Canterbury Farming, April 2016 by Integrity Community Media

April 2016 Edition

30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast

Hornless cows a reality

Stepping back in time

Supermini king reigns on

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P10

An accidental love Page 8–9

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New Zealand’s first Hill Country Symposium for 30 years highlighted the lack of new science specific to hill and high country farming systems — despite the fact that more than three quarters of this country’s lamb and beef calves originate from this land class. The dear th of new agricultural science specific to hill and high country farming systems was evident at the event. It has been more than 30 years since a science-based event has such a specific focus on hill country — yet 70 per cent of this country’s lamb crop and 80 per cent of beef calves come out of hill country breeding properties. Little science has been carried out in the past two decades relating directly to this class of country. More than 300 people attended the two-day symposium themed ‘Setting a profitable and resilient future for NZ hill country farming’. Organising committee chair Graham Kerr says five million hectares of hill and high country are farmed within 6,000 farms across the country. While 80 per cent of these are farms are in the North Island, the South Island farms are three times bigger with a lower stocking rate. “These far ms are characterised by huge variability in slope, aspect, soil types and fertility, with limited flat land. They are expensive to fertilise and prone to erosion. And while these farmers typically have relatively low debt levels, profits are weak.

Graham Kerr organising committee chair

“The fundamental asset of hill country is in a state of slow and steady decline, so how do we arrest that?” Mr Kerr says cashstrapped farmers in these environments also tend to be risk averse around management and practice change, due to the volatility

of their income. Additionally, environmental issues are emerging, with farmers facing possible nutrient limits and challenges from the wider population to their ‘right to farm’ in sensitive environments. “It was a great two days. It was information packed

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with a lot of comment and feedback from those who attended. The overriding feeling from the symposium was the passion that we have for our hill and high country and the positive way people are looking forward to the future. “The job isn’t done yet and the next step is to get the outcomes of the event on paper and work with industry selectively to look at how we have a strong and resilient future in our hill country farming. “As one person summed it up, in 20 years’ time we will need to be producing more from less land with a lower environmental footprint and animal welfare that meets the requirements of our overseas customers. “Everyone needs to be more efficient so how do we get there — collectively as individuals and also as a collective industry, it is our responsibility. It is not going to be easy and one of the key things is more investment is required which we are hoping to get. “This is a good start and a great call to arms to get all the science up to date and the discussion and feedback is very valuable.”

Canterbury Farming prints material contributed by freelance journalists, contributing columnists and letters from readers. The information and opinions published are not necessarily those of Canterbury Farming or its staff. Canterbury Farming takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Canterbury Farming is published by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd

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cost there is no way for farms to cut back, short of selling up, during downturns like the current one in the dairy industry.” Ms Milne says that one of the most impor tant council functions is to manage natural resources, including water, land and air. “The development and implementation of regional plans and policies can and does have huge impacts on the way farms are run. Farmers are also exposed to other council regulations Katie Milne, Federated Farmers like building and spokesperson on local government dog control — and bylaws for things like It has also launched a stock crossings and stock campaign to boost flagging movement across and along voter turnout. Federated roads. Councils also provide Farmers will also be producing infrastructure and services of a Local Elections Manifesto value for farmers and for the on the key issues farmers rest of the community. Roads and candidates should be are especially important thinking about. “So farmers, it’s time for farms.” For those interested in to get involved and get putting themselves forward, interested — make sure you Local Government NZ has put don’t leave it too late,” says out a guide for candidates. Ms Milne.

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With local authority elections less than six months away, Federated Farmers is urging farmers to get engaged and involved. Fe d e r a t e d Fa r m e r s spokesperson on local government, Katie Milne, says local government elections are vitally important for farming on many levels and are encouraging farmers to make their voices heard. “It is absolutely crucial that farmers get involved in holding their councils to account. This includes being engaged on the issues and when the time comes make an informed vote,” says Ms Milne. “It’s also important that we get good candidates, including farmers and other business-minded people, to stand for election. “It’s a challenging role but farmers can make a real difference on councils as it enables them to inform and educate their colleagues about what happens on-farm — which is crucial for getting sensible, workable outcomes.” Ms Milne says that the way local government is funded, through property value based rates, has a big impact on farms financial viability. “The average farm now pays well over $10,000 per year in rates and rates are often in the top half dozen farm expenses. As a fixed

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CANTERBURY FARMING

HORNLESS COWS A REALITY by Ayla Miller Hornless dairy cows are now a reality thanks to CRV Ambreed’s latest breeding programme which will offer farmers a selection of polled genes.

he initiative was established out of concern about animal welfare, human safety and the cost of de-horning animals and the company has been working on developing this line for more than ten years. In the last three years the programme grew in popularity and CRV Ambreed research and development manager,

Phil Beatson, says polled genetics will be available on the market by next year. Polled genetics are only controlled by a single gene and an animal only needs one copy of that gene — they are heterozygous for the polled gene — to be polled. “In breeding we have to breed bulls that have two copies of the gene, ie they

are homozygous, for polled. When we breed heterozygous bulls with heterozygous cows there’s a one in four chance of getting a homozygous polled, two in four of heterozygous and one in four of a homozygous horned animal from those matings,” he says. “Then when the homozygous bull is bred

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Utilising polled genes is widely considered to be more humane and will save farmers time and money to horned cows all of the progeny will be polled.” CRV Ambreed already has access to a number of overseas homozygous polled bulls through its global network, but many farmers still want high-indexing New Zealand genetics that have been proven in a range of New Zealand farming systems and environments. Phil says five heterozygous cows and five bulls have been identified with that criterion. “We’ve been undertaking embryo transfer programmes and we’re confident those programmes will result in some homozygous polled progeny. The law of averages says two or three,” he says. “In Europe they are increasingly asking ‘should we be dehorning animals?’ and they’re using genetics to safely manage this. There’s

some talk that by 2025 it may be illegal to dehorn animals in Europe. If that happens, New Zealand could follow suit and we need to be prepared,” he says. “As well as the welfare angle, dehorning is an expensive procedure and the cost adds up. So we see an increasing need for farmers to have this source of genetics. That has been our motivation in developing these animals. “Within New Zealand we think there will be increasing pressure on farmers to use genetics to get cows that haven’t got horns as opposed to dehorning for safety. Although dehorning is done humanely by a vet and is not a big problem, now there are genetic means to breed cows with no horns, there will be public pressures for farmers to utilise this.”

There is a notable financial cost to dehorning. A farm with 200 replacements at $6–7 per animal equates to about $1,200 to $1,400 for dehorning. CRV Ambreed’s product will be guaranteed to have two copies of the gene so that 100 per cent of their progeny will have one copy and will be polled. “That has been the trick to have the bulls with two copies. That means that all the progeny of those bulls will be polled because the polled gene is dominant over the horned gene. Over all using the genetics is time efficient and cost effective and doesn’t involve human intervention. “There are a few farmers out there who have been trying to do this. They tend to have several animals in their herd that are polled. We have identified some of

those animals. As well as being polled we believe we need to have animals that have pretty good indexes and we are utilising those in the breeding programme.”

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Money Talk with Andrew Wyllie

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Investment Markets Update Covering the three months ended 31 March 2016 Australian and New Zealand Equity Markets Australasian equity markets had a very weak start to the quarter, but ended on a better note following a strong March. The NZX 50 was particularly strong, up over 6.8% for the quarter. New Zealand equity returns largely reflected international demand as investors chased yield. We also saw company results that were better than expected, with 70% of the companies that reported having unchanged or upgraded forecasts. The biggest driver in Australian equities was a recovery in the resource and mining service sectors after oil and iron ore prices rebounded. The banking sector was the largest drag on performance following the banks signalling higher provisioning risks. These risks appear to be well and truly captured with bank ‘price-to-book’ ratios (linking the share price of a company with the accounting value of shareholders’ equity per share) now at similar levels to those seen during the Global Financial Crisis.

Global Equity Markets Looking at international equity markets, United States equities managed to deliver a positive return in local currency terms. However, most of this was eroded by the US Dollar weakening, following the change in the Federal Reser ve’s monetary policy stance. In the United States reporting season it was evident that United States equities with international earnings had been negatively impacted by the strength in the US Dollar, over the December quarter. A reduced expectation of future interest rate increases in the United States has provided some stability to the US Dollar. This should reduce the currency headwind to international earnings for United States companies going forward. Elsewhere the domestically focussed Consumer sector was generally stronger. Other global markets were generally weaker with Japanese equities the worst performers, over the quarter. Following aggressive monetar y policies the Japanese market however did show a marked improvement in March. European equities

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followed a similar track but talk of the potential that the United Kingdom could exit the European Union weighed on sentiment, and in particular on the Great British Pound. Fixed Interest Markets Looking at F ixed Interest Markets, we have seen benchmark interest rates around the world decline during the quarter. Locally we saw a drop in the Official Cash Rate by 0.25% which took the market by surprise with signals that further cuts could also be expected this year. As a result we have seen local deposit rates drop making it that much harder for those investors requiring income. We have seen new bond issues from Meridian, Genesis and Chorus come to the market recently, all with good demand. If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www.for sythbar r. co.nz/investing-with-us/ new-to-investing/ or to discuss your investment options please contact Andrew Wyllie, an Authorised F inancial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew. wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised i nv e s t m e n t advice. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

April saw a massive coup in investigative journalism, with the ‘Panama Papers’ story going worldwide. The stor y relates to the unearthing of files from a Panama law firm specialising in offshore tax minimisation which show society’s elite using layers of shell companies and foreign trusts to avoid taxation in their resident jurisdictions. This being just one firm of thousands engaged in such work, the extent of the disclosures effectively prove the elite, as a class interest, does want to pay tax. The matter should be of extreme importance to anybody who does have to pay tax to sustain society. The elite take the lion’s share of the benefit of anybody who actually does a day’s honest work. This same elite—who during the global financial crisis sacrificed public services to the Moloch of austerity and preached, straight-faced to the world, that we were all in this together and belt-tightening was needed to get through and who are preparing to do exactly the same yet again when staring down the barrel of the next alreadyforecast recession—have been consistently rorting the system throughout. New Zealand was implicated incidentally by way of information of Maltese politicians with foreign trusts in New Zealand. It should be noted that these such trusts do not impact on the New Zealand tax base, but, because of the rules around foreign trusts and taxation and the way they interact with those of foreign jurisdictions, effectively allow any nonresident other than an Australian to avoid or evade taxation on income sourced

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offshore. Commentators have described New Zealand as a quite tax haven achiever, while those in the business of establishing such trusts have marketed New Zealand as an OECD alternative offering substantially the same level of secrecy as traditional tax havens which are coming under increasing scrutiny. Our completely impartial and authoritative font-of-allknowledge Prime Minister appeared at the podium with his usual soap-eating grin and opined to his slavish menagerie of journalists with that endearing mealymouthed dissemblance that has seen him twice reelected in landslide victories by a politically-astute voting public that there was nothing to worry about, business as usual. The assuring talking points confidently spun were that our tax system has been in place since 1988, the OECD has given our tax system a “clean bill of health,” and there is full disclosure of information around foreign trusts. Each of these points is exceedingly economical with the truth. a) That that tax system has largely been unaltered since 1988 does not mean much at all. The world has changed; the traditional tax havens have come under increasing international pressure and scrutiny and tax avoider trusts have migrated. In fact, the International Funds Services Development Group (IFSDG) was established by Cabinet in 2010 to look at financial services “opportunities” for New Zealand. This government consideration — a part of a grand vision of turning

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the country into a financial hub and Switzerland of the south — made a number of proposals, including reducing the already-limited level of public disclosure of information. Change has been considered but not implemented, but change which would be contrary to the improved regulatory reform the vast majority would now expect any change to be. b) The OECD repor t referred to, the ‘Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes Peer Reviews: New Zealand 2013,’ actually recommended our laws be made more transparent around who owns foreign trusts and who holds the assets of such trusts. c) The disclosure required is done via the IRD’s foreign trust disclosure form, IR607; all that has to be disclosed is the name of the trust, the name of the trustees and if the settlor lives in Australia. Details of the beneficiaries and the assets owned by the trust need not be disclosed. Importantly, while there are information sharing agreements in place with other jurisdictions, the IRD will not allow fishing expeditions by foreign authorities — so a foreign authority would need to know the name of a trust and aspects of its operation which give cause to suspect tax evasion, which is information it has no access to. As stated, the use of New Zealand as a holiday destination for foreign funds has no impact on New Zealand tax collection (the New Zealand elite will, undoubtedly, be replicating the rort in other jurisdictions). The question is why we would not amend our tax laws to collaborate with international enforcement, to collect and provide data to other jurisdictions to prevent tax evasion there. There is nothing in it for your average New Zealander in enabling international tax evasion and laundering of money in our jurisdiction. All that is to be gained is a shonky national reputation while the tax revenue lost deprives others in the world of funding for hospitals, schools, civil infrastructure, and social security. This article has been prepared by Craig Wakelin, a Solicitor with Ronald Angland & Son, Solicitors, who may be contacted on Tel: 03 324-3033 or e-mail craig@ anglands.co.nz.

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Farming with tractor, quad and laptop

ACCOUNTANCY T ASK F ORCE L

by Andy Bryenton

Picture the scene — a herd of cattle walk through the early morning mist toward the cowshed. Above them flits the slim silhouette of a quad-rotor drone, armed with an infrared camera. Waiting at the shed, the farmer can see from heat imaging detail which of his charges may be ill or injured. On another farm, an early frost threatens to nip a crop of grapes in the bud. But temperature sensors kick in even as the farmer sleeps and mechanised fans begin to blow a protective mist among the vines. Yesterday, the same vintner was warned to top up his generator’s fuel tanks, as smart algorithms mated up climate data with fuel reserve info to stop a problem before it started. In another scenario again, probes in the soil of a maize paddock talk in real-time to the tablet PC of a fertiliser applicator — his trucks will roll out tomorrow knowing exactly which chemical mix to drop on each square inch of the field. The same probes can render info on irrigation, saving water which must be bought from a big local hydro scheme. The common denominator here is not just farming becoming smarter and more advanced. It’s the fact that the sharpest tool in the modern farmer’s arsenal is not necessarily the biggest tractor or the sharpest sheepdog. It’s the computer systems which tie all this together and more beside — everything from vital weather alerts to banking, to entertainment for families far from movie theatres and DVD stores. That means that the most vital rural professional may soon be not the diesel mechanic or the harvesting contractor, but the IT service provider. It’s a shift that’s already beginning, as ser vice providers reach out to rural areas like never before. New technology means that even the most remote homestead can now experience broadband speeds, opening up a new world of commerce and

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STOP MEANS STOP Eye in the sky — drones like this one are swiftly becoming a big part of the farmer’s toolkit

enter tainment. But the message from farmers, as IT begins to take a lead role in the systems and processes which make farming profitable, is that they are going to expect more than their city counterparts. Robust reliability will be a big factor for those who can’t simply pack up their IT infrastructure and drop it off at the local computer store. The flip side is that, as farming becomes more techorientated, the traditional image of the desk-bound, anaemic computer nerd will go the way of the stereotypical gruff-but-uneducated farmer. Ask any of those who are already working at the coalface of the IT revolution in agriculture and you’ll find that they laugh at both outmoded ideas. Early adopters are already reaping the benefits of all three of the futuristic-seeming technologies mentioned above and the people making

that kind of tech possible today see farming as both a livelihood and a science. We’ll

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Gralie Highland cattle fold is based in Geraldine and is owned by ex dairy farmers David and Pam Leslie who say the breed is easy to get addicted to.

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e have been out of dairy farming since 2002 but got our first Highland cattle in 1999,” said Pam. “We accidently got involved with the breed. We both have Scottish ancestry and we met a dairy farmer who had some unexpected calves as a Highland bull had jumped the fence in with his cows so we acquired the calves. They are a little bit addictive and once you get a baby one, that’s it. They are easy to love. “We started out with these cross-breed calves. We then moved into pure-breds and then full-bloods. There isn’t much difference between

them. You can trace the fullbloods back to Scotland. The pure breed were graded up from a foundation beef cow, this takes four crosses to get to a P1. “We originally went into deer and beef farming but now just run beef and have 50 Highland cattle on the farm, of which 20 are breeding cows. We have just culled down from 150 as it was a hobby that got out of control. “You can get six different colours and they are exciting to breed as you never know what each calf will come out looking like. I have ended up with black calves from my red cow and black bull, but

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CANTERBURY FARMING my black bull and black cow gave me a red calf. I have a few white ones but they can get a bit grubby looking, most people like the red, yellow or black. “Their look and their nature make them a little bit different. They have the long hair and big wide horns. When we put them on the roadside paddocks, people stop to take photos and we have had to put signs up saying electric fences and try and stop them getting in with the stock. “The cattle are a bit tricky when they have calves, they are really good mothers and still have their ancient mothering ability. This means if you get too close the mother can get overprotective of her calf.” Pam says the breed doesn’t put weight on as quickly as other cattle so they are not as economically viable. “It is more of a niche market for the meat. Fattening for beef they are not very viable due to the time it takes and costs of dehorning and their hair can get caught up in the abattoir machinery making things difficult. “They don’t look large but you get a lot of meat off them for their size. The meat is slightly marbled and is believed to be high in iron and protein with low cholesterol. “Their skins are good for floor rugs. We freeze the hide and send it to Invercargill for processing.” People use the horns for deer calling or carving. “Some mount them with the

When Highland cattle are born is when you know the colour you are getting fringe (dossan) on, this looks really nice. If they are older than nine months a vet has to dehorn them. They need to be calm and have a cool day. Once we take the horns off though I don’t know who is who, you can tell them by their horns, they all have a different style. “The breed’s temperament is really good. If you handle them regularly they remember what they are taught. If they are not handled they can get flighty. If you have too many pets in the same paddock they all want to be brushed at the same time which can get problematic.” The cattle sit flatter on their feet than others so there is less pugging on the ground. “They saunter along very flat but this can give them problem feet as they don’t

wear their hooves down. Their feet probably stopped them sinking in the moors in Scotland,” says Pam. “There was a big boom 10 years ago, but now they are declining in numbers. Some people have done a wonderful job keeping some of the lines going. “Getting semen into the country can be difficult.” David and Pam are now downsizing and will keep 20 cattle. “Last year we sold eight to be hand reared. They make wonderful pets and are ideal for a lifestyle block as long as you have good fencing and are aware of their long horns. “It’s quite therapeutic to go and give them a brush out in the paddock, you stand there and groom them and can make them look all pretty.”

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April 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

BY AYLA MILLER

ar from the fluorescent lights of a high rise cubicle, Sophie works under the wide open skies of Barrytown Beach on the West Coast of the South Island near Punakaiki.

She says she was pretty much born on a horse and has kept horses all her life. Now she has managed to turn this love of horses into a lifestyle and spends her days on the beach sharing

her passion with tourists with her horse and wagon tours. “The beach is beautiful, isolated and remote. It is just a really magical experience to share with other people,” she says.

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After some research, Sophie helped a local engineer craft a wagon which was the first step towards starting her tour business. “I didn’t really know how big the wagon should be so I definitely put the cart before the horse in this instance.” As the wagon was large, Sophie decided to get a

Clydesdale, who are known for their good natures and their willingness to work. “They have been bred by men working in the fields so if you have a horse that’s not behaving properly it is generally dog tucker. Clydesdales have been bred from the best and they have a great history

behind them especially in New Zealand. They are the horse that has broken the back of the country. They have plowed and transported us and New Zealand has a great relationship with the Clydesdale because so many of them were imported here.” Sophie grew up in the high country on Lochaber Station

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SOPHIE ALLAN, OWNER OPERATOR GOLDEN SANDS HORSE AND WAGON TOUR, POURS A CUP OF BILLY TEA FOR A GROUP OF TOURISTS ON BARRYTOWN BEACH

until she was eight when she moved to Rakaia then Christchurch and her horses moved with her. “As a teenager, riding gives you a great sense of freedom. You can jump on your horse and go wherever.” When she moved to the West Coast, the environment and location lent itself to running a tourism operation. It took a while to get everything organised but soon Sophie was taking her first customers on the

beach at the end of 2012 and her reliable Clydesdale Murphy has been with her the whole time. The tour differs from a horse trek as tourists can sit together in the wagon and talk whilst they are taken down the beach. If they are lucky they might meet someone panning for gold and Sophie tells them about the history and geology of the area before stopping for a beachcomb, billy tea and fresh damper bread.

The tours run once a day whenever Sophie gets a booking and despite doing it for four years she says she could never get sick of it. “We always get good downto-earth people and it’s a privilege to meet them.” Above all, Sophie gets to work with her beloved horses on a daily basis and in a unique environment. “It’s a very wild beach, the sand can change and every day is different. The weather also changes and we are

going at different times. We get stunning sunsets over the sea in the evening and in the morning it’s usually very atmospheric. “The first thing that people notice is how quiet it is. Although they know there is no engine, they just expect a sound when they are moving along. “When you are on the beach in the mist you could be anywhere at any time. It really is like stepping back in time.”

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April 2016

WATER & IRRIGATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

Weather Watch by Tony Trewinnard Sunshine hours near normal March continued the trend from February of increased northerly quarter airflow over New Zealand, and not surprisingly this brought warmer than normal temperatures to most of the country and increased rainfall in areas exposed to the north. In Canterbury March was +0.8 to +1.5deg warmer

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significantly above the longterm normal. Sunshine hours were near normal as many days had significant high cloud. There were fewer than usual days with rain over most of the province, but rainfall totals for the month were near normal overall. At the time of writing, the first three weeks of April have continued the recent trend of warm days, with plenty of sunshine, and fewer days with rain. In the tropical Pacific, ocean temperatures remain in El Nino territory but the areas of warmer than normal water which has defined the current El Nino event are weakening steadily and significantly, becoming fragmented as the El Nino steadily decays. This decay is also apparent in other atmospheric and oceanic indicators. All computer models we monitor continue to predict a steadily decreasing El Nino over the next three months and most predict the beginnings of a La Nina event

Rainfall

Temperature

Sunshine

Airflow

May

Near Normal

Milder than normal

Near Normal

More anticyclones

June

Wetter than normal

Near normal

Cloudier than normal

More low pressure systems

July

Wetter than normal

Near normal

Cloudier than normal

More low pressure systems

August

Near normal

Milder than normal

Near normal

More northerly winds

before the end of winter. A significant La Nina event is now being predicted by many computer based models for later this year, with some predicting one of the strongest La Ninas on record. Here at Blue Skies we continue to think it looks increasingly likely and will probably take hold by late winter or early spring. This could lead to a wetter than normal spring and summer ahead. Decaying El Ninos of the current type often bring a return to stronger westerly airflow through autumn. This current season is complicated

by significantly warmer than normal ocean temperatures around New Zealand and in the Tasman Sea. These patterns will continue to increase the frequency of northerly quarter airflow over New Zealand for the next few months. Analogs of similar seasons in the past show generally near normal rainfalls in May, then followed by wet winter weather. We also expect most of the next four to six months to be warmer than usual as warm ocean temperatures around New Zealand decline only slowly.

We expect to see the first half of May relatively dry with infrequent rainfalls and mild temperatures due to persistent anticyclones. The second half of the month and first week or so of June may see more frequent southwest changes with more regular rainfalls and cooler temperatures. June and July may see significant winter storms developing in the Tasman Sea with a chance of some heavy rainfalls. August may bring more normal rainfall ahead of a potentially wet spring.

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WATER & IRRIGATION

The ‘Know to make it Flow’ Andrew Curtis, Irrigation New Zealand CEO

No rest for the irrigation sector It’s been a busy month for irrigators. While a few farmers are still irrigating, most are winding down irrigation systems as consented supply runs out and Autumn rains kick in. There’ll be no rest for the sector however as endof-season maintenance and infrastructure planning gets underway. Improving your irrigation system starts now if you want to have a shot at becoming more efficient next Summer. On the national front, irrigators from across the country have just gathered in Oamaru to celebrate success in our industry and come up with solutions to some of the challenges we face. OVERSEER, the new Financial Markets Conduct Act, hill country irrigation, and measuring and monitoring data for improved performance were among workshop sessions on offer. Our keynote speakers covered what irrigation will look like in 2050, how to sell the dream of irrigation and how farmers are dealing with irrigation’s impact on nutrient use efficiency. Feedback from the more-than-400-strong crowd has been very positive and we’re grateful to the Waitaki Irrigators Collective for helping host such a tremendous event.

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Several awards were presented during the conference to recognise industr y achievement. Carrfields Irrigation was awarded IrrigationNZ’s Innovation Award in association with Aqualinc for the HydroFix Irrigator Stabiliser. This innovation consists of a series of inflatable water tanks connected to a pulley and counterweight systems along the length of an irrigator, which fill during a wind event securing the machine to the ground. Independent judging panel convenor, Terry Heiler, said HydroFix holds wide application for New Zealand’s irrigation market and was the result of solid research involving several parties. Two New Zealand irrigation champions were recognised with the awarding of the Ron Cocks Memorial Award to

Robin Murphy and Tony Banks. Tony, the former chairman of the Earnscleugh Irrigation Company, was described as an outstanding leader in delivering the benefits of water to Central Otago. Tony has given 31 years of service to the scheme — more than half his working life and all in a voluntary capacity. For much of that period he has also been a member of the Otago Water Resource Users Group, a director of the Fraser Dam Company and director of the Clutha Pipeline Company which benefits Earnscleugh Irrigation Company and Contact Energy. The joint recipient of the Ron Cocks Memorial Award is Robin Murphy. The Glenavy dairy farmer has been a driving force behind irrigation development, not only for his scheme, but for the benefit of wider South

Canterbury. The long standing chairman since 1993 has championed and overseen several projects which have improved the viability and reach of the Morven Glenavy Ikawai Irrigation Scheme. He is particularly proud of the recent commissioning of the $32 million Waihao Downs project which opened to much acclaim on the eve of the conference. Finally two new honorary members of IrrigationNZ were announced — former board members Dan Bloomer and Ian McIndoe. These two men each contributed more than 15 years’ service to our organisation. For an industr y that often faces negative media coverage, it was a privilege and pleasure to oversee an event that recognised and celebrated success within our ranks.

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April 2016 CANTERBURY FARMING

SOME THINGS ON THE FARM ARE REPLACEABLE. YOU’RE NOT. You probably don’t think twice about insuring assets such as machinery, buildings and valuable breeding stock. But how much have you thought about insuring yourself? If something happens to you, your business could come to a standstill. That’s why FMG can offer advice to cover you personally – as well as your family and business. Ask around about us. Or better still, call us now on 0800 366 466.

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FORESTRY & LOGGING ADVERTORIAL

Planting new forests and the ETS

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April 2016

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Under the scheme, applicants can now apply to plant land that was not in forest at 1990 in both exotic and native forest species. If the application for the grant is accepted, they can undertake planting at their cost. Once the trees are planted and released, you can then apply to the Ministry of Primary Industries for the AGS grant. As long as all conditions are met, they pay $1,300 per hectare to you. In return, the Crown will take all carbon credits from the

planting for the first 10 years. After that period of time you own the trees, 100 percent, and there is no requirement to repay any funds. Carbon prices are heading higher at more than $12 per unit, and the Government has announced emitters will have to pay their full obligation soon — around 30 million NZU (carbon units) per year. At $12 per unit this is a $360 million spend per annum. It is clear from announcements that the Emission Trading Scheme will

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be strengthened and they want new planting to seriously start. This is a great opportunity for landowners to establish a new income stream, as the only source of the 30 million NZU domestically is from forests. Forest Management Ltd has successfully applied and planted over 450 hectares under the AGS, and have established many thousands of hectares of ETS forests. To find out how you can benefit from this opportunity contact our head office on 03 343 4101.

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Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF, Laurie Forestry Ltd Shipping costs starting to firm Wood fibre has continued to buck the international commodity trend with prices across all segments stable to firm. Just to prove crystal ball gazers should learn to eat glass the latest consumption figures across both domestic and export markets have been strong. New Zealand markets have focussed on both domestic and export sawn

lumber segments. Auckland and Christchurch are the epicentres of the domestic

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sandpit whilst Hamilton and Central Otago feature a close second. For exporters, most roads lead to China with good sales levels and prices favourable. Shipping costs have started to firm in response to less volumes of Palm Kernel and fertiliser heading to NZ. As an example our last vessel to load logs at Lyttelton had taken three weeks and several ports to discharge a PKE cargo with warehouses everywhere full to the brim. Glad I wasn’t paying the demurrage on that one! As a consequence of more ships having to ballast down to NZ we are anticipating some moderate strength around shipping costs over the near term. But international shipping builds have also hit a crescendo with capacity outstripping supply by about 7–8%. Even given an increased demolition rate, we do not see significant shipping rate volatility in our

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near future. My latest reports out of China have confirmed softwood log consumption is running at 65,000 to 70,000 cubic metres per day. That equates to about two shipments of logs per day being milled into lumber and plywood, essentially to hold up concrete until it dries, in the construction sector. Consumption stats include all softwood logs, including those from NZ, Russia, United States, Canada, and Australia. NZ companies continue to be the dominant player by far, owning and or managing the supply of in excess of 70% of all volumes. Over the last month we have seen CIF prices under some upward pressure with the market indicator A grade settling in a US$112–116 per cubic metre range. This represents an effective rise of US$2–4 on March vessels. Timing appears to be everything with those braving it out hitting the higher numbers for early May sailings. H o wev e r a US$2 movement in shipping costs together with slight FOREX firming means little change at the NZ wharf gate. Still this is a better outcome than most were predicting. On the supply side for both NZ

and export customers there is now no question harvest volumes are less than the same time last year. Some commentators have suggested a gap in harvest age for some big players as being one reason. My spies around the country are pointing to capacity loss in logging contractor crews with many finding difficulty in recruiting good staff. I am aware of five logging crews actively looking for more qualified people and at least 10 logging trucks parked up for the want of qualified drivers. The doom merchants have suggested new Health and Safety rules have scared some off but frankly the recent changes mean little change for an industry already thoroughly focussed on Health and Safety. The China eastern seaboard inventory for all softwood logs has fallen to 3.15 million cubic metres representing just over two months’ supply. This is a very comfortable level and should see continuing stability in log price. In the last couple of weeks, China domestic log prices have lifted NZ$3 to $6 per cubic metre suggesting further very modest price

lifts should pervade May settlements for NZ suppliers. The key here will be modest lifts because most in the market realise the construction season is in full swing and this will trail off as the summer temperatures rise. If we pitch our position too high now we will definitely take a hit in our mid-winter. The scene across our domestic sawmill profile throughout many regions is one of continuing constrained log supply with sawmills at times struggling to get volume. Some regions are seeing some small log price lifts, whilst others are holding price but signalling increases in the near future. Again, the supply shortage is a function of capability but in Canterbury is also a reflection of loss of volume as a consequence of the 2013 windstorm. So it is the commercial plantation industry continues to yield some of the highest returns of all land uses. Prices are stable and very good and the industry is in good heart. Thus it is has never been more timely to remember the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees!

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The VSA is a collection of field guides that can be used for eight different land uses. The guides show you how to visually score key indicators of soil condition and plant performance which are recorded on an easy-touse scorecard. Diagnostic photographs are included to rate both the soil and plants against. From this, the system identifies areas where performance could be improved through more appropriate management. Because the assessment is visual, it can be carried out in the field irrespective of land use and type such as pastoral grazing or cropping, flats or hill country. VSA was trialled with farmers and other rural professionals throughout New Zealand on a variety of soil types, land uses, topography and management

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April 2016

Make better use of winter warmth by Andy Bryenton

With winter well on its way, the smart money is on stacking the woodpile high and enjoying the benefits of an efficient modern woodfire. Some savvy homeowners even have the option of using their fireplace to heat copious amounts of hot water to slash power bills during this chilly season, and a few still retain the ability to use their wood range for cooking. But there’s an issue which afflicts many homes heated by a central hearth — toasty warmth in the centre of the home dwindling away to arctic conditions in the bedrooms where it’s needed most. To avoid spending the winter sleeping on the sofa, many households are turning to a simple, cost-effective solution which is tucked away in the ceiling cavity — ducted heat transfer. The science is simple and is well understood by anyone who has witnessed a hot air balloon take flight. Heat rises — and in many modern homes this means it gets trapped in a thin layer against the very well insulated ceiling. Looking through a thermal imaging camera, one would see a thick plume of heat churning up from the wood burner, spreading out across the ceiling before curving down the walls in a rolling convection current, finally filling the room. In a lounge of cozy proportions, this fills up fast. But in a large open plan living area, connecting the lounge, kitchen and dining

room together, this can make for a diffuse layer of heat which lives higher than we are tall! Even as the room heats up evenly, the best heat still sits up against the ceiling. Temperatures up there can hit 30 degrees Celsius while the temperature drop down the hallway in sleeping areas causes a noticeable outbreak of goosebumps as soon as it’s time to hit the hay. Ducted heat transfer systems place an unobtrusive vent right above the fire, siphoning off this wasted heat and pumping it through heavily insulated tubing to waft directly into up to four bedrooms at once. Modern fans make them all but silent, so they can run all night as the fire burns down. The best examples even come with a thermostatic controller, so you don’t even have to remember to turn them on or off. The best part is that these systems are so easy to install for anyone with a manholeaccessible roof cavity. Kitsets which are simple enough to be put in place by the home

handyperson are readily available in most good hardware stores, in the same

aisle as that other winter essential, the bathroom extractor fan unit. With a little

SAFE - Bait is enclosed and contained safely away from pets, children, working dogs, livestock and non target wildlife.

help from your local sparky to wire in the plugs, you could be up and running within hours,

enjoying even heat throughout the home for this winter and many more to come.

The Maintenance Master Workplace safety, stock health, happy contractors... everything is covered with the Rutmaster.

ECONOMIC - Grate systems stops bait being carried away for storage, no wastage. Bait is eaten inside the Bait Station.

MASTER RUTS Barry Whittaker Contracting has been maintaining the region’s farms for over thirty years.

FILL AND FORGET Requires minimal attention.

Manufacturers and Suppliers of:

- Long Run Steel Roofing - Flashings

- Lightweight/High Tensile - Galvanised Steel Purlins

Beware of Imitations. Insist on materials covered by a New Zealand Steel™ Warranty.

Timaru 154 Meadows Rd Washdyke clrtim@ roofing.co.nz Ph: 03 688 7224

Ashburton 42 JB Cullen Drive Ashburton Business Estate clrash@roofing.co.nz Ph: 0508 453 696

USE ANYWHERE Sheds, homes, chicken coops, forest, gardens, factories, town or country.

DO IT NOW!

For more information or where to purchase contact Pied Piper Products Ltd, Christchurch 0800 665 337 or sales@molder.co.nz Designed and Manufactured in Christchurch, New Zealand www.ratcontrol.co.nz

The Rutmaster provides a simple and cost-effective solution. Shingle, clay or lime chip is dropped into the ruts, filling them in no time. The Rutmaster fills 400/500mm wide ruts and material can be sourced either from the farm or can be supplied. Rutmaster blade - Returns shoulder soil into the rut, reducing the amount of material required. Great end results.

Contact Barry for your maintenance solution today. LET US SOLVE YOUR POND EROSION AND TROUGH GRAVEL PROBLEMS ALSO OPERATING A 20 TONNE DIGGER RUTMASTER • INSTIGATOR P: 03 302 3888 M: 0274 803 380 F: 03 302 3887 E: b.jwhittaker@xtra.co.nz

Barry Whittaker CONTRACTING LTD

April 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR WINTER?

ADVERTORIAL

Regenerative agriculture — a report from the UK Over the past few years there has been a significant increase in the number of UK farmers enquiring about and buying Cross Slot drills. UK farmers are coming to the realisation that the minimum tillage techniques employed to save their soils is actually having a detrimental effect on the soil itself. The key phrase in the UK now is ‘Regenerative agriculture’. Soil quality has declined significantly due to a history of cultivation and ‘sustaining’ these soils at their current state is not a solution. Just like here, farmers have understood the damage caused by traditional methods and have moved to what was considered conservation tillage or minimum tillage techniques. As time has progressed it has become obvious that these techniques are becoming detrimental to the surface layer of soil. Minimum tillage has minimised fuel use and labour, but due to the nature of machinery employed, there has been nothing minimal about the soil disturbance. I see minimum tillage here in NZ

as actually being ‘minimum pass, maximum disturbance’ in most cases. As UK crop yields are similar to what we grow here, the benefits of residue management and seedling environment that the UK owners are so thrilled with, should also resound with farmers here. An example are Worchester farmers Tim and Chris Smith who have just completed their second season drilling with a 6m Cross Slot drill on 200mm spacing. “The rape is just coming up. I cannot believe the amount and depth of rooting going on! It has been in the ground just over three weeks and already roots are down at least 20cm. I am very surprised how quickly worm numbers are increasing and how fast the residue is disappearing.” The Smiths used Primewest Ltd, a contractor using a Cross Slot drill to seed some fields for them prior to them

purchasing their own drill. It took only one season for them to be convinced this was the technology they wanted to drive their farming system forward. They recently commented: “ Yo u wouldn’t believe how much your drill (Cross Slot) has changed things here. The last few years I have been getting fed up with farming because things were standing still or going backwards. I know this sounds odd but this drill is going to revolutionise this farm!” Kiwi farmers have traditionally followed UK farming trends. There is a real opportunity now for farmers here to bypass the current trend towards min-till with the knowledge that it is not sustainable and instead promote this Kiwi based technology that leading farmers all around the world are aspiring to.

Protecting your livestock During the long cold winter months, much like us humans, cows need to be kept warm and dry to function properly and this all starts with organising suitable housing for them. When planning what sort of building to construct on your property, take into consideration the period of time that it will be in use. The structural strength and effluent management system along with overall costs are all factors that will come into account in the planning stages. Have in mind a clear vision of the purpose of the building as this will help determine the key features it will need to include. Take into account the buildings suitability for dry and lactating cows as well as local climate and weather, access to water and comfortable bedding along with construction cost and maintenance costs. Remember to check council requirements and consider what to do with the old bedding and effluent. The basic principles of what a cow needs to be comfortable and produce milk at an optimum rate during winter are common sense. They require good solid housing which allows them to be able to turn and move freely, back in and out of stalls and a clean, dry space to lie down.

The correct feed is essential and stock need to be able to access it and a trough at a comfortable height. They also need space and an environment to be able to pass each other, socialise and groom. Cows must also be able to walk easily without slipping as well as having adequately ventilated air to breath. As with many animals that live in herds or groups, there is a social order, with high and low rankings. Conflict can be avoided if there is minimal competition for the basic necessities, space, feed and water. Lighting is also important

for their comfort and makes it easier to determine the state of the animals health and wellbeing. Shade where applicable is also important as cows are prone to heat stress. The design and management of a housing system depends on how long it will be in use for. For example if the stock will be housed in this building all day and night for the entirety of winter or if they will only use this during the night. Not only is this kinder on the animals, but happy animals means higher production, and will pay for itself in the long run.

UNT LL Irrigation • Drainage • Driveways • Auger Hole Drilling Land Clearing & Development • Culvert Installation Construction Site Works •Tree & Hedge Removal • Concrete Breaker

Phone Mike: 027 272 8058 or 03 324 4323 A/H g.m.contracting@xtra.co.nz www.gmcontracting.co.nz

Looking for new and used Cross Slot Drills? Call Mark Scott and talk to a team whose knowledge and experience will make sure you get top quality, sensibly priced equipment that meets the need of your business.

scott@crossslot.com www.crossslot.com

WORKING AT HEIGHTS? WE HAVE THE SOLUTION FOR YOU!!

- Three sizes available (3,6 and 8 metre) - Good quality equipment, in good condition - Certified, Safe and exceeding all standards - Pick up yourself or we can deliver and collect

For your Autumn/Winter sowing needs contact Mark

Tel 03 302 8872 or 027 221 6070

LIFT Phone Nick on 021 324 544

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2016

Surprisingly versatile

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Experience for yourself outstanding quality and sustainability with a new Lely Welger RP 160 V. Call JJ Limited today to register your interest.

www.lely.co.nz

innovators in agriculture

April 2016

EDUCATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

HARRIS TRAINING S E R V I C E S LT D

ADVERTORIAL

Tradition, culture, family Timaru Girls High School and Hostel offers every girl the opportunity to nurture her talents and accept responsibility to become a self-confident young woman equipped both personally and academically to face the future.

• Chainsaw • LUV (Light Utility Vehicle) • Tractor • Forestry crew training & assessing • Quad Bike • Growsafe/Approved Handler & Recertification Gain NZQA Unit Standards Give your staff the skills to make a safer more productive workplace.

CONTACT SHANE HARRIS Registered Trainer & Assessor | Registered EPA Test Certifier

Ph 03 544 4062 or 027 457 4775 info@harristraining.co.nz • www.harristraining.co.nz

SMOKE ALARMS

Save Lives

Waitaki Boys’ High School

Ph 03 437 0529 www.waitakibhs.school.nz With Academic Excellence, Sporting Success and pride in our Cultural Opportunities. Our supportive hostel environment cultivates the

“All-Round Man”

We proudly maintain strong cultural traditions with an emphasis on selfmotivation, high personal values, mutual respect and discipline. These combine to provide our girls with an experience that is not only enjoyable, but which also fosters a true sense of self-worth. The educational framework in place begins with a broad based programme for junior girls, leading to a wide range of specialist study areas during their senior years. Programmes are available to

Don House - Agricultural Boarding School of Choice

cater for the individual needs of girls at each level and to further expand their personal development in preparation for tertiary education or the work force. The principal and staff at Timaru Girls’ High School make it a priority to interact directly with the girls. Boarding facilities — situated in the park-like grounds of the school ‘The House’ offers a safe and comfortable environment for students from around New Zealand and the world. Students are encouraged to focus on their studies,

Oi!

discover and explore new opportunities and have fun while they are doing it. ‘The House’ helps foster good habits and enables boarders to become self-motivated and responsible learners who have respect for themselves and for others. We welcome you to come and visit Timaru Girls’ High School, educating South Canterbury’s young women since 1880. The school Open Day is Wednesday May 18. For more information contact www.timarugirls. school.nz

DON’T TXT & DRIVE

K NOW L E D GE I S P O W E R Development of personal excellence, creativity and individual achievement.

Enrolling now for 2017

OPEN DAY 18th MAY 2016 Join us for a tour of the school and hostel at 9am and 11am

TIMARU GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

A TRADITION OF EDUCATION FOR 136 YEARS

principal@timarugirls.school.nz Cain Street, Timaru | 03 688 1122

www.timarugirls.school.nz

EDUCATION ADVERTORIAL

Well equipped for the world Girls at Waitaki Girls’ High School are very proud of their school, where values are based on developing learners who are respectful, responsible and resilient.

Our boarding hostel provides a ‘home away from home’ for girls who need it and is a pleasant and well maintained facility. The senior wing was recently refurbished and Year 13 girls have the opportunity for more independent living preparing them for the transition to the wider world after school. Research shows that girls learn better in a girls’ school, taking on all the leadership roles and supporting and mentoring younger students. We have over 50 clubs

including many varieties of sport, cultural activities and service groups. Nestled in the heart of beautiful and historic Oamaru, we have strong links with the community. We offer a strong curriculum programme that promotes excellence and striving to reach one’s potential. This is evidenced by our excellent NCEA results, well above the national average at all levels. We are interested in the whole person — excellence of character as well

as academic ability and this is mirrored in the many student well-being programmes we offer at all year levels. A Waitaki Girls’ learner is equipped to take her place in the world after school. We welcome your consideration of Waitaki Girls’ High School as a learning community that will allow your daughter to thrive. Please visit our website www.waitakigirlshigh.school. nz. Tours for inspection of the school and hostel leave the school hall at 11am and 7pm on the 31st May 2016.

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2016

Information on education The Canterbury region offers excellent education facilities at every level. This includes approximately 160 schools and two universities — Canterbury University and Lincoln, a specialist land-based university. Other tertiary options include Christchurch polytechnic, the College of Education, and a number of English language institutes. There are over 440 options for early childhood education in the Canterbury region which are listed on the Education Counts website. From age 6 to 16, schooling is compulsory in New Zealand. There are playgroups in many areas which are informal sessions where caregivers and children aged 0–5 meet together in a relaxed environment. In a playgroup, parents and caregivers stay to interact with the other adults and to play with the children. Activities are either free

or low cost and may include music and singing, imaginative play, ar ts and crafts. The Education Counts website can be searched for single sex or co-educational schools and boarding schools in the region. Information is provided on student population and attainment for each school, decile rating, website and street address as well as a link to their education review office report. When it comes to state schools, children are generally expected go to the school that’s geographically nearest them. You can apply to go to another school, but children living in its local ‘zone’ will get preference.

The Ministry of Education’s we b s i t e has more information about schools and how to make a choice and enrol. Schools also have their own websites that you should visit. Things to check include costs, whether there’s a uniform and cafeteria, what extra curricular activities are offered such as sports, arts and special subjects, and what before — and afterschool care is available? Visit the school in person, speak to the staff and check for yourself what its grounds and facilities are like. Contact the school directly and make an appointment, or ask when its holding the next ‘Open Day’.

Garin College

Small School, Big Heart Garin College is a co-educational Catholic College with boarding facilities for boys and girls based in Richmond, Nelson.

Why choose Garin College

Waitaki Girls'

• Small community based Catholic College • Modern facilities in beautiful grounds • A safe and caring environment • Family style hostel • Fantastic results for all students, NCEA, Rock Quest, Stage Challenge, Sports, Outdoor adventure and more

Young Women Well Equipped for the World

While Nelson provides all the advantages of living in a city, Garin College delivers all the benefits of attending a small school, and living in our boutique hostels with space for only 28 boys and 28 girls from year 9 to 13, you can know your child will be cared for as they move from home for their secondary education.

High School Waitaki House (Boarding)

Open Day Tuesday May 31st 2016, tours around Waitaki Girls’ High School and Waitaki House (boarding) 11am and 7pm Enquiries welcome for day and boarding places. We welcome your inspection of our learning community. Our school is a place where students thrive and can fulfil their potential in a supportive environment.

Contact our Principal Ms Tracy Walker E: twalker@waitakigirlshigh.school.nz Ph: 03 434 8429 Visit our website: www.waitakigirlshigh.school.nz

Our boarders are active, involved teenagers who thrive in the environment of the hostel.

To find out more about boarding contact Robert Booth on 027 654 4835 e-mail robertbooth@cloud.garincollege.ac.nz or visit our website.

PRE-ENROL NOW for 2017 & beyond places are limited

Garin College, 35 Champion Road, Richmond, Nelson P: +64 3 543 9488 F: +64 3 543 9489 Email: achieve@garincollege.ac.nz www.garincollege.ac.nz

April 2016

EDUCATION

CANTERBURY FARMING ADVERTORIAL

The Future is

ORGANIC

A code of values

St Bede’s College is the only boys Catholic boarding school in the South Island and welcomes students from throughout New Zealand and overseas.

• Start a career in organics • Learn from the experts • Improve your gardening skills and produce your own fruit and vegetables For more information (03) 325 3684 admin@bhu.org.nz www.bhu.org.nz

g n i l l Enro Now

The college can cater for up to 140 boarders, with three dormitories

designed for specific groupings. It is a fully resourced school and

'Making Pathways to the Stars'

DRIVE TO THE

CONDITIONS

Now enrolling children from New Entrants to Year 6 Contact the school for further information and an enrolment pack... Phone: 03 302 8500 Email: office@methven.school.nz Website: www.methven.school.nz

our staff are experienced in meeting the needs of students from diverse communities. Our curriculum offers excellent educational, cultural and sporting opportunities and our grounds and facilities are first rate. The boarders have access to the gymnasium, swimming pool, cricket nets, tennis courts, hockey turf and a performing arts centre. All students are actively encouraged to participate where possible. We have two vans to transport students to their commitments out of school, and a regular bus service just outside the front gates. The college motto is Fide et Opere, By Faith

and Works and our aim is to produce young men who are hardworking and live their lives by a code of good values and consideration for others. The college also has six areas of activity that it believes are crucial to the future success and fulfilment of its students. These are called the Six Pillars: Special Character, Community, Academic, Cultural, Sport, and Boarding. We welcome you to the College’s Open Day on Wednesday, 11 May between 9am and 12 noon. Parents are also welcome to attend a presentation of the college by senior management at 7.30pm that evening.

Boarding at St Bede’s College Enrolling Now For 2017

Boarding at St Bede’s College is a tradition that goes back to the 1920s when the College established itself at its present site. Today’s boarders enjoy life-away from home at the only single-sex Catholic boarding school in the South Island. They benefit from the College’s comprehensive pastoral network, the comprehensive curriculum and the excellent cultural and sporting programmes.

THE BEST WAY TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT US IS TO VISIT US.

OUR OPEN DAY IS 11 MAY FROM 9AM-12PM AND PROVIDES A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO TOUR THE COLLEGE.

Visit for a tour of the College

Request a Prospectus

Check out the College website

For further information please contact: Grant Ven (Assistant Director of Boarding): | gven@stbedes.school.nz | 022 685 8025 Katrina High (Rector’s EA): khigh@stbedes.school.nz | 03 375 1871 | 021 258 6667

210 Main North Road Papanui Christchurch 8051 Phone 03 375 0647 www.stbedes.school.nz

EDUCATION ADVERTORIAL

Waihi — we believe in boys For the past 108 years Waihi has been providing a first class education for New Zealand boys. Whilst we are proud of both our history and traditions, the school is constantly looking to the future of our boys. As specialists in boys’ education, we spend a lot of time thinking about the unique ways in which boys learn and grow. Brain research strongly confirms the developmental difference between boys and girl. Single-sex education programmes allow boys to thrive and learn at their own developmental pace in accordance with their unique learning and emotional needs. Boys learn better in an environment that: • Allows them to move while learning (more kinaesthetic learning and less time on chairs) • Encourages learning by doing hands on activities • Recognises that boys often ‘act first and think later’ so teaches them to take risks responsibly • Encourages humour — it is a great coping strategy

• Gives them a safe space in which to embrace performance and other creative pursuits — boys are extremely creative • Understands that boys track moving objects faster than girls but don’t hear as well, therefore they need instructions to be short and clear • Recognises boys have boundless physical energy. They are often competitive, physical in nature, and inclined toward competitive sport • Recognises that boys are essentially disorganised, so helps them manage themselves • Provides great male role models and gives boys an opportunity to be leaders and teaches them how to lead We believe in boys and we have the expertise, resources, staff and facilities to develop the potential and awaken the ambition in each and every boy, whatever his unique strengths and learning needs are.

OPEN DAY - 1.30pm Thursday 19 May Boarding and Day School for Boys Years 4-8 ✓ Designed for Boys ✓ Broad Holistic Curriculum ✓ Specialist Science, Sport and Music Teaching ✓ Small Class Sizes ✓ “Friends and Values for Life”

State Highway 1 Winchester South Canterbury Mid Year Enrolments Welcome

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2016

Study Forestry at UC Take your career to the next level with a professional degree from NZ's only university based School of Forestry. Study towards a Bachelor of Forestry Science or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Forest Engineering at the University of Canterbury. • Practical, hands-on courses • Field trips around NZ • Overseas exchange opportunities to the USA or Canada • Work in one of NZ's biggest export industries • S cholarships available More information www.canterbury.ac.nz/forestry forestry@canterbury.ac.nz or 03 364 2109

FORESTRY

AgriLearn As your link to training for the primary industry, AgriLearn looks forward to meeting your needs Enquire today about our courses in -

• Approved Handler • Chainsaws • Light Utility Vehicles • Quadbikes • Tractors Telephone Nicola on 03 688 7383 or email nicolar@agrilearn.ac.nz

AgriLearn, 8 Pleasant Point Highway Washdyke, Timaru

Contact us for more information T: 03 687 8014 E: admin@waihi.school.nz www.waihi.school.nz “Our four sons absolutely loved their years at Waihi School. Waihi catered for their differing needs and interests, allowing each of them to retain their individuality whilst maturing into confident young men, ready and fully prepared for their secondary school education. Waihi is the perfect sized school, large enough to challenge and provide opportunities, and yet small enough to ensure all staff are very much involved in each boy’s life. Committed, passionate and caring staff, wonderful spacious grounds and facilities, and progressive leadership ensured that every moment spent there was maximised.”

Peter and Julianne Darling, Parents of four Waihi boarders

THINKING BOARDING, THINK MEDBURY You are invited to attend the

MEDBURY SCHOOL OPEN DAYS Monday 9 May and Monday 31 October, 9.00am - 11.30am The Headmaster will speak at 10.15am Academic, Boarding & Music Scholarships available for 2017 For more information contact Tanya Moore (Headmaster’s PA) on 03 351 6169 109 Clyde Road, Christchurch | office@medbury.school.nz | www.medbury.school.nz Canterbury Farming Educational Feature April 2016.indd 1

9/04/16 9:24 am

April 2016

EDUCATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

Constructing a career

A tradition of innovation and progress

The Southern Institute of Technology Christchurch campus in Hornby offers a great range of education possibilities for those looking for a trades qualification.

If you are keen on getting involved in construction, we offer the National Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills, a 12week Level 2 programme. This programme provides a pathway for students to enter into a range of trade-related professions and its main focus is teaching them the practical skills they require for further study. We also offer the Level 3 Certificate in Construction,

where students spend three days on campus and two days out in the community on work experience. All students are involved in building a house from scratch, ensuring sound practical skills in conjunction with classroom learning. Our programmes are widely recognized within related industries and SIT has a proven record of students moving into employment or apprenticeships.

Nelson College is New Zealand’s oldest state secondary school and can be described as ‘a boys school with traditions not a traditional boys school’. Traditions establish a strong sense of belonging and community amongst the students and the staff, but they don’t prevent the College from innovating and responding to the changing social and educational needs of boys in the 21st century. The diversity of our options structure with its multiple pathways enables students to reach their potential in whatever field they have a passion for. Alongside the classroom, Nelson College runs a unique student leadership programme, champions performing arts, and provides an endless selection of co-curricular activities including 85 sports teams. This combination allows the full breadth of development for the widest possible range of boys. Excellence through robust self-review and a determination to improve lie at the heart of the College’s

Courses are NZQA approved and students are eligible for student loans and allowances. Spaces for mid-year 2016 are filling fast and demand for affordable trades training is high. To find out more, discuss options or tour the facilities, call 0800 TO STUDY (0800 867 883), go to www.sit.ac.nz or visit the campus at 60 Waterloo Road Hornby.

everyday practice. We have a clear goal: to be the best we can be for all of our students. This goal provides the focus for developing and challenging our most able students as well as providing extra support for those who

need it. The College is also pleased to announce the refurbishment and modernisation of its boarding hostels has begun with Barnicoat House scheduled to be completed before the end of this year.

NELSON COLLEGE Young men taking their place in the world BOARDING OPEN DAY Saturday 14 May, 10am - 2pm

We invite you to join us on our Open day. The day includes guided tour of the Boarding Houses and College facilities, presentations by the Headmaster, Director of Boarding and Curriculum Manager. • • • • •

Find out more at : www.nelsoncollege.school.nz

P: 03 548 3099

Multiple curriculum pathways tailored for boys Extensive and successful co-curricular & sporting programmes Trades Academy courses in furniture, joinery, building, construction, food and hospitality, automotive and mechanical engineering Trades Academy scholarships Leadership & mentoring of junior students

E: ta@nelsoncollege.school.nz

67 Waimea Road, Nelson

CHRISTCHURCH CAMPUS 60 Waterloo Rd, Hornby, Christchurch

Looking to gain a qualification in 2016? • National Certificate in Fitness (Group Fitness Instruction) - Starting 1 June • National Certificate in Building, Construction, and Allied Trades Skills FREE - 10 weeks, starting 13 June • National Certificate in Project Management - Starting 23 June • National Diploma in Project Management - Starting 29 July • Certificate in Construction - Starting 3 August

*Direct material costs apply

Call us today, or email sit@sit.ac.nz 0800 TO STUDY www.sit.ac.nz

EDUCATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2016

ADVERTORIAL

Affordable Excellence

Finding students success

Nelson College for Girls offers high quality, affordable education for young women in a very supportive environment.

Since January 2000, National Trade Academy has successfully assisted local dairy farmers to obtain suitable employees from graduating students. NTA has regular intakes throughout the year with students from around the world. The recruitment manager liaises with you, the employer, to ascertain your needs and requirements, and brings suitable students to you for interviews and/or trials. Once a student is selected, the recruiting manager then assists with all the required immigration applications and contracts. NTA has an immigration company contracted to provide professional help in this area at no cost to the employer. Meeting NZ immigration requirements can sometimes be daunting, but with the assistance of the immigration company and the skills and experience of Gerard Hansen, the recruiting manager who has experience with the Canterbury Skills and Employment Hub, which processes the labour market tests, this has been proven to be successful. The advantage is that the employee is

Our boarding hostel, Clarice Johnstone House, is a very important part of this. It offers excellent accommodation for up to 150 students, from New Zealand and overseas. Our Year 9 – 12 students live in Clarice Johnstone House while our Year 13 students are in the Levels building. This modern accommodation provides them with a more independent living experience, while still

ensuring our most senior students play a pivotal role in creating the family atmosphere of the boarding community. Nelson College for Girls has a strong house system and all of our boarders are members of the same house, Whangamoa. They are passionate participants in all house activities in the school and revel in the ‘purple’ house succeeding well. Our boarders enjoy academic

success, make lifelong friendships and enjoy strong connections within the school and its community. Enrolments are still being accepted for 2016 and our boarding team are travelling the South Island in May. For more information and to see when we are in your area, please contact Jo Purcell on 03 548 1332 Email: jo.purcell@ncg.school.nz or visit our website www.ncg. school.nz/boarding

Nelson College for Girls ENQUIRIES FOR BOARDING AT ALL YEAR LEVELS WELCOME WESTPORT - Tuesday 17 May. 12.30pm - 2.00pm

INFORMATION SESSIONS

Salvation Army Rooms, Cnr Henley & Russell Sts.

GREYMOUTH - Tuesday 17 May. 5.30pm - 7.00pm Coleraine Motel Conference Room, 61 High St.

HOKITIKA - Wednesday 18 May. 1.00pm - 2.30pm WestREAP Rooms, 72 Tudor St.

HANMER - Wednesday 18 May. 7.00pm - 8:30pm Bella Vista Motel Family Room, 1 Tarndale Pl.

KAIKOURA - Thursday 19 May. 1.00pm - 2.30pm Kaikoura Memorial Hall, The Esplanade, next to City Council.

BLENHEIM - Thursday 19 May. 5.30pm - 7.00pm Admirals Motor Lodge Boardroom, 161 Middle Renwick Rd.

Excellence, PRIDE in Everything 03 548 3104 | www.ncg.school.nz | jo.purcell@ncg.school.nz

here in Canterbury, can be interviewed and trialled face to face and they have a real desire to seek employment in the industry. Gerard follows up on the employees once they start working and is always there to assist all parties through the initial settling in period and to try and alleviate any issues before they arise. Part of the placement includes two weeks’ free work experience as part of their study requirements, which proves to be most beneficial for all parties. All the students have

some form of experience and knowledge of the industry prior to attending NTA, so their study enhances their skill base to ensure they are competent and can be a valuable asset to you the employer. Of the recent intake of international students, the vast majority have secured placements in the local area already. Feedback from the employers is always positive and Gerard quite often gets referrals from satisfied employers as our reputation continues to grow.

REQUIRE SKILLED WORKERS? We provide recruitment for Farmers, Nurseries, Studs, Stables and Animal facilities!!

GET QUALIFIED DOING WHAT YOU LOVE.... • Students still at school, school leavers, adults, we offer a full range of land based NZQA NZ certificates from entry level 2 to level 4.

AGRICULTURE EQUINE HORTICULTURE ANIMAL CARE AND TECHNICIAN • Limited spaces still available for full time and part time programmes, mid-year enrolments open now • Distance learning options and short courses available. Contact us web: nta.co.nz mobile: Belinda 021 779 011 phone: 03 360 2192 email: marketing@nta.co.nz

RURAL WOMEN

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2016

A lady of achievement

Prestigious finalists named

by Rose Stirling

Canterbury semi-retired farmer, Sandra Curd, has been named in Zonta’s top 50 women of achievement in New Zealand, alongside former Prime Minister, Helen Clark. Mrs Curd joins an elite group ‘who have worked hard to focus their passion and time into pursuing a better place to live’. “The award was certainly an honour especially when you look at those impressive names that have also been recognised. I’m not one to seek accolades for the work that I do, I just get a lot of enjoyment out of it and that’s why I do it,” says Mrs Curd. An active volunteer in the Winchmore area for over 30 years for a wide range of service organisations, Mrs Curd is a life member of Rural Women NZ, Mid Canterbury Provincial, a member of Zonta Club of Ashburton and a strong advocate for eliminating violence against women. “I get a lot of reward from helping. I’m fortunate that I’m in a position that I can give my time to the community and I’ve forged a lot of friendships through my community involvement.“ Sandra and her husband Rupert have two children Chris and Rachel. When Sandra isn’t out supporting her community and working with the groups she belongs to, she’s out supporting

Top woman: Sandra Curd has been named in the top 50 women of achievement in New Zealand

her son Chris to work the family farm, a 306-hectare irrigated dairy support and cropping farm that produces wheat, barley and potatoes. Her husband Rupert is very proud of her achievement. “It reflects her very well — her community minded nature. She’s a very caring and family orientated person

and she’s always there when we need her.” Friend and colleague Margaret Chapman has worked with Sandra over the last 16 years. “Sandra likes helping people and she has done that from a young age — she is a wonderful community volunteer who loves to make a difference.”

Three finalists for the prestigious Dairy Woman of the Year have been announced by the Dairy Women’s Network. They are Westport based Landcorp business manager Rebecca Keoghan, Central West Coast dairy farmer Renee Rooney and Waihi based LIC farm solution manager Michelle Wilson. Dairy Women’s Network chief executive Zelda de Villiers said judges had a hard time selecting the finalists for the fifth annual awards. “Our nominees personify all that is good about the many and varied roles women play in the dairy sector up and down the country,” said Ms de Villiers. Rebecca Keoghan manages five dairy farms, a dairy support block and machinery syndicate, is a Director for Westland Milk Products, while playing trombone and percussion for Westport brass band. “My absolute passion for mentoring others, driving the success of our sector and being a leadership role model within our industry is extremely important to me.” said Ms Keoghan. Renee Rooney is co vice president of Federated Far mer s West Coast and chairwoman of the Dairy Section. “I would be receiving this award on behalf of all the other dairy women in New Zealand that go about

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their daily life on the farm (while juggling family commitments or community commitments or industr y roles) and for just doing what they do,” said Ms Rooney. Michelle Wilson was nominated by former Dairy Women’s Network chair and board member Robyn Clements. Ms Wilson says being recognised as Dairy Woman of the Year Dairy Women’s Network 2016 would be chief executive Zelda de Villiers an honour in recognition not only for her national level, all extremely contribution to the dairy passionate about the issues sector, but for all the women that face the dairy world, that have walked beside her, compliance, health and safety encouraged, supported and and environmental Impact to challenged her in her dairy name a few. industry governance career. “These woman are Dairy Woman of the Year prepared to step outside their Judge Alison Gibb said the farming lives and delve deep finalists were all excellent into the issues, sort out the candidates at varying stages key issues and lead others through. They all want the in their leadership journey. ”There are strong dairy industry to be seen in leaders coming through. a positive light.” The winner will win a The finalists all indicate a strong willingness to step up place on the 11-month and be involved in their local Global Women Breakthrough communities and beyond, Leaders Programme worth namely the industry at a $25,000.

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Growing great calves Making sure your calves get a good start in life is the focus of a series of workshops being organised by the Dairy Women’s Network across the country. The network is partnering with compound ruminant feed manufacturer SealesWinslow and animal health research and manufacturer MSD Animal Health to run 18 Growing Great Calves workshops for free across the country in May, June and July. The practical hands-on workshop looks at all aspects of calf rearing including the biology of calf diseases and the development of immunity, treatment of sick calves, vaccination strategy and calf housing. It will cover colostrum concepts, housing and calf signals and best practice calf rearing. SealesWinslow nutrition and quality manager Wendy Morgan will present at the workshops. “We are discussing successful calf rearing, not just to 100kg but onto the cows coming into milk in the herd,” Wendy said. “We will also be looking at best practice advice and then discussing how to adapt that to meet their needs and present setup. “The day is aimed at all farmers, particularly beginners and intermediate. In the past, we have had great interaction from all levels of experience, helping increase the knowledge gleaned from more than just the presentation. It’s always good to have a refresher and to start thinking about planning

and preparation before the season is upon us. “It is even more important for us to engage with farmers in a low payout year. Every cost needs to be scrutinised. However, it is also imperative to be aware of the knock on effect of removing a cost — will it be more expensive in the long run? “If you are saving a few dollars but the knock on effect is a cost increase down the line, Wendy Morgan, SealesWinslow nutrition this is not the and quality manager, will present a series thing to cut out of workshops organised by Dairy Women’s of the system. Network focussing on calf care With calf rearing, you are looking at the future Women’s Network annual of your herd for a number conference in May. of years. When the payout Each workshop starts increases, we want to have at 9.30am and finishes at well grown, high producing 2.30pm. Male farm workers animals to make more of that and calf rearers are welcome to join the women and lunch valuable milk.” MSD Animal Health is provided. Workshops for Canterbury marketing manager Sam Higgins said the Upper Hutt run on Tuesday, July 5 at based company will run Glenavy Hall, Innes Street, the workshops around the Glenavy; Wednesday, July learnings from Australian vet 20 at the RSA, 12–14 Cox and calf health researcher Street, Ashbur ton; and Gemma Chuck. MSD is Tuesday, July 26 at Westland hosting Gemma in New Milk Product, 56 Livingstone Zealand for the Dair y Street, Hokitika.

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April 2016

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From the Minister

Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

Europe visit April 2016 I made a flying visit to Europe for a few days recently where it’s clear the low dairy prices are having an impact on all farming nations, not just New Zealand. more supply from Europe, although this may slow as some European countries are asking farmers to voluntarily reduce supply. So having all of these things happening at one time is unusual and is being felt in other dairying nations. Of course, we can’t do anything about these international factors. What we need to do is focus on things we can control inside the farm gate, like reducing costs and growing grass. Just before I left for Europe I held a public forum with dairy farmers, the banks and industry bodies near Morrinsville. It was really pleasing to see everyone talking about how to get through this tough season and being optimistic on the medium to long-term

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at ways other farmers could learn from this. One of the things the Government can do to help in the longer term is improve market access for our farmers and this was a focus of my trip to Europe. I held bilateral meetings with a number of countries where I pushed the benefits of an NZ-EU FTA and the benefits it could bring to both parties. There is somewhat of a myth in some parts of Europe that New Zealand is much bigger than we really are, and that we might end up flooding their markets. As I explained to people over there, we are actually only 1% of global beef supply, 3% of global dairy and 6% of global sheepmeat. There is still a long road ahead for this FTA

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I attended a meeting of OECD Agriculture Ministers in Paris where the outlook for dairy was a key topic I discussed with Ministers and people like Phil Hogan, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture. It’s clear there are a number of international factors at play, such as uncertainty around how much of an inventory China has and their future demand. Falling oil prices have also had a big impact because it lowers the buying power of many nations. Adding to this are the Russian sanctions and no-one I spoke to in Europe could really say when this situation might be resolved. The removal of EU quotas has also increased the supply of milk at probably the worst possible time. We can expect to see a bit

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O’Connor Comments with Damien O’Connor Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture

The importance of dairy There has been much said and written about the dairy industry in the last couple of weeks. It’s importance to our economy is now better understood, if not appreciated. The fact we turn sunshine and rain with good soils and cows into real wealth for New Zealand is rarely explained. Wealth for most Aucklanders is created by soaring house values a long way from the mud and milk of a dairy farm. While there is talk of the flow-on effects from plummeting returns for milk, the decision makers in the cities are slow to absorb its magnitude. Indeed many will continue to operate in an economy where personal and government borrowing supplemented by increasing migrants to New Zealand delivers the cash. Questions are starting to be asked as to how dairy farmers got themselves into such a mess. After all they are businesspeople dealing with large assets and have been seen to splash out on

baches and boats as a sign of their success. Urban Kiwis who extend themselves to buy a home for their family struggle to sympathise with farmers who may have got it wrong and may be forced to sell out because they can’t meet their mortgage commitments. Why should anyone intervene for farmers when going bust is an all too frequent occurrence for Kiwi small business operators? I think we need to step back and analyse the people who farm our land and have been caught up in the overhyped dairy industry. Some invested relatively recently in the sector and converted dry stock farms into dairy for tax free capital gains and many will have already sold out before the slump. They are the opportunistic greedy. Some may have

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been encouraged to buy a neighbouring farm on the basis of forecasts from bank economists, Fonterra, DairyNZ and the National Government who have all continued to say the world’s population is growing, the demand from new middle class Asians is growing and we are good food producers. Others may be on generational properties facing increased costs of environmental management and perhaps the need to buy out family owners of the land. Most have high levels of debt and varying abilities to reduce their farm operating expenses. The chances that they can make money at a $3.90 per kilogram of milk solids are slim and survival depends on their bank’s willingness to loan them more money to operate their business. The bank holds

all the cards in this game. There is also talk about the risks to the industry and banks if land values decline by up to 40% as some have predicted. Indications are that 20% of dairy land value has already evaporated. I am not aware of the collective value of dairy farm land across the country but equivalent slump in share value on the NZX would be considered a crisis and impact on a more vocal and well heeled group of urban or foreign investors. The fact is dairy farmers have already taken a big hit and the remaining question is how many won’t survive. Unfortunately for too many that literally means personal survival. Logic can’t explain the levels of desperation that lead a person to suicide but farming is a lonely occupation for most and the inability to share frustrations and pressures leads to alarming rates of suicide at times of great stress in rural New Zealand.

Without pointing fingers, we can’t ignore the pressure of financial failure and the loss of livelihood and home as a leading component of these terrible family tragedies. It is therefore our collective responsibility to minimise the pressures and chances of this happening. Solutions are not simple and every individual farm and farming business will be different. The recent Stress Test done by the Reserve Bank on the banking sector and potential effects of this dairy crisis has attempted to quantify the losses. In the worst case scenario where land values decline by 40% and hundreds of farmers lose their farms the banks could lose $3B. That is a big number but compared to the 20% already lost in farm land value by farmers it is spare cash to the four major Australian banks that extracted $4B in profits from their New Zealand operations in last

April 2016

year alone. The banks have been making the lion’s share of the net benefits from growth in the dairy industry along with those lucky enough to exit the sector at its peak farm values. Farmers should not be bailed out but banks must share the loss and the pain from this over-hyped and miscalculated expansion of our most significant and valuable industry. The banks must bite the bullet and accept their share of this crisis. While some farmers were greedy, most were genuinely ambitious and too many were naive in listening to hype and hope when all the indicators were for this inevitable downturn. Farmers can’t be left to shoulder all the blame and all the loss in these times of crisis for the dairy industry. It’s time for the banks to front up and share the burden of the crisis facing a huge number of Kiwi farmers.

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SUPPLEMENTARY FEED Keep lambing ewes in peak condition Winter is the period when good ewe body condition needs to be maintained and young stock fed well, with saved pasture or supplementary feeding. The body condition and health of ewes at lambing and the amount of pasture cover, both influence spring production. There are two main aspects to consider during winter: Rationing feed so available pasture, supplements or crop meet animal needs until pasture increases in spring. Keeping ewes in good condition before lambing and avoiding under or over-feeding to prevent problems like metabolic upsets or bearings. When planning winter grazing rotations, whether by electric fence breaks or individual paddocks, ensure some paddocks have sufficient pasture cover (3–5cm) at lambing. Graze lambing paddocks early in the rotation to allow pasture time to recover. Paddocks facing the sun, i.e. north facing, will recover quicker during the colder winter months than shady faces.

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Cereal greenfeeds Cereal greenfeeds such as oats, barley and rye corn may be sown after harvesting a summer crop in January/ February. The timing of sowing and site have a big effect on how well the plants grow and the amount of feed produced. Forage crops Winter forage crops are a way of transferring feed into the winter. Root crops like swedes or turnips are low in dry matter (10–20%, i.e. 80–90% water) but high in digestibility (75–90%, i.e. high availability of nutrients). Annual ryegrasses Annual ryegrasses can be sown in autumn for winter greenfeed and spring grazing. Tama and Moata ryegrasses are commonly used for this purpose as they are vigorous growers and recover after grazing for repeated use over winter.

Possible problems before and during lambing Optimum feeding of breeding ewes during winter and early spring is critical to avoid metabolic disorders (e.g. pregnancy toxaemia or milk fever) and to ensure good ewe performance and early lamb growth. Ewes should hold their body condition during pregnancy. This means an overall increase in live weight of 8–10kg to lambing, allowing for the weight of foetus and body fluids. For ewes mated in good condition, maintenance feeding during winter at 1–2cm pasture length, then increasing this from 4–6 weeks before lambing to 2–3cm is the ideal. Exercise of ewes during late pregnancy helps muscle tone and ease of lambing.

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Considering what to feed out during the winter months can be daunting, but making the right decision can boost production and be beneficial in the long run. The decision on which supplement to include in your farm system should be based on the cheapest form of energy. Infrastructure, storage, wastage, the logistics of feeding and utilisation of the supplement should all be considered in your comparison and supplements should have a better or similar ME to pasture. Meal has a moderate to high risk of acidosis depending on ingredients and it should be introduced slowly so the cows can’t gorge themselves. Potatoes have a high risk of acidosis and need to be restricted to 3 kilograms DM/cow/day if fed in bins as there is a risk of acidosis from cows gorging. They are

also limited in supply. Straw can be fed as part of a dry cow ration but is not suitable as milking cow feed. It can be required in a diet if the diet is high in sugar and starch or there is a lack of long chop silage, hay or pasture available. Kiwifruit is another option but needs to be introduced gradually over two to three weeks. Up to 3kg DM/dry cow/day — 15 kg fruit/ cow/day — can be fed to dry stock but this needs to be reduced to 5kg fruit/cow/ day if the fruit is ripe. Milking cows have been fed up to 5–6kg DM/ cow/day without obvious problems but only where cows have a high intake of pasture — 10–12 kg DM/ cow/day. As kiwifruit is high in soluble sugars there is a

high risk of acidosis when fed to excess. There is also a risk of animals choking especially when fruit is hard. Maize silage should not make up more than 30 per cent of the diet to avoid amino acid and protein deficiency. High intakes require supplementation with Ca, Mg and Na. A 75 per cent and 25 per cent combination of palm kernel extract and tapioca is relatively efficient and can be fed in bins and in the paddock. There is a moderate risk of acidosis, especially if poorly mixed but this can be reduced by minimising tapioca to 25 per cent of mix alongside good feed management. For more information visit www.dairynz.co.nz.

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SUPPLEMENTARY FEED

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blindly through all terrain. Challenger’s engineers know that the health of the soil is vital to crop growth and that deploying a large tractor to increase economies of scale is a plan which will fall flat should the soil be flattened as well! When only the biggest implements will do, demanding massive amounts of hydraulic power and rotational torque, this pair of Challengers is up to the task. Years of development have led to a track system which is able to ‘float’ the mass of a high-torque tractor this size over the ground with ease and those large contact patches make delivering all the Challenger’s power to the ground seem effortless, too. Challenger have their roots in the concept of big machinery offering big gains in productivity and this pair of heavyweights fulfil the dreams of Benjamin Holt and Daniel Best like no machine of their era could. If they were around to see the machine which carries on their innovation, it’s certain that both would be impressed.

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SUPPLEMENTARY FEED

A window onto better nutrition by Andy Bryenton

It doesn’t take a farmer to know that the average dairy cow has a labyrinthine set of stomachs, busy 24 hours a day turning pasture into meat and milk. In fact, the complex ruminations within are so hard to monitor, even with modern veterinary medical techniques, that researchers in Switzerland have taken things a step further. In a painless process known as cannulation, the anaesthetised cattle who are part of a long-running trial experiment are fitted with a flexible ‘porthole’ direct into their stomachs. Despite the alien appearance of the experiment, researchers at Agroscope, in Grangeneuve, Switzerland, are quick to point out that their herd have longer lifespans and better health than nearly any other cattle on earth. That’s necessary to make their research possible, because these bovines are at the forefront of the effort not only to maximise production from supplementary feed, but also to reduce the methane emissions which environmentalists decry as a cause of climate change. It’s not a new concept. The first bovine cannulation was undertaken in the 1800s — though it was a much cruder process than the sterile and pain-free operation used today. This time around, in a study begun in 2014, the Swiss scientists are carefully monitoring a mixture of silage, hay, oats and other food sources. After feeding and grazing for a set time the content

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Data from extensive medical testing will be used to increase the efficiency of supplementary feed, augmenting pasture

of the cow’s rumen are examined, offering a unique oppor tunity to see the digestive process at work. The cows are also milked as normal, allowing the research team to monitor just what nutrients and chemicals from the variety of feed mixtures affect the finished product. As farming becomes more intensive, the use of supplementary feed has become more widespread, taking up the slack when nature deals farmers a bad

hand in the way of droughts and cold snaps. But of course, in their original wild state, the cattle beast would never encounter such foodstuffs as, for example, palm kernel. Learning the right mix of ‘fuel’ for the precision evolved engine of the cow’s digestive tract is the key to ensuring lower overheads for farmers and better health for their herds. It’s also a way to develop feed mixtures which reduce flatulence —

a problem which may sound comical, but is deadly serious to climate scientists. While animal rights activists are outraged by the invasive nature of the research, video footage of the Swiss herd showed contented and pain-free animals. They, and the researchers who monitor them, are doing their part to feed a burgeoning human population and perhaps even save the world from climate Armageddon at the same time.

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April 2016

DAIRY & COMPLIANCE

CANTERBURY FARMING

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With a new year in farming comes a new round of tougher measures for environmental protection. And, even as debate rages about the practicality of implementing such measures during a ‘slump’ in global dairy prices, the call to further protect the environment is being heard.

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Despite the low payout forecasted by dairy giant Fonterra, recent news articles about excluding cattle from waterways have thrown the entire compliance issue into stark perspective. What price, ask some pundits, our clean green image, if the very industry it supports crumbles under a weight of red tape and debt for its implementation? As in any industr y, standards and practices are there to ensure a balanced and equitable relationship between the producer and supplier, with guarantees of quality enforced, in this case, for the best of reasons — the health not only of consumers, but of New Zealand’s reputation as a topgrade exporter. Thus, farmers are still investing in the important equipment which allows them to run a modern, healthy and quality-controlled operation, whether in dairy, dry stock or even in cropping.

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Fonterra walk the line this season between ensuring global standards of excellence in their finished product, and ensuring that their key shareholders, the farmers working at the ‘coalface’ of production, are financially secure. No matter the barometer of global trade, and TPPA notwithstanding, the rules for standards of hygiene and the temperature of vats and chillers are unwavering. It’s not just the equipment in and around the milking shed which must meet new standards. As an example of wider requirements, Fonterra now requires new, repaired, or structurally upgraded tanker roadway bridges or crossings to be certified to at least 53 tonne, allowing safe access for their fleet. Waterways must be fenced to ensure environmental standards are met, with results in stream and river purity already being felt in the Waikato and beyond as a result. On the flip side, some rivers have been closed to swimming and fishing this year due to unintentional runoff, putting water purity in the headlines. The incursion of cattle into rivers and

lakes has prompted calls for harsh fines, and renewed the debate over fencing waterways entirely. These factors, along with the machinery required to hygienically wash down milking sheds and equipment, and the modern milking systems needed to cut back on ills like mastitis, mean that, season after season, the backbone infrastructure of farms must be kept in good shape, no matter what mother nature or global commerce throw at us. A good example is the robust new systems used

to treat dairy effluent — systems which turn what was once an odious problem into a potential source of fertiliser and nutrients. In this arena, farmers have been able to work innovatively within the framework of environmental protective laws to find a sustainable way forward. With the trend toward global free trade pushing further regulation and more exacting measures to ensure milk and meat quality, keeping these vital infrastructural systems at peak efficiency would seem a wise choice, this season as in any other.

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• Looks at your farm’s effluent consent or permitted rules: are all requirements being met? • Views the nutrient budget and checks nitrogen loadings • Runs the dairy effluent storage calculator to estimate if there is enough storage for the farm effluent system • Checks over the storage facility for signs of possible risk areas • Looks at all catchment areas, particularly standoffs, feedpads and underpasses • Tests the application depth and rate of the irrigation system • Identifies the hazards and notes general health and safety requirements.

Contact Craig Strong (Consultant) on Phone: 027 PASTURE (027 727 8873) Email: pastureproduction@gmail.com www.pastureproduction.co.nz

DAIRY

Uncommon sense

CANTERBURY FARMING

David Law, Managing Director of Forward Farming Consultancy

Don’t focus on things you cannot change The current dairy farming situation is a disaster. It is time to get serious. There are some things happening around us which are outside our control: • The weather • The payout Although there is a lot of daily discussion about these two points, there is little we can do to change them. Anyone can allow themselves to be completely overwhelmed if they focus on the disaster itself and how it is affecting them. One factor which is true in today’s payout is that there are many farmers feeling the same way. It is of paramount importance to stop worrying about what can’t be changed and focus on the things that can. During 35 years of farming, similar to many longer term farmers, I have been challenged by floods, droughts, ear thquakes, family upheavals, and plenty of times when there is too much MONTH left at the end of the MONEY. What I have learned, is your family and friends are the most important units which will help you through so focus on a plan ahead, utilising help from experienced people willing to share it. Never underestimate the counsel from the old boys who have long since put their gumboots away. This is not a short-term problem so we can not have a short-term plan. There are times where drastic action can be taken which could be detrimental to long-term farm performance. Signs of a short-term plan which can end up costing you include: • Long-term contracts and high use of palm kernel should be avoided. PK should be used

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strategically unless this can be proven to be cost efficient relative to your system; • High and regular use of urea nitrogen in any form. This practise over time will burn off the humus in your soil, strip out calcium and block copper — restricting the soil’s ability to grow nutrientrich grass; Analysing your complete system from and including; soil, grass, feed, stock, effluent, finance, and family are needed before a plan can be made. Every aspect of the entire system needs efficient management. Every area of management needs to be measured, if you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it. The cheapest and most important asset you have is your grass, your most important investment is the fuel to grow it. There are several points which I have observed which can be applied for a long — term sustainable plan: • Soil audit and apply fertiliser custom blends prioritising where any deficiencies lie;

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• Don’t waste money on generic blends which will increase nutrients already adequate, • Don’t guess. A good soil audit will save you money. Obviously this column does not allow coverage of the whole system, yet most problems related to feed quality, animal health, effluent, positive cashflow and profitability all originate from the soil. Soil is the engine room of your entire farming operation. A

balanced approach will not only increase quality grass growth, it will reduce reliance on buying in feed, improve animal health and reduce crusting problems in your effluent pond. Forward Fa r m i n g Consultancy offers a service which seeks solutions to help farmers and includes specialists in soil fertility, grazing management, ruminant nutrition, effluent management and financial assistance.

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April 2016

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

Soil Matters with Peter Burton Making the fertiliser dollar go further Fertiliser inputs in Autumn are nearly always restricted by available dollars, and for many this Autumn the cuts will be deeper. However some nutrient application is essential for long-term prosperity. There are a growing number of farmers spending less on nutrient than conventional models indicate is necessary. This is because they are effectively and efficiently utilising nutrient and moisture from as deep as 50cm below ground level. And the benefit is not just cost relative to production. They also enjoy greater total pasture production, and markedly lower animal ill-health expenses. The last article on the value of

dolomite as a magnesium fer tiliser discussed the concept that animal, plant, and soil health are inexorably linked, with the wellbeing and robustness of soil, the foundation of any successful long-term farming operation. One of the major reasons to date, for farmers to contemplate a change from their conventional nitrogen fertiliser dependent soil fertility system, is frustration with persistent animal illhealth issues.

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Bloat is sometimes mentioned as an objection to implementing a soil fertility programme where nitrogen comes primarily from nodules on clover roots, and the concern is well founded in experience. However, bloat is seldom a topic of conversation, and certainly rarely a concern for farmers on properties where Golden Bay dolomite is applied annually, due to its unique ability as a soil conditioner. Not only does the extra calcium and magnesium applied encourage more activity by earthworms and other beneficial soil dwellers, but soils compressed under the heavy treading inevitable on any intensive farming operation, steadily become noticeably softer. The benefit of this is the ability of plant roots to

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penetrate further down, extracting nutrients from below the 7.5cm depth taken in a standard soil test probe, resulting in plants containing a better and more consistent balance of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Ideally soils consist of 25% air, 25% moisture, with the balance being mineral and organic matter. Beneficial soil dwellers, earthworms included, have an ongoing requirement for air and when the surface of the soil is packed and hard their activity is reduced and plant growth slows. Apart from a greater incidence of bloat and other costly metabolic disorders, pasture grown on soils that are compacted, with few plant roots penetrating below 10cm, are characterised by stop/start growth. When moisture, temperature and direct sunlight are all favourable,

rampant growth can be expected. But only while those conditions last. As soon as there’s a frost, or three days of hot drying wind, growth suddenly slows, and the typically difficult to manage pasture feast or famine situation arises. Growth on physically well-structured soil is not only greater over twelve months, it is also more even throughout the season. The areas on the property where electric fence standards are easily positioned to their full depth are nearly always the most productive areas of the property. Magnesium also aids with the uptake of phosphorus, an important aspect to consider this Autumn as phosphorus is an essential element. In situations where higher than maintenance phosphorus has been applied over many years the use of dolomite will assist plants to access this valuable

resource which has hitherto been largely unavailable. As always, a current soil test is important when considering a change. Not all soils are deficient in magnesium. However intensive dairying has an ongoing requirement for magnesium, and a soil test is the best means of determining plant available levels. The standard annual recommended rate of dolomite to permanent pasture is 220kg/ha which applies 25kg Mg/ha, sufficient for intensive high producing dairy properties. Golden Bay dolomite is available from the major fertiliser companies and may be mixed with nonnitrogen fertiliser products. Alternatively, the most economical means may be a bulk delivery direct to farm or spreader, with a 28 tonne truck and trailer load sufficient for approximately 130ha. For more information call Peter on 0800 436 566.

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DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2016

A right royal return by Andy Bryenton

You don’t mess with a winning formula. When everything is just right, there’s no need to change up the recipe of your award-winning ATV quad — and Suzuki have taken the careful approach for the last couple of years now, reasoning that their tough and reliable KingQuad didn’t need fancy cosmetic upgrades in a market bursting with imitators. But there’s been plenty going on behind the closed doors of the Suzuki works. Ignoring the deluge of emails and letters from die-hard adrenaline junkies to simply fit one of their four-wheeled off-roaders with the savage heart of a Hayabusa road bike, Suzuki have instead indulged in a very Japanese form of elegant minimalism. A small change here, a little tweak there — and the 2016 KingQuad performs and feels better than its predecessor, without the fire and thunder of a complete overhaul and stealth-bomber plastics. The core of those changes lies in the engine. Suzuki wanted to provide better fuel economy and more power at the same time, while leaving the trademark angled single cylinder down low for surefooted stability. There was also the aim in mind of making

things easier for service and maintenance specialists throughout the bike’s long life — a consideration that those mechanics reading this will surely love to hear. This last point was achieved with a partially gear-driven valve train assembly, making the top end easier to access and work on. But the rest comes courtesy of a new injector and spark plug setup, doubling the efficiency of input to the combustion chamber. Multihole injectors and twin iridium plugs bring the fire, while and upgraded water cooled radiator system tempers the heat. The result — a higherrevving KingQuad with more power available at the top of the tachometer’s range. In terms of handling, that low centre of gravity, achieved by angling the single cylinder back at 48 degrees, pays dividends. The lower down

the engine sits, the better a machine corners — reference the barnstorming Subaru WRX rally cars with their lowslung boxer engines. This, along with a cleverly set up suspension system delivers the voodoo of mud-scrambling ground clearance and tight, crisp cornering. Power steering is, as one would expect from a major carmaker, sorted with aplomb. In fact, about the only thing missing from the 2016 KingQuad is the third central headlamp seen between the handlebars on the previous model. This has been replaced by an upgraded electronic instrument binnacle and the lights down low in front have been upgraded to compensate. All in all, a welcome return to the front ranks for Suzuki, who are well prepared to challenge the ATV ‘American invasion’ head-on.

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April 2016

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

Hoof Print

with Fred Hoekstra

The use of cowslips Does anyone use cowslips and what are your thoughts? This is a question I saw on a forum the other day. It is quite interesting what sort of responses farmers gave. Some thought they were wonderful, some thought they were too expensive, some couldn’t make them stick on for any longer than

a few steps and some were making comments like ‘just make sure you don’t have any lame cows’. This last comment is very easy to

say but most farmers I know haven’t got easy answers to their lameness issues, but I better not get sidetracked. Claw blocks are life savers for many cows. Without them there would be a lot more cows going to the works. This is as long as the blocks are put on correctly and, unfortunately, I have seen many instances where they weren’t. Sometimes we come across cows that have a block put on the sore claw and so it’s obvious that some people just don’t understand how claw blocks work. The idea of a block is to glue it underneath the healthy claw so that the sore claw is being relieved from carrying any weight therefore it can heal up much faster. You should see an immediate improvement in the way the cow is walking if

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

the block is correctly applied, because she is experiencing a lot less pain. A block should last for 3 or 4 weeks. There are a number of different blocking systems available now, but my preference would be for the Demotec FuturaPad which use a wooden block as opposed to the shoe design and the main reason for that is because they are very easy to work with, are nowhere near as weather dependant in the time they need to set (cold and hot days) and, most importantly, we can position the block much better on the foot. There are several other very good systems available such as the Wopa or Bovi Bond blocking systems that also use a wooden block. Often you find with the shoe type blocks that they sit too far forward and this makes the heel part of the block wear too fast or they even collapse in that part of the block. The cow has no choice but to walk on the heel of her foot which puts an enormous amount of strain on the tendon that is keeping the pedal bone down. This can cause such considerable

stretch in some cases that there is a degree of lasting injury. The Demotec Easy Bloc system has minimised this effect with their shoe design so is a good choice if you prefer that style of block. With a wooden block you can place the block as far back as you like. Obviously you don’t want put it too far back either. The back part of the block should be flush with the heel of the cow. It doesn’t matter at all if the toe is sticking over the front as long as the heel is flush. This way the block will wear much more evenly and that is much better for the ligaments. The block should also be flush with the inside of the claw

and needs to be as flat as possible and not on an angle. Just remember that the block is there to support the weight of the cow. That can only be achieved if the block is placed nice and square and not too far forward. The price of a block is often challenged and it does pay to shop around as there can be big variations in the prices of the same products between retailers, but even if blocks were sold for $100 each they still would be cheaper than a lame cow. For more information or to discuss the various options available call Veehof Dairy Services Ltd. Ph: 0800 VEEHOF (833463).

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A Green Perspective

April 2016

with Eugenie Sage, Green Party Primary Industries spokesperson

RMA should protect versatile soils The Resource Legislation Amendment Bill currently being considered by a Parliamentary select committee has been described as the most fundamental change to the Resource Management Act since it was passed in 1991. The Green Party opposes the Bill in its current form because it significantly increases the power of the Environment Minister at the expense of local councils and the public. It restricts the ability of communities to get involved in decisions on individual resource consent applications and also in plan making when councils develop their framework of policies and rules to guide their decisions on how land, rivers, groundwater, air and our coasts are used, developed and protected. The Bill is a charter for property developers. It has a very permissive approach to subdivision and residential housing d ev e l o p m e n t because the Government

wants to ‘free up’ land for development in response to the housing crisis. The Bill risks making it even harder to retain elite and versatile Class 1, 2 and 3 soils which are best suited for food production and the basis of much of our primary sector exports. Around 123,000ha of land is currently cultivated for horticultural crops. As Horticulture NZ Ltd said in its submission on the Bill, 10% of the versatile soils available for horticultural production have been subdivided for lifestyle blocks in the last 15 years. Once versatile soils are taken out of productive use, and buried under houses, concrete and asphalt, they

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are generally lost forever. The current migration boom and housing shor tage mean competition for land from residential housing development will only increase. When domestic sales of horticultural produce exceed $3.2 billion and horticultural exports were valued at $3.9 billion in 2014, the loss of versatile soils has major economic impacts. The Green Party supports Horticulture New Zealand’s call to amend the RMA to recognise that versatile soils are a finite resource which deserve protection and will push for this change to the Bill. We also support a national policy statement to give greater direction to councils to protect rural

production land. Regulation and better spatial planning to protect versatile soils creates a win–win. It is essential

for food security, it helps protect our export base and encourages compact rather than sprawling cities and

towns where people can bike, bus or walk to work instead of spending an hour in a motorway commute.

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100 IT’S NOT A TARGET

Country Matters

with Rob Cope-Williams

Anger at banks I suppose it’s a case of having to blame someone, but I was surprised at the reaction on ‘Stuff’ when they ran a story about a North Island farmer being sold up by their bank after heavy borrowing on what had been a seven generation debt free unit. It seems that the Bank lent the family money to put in an irrigation system that then went very wrong. Basically the original $350,000 quote was far from the end cost, and then there were complications with the bore. The family then took the people who designed the scheme to court to recover costs, only to find that they were the wrong people to take to court and it was the well drilling people who had messed up. So after a lot of expense and lawyers’ fees, the costs had ballooned out to a quoted $5 million debt, an amount that the farm was unable to service so the bank moved in and sold it off. The reaction from a large number of people who added their comments to the story

was that the bank was at fault and that banks are very happy to lend you money but are not at all happy to share the risks when they occur. The comments were far from charitable I can assure you. The point that seems to

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work, and that it was fixing the problems and the costs of taking people to court that did the damage. Reading between the lines the bank did everything they could to get the family through, but it became impossible to carry on. It wasn’t the dair y downturn that did it, it was the management and problems that were then multiplied by the downturn. Bottom line is that if you can’t service a debt, you will face bankruptcy. It happens every day of the week and is always very sad when it does happen. Families are left with nothing and the mental damage it does to all the family members is devastating, but for every story about people going down in a heap, there are stories of people staggering to their feet and rebuilding their lives. There is a saying that most very rich people have lost everything at least three or four times, so while it is very hard and devastating at the moment, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

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April 2016

Irrigation Issues with Dr Tony Daveron

To be sure to be sure A little Irish ‘for sure’, but yes it is Autumn and there are some hints of Autumn and as warned, irrigation should not have been packed away after the rainfall in the second week of March. What is not Irish is the on-going effects of an Indian summer and the El Niño system that has influenced the irrigation season. While the saying ‘to be sure to be sure’ is of Irish origin and is often used by people when trying to imitate Irish people they (people) look and/or sound like an eejit because according to Google search nobody in Ireland uses the saying! There is nothing eejitish about the saying when one reflects on the last six to seven months and what current circumstances might mean for the next irrigation season, especially for groundwater users. So to be sure to be sure: • It has been a long season, beginning back in September; • There was some relief in January with some reasonable rainfall and cooler temperatures; • Many thought the rainfall in early March would see us through for the season;

• Wrong — early March rainfall was a teaser and as I wrote in March we needed another 50mm rainfall to be sure to be sure we didn’t need to irrigate again; • El Niño dominated with warmer temperatures and low rainfall; • And it (Niño) hasn’t quite finished with us, and • Groundwater levels are low and of concern for 2016–17. It is the last point that is a worry. Groundwater levels are of concern and a very significant precipitation event or events are needed to replenish the aquifers. Bore M36/1926 is a key deepish mid-plains observation bore and Figure 1 shows the water level below ground level since January 2006. While the end-of-season water levels are not as low as following the 2011–12 or 2014–15 irrigation seasons, they are of concern if there is not significant recharge. At the end of every irrigation

season there is a ‘kick-back’ in the groundwater level as everyone turns off — and in this bore it amounts to about 3.5–4m. In the 2015 winter the ‘kick-back’ was about the sum total of ‘recharge’ — which it is not given the rise in water level is simply the groundwater system reaching a post irrigation season equilibrium. If, and at the time of writing there is some hint of some certainty, there is no significant recharge event(s) ground water levels will begin the next irrigation season lower than they did this season — perhaps around 50mbgl. In the past two seasons groundwater levels have fallen about 6–6.5m and if a similar degree of use was to occur in 2016–17 the levels would reach the ‘level of concern’. What does the level of concern mean? • Potentially lower yields from bores because water levels are too low for the pumps; • Potentially sucking air, and

Figure 1. Soil moisture for the soil layer 0–300mm, mid-plains.

• Potentially no/ or limited adaptive management water. Will these ‘doom says’ eventuate? Well I can’t be sure be sure, but better to keep in the back of one’s mind than not. The Irrigation New Zealand conference was held in Oamaru in the first week of April. The conference was (according to my colleagues) well attended, enjoyable and a success. What some of my staff and colleagues did bring back was that not everyone knew or knew for sure that we (HydroServices) had merged with Aqualinc Research. In this case ‘to be sure to be sure’ it is true that Aqualinc Research and HydroServices have merged.

As many of you will know we (the two companies) have been working closely together for over 10 years and some of you will have seen staff from both companies onfarm for various reasons under each other’s umbrellas. HydroServices will still be the ‘face’ for on-farm water services and will be able to provide a whole water/ nutrient management solution from research through to onfarm advice and monitoring. I have forever harped on about the importance of soil moisture monitoring to make smart irrigation and more latterly effluent irrigation management decisions. The addition of automated collection of soil moisture and water meter data is essential for irrigators

to remain compliant. HydroServices adds the final critical element of irrigation management expertise to the picture — interpretation and management advice to ensure compliance and efficient use of water. So nothing changes really — still the same service (with direct access to a few more), still the same old faces, staff, hats and shirts, and those same old Subaru vehicles! Take home message — to be sure to be sure, nothing much will change. The NIWA long range till June (if it pans out) is for a continuation for the current weather pattern, groundwater might be problematic in 2016–17, and HydroServices is still the same even though merged with Aqualinc Research.

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Our wool market has remained very shiny recently as buyers have stumped up each week to match orders with the lots on offer. During the past couple of months lamb’s wool did lose its earlier market edge, however one could argue that prices for those types may have been a little silly prior to their slip. Supplies of lamb’s wool was crowded during the recent few weeks as growers cut it off to give their animals a better chance to flourish and pile on weight, delivering a wide selection of lamb’s wool to the market. Despite the high number of

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bales of crossbred lamb’s wool being offered, buyers obviously thought most lines were worth a shout in the auction room which resulted in the majority of lines scoring well. At prices advancing past 700 cents clean, for the finer edge, down to a touch over 600 cents clean for the coarser edge, in comparative terms the lamb’s wool market remained fairly firm. It was thought that fleece prices may have come to the end of their fine run too and may take a turn for the worst, however although there was the odd barer patch during the month,

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prices generally bounced along well. Depending on test results, crossbred fleece remained in the vicinity of 550 to 600 cents clean per kilogram, with several poorer wools, surprisingly, pushing the boundaries of the better styles as they caught the eye of buyers needing to cover their forward positions. A few lines of straight cotts also received more than just a glance from the trade, selling well. An interesting feature has been the extremely good prices paid for crossbred second-shear wool, and although in the past there have definitely been boundaries for pricing of these types in comparison to full length fleece of similar style, this season secondshear types seemed to dig-in and stability prevailed. Mid-micron wool types also continued to command interest and as they opened their order books, buyers seemed happy to pitch their prices squarely in line with the Australian market. Merino wool types were short in supply during the last session, however those fine wools coming to auction in Christchurch were well chased by exporters.

SAFETY FIRST

All in all, the wool market has enjoyed a good spin of late, and the auction arena has followed a very good pace. From here until the current season is over, and taking into account that we are almost into the tail of the 2015/16 auction sales order, it’s fair to assume that wool volumes will continue to be well short of requirements. Some exporters report limited activity from their market place at present, however this is not unusual as often offshore customers are visited at this time of the year, in order to both establish and reinforce relationships looking forward into the following season. Just lately mornings have had a distinctly autumnal feel, however recent rain experienced in many parts of the reading area has fallen upon warm ground therefore I imagine we will see reasonable growth to grass and other crops almost immediately. At least I hope that will be the case for most of you, and in particular for those of you who have been under extreme pressure from dry conditions for far too long. That’s my view.

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Stay safe during shearing who uses it knows what they are doing. “Good, clear communication between farmers and shearing contractors — or those being employed directly — is essential to make sure the work is safe. Before you or others begin any job on the farm, stop and consider what you need to watch out for and how to complete it safely.” WorkSafe New Zealand’s Safer Farms programme is working with the rural sector to promote good health and safety practices and reduce the high rates of accidents and fatalities on farms. It has published a fact sheet on sheep-shearing, after wide consultation with the industry, to coincide with the new Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Comprehensive guidance will be available by the end of July. This is good timing because shearing will be getting under way on many farms over the next few months. Advice and a range of health and safety guidelines are available at www. saferfarms.org.nz.

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and maintaining shearing equipment is also an important aspect of safety and efficiency. “Make sure grinders are stable and secure when being used and check to see that your hand-pieces are in good working order. Hygiene is important, always wash and dry hands after contact with sheep to help avoid zoonotic diseases like leptospirosis,” says Al McCone. “Catching and dragging sheep to the shearing stand and the actual shearing, all require good technique — as do the wool handlers whose job it is to prepare the wool for sale. Keep your back straight, especially while dragging or lifting and avoid twisting your spine. Like bowling a cricket ball, a good technique is incredibly impor tant if you’re to avoid injuries.” Farmers who are preparing for shearing need to make sure that their woolsheds, machinery and associated facilities are in good working order. “Make sure the wool press is working well, all the safety features are functioning and that anyone

April 2016

BUYERS OF DOWN, INJURED OR UNWANTED STOCK CK

With sheep shearing accounting for more than $3 million in injury claims to ACC over the past three years, farmers are being urged to take care as pens fill up in woolsheds across the country. Last year, there were 122 sheep shearing related injuries serious enough to require funding support from ACC. Leading injuries included back injuries, sprains, strains and muscular stress caused by prolonged bending. Al McCone, Programme manager for Agriculture at WorkSafe, says the beginning of pre-lamb shearing in a few months means increased handling of stock and greater risks. “Over 60 million sheep are shorn each year and many more crutched. This work has a high risk of injury but generally professional shearers and wool handlers have the technique, fitness and equipment-care practices to manage the risks. Farmers who shear and crutch a few sheep now and again, rather than full-time, are at risk through less-practised technique, poorly maintained gear or not physically being prepared for the task,” says Mr McCone. Injuries like sprains and strains can be avoided by using the correct techniques while handling or shearing sheep. Checking

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the Euro from a record low following the global financial crisis. Its weakness obscured the fact that demand and prices for NZ venison had been increasing in Europe, our biggest market.” When venison prices were low many deer farmers reduced their hind numbers in favour of more velvet stags, sheep and cattle, or dairy grazers. For six years, the hind kill kept venison production fairly constant, but each year the breeding herd got smaller. “Now we are seeing a significant drop in the overall kill, which is putting pressure on supply. These supply reductions, along with beneficial currency movements and firm markets, saw venison prices increase in January and February — at the low point of the season — and that’s very unusual.” Although the improvement in prices is very welcome,

Coup says DINZ is not making any changes to its work plans for the next five years. “Price cycles come and go. It’s still very important that we develop new non-seasonal markets that are willing to pay premium prices for our venison and velvet, year in, year out.” He says DINZ and exporters have been very successful in recent years in developing the United States market for Cervena Venison, to the point where it is the largest market for chilled venison. Similarly, the industry has developed a new market segment for velvet with Asian healthy food companies. During the next five years, there will be a big focus on the Passion2Profit strategy, a joint venture with the Ministry for Primar y Industries’ Primary Growth Partnership. A high profile part of this is developing new non-seasonal markets for venison at chilled prices in Western Europe and Asia. But equally important is increasing the productivity of deer farms, to match increases in other livestock industries. “Greater productivity typically means greater profits, regardless of what’s happening in the market or with currency. With initiatives like Advance Parties we are seeking to provide deer

Dan Coup, Deer Industry NZ chief executive

farmers and their staff with the knowledge, confidence and motivation to do this,” says Coup. “P2P is a major investment that is being funded 50:50 by government and the deer industry. To fund our share, we are relying very much on DINZ reserves, but these will not be enough. “From October 2016 the DINZ board is proposing a 3 cents a kilogram increase in the venison levy — the first in 10 years. Half the venison levy is paid by farmers and half by processors, so the

increase will be 1.5 c/kg each, or 84 c/head on a 56 kg carcase.” With velvet production growing, DINZ aims to further grow demand so that velvet production remains profitable. From 2015–2020, it will invest about $500,000 a year in velvet market development, mostly in building demand in the healthy foods sector in Asia. Coup says the extra income generated by increased production means there is no need to increase the velvet levy.

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Prices exclude GST, Fitting and Freight. Prices are subject to change without notice CHRISTCHURCH NZ Ltd NELSON KAIKOURA Terraquip Terraquip NZ Ltd The 4x4 Centre Kaikoura Auto Centre 176 Waterloo Road, Hornby, 8042 176 Waterloo Road, 75 Vanguard Street 83 Beach Road Hornby, 8042 Nelson Kaikoura Ph: (03) 349 0037 Ph: (03) 349 0037 Ph (03) 548 2731 Ph (03) 319 6009 Email: sales@terraquip.co.nz Mob: 027 296 2346

From

1399

JEEP - Wrangler

Suspension Kits From

STEEL CABLE

Prices exclude GST, Fitting and Freight. Prices are subject to change without notice

TOLL FREE 0508 IRONMAN TOLL FREE (0508 4766626) 0508 IRONMAN

TIMARU

HOKITIKA

DUNEDIN

ALEXANDRA

CLINTON

AUCKLAND

TAURANGA

HAMILTON

TAUPO

WHANGAREI

Stewart Farming &

Hokitia Automotive

St Kilda Automotive

Junction Autos

Off Road Engineering

Cottle Motors & Auto

Toy-ota Commercials

Turbo & Diesel Specialists

Performance Mechanical

Onerahi Garage

Recreation 227 Hilton Highway,

46 Fitzherbert Street, Hokitika

68 Prince Albert Road Dunedin

58 Boundary Road, Alexandra

Westra Street Railway Yard, Clinton

Electrix 65 Main Road,

Partsworld 60 Maleme Street,

281 Kahikatea Drive, Frankton, Hamilton

& Engineering 20 Matai Street, Taupo

1 Church Street Whangarei

Washdyke

Ph (03) 756 8014

Ph (03) 455 1031

Kumeu, Auckland

Greerton, Tauranga

Ph: (07) 847 3339

Ph: (07) 376 5982

Ph (09) 436 5971

Ph: (09) 412 9908

Ph: 0800 4x4 SPARES

Ph (03) 688 7517

www.ironman4x4.co.nz Ph: (03) 448 6826

Ph (03) 415 7040

(0800 494 772)

www.ironman4x4.co.nz

(0508 4766626)

April 2016

WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Supermini king reigns on by Andy Bryenton

When Suzuki unveiled their new Swift in 2004 they were filled with high expectations and higher hopes. Now, eleven years and two generations of the modern-day supermini on, the Swift has achieved a significant milestone. It’s not only proven to be an evergreen top choice for Kiwi drivers — it’s also sold five million units worldwide. That’s easily one of the zippy little hatchbacks for every man woman and child in New Zealand, putting the swift into the same kind of bracket of popularity as heavyweights such as the VW Beetle and Toyota Corolla. And while it hasn’t quite matched either of those iconic marques sale for sale, remember that the ‘vee dub’ has been with us since before World War Two, while Toyota’s popular family car was already a top seller by the era of big hair and hightop Nikes in the 1980s. The enduring popularity of the Swift is down to one defining factor — fun. Debuted in an era when many

of the big motor companies had given up on sporty handling in exchange for practicality and safety, the Swift — and most especially its Sport variant — proved that the same kind of cornerhugging, smile inducing antics delivered by Euro superminis of old (think Peugeot 205 and VW Golf GTI) could co-exist with tons of load space and a top-flight ANCAP rating. The generation 2 Swift, rolled out in 2011, took things to a new level, with the Swift Sport gen. 2 remaining a favourite. It even comes with a precise and responsive six-speed manual box for the purists — all while delivering fuel

economy figures and practical shopping-run space for those day-to-day drives. It didn’t take long for the awards to start rolling in, either. First came the 2006 RJC Car of the Year Award and the title of ‘most fun to drive’ car in Japan. Then, with generation two, came the 2011 RJC Car of the Year trophy. Demand was huge — in the year between January 2011 and January 2012, one million Swifts hit the road, earning a huge local accolade — the AMI Insurance Autocar New Zealand Small Car of the Year in 2011. “ We have been overwhelmed and clearly

Swift seller — the potent Swift Sport supermini has helped drive sales in excess of five million for Suzuki

AMERICAN WEIGHT SAVER

2007 Freightliner Argosy TSB Detroit S60 @550hp, Manual 18 speed, air rear, full locks. Cab/chassis, very tidy. Update to get more on. MADE IN USA

44”, 52”, 61”, 73” cut

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delighted by the on-going sales strength of the Swift in New Zealand,” said Gary Collins, General Manager Automobile marketing for Suzuki New Zealand. “It is significant that the sustained popularity of the model in New Zealand is also reflected in overseas markets.” This year has begun well for the Swift in New Zealand

— it sits atop the charts as our favourite compact car. And while Suzuki engineers are keeping close-lipped about the highly anticipated third iteration of this modern classic, five million happy customers and a dedicated race series continue to make the current model a very visible presence on New Zealand roads.

SMOKE ALARMS

Save Lives

$50,000 + GST. Kim Harris Mobile 027 545 7973

0800 379 899

www.prestigecv.co.nz

SPECIAL SHIPMENT LIMITED STOCK

Brand new Pik-Up 4x4 Ute

2.2L Turbo Diesel 2.5 Tonne Tow Capacity 1.1 Tonne Load Capacity 3 year Roadside assistance 4x4 High/Low range

Book a test drive today Dealers Nationwide * Subject to finance company approval. Terms & conditions apply. Double Cab Wellside Model for $28,740 inc GST + ORC of $950. Based on 60 month term with $10,800 deposit at 9.95% interest rate, $13 ppsr fee & $510 establishment fee. Available from participating Mahindra Dealers only. Units must be registered by 30 April 2016 to qualify. Applies to new Mahindra PIK-UP vehicles only. Mahindra reserves the right to vary, withdraw or extend this offer. Photos used for illustrative purposes and may show optional extras not included in the price. Only while stocks last.

3 year

100,000km warranty

WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2016

ADVERTORIAL

Efficient corrosion control CorrosionX Marine is most probably New Zealand’s fastest penetrating lubricant and it’s finding a new market freeing up seized parts, like wheel nuts, flanges and hubs in commercial tyre shops around the country. As preventative protection, CorrosionX Heavy Duty is applied between the wheel base and the rim making wheel changes simpler and faster. Air tools and jacks are also protected from corrosive elements especially in work shops close to the sea — a cost saving boon for company accountants as well as keeping equipment on-line at all times. Salt and sulphur can get into the tools with the air through the compressor and filters causing costly damage that may be further fuelled with condensation and heat. CorrosionX stops rust and also provides a superior lubrication factor of 0.4 (about 3 times as slippery as engine oil), which is unmatched by current air tool oil. Administer just a few drops of CorrosionX into the intake, plug the hose back on and pull the trigger and enjoy knowing the corrosion problems are solved. CorrosionX is

CARS - TRUCKS - VANS - 4WDS

New + Used Lamps for Cars, Trucks, Vans, 4WD, Motorhomes, Trailers & LEDs. We can repair your existing lights including: Headlamp Adjusters, Lens Refurbishment and Plastic Welding.

Phone:

0800 225 483 For all your automotive Lamp Requirements

F: 03 371 1101 E: carlights@carlights.co.nz 325 Brougham Street, Christchurch

our

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100 IT’S NOT A TARGET absolutely neutral on rubber, neoprene, insulation, and even monofilament, is MPI and aviation approved, and because of its naval

and military specification, unfazed by sulphur or salt. Contact your nearest stockist found on www.corrosionx. org or call Corrosion Control

FOR ALL METALS, EVEN WET AND RUSTY CorrosionX is a super fast penetrant on corroded parts. On reassembly it acts as long-lasting protection and stops electrolysis. Airtools live longer with CorrosionX !

NZ Ltd. 09 438 8800 for more information.

The Wait is OVER! The CAN-AM DEFENDER is here. Prices starting from

DEFENDER TOUGH CAPABLE CLEVER

$20,899 Call today to book your on farm demonstration.

CorrosionX mobile service applications for machinery, buildings and installations. Long lasting rust protection. Authorised applicators. Solid service. CorrosionX waterproofs old and new electronics/electrics in all machinery, trucks and installations. Safe on rubber, insulation, neoprene and all plastics. Safe to 39.000 Volt.

3 year unlimited KM warranty

CorrosionX Heavy Duty forms a dripless, dynamic, non-hardening, self-healing film that stubbornly resists erosion by splash or spray. Find your nearest stockist on www.corrosionx.org

09 438 8800

For further info contact: Ben Stewart • 021 533 144 or 03 688 7517 127b Hilton Highway, Washdyke, Timaru • www.timarucanam.co.nz

tom@corrosionx.org

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FORD I MONDEO DIESEL HATCH AUTO

$39,990

AT THE SPECIAL PRICE OF

INC GST PLUS ORC

SAVE $12,000

VERY LIMITED NUMBER DUE TO CANCELLED FLEET ORDER

April 2016

WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

Side-by-side a winner Can-Am have rolled out an all-new model line-up to jump on the growing farm Side by Side utility bandwagon. Over recent times farmers having been voting with their wallets as farm ATVs are slowly being replaced by Side x Side vehicles. Why? They are safer around the hills due to a wider wheel track and they require less instruction. SxS’s can safely carry more on the tipper tray, they can tow heavier trailer loads, seat belts and roll cages are standard, and they can even be enclosed to combat

inclement weather. The new Can-Am Defender SxS can also carry three people meaning if you’re heading out with a couple of others to do fencing, forestry work or duck shooting for the day you don’t have to take the shiny 4WD. SxS competitors may have a head start however in true Can-Am tradition the Canadian manufacturer has come out with guns blazing and, after my test at Harpoles

Heartland Lodge in Illinois, Can-Am has brought out a winner. Can-Am are offering four models in the Australasian market, the base model HD-8 in green, the HD8 DPS and the more powerful HD-10 DPS in yellow, and the up-spec HD10 XT in Pure Magnesium painted colour, which is a shade of silver to the eye. I drove the HD-8 DPS power steer version and

Go The Extra Yard

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there is absolutely nothing wrong with the power of the machine. All of these models have more grunt than you would ever believe. I tested them all on the steepest slope I could find from a standing start in 4WD to see how the V-twin engines performed. Reliability is also king with Can-Am, who have a rock solid reputation on the world market to provide years of trouble-free operation on your farm. The suspension package is another big factor, as well as load capacities. If

you plan to tow trailers as well, then look not just at the maximum towing weight but also if the chassis design is up to the job. The new Defender series breezed through all my tests during some pretty hard driving which is why I flew to the USA to check them out. But what struck me most on the 2016 Defender is how well the suspension worked after putting it under pressure. The quality fiveway adjustable front and rear Sachs shocks kept each

Defender’s wheels pointed exactly where I wanted them to go regardless of my speed or how rough the terrain was. At day’s end when you’re done with all those farming chores the Defender is a perfect vehicle for your hunting adventures or fast recreational riding. You name it the Defender can do it, so if you are considering a new or replacement Side x Side utility you should make the effort to take a Can-Am Defender for a test drive.

CANTERBURY FARMING

the ‘last’ word

water

wells

with Rob Cope-Williams

… for water when and where you want it!

FREE QUOTES WITH NO OBLIGATION

Use nature’s flowers There’s a very old saying that says ‘slow down and smell the flowers’. I was out of my home for 12 months while it was being rebuilt, and then I spent another 12 months fighting God knows what, but the result was simply that while my wee home was great, the outside turned feral. I simply couldn’t get motivated to start doing anything with the area outside the four walls and even though I knew it was unsightly and I hated, yes I mean hated, the resulting shambles, I accepted that the walk from the back door to the garage where the laundry is now placed, was just shingle and builder’s waste. It was hideous. I accepted in my mind that the front was OK as a wilderness because I didn’t have the motivation or funds to do anything about it. Then one day, as the children’s books would say, I googled looking for someone to take out a tree that had bugged me for 10 years. It was full of potato vine and was very ugly. The cost for the removal was 20 something dollars. I paid more than that

April 2016

Domestic Irrigation Environmental & Investigation Drilling Pump Sales & Service Over 25 years Drilling Experience Water Testing

East Coast Drilling Ltd 03 347 9337 or 027 434 1162 454 West Melton Rd, West Melton RD6 CHCH A/H 03 347 8446 Fax 03 347 8426 ecdrill@xtra.co.nz

DRIVE SAFE On Rural Roads because the guys deserved a beer or two in my view. I then still sat on my hands and accepted the unsightly mess that was my area. It is only a small area, but seriously it was a shambles. Then again I suddenly got a huge dose of “I am sick of this, and it’s time I got myself together.” I googled landscape gardeners and found a chap called Craig Hooper, whom I had never

met, but he sounded OK. He turned out to be brilliant, and apart from ‘fixing’ everything garden-wise, he built another retaining wall that will never ever move. EQC have wasted more than five years waiting to let me know what they will pay towards a new one as the old one was no longer effective. Thanks to Craig I now spend lots of time planting things, planning where bulbs

in pots will go when they are flowering and generally using the outdoors as an extra room and an area I love. Two things: one why did I wait so long before I called someone in to help create my paradise, and secondly why did I deny myself the luxury of a special area that I can relax and enjoy life in? Simple — I forgot how wonderful it is to stop and smell the flowers.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S AROUND THE CORNER

T6020 Plus with MX T410 Loader

$99,000+GST* Limited to 5 units only!! Model specification may vary. Deal based on New Holland T6020 Plus and price includes Loader Fitment, Pre-Delivery Inspections and Delivery (available to Norwood Farm Machinery Christchurch Region ONLY)

T6020 Plus with MX T410 Loader Farm Machinery Centre

CHRISTCHURCH

* Finance available at 0% over 36 months, 40% deposit and conditions apply

726 MAIN SOUTH ROAD, CHRISTCHURCH • Phone: 03 349 5089 salesch@norwood.co.nz • www.norwood.co.nz/christchurch

Competition Model

NH T6020 PLUS

Rated HP

110

112

PTO HP

77.6

Max Torque @ RPM

495 @ 1650

510 @ 1250

Engine

DPS 4045

NEF 4/4485

✓ ✓ ✓

Cyl/cc

4/4500

Emissions Level

Fuel Capacity (L)

174

176

Linkage Capacity (@BE)

6500

7864

Hyd System

OC 98L

OC 103L

Trans Type

16x16 Semi PS

Electro Command 16x16

Remotes std (max)

2 (4)

Theirs: $104,900

Ours: $99,000+GST

✓ ✓ ✓

April 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

REAL DEAL

value

THE ALL NEW

real DEAL

DRIVE IN - DRIVE AWAY

april MAY deals -

MF5600 SERIES | 85 – 120 HP TRACTOR & LOADER PACKAGES MF5608

+ LOADER

85 HP Cab hi-visibility bonnet 16x16 Dyna-4 Transmission MF936 loader c/w bucket

MF5609 + LOADER 95 HP Cab hi-visibility bonnet 16x16 Dyna-4 Transmission MF936 loader c/w bucket

NEW MF7700 SERIES | 140 – 255 HP STRAIGHTFORWARD AND DEPENDABLE TECHNOLOGIES * * ONLY $ + GST + GST

79,990

ONLY $

Advanced electronic management of

85,900

Outstanding lift and drive capacities

CHECK OUT OURengine HUGE APRIL/MAY DEALS ON THESE for heavy-duty applications and transmission LIMITED STOCK Fuel TRACTOR AND LOADER New Massey Ferguson designed efficient AGCO POWER engines PACKAGES: Dyna-6 and Dyna-VT MF7614 + LoaderDyna-4, | 140 HP: 3 Units only transmissions maximum productivity, efficiency and MF7615 + Loaderfor | 150 HP: 4 Units only operator comfort

double acting front axle delivers longer suspension travel

NewlyJJ designed cab with SIS (Setup and DEAL WWW.JJ.CO.NZ CONTACT YOUR LOCAL STORE FOR A REAL Information Screen) offering the highest standards of draft control 260 Dee Street, INVERCARGILL 03 211 0013 CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MF DEALER FOR14ALyne REAL DEAL Street, GORE WWW.MASSEYFERGUSON.CO.NZ 03 203 9970

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*Pricing excludes GST and available while stocks last. Drive in – Drive Away pricing applicable only to non-trade deals, dealer charges and change over prices will vary on trade in deals. Tractor price includes MF936 loader c/w bucket. Please refer to the dealer for applicable pricing and full terms and conditions. Offer ends 31st June 2016. ® MF®, the triple-triangle logo® is a worldwide brand of AGCO. © 2016 MASSEY FERGUSON * Pricing excludes GST and available while ,stocks last. Drive in – Drive Away pricing applicable only to non-trade deals, dealer charges and change over prices will vary on trade in deals. Tractor price includes MF936 loader c/w bucket. Please refer to the dealer for applicable pricing and full terms and conditions. Offer ends 31st June 2016.