Canterbury Farming, August 2012 by Integrity Community Media

28,500 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast.

INSIDE Pages 23–26

Boarding Schools

Pages 36–37

Effluent feature Pages 38–39

Canterbury Groundspreaders

Surge in stock rustling could kill someone’ by Hugh de Lacy The rustling of 86 dairy cows from an isolated North Canterbury farm has given weight to calls by Federated Farmers’ national rural security spokesperson Katie Milne, of Lake Brunner in Westland, for a crackdown “before someone is killed.” The cows, worth around $130,000, were taken in midMay in two truckloads, one of 50 cows and the other of 36, from a farm on Thongcaster Road, north of the Waimakariri River Gorge, near Oxford. Milne has been ringing the alarm bells on livestock rustling since the unsolved seeming disappearance last year of 300 cows from the Lake Brunner Estate, close to where she farms. That disappearance is compounded by animal welfare issues and is still before the courts, but the extent and value of stock-rustling nationwide is alarming farmers in both islands. “It’s horrendous,” Milne told Canterbury Farming.

August 2012

“Rustling’s on the rise so we’re talking to the Police and trying to put together a step-bystep organised approach to what we can do. “In the Oxford case there are truckers and there might be an agent involved: when it’s big scale like that there have got to be more people in the know.” The timing of the Oxford theft, from a property on which

the milking shed is isolated from the homestead, was timed to coincide with drying off so the owner would not be immediately alerted by a drop in milk production, and cow numbers would be briefly blurred by culling. “There was head-count done on May 3, and they were there, then again on May 16-17 when they were ID tagging the herd,” Kieran Stone, chairman of the North Canterbury Dairy Section of Federated Farmers told Canterbury Farming. The tagging was done over two days and it revealed the identity of every cow that had gone missing in the previous fortnight. While the rustling of sheep and beef cattle for illegal backyard butchery operations was of enough concern, it was clear that the dairy cows were destined for on-sale to other farmers unsuspecting or otherwise. “I’ve asked myself, how the hell does this happen with herd records and such a high percentage of people having them recorded through LIC (Livestock Improvement Company),” Stone said. “When you buy cows in you put them on the LIC database and have them all recorded. “These ones have not been put into the database because LIC are looking out for them coming through their system.” Instead, the receivers of

the stolen stock are removing the identification tags and then “creating a cow” to put on the records. “Say it’s a Friesian, about six years old, it hasn’t got any breeding worth or breeding records, but it can quietly be put into the system,” Stone said. However, LIC was on the lookout for any farmer “creating” more than about 20 cows. “There’s probably a legitimate guy on the end of it that buys them, then he tries to ‘create’ them, and there might have been a brass tag or something left in them and it’s all put in the records and something goes ‘Ping’. “Hopefully something like that happens, but as time goes on the chances of finding them becomes more remote.” Stone said the incident was “huge.”

Oxford

“I’ve never heard of anything happening on this scale before.” It has occurred at a time when the incidence of rustling appears to be on the rise, apparently in the wake of the global economic downturn. Other rustling stories in the news recently include: • Gisborne and Wairoa farmers teaming up with community and rural Police to combat rustling throughout the East Coast; • South

Auckland

farmers

gearing up for a battle with rustlers after the disappearance of hundreds of sheep and beef cattle from dozens of farms, with Auckland provincial president Wendy Clark saying she suspected they were being stolen to meet weekly meat orders; • Last November more than 500 sheep, worth about $40,000, were stolen from three South Canterbury farms, including 200 inlamb merino ewes from Ribbonwood Station; • Farms along Waikato’s west coast were last year hit with a wave of rustling of sheep and cattle, with shots being fired not only to kill livestock but apparently also as a warning against farmers taking action; • Last November Rotorua farmer Paddy Lowry, who over the years had lost sheep in mobs of up to 30,

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found others “running round with bullet holes in them” and warned that there was danger of a human fatality, a warning lately repeated by Katie Milne. The Police have had recent successes in prosecuting rustlers, including two men running a slaughterhouse in a Napier garage, a man charged with the theft of stock from neighbouring Wellsford farmers Arthur Mayall and Jon Boyd, and two men being charged in the Wanaka court with stealing more than $240,000 worth of stock over two and a half years. Sergeant Graeme Crossan of the Rangiora Police told Canterbury Farming that farmers need to be on the lookout for “vehicles or people who don’t fit in with the environment,” and to report them to the Police.

August 2012

Food for thought by Kate Wilkinson

Here in New Zealand we’re spoiled by the quality of our food. Our beef and lamb is second to none, our wine is recognised amongst the best in the world, and we have an established record internationally for supplying the highest quality fresh produce

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A strong focus on food safety is critical to ensure that industries have best practice in place for the production, packaging and distribution of food to reduce any risk of health, safety or environmental issues. New Zealand’s food industry is a crucial contributor to the Government’s goal of building a more competitive and productive economy. We have a strong international reputation as a credible and trusted supplier of safe, quality food, both within New Zealand and internationally. Ensuring

safe

and

suitable food supply is a public health priority for any country. In New Zealand nearly 80% of the food we produce is exported so protecting consumers and our reputation as a supplier of safe and suitable food is essential. Food and beverage exports totalled $23.5 billion in the year ended December 2011 – that’s 53% of New Zealand’s total export value. The main products are traditional pasture-derived foods such as milk powder, lamb and beef. The dairy sector is our largest single exporter accounting for about 30% of total goods exported. a producer of the highest quality food and wine. We are justly proud of the excellent reputation for our farming and horticulture standards, as well as our strong focus in ensuring our products are safe for consumption. In late 2011 the Government launched the food and beverage information project, which is the first

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Kate Wilkinson Minister for Food Safety

comprehensive overview of the state of New Zealand’s food and beverage industry. The five-year project analyses the main sectors such as processed foods, dairy, and seafood, as well as providing an overview of how the industry is faring in our major markets. New Zealand’s reputation as a trusted producer of highquality food and beverages is our success story and it depends on the good ethics and production standards of our farmers. The information gathered by this project will give all of us the information we need to further enhance

our excellent reputation. Food Safety plays a vital role in ensuring New Zealand has an excellent reputation for producing safe food for consumers both here and overseas. Here in Canterbury we do it all, we produce wine, we farm dairy, beef, sheep and deer as well as a whole range of cropping and horticulture activity. The information gathered during this project will help us work better and smarter, and ensure we are able to capitalise on opportunities to target a wider range of markets with our locally produced products.

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August 2012

From the Minister

David Carter, Minister for Primary Industries

A Call to Arms

Last month I spoke at the launch of a report that has thrown down the gauntlet to New Zealand’s agri-food industry. The Riddet Institute’s report ‘A Call to Arms’ is challenging our agricultural food sector to lift its game, warning that the country faces a ‘mediocre economic future’ if it doesn’t. The report is a frank and insightful read. It sends a clear message that action is needed by our agri-food business sector leaders in partnership with Government if we are to succeed. The agri-food sector already makes a significant contribution to the New Zealand economy — it accounts for more than $24 billion worth of exports, about 10% of total employment and over two-thirds of our merchandise export earnings. And this doesn’t include the contribution our fibre industries — wool and timber — make to the economy. But, as the report points out, we can still do better. If we are to achieve the standard of living we aspire to by 2025, we must treble the real value of our food exports to about $60 billion. This is a real compound growth of around 7% over the next 13 years. I know this seems a daunting task in the current economic environment, but as the report notes, Government has set the direction and increased its efforts and resources. Now industry must also act.

While the strategies outlined in the report are not necessarily new, they provide a firm blueprint for action. To realise growth, industry needs to collaborate more. New Zealand needs to be more innovative and to build on our strengths as a high quality, sustainable producer. We are rich in natural resources and we sit on the doorstep of the world’s fastest growing region. Most importantly, our farmers and growers are very good at what they do. But if we are to reach our goal of growing exports to 40 per cent of GDP by 2025 from 30 per cent currently, business as usual is not enough. The authors of ‘A Call to Arms’ are challenging the sector to take a ‘whole of value chain’ view to overcome barriers. The report outlines transformational strategies and enablers that will drive the growth of the agri-food sector in a sustainable way. It calls for a peak body, an Agri-food Board, to drive the recommendations of the report. Capturing New Zealand’s primary sector potential will lead the discussions at a meeting of New Zealand primary sector leaders at Stanford University in the US this month. An industry-led ‘boot camp’ is a unique opportunity to bring around 20 chief executives together, over five days, to explore and drive in-market collaboration within the primary industry. It’s a great initiative, and as I’m in the US for a round of primary sector meetings and visits at the same time, I plan to be involved in some of the programme. This meeting of minds could be the very catalyst the agri-food sector needs to take up the challenge of the Riddet Institute’s report.

Farming Olympics As the world goes mad on and about the raft of sports at the Olympics, one has to be impressed how many sports are now included in the modern day versions

able to create — there’s our fist individual gold medal.

Actually looking at some of the athletes, I for one am glad that modern day participants are allowed to wear clothing.

Meat production and we have to be medal favourites.

Anyway as we row, paddle, throw and ride our way onto the medals board, imagine if farming were to become an Olympic sport. Each category would be assessed for individual honours and then the overall team would be assessed for medals as well. Just like the eventing team. Dairying would be a major hope with genetics looming large in the points rundown. Added to that there’s the all grass regime that would certainly blow other nations out of the way.

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Manufacturing has to be in there with a chance as well especially as we push harder and harder into the niche markets

Yes I know, I have a very strange mind, but the point is that we would be right up there wouldn’t we.

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Horticulture is rolled in with small seed production and that speaks for itself when it comes to medal prospects.

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Venison is right up there, and we now know that the UK is chasing us for their genetics having seen what we have done with them.

So basically there isn’t a category that wouldn’t be in line for either gold or at the very least a silver medal, which must open the door for an overall team gold.

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Cropping loses points on returns, but gains in the area of varieties breed and the systems used to grow seed for the rest of the world. Getting the balance between water and nutrients, plus the pest control and accountability measures in place and there’s another individual medal.

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August 2012

O’Connor Comments

With Damien O’Connor, Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture

our future? The population of the world continues to grow rapidly and the area available for food production does not

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Therefore we should be in a good position to supply and sell our quality produce to that growing population. But the challenge to add value to and brand that quality is on-going, and relies on the skills within our communities. Good education and research enables ideas and promotes innovation.

will not ensure we have a good future as a country. We need a smart, diverse and creative economy, built off the strengths of our primary production base. That is why the purchase of rail locomotives from China when we could have built them here in Dunedin was a bad move. The loss of opportunities for jobs and the rundown of our engineering skills and expertise is a big loss for New Zealand. Kiwirail said they had to take the cheapest option. They are now paying the price through the unreliability of inferior quality locomotives when Kiwi workers could have done a better and more cost effective job over the longer term.

The same can apply to other sectors of our economy because there is always demand for well-designed products from fashion through to industrial engineering. We have to create an environment of encouragement and creativity for our young New Zealanders. Whatever area of interest they have must be supported by businesses and employers who understand the wisdom of fostering youthful energy.

There are many other areas across our economy where similar short term decisions have destroyed tour potential for diversification. This is why central Government should always have a responsibility to guide key infrastructure decisions

But we do need a diverse range of sectors and industries in our economy. Simple reliance on people needing to eat

“Simple reliance on people

needing to eat will not ensure we have a good future as a country. We need a smart, diverse and creative economy, built off the strengths of our primary production base”

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and developments for long term objectives. It makes good sense to plan for the long term success of our economy not just the short term success of a business, particularly if every New Zealander owns it and relies on it in one way or another. That is another good reason we should not be selling our State-Owned Assets to a few who can afford to buy shares. It is the basic responsibility of a good government to manage the economy for our better future not rely on the short term market signals and decisions of individual business managers.

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August 2012

its remedies against the debtor it can pursue either the debtor or the guarantor or both, if it is so inclined. In New Zealand the trading banks almost always require a guarantee when the debtor is a limited liability company. This is normal commercial practice as a company can be liquidated leaving its creditors without any hope of recovering their debt. It always pay to haggle with the bank over the amount to be guaranteed. It is common practice for the banks to require an unlimited amount as the guaranteed sum but in other overseas jurisdictions the banks are not encouraged to require unlimited guarantees and in some places unlimited guarantees are prohibited. All guarantees are worded in the widest possible terms to catch every possible eventuality.

Guarantees another’s debts I never fail to be amazed at the number of people who respond to scams which arrive in the in-box on the computer. The amounts of money paid to the scoundrels who create the scams are huge Similarly I am always amazed too at people who will sign as a guarantor of another person’s debts. Over the years I have seen many people bankrupted as a result of providing such guarantees. If someone asks you to act as their guarantor it is essential that you take a long and hard look at what you may be taking on, and not adopt the ‘she will be alright attitude’ which is common in New Zealand. Providing your own property as a collateral security for

a mortgage of someone else is highly dangerous and can end up in the property being sold by the lender to recover the amount owing to it. Parents quite often guarantee loans for family members and have to make the repayments if the family members default under the loans. When you sign a guarantee you are putting your own assets and income at risk. If the principal debtor does not pay the instalments when they fall due, the lender looks to any guarantor to recover the debt. The credit does not need to exhaust

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Fixed Interest Markets

The evenings are slowly getting lighter, and spring is just around the corner, after a winter which seems to have lasted six months. At least we’ve had some pretty good viewing in the Olympics to keep us occupied over the last few weeks. This month, I want to review the fixed interest markets. Global interest rates are steady for the moment but do remain vulnerable to being cut further should we see further economic deterioration. Cuts have occurred in the last three months, particularly in May, as Spanish sovereign and bank debt was downgraded. Interest rates have been relatively stable over the subsequent months. New Zealand and Australian securities have also benefitted from international investment in-flows. Locally, short-term interest rates were unchanged with expectations the Reserve Bank will keep the Official Cash Rate at current levels well into 2013. Some economists have even suggested that it will be 2014 before we see any rate rises. The likelihood of further interest rate cuts though has diminished for now, unless there is a further deterioration globally. Recent new bond issues released to the market from Z Energy and Trustpower

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Money Talk at coupons of 6.50% and 6.75% respectively have been heavily subscribed, confirming just how strong demand continues to be for good quality corporate debt. The uncertainty surrounding not only New Zealand’s future economic recovery but also global uncertainty will see bonds continuing to be the focus of investors for some time yet. Given the lower volatility and regular income that bonds provide investors, they remain an important part of an investment portfolio. An attractive feature of bonds is the ability of investors to diversify. Not only can investors diversify by issuer, but they can select a variety of maturities, coupon frequencies and coupon rates. This enables investors to have a degree of control over portfolio risk and cash-flow. Besides bank issuers, there are a significant number of other issuers providing exposure to other corporate sectors including rural, food and electricity. Bond portfolios need to be structured to provide a healthy current yield but also protection against rising interest rates. The key risk measurement for a bond portfolio is duration which is stated in years. Investors can use duration to measure the volatility of a bond. Generally the higher the duration (the longer an investor needs to wait for the bulk of the payments – interest and principal), the more its price may move as interest rates move either

up or down.

Finally many investors are content with term deposits as the fixed interest component of their investment portfolio, or in some cases as the only component of their investment portfolios. Term deposits can provide attractive returns and we saw that in the high interest rate environment preceding the Global Financial Crisis. While term deposits do rank equally with senior bonds, they do not offer all of the diversification benefits of a bond portfolio, as described above. If you’re interested in confidentially discussing your investment portfolio, please give me a call. Andrew Wyllie is an Investment Advisor for Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. To contact him about Portfolio Management, fixed interest or share investments email andrew.wyllie@forbar. co.nz or call 0800 367 227. The comments in this note are for general information purposes only. This article is not intended to constitute investment advice under the Securities Markets Act 1988. If you wish to receive speciﬁc investment advice, please contact your Investment Advisor. Disclosure statements for Forsyth Barr and its Investment Advisors are available on request and free of charge.

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Significant regulatory changes ahead for dairying and water users Environment Canterbury notified its Proposed Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) on 11 August. It proposes a major change to the way Ecan can control and manage the effects of farming and water use, and anyone with interests in the rural sector or who rely on water use permits will be affected, and many significantly so. The LWRP proposes new regulations affecting land use for dairying and also restrictions on anyone requiring new water permits or holding existing permits. In relation to the restrictions on dairying as a land use, there are only two instances to date in New Zealand that have considered such measures. In Taupo, by requiring resource consent be obtained for a range of existing and proposed land uses and discharges resulting in nitrogen entering Lake Taupo; and recently by Environment Southland by requiring resource consent for all new dairy conversions. Similar measures are proposed by ECan, which in some cases go further. Additionally, the rules propose to apply to existing operations, whereupon if compliance cannot be established, existing farms

will also be required to go through a resource consent process. Overall, the new rules are likely to translate into considerable additional costs to achieve compliance, impediments to various aspects of operations, or worse, decline of resource consent (particularly in the case of new dairy conversions). The LWRP is open for submissions from the public until Friday 5th October. While we do not wish to overstate the submission process, there is a small

window of opportunity for farmers, water users and those close to the industry, to put forward their views as to the impacts the LWRP will have on operations. Well written submissions, particularly where supported by evidence, can and do frequently affect the way planning rules are developed. For further information and advice on the process please contact Jane Walsh or David Caldwell on 03 377 195 or email jane.walsh@ laneneave.co.nz or david. caldwell@laneneave.co.nz

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Anything to do with competition horses is time consuming, expensive and just very hard work. Solution — buy horses that have potential, realise that potential in them, and then sell them. However Katie is aware that all take time so to get cash flow she trains and manages other people’s horses as well as her own.

“Anything to do with competition

horses is time consuming, expensive and just very hard work. Solution — buy horses that have potential, realise that potential in them, and then sell them

”

To be working nine horses on your own through the winter that we are having shows dedication and a very strong will. As with anyone who has set targets and achieves them, there’s a constant need to raise the bar. Katie was finding that she needed more and more ‘horse power’ — a case of having horses that would test her and grow with her abilities rather than the horse learning from her.

Several conversations with Sue Fowler of Astek stud in Burnham and that void was filled. Now owning three Astek horses, Katie almost giggles when she talks of their abilities and how they work together. To find horses that are intelligent, dedicated and determined while showing great ability in all three disciplines is a dream come true for Katie. Having already achieved international success within the New Zealand Young Rider Trans-Tasman team when they won the overall contest and she took out an individual second place, her international career is poised and ready to bloom. Naturally Diana is constantly in the wings, and she is Katie’s number one fan.

Really, it is all a very well orchestrated dream. The right support, the right horses and the right dedication and focus. I think the future of New Zealand eventing is in very good hands.

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This sort of proactive approach is what New Zealand Primary Industries need to continue in order to protect their licence to operate that the wider public essentially provides. Environment Canterbury has always had a role in promoting smart farming through education and advocacy. It’s pleasing that this type of approach is gaining more favour around New Zealand because most people in rural communities realise that when it comes to carrots and sticks, very few farmers will not respond positively to the former. Consistent with this way of thinking, ECan offers a number of services and tools which are not always as well taken up as they could be. There is free advice available for people considering land and water management issues on their properties. Experienced staff can visit farms to offer guidance and support. There is also funding available for protecting and establishing native plants on farms. Biodiversity coordinators can visit properties free of charge to offer advice and talk through the available support and funding. One of the biggest impending challenges for our nation is water quality. Farmers across the country are facing new regulations through various approaches and a whole range of new considerations

in the way they operate. For farmers in Canterbury, nutrient management is becoming a significant issue. Farmers need to be proactive. The Canterbury branch of the NZDFA has been successful in the past at helping ensure that policy development results in practical regulations. You need to remain involved with policy development. Take an interest in your nutrient budget if you have one or get your fertiliser rep to do one if you have not already. When doing this it is worth preparing specific nutrient budgets for winter feed blocks. Winter feed paddocks are generally the most intensively grazed areas on a farm, so can present problems through soil damage and nutrient losses through runoff and leaching. There are a number of practical ways these potential risks can be managed but no single solution will be right on every farm. Deer present unique challenges and with greater areas of crops like fodder beet being established on deer farms, it’s worth considering how you manage these.

Often it comes down to the season and every farmer has seen what can happen in a wet winter. The keys to minimising the environmental impacts in those years are good planning and flexibility. Just over a decade ago ECan led the establishment of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Canterbury. The awards promote sustainable, profitable farming and acknowledge the fact that good farm managers look after their farm environment. For a progressive deer industry, the challenge is to put forward one or two leading Canterbury farmers each year to enter the awards. The judging is a relaxed opportunity for free advice and discussion with experts from a range of backgrounds. For more information James Hoban 027 549 7722 www.bfea.org.nz http://ecan.govt.nz/advice/yourbusiness/farming/pages/default. aspx http://ecan.govt.nz/advice/ biodiversity/funding/Pages/ Default.aspx

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August 2012

Hip Hooray. Great news. Let us neo-conservatives celebrate Lets join the financial sector, banks, economists, global corporates, captains of industry, billionaire mining cartel owners, fossil fuel extractors and dance around the fountain of economic ‘growth’. The new quasi religion. Of course ‘growth’ also relies on population growth. And a burgeoning middle class. Particularly among emerging nations. Why the good news? Because retired Dunedin science teacher Peter Foster has put everything in a nutshell. The world is cooling. Not warming. And we, the human race, are not responsible for any climate change. That is human induced green house gas emissions. Quoting from various scientific sources, and the use of a significant graph covering some 10,000

years to the year dot, he was able to show that this planet has been steadily cooling since about 1000BC. Dr Jock Allison and fellow warming skeptics will be pleased about that. He maintains the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is way off beam. It is shonky science. Carbon emissions at 400ppm is less from what it was in premordial times 600 million years ago. The computer modeling of climate used by the IPCC is up the pole, he asserts. Data from the South Pole and Greenland confirm this. All this talk of future gloom and doom is a lot of rubbish. The Emissions Trading Scheme should be scrapped. All it is doing is penalising us workers. Making green energy producers, growers of trees and Al Gore rich.

So what's the point of frantically planting trees, preserving forests and bush lands, apart from what you can get out of it for the timber. Also due to economic "growth" being pushed by every nation in the world we need to increase the population base, improve the standard of living. The more money available, the more things can be bought, therefore have to be made. Equals employment. Equals resource extraction. Thus we need more land to feed increasing populations. Let the mining cartels and developers loose in the Brazillian and Southeast Asian jungles. Create more mega cities. Look at the jobs being created. Dig more holes in the Australian hinterland for iron ore and coal mines. Drivers of dumper trucks and associated machinery earn megabucks. So what if some indigenous human and assorted wildlife are pushed off the land or cease to exist. They are only taking up landspace needed for our wellbeing. And ‘growth’. Look at the potential of oil and minerals on the seabed and in the Antartic. Open it up. Burgeoning populations need their goodies. After all fossil fuel

emissions are not effecting the climate according to the skeptics. So penguins and sea mammals, whales and seals could be decimated. So what. They gobble up the fish badly needed by humans. We can't have it both ways. Greenies and sundry environmental organisations need to be put in their place. They hold up progress with niggling submissions to any move toward resource and other developments. And it is about time our New Zealand Government opened up national parks and other reserves for mining as well as oil exploration. We are told there is extensive resources of rare minerals as well as coal and gold in these no-go areas managed by the Department of Conservation. And what use is DoC anyway. It chews up masses of dollars and cents to save a few birds, bugs, lizards and whatnot. Cripes! We could be rolling in it. Beat Aussie standard of living any day. Gina Rheinhart and her fellow billionaire miners could open up mines throughout both islands, and oil companies could be extracting offshore oil and gas to the government's heart’s content. Drillers and dump truck drivers could build

mini mansions and buy luxury apartments in our fast expanding cities. The beauty about all this is, by the next century, the planet's current population will be long gone if the IPCC was right all along. But not to worry. Our progeny, in the next couple of hundred years, will have developed technology to the extent that they will be capable of exploring other planets to exploit within our own galaxy, because space travel will have used the Higgs

boson particle (identified by this generation) to good effect to advance Albert Einstein's theory, the timelight continuum, involving the speed of light. But the worrying thing for this writer is the cooling bit ahead for Earth. Better chuck the clubs into the SUV for a round of golf at the local course before it becomes a sheet of ice. As long as the course committtee gets rid of those damn trees that stymie my drive off the tee.

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Water storage: harnessing or greed?

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It’s a subject that is so hot it would melt diamonds. Actually you’d be forgiven if you thought the water was worth as much as diamonds, and the demand for it by some would draw a comparison. Sparkling droplets that come out of the ground — sorry far too poetic. Forgive me. Anyway the debate is, too many, as polarised as the Holden verses Ford one or National verses Labour. Basically you are either blue or red. You are either for it or against it with lines that are never blurred. A Ford driver can produce all the race wins that have been taken by the blue oval, but no GM driver will ever concede. Problem with water storage is that there are two types. On farm that takes the form of using productive land to make the remaining farm viable and there’s storage on public rivers that make whole regions viable. On farm is quiet and discreet and only affects the farmer and wild ducks, while on river seems to draw more attention than a gas bottle blowing up at Kiwi House in London.

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So what do the various sides need to do? Be it far from me to suggest grow up, so the ultimate solution is more on farm storage. Mid Canterbury is the spiritual home of on farm storage with huge areas, and in one case a whole farm, being put under water. Several million dollars of earthworks, domestically funded, and there’s a series of lakes to hold water for the dry season. The interesting thing is that there are two either side of the Rangitata river; one will take water out of the current

It would seem that the thought of dams on rivers has become as anti-social as smoking inside, so the only practical option is to create a volley of small ponds where the public are unable to sail boats, catch fish or camp on the banks in summer. Hopefully the odd person will be encouraged to thin out the waterfowl numbers and just what if a number of small trout were to find their way into a sizeable on farm storage pond!

RDR in low usage periods, the other one will take flushes out of the river. No protests, no one even making any noise at all, and it seems the only interest outside of the farmers who will draw from the lakes is from ducks. I happen to know from personal experience that the RDR type property used to have some very clever and gun shy ducks living on it. The size of the ponds is fast becoming the size of the lakes, and it seems neighbours are even starting to talk about sharing storage ponds.

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What future for Water Conservation Orders? from irrigation nZ

Instead of knocking the productive use of water for activities such as irrigation, it’s time all New Zealanders accepted and celebrated how water adds value. Water is New Zealand’s strategic advantage. Permanently ‘locking up’ its use through outdated and divisive processes, such as Water Conservation Orders, is not beneficial – not even to the river. We live in an ever changing environment. Future water management must focus on collaboration between communtity stakeholders, not legal mechanisms which end up fracturing communities. We need to encourage best practice for both urban and rural water users and focus on adaptive management – which in part will require considerable investment in water storage. Water Conservation Orders no longer have relevance, particularly since the development of the Freshwater Management National Policy Statement that requires communities to set freshwater objectives and limits – they have

been superseded. Water Conservation Orders therefore need to be retired, not given increased teeth as the Green Party suggests. The irrigation pioneers of the 20th century set New Zealand on a pathway to a secure and prosperous future. We rely on irrigation to provide the diverse range of food we now demand from our supermarkets – and at an affordable price. Imagine the increased cost if we had to import our food. Alongside food security we are also highly dependent on irrigation for New Zealand’s continued growth. Many regions of New Zealand are built on irrigation. Hawke’s Bay and Tasman, patchworks of orchards supplying pack houses, vineyards supplying wineries and vegetable growers supplying food processing factories, all rely on water for irrigation. Marlborough, the Sauvignon Blanc capital of the world, would not exist without water for irrigation. Central Otago would be a barren wilderness, not a

premium producer of Pinot Noir, cherries, apricots and fine wool garments. Then there’s Canterbury – with its world leading seed production industries, diverse cropping enterprises, and capacity to efficiently turn pasture into protein. Irrigation is the

– providing opportunities for all. It’s not about how we lock up the water resource through Water Conservation Orders and bankrupt the nation. Agriculture and tourism are both too important to New Zealand and Water Conservation Orders are not the answer.

Further comment Andrew Curtis Irrigation NZ Chief Executive Phone 027 496 6314.

Irrigation NZ Irrigation NZ is the national body representing irrigators and the irrigation industry.

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August 2012

WAtEr

August 2012

Forecast — Canterbury

Although as noted in our last outlook the early part of July was mostly fine and dry in Canterbury with mainly westerly airflow, the second half of the month saw a change back to the easterly airflows of earlier in the winter, with increased cloud, rain, and low pressure systems affecting the country July climate readings were contrasted across Canterbury, with areas south of Banks Peninsula wetter and cloudier than usual, while to the north conditions were drier, sunnier and a little warmer. Overall most of the region saw temperatures near the long term normals, but parts of North Canterbury were up to +1.0deg warmer than usual. North Canterbury was also sunnier, with totals 20-30% above normal, and rainfall near normal or a little above. Contrastingly, from Christchurch southwards sunshine hours were generally below normal by 5-15%, and rainfall was above normal, by 40-80% in Mid Canterbury, but with monthly totals of 200-250% of normal in parts of South Canterbury. The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) remained volatile through July, but the overall trend remains downwards, towards El Nino. Current computer models predict a slow and irregular movement closer to El Nino conditions through the months of September and October. However this trend may be somewhat unstable, with

periods where the SOI returns towards neutral gradually outweighed by further pulses of movement towards El Nino. So far the first half of August has brought continued easterly quarter airflow to Canterbury, with low pressure systems developing in the Tasman Sea and moving across the North Island. This was the period of stormy easterly weather signalled in our last outlook, which we thought would arrive mid-August, but instead arrived late in July. Our overall expectation is that this El Nino event will be relatively weak and possibly

short-lived, with less westerlythan-normal spring conditions in Canterbury followed by a brief dry period in mid — summer as the El Nino event matures and begins to decay. It is too early yet to make solid predictions for later in the summer, but early indications are that the weak El Nino may decay rather rapidly and may therefore be unlikely to bring a sustained summer drought to the region. However, we need to wait a few more months yet to firm up on that. Extrapolating out changes in the SOI and combining with other similar periods in the past, we expect to see the

more westerly quarter airflow in the rest of August and possibly into the beginning of September, with drier, sunnier and milder conditions for Canterbury. The month of September looks likely to bring periods of southerly and southeasterly airflow to the region, with fewer and weaker westerly and northwesterly airflows than is usual for spring. This could make September cloudier and wetter than normal. October is expected to see low pressure systems again forming in the eastern Tasman Sea and moving over the North Island, bringing further periods of easterly or northeasterly airflow to Canterbury. Although this may make October a little milder than usual with fewer late frosts, sunshine hours are likely to be reduced, with rainfall at least normal, or wetter than normal. November and December look likely to be more settled months, but still with reduced frequency and intensity of westerly and northwesterly airstreams.

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WAtEr

August 2012

Fertigation emerging as a complementary technology As farming continues to change, with pressures from all angles, fertigation is an emerging technology which can counter some of those pressures. Fertigation involves applying fertiliser through the irrigation system, allowing famers to control the timing, amount and concentration of fertiliser applied. The technology has been used in intensive horticulture and orchards for many years with great success. Fertigation Systems Ltd owner Graeme Pile says the

bottom line is that operators can retain production while lowering costs, resulting in better profitability.

“It is an efficient way to apply the correct nutrients at the correct time to optimise plant growth.

“Fertigation has been used on some Canterbury farms for the past five years — and those operations have also seen the benefits of reduced costs and increased profitability.

Mr Pile says fertigation benefits farmers through:

“At the moment, farmers using fertigation employ it as an integral part of their nutrient programme. It combines seamlessly with the application of, say, phosphate, sulphur and lime in promoting pastoral and crop production.

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• Reducing costs of applying fertiliser, • Less soil compaction, • Reduce nutrient leaching by applying the nutrients little and often, and • Easier to manage grass production. Regulatory pressures: Environmental and compliance When it comes to land and water resources, there are approved methods around their use. ECAN has set out the following rules: 1. Chemigation valves need to be installed on any head works directly connected to underground bores. These can be fitted when water meters are being installed. While it costs more, the costs will be recouped within one to two years. 2. The power source for the fertigation pump must be connected directly to the irrigator control panel or irrigation pump. In this way, if the irrigator stops, the fertigation pumps stops. In some areas with reduced

nitrogen leaching limits, fertigation is one way to mitigate ‘N’ lost to the environment. By only applying what the plant requires there is less nutrient to be leached. When fertigation is combined with tools such as soil moisture sensors, precision irrigation and nutrient budgeting, farmers will find it easier to farm sustainably, Mr Pile says.

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“There will be no fertilisers being applied to sensitive areas, such as creeks, springs or rivers, or to roads and tracks that are on the farms. “Farmers can apply fertiliser when the soil is able to hold the nutrients, as the moisture level is below field capacity.” With the new precision irrigation systems, farmers

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August 2012

Cow barns for Canterbury by Blair Miller, rEL group

speakers supporting the tour, the feedback was incredibly positive with everyone I have spoken to indicating they came away with a different appreciation of the potential role of barns in the Canterbury situation.

The rain of the last few weeks is again focussing Cantabrians on their pasture management options In July a group of farmers lead by Willy Leferink, went on a three day tour entitled the ‘Federated Farmers South Island Sustainable Dairy Solutions Tour’ to look at cow barns in the Otago and Southland districts. I have purposefully not used the word ‘wintering’ in front of barn as many of the barns that were visited are used as part of a complete farming system and used for wintering of cows, and also at other times of the year to reduce pressure on wet pastures, increase feed conversion and reduce wastage of supplements, as well as increase the overall lactation length of many of the farms that were visited. With over 50 people joining the tour for at least some of the stops, a wide range of people, both farmers and supporting

industry people, including Fonterra, Dairy NZ, ECan, bankers and consultants formed the group. The interaction of all the people providing for a significant learning experience for all that attended. With eight visits to a number of quite varied operations and numerous guest

At the conference dinner and seminar Willy Leferink presented a paper on the potential use of barns in association with a large cropping operation to offer the ability of cropping farmers to enter the dairy industry without fully converting their properties. This generated significant discussion and introduced another potential opportunity to reduce the capital requirement to establish a dairy operation as the land requirements are significantly reduced. One of the key objectives

on the Federated Farmers Barn tour walking was reduced by taking the bus as close as possible to the action

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ForEStry

August 2012

Forestry Market Report

Doing it right

After the initial shock she rang her only daughter to tell her the news.

will be 89% larger by volume after one season's growth, than the control. If it was a 22m spot the tree will be 211% larger by volume and finally, if it was aerial released it would 348% larger by volume than the unsprayed control. The Colliers are also keen to experiment with a wide variety of productive species including coastal redwoods. Canterbury farmers are becoming increasingly interested in this species both as a decorative tree as well as an extremely valued timber producer. We will be following the progress of the Collier woodlots in following articles. The enclosed photo shows an example of a healthy coastal redwood prior to planting.

After a bit of crying the two went to the local bar to drown their sorrows. After a few G&T's a glow started to creep back, and after a few more they were laughing and reminiscing of all the good times. After awhile a few of the local women from the bowling club came in for a drink and saw their neighbour drowning her sorrows. After awhile they plucked up the courage to ask what was the trouble. "I am dying of AIDs" was the housewife’s reply. After the initial shock the women left in a fluster. Confused, the daughter asked why she had lied. "Well" replied Mum "I don't want those bitches sniffing around my husband when I am gone." And that, my friends, is what is called "putting your affairs in order.”

Jim and Matt Collier farm a block of land at the back of Sheffield. Both are keen farmers as well as budding foresters They love their trees and learning from past experiences they have learnt that to get their trees away to a good start it is imperative to correctly prepare the site before planting, so their non productive gullies have been aerial kill sprayed, planted with a variety of trees species and will be aerial released in the spring. Tree growth in Canterbury is directly proportional to the amount of bare earth around each tree (bare earth is up to ten times wetter than a weedy site). To give you some example of this — if you plant a tree in a weedy site and leave it unsprayed (we will call this the control), an adjacent tree which has had 12m spot release sprayed

Joke time — A housewife was waiting in the doctor's room for news of her X-ray. After a while the doctor came back into the room with a sad looking face and told the woman that she had better "put her affairs in order" because she had cancer and had only a couple of months to live.

Allan Laurie MNZIF Laurie Forestry Ltd A year of little change in log markets continues with prices remaining in a positive to neutral space. I have stated several times recently it is good to see wood fibre commodities holding their own when other segments are generally weak to softening in terms of net pricing. Much of this ‘continuing steady as she goes’ market status within wood fibre commodities can be attributed to China. Demand for both log and lumber has remained steady, prices are generally holding firm and supply from other sources is also stable. Log price settlements in China for August sales have been holding steady with the key market indicator A-grade sitting at around the USCIF$130 per cubic metre mark. Market positioning seems to be the order of the day with sales known to have mostly ranged within US$4 of the market indicated price. The price settlement variation appears related to ‘jockeying

for position’ by NZ sellers. Chinese buyers are definitely becoming more selective about quality. Pruned logs have hit a high US$160 per cubic metre for the upper end of the quality range meaning 40cm+ small end diameter, bark off and anti sap stained. Apparently the baby cot market is helping to lead the interest in clearwood pine logs! Meanwhile the lower grades have been struggling to hold price position. Total Pacific Rim softwood supplies in to China have been slightly ahead of demand with log yard inventories building closer to 3mil cubic metres. At current consumption levels this is getting uncomfortably close to three months supply. However supply volumes are expected to drop in August and September as demand picks up in India. Despite apparent progress in the Christchurch reconstruction, the domestic segments remains quite subdued. Just in the last

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couple of weeks we have noted a higher level enquiry for the favoured S30 framing logs but price upward negotiations remain off the agenda, at least for buyers. Shipping has continued to be a melee of supply and demand talk with the word ‘shorting’ coming in to the jargon. This apparently means a level of collusion between shipping company owners to short supply the southern hemisphere market in an attempt to drive costs back up. For the moment this little game play has not impacted with sufficient vessels seeking cargo. Some of this appears to be related to the fertiliser season with extra ships in rotation looking for backloads to the Northern Hemisphere. Some lumber exporters have reported container pricing has also stabilised which appears to have coincided with a small increase in CIF settlements, allowing them to record some badly needed margin on recent consignments. Long may it continue. Most of us involved in exports continue to complain bitterly about the higher than average US Dollar exchange rate. At a prevailing and persistent US$0.81c it is unlikely we will see anything wildly exciting in forest grower returns in the immediate term. Overall we are continuing to say this year will remain stable in price and demand terms internationally. However overall wood fibre demand remains good and prices are holding at a time when other commodities are softening. 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 — please!

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August 2012

Rob Cope-Williams gets ...

I think I want to be a scientist I was watching television news last week about the volcano that popped its stack sending a magnificent light show and tonnes of ash into the atmosphere, and on came a scientist who specialises on volcanos It seems they (there are more than one) spend all their time looking at computers measuring the activity around the plateau area and take what we assume is side bets on when and if it will go bang. The point to remember is that this particular volcano hasn’t gone bang for about a century. Yeah OK, the scientists also monitor other volcanos in the same area, but you get my drift. What really got me was the excitement in the voice and the facial expressions of total joy as the scientist explained that he had been out for hours and hours collecting ash samples to look at. Now I know ones man’s meat is another man’s poison, but seriously, grown men collecting samples of ash from a range of

spots around the countryside to assess what it may or may not do to farming, stock, the land, and goodness knows what else seems to be a little like collecting snow to see if it’s made up of moisture. But I suppose if it’s 100 years between bangs . . . All sarcasm aside, my point is that there are a huge number of scientists who do work very hard, who do produce really good research and who really do make a difference. I am sure they were thinking the same as I was. Farming is a very good example of how science can and does work closely with the end user. The people who are plant breeders should all be given Queen’s honours, and the animal health remedies chaps are right up there as well.

Then of course there’s the raft of Kiwis who aren’t sitting in an office with diplomas on the wall who get an idea and make things. Workshops all over the country are full of people working off drawings made on an envelope in the car park or lunch room. Computers are a real asset as well, but basically the successful ones still make things and again my apologies to the hundreds of scientists, many of whom I have met, who really do put in long hours and benefit everyone. Sadly, scientists are just one of a raft of people who are branded by a small minority. I suppose we really do need people like the chap on national television, but perhaps the message just may have been presented a little more constructively.

Looking after your blood vessels Blood vessels are a lot more than pipes to hold blood. They are living tissues and can be greatly affected by disease. If the lining of blood vessels becomes damaged by free radicals or inflamed, the surface of vessels offers greater resistance thus increasing blood pressure

Research by Rodrigo, R et al. (Hypertension Research, 2007) concluded that free radical damage to blood vessels is one cause of essential hypertension. In a following paper they conducted a double blind placebo trial on 110 people with essential hypertension and found a close relationship between antioxidant levels and blood pressure. Of real interest they noted significant decreases in blood pressure after giving antioxidant supplements. I have found that many people with essential hypertension can respond well to intensive nutritional therapy aimed at restoring the health of our blood vessels. I am regularly contacted by people with various problems caused or worsened by poor circulation in their legs. These include general muscle weakness and pain, cramps, swollen ankles and feet, restless legs, and chilblains. People with cardiovascular disease, diabetes or people who smoke are at much higher risk of these common circulatory problems. The most important nutrients to help blood vessels are some antioxidant vitamins especially vitamin C and vitamin E and a wide

range of botanical antioxidants including flavanols found in grape seed extract, ginkgo biloba, acai berry, bilberry, resveratrol and citrus bioflavonoids such as hesperidin. These nutrients help blood flow by reducing blood platelet aggregation and additionally help to maintain the integrity of blood vessel walls. These antioxidants strengthen the walls of blood vessels by ensuring that the proteins collagen and elastin are protected from destructive enzymes and from free radical damage. Circulatory problems can respond very well to increased nutrient intake through careful food selection and appropriate supplementation. Once you have had medical advice it is worthwhile considering a complementary nutritional programme to help restore healthy circulation and in doing so you may gain a real improvement in your quality of life. Give me a call if you need help. John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health Ltd. You can contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@johnarts.co.nz. You can join whis weekly newsletter at www.johnarts. co.nz. For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz

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Country Motoring

August 2012

Holden’s new Colorado and the Mazda BT 50 Holden Colorado While most other ute manufacturers have had new 2012 models racking up sales in New Zealand, Holden has been uncharacteristically slow, even reluctant, to release it this side of the Tasman. In mid May I flew to Auckland to check out the latest offering and in doing so becoming the first journo to drive one here in NZ. Later I was to have one at home to really give a good workout to.

Of the two Colorado’s in the country, I drove the top spec, LTZ in Sizzle red, at $61,990. The range includes six, two wheel drive models starting at $38,400 for a cab/chassis 2.5 litre, and nine 2.8 litre 4x4 models straddle three body styles and four spec levels DX, LX, LT, and LTZ. The LT and LTZ are available in six speed auto as a $2000 option over the manual five speed. GM’s own designed and built truck now offers 132kW [up from 120kW]at 3800rpm

and 470Nm torque — an increase of 90Nm. The price leading 2.5 litre produces 110kW and 350Nm. Stealing a march on its competitors, Holden is the first manufacturer to offer 3500kg braked towing capacity. I drove one at home in Canterbury and it does indeed tow 3500kg without protest though accessing 6th gear in the auto only happens on flat roads at around 95km/h All models in the range come with A/C ABS EBD and

Holden Colorado

ESC (stability control) as well as frontal and curtain airbags. Also standard are Bluetooth CD MP3 AM/FM radio/stereo with steering wheel controls and cruise control.

A well laid out interior has storage everywhere, including twin glove boxes, centre console box, as well as door pockets in all doors and a top central bin on the dash.

Strangely the USB audio input on the dash is a micro fitting that you’d find on a GPS. Remote keyless entry and alarm are standard. The Colorado now rides on 16 inch steels, or alloys on LX and LT models.

A novel feature likely to be well used in hot summery conditions is the cup/can holders just below the side air conditioning vents that will keep any bevy at just the right temperature. They will even warm drinks in the winter! Clothed in hard wearing soft cloth, boasting a fold down armrest in the rear pew, Holden has liberated generous space in the rear for three. The front chairs with map pocket both at the back and below the knees and

the driver adjustment

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On the Road The Holden is noticeably smaller than the Mazda, retaining similar dimensions to the outgoing model. The first impression once moving is of quiet unimpeded progress. Gone is the tyre noise, the LTZ has 17inch alloys, the engine is well subdued and even when punted quickly responds without noisy protest. It’s all about the torque, the same as the Ford/Mazda utes released last year, the 4 cylinder GM sourced Turbo Diesel displayed the easy driving nature that a thick wedge of torque supplies. Automatic transmissions can mask power deficiencies, the

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Cnr Main South Rd and Epsom Rd, Sockburn | CHRISTCHURCH P 03 348 4129 or 0800 655 551 Rangiora Service Centre | 78 Ivory St | P 03 313 7059 | avoncityford.co.nz

Cars, vans, 4WD’s, trucks, tractors, farm machinery. Pickup anywhere in the South Island. FREEPHONE

0800 248 639

812 JONES ROAD, ROLLESTON

Country Motoring the Limited, adds leather and auto lights and costs almost the same as the Holden here.

On The Road

Mazda BT50

new motor has the ponies well harnessed under the bonnet just itching to be unshackled. The familiar push button 4WD controls are replaced with a simple rotary dial beneath the tip tronic gear selector. Wet roads were dispatched with ease despite enthusiastic driving. Slipping into 4WD high while moving move tidied up oversteer making the unladen truck respond even better. Loading a one tonne pallet, the rated capacity on the deck barely affected progress. Independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering provide sharp quick responses. The use of independent multi link rear suspension with leaf springs in all models really improves the ride.

Off the Road

Holden have a new truck to be proud of, which should do well for them.

Mazda BT50 I drove the mid range six speed auto GSX BT50. Japanese utes dominate the market and along with the Ford have a five cylinder diesel motor a 20 valve, 3199cc, 147kw, 470nm turbo diesel. All but Navara’s V6 are four cylinder. Going to a much larger footprint was a bold move when released late last year, yet Ford have had several months of leading the ute sales race, even with shortages, due to the floods in Thailand last year. I didn’t get to tow with it, though my experience with the Ranger would indicate that the 3350kg braked towing is easily achievable. The next model up,

briefly disappeared under the bow wave, resurfaced and scrambled without incident up the other side in 4WD with the diff locked. It was the same with everything I tried including my axel twisting diagonal across a ditch. Really valuable also is the Hill Descent Control. The interior is well laid out matching the Ranger with subtle changes to upholstery and switchgear. Safety is addressed with six airbags ABS ESP TC and Roll Over Control.

HOLDEN | MAZDA

FACEOFF

Specifications

Holden Colorado LTZ Mazda BT50 GSX

Engine 2.8 litre Duramax 4 Cyln 3.2litre 5 Cyln.

Power/RPM

132kw/3800 147kw/3000

Torque

Transmission

5spd/m 6spd/a 6spd/m 6spd/a

470nm 470nm

Towing

750kg/3500kg 750kg/3350kg

The smooth changing six speed auto is worth the $2000 extra over the manual.

Fuel use

9.1 l/100km 9.2 l/100km

Mazda have a truck now that matches the rest of their range with innovation, style, practicality and performance.

Prices as tested

Riding high the use of the steering wheel mounted cruise control is essential as 100km/h comes up in a shade over 10 sec at less than 2000rpm. A well set up chassis for enthusiastic driving along with a willing motor the truck handles over-optimistic driving by shrugging it off in a way the old model would have found wanting.

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Colorado’s new found power, 220mm ground clearance and 28/23 degree

approach departure angles perform equally as well as the competition in the real world of rural conditions.

The big Mazda is easy to drive laden or empty and on the open road and is equally compliant on unsealed roads. While Mazda claims to have a difference in both engine tune and rear leaf suspension over its sibling Ranger none of the other motor noters I spoke with had been able to notice any appreciable change. An important change is the BT50’s electric locking rear diff, which I chose to use on metal roads, noticing a difference on acceleration out of corners. Off the road this really proved its worth. I haven’t had an opportunity to try both Mazda BT50 and Ford Ranger together which would be definitive on the issue.

August 2012

More farming marvels

by Lorne Kuehn

I’ve written before about observing marvels in the farming life

handed them over to DOC who looked after them before letting them go.

Readers may recall my account of two different wild birds, both shags of different species, who had seen me out in the fields on a lambing beat at different times, and who had followed me back home to try to come in the back door of the farmhouse. Both were young and I captured them and

About a year later, one of them showed up again to see how I was doing and came to the back door once more, just like the raven in Edgar Allen Poe’s poem. Unbelievable? I agree, but not impossible. Marvels are all around us but we usually do not recognise them for what they are. About one hundred years ago, a mathematician named Littlewood defined a marvel as a unique wonderful event that would happen with a chance of about one in a million. That sounds about right in terms of how rare a marvel should be. How often should we expect to see a marvel according to this definition? Well, if it takes a second to be aware of a new thing in your environment (about right for most of us) and if you are awake about 16 hours a day, then you should see something this rare about once a month. That’s twelve times a year on average. And I find this to be about right. I’ve seen six or seven new marvels this year around the farm and it is only August. One that was truly remarkable in the last summer occurred when I was cutting hay in one of my back paddocks up against the Banks Peninsula hills near Kaituna. This field (and indeed my whole farm) is quite isolated. There are no neighbors or farm buildings within three kilometres in any direction.

FREE FARM

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While I was cutting a new swathe, I noticed two large hawks fighting in the air. They were slamming into each other and occasionally a dark object would fall down but one or the other would catch it. Eventually they both fell down into the path of my tractor, about fifty feet away. They took no notice of me or the tractor but were scraping away over the dark object.

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I stopped the tractor and got off and walked up to them. When they saw me, they jumped up and flew away in

Source: Department of Conservation

different directions, quite ticked off at my presence. They had left the object behind. At first I thought that it was a small baby penguin but when I picked it up I saw that it was a small stuffed penguin, quite lifelike and about fifteen centimetres long. I looked upon this whole incident as an amazing marvel into which you could read all sorts of things. Here was a toy penguin, miles from the nearest house or beach. Where had it come from? I called around to most of the neighbors, especially those with children. Nobody owned up to the wee penguin. Obviously one of the hawks had picked it up miles away when the second saw it and decided to take it, hence the fighting. And I was the one who wound up with it, just cutting hay by myself far from anyone else. If that’s not a marvel, I don’t know what is. The hawk was the ancient symbol of the sun, of intelligence and good luck. There was nothing said by them about penguins but the penguin is the favourite bird of my wife. So maybe she will be getting me off the farm after all, to a new enterprise, in the near future.

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August 2012

E D U C AT I O N Garin College creates a caring family atmosphere Garin College in Richmond, Nelson, has a strong focus on creating a caring family environment. Head teacher John Boyce says the small, co-educational Catholic school offers a quality education and the results of this are academic results, as well as solid cultural and sporting achievements. In the past year, Garin pupils have won the New Zealand Business Enterprise competition and were first in the Stock Market Game for the second year in a row and third in the world, and one student gained four outstanding scholarships to place him in New Zealand’s top ten scholars for 2012. The college is also developing a reputation for success in the performing arts, namely in Stage Challenge and Rockquest, with the band The Peasants winning the national final in Hamilton. The College is a decile 8 school catering to year 9 to 13 pupils, and achieves at the top end of the decile 8 in NCEA results. Mr Boyce says its staff

An easy walk to school

are dedicated and innovative, and this is shown in its inclusive nature with children with challenging physical and intellectual needs being mainstreamed into the school community. Class sizes are generally kept to a maximum of 24 and classes are not streamed so that all children have equal access to the quality education offered. As well as catering for day pupils, Garin provides hostel accommodation with two houses, each catering for up to 28 boys and girls. Mr Boyce says the modern hostels offer the same ‘family atmosphere’ found in the school, for young people living away

from home for their schooling. For more information go to garincollege.ac.nz.

Why choose Garin College? • Small community-based Catholic School • We work hard to keep junior class sizes to a maximum of 24 • 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.

Garin College for your Child’s Future

Leadership roles in a family atmosphere Boarders in Clarice Johnstone House at Nelson College for Girls experience a strong and supportive family atmosphere and are nurtured to become well rounded, confident, self-reliant young women. Leadership opportunities are available through a variety of activities and a big sister/ little sister scheme is in place so the seniors look after the junior girls. The school hosts a diverse group with international students from countries such as Hong Kong China, Thailand, China, Korea and Germany. 2011 saw the opening of the new Clarice Johnstone Levels as an independent living facility for Year 13 students. The Levels provides the boarders with single study bedrooms and lounge, laundry and kitchen facilities giving them more independence to help with the transition into the next phase of their lives. The students are encouraged into leadership roles to promote the family atmosphere of the boarding community amongst all 151 boarders. Nelson College for Girls provides students with a strong academic record of excellence as well as programmes for students with special abilities. Sport is an important aspect of the College providing House competitions as well as access to local clubs.

For more information contact Pauline Auchinvole on 03 548 3104 Ext 856, email: boarding@ncg.school.nz or visit our website: www.ncg.school.nz

There’s no way to get “board” at the hostel! With lots of friends and fun times the hostel is a warm and secure, family environment which will make you feel right at home while studying at Nelson College for Girls.

Garin College is a co-educational Catholic College with boarding facilities for boys and girls based in Richmond, Nelson. We have a number of places for non-Catholic students.

Hostel - 100% pass NCEA Level 1 again in 2011

We are taking enrolments now for 2013 & beyond To find our more go to www.garincollege.ac.nz

Timaru Boys’ High School Thomas House Boarding Hostel

Have you considered boarding as an option for your son? A limited number of places are still available in selective year groups for 2013. Prospective students wishing to enrol at Thomas House will need to make a formal application.

Garin College 35 Champion Road, Richmond, Nelson phone: +64 3 543 9488 fax: +64 3 543 9489

Small School, Big Heart

For further information contact: The Administration Secretary, Timaru Boys’ High School Private Bag 903 – Timaru. Phone 03 687 7560 Ext 703 – Email: buntingca@timaruboys.school.nz Website: www.timaruboys.school.nz

August 2012

E D U C AT I O N Waihi enhances pupils responsibilty and independence Waihi is an Independent School for day and boarding boys from Year 4-8. The school is situated north of Winchester on State Highway 1 in South Canterbury. Ten hectares of attractive grounds and modernised facilities provide an excellent environment for a boy to be a boy.

Boarding at Medbury School

each boy the opportunity to fulfil his potential in a range of academic, sporting, cultural, spiritual and social programmes which prepare him for secondary school and beyond.

Since opening in 1907 the focus of the school has been to challenge boys to set goals and target achievement in a wide range of areas in order to develop all aspects of their life. Waihi is committed to remaining a small school with small class sizes. A positive attitude to learning is fostered within a culture of high achievement.

Extensive facilities and a comprehensive sporting programme allows boys to experience competitive, social and recreational play. Waihi recognises the importance of sport in fostering emotional growth, individual challenge, collective pride and a healthy lifestyle. Waihi competes regularly in both local competitions and fixtures with schools from throughout New Zealand.

Through professionalism and a committed staff we provide a learning environment that offers

The boarding option offers a friendly and boy affirming environment supported by a caring,



Mid Year Enrolments Welcome

responsible and deeply involved staff. wResponsibility and independence enhance personal growth and strengthen peer, staff and family relationships. Late 2011 saw the completion of a new state-of-the-art boarding complex. Pyne House can accommodate 60 boarders in a modern

contemporary setting in a home away from home. This complex is available for use by community group and sporting teams during school holidays. A Waihi Year 8 boy heading off to secondary school was asked if his friend should go to Waihi. Without hesitation he replied, “I think every boy should go to Waihi”.

Boarding & Day School for Boys Years 4 -8

Brand New Boarding House & Day Boy Facilities – OPEN DAY –

1.30pm Sun 9 September



Waihi is a small family oriented Independent School with spacious rural grounds and up to date facilities situated north of Winchester on State Highway 1 in South Canterbury. Christian values, small class sizes, extensive pastoral care by peers and staff ensure every Waihi boy responds to the challenge of personal development. State Highway 1, Winchester, South Canterbury. Phone: 03 687 8014. Email: admin@waihi.school.nz

www.waihi.school.nz

At Medbury School they certainly know what it takes to make the boys happy and how to develop their full potential. Headmaster Peter Kay takes an individual interest in every boy and his progress — an approach shared by all members of staff. The School provides an environment where boys can thrive, guided by sensible boundaries, clearly defined requirements, and exceptional peer support. Boarding at Medbury School provides an entry into an exciting and welcoming ‘extended family’. Located in Christchurch, Medbury offers your son a host of diverse and stimulating activities and excellent facilities to ensure that he will never have a dull moment. Headmaster Peter Kay believes that boarding at Medbury is not just about achieving academically, but holistically. This also encompasses building strong friendships and he takes quiet pride in the way the 35 boys are like ‘brothers’. The Boarding House provides a welcoming ‘home away from home’ and whilst boarding at Medbury can

be a commonsense solution for busy families or those out of town, it also offers the boys a primary benefit right on their doorstep, such as orchestra practice and tennis lessons beginning at 7.30am. The boarders, aged 7 to 13, have access to laptops, a pool table, large screen TV and X-box, as well as a wonderful array of activities and the extensive resources of the school itself. Homework is supervised by teachers, again maximizing the boys’ educational advantage. Communication between parents and boys is actively encouraged, with boys permitted to email daily, phone home during the week, or Skype regularly. Many boarders return home for the weekend after Saturday sport, though those who ‘stay in’ are well catered for with a diverse and engaging weekend programme. For more information please contact Tanya Moore (Headmaster’s PA) on 03 351 6169 or visit the school’s website: www.medbury.school.nz

THERE IS NEVER A DULL MOMENT BOARDING AT MEDBURY As a Medbury boarder, your son will experience the support and friendship of an ‘extended family’ environment. Diverse and stimulating activities, together with excellent facilities ensure that he will never have a dull moment as he plays, learns and grows in a setting that caters for boys’ educational needs, in a very special way. Please contact us for more information about Boarding at Medbury and how your son can get the most out of his education.

109 Clyde Road, Christchurch | Phone 03 351 6169 | Email office@medbury.school.nz | www.medbury.school.nz Canterbury Farming Medbury Advert.indd 1

8/3/12 9:57 AM

August 2012

E D U C AT I O N The experience of a lifetime, for a lifetime Rangi Ruru Girls’ School in Christchurch has a reputation for being one of the country’s highest achieving schools in a wide range of academic, sports and creative pursuits The school offers an extensive range of opportunities for girls with the support and guidance to help them reach their potential. The school is a residential campus, with the Boarding House sited in the northwest quarter. This enables Rangi boarders to have easy access to school facilities and resources of the school, ensuring that boarding is a central part of school life. The Rangi Ruru Boarding House is an extremely sound modern facility opened in 2002. It is on the school site, offering boarders easy access to school facilities and staff. There are many reasons parents choose boarding for their children. According to Jude Connochie, Rangi Ruru Director of Boarding, the most common reasons given by parents choosing Rangi Ruru are: • to have the opportunity to pursue the academic studies, sports, cultural

and creative pursuits not available at the local school • to have a world class education at one of New Zealand’s top achieving schools • to be surrounded by fellow students with similar passions and values • to be in a community where girls are encouraged to try new things, discover skills and capabilities she didn’t know she had • to develop the conﬁdence to pursue her dreams and to do her very best in every endeavour

• To have the experience their parents had when they boarded Boarding School is an incredible experience in itself. Add this to the experiences and opportunities available at Rangi Ruru and you can be assured that you have given your daughter the education of a lifetime, for a lifetime. She will leave Rangi Ruru Boarding School as a strong, independent young woman, with a toolkit containing: a robust internationally recognised qualiﬁcation, a raft of interests and skills, the ability to manage herself and her time, a conﬁdence in her own abilities, a strong set of personal values, a close community of lifelong friends, and a vision of what she wishes to achieve and how to get there. Ready to take on the world.

Having fun everyday Boarding, says Selwyn House School Principal Jane Lapthorn, can be lifechanging. “Within independent schools like Selwyn House, boarding houses provide students and families with challenges and opportunities only found in a truly inclusive, small community. We make it a home-away-from-home environment.” Selwyn House, which offers boarding to girls in Years 5 — 8, focusses on a small family environment and on catering for the unique demands of each boarder. Girls are provided with an enriching life and activities outside the classroom, and have access to the school’s extensive resources as part of their ‘home’ life. This is combined with welcoming bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen where the girls can make their own snacks, and relaxed dining and living facilities. And, we have the best boarding school chef in the South Island say our boarders. For Lucy (12 years-old), being a boarder at Selwyn House School is so much better than she imagined. She does more activities, completes her homework every day (which she says she probably wouldn’t if she was at home) and has boarding friends who are just like sisters. “If I was at home I would probably mess around, but here we sit down after school, have afternoon tea together, then go off to do homework. Tutors help us so I’m sure I am doing better at school than I would if I was at home.” Lucy loves it that as a boarder she

can use the school facilities, she can run around in the playground and ‘one of the best things about boarding is that we even have our own dog called Murphy’. Lucy started boarding at Selwyn House School at the beginning of Year 6. She found it difficult at first as she missed her family, but it didn’t take long before she settled in. “Connections centre on the personal relationships that students need to build while living and working in what is, essentially, an extended family,” says Mrs Lapthorn. “Everyone knows everyone at Selwyn House — students, teachers, administration and the support staff and everyone works together to make the boarding school successful. “Together, our boarders and staff create a unique boarding experience that promotes bonding and personal growth a community within the caring community that is Selwyn House.”

International Baccalaureate World School

SELWYN HOUSE INDEPENDENT GIRLS’ DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL YEARS 1-8 & CO-ED PRE-SCHOOL

we would like to invite you to our

OPEN MORNING Thursday 13 September 9am - 12pm

Boarding at Selwyn House offers all the benefits of an education that encourages girls to follow their dreams within a supportive family atmosphere. The girls develop a sense of community, learn independence, resilience and responsibility in a safe and nurturing environment.

www.selwynhouse .school.nz 122 MERIVALE LANE, MERIVALE, CHRISTCHURCH : PHONE: 03 355 7299 : EMAIL OFFICE@SELHOUSE.SCHOOL.NZ

CantyFarmer.indd 1

10/08/12 9:15 AM

August 2012

E D U C AT I O N Tradition provides perfect environment to live, study & play

Waitaki Girls’ High School — where ordinary girls get to do extraordinary things

St Kevin’s Oamaru: A bright future

Waitaki Girls’ High School is a caring environment that offers girls the opportunity to extend themselves and find out what they really can do across academic, sporting, cultural and leadership areas. Our teachers are committed and hardworking and ensure they provide students with opportunities that inspire confidence, challenges and achievement. Our vocabulary of learning includes the four Rs — Resilience, Reflection, Resourcefulness and Relationships. All of these are fostered and developed. We teach and prepare girls to be young women who go out equipped for ‘life after school’.

At Waitaki Boys High School, Hostel and Farm boys come to us from all over New Zealand, and from many countries overseas. The historic town of Oamaru is safe and secure, and within easy reach of inland lakes and mountains, and the University city of Dunedin.

We have a long tradition of educating girls but also embrace innovation and 21st century thinking. Our school is located in pleasant grounds with modern facilities. We have over ﬁfty clubs, sports and co-curricular activities. For those who need it, this can be a home away from home, with boarding facilities available which embrace a family-like atmosphere through which friendships that stand the test of time and distance are ﬁrmly established.

The environment and traditions of the school have exercised a remarkable effect upon generations of boys. We have a spectacular site, magniﬁcent buildings and gardens, and generous resources. This is also one of the leading boarding schools in New Zealand and Don House, which is located in the school grounds, provides a great environment to live, study and play.

Principal of St Kevin’s, Mr Paul Olsen, is ‘excited by the possibilities for improved teaching and learning’ created by the newly completed million dollar refurbishment project at the College. The science laboratories, graphic suite, Library Resource Centre and boarding environment have all beneﬁtted from the upgrade. ‘The project is aimed at creating 21st century learning spaces that are supported with state of the art technology’. Director of Boarding, Mr Justin Fowler, leads a vibrant and experienced team of boarding staff and he is ‘very pleased with the developments at the College Hostel’. The College has always had an excellent reputation, and having refurbished facilities and a specialist team which includes teaching staff, focussed on student support makes St Kevin’s Hostel a market leader.

In appearance and ethos Waitaki Boys’ is often mistaken for a private school. With a roll of 550, we are small enough to know each boy well, and to recognise his individual character and needs, but large enough to offer an extensive academic and vocational curriculum, and an impressive co-curricular programme. Our students are proud to be Waitakians. You will ﬁnd here a tremendous school spirit. The big ‘events’ of the school year such as the Cultural Competition and the Senior Prizegiving are inspirational. The enthusiasm and vitality of the boys shines through.

Being a co-educational boarding school with boys and girls being on two separate hostel sites has huge beneﬁts for the students and their parents, as sons and daughters are able to attend the same school. Mr Fowler would like to stress that there are limited places available for non-Catholic families at St Kevin’s and those families that wish their children to have a strong values based education need to be aware that these positions are highly sought after.

We are clear about our primary task. It is to identify and develop the potential of every boy.

We invite interested families to contact the school to make arrangements for a tour of the school and hostel.

Where will your children be studying next year? Consider a centre of educational excellence that provides a safe and clean environment for your kids to flourish, where they can excel in sport, culture and academia!

To find out more or arrange a visit, please contact:

Mr John Coard

Ms Margie Baird

Mr Justin Fowler

03 433 1137

03 434 6587

03 437 1665

johnc@waitakibhs.school.nz www.waitakibhs.school.nz

mbaird@waitakigirlshigh.schoolzone.net.nz www.waitakigirlshigh.school.nz

jfowler@stkevins.school.nz www.stkevins.school.nz

Director of Boarding

Hostel Manager

Director of Boarding

August 2012

Brothers keep making good choices Founded by brothers, Grant and Robert McCarthy, McCarthy Contracting offers a wide range of agricultural services including mowing, baling, wrapping, drilling, cultivation, cartage and silage They recently traded a Cat TH220 for the new TH336 model and have found the new model to be a very versatile piece of equipment. They are pleased with how simple it is to operate and have found this particular model to be very compact and lightweight. “We are able to drive the telehandler onto a trailer and transport it with ease.” Says Grant There are many applications for the telehandler in their line of work but it is mainly used for carting and stacking bales and loading shingle and fertiliser. “We find the Cat telehandler great to operate, especially with the new features like boom suspension and the different hydraulic modes for tilting.” Says Robert. “It is gentle enough for pallet work but fast and rugged for bucket work.” There were also some other additional bonuses with the TH336 that had them sold. “The reverse fan on the new telehandler allows the radiator to be cleaned at regular intervals when loading straw and the hydraulic trailer quick hitch is ideal when hooking up to the bale wrapper in the early hours of the morning.”

The Cat TH336 proving a very versatile piece of equipment

Above: Grant and robert McCarthy, very pleased with their new Cat TH336

we often have the drivers fighting over who is going to drive the ‘Cat’!” says Robert. This is the fourth telehandler the brothers have owned and Robert and Grant are pleased to know they also have access to the specially trained D&E’s technicians. “If there are ever any hiccups we know they can be addressed straight away.”

The new model TH336 has proven to be very popular amongst their staff. “The smart styling, durability and comfort mean

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August 2012

To advertise in Canterbury Farming Call 03

Hoof Print

347 2314 or email sales@canfarm.co.nz

WINTER COW GRAZING

With Fred Hoekstra

Cows moving to or from grazing in a TB movement control area must have either:

Trimming an injured claw

• A pre-movement TB test; or • An official permit to defer the test To arrange this please phone

A farmer once made a comment that he didn’t want to get his cow’s feet trimmed in the wet weather — opening up the wound would only create problems. This is an interesting comment, and I can appreciate his train of thought. Opening a wound would expose it to bacteria which will increase the risk of infection, especially in wet conditions. But, even though an exposed corium is running the risk of getting infected, not opening a wound would increase that risk. A lame hoof that has a hole needs to be treated.

0800 4TB INFO (0800 482 4636)

Use Waikari Lime Rubble for your cows dairy lane •Reduce the number of lame cows •Reduce amount of manure in dairy shed •Reduce travel time to & from dairy shed

The principle is that the corium needs to be exposed and the weight taken off the damaged claw. That is the key of good hoof trimming. If the wound is not opened up properly, it doesn’t mean that the bacteria are not at the corium. If anything, the bacteria are trapped in the wound and are more likely to go through the corium creating an infection. Opening it up and letting the air get to it will take a lot of the infection pressure away and the wound can heal up a lot quicker. Using a bandage is not advisable as often the bandage is not taken off on time. When you eventually do take the bandage off you can smell a rotten smell. That smell should be enough of an indication that it

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is not helpful to use a bandage. However, letting the air get to the wound is not enough. The weight needs to be taken off the wound. This sounds very logical yet very few people actually do it with trimming. Most people refer to a claw block. There is nothing wrong with using claw blocks and in many cases using a block is crucial to the healing of the cow, but if the claw is not trimmed properly it can still negatively affect the cow. It does happen sometimes that claw blocks come off prematurely. If the claw is not trimmed properly the wounded claw is going to carry too much weight again. So how do you trim a cow properly then? The principle is the same as putting a claw block on the healthy claw, but, instead of making the healthy claw higher, you need to make the lame claw lower. You can do

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this by lowering the sole of the damaged claw on the 2/3 area from the heel side. Lowering this area can sometimes create as much height difference as using a block. Another advantage is that it is easier to see if the under-run has been eliminated properly and it is much less likely for a hard ridge in the hoof to pinch the wound.

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DAiry

August 2012

Soil Matters — with Peter Burton

HIGH COUNTRY FENCING Quality Fencing South Island Wide

Seven reasons why local magnesium is providing the best results this spring We have always been keen to understand why it is that properties applying dolomite annually have so few calcium magnesium related metabolic disorders in spring and enjoy well above normal levels of production. Our experience leads us to the view that there are at least seven reasons why this occurs. Animals perform best when farm water systems are reserved for fresh clean drinking water, no additives, just fresh clear water. It is well known that dairy cows in wet weather will drink out of puddles rather than troughs containing a mix of chlorides and sulphates. No animal voluntarily drinks from troughs containing excess chloride because chlorides kill bacteria and the gut of an animal relies on millions of bacteria for digestion. Poor rumen function means poor production and very soon it will also mean mating performance problems. Animals also drink more water when it is fresh and clean resulting in higher production and better overall health. Some time back I was shown an area on a dairy farm where a trough had been overturned two years previously and that area was still bare earth with just a

few weeds starting to grow. If it sterilises soil it will do the same to the gut of an animal, and chemicals added to water systems accumulate in troughs over time.

Receiving the required intake of magnesium in every mouthful of high quality pasture is the most effective means of ensuring calcium/magnesium related metabolic disorders are minimised, and dolomite applied once a year achieves that. Dolomite acts as soil conditioner helping soils drain more freely after heavy rain, and recover more quickly from the pressure exerted by the feet

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Dusting pastures with magnesium oxide is only recommended when a mask is worn as magnesium oxide is known to injure lung cells resulting in a range of longterm ill-health problems. There are no known ill-health issues from the occasional exposure to ﬁne particles of dolomite. Dolomite can be applied as a separate application or mixed with either the spring or autumn fertiliser.

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of heavy animals. The result is more total pasture grown with a more even spread of growth throughout the year. Magnesium also acts as a carrier for phosphorus and phosphorus, as well as being an essential element for plant growth, is a requirement for the formation of sugars. Sugar is energy and during spring more energy results in less weight loss and more production.

All dolomite sold in New Zealand is from the mine at Golden Bay owned by the Solly family. Buying dolomite puts more money into the local economy and in tough ﬁnancial times it makes sense to look after family ﬁrst. For more information phone Peter or Coralie on 0800 436 566.

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DAiry

August 2012

“In the field”

Pasture tips with Pasture First by Nigel Johnston

Local pasture trial to assist in pasture seed confusion I was very interested to read in the August edition of the Country Wide magazine that farmers are not confident about selecting suitable cultivars and endophytes for pasture renewal

In the article it stated that ‘there was considerable confusion around many core aspects and components of pasture renewal, particularly around cultivars and endophytes and how they came together under brand names’. It was then concluded that ‘farmers

appeared to be struggling to find useful sources of information around pasture’. Now, I realise that the complexity of ryegrasses and endophytes has increased significantly in the last 10 years or so and it is not an easy subject to get a grasp of but the comment that really surprised me was that ‘farmers were struggling to find useful sources of information around pasture’. Why is this? I would have thought with the numerous number of rural-retail sales reps around that farmers had plenty of information to call on. After all, aren’t these reps technical experts, and therefore should have the ability to explain these

core aspects of pasture varieties and endophytes? Or is it the fact that these reps also have to sell Palm Kernel, dog biscuits, fence posts and laundry powder, and therefore are simply not experts in pasture seed? Secondly, with the myriad seed company brochures coming through the mail, does this information not help with the understanding of pasture seed brands and endophytes? Surely all the fancy graphs and pictures that are shown in these brochures is a help? One way that Pasture First is helping farmers understand which cultivar and endophyte they should be sowing on their farms is through

independently evaluating these various varieties in local trials. As part of this, a new pasture evaluation trial was sown in autumn on a Springston dairy farm, and should be of significant interest to local farmers when deciding which new grass variety to sow in the future. The trial contains most commercial varieties of perennial and Italian ryegrasses on the market and will run for a minimum of three years. Included in the perennial ryegrass trial are varieties containing five different types of endophytes. For those farmers interested in following how these varieties are performing, you can request a set of the trial results by heading to the Pasture First website (www.pasturefirst.co.nz) and filling out the ‘Contact Us’ form at the right hand side of any webpage. Include in the subject line – ‘Trial results’. As Canterbury has its own unique conditions, farmers will be able to make informed decisions on what variety suits their farm best, as the varieties have been independently trialled here in their own back yard. For more information contact Nigel Johnston on 03 347 6440 or 027 777 2877 or visit www.pasturefirst.co.nz

Notes from the shed with Mark McKewen

When it’s all said and done the machine is only as good as the sum of its parts and how well it is maintained. If you treat your Milking Machine like any other piece of complex equipment, like your tractor, it will run properly and give few problems. If you are inclined not to maintain your Milking Machine? Well, don’t be surprised when it costs expensive callouts, seriously. So get your gear serviced regularly... don’t hesitate, call your local Milfos Service Partner (or other), book in the Machine Test (and remember this is a test, NOT a service) and YES, definitely book in a SERVICE!

fix what they can and lube all the important parts. If you really want to be on to it, and take the worry out of getting the timing right yourself, get an iCARE Scheduled Maintenance programme to suit your farm through your Milfos Service Partner. This will look after your machine right down to filters and inflations.

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Well, this is the last time I am writing these notes for you, I am heading off for pastures new and you will have a new Milfos face on this page, penning the notes from now on.

What your Service Partner will Thank you for your custom and do is replace the worn out stuff, all the best for the future.

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Dairy

August 2012

Treating Calf scours! Rotagen and Vetsan Not Just Dairy Lanes the combined approach this spring! Calf scours may be all bad, but there’s a good option at hand for clients who end up battling with sick animals this spring The Rotagen Combo range remains unique as non-toxic, non-withhold vetonly antibody treatment for calves affected by common pathogens like Rotavirus 6 and 10, Coronavirus, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and/or E.coli (K99).

determined IgY titre. This is then formulated into a Rotagen combination product by Vetpak here in New Zealand. Any Rotagen combination of the above IgY’s can be produced on request to meet a specific challenge.

New Zealand is the only country in the world where specific antibodies against specific pathogens — (Rotagen Combo) — is a registered animal remedy.

IgY antibodies provide a passive immunity effect in the gut in the same way bovine colostrum would. Studies show that IgY’s successfully pass through the gastro-intestinal tract in an active form and are not altered by the digestive process. Their ability to bind to antigens is maintained within the local gut.

The Rotagen Combo range is based on Globigen, a spray-dried egg yolk powder derived from vaccinated chickens which contains IgY’s specific to a particular organism — rotavirus 6 and 10, coronavirus, salmonella, cryptosporidium, and E.coli (K99). Globigen is made by vaccinating high health status flocks against a specific pathogen. The hen then passes maternal immunoglobulins from serum to the egg yolk which is collected, then spray-dried, heat-treated and standardised to a

As the Rotagen products are based on a local gut immunity provided by immunoglobulins, there is no issue with toxicity and no withholding period. The product can be used with calves of any age and treatment can be initiated at any stage of infection. It can be used to both prevent and treat specific calf scours. A recent addition to the range is Rotagen Crypto,

a cryptosporidium specific treatment for calves. Approved by the ACVM as an aid in the prevention and treatment of calf scours caused by cryptosporidium, this is available as a stand-alone product without the addition of rotavirus. This is particularly useful in cases where the herd has been vaccinated for rotavirus, but the farm has a history of cryptosporidium parvum scours in their calves. Calves of any age or weight can be treated at the same dosage rate. For prevention, the recommended dose is 10 grams per calf per day for five days. For treatment, dose calves with 10g twice daily for the first day, then 5g twice daily for three to seven days. Appropriate rehydration is essential and Rotagen can be used in conjunction with electrolytes or milk feeding. Treating the calves with Rotagen is one part of the equation, reducing the effects of environmental contamination is also

important in reducing the effects of an outbreak within your calves and this is where another Vetpak product, Vetsan can help. Vetsan is a santiser and disinfectant that is effective against all major organisms including Rotavirus, Coronavirus, E Coli, Salmonella Sp and Cryptospordium. One of the major benefits of Vetsan is that it is a very safe product which can be sprayed around and over your calves without any affects to them and it is also non toxic to humans. Vetsan comes in two forms, one is a ready to use product and the other is a concentrate mixed at a 1 to 4 ratio. Vetsan should be used with a fine nozzle or mist sprayer or it is suitable for use with a fogger. A litre of Vetsan will cover 36m2 compared to many products on the market only covering 3m2 per litre of product and Vetsan also has residual activity over 7-14 days meaning the product keeps working longer.

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DAiry

August 2012

Taming the effluent pond — the natural way Effluent — it’s not the most fragrant of subjects, but it’s one which every dairy farmer has to deal with one way or another

Dairy EffluEnt 9 Good Reasons to talk to Lindsay and the Team Patented Franchised System (561997-562216-573232) • • • • • • • •

Traditionally the ‘brown stuff’ has been used in its role as a fertiliser, sprayed back onto pastures to add nutrients to the soil. But in recent years concerns about runoff into waterways, has led to wider adoption of technology such as separators to split the effluent into solid and liquid components. But a third way now exists — one which combines efficiency with eco-consciousness to provide a soilenhancing sprayable finished product from wash-down water. It’s not about adding machinery to the effluent pond process,

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but about enhancing the natural process of waste digestion in the pond itself. Impact, from Biomagic NZ Ltd, takes the form of an easy-to-apply additive, tipped onto the yard during wash down after initial treatment of the pond itself. Impact turns the content of the pond from slow-acting anaerobic bacteria to the faster-digesting aerobic form… a

recipe for efficiency on the job — and that which removes helps the bottom line. several effluent pond Impact’s aerobic problems. bacteria achieve in six When the more hours what anaerobic struggle efficient aerobic bacteria through in 70 days! bacteria get to work they leave behind If you’d like to see less waste minerals, the end of pungent dissolving the ‘crust’ odours, green slime, which forms on the thick sludge and costly top of ponds and the digging out, Impact thick sludge which from Biomagic is just settles to the bottom. what you need. Effluent No more digging out solutions have never foul smelling muck with come up smelling so these little dynamos sweet!

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DAiry

Be my Guest

and sharemilkers, known generally as lower order and 50/50 Sharemilking Agreements.

Bill Guest, Farmers of New Zealand

A dairy farmer who took the law into his own hands and failed to follow the strict terms of the sharemilking agreement between he and his sharemilker was sentenced to nine months jail and the Court ordered payment of $81,000 to Sharemilkers This week in the District Court at Tauranga, Lance Maxwell Burt, a dairy farmer was sentenced to 9 months jail and an order to pay restitution in the sum of $81,000.00 to sharemilkers, who worked for him 5 years ago. Burt was charged under the Crimes Act with using a computer to commit a crime. Burt sent a direction to Fonterra instructing Fonterra to divert all proceeds due to his sharemilker into his own account. Mr Burt’s Lawyers in Palmerston North then issued a Notice of Termination of the Sharemilking Agreement. Despite being requested on numerous occasions to conﬁrm that they held the money pursuant to the Sharemilking Agreement in their Trust Account, the NZ Law Society’s Manawatu Branch conﬁrmed that the money was not held in the Solicitors Trust Account. Arbitration followed resulting

in a decision in favour of the sharemilker. Burt had taken the $81,000.00 and dispersed it amongst other commercial operations he was involved in. The sharemilkers were devastated. It deprived them of their job and access to their money needed to ﬁnance the next season’s operations. The Judge described the offending as malicious and intended to cause harm to the sharemilkers. The lesson for owners contemplating withholding payments to sharemilkers, is that they must adhere to the strict terms of the sharemilking contract. Owners that direct their dairy company to pay the money to themselves and then failing to place the deductions in their solicitor’s trust account can expect to ﬁnd themselves in serious trouble.

August 2012

In the Lower Order Agreement there are penalties for unjustiﬁably and procedurally wrongly withholding payments to sharemilkers and these amount to interest rates ranging from 5% per month compounding up to 8% per month compounding. In the High Court at Whangarei Judge Nicholson in dealing with an appeal against these interest rates commented that the punitive interest rates were justiﬁable and to be used in discouraging owners from withholding the proceeds due to sharemilkers. Owners contemplating using the offset provisions in their sharemilking agreements are advised to seek professional advice before commencing such action. 40% of milk produced on New Zealand farms comes from sharemilking agreements between farmers

In 2001 a new Lower Order Sharemilking Agreement was negotiated and enshrined as a statute of law by Parliament. One of the clauses added was a comprehensive dispute resolution procedure. When the 50/50 sharemilking agreements were amended in 2007 and later in 2010, these dispute resolution procedures were written into the 50/50 agreements. The employer / owner has a right to offset money from a sharemilker’s proceeds subject to the dispute procedures being completed. An owner contemplating withholding proceeds due to the sharemilker must serve notices on the sharemilker setting out the contract breaches and the costs of rectiﬁcation. If the parties don’t agree, they may ask an independent third party to assist them to resolve the dispute and if the dispute is not resolved within 10 working days must then go to conciliation and appoint a conciliator. If the parties fail to agree on a conciliator within ﬁve working days of proceeding to conciliation, a conciliator will be appointed from the National Panel of Conciliators who will convene a meeting where the issues are discussed and usually resolved. If not

resolved then the owner can instruct the dairy company to withhold the proceeds due to the sharemilker with an upper limit of 75% of any sum due. That money must then be lodged in a Solicitors Trust Account, earning interest until

the matter is resolved either by agreement or reference to arbitration. Farmers of New Zealand Inc. provides free sharemilking agreements to members and specialist advice on sharemilking matters.

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August 2012

Cows and Udder Things From Dairy NZ

Spring Rotation Planner: An invaluable tool The Spring Rotation Planner is an area allocation tool which progressive farmers use to help allocate feed during spring’s ﬁrst grazing round: Employing the tool helps avoid pasture cover getting too low (ie. the tool is generally used to cover the time before pasture growth can match

cow demand). The lower your pasture cover, the slower your daily pasture growth rate; if pasture is grazed too low, it will take longer to recover from an average pasture cover of less than 1,800. Keep in-mind the traditional farming mantra ‘grass grows grass’. If the ﬁrst round is fast, and average

pasture cover (APC) gets too low, it will take longer to get to the point at which pasture growth matches cow demand. Conversely, if too-slow a round is adopted, cows will not be offered the quality of feed that would otherwise be possible. It is also likely more supplement will be used than necessary. The output of the

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Monitoring the farm situation over the first round assists with more accurate, and more beneficial, decision making. However, some farmers postpone or fail to measure pasture over the first round because of time constraints – or the plate meter/ tow behind/feed reader result indicates there is less feed than cow behaviour (and farmer experience) would suggest.

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One limitation of several spring rotation planners is the assumption that all cows are on-the-platform at the start of calving. If cows come back later, as is the norm on most Canterbury farms, this needs to be taken account of. FarmWise has developed a consultancy tool that links to the spring feed budget: This allows the ﬁrst round planner to account for calving pattern, stock numbers on the milking platform, feed available, and feed demand.

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spring rotation planner is the area to be fed per week. Target pasture covers can be derived from the planner, and if you are below or above-target, action can be taken (eg. feed more or distribute across a tighter area so that pasture cover is closeto-target). It is critical the ﬁrst round ﬁnishes when planned – and no sooner, or any later. Finishing too late may result in being forced to cut an early silage crop.

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Weekly (or at least fortnightly) farm walks provide useful information on growth rates and paddock rankings. Carrying out a backward-

Source: DairyNZ Spring Survival Guide

calculation based on area fed and estimated cow intake, provides the information necessary to adjust the pasture measurements (ie. to what the cows are demonstrating is actually there). Care should be taken in estimating cow intake. So what options do you have right now in the bid to raise your APC? Below are a few alternatives that are potentially extremely beneﬁcial:

1. Nitrogen At current soil temperatures excellent responses to nitrogen applied should be evident. Also consider adding sulphur. However sulphur does leach easily, and at this time of the year larger responses to SOA or an Ammo type product (a blend of urea and SOA) are frequently seen as opposed to straight urea. Before adding sulphur consider your soil test results and amount of leaching likely this winter. Nitrogen is still about the cheapest source of feed at approximately $850 /t applied, and an 8:1 response (providing feed at $0.23/kg DM).

2. Supplements When

the

situation

of having low post grazing residuals, with the milkers of <1500kg DM per ha post-graze, some milk yield responses can be expected. If grazing below 1350kgs DM /ha, expect 90g-130g of MS per kg of DM fed (at a feed value of 11 MJME/kg DM). If post-grazing residuals are 1400-1500 kgs DM /ha, expect 60g-90g MS/kg DM (at 11 MJME/kg DM).

3. ProGibb About 30 trials show the New Zealand average response to ProGibb, three weeks after application, is about 250kgs DM/ha. Cost of application is about $25/ha (apply at 20 g/ha). If a contractor is employed twice-a-week to follow the cows, the cost of application is about $35/ha, giving a total cost of about $60/ha. If a 250kg response is achieved, this equates to 24 cents per kg DM. So do a pasture walk of your farm to assess where you currently are – and don’t ignore reality. Then decide which of the tools are right for you to help get your APC back-on-track.

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August 2012

More power to you When Can-am unleashed the 1000cc Outlander ATV on an unsuspecting world for 2012, the repercussions were felt throughout the offroad community

From the factory ﬂoor the big Outlander churned out over 80 HP, delivered to the dirt by strikingly styled alloys and a reengineered frame and chassis which tamed all that torque. Not that the Outlander couldn’t pop a wheelstand out of high range from a standing start…

experience. But at its heart the Outlander is still part of a practical family of working ATVs — complete with rugged racks and decking, generous ground clearance and hefty towing capacity. Its 800 and 500 ‘little brothers’ have proven great value for money for Kiwi ATV riders — especially working the land. Now BRP, makers of Can-Am, have reﬁned the big Outlander for a second generation, keeping its powerful Rotax heart and tweaking and sculpting the rest of the machine for an improved 2013 iteration.

One of a select few vehicles to earn a coveted 5 out of 5 stars rating on ATV. com, the Outlander 1000 has carved out a niche among competitive riders the world over, blending raw grunt with technology to provide a visceral yet balanced riding

At the top of the new range sits the impressive MAX model, packed with features such as Fox adjustable air suspension, easy clip on clip off two-up seating (it can be switched out for a handy tool box in seconds) and the

Here was an exercise in engineering and power to rival the Bugatti Veyron in terms of opposition-crushing mathematics… up to and including a power to weight ratio which the Almighty himself wouldn’t sneeze at.

very clever visco-lok QE quick engagement front diff. This innovation moves power from a slipping front wheel to one with grip, navigating the fuel-injected Outlander through even the roughest terrain. Can-am’s entire range for 2013 beneﬁts from the G2 chassis setup pioneered for the 2012 Outlander, and you can bet that BRP have built on the strengths (and customer feedback) they’ve developed with the Outlander 1000. After all, just like the hugely powerful Veyron, Can-am’s ﬂagship ATV is an exercise in excess which informs an entire new generation of vehicles. Check out Outlander 1000 now Kaipara Motorcycles Dargaville — or any of excellent ATV quads in Can-am range.

NICK’S PET FOOD LTD For all your unwanted animals, cattle, sheep, calves, horses Phone Nick Mobile: 027 210 1621 03 349 6587 14B Gerald Connolly Place, Hornby 8042

the at in the the

MS1361

August 2012

Effluent Value in your effluent Matt Lovett Ltd operates an effluent service throughout the Canterbury region. Matt is a Mid Canterbury based owner/operator who has the ability to make emptying effluent ponds quick and easy

Matt set up this side of his business nine months ago, having researched the industry and found room for improvement. He is running it alongside the windrowing services he has been offering for the last four years.

The 24,000L Joskin tanker has large floatation tyres on a triple axle for ground minimum compaction, an eight inch turbo filling arm with up to eight minute filling time, making the job simple.

Effluent is an effective fertiliser and particularly good for green crops such as maize or an underperforming grass paddock on the milking platform. Removing a little effluent at regular intervals ensures ponds stay in top working order and prevents the build up of a thick layer of solids that can turn routine maintenance into a full blown headache. Effluent management can be made easy by spraying grass and weeds. This will allow the crust to break up more easily and save time when stirring. When building new ponds, consider how they are going to be emptied and how accessible they are. Matt has had nothing but positive feedback. “All the customers have been impressed.” Matt opted for the biggest tanker he could get. It gives him economy of scale, which in turn has major benefits for his customers. He looks forward to doing business with new and existing clients this coming season.

Dairy Effluent Pond Pumping Ltd Pond pumping unit

Two self traveling irrigators

Pond Treatment IMPACT monthly dosing

Before

Ph. (03) 614 8994 Cell. 027 464 6763

Turning Waste into Liquid Fertiliser Don’t waste your waste - spread it & save dollars! Call us today for a free quote!

• Bulk / Industrial Liquid Waste Disposal • CCTV Inspection of Drains • High Pressure Water Blasting • Drain Cleaning & Unblocking • Septic & Holding Tank Cleaning • Farm Waste Spreading Trucks available in your area • Grease Trap & Sump Cleaning • Farm Effluent Pond Stirrer Available 100% ed n a c • Farm Effluent Pond Cleaning lo lly oew ted a r p o and • Yard / Washbay / Stormwater Sump Cleaning

After

www.effluentpondsystems.co.nz Eli Cummings

Specialists In Farm Waste

0800 155 669

7 Reduth St, timaRu

[ stirrer also available for hire ]

email: sjallen_timaru@xtra.co.nz

email. contact@effluentpondsystems.co.nz

Let us take your WASTE away!

August 2012

Effluent

Been in it for the last 38+ years In 1975 I purchased an effluent spreading run that was originally started by Habgoods Cartage of Lincoln then sold to Collin Hamilton who ran it for a few years It was then only three or four days per week carting and spreading mainly manure from under-laying cages, pig manure and a few dairy sumps. In those days I had a single axle Bedford with a 10,000

litre single artic unit under it. She would think about getting stuck while driving past a wet paddock while still on the road. Things have come a long way since then with our latest truck having fat singles on the front and air pressure controls on the rear tyres for better traction and less compaction and damage to the paddocks. Over the years I have noticed a huge change in the dairy farms. Most of the early farms we went to were only a hole in the ground and when full, ran into the nearest creek or a ditch that had a couple of weirs in it to hold back the worst of the solids. Today things are much tidier and on the whole I

believe most dairy farmers are genuinely trying to deal with their dairy effluent in a proper and more cost efficient way. Robsons have emptied quite a few larger effluent ponds, moving up to 2560 cubic metres sucked and spread using four trucks over two days. On a larger pond we have two stirrers operating and an extra man moving these around the pond to keep it completely stirred up for an ideal spreading consistency. Leaving ponds too long only makes the effluent too thick and much slower to suck and spread, costing more for the same job. We have noticed over the years that the farms that empty their saucers at least once or twice through the milking season do not have the same pump problems as saucers that clog up with sand and rocks that seem to go through all systems causing blockages and break downs.

a lot harder to empty and in the long run cost more. Keeping your efﬂuent systems running clean is like changing the oil in your car — if you do not do it you pay the price for repair bills and breakdowns. On most efﬂuent pond jobs we go and have a look at the site beforehand so as to advise farm

management what is needed, when we will have a stirrer on site and what day we can do the job. We do not charge for the stirrers themselves if we are emptying the pond but some mileage may be charged for the delivery and recovery of the stirrer depending on the size of the job.

Robsons is a family owned and operated business with myself and two sons Keiran and Justin running a ﬂeet of 12 vehicles covering all aspects of liquid waste including septic tanks and grease traps. We also have three tractor-mounted stirrers to go on your tractors. We look forward to your enquiries.

Cut your Dairy Effluent Disposal costs and pump breakdowns through regular maintenance weeping walls • holding ponds • wedges • saucers

We advise regular maintenance on saucers and wedges and some customers have learnt that this is better than digging it out with a tractor or digger and ending up with a product that still needs spreading. In my opinion, weeping walls are a good system but it is advisable not to leave them too long as once again they become

DAIRY EFFLUENT

STORAGE, TREATMENT, MANAGEMENT • A full range of above ground effluent tanks from 50,000 to 4,000,000 litres Permanent (50 year) and Semi Permanent (20 year) options • ‘NEW’ EFFLU-TECH Gravity Solids Separator (No moving parts, separates down to 1.5mm) • Livestock Rubber Mats – To reduce water volumes at wash down time, reduce slipping, and increase animal comfort on all surfaces • Concrete Stone Traps • Concrete Bunkers • Travelling Irrigators, Hydrants, Pontoons, Pipe • In ground Clay Ponds (Only certified clay will do) • Concrete Saucers (mesh is a must) • K-Line Effluent • Bunker Blocks

For a FREE, no obligation on farm visit to discuss your system and how we can help… Call us today

FREE PHONE 0800 FARM 1ST (0800 3276 178) Mathew Hayes 021 686 727 m.hayes@farmfirst.net.nz Tristram Johnston 021 343 959 t.johnston@farmfirst.net.nz

www.farmfirst.net.nz

We have a fleet of trucks designed for this purpose. Stirrers also available. Family owned and operated Robson Environmental Services Ltd Phone (03) 349 8871 robsonenviro@xtra.co.nz www.robsonenvironmental.co.nz

August 2012

Use an NZGFA member where you can

New Zealand Groundspread Fertiliser`s Association – NZGFA The New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers’ Association inc. is a trade organisation formed to promote the interests of fertiliser groundspreading companies The Association began in 1956 with a view to representing the industry to central and local governments and other industry organisations. The aims of the organisation are to advance the interests of groundspreading

members and to promote the spreading industry in New Zealand. NZGFA developed and promotes Spreadmark as the quality standard for the accurate placement of fertiliser on New Zealand farms.

Spreadmark assured fertiliser spreading is demanded by Federated Farmers` Meat and Fibre chair Jeanette Maxwell, on their Rosehill farm at the foot of Mt Hutt. Jeanette who farms in partnership with husband Alistair, uses Spreadmark accredited spreading company R & R Haulage Ltd owned by Ron and Ally Smith from Methven. Jeanette Maxwell says “Spreadmark precision placement of fertiliser is important to us to ensure all

the nutrients in the fertiliser we buy are used to maximum agronomic beneﬁt. Also the sensitive water ways on our farm are protected through the accuracy of the placement of the fertilizer.” NZGFA as a national organisation is divided into seven nranch areas. Each branch appoints a delegate to represent it on the NZGFA National Council. The National Association is lead by a president elected at the annual conference together with two elected vice presidents. The National Council meets quarterly to consider matters of a national interest and to consider items of business from branches. NZGFA engages in regular consultation with NZTA, MOT and CVIU on industry regulatory matters. Likewise fertiliser

Members of the NZGFA prepare for testing on behalf of Spreadmark

manufacturers and industry organisations like Federated Farmers, central and local governments. Seeking to raise standards in the industry NZGFA has developed the NZGFA Groundspread Operator training scheme, the NZ Certiﬁcate in Commercial Road Transport (Groundspreading). Regular

Professional Development courses are run for members, together with driver safety training courses developed by NZGFA and regularly presented to industry operators. Further information is available on the NZGFA website www. groundspreaders.co.nz.

For ALL your spreading needs The ONLY precision spreading company in Mid Canterbury

Ag Spreading - A Truck For Every Job

Phone Ron or Ben

03 302 8650

Lifestyle, Vineyard, Crop, Dairy, Pasture, Lime

Spreadmark

certified

GPS Farm Mapping and Variable Rate Spreading www.mccarthycontracting.co.nz • Ph 03 329 6655 or 0274 848 564

Featuring ravtrak giS/DgPS technology Benefits include: • Proof of placement • Even spread • Ashburton

• Wider bout widths so fewer tracks

• Rakaia

• Easy, accurate recording of fertiliser application

• Southbridge

• Overlaid application maps

• Christchurch

• In paddock variable rate application

• Culverden • Rangitata

Spreadmark

For all your spreading needs call us on 03 324 2082 or 0274 875 639

August 2012

Use an NZGFA member where you can

Spreadmark makes financial and environmental sense Spreadmark provides an independent audit that a fertiliser spreader meets the standards set by the Spreadmark code, says New Zealand Groundspread Fertiliser`s Association President Stuart Barwood Spreadmark is the fertiliser placement quality assurance programme,” says Stuart. “The independent Spreadmark test veriﬁes the actual capability of the fertiliser spreader and ensures that trucks meet the Spreadmark standard set by the Fertiliser Quality Council.”

tested spreading equipment and fertilisers with known particle sizes. It is the integration of these factors that is at the heart of the Spreadmark scheme. Registration is voluntary but all groundspread operators are encouraged to become involved.

The Spreadmark scheme accredits fertiliser spreading companies, when they have certiﬁed spreading machinery, trained operators and an appropriate quality management system to ensure that farmer/ grower fertiliser application outcomes are met and environmental sustainability is protected. Precision placement of fertiliser requires many things to be well done. It depends on skilled trained operators,

Spreadmark is promoted to farmers and regulators as an independent audit which ensures that both farmers/ growers and Regional Councils have conﬁdence in the programme. New Zealand Groundspread Fertiliser`s Association President Stuart Barwood says farmers need to be convinced that using Spreadmark accredited companies makes good ﬁnancial and environmental

fertiliser manufacturers. The Spreadmark scheme operates closely with its sister scheme, Fertmark. The two schemes operate to ensure that quality fertiliser is produced to

Fertmark standards, mixed and spread to Spreadmark standards. This assures the best agronomic outcomes while at the same time environmental protection is assured.

Bruce Groundspreading Limited ISUZU 4X4 with Bredal Mini Spreader A Spreadmark test being carried out by NZGFA members

sense in their farming business. “Independent research by the Centre for Precision Agriculture at Massey University has shown that poor quality spreading on dairy farms can cost a farmer $60 a hectare,” Stuart Barwood said. “The ﬁgure for sheep and beef farms is less but still considerable. In addition we have some Regional Councils insisting Spreadmark operators are used to spread fertiliser in sensitive environmental areas.” Environment Canterbury has recognised the Spreadmark quality standard in their existing

water quality chapter. In the ECan rule WQL 19 Spreadmark accredited spreading companies may apply fertiliser closer to sensitive areas, such as waterways and wetlands. “The message for farmers is that the beneﬁts of Spreadmark can be measured in dollar and environmental terms.” There are currently 88 Spreadmark accredited spreading companies and nine approved Spreadmark testers. The Spreadmark scheme is governed by the Fertiliser Quality Council consisting of representatives from fertiliser user groups, NZGFA and

PLASKETT NORTH CANTERBURY LTD

CROP & PASTURE FERTILISER SPREADING SPECIALISTS Spreadmark With GPS control and a spread to 24m you can be assured of quality workmanship and results you’ll be pleased with For prompt, efficient fertiliser spreading give Roger and Raewyn Bruce a call Owner/Operator

027 249 1740

a/h 03 308 4544 fax 03 308 4547

Bruce Groundspreading an owner operator business bringing 7 years experience to the rural farming community

Servicing the Mid c canterbury area

BOAGS CONTRACTING

Prompt and efficient service

Locally Owned & Operated

Groundspread Certified

LIME & SUPER SPREADING Spreadmark certified spreader Tracmap GPS certified CRT supplier

“the little company that’s big on experience” Lime and fertiliser spreading equipped with precision tracking proof of placement mapping Trimble GPS

021 134 8514

Gary Carr a/h 03 314 8157 fax 03 314 8127

Spreadmark

certified

GROUNDSPREADING LTD LIME | SUPER | SEED MIXES

Call Keith on 0274 969 150 Rangiora RD1 e.plaskettfert@xtra.co.nz

Covering Selwyn & Waimakariri districts

certified

Spreadmark

For all your crop and pasture needs • 4x4 Mini Spreader • Large 4x4 truck and automatic trailer on flotation tyres for low soil impact • Most up to date GPS and spreading technology • Certified member of the Ground Spreading Association

Phone 03 308 0375 Spreadmark

Mark 0274 383 846 8 Rolleston Street, Rakaia

Cairns Groundspreading

Proudly serving the Mid Canterbury region for the last 16 years

174 High St, Oxford Contact Ivan 021 312 080 p. 03 312 4505 f. 03 312 4115

Bredal Spreader mounted onto a 4x4 isuzu mini spreader set up for tram lining in crops capable of spreading up to 32 metres.

Call Michael 0274 364 461 m.b.cairns@xtra.co.nz

Spreadmark

For all your local Canterbury stock cartage and livestock transportation carrier. We look forward to your call! Stuart Barwood Ph. (03) 685 8583 Cell. (027) 687 8920

114 Allandale Road Fairlie, Canterbury barwoodmotors@xtra.co.nz

August 2012

My point of view Allen Cookson

Farming and the ETS Assuming that it is essential for the well-being of future generations that current emissions of greenhouse gases are reduced, and sequestration of carbon dioxide be increased, the question arises, how can farming and forestry practices be changed to help bring this about?

Farming and forestry are no different from urban economic activities in using fossil fuels for transport, operating machinery and heating homes and water (most of the latter in the dairy industry). Also the rural and urban economies are both dependent on energy embodied in the manufacture of vehicles, machinery and buildings. With present technologies the only ways of reducing dependency on fossil fuels are use of timber, stone or earth instead of brick, concrete or iron/steel for buildings, and renewable energy such as biodiesel, ﬁrewood, hydro, geothermal

and wind for heating and running pumps, etc. Emission of carbon dioxide by farm animals is not of environmental concern. Farming simply magniﬁes natural emissions by animals and sequestration by plants. These carbon cycles have resulted in some of the world’s highest carbon storage in soil biota. NZ farmers were not credited with this in the ETS. NZ farming’s nitrous oxide emissions comprise 60% of our farm GHGs in carbon dioxide equivalents. If nitriﬁcation inhibitors (which slow oxidation of urea and ammonia to nitrous oxide) were cheap, this could be

considerably reduced. High land price requires output per hectare. High nitrogenous fertiliser use and high stocking rates are the result. High nitrous oxide emissions are the unfortunate side effect. Farmers are not equal. Organic farmers have low nitrous oxide output. Why should all farmers pay the same per stock unit? A tax on nitrogenous fertiliser would be fairer. The same applies to methane. Heavy applications of fertiliser may produce pasture which increases methane production in animals. Again farmers are not equal. Taxes should be based on a fair method of atmospheric sampling on the farm, not on stock numbers. The present research into reduction in methane production should be funded from such taxes. Forestry has been treated poorly by the ETS. Revenue from taxes on GHG emissions, both rural and urban should be transferred as credits on trimmed timber, framing, cladding, furniture, boats, etc. As so high a proportion of our plantation forests is foreign owned, an exit tax on earnings and capital gains going offshore is needed. These measures should see recovery of local ownership of NZ forests.

DON’T LET WEEDS CHOKE YOUR PROFITS.

Should NZ tax farming for its GHG emissions if no other country does? An argument for this is that light taxes might encourage other countries to follow suit. Global farming emissions are signiﬁcant. (See the adjoining graph.) An argument against is that NZ farming has such low emissions per unit of farm output that boosting NZ’s economic competitiveness against less ecologically competitive farming is likely to reduce global greenhouse emissions. Alas, the realities of vested short-term interests, local and international, often conﬂict with ecological and economic reality.

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming

The revolutionary Cleancrop™ Brassica System eradicates problem weeds in brassica crops.

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August 2012

Understanding riparian zones Waiora Nursery not only produces native plants with an emphasis on ecosourcing and producing niche plants, but can also provide in-house expertise on assessment of proposed revegetation sites and species suitability for those sites. Riparian zones are an important and often not well understood part of this assessment A riparian zone is the interface between land and water where planting water tolerant plants can influence the health of waterways and how they function. • The plants act as a buffer providing: • Flood protection / control • Prevent erosion / stabilise stream edges • Provide shade and shelter to fauna • Recreation / fishing and swimming • Filters the fertiliser runoff surrounding paddocks

from

• Therefore improving the health of the waterway • Enhances the environment and adds biodiversity We can give good advice to make sure the first project is manageable. To understand what is involved and how much maintenance time will be required in the first year means there will be less stress and less plant loss! Fencing to keep stock out is crucial and must be done along with weed spraying before anything is planted. Aim for plantings that are self sustaining in the long term, that will self seed and keep weeds down. Planting density is a crucial factor, the wider the buffer the

SpreaderS

better. Groups of plantings are better initially — don’t bite off more than you can chew! Plant the basics, get them going and in the following years only plant what has survived well in the first plantings. Eventually the groups will establish and you can start under-planting in the following years and plant in between as well. Eventually the aim is to have the larger shrubs and trees form a closed canopy that shades the ground — reducing weed dominance and favouring the establishment of any new self sown seedlings that have gotten started. The buffer should ideally be about 15m wide, but where the space is limited, dense shrubs can be planted on the edges to keep the light infiltration down that encourages weeds. We are happy to do site visits and assessments. Plants can be provided from our current stock, or we can contract grow what’s required. We can collect any existing plants’ seed and offer very competitively priced plants. See our advertisement for contact details or go to www.waioralandscapes.co.nz

0800 908 908

www.northcanterburyequipment.co.nz

Fertilizer spreaders...

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l Direct Drilling l “Rapid” Cultivator Drill

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l “TopDown” Cultivator; Disc, Tynes, Roller l GPS & Auto Steer l Ploughing l “Carrier” Disc, Leveller Roller

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming please call 03 347 2314 or email sales@canfarm.co.nz

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August 2012

Motoring history in motion Since 1903 the Ford Motor Company has been producing cars which set trends — and sometimes even change the course of history. Henry Ford pioneered the production line, made the automobile accessible to the masses with his famous Model T and his son even famously went head to head with Italian magnate Enzo Ferrari in a spirited battle for Le Mans glory The GT40 won that skirmish for Ford, and numerous other memorable names have been associated with the blue oval down the years — the trans-atlantic partnership of the Cobra, the

Mustang which began the muscle car era, the stylish Thunderbird and that local hero the Falcon — all have won a place in history and in the fond memories of generations of drivers.

19th Annual

HENRY FORD CELEBRATION TOUR 109 years of Ford

ALL FORDS WELCOME

SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2012

Departs progressively from 9:15 - 10am from Hawke St Car Park, New Brighton (Registration in Janel Coffee Lounge, from 9am)

$10 PER VEHICLE

Pre-registration is not required Just turn up at start venue ANY FORD, ANY AGE BODY STYLE, TYPE OR CONDITION INVITED ENQUIRES TO TREVOR STANLEY Phone: 03 314 8268 Email: stancar_nzcc@hotmail.com

Supported By ...

Avon City Ford Cnr Main South Rd & Epsom Rd, Sockburn | Christchurch Ph 03 348 4129 or 0800 655 551 Rangiora Service Centre | 78 Ivory St P 03 313 7059

avoncityford.co.nz

Each year Ford’s special place in the motoring pantheon is celebrated in Christchurch with a gathering of Ford cars and drivers. This year’s Avon City Ford Henry Ford Memorial Rally carries on a tradition nearly two decades old, commemorating the industrialist and visionary who founded the blue oval marque and celebrating the vehicles which bear his name. Event organiser Trevor Stanley is now into his nineteenth year of bringing together Ford fans and their vehicles for the annual rally, and he’s proud to note that some supporters have come to every single event. Over the years the rally has seen Fords from the old to the new, model T’s to XR8s, and ranging in rarity from the ubiquitous

Henry Ford, for whom the rally is named, with his enduring creation the Model T

Escort to the supercar GT. People travel from all over the South Island to take part, enjoying a two-stage drive

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with a leisurely lunch break in the middle of the day during which entrants and the public can view and appreciate the cars on display.

This year’s Avon “City Ford Henry Ford Memorial Rally carries on a tradition nearly two decades old

”

Trevor says that all Fords are welcome — station wagons, vans, trucks, campers, cars and utes alike — a person could even buy a new Focus on Saturday and join the rally on Sunday! The 2012 Avon City ford

Henry Ford Memorial Rally sets off from the Janel Coffee Lounge in New Brighton on Sunday, September 16, at 9 am. With between 150 and 250 cars expected it pays to get in early! This year the event is supported by Avon City Ford, and each entrant will receive a free copy of New Zealand Classic Car magazine, with subscriptions to this ﬁne publication up for grabs during the day as part of a mobile quiz. For over 100 years Ford vehicles have changed the way we live, work, and travel. If you’d like to be part of celebrating this legacy in 2012 dust off your pride and joy (any Ford, Edsel or Lincoln — or even a Shelby) and sign up for a cruise with a difference.

Celebrating 150 Years Compete for showing success against the best of the best at New Zealand’s largest A&P Show. Over $100,000 Show prize money up for grabs and concessions for travelling exhibitors. Plus, this year we are celebrating the 150th Canterbury A&P Show, it’s a year not to be missed!

Schedule of Classes Out Now

Wednesday 14 to Friday 16, November 2012 PH 03 343 3033 info@theshow.co.nz www .theshow .co.nz www.theshow .theshow.co.nz www.facebook.com/CanterburyA.PShow

August 2012

Radishes for Farm and Garden

You need our bees If you are growing a crop for seed, pasture or fruit... Then you will need our bees to ensure your crop doesn’t fail through a lack of POLLINATORS! don’t delay order Today!

by Dr Tim Jenkins

Radish is one of the fastest growing garden plants available and is a diverse species with cultivars that range from the normal European salad variety through to the larger Asian all-rounders and also fodder radish for livestock. Related to the Brassica genus of cabbage, broccoli and kale etc, they are sufficiently different to not suffer from some of the same diseases and other issues and can therefore be used strategically to reduce threats to brassicas In the peak season of early summer, radishes can be ready from sowing in four weeks. This makes it a great crop to sow in high weed pressure areas as the crop can be harvested before competing annual weeds have a chance to set seed. Earlier in the season, it can be useful if possible to employ the false seed bed technique before sowing the radishes. This involves creating a seedbed and even irrigating if dry, as if ready to sow your crop. Then just let a flush of weeds come through. Control those weeds while they are still young (say four to six weeks later) and easy to weed but try not to disturb the soil too much (non-chemical means include shallow hoe work, undercutter bar, flame weeding etc) so that buried weed seeds are not triggered to create a new flush. Then sow the radishes — after the radish crop the area will be quite depleted of weed burden. If weed challenge is still high, a further fast growing species could be planted such as spinach or Asian brassicas

like misome or mizuna to have another round of ﬂushing out the weed challenge. If harvesting for market, the best way of presenting the crop is in bunches with the leaves still on. The young leaves themselves are edible also and make a healthy addition to the salad or young and tougher older leaves alike can go through a juicer for adding to homemade vegetable juices that are gaining popularity now. In many countries the practise of eating the leaves is much more common than here and some countries have seed of varieties that are mainly grown for the leaves rather than the enlarged roots. Radish seed can also be used for making spicy sprouts. The small European radishes don’t take much mineral nutrient out of the soil and none from deeper down in the soil so they can be usefully intercropped in intensive situations with lettuce or other slower growing crops as long as the weed pressure is not high as the radishes could get in the

James Corson and richelle doerner-Corson Producers of: Clover Honey, Honey Dew, Honey Comb, Bees for Pollination, Nucleus Hives for sale gowanleagold@farmside.co.nz

P 03 318 2960

Daikon Asian radish harvest

way of weeding operations for the larger crop. Whenever brassicas are grown on a large scale, there is a risk of them succumbing to club root disease. This fungus deforms the plant root restricting the uptake of nutrients and moisture from the soil. Club root disease can survive for years in the soil as resting spores. I use Japanese and fodder radish types, from the same family as brassicas, to fool the spores. The fungus recognises the brassica type compounds coming out of the radish and the spores spring into action but the massive roots cannot host the disease and its spores are wasted. Thus the clubroot risk in the soil is depleted. The deep roots are also effective at improving subsoil drainage and reducing ‘plough pans’ or fragipans that may be present in many of our soils. They are also a good cover crop for taking care of soil surface structure though as with the brassicas, grazing management should be with care to avoid hoof damage on wet soils. These attributes make fodder radish a useful addition to the choice of fodder crops on farm.

0800 472 563 0 8 0 0 4 PA L M E R S www.palmeragriparts.co.nz Kverneland • Overum • Kuhn Lemken •Dowdeswell • Vogel & Noot •Gregoire Besson Clough • Duncan • Terradisc Maxtill • Yeoman • Vibroflex Connershea • Goliath • IHC Sunflower • Topdown •Salford Kongskilde • Napier •Vaderstad We can also manufacture any point you need! Spaldings Flatlift SubSoilers • Dale Plough Shares • Plough Conversion Kits • European Plough Parts • Cultivation Points & Tines • Tractor Parts & Equipment • Combine Harvester Croplifters

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WOOL

August 2012

Wool Perspective From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

Crossbred market “slip sliding away” The opening month of the 2012/13 wool season has drawn plenty of comment from various individuals as well as farmer groups and organizations for its disastrous results. Week-on-week falls of five percent or more have meant that prices for many types have fallen by around sixty or seventy cents clean within the month! A general lack of buying interest from the majority of New Zealand wool exporters has impacted severely on grower returns. Although enquiry for wool at this time of year can be

limited, with many northern hemisphere processors and manufacturers enjoying summer holidays, current enquiry appears to be unusually low, meaning returns, for what are often

regarded by both brokers and exporters as “the best wools” because of their very good tensile strength, colour, and style, have to date been extremely disappointing for a number of farmers who deserve better for their efforts. All wool auctions held in Christchurch and Napier for

the month of July saw hefty numbers of bales failing to reach grower reserves with upwards of fifty percent of most catalogues consequently passed-in by auctioneers. Short second-shear crossbred types were the first to suffer and prices tumbled in the early part of July for those with anything displaying less than approximately seventyfive millimeters in length struggling to reach more than about three hundred cents per kilogram clean. By

WOOL BUYERS Providing direct wool links from farm to

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027 227 8898 027 683 6993 027 600 5067 027 481 6219

Rakaia River North - Don Kars 0274 500 769 Rakaia River South - Gavin Crump 0274 316 555 Email: kaiapoi@hdfarmdirect.co.nz Website: www.hdfarmdirect.co.nz

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the end of July these wools were only receiving around two hundred and ninety cents. Longer second-shear crossbreds also took a beating, but not to the same extent, with many of these types ending the month at around the three hundred and seventy cents per kilogram clean mark. Full length fleece began the month at around four hundred and forty five cents per kilogram clean and as earlier eluded kept sliding back to finish July at around three hundred and eighty cents per kilogram clean. Depending a little on style and micron, some of the finer types measuring around thirty-five microns and displaying good Perendale type characteristics of higher bulk, remained well sought and these types ended the month at levels of around four hundred and ten cents to four hundred and thirty cents per kilogram clean, with the odd exception reaching up to four hundred and seventy-five cents. Wools finer than approximately thirty-three microns did in fact draw good attention from the buying trade with Chinese buying interests bidding

EWES & RAMS WANTED

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Helping grow the country

In my view we are in unchartered territory in regards to the economic issues affecting such a large part of the planet’s population and we may well be in for a tough year for many agricultural products including wool.

“In my view we

are in un-chartered territory in regards to the economic issues affecting such a large part of the planet’s population and we may well be in for a tough year for many agricultural products including wool

”

When sitting in on a recent wool auction listening to the auctioneer repeatedly call “Passed”, I couldn’t help but hear the words of the Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel song “Slip Sliding Away” and in particular the words of the last verse which says, “Whoah God only knows, God makes his plan, The information’s unavailable to the mortal man,

1 voucher = 6 x 3kg Work Rolls or 18kg Station Mince (value $54.50)

We’re workin’ our jobs, collect our pay

Minimum 10 head

Doug McKay

It would appear at this stage of the season (which is, to be fair, still relatively early) that demand is strictly limited, and no-one within the industry wants to hazard a guess as to when that might or could change.

Heavy Ewes: 1.25 vouchers Med Ewes: 1.0 Light: 0.5

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Contact a PGG Wrightson Wool representative today:

freely, and as a consequence a large number of midmicron types sold very well in comparison to their crossbred counterparts.

Limited Time So Hurry! Cash option for rams only See our website for more info:

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Believe we’re gliding down the highway, when in fact we’re slip sliding away.” This was written earlier than usual due to circumstance, so I hope that by now the wool market has stopped “slip, sliding away”! No guarantees! That’s my view.

August 2012

A dog’s tail…

We could be on a winna, eh? Gidday, yep Billy BC here agin an’ I gotta tell yer there’s a lotta excitemint ina districk. Ya see, Boss is in Inglind an’ he’s bin getting up close and personal wiv tha Lympicks. It orl startid win that sheila frum Fiderated Farmas, missus Maxwell tole people that sheep sheerin shud be a lympick sports eh?

I nose Boss is in tha thika things too cos he tole Sharlene about it ona email when he wuz cheered by huge ﬂag wavin’ crowds win he arrived at a place called Tunbrige Wells. ( musta bin sum relatshin to them Pahi Wells eh. Anyway he sid thousinds of peeple were

An then ole Brian whasis nane wot captined tha Orl Blacks before I wuz evin born agreed wiv her. They rickined that blokes ina shearin shed do bloody heaps more than a coupla marathons easy win they just take that wool offa 700 woolies ina single day and so we shud make it a Lympick sport.

waving ﬂags and cherin’ him wen he an’ his mate arrived ina left han’ drive car they drove frum a place corled France. ‘Acherly Billy,’ sed Sharlene, ‘Boss wuz ina wrong place atta wrong time. He an is mate turned onta a road following a gps sted ofa signs ona side ofa road, an found thereselves in fronta that Lympick torch procession. Tha waitin’ crowds thort they was part of it. Wen they realised they wasn’t Lympick peeple they hadta get outa town quick til it orl died down ana TV peeple had gone home too. Anyway, Sharlene tole tha boss about sheerin sheep ina Lympicks and he reckins she’s a bonza idea. In fakt he sed he seen that same story ina Pommie paper corled ‘Privit Eye’ what reckined it was a funny kiwi idea.

Sharlene spottid all this idea in papa I git fruma cattil stop an she passed it onta tha Boss cos he’s in Inglind wear tha Lympickgames is on and reckined he he might do sumthin’ about it wile es there eh?

But he told Sharlene that cos tha kiwis is bluddy good sheerers and even send

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Recckins he’s gunna bring it up wivva Lympick committee if they drop ina local pub wot he has a Ginniss inina Cotswolds wile he’s ona holidays.

Sounds a beaut idea ta me. But I reckin they shud have other competitions for farm werkers, like rousies, an’ wool pressin. An hey whadda bout sheep dogs like borda collys... they could have a kompetition ta see how many sheeps backs ya kin run across ina packed night pen. Tell ya wot, I’d be up their for a gold meddle. wotch this space eh.

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Buck Rake 2.5m wide, would fit Begg FEL ............................................ $800 Diesel tank (including ladder), 1,500 litres, repainted....................... $900 Duncan 620 13 tine grubber ................................................................... SOLD Farmall super A tractor fitted with front and rear tool bars shed stored OBO ..................................................................................$4,000 Grain Feeder, tidy condition 700kg capacity ....................................... $600 Hardi Sprayer, 3 point linkage, 400 litre tank, 10 metre boom...... SOLD Hay Trailer 5.5m deck ....................................................... BEING PREPARED Kale Cutters - locally made, easily fitted to most four wheelers ..... $565 Lemkin 5 furrow plough, fully reconditioned and repainted .......... SOLD Lemkin Smaragd* 4m, one pass cultivator, new steel ................ $14,000 *For Hire: phone today for our competitive rates Monzentra S fodder beet drill, 6m, end tow kit & marker arms $10,000 Stephens round bail feeder, hydraulic drive .................................... SOLD UFO 2070 twin drum mower, as new condition ...............................$3,000 $3,000 Wilder Mulcher 1.8 cutting width .......................................................$3,000 Wood Splitter, 3point linkage, horizontal axe type ........................$1,100

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Billy

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blokes to help tha Ozzies ana Poms wiv their sheerin every seasin, we could rilly clean up. Yeah, he sed we’d beat tha ozzies ana poms hands down fer gold meddils every time.

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August 2012

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August 2012

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August 2012

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