can still expect good domestic sawmill market access. The export log market has improved by $8/m3 in August as a result of de

As of 25th of August Carbon prices were $85 per NZU.

This year IHC has people calling or phoning farmers to sign up for the scheme or you can call the 0800 422 500 number to learn more.

40th Anniversary of IHC calf scheme

“

19 August. The co-op says this year’s strong dividend is large ly because farmers are adopt

Tasman Farmer Murray King, LIC Chairman. Photo: Supplied.

After two years of M.Bovis and then Covid the organisation was worried about how this would affect the calf scheme, but farmers got in behind the programme and still managed to raise a million dollars to support those peo ple, says Greg Miller, IHC’s co-ordina tor of the programme.

Good quality wool attracts demand

Livestock Improvement Corpo ration (LIC) Board Chair and Tasman dairy farmer, Murray King recommends focusing on better breeding and animal prof itability to maintain income.

their deliveries.

As a farmer-owned co-operative, LIC delivers value to its share holders through world-leading products and services to help im prove their herds, plus an annual dividend which will be paid on

ing premium genetics and herd improvement services to breed more efficient cows with a lighter

market for these improved by a few cents in the Napier auc tion room as a handful of ex porters filled orders.

achieved for the fine Merino types were quot ed post-sale as “extreme” in many cases and above those ruling in Australian broker catalogues the same week.

the 20/21 financial year, the co-op invested $18.2 million into R&D, up from $17.1 million the year prior, maintaining its position as one of the largest pri vate investors in R&D at 6.9% of

– still going strong

Many lines of fleece sampled thus far have also provedattractiveextremely

Finer Halfbred types also sold well in Christchurch, although in comparison ap peared cheaper than those quoted by Australian brokers the same week.

livestock

It’s the calving season. As many farm ers know this is the season when rural communities come together to sup port the IHC Calf and Rural scheme, whereby funds from sales of donated calves are used to support intellec tually handicapped people and their families who live rurally. This year the scheme celebrates its 40th year.

With weather events wreak ing havoc across many parts of New Zealand during the past several weeks, wool qual ity could well suffer into the latter part of 2022. Howev er currently there are some extremely well-grown wool types being received into bro ker wool stores around the South Island.

the past few weeks and despite snow and heavy rain causing issues for grow ers and transport operators in many high-country areas, Merino wool types have be gun to flow into wool stores in Canterbury and Otago.

Onrevenue.sustainability, Murray says the dairy industry needs to keep evolving to meet climate expec “Thetations.production efficiency of every cow in our national dairy herd has never been more im portant. Farmers know that all cows are not equal and it’s good to note they are investing in solu tions to breed the best cows, fast er.”

On the coarse wool front, several exceptionally good lines of pre-lamb fleece have been noted by brokers and exporters, with obvious pre mium prices being paid either through the auction system or via forward contracts agreed Nowearlier.that the fine wool season is well underway throughout Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago, many lines of fleece sampled thus far have also proved extremely attrac tive for style, staple length and tensile strength and, with significant percentages of those types already forward contracted, all parties should be pleased with the quality of

tween 75 and 90 cents clean in some instances) above oth ers of similar length but with higher y minus z colour read Duringings.

At time of writing, South Is land broker catalogues were being collated for the Septem ber 1st auction when larger bale numbers of similar types would be on offer and expec tation was considerably opti Butmistic.back to the recent seri ous weather event and think ing about the probable many tonnes of synthetic flooring which will end up in landfill, and from a selfish wool per spective, wouldn’t it be great to have insurers of recently flood damaged properties specify woollen floor cover ings, manufactured at the very least in New Zealand or Aus tralia, as healthy and sustain able That’sreplacements?myview.

Focus on breeding better cows to maintain income

August, greeted by exporters with sizeable order books to Pricesfill.

“We don’t need to milk more cows, we just need to milk the best cows and we’re really pleased that our farmers are making sol id progress in this space.

environmental footprint.

The most recent Napier auc tion at time of writing (25th August), saw approximately 6700 bales (1300 fewer than originally scheduled) of pre

As earlier eluded, a feature of auction catalogues in the South Island throughout Au gust were some magnificent ly grown full length coarse wool fleece lines, which com manded keen interest miumshealthyachievingOtagoresentingmostlyfarmwell-knownwithexporters,fromseveralbrands,reptheregion,pre(be

Murray says this is very pleas ing, particularly after a year of

slightlyesreservereach18%withexportofferedsecondnewdominantlyseason’ssheartothetrade,aroundfailingtogrowerpricdespiteasofter

The first significant quantities of Merino and finer Half bred types were offered in the Christchurch auction of 18th

What do you do as a parent when you have an intellectually handicapped child who needs extra help and time to raise? The IHC Calf and Rural Scheme helps to support those families.

labour shortages and Covid-19 inflationary pressures and supply Hechallenges.saysLIC’s research is helping to move the dairy industry to ward a nation of top producing, efficient cows, but the work is ex Duringpensive.

LivestockFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 39

“We know bigger animals don’t necessarily mean greater effi ciency relative to liveweight. By identifying high producing cows through genomic evaluation, us ing their DNA to more accurately predict their performance, farm ers can supercharge the whole process of improving their herds and breed the best cows, faster.”

NZD versus its US counterpart, although the Kiwi had appreciated slight ly against both the Euro and GBP since the previous auc tion one week earlier.

The wool auction arena has recently witnessed lesser than anticipated bale volumes coming forward in both the North and South Islands.

Although the market in Napi er could be quoted as “in buy ers’ favour”, most interest for second-shear types was tar geted towards the better style wools of good washing colour and low vegetable matter con Duetamination.tolimited availability of poorer colour fleece types, given the time of year, the

The organisation supplies resources from their library to help parents learn what to expect when a child in their family has a diagnoses. They are there to assist parents with slower learning milestones like toilet training.

Farming in timesdifficult

There’sture. a variety of reasons for the increases including shipping dis ruptions, however manufacturing fertiliser is energy intensive and with crude oil still 60% above that of the last ten years, it would be prudent to expect prices to remain at their present levels, with any re duction an unexpected bonus.

events in the northern parts of the South Island. None of us expected such a major problem. Even now we don’t know the full effects of what this latest weather event will be. Apart from putting back the roading and other infra structure together, the cost on farmers resilience and animal welfare will be huge. If pas ture isn’t covered in silt and has a good root system, they should re cover quite quick ly. Silted ground will take longer.

There is no substitute for fertiliser nitrogen in cropping which is quite different to permanent grazed pas

Take care out there. There are folk who care and will help our valued farmers get through this very difficult sit uation.

For more information contact Pe ter on 0800 843 809.

Biologically crumbrich soil.

fertilizer

Pastoral farmers already have the answer to reduced dependence on urea using products and pro grammes that promote healthy clo ver throughout the months when it’s too warm for grasses to remain in a vegetative state.

JOHN BARNES Managing Director Fertilizer New Zealand

Utilising nitrogen fixed free of charge by clover is the basis of this country’s unequalled success since the second world war up until the

Things can change; significantly and quickly, however the risk is to the upside rather than the down side at present.

advent of cheap nitrogen from the ammonia urea plant at Kapuni.

What is not appreciated by many is that Kapuni supplies only about half of the country’s demand, the other half being imported product, with the price farmers pay subsi dised by every tax payer, a some what ironic situation given

Functional Fertiliser clients have over the last thirty years enjoyed the benefits of lower fertiliser costs and up to a 30% increase in annual pasture production with more even growth throughout the season. An often-voiced concern is that of production loss during the transi tion from one system to another. There are a number of strategies that can be tailored to fit individu al farm situations to ensure no loss does occur.

somethingGottobuy,sellorpromote? Contact nmf.co.nzsales@us: Farming MONTHLY

Farming isn’t easy at the best of times. It requires ear ly mornings and often late nights looking after stock and making sure that there is enough feed for good pro duction. Farming is the cor nerstone of our society regardless of what others may say. We all expect to see our vegetables sit ting in the shop waiting for us to buy when we want them. These must be planted, looked after and then picked and sent to market, but if the weather causes delays, then there will be shortages. The same goes for milk, butter, cheese and other agriculture products. Often the town folk don’t appreciate the work that goes on behind the scene to produce these products for the domestic and export mar

That puts increased pressure on farmers costs which they are un able to pass on as higher prices to their customers, therefore they must look to ways of greater effi ciency at farm level.

40 September 2022 Fertilizer Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

The price of all imported high analysis fertiliser has escalated, and in the case of urea (nitrogen) and DAP, a crop starter fertiliser containing nitrogen and soluble phosphorus, the price has doubled within the past twelve months.

age all contain significant amounts of phosphorus and the speed at which these are decomposed by beneficial soil biology releasing nutrient for plant uptake is just as important as the size of the pool. Rather than continuing to use the strategies of applying well above maintenance inputs to limit poor perfor mance a shift to using less and ensuring op timum performance by using it more effi ciently is the way of the Tofuture.do this it is neces sary to recognise the essentiality of benefi cial soil biology and work with those that have the resources and experience to provide biologically crumb-rich soil on a large scale. Prior to 1990 when the funding model for research changed there was significant work undertaken by scientists at centres through out the country into soil biological processes and the benefits of in creased pasture yield and carrying capacity well documented.

Increased fertiliser efficiency is essential

Dung,cycled.timesavailabilitykeytionReplacingproduction.doespasturephorushighLonguations.hasufficientgrowingaroundMostavailableonlysoftmissedingtheForphosphateparedcreasedbeentosalesituationaphosphorusTheconcerns.environmentaluseofsolubleislikewisesomewhatnuancedgiventhattheofsuperphosphatepastoralfarmershasbasedonitsinsolubilitycomtogenuinesoftrock.thelastthirtyyearssuperphosphatemanufacturcompanieshavelargelydistheclaimsofthosesellingphosphaterockclaimingthatonethirdofwhatisappliedisinthefirstyear.NewZealandsoilscontain500kgP/hawithinthezoneofplants,morethantomeetthe20-25kgP/lostfromintensivepastoralsittermtrialresultsshowthatlevelsofplantavailablephosdon’tnecessarilyincreaseproductionalthoughitlimitthelikelihoodoflowwhatislostinproducisbestpractisehoweverthetoensuringsufficientplantofphosphorusatallisthespeedatwhichitbeingoldroot,anduneatenherb

Thisket.

season has seen its challenges, and none more so than the disastrous rain

Actavize liquid fertiliser is a good product that will help in pasture growth. It’s economical to bring in and can be simply applied either by truck, trac tor or helicopter. Actavize is in the leaf within a day which means it is working in the pasture quickly. It also puts more nutrients into the leaf, meaning more energy for your stock.

The success and reputation of New Zealand’s horticulture in dustry is a direct result of its peo ple. If our people thrive, so too does the sector. Unfortunately, reports this week of labour con tractors exploiting migrant work ers were a violation of the “good employer” standards and pastoral care that industry holds itself to. The New Zealand horticulture

a strong culture where employ ees feel valued and welcome, can learn, up-skill and thrive in our Weindustry.want to see both RSE work ers and local employees re turning season after season. To achieve that will require a con certed effort from all employers to not just meet minimum legal requirements, but to be the em ployer of choice everyone wants to work for – and collectively the industry of choice.The horticul ture industry has an opportuni ty to work collectively to shape a positive employment narrative and to make the changes needed to ensure we are all operating as responsible, exemplar employers. These Pacific workers are here to learn skills and earn money to support their families and com munities back home. At the same time, they support our industry to grow and prosper. They are an extended whanau.

“Gethealth.

I look forward to being involved in this review with colleagues and growers, to ensure the RSE scheme thrives and develops over the next 15 years. Covid has changed the world and industries like ours must come to terms with those changes. Within this context, there are opportunities, and the RSE scheme is a good ex ample of something that is inher ently sound, benefiting all those who are involved.

familiar with your spade.” Determine what steps to take based on the needs identified and make use of the expert advice available if you are unsure. Use the spade again to mea sure improvements. Mi chelle Barry from Bragato Research Institute described the research and resources employed in their current project to catalogue prac tices that winegrowers are using to improve soil health. Anyone interested in partic ipating in the study should contact Michelle Barry at BRI michelle.barry@bri.

Attendees investigating soil health at Hunters Winery. Photo Andrew Ritchie.

workers are family,” one grower said. The sentiment across the confer ence was clear: the RSE scheme is a mutually beneficial and col laborative partnership. However, continued success of the scheme will require further commitment and Howinvestment.dowecontinue to fine tune the RSE scheme as a world-class labour mobility model that brings certainty to horticulture’s labour needs? During the conference, the Ministry of Business, Inno vation and Employment (MBIE) announced that it will be review ing the scheme, to ensure the pol icy that underpins it continues to deliver a win-win model for all.

“The vineyard is a living eco system, treat it as such.”

The result will be increased crop performance, improved soil health, better water

co.nz

Regenerating vineyard soils

The pandemic has prompted a reset and has brought industry, government and key RSE stake holders together, to review the

New Zealand Landcare Trust recently held a work shop entitled ‘Regenerating Vineyard Soils’, attended by 50 people from vineyards around Marlborough at Hunters Winery. The key note speaker was Charles Merfield from the BHU Fu ture Farming Centre & Mer field Agronomy Ltd. He said regenerative agriculture is based on three main princi ples, namely cover cropping, organics and a no till system. The gameplan for the vine yard is to have a highly di verse range of pasture spe cies, unmown between the rows and acting as a living mulch under the rows. This will provide a multiple eco system service controlling weeds, pests, and diseases, whilst providing nitrogen to the grape crop.

More than 400 delegates attend ed the Recognised Seasonal Em ployer (RSE) conference in Wel lington last week, celebrating 15 years of the RSE scheme. The theme, Voices of the Pacific, rec ognised the valuable partnership between New Zealand’s horticul ture and viticulture industries, the Pacific and the New Zealand Government, and the commit ment to work together as one. Equally, it was an opportunity to consider how we, collectively, can future proof the scheme to ensure everyone benefits positively from the scheme. Delegates heard from representatives of Pacific nations on how the RSE scheme is of critical importance to their economies, as well as for evolving their own workforces and talent pools. RSE workers provide the means to support their families and communities. They also gain transferrable skills that can be used to establish their own busi nesses when they return home. Growers expressed their grati tude to the Pacific RSE workers who have been welcomed into

Listening to the Pacific

an environmentally-friend ly manner. This, with the ever increasing level of leg islation, makes it evermore important to look towards plant and soil biodiversi ty. The vineyard is a living system, it is important to maximise photosynthesis year-round, mostly from perennial plants, and to har ness diversity above and be low ground while minimis

ing soil disturbance.

If you are concerned that someone is employing workers who are not being treated fairly and ethically, you should immediately contact the Labour Inspectorate (call0 800 20 90 20 during business hours).

HorticultureFarming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY September 2022 41 • Rope & Twine • Netting • Chain • Shackles • Hooks and Blocks • Rigging Services • Wire Ropes - Lifting - Crane - Irrigation - Strops - Post Driver - Stainless Ph 03 548 info@hampidjan.co.nzwww.hampidjan.co.nz7942 82 Vickerman Street Port Nelson

ANDREW RITCHIE

holding capacity and drain age, providing more flood and drought resilience and increased biodiversity.

“Thetables.

Whilepeople. industry and government are ad dressing the issue, the case serves as a stark reminder to us all: Being able to employ peo ple from Pacific is a privilege, not a right. Each and every employ er plays a role in protecting that privilege by caring for and treat ing workers with respect. Busi nesses must take responsibility to ensure they are operating in line with legal obligations – including and ensuring that the contractors we engage are operating in accor dance with those obligations too. Thorough due diligence around contractor use is essential. Em ployers’ duty of care not only en compasses their safety and well being, but is also about creating an enduring work environment,

settings and co-design how the scheme will operate in a postCovid future.

Let’s leverage the scheme’s advan tages and work together to put it on a firm footing for the next 15 years and beyond.

horticulture

New Zealand over the past year. Not only has the RSE workforce facilitated keeping New Zealand ers in skilled, permanent employ ment, the scheme has kept local businesses operating and ensured that growers could continue to supply New Zealand and the world with fresh fruit and vege

Lachie Hinds from Soil Matters stated that diversity above and below ground is the key to having a healthy soil ecosystem. He urged the utilization of simple visual tools to assess current soil

NADINE TUNLEY HortNZ

Charles stated that intensive agriculture aims to simplify and reduce diversity result ing in increased yields but using a lot of external in puts. Increasingly however customers were expecting their wines to be produced ethically, sustainably and in

industry has a zero tolerance pol icy for poor employer behaviour. This disappointing behaviour has a widespread impact on the credibility of the industry and the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, as well as on employers who, for the most part, go out of their way to care for and nurture their

I have a V6 turbo diesel sto ry in Part Two, though here it’s about the volume seller. XLT 2 litre 154kW/500Nm all new Ford Ranger. That said transmission and this motor were available on the previous generation The question I’ve been asked most often. “Is it as good off road

I get excited over a new vehicle (Part One)

Theels.

full sized pallet. It comes in XLT with standard towing hitch and tub liner with six tie down points and a load area step on the rear corners I then hitched up my float with one horse ‘Red Ruffi an by race name to a weight of The2400kgs.fuel consumption did rise markedly to around 15l/100km from the 7.6 I had been consum Iting.towed as expected with con summate ease but the most excit ing development for towing is the Blind Spot ID. When you attach a trailer, the on board computer allows you to nominate either by pre-arrange name and details

As you’ll see from the image I loaded up a dozen bales of hay on the tray, now expanded to take a

with Ken Strungnell

or just by length the trailer and automatically adds that mea surement to the total vehicle di mensions warning you now if a vehicle is in the ‘Trailers Blind Spot’. It also deactivates the an noying rear parking sensors that used to beep in reverse when a trailer was attached.

motoring

cracks a sub 9 second 0-100km Insidesprint.

on the farm as the Hi Lux?”

Ranger drives handles and performs at the next level and will require the opposition to lift their game if they are to match it. The base price as tested was $66,990 for XLT spec.

The auto can be set on manu al but in all the driving I did it performed best when left to its own devices. Those included Mud Snow Rock Eco and Towing Themodes.standard

the super quiet interior is bigger with SUV standard soft surfaces as well as a very modern un-ute like interior. Dominated by the portrait style 10 inch info screen in the centre dash area that controls most info and car functions such as air cond it was nice to see rotary controls as well for volume and dual heating lev

PETERMUNRO.NZ 2380231 42 Septemer 2022 Motoring Farming TOP SOUTH MONTHLY

New Ford Ranger 2 litre Bi-Turbo

MOTORCountryING

It’s always a great feeling to drive a ‘new’ car, but when it’s New Zealand’s top seller for the past eight years, that feeling is multi plied several times over.

Now unequivocally YES it is, af ter several days use at our 4WD training facility with both Hi Lux and Triton also present, the new Ranger was equal in all the tasks and better at several in particular in deep mud on the standard [at road pressure] 255/70R17 Duel ler A/T tires.

Photo: Supplied.

Better often because of the latest technology that works seamless ly for traction control. Its better towing too with the now stan dard 3500kg braked capacity also claimed by most manufacturers.

10 speed auto car ried over from the previous model changes effortlessly and on hard acceleration still easily

Take care and try to have a great month.

in particular are with those in the Rai Valley, Canvastown and Sounds areas that are still isolat

on with things these days probably means thou sands of road cones and traffic manage ment systems – I do think that stands in the way of getting things done quickly in situations like this. I was fortunate enough to have a great road trip in July North-westernaroundUSA and one of the big differences over there was

In the meantime, life goes on –we will have local body elections and rugby games to keep us en tertained – even more reason to get away from the front gate to get a reality check.

Farmers Notice Board

It is often hard for people to ask for help but in any shape or form

ever recover. It was surprisingly Gettingquickly.

What a difference a week makes –the deadline delay for writing this piece for the Top South Farming could well have been waiting for the spring to start but over the course of last weekend and the devastating rains we received it is now an article on the resilience of farmers and landowners in the flood and slip ravaged areas as they try to recover from these bloody “1 in a 100-year events” we keep having. My thoughts

if a job was being done a few road cones and a parked truck was all that was present – not a Holly wood cast of thousands.

JOE BLAKISTON PGG Wrightson

I would encourage you to take what is on offer whether it be for physical help repairing the dam age, Red Cross parcels of food etc or just a bit of a yarn and ask how you are doing – It all Wehelps.can all look back at events and wonder how the district will recover – I am think ing if the 1986 floods in South Canterbury I was in the middle of as a stock agent and wondering how things would

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Let’s hope common sense pre vails and people are left to just get on with it and have things done as quick as possible.

Havinged. seen the devastation on the media and first hand it is just a case of rolling the sleeves up as many people have been doing and helping each other out.

The resilience of farmers and landowners in the recent weather event

The good will in communities is often seen at its best in times like this and we have seen groups all rally to start with the recovery and to assist those most in need.

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Rod Payne Dave Filer