Canterbury Farming, August 2013 by Integrity Community Media

28,850 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast.

INSIDE Page 8

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August 2013

Fonterra ‘should have given early warning’ By Hugh de Lacy

Waving the yellow flag when it first got hints of possible botulism contamination in a Waikato plant would have saved Fonterra waving the red one and recalling product four months later. Page 21

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That’s the initial judgement of Lincoln University’s Professor Keith Woodford to the fallout from Fonterra’s announcement this month that it had a ‘potential quality issue’ (the company’s term) over botulism in whey concentrate produced at the Hautapu plant back in March. By the time Fonterra admitted the problem, the concentrate had been further processed into 900 tonnes of other products, including infant formula and calf feed, several consignments of which had to be recalled. That resulted in the temporary closure of a raft of Fonterra’s overseas markets, including big customers China and Russia. Botulism is a potentially fatal disease that causes muscular paralysis, with victims dying of asphyxiation or heart failure. The contaminated product was recalled before it caused any illness. Woodford said the full facts of the scare won’t be known until the separate Fonterra and

Government inquiries have been completed, the Fonterra one towards the end of next month. “All we know for sure is that Fonterra made a total mess of the communications,” Woodford told Canterbury Farming. “The fundamental problem is that apparently an orange ﬂag was raised in March but it took more than four months before there was a product recall. “The inquiries need to ascertain the reasons for that delay.” The Hautapu plant produces about 80,000 tonnes of product a year, 3% of the giant cooperative’s total output. “A key problem from Fonterra’s perspective is likely to be that back in March they did not know how extensive the problem might be. “If they had made a recall at that time then they would possibly have had to put a temporary recall on many thousands of tonnes of product. “A likely outcome of the Government inquiry is that this is what they should have done,” Woodford said.

That Fonterra botched its communications strategy even after the problem was made public is borne out by the subsequent resignation of the managing director of New Zealand Milk Products, Gary Romano. He was the face of Fonterra immediately after the announcement because the recently appointed chief executive, Dutchman Theo Spierings, was in Europe. While Spierings made a dash to China to reassure that critical market, Romano was left to ﬂounder through a succession of press conferences. A chemical engineer, Romano joined Fonterra predecessor New Zealand Dairy Group in 1997, but did not join Fonterra until 2005. He has also worked for Australian aluminium company Alcoa, for the Boston Consulting Group and for Dairy Partners America. Unless the inquiries show that he was ultimately responsible for the contamination in the Hautapu pipes, it’s likely that his resignation, which became

effective immediately, was a sop to the media and worried customers. Certainly, Fonterra was quick to exonerate Spierings of any responsibility, with company chairman John Wilson, who refused to front the media until a week after the announcement, telling the 10,500 shareholder/ suppliers in a letter that the board had conﬁdence in the chief executive’s handling of the situation. After taking over the main media role from Romano, Spierings told staff in a letter copied to suppliers that, “We did the right things but didn’t always get things right.” Woodford said there was no doubt that the scare had done New Zealand’s reputation as a

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safe food producer “considerable harm. This will take time to repair, but fortunately for New Zealand, the world in general and China in particular will still need New Zealand’s dairy products.” He said Fonterra and the New Zealand Government had made “a correct step” by apologising to China for the scare. “The next necessary step is that we put measures in place to ensure we don’t have a repeat performance. “One thing we can be sure of is that in future the rules around yellow ﬂags and the appropriate responses are going to be a lot tighter,” Woodford said.

August 2013

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Food safety — there’s no room for complacency by Kate Wilkinson

Whilst we all wish that the recent Fonterra whey protein infant formula contamination had never happened it does serve as a timely reminder of several issues. Firstly it emphasises the absolute importance of primary industries to our economy as a whole. Primary exports are worth approximately $30 billion per year and, of that, our total dairy exports are about $11.3 billion per year. Over one third of our total primary sector exports is made up of dairy exports. In the last year to June 2013 we exported a total of $45 billion worth of product — so over two-thirds (the latest statistics show it as 72% to be exact) of our total export is primary production — one quarter of our total export is dairy based product. It puts it all in perspective and really does show that New Zealand’s primary sector is the backbone of our economy and when it succeeds New Zealand succeeds. Secondly it illustrates the importance of our reputation as a clean green producer of safe

and suitable food and whilst the longer term risk of effects to our reputation is difﬁcult to quantify at this stage in the process it is clear that, given the situation that confronts us, we must all manage it with transparency, honesty and effectiveness. To all those who play a part in our primary products supply chain it is absolutely vital that there is constant vigilance of processes and procedures to ensure that our food safety reputation is not tarnished in any way. Governments can do only so much but the current and immediate response — as a whole of government response, involving several ministers and portfolios, several ministries plus industry — is a reﬂection of the importance to us all as a country. There is a saying ‘perception is reality’ — important to remember not all dairy products

that it is that are

affected or have been affected by the current ‘contamination’. Products not affected include whole and skim-milk powders, fresh and UHT milk, butter, cheese and yoghurt. But in the world of trade and free trade agreements whilst we can differentiate between ‘food safety’ and ‘trade’ issues some countries will not. It is a competitive world out there and we do not want other countries taking advantage of our current situation under the pretext of ‘food safety’ when in reality they are merely using it as an excuse for trade bans and restrictions. All in all this adds up to the need for some very careful international diplomatic and political management. And ﬁnally, although most importantly, this illustrates that when it comes to our babies there is no room at all for any risk whatsoever or for any complacency. Our number one

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priority must be for the security and safety of our consumers and particularly our babies — and that was our immediate priority — to protect families and consumers in all markets from the potentially affected products, to share information, and to work closely with our trading partners. Then we can work out what happened, why it happened and what can be done to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Our reputation for safe and suitable (and wonderful!!) food must not be compromised. Nor must it ever be taken for granted — by anyone. It is precious, invaluable but not invincible.

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August 2013

Country Matters

From the Minister

with Rob Cope-Williams

Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

Potential contamination issue No surprise that the biggest issue for me over the last month has been dealing with potentially contaminated whey products. Most farmers I speak to are disappointed and frustrated this has happened. It’s important that we get answers to what happened, and look for any improvements we can make to our systems. This is why the Government has agreed in principle to establish a joint Ministerial-led Government Inquiry. The ﬁrst part will look at how the potentially contaminated product entered the New Zealand and international market, and how this was subsequently addressed. The other parts will look at regulatory and best practice requirements against the background of this incident in relation to the dairy industry, including the response of regulators. The inquiry will then report back on any recommended legal, regulatory or operational changes. As a Government we will consider any recommendations very closely. This part of the inquiry will have an interim report back time of three months after the inquiry panel has been formally established. Along with the inquiries already announced by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Fonterra, this will provide the answers needed to the questions that have been raised about this incident, both domestically and internationally. It will also be an important step in reassuring our trading partners that we take these issues seriously.

I’m pleased that Miriam Dean QC has agreed to Chair the inquiry. Two other members will also be appointed shortly, one of whom will be an international food safety expert. In the meantime, MPI is working to provide greater oversight on verification, and doing more testing on products generally. This will help strengthen consumer assurances around New Zealand’s dairy production. It’s also worth giving a bit of context here. New Zealand has been a top quality food exporting nation for over a hundred years, and that is well recognized around the world. In the last three years alone, we have exported around $95 billion in primary sector exports and MPI has issued 360,000 export certificates. In terms of trade with China, the overall picture is bright. Since 2007 our exports to them have tripled, and for dairy products the exports are now five times higher. These incidents have reinforced that primary industries are the powerhouse of the New Zealand economy, and food exports in particular which make up half of all our exports. This inquiry is about strengthening an already strong system to ensure our products retain their high status and reputation. I’m confident we can come through this even stronger, and keep building on our strong reputation around the world.

The winter woes Every year during the winter, the same subject comes up with vets looking after small block holders — nutrition. I know that small block holders are inclined to cop a fair amount of ﬂak from others in the know, and that the number of small block holders who mess up is relatively small, but those who do cause problems certainly draw the ﬁre. Sadly it is a bit like dairy farming. If there’s one or two percent who mistreat their stock for whatever reason, the whole lot get the blame. It is a little sad that human nature is such that the reverse isn’t the case. However nutrition, or lack of it, is a song that is sung very regularly by a lot of people, and if there wasn’t a problem, the song wouldn’t be sung.

However the subject of learning what to do and when is a subject that can be stressed, and actually stressed is a good word because many people who purchase blocks get into that state on very regular occasions. Just how do you ﬁx a water pipe that takes water to the water trough? How do you quieten down steers that are bellowing their lungs out all day and all night? How do you know when to drench your stock and with what? When should you fence off some of the pasture to make hay when you only have 10 acres?

I suppose the major problem is that farming is perhaps the only profession that doesn’t require a selection process when it comes to small holdings.

When do you replace pasture and with what?

All you need is either money or a means to raise enough to buy a block.

The bottom line is that you talk, ask and listen.

There’s been enough said about productive farm land going under small holding and being used to hold up a large dwelling and running one horse and a dozen sheep so I will let that subject go in a way that is similar to picking up a very hot frying pan with a very hot handle…

Vets are great sources of information and are very interested in prevention rather than cure, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking a neighbour what to do, or getting him or her to help. After all we are all born with no knowledge about anything so everyone else had to learn as well.

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August 2013

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

It’s been a tough couple of weeks for the dairy industry at a time when farmers are often literally bogged down with calving. The latest nitrate issue with Westland’s lacctoferin and the botulism scare for Fonterra’s infant formula highlight the new level of scrutiny from our customers

who expect the highest level of quality and food purity. The dairy industry has been united since the 1950s but now lives under

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a de-regulated environment where the competitive forces offshore are matched in small part by the competition in New Zealand to obtain milk. Co-ordination of the industry through the Dairy Companies Association of NZ (DCANZ) is a very valuable way of maintaining as much unity and consistency as possible. Chaired by a Fonterra director, and inﬂuenced heavily by the single largest player, it is very important that all the dairy companies regardless of their size get a fair say in industry goods and co-ordination issues. As we now know a small glitch by any player can undermine our hard won and well earned Kiwi reputation for safe quality food. There are also indications of the United States’ dairy industry gearing up to take NZ on in the international

market place so the forces are building against our country because we control close to 40% of international traded dairy products. We are a big target for anyone wanting to gain a greater share of that international trade. It is therefore much more important that the dairy companies work harder to maintain higher standards, and the government commits the resources to be able to certify that such standards have been met. The formation of the huge Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the $26 million cut to its budget does mean that the monitoring and certiﬁcation capability of MPI to guarantee safe quality food for our customers has been undermined. The millions of dollars spent over the last couple

of weeks reassessing, negotiating and reviewing our food systems might have been better spent upfront by both the companies and MPI so that we can never be exposed to uncertainty in our systems of food production. NZ’s future still depends on safe food production and any

money spent in maintaining our high standards is money well invested and should never be considered a cost. I hope the National Government takes a new and fresh look at funding for Food Safety and Biosecurity. Recent cuts to both have not served our country well.

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August 2013

My point of view

Getting enough Co Enzyme Q10?

Allen Cookson

As in Galileo’s time By scientific observations Galileo had discovered that Earth circled the sun. As this was contrary to religious teaching of the time, he was called before a tribunal and told to withdraw his views. As he knew he would be tortured to death if he refused, he recanted. We don’t torture original thinkers today, but they can and do lose employment in economics departments if they do not go along with the prevailing ‘religious’ doctrine. An anonymous academic economist (whom I shall call Dr X) at a prestigious British university confessed to publishing ‘pure shit papers’. These are complex rehashes of old theory which hardly anyone believes today. He would like to do useful original research, but dare not, as he could not get it published in the ‘top’ journals. These journals are edited and published by a handful of ‘top’ universities. The rating of Dr X’s department and his university depends upon the number of articles published in ‘top journals, not on quality of the articles. Rating determines the funding the department and university receives. Doctor X, feels bad about this, not least because ‘students these days are so idealistic and eager to learn — they’re really wonderful’. When asked if perhaps there were other economists in his ﬁeld who found the situation lamentable and who would, if funding and promotion procedures were changed,

write ‘serious papers’, “Oh yes, loads!” replied Doctor X. Like others Dr X had heard of neither the large World Economics Association (formed in 2011and including Nobel Laureates in its membership) nor its journals, which encourage lively debate on current issues. A respected economics professor told me New Zealand economics departments are completely dominated and controlled by neoclassical economists. University of West Sydney economics professor Steve Keen has been a rebel since his student days. In his lowly rated

university, independent thought was encouraged. Keen won the Revere Award for the best forecast of the 2007 crash and ensuing global ﬁnancial crisis. Keen’s advanced computer models enabled him to describe the nature and time of the crash better than anyone else. Despite Keen’s warnings on mass media, Glenn Stevens, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, said “I do not know of anyone who predicted this course of events.” As our Performance Based Research Funding is similar to Britain’s I wonder whether New Zealand has many Dr Xs.

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Co enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is essential for energy and a deficiency will can make us abnormally tired with weak muscles. As an antioxidant it also prevents dangerous oxidation of cholesterol trapped in artery walls which is the first cause of the plaques that restrict coronary blood flow. We produce CoQ10 less efficiently as we age. The creeping tiredness that affects us later in life can be from insufficient CoQ10. Statin medications also reduce CoQ10 and is often responsible for many of the side effects including muscle weakness, pain and general malaise. Some problems especially autoimmune and neurological disease seem to lower CoQ10 levels possibly through increased demand from the disease processes. Most healthy people under 50 do not need CoQ10 supplements as we efficiently make all the CoQ10 we need. However, increasing age and some diseases make a strong case for controlled supplementation. I include it as nutritional support for most circulatory problems and many neurological and autoimmune diseases including Parkinson’s, MS, CFS, FM and PMR that all cause low energy. I regard it as essential when taking cholesterol medications to protect against muscle problems, fatigue and memory loss.

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RURAL PROFESSIONALS

August 2013

So for those who still have such a lifetime lease, the surrender of that lifetime lease is now recommended in order to help protect that ‘asset’ as well. WINZ also now makes a very thorough search of an applicant’s means before granting a subsidy and is looking very carefully to see whether an applicant has deprived herself/ himself of assets to fall within the threshold for a subsidy.

Rest home subsidies As old age creeps up on us, some will require medical care which will necessitate moving into a rest home or hospital. Until a few years ago, anybody needing care of that kind had to use up nearly all of their assets before they would be eligible for a rest home subsidy. Some years ago the government of the day raised the amount of assets an applicant could keep and still qualify for a subsidy. That threshold was to increase by $10,000 per annum, but a subsequent government altered the increase to reﬂect the rate of inﬂation for the previous year. From 1 July 2013 a single applicant or an applicant with a partner who is also in care must have combined assets valued at $215,132 or less to qualify for the subsidy. If an applicant has a partner who is not in care they can choose either a threshold of $117,811 (house and car are exempt) or $215,132 (house and car not exempt). As might be expected assets include cash investments, life insurances, loans, vehicles, investment

properties and home and car (sometimes). An applicant and spouse/partner may also have up to $10,000 each in a pre-paid funeral arrangement but it must be in a recognised funeral plan. With the increase in the value of homes the threshold is now quite low and the question which arises is how to put a plan in place which will protect the assets for the family. Many people over the years sold their homes to a Family Trust and made annual gifts of $27,000 each until the debt to them was either totally or partially forgiven. Prior to the sale many created lifetime leases giving themselves the right to remain in the home for the future. WINZ policies have changed over the past few years and are likely to continue to change. For some time now WINZ has regarded the lifetime lease as an asset of any applicant for a rest home subsidy and with some homes it can be a quite valuable asset.

Offeringthe the best best Offering in legal advice legal advice and john@anglands.co.nz and service service Bessie Paterson throughout Canterbury wide Hornby (03) 349 4708 Canterbury bessie@anglands.co.nz John Angland Leeston (03) 324 3033

A policy which WINZ adopted some years back was that if a Trust’s only asset was the family home they did not look too hard at the history of the Trust but if an applicant had transferred a lot of assets to a Trust they had a closer look at the applicant’s activities especially if income producing assets were transferred to the Trust such as a rental property, shares which produced dividends, etc. Recently the Social Security Appeal Authority upheld a WINZ decision on the deprivation aspect of an applicant who, with her husband, had set up a Trust, transferred assets to the Trust and then wrote off $27,000 each annually until the debt was fully paid off. The Social Security Appeal Authority’s decision was that the applicant and her husband had deliberately deprived themselves of assets by gifting $54,000 in total annually. Of greater concern is that the Authority has held that even though the husband did not require care or seek a subsidy, his annual gifting was also included in the amount WINZ assessed the applicant had gifted. This decision was upheld by the High Court and it has now been appealed to the Court of Appeal. Until the Court of Appeal decision is known there is some

uncertainty about how much should be forgiven each year by way of a gifting programme. With the recent abolition of gift duty, some very substantial gifts have been made, at times in excess of a million dollars. While every care must be taken when undertaking an estate planning exercise, it is difficult to tell what the future may hold insofar as changes to government policy go. Crystal ball gazing is not desirable when it comes to estate planning whereas being able to plan with certainty is highly desirable. It used to be that nothing was more certain than death and taxes. We now seem to be advancing steadily towards a third certainty — being asset and income tested on our after tax savings. It seems like a punishment for being frugal for all those years. It is not unreasonable for people to try to protect such savings for the benefit of future generations in the hope that they may lighten the future financial burden for their family and to help provide them with opportunities that were merely dreams 65 or so years ago. This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a Partner with Ronald Angland & Son, Solicitors, who may be contacted on 03 349 4708 or email bessie@anglands.co.nz.

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Money Talk with Andrew Wyllie

It’s hard to believe we’re now over halfway through the year. Like most people, I’m certainly looking forward to Spring’s warmer temperatures, after a cool wet winter. The Crusaders have certainly hit their straps in the last few weeks as we get to the business end of the competition, with some good wins over the other local franchises. Let’s have a look at what’s been happening in the markets. The biggest news over the June quarter which impacted markets was the possibility that the United States might soon withdraw its quantitative easing (QE) measures (the buying of government and mortgagebacked securities by the United States Federal Reserve). All the talk of a potential tapering of QE activity began back in May, but United States Federal Reserve forecasts released in June suggested withdrawal of the measures could be earlier than previously thought. This led to accelerated rises in longer-term interest rates and equity markets also suffered. The market reaction was similar to someone losing a privilege, or an addict being weaned off a substance — the result is usually a tantrum of some description! Investors were well used to the previous four years of Central Bank largesse and at the first sign that circumstances might change, they decided to revolt. ‘Don’t tamper with the taper!’ The good news is that the taper actually signals that things are improving. It tells us that the United States economy is strengthening, more people have jobs, confidence is on the up and housing markets are on the rise. The view is that the selloff in markets looks overdone as monetary policy is forecast to remain accommodative and any removal of QE stimulus would only occur if economic growth was sufficiently robust. Financial markets also kept a wary eye on moves by China to reign in off-balance sheet lending activity by banks via third parties. Some have interpreted the increase in interbank lending rates as a sign of an impending banking crisis.

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The interest rate increases in June have led to negative equity market returns in the last month. Despite this, international equity markets provided positive returns over the quarter and outperformed Australasian markets. In New Zealand dollar terms, the largest contribution to local market returns was driven by currency movements after European and United States currencies strengthened as their wholesale interest rates rose. Good news for all the exporters out there. The speed of the currency appreciation was a surprise and this trend seems set to continue. In terms of Australasian markets, New Zealand equities fared better than those in Australia. In Australia weak commodity prices weighed on resources and this flowed through to companies servicing the mining sector. Emerging market equities were also lower, impacted by a reversal of capital flows as investors favoured developed economies and responded to lower Chinese growth rates. As United States 10 year interest rates tracked higher in response to the potential reduction of QE buying, New Zealand longer-dated bonds followed. New Zealand corporate bonds however may lag the increases given the ongoing lack of issuance in our domestic market. Consequently the demand for corporate bonds remains strong and is suppressing yields. Indeed during the quarter more corporate bond redemptions were announced, further tightening supply. If you would like to confidentially discuss your investment requirements please give me a call.

Markets are dynamic and your investment arrangements should be reviewed regularly to ensure your investment strategy remains soundly based for the current environment.

Speak to Authorised Financial Adviser Andrew Wyllie today in confidence about your investment arrangements. 03 365 4244 • andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz

However all Chinese banks are either state-owned or controlled and there are no constraints on the Central Bank bailing out any troubled ﬁnancial institution. It’s unlikely that there’s political willingness to allow any bank to fail. The moves are considered more a ‘shot across the bow’ of lending institutions to not abuse the system.

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Andrew Wyllie is an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. To contact him about Portfolio Management, ﬁxed interest or share investments call 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr. co.nz. To ﬁnd out more about Forsyth Barr visit www. forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

August 2013

Employment Talk

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by Matt Jones

The agricultural sector is still losing staff to the buoyant Christchurch rebuild — and it’s only going to get worse. This changing landscape is inciting challenges that beg for a timely solution. The construction, transport and utilities industries are finding vacancies hardest to fill, and the Canterbury unemployment rate sits at a mere 4.3% which isn’t helping the matter. This problem will only get worse over the next two years for employers as the city scrambles to find the thousands of workers they require. The farming industry needs to acknowledge that there is a problem now and it will struggle to compete as skilled staff move to the bright lights of Christchurch.

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The main draw cards are new career prospects and attractive pay rates. As an industry we will not be able to compete on wages so it’s time to act now to stem this drain of talented workers. While we know the obvious beneﬁts to employees working in our industry we need to do more. As a sector we need to develop an impression of being an ’industry of choice’, plus individual ‘employers should instill an ‘employer of choice’ culture. We need to focus on looking after valued staff as they are the core of our businesses. By promoting excellence in our industry through training, good ol’ hard graft and a better work life balance, we can then improve staff retention.

How good are you at the following? Communication Be engaging, clear, open and respectful.Discuss what is possible, conveying a positive attitude at all times.

Accountability Be proactive, always be honest with staff, and answer

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their questions without judgement or excuses. Don’t load all the responsibility on them, and be accountable for your actions.

Focus Be attentive to employee and business goals. Place a greater focus on this and it will breed increased productivity and drive from staff.

Mining for gold You should maximise your staff’s talents so they use their abilities optimally and collaborate more to get the best from them.

Balance is key Give staff a chance to rejuvenate when they need it. An energetic and enthusiastic worker is a major asset to your business.

Take yourself less seriously Easier said than done but important nevertheless! Make your workplace fun. A sense of humour goes a long way and builds a great rapport with staff. Whether you need to invest in improving your staff’s skill set and qualiﬁcations, or just lighten up and communicate better as an employer, making some key improvements can beneﬁt staff attraction and retention so recruitment doesn’t become an on-going headache. As employers we need to implement some of these measures as part of a game plan to combat these recruitment issues. Why not make a start now to retain your staff and protect our key economic sector from haemorrhaging workers to city temptations.

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August 2013

NEW VENTURE FOR RACING INNOVATOR DON’T SPEND ALL WEEKEND MOWING LAWNS

by Kent Caddick

in New Zealand is launching The man who revolutionised harness racing syndication the emphasis is again on his latest variation and like his two previous ventures that is what the syndicate fun, in fact to be more accurate it is Double the Fun as is called.

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West Melton’s Noel Kennard broke the mould of horse racing syndication in 2012 when he launched his In It For Fun syndicate with 420 punters taking a piece in the syndicate and its horse Franco Harrison.

“Up until the In It For Fun syndicate horse racing syndicates were usually four or ﬁve people getting together to buy a horse and share in the training costs and possibly any stake money the horse would win,” Kennard says.

The new Double the Fun syndicate will feature two horses and there are 1,000 syndicate shares on offer and each individual syndicate share can have up to ﬁve members.

“The reality is very few people make money out of that type of syndicate and with Harness Racing New Zealand looking to encourage people to get involved in the industry, whether as owners

or punters, syndication needed to change.”

being involved in the thrill of racing,” he says.

Kennard’s concept is simple, you buy a share in a syndicate for a one-off cost for a two-year duration. There are no ongoing costs involved and at the end of the two-year period the horse is sold and syndicate members share in the proceeds as well as any stake money the horse has earned. “This is not a get rich quick scheme this is about having fun and

Kennard is an Authorised Syndicator and has been vetted by both Harness Racing New Zealand and the Commerce Commission under whose rules and regulations he has to operate. In the 1980s he got involved in the breeding industry and after spending some time in the North Island returned to the South Island and set up a stallion station

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– that’s all you’ll ever pay, and equates to less than 70c a day! To secure your share and join the ‘goHarness Family’, phone John Robinson on (03) 3479-699 or 021 865-745 goHarness Syndication is owned and managed by Noel Kennard, an Authorized Public Syndicator as per the Rules of Harness Racing New Zealand and the N.Z. Commerce Commission.

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Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them. Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur. Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained. A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard. When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur.These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty. At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children. There are only three remedies. One: stop using the septic system until it recovers. This can take over a month and is not normally practical. Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it.This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months. Septi-Cure is Cost effective. By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down each toilet bowl every six months.This simple action will help keep your system working at top efficiency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs.Your irrigation field and leach lines will become clear of slimes and blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system will be

operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health. What is Septi-Cure™ Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring microorganisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efficiency. As they progress through to your irrigation field they feed on the slimes that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work.This is why you introduce SeptiCure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efficiency. A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years. He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition. Problematic septic tanks – treat with Septi-Cure™. Prevent septic system problems – treat with Septi-Cure™. For Septi-Cure™ - Call: 0800-109-202 Website: www.ecoworld.co.nz Also Available at

August 2013

DON’T DRINK AND

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Noel Kennard and In It For Fun syndicate’s horse Franco Harrison

on a 20-acre property at Weedons. During this time he forged a relationship with one of Canterbury’s major studs, Wai-Eyre Farm near Ohoka, and began to focus on using New Zealand bred stallions to stand rather than importing stallions from the United States, and has been closely associated with the success of New Zealand bred siring sensation Christian Cullen. Over the years Kennard became less involved in the actual stud work and began

to increase his involvement in the marketing and promotional side of the breeding industry. That was when he hit on the idea of creating a syndicate with a large number of participants paying a oneoff fee over a two-year period. This led to the birth of the In It For The Fun syndicate. Initially 500 hundred shares were put up and two weeks later when the offer closed 420 people had signed up for the syndicate and its horse Franco Harrison.

Franco Harrison has won two races and placed in several others in the year the syndicate has been running. “Syndicate members have emailed me and said they have already got their money’s worth. At race meetings they all wear In It For Fun/Franco Harrison tags and through that are meeting new friends who are also part of the syndicate. “I recently had an email from a Christchurch woman who says she was on a stopover in Dubai and got talking to another New Zealander and found that this

The new Double the Fun syndicate has already secured one horse, now with southland trainer Hamish Hunter, and the second horse, once it has been purchased, will be going to Weedons trainer Nigel McGrath. For further information visit the website www. goharness.co.nz.

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person was also a member of the Franco Harrison syndicate. What are the chances? That is what this type of syndication is all about, having fun and meeting people.”

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August 2013 That is for the good of all its inhabitants. The future wellbeing of Mr and Mrs NZ and offspring no matter what part of the country they come from. To put it simply it should be our elected representatives who should be responsible for regulations beneﬁtting us all. That is those sitting on Parliamentary benches. And those people’s representatives, no matter what party they represent, are technically our servants. But hang on! Currently most decisions effecting the everyday livilihood of the workforce are being made by unelected directors of SOEs and heads of Government departments — particularly under the present Government coalition.

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It has now come to a head south of the Waitaki where mostly public service jobs are fast heading up north to the major centres. In Otago the battle cry is “Stand up Otago” led by the local news media, which is fast gaining a ground swell of support from individuals, business organisations and opposition politicians, but not including National Party MPs . This included the potential loss of some 80 jobs in the postal sorting services in Dunedin to Christchurch, apart from KiwiRail job losses at Hillside workshops, and now the boss of Crown ReSearch Institute wants to move the majority of Invermay Research Centre to

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Lincoln with the loss of some 85 scientists and technicians. And the National Party sits on its hands claiming that according to some internal regulations it can not intefere with decisions made by state departments. None of this makes for plain common sense. These department heads completely ignore the wider picture. Sure, in the short term, they believe they may earn kudos and save a few bucks for Government coffers. Dollars that can boost funding for upgrading Auckland’s infrastructure, not counting the few billion dollars being sucked out of our taxes. Also centralising jobs in Christchurch before the rebuild and current housing shortage is ﬁxed does not make much sense to pile more people into the city. Lets just take the 85 jobs lost at Invermay. Assuming most have partners and families. That could total some 200 people. Most will have homes in Mosgiel or Dunedin. Further analysis indicates many of these qualiﬁed staff will head overseas. Few will be happy to move to Christchurch with its housing problems and high living costs. Locally it means fewer consumers purchasing at local businesses and using services. There will be a drop in pupils at local schools, kindergartens etcetra, not counting sports clubs and associated local organisations. And several

may claim redundancy or dole payments. On top of that Invermay is a leader in livestock genetics, alternative crops and animal diseases as well as the ecological purification of waterways — a balance between environment and productivity. The CRI works closely with the regional councils and the Otago University, particularly in ecology and microbiology. It has its own reasonably new laboratories and works closely with the wider agricutural community throughout both provinces, both of which are major producers in the food and fibre export industries. Perhaps Agresearch CEO Tom Richardson does see some positives in a centralised single research hub near Lincoln, but surely thanks to new developments in IT technology, liason can be achieved without shifting personnel from existing workplaces and labs. So what is going to happen with Invermay’s underused facilities, labs and building with only 30 personnel left to carry on? Yet there is talk of a futher $100million to build new facilities at Lincoln. None of this makes financial common sense. Does it! It still remains a mystery that the National Government has been touting regional development ad nauseum but seems unable to lean on state departments and SOEs to look more

carefully at the longer term, the wider picture and social implications when making decisions, particularly with centralisation in mind. The party’s attack dog Minister of practically everything, Steven Joyce, has attempted to allay fears of the southern provinces missing out on any goodies, but his explanations have gone down like a lead baloon. Reading into it there has not been a fat lot done in Dunedin to create jobs and enhance businesses. In fact this month the provinces unemployed at 6.3% is the worst for the past three decades, and will get worse with this carry-on. But politics must come into it. The three bigest cities have the majority voting base. And Dunedin has been Labour orientated for a long time. Most people down here are happy with the cash being poured into the Christchurch rebuild, but are somewhat ambivalent with proposals for government funded covered stadiums and convention centres before all citizens are properly housed and infrastructure ﬁxed. People are aware that there had been minimal government input into the Dunedin ForsythBar covered stadium — and many are still very unhappy with the situation. Thus to move business headquarters, Crown entities and manufacturing plants will only excacerbate an already difﬁcult situation in the south.

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August 2013

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WATER

August 2013

Irrigation Issues Dr Tony Daveron

Is it Spring? ALWAYS KEEP EQUIPMENT AT LEAST FOUR METRES FROM POWER LINES

Not as silly question as you might think. Is it spring — or more to the point is winter over? There is evidence both are correct, although it is still very wet almost everywhere. As a sports tragic, The Farming Programme on Radio Sport is one of my must listen to radio programmes if I can.

the signs (soil moisture and temperature) the past couple of weeks and the signs of spring are around.

seen while we have been out and about checking on monitoring sites and soil temperature. Phil assured the listeners:

If not at midday then it is repeated at 5am the next morning if I am awake at that time. And in these times it is easy to listen to the audio via the web. We have been watching

So it was of interest to hear Phil Duncan (one of the resident guests on the Farming Programme) proclaim with some certainty ‘that winter is over’. Conﬁrms what we have

• The rest of August will be warm and mild, perhaps a little wetter with two to three fronts a week, • That it will feel more like September, and

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WATER

August 2013

• No snow in the foreseeable future’. So is it that warm, does it feel like September, has winter ended and spring started? Is it any different to previous years — like 2012? The plot of soil temperature for the ﬁrst half of August shows that 2013 is actually a little cooler than 2012. In the ﬁrst 12-13 days of August 2013 the soil temperature was 1–2°C cooler than the same days in 2012. While the soil temperature has snuck up to a little over 8°C it has not reached the dizzy height of nearly 10°C in 2012. Just how wet is it still? While at the end of June and early July there was water everywhere and soils were saturated for many days, it is not as wet as in 2012.

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As the soil moisture plot shows, the ﬁrst 12-13 days of August 2013 had soil moisture content lower than August 2012.

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Soil was very wet this time in 2012 — obviously wetter in early August last year with six rainfall events compared to just one in 2013. What is very different is the state of the groundwater. This time last year (2012) the groundwater in my favourite monitor bore (M36/1926) in the mid-plains area above SH1 was almost exactly 4m further below ground level than this year: 9 July 2012 – 49.18 mbgl 17 July 2013 – 45.23 mbgl

We can help with custom forecasts for local areas, snow warnings, frost prediction, long term and seasonal forecasts

While winter might be done and dusted, and spring-like weather is here, and it feels like September — soil temperatures

in the ﬁrst half of August are cooler, soil moisture content is lower, but we are in great shape with plenty of groundwater.

Does this mean irrigation will start early? Let’s wait and see how long this ‘false’ spring lingers.

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in a wider context. It’s also good to know that the technology employed by Aquaflex is simple and robust — it will happily function under the soil for as long as you need it to! It’s not just dairy and crop farmers who are taking advantage of this revolution in soil data retrieval. Golf courses, sporting grounds, vineyards and more are all enjoying the benefits of more efficient forward planning thanks to installing an Aquaflex system. Locally, WaterMetrics are your Aquaflex supplier — a range they carry alongside Seametrics water metering technology and Aquacom data loggers, among many others. With a combination of modern technologies to quantify and systematise your water usage, WaterMetrics aims to bring the ancient practice of irrigation very much into the 21st century.

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Weather Watch by Tony Trewinnard

Weather systems in July were dominated by anticyclones moving across and near New Zealand, with pressures often high to the east of the country. This resulted in fine, settled weather conditions for many areas, including Canterbury. Airflow was often from the northerly quarter, and periods of westerly airflow were light. Rainfall events were less frequent and less intense than usual. July 2013 was the warmest for about fifty years in Canterbury generally, with many newer climate stations recording their warmest July on record. Departures were +1.5 to +2.5deg above normal, with both day time maximums and night time minimums well above the long term normal. The number of frosts was well down on recent Julys, and the frosts which did occur were generally light. Rainfall was below normal, generally around 50–75% of normal, but below 50% in South Canterbury, in some parts well below. Sunshine hours were generally 10–15% above normal, but higher in North Canterbury.

August 2013 below normal rainfall on the ranges and in inland parts of South Canterbury. This pattern may, in time, impact on summer hydro lake storage. Sunshine hours should be near normal overall, but with periods of very cloudy easterly or northeasterly airflow balanced by some spells of very sunny light westerly conditions. With little change from our last outlook, we have confident expectations for the next three months to see reduced westerly airflow over the South Island, with anticyclones still tracking across the South Island regularly, but also the ongoing development of low pressure systems in the Tasman Sea and these often tracking over the North Island.

The interactions between these low pressure systems and the anticyclones will likely bring frequent (but not continual) periods of easterly quarter airflow over Canterbury. While some frosty periods are likely with the anticyclones, we generally expect fewer frosts than usual. Overall we expect day time temperatures to be near normal, but night time temperatures significantly milder than usual. These are likely to balance out to a little milder than normal overall. Rainfall is likely to be a little below normal in September with anticyclonic conditions expected to dominate for the first two to three weeks of the month, but more rain producing systems arriving in October and November.

Forecast — Canterbury

Oscillation Index remains near zero, though with some week to week variations.

In the tropical Paciﬁc conditions remain mixed, and overall in a neutral state.

No other indicators show a trend. There looks to be good reasons to expect ongoing neutral conditions in the tropical Paciﬁc for at least the next three months, and probably into early and mid — summer.

There is no clear trend towards either El Nino or La Nina, and the Southern

Sea surface temperatures off the Canterbury coast remain near normal, while

temperatures are warmer than normal in the Tasman Sea. This may be a key driver in weather patterns over the next two to three months. Computer models show no clear trend expected towards either El Nino or La Nina in the next six months, with models showing some diversity but generally all favouring near neutral conditions. A trend between now and the end of the year is to see

reduced westerly airflow each month, with increased chance of easterly flow and increased risk of low pressure systems developing in the Tasman Sea and moving onto and over New Zealand. For this reason, we cautiously predict the next five or six months should see at least normal, and probably above normal rainfall on the eastern plains and coast, with a significant chance of on-going

Rainfall

Temp

Sunshine

Airflow

Sep

A little drier than normal

A little milder than normal

Near normal

More anticyclones than usual

Oct

Near normal

A little milder than normal

Near normal

Reduced westerly airflow

Nov

A little wetter than normal

A little milder than normal

Cloudier than normal

Periods of easterly airflow

Dec

Near normal

A little colder than normal

Cloudier than normal

Periods of easterly airflow

August 2013

Alternative farming

by Lorne Kuehn

I am not the only member of my Canadian family who wanted to go farming. My youngest brother was also bitten by the farming bug. His ﬁrst efforts occurred when he was a very young man. He dropped out of university, disappointed that the professors had so little to teach him. Being inclined to dabble in drugs, he planted a marijuana plantation from seed in a rarely-visited forest. He got the plants going through very hard work dealing with all the weeds and watering the plants and, just when they seemed to be taking off, the hares and rabbits discovered them and ate them down to their roots. This meant that he had now to fence off his plantation with a pest-secure fence. Soon through more hard work he had a second crop on the way. The plants grew tall and bushy and started to develop the desired seed pods and large leaves that were to be his harvest. He decided to take a brief holiday and get on with the harvest as soon as he came

back. He then discovered that someone had found his plot, or perhaps had been aware of it for some time, because the entire plot had been harvested in his absence.

had a farm of a type hidden in the bush. When I had occasion to visit that part of the country, I thought that I would pay him a visit and see how he was getting on.

This angered him considerably, that some dastardly people would be so cruel as to steal from him his long-anticipated crop. He had told no-one of the plot’s location and now all his labours were lost.

He met me at the local airport and drove me out to his farm. He told me that his main crop was echinacea (actually black-eyed susan), a dubious plant that is used by alternative medical herbalists to cure colds and infections by boosting the human immune system. He would take the product from plant to pill and potion. Apparently he had quite a following amongst the hippies In British Columbia and he was making a good living.

Had it not been an illegal activity, he would have gone to the police with a complaint. Perhaps it was the police that had done the deed but this was not likely because there had been no local publicity of the sort that you expect when the police ﬁnd such goings-on. There was nothing he could do and he had just to suck it up. Years went by and I lost touch with my brother. I heard that he had moved to a remote part of British Columbia and

When I got to the remote farm I found that he had several acres of echinacea under cultivation in long rows, all well-hoed. There was also a high fence, this time to keep out all the wild deer that lived

in the neighbourhood and who fancied some exotic herbs for breakfast. All was well and happy until I was given my room for the night, down in the basement of the large farmhouse. There I discovered a large indoor hydroponics marijuana set-up, lights and all. So this is how he sustained his living when the echinacea market went soft. I now had to worry about being discovered on the premises should the police raid the place, something that would inconvenience me considerably since I then had a very sensitive job in the intelligence business. More worrisome however was the large number of mice which inhabited the basement (and indeed the whole house). Several could be seen at any one time and it was almost impossible to sleep with them running over the bed.

Black-eyed susan flowers

He and his family were committed to a religion which did not believe in doing any harm to a living thing, even

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Needless to say, I did not linger in my visit. We had caught up on family business and it was time to get away as fast as I could lest I become entangled in his illegal affairs. Blood is thicker than water and I saw no need to turn him in to the law, especially as he seemed to be raising his large family in a kindly way out in the boondocks. I was glad to hear that he eventually got out of this alternative farming and into other activities that were less risky. It is not good to tempt fate or even the lawman.

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mice. He did have several humane traps set which his daughters would take out in the morning to release the mice far from the farmhouse. I went out with them to see what they did. As soon as they were released they ran straight back to the house, something they had obviously done many times before. So much for pest-control.

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August 2013

E D U C AT I O N ADVERTORIAL

Why not the best for your son?

Waitaki Boys’ offers a wonderful breadth of opportunities to develop existing strengths and discover new ones. As one of the nation’s leading boarding school establishments we are committed to academic success and the social development of boys to young men. We are committed to providing the best facilities we can, and continue to make future investments in the boarding houses each year. There is an extremely healthy and positive atmosphere about Don House where pride, selfdiscipline and traditional values are encouraged at all times. Don House is a great place to live and a great place to study.

Nelson College Have you considered boarding for your son?

Places are still available at Nelson College for years 8 to 13. To request an information pack please visit our website: www.nelsoncollege.school.nz

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These opportunities help develop personal interests and friendships which last way beyond their time at Waitaki Boys’. Waitaki Boys’ strong emphasis on study, cultural life and sports, will be part of the wider Don House

experience. Don House boarding establishment enables your son to gain all this and more as they live right here on the very doorstep of Waitaki Boys’ High School. For boys attending boarding at Don House we provide an as near home-like environment as possible. Pastoral care for each boy is the highest

WAITAKI BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL More than education

DON HOUSE BOARDING ESTABLISHMENT Great for boys

• Newly refurbished boarding accommodation • A near home-like environment • Outstanding pastoral care • Safe & secure boarding environment • Traditional values • Extensive Sunday activities programme • Excellent farm and agricultural programme • Scholarships available Spaces are limited. Early application is advised to avoid disappointment.

For School & Boarding enquiries please contact 03 437 0529 or Director of Boarding Troy Looms on 03 433 1137 or m. 021 243 3115 Email: troyl@waitakibhs.school.nz www.waitakibhs.school.nz “Don House is a great place to live and a great place to study”

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priority at Don House. We provide a safe and stable environment where boys grow into confident and well-rounded young men. We provide guidance and support ‘to develop independence, maturity and responsibility’. We live on site and share the same grounds with the boarders giving that added family atmosphere.

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August 2013

E D U C AT I O N ADVERTORIAL

The heart of the college

Benefit Reforms, the Training Incentive Allowance, and *Free Training

Boarding at St Margaret’s is so much more than “having a bed and being fed,” says Sue Newton, the school’s director of boarding.

Contrary to much public opinion and politician’s statements, the Training Incentive Allowance has not been abolished. Benefit reforms have left many beneficiaries confused about entitlements to the Training Incentive Allowance (TIA). The good news is that beneficiaries in receipt of either of the new Sole Parent Support or Supported Living Payment benefits remain eligible for the TIA. The TIA can be used toward the cost of employment-related training courses and is sufficient to pay the full cost of Karoro Learning’s Learn@ Home Computer & Office programme advertised on this page. Karoro Learning’s Learn@Home programme gives you the opportunity and flexibility to learn the Microsoft Office 2010 suite at home. Their 25

“St Margaret’s boarding community is at the heart of the college and the culture is closely aligned with the holistic philosophy and vision of the school,” she says. “Like the school itself, the boarding community at St Margaret’s encourages girls to flourish.”

week programme can be started at any time and provides you with the skills you need to gain employment in a range of industries. Karoro Learning provides you with everything you need from resource booklets, freephone contact, the internet and a loan laptop so that you can succeed.

Newton says boarding helps girls to develop good personal organisation, selfresponsibility, tolerance and support of others. “We value and respect the needs of individual girls while encouraging them to be sensitive to the needs of the whole community.”

Students can complete as many unit standards as they can fit in, and can complete a National Certificate in Computing at Level 2 or Level 3. We also provide the opportunity for you to further excel yourself and achieve a National Certificate in Business Administration.

Free* Computer & Office Skills training for rural beneficiaries Learn@Home Computer & Office Skills: Training for beneficiaries who want to upskill for work. This programme is effectively free* for those receiving Sole Parent Support or Supported Living Payments. Learn at your own pace at your own place!  Laptop Computer supplied on loan  Dial-up Internet connection supplied  Freephone tutor support and all learning materials supplied Call Karoro Learning now! 0800 We Teach (0800 93 8322)

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St Margaret’s encompasses three boarding houses, which are arranged in year groups. “This allows us to tailor the structure of each house to the specific needs of each developmental stage,” Newton says. Boarders in years 7 to 10 are provided with a structured and nurturing environment to help them make the transition into boarding, while girls in years 11 and 12 are encouraged to begin integrating these skills. In year 13, boarders prepare for the selfresponsibility required in tertiary environments, in the monitored and supported setting of the college. Positive boarding relationships between the year groups are fostered through tutor groups, big sister buddy groups, house competitions and the evening meal that is shared together. Newton says in-residence house managers — together with assistant house managers and weekday

Taking charge: Year 13 St Margaret’s College boarder Dana Thomson relaxing in her semi-independent boarding unit in Cranmer House

and weekend supervisors — work to create a warm, supportive and structured environment that enables boarders to make the most of their boarding experience. She adds that the college’s wrap-around care is further enhanced by registered nurses who are available during school hours in the college health centre, and after hours in the boarding house. Leadership training days, along with co-educational cooking classes and barista training, are part of the boarding experience.

“Our boarders’ programme encourages a range of independent skill development, personal growth and leadership opportunities,” says Newton. “When our girls leave at the end of their time with St Margaret’s boarding community they will be fully equipped to flourish beyond the school gates too.” St Margaret’s College will hold an ‘open house’ on Saturday, August 31 from 3.30pm to 5pm. For further information see www. stmargarets.school.nz or phone 379 2000.

We love it!

Boarding at St Margaret's College rocks! We have great facilities and amazing programmes designed to suit each age group in our Year 7 - 13 boarding family. We know you will love it too.

We invite you to visit us

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday 31 August, 3.30 - 5.00pm For boarding enquiries please contact Tina Cartwright on 03 353 2563 or email tina.c@stmargarets.school.nz

JUNIOR, MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL 12 Winchester St | Merivale | Christchurch 8014 | www.stmargarets.school.nz

August 2013

E D U C AT I O N ADVERTORIAL

A vibrant learning environment This year Our Lady of the Snows celebrates 100 years as part of the Methven educational landscape.

In the early days the convent housed the sisters as well as the classroom for the children. An early newspaper report on the opening of the school described a ‘solid and well appointed’ building, though it did not describe the hardships the sisters endured to heat and keep the convent running. When the school expanded and outgrew the convent building a new block was built in 1958 and this signalled a change for the school when it was officially renamed ‘Our Lady of the Snows’. Since the commissioning of the new building the school has grown to include two additional classrooms and a teacher aide building. As we celebrate our 100 years this year we not only look at the past but also look forward to the future of

the school and where we want to be as we move into the 21st Century. Technology is now a large part of each classroom and the vibrant learning environment that each teacher has created will seem such a change from the traditional blackboard and desks facing the front that many will remember. Our Lady of the Snows may have changed but at its core lie the same gospel values that the Sisters of Mercy started the school with in 1913. These values set us apart and make Our Lady of the Snows a school where all the community feels part of the educational development of our most precious resource, our children. Details of the celebrations can be found on the school website at www.ladysnow.school.nz.

Geraldine student developing agri skills at Waikato University It’s a long way from Geraldine to Hamilton, but that’s no problem for Sam Morgan who’s in the third year of his Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) degree at the University of Waikato Management School. He’s majoring in strategic management and agribusiness and says he chose to study at Waikato because of the range of papers offered in the BMS.

“Our team didn’t win, but it was a good experience,” says Sam. “You learn a lot about working collaboratively and devising workable strategies.”

“Eventually I’d like to get into consultancy, possibly in the agribusiness sector where New Zealand is so strong, and the sort of papers I’m doing at Waikato are giving me some good skills for that type of career.”

This semester he’s studying Sustainable Agribusiness and Financial Analysis for Agribusiness.

Third-year management students at Waikato have to participate in case competitions where teams of students develop business strategies for a real company. They’re judged by members of the business community and there’s prize money for the winning team.

“And I’ve picked up an Innovation and Entrepreneurship paper. It’s very business focussed, looking at different business cases. We’re working in groups on a big project that involves creating a business plan for a company that uses a 3D printer that has to be at a standard to start a real company at the end. We have to make a ‘dragon’s den-style’ presentation at

Sam Morgan

the end of the semester. It’s challenging stuff.” For more information about studying at the University of Waikato, visit Waikato.ac.nz or phone 0800 WAIKATO.

Computer games helped me get a job with Microsoft. Now it’s game on. At the University of Waikato, the possibilities are endless.

Our Lady of the Snows School Methven Our Lady of the Snows School in Methven Mid-Canterbury provides a quality Catholic education for children from Year 0-8. Set in park like grounds our school has a modern feeling and a friendly staff, pupil and parent community. We are committed to providing the very best education for life long learners now and into the 21st century. Enrollments are welcome at any time. Please contact the Principal Mr. Tony Lamb e: principal@ladysnow.school.nz p: 03 302 8250 www.ladysnow.school.nz

Spending Friday afternoons trying to destroy his supervisor in a computer game is an abiding memory of Mark Staveley’s time at the University of Waikato. In return Mark credits the innovative teaching methods and expert staff within the Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences with giving him a great head-start in his career as a software engineer. Mark’s worth listening to, as he’s now a senior software development engineer with Microsoft, and part of the design team for the new Xbox One. Mark’s story is an outstanding example of the world of possibilities that are open to people who study at the University of Waikato.

m pus mp to cam ve rsisityy OOff WWa i ka . iver Thhee UUnn ive d n nd a an l al ea e Z w e N Ne Haa m ilton,

Your story can be equally as remarkable as Mark’s when you study with our top lecturers and researchers, and possibly get to fire missiles at them on Friday afternoons. Contact us today. For information phone 0800 WAIKATO or visit waikato.ac.nz/startnow For more information call 0800 WAIKATO or visit waikato.ac.nz/startnow

August 2013

E D U C AT I O N Garin College and Hostel small school — big heart Garin is a new school (just 12 years old) but already they have plenty they are very proud of! Top of the list is the student body. They have won many top academic awards over the last few years. The school has national reps in cycling, triathlon, basketball and athletics. They have been first and second in the national finals of Rock Quest and will be serious contenders this year, and students have twice won the national ‘Play it Strange’ song writing (modern music is a real strength of the College). Several students have won Shakespeare scholarships, and last year the Garin team won the regional Stage Challenge. Garin College is a safe school — small enough for everyone to know each other, and with an excellent pastoral

system based on vertical forms students of all ages work and play together. As a Catholic school students work hard to live traditional Christian values like honesty, hospitality, social justice, and outreach to people who need help, love and care. Read the school website to see how they remove bullying and keep students safe. Find out why they keep their junior classes to just 22 students, and why

no-one slips through the cracks in a school of 450, or hostels of 26. (Garin College Hostel pass-rates for NCEA are normally 100%). Interested? Garin is a Catholic school, but has places for 67 students who are not Catholic. Contact Head Teacher John Boyce and Hostel Manager Robert Booth to find out more: achieve@garincollege. ac.nz.

The best at what we do Selwyn House boarding is a thriving community that is best preparing girls for secondary school. “How better to prepare for secondary school than to begin your life as a boarder with girls the same age facing the same concerns and challenges?” says Jane Lapthorn, Selwyn House Principal. Selwyn House School in Merivale, Christchurch is a happy and thriving primary day and boarding school for girls aged five to 13, with a co-educational pre-school.Selwyn House is well known for setting the highest possible standards and enjoys an enviable reputation along with offering an international curriculum. “We believe that we are the best at what we do and would very much like to have the opportunity to show you why we are so proud of Selwyn House. The girls flourish here, both in and out of the classroom,” adds Jane Lapthorn. Jane Lapthorn believes the success of boarding comes from the fact that Selwyn House girls make friends for life. “Are boarders in a ‘home away from home?’ We like to think so. We understand that

Isabella Missen, a Selwyn House boarder with her friends, Samantha Harcourt and Ella Heselwood

within the grand scheme of things, 10 and 11-yearolds are still relatively young children for whom arrival into a large secondary school is a potentially daunting experience. “Our teachers and boarding staff seek to create a secure and protective environment. By Year 8, our boarders have a clear idea of their strengths. They have the opportunity to carefully consider their secondary school options and choose the school that will best meet their needs for the next five years.” Boarding is not just for those who need it. Selwyn House believes it to be a valuable and very enjoyable option for girls. In some ways, it could almost be regarded as an extra-curricular activity. Boarding helps develop

independence, selfconfidence and maturity, and it works wonders for their social lives too, adds Jane Lapthorn. Our boarding girls live in a new, modern building with welcoming bedrooms, ensuites, a well-equipped kitchen where the girls can make their own snacks, with relaxed dining and living facilities. And, we have the best boarding school chef in the South Island say our boarders. Parents talk about the safe, friendly and nurturing environment that Mrs Parker, the Boarding House Director creates. She encourages and makes the girls feel special. Her approach fosters individual responsibility and independence.

Garin College Small School, Big Heart Garin College is a co-educational Catholic College with boarding facilities for boys and girls based in Richmond, Nelson. Our modern facilities and extensive grounds back onto Saxton Field, Tasman’s premier sporting grounds. We have a number of places for non-Catholic students.

Why choose Garin College • Small community based Catholic College • Modern facilities in beautiful grounds • A safe and caring environment • Family style hostel • Fantastic results for all students, NCEA, Rock Quest, Stage Challenge, Sports, Outdoor adventure and more Our off-site boarding hostels provide a welcoming and family environment for students away from home and our boarders achieve well above the national average at all levels of NCEA. To find out more about boarding contact Robert Booth on 0276 544835, e-mail robertbooth@cloud. garincollege.ac.nz or visit our website. We are now taking enrolments for 2014 and beyond, be quick to secure your place as positions are limited.

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

SELWYN HOUSE SCHOOL

We don’t offer our girls the chance to be equal. We offer them the chance to be remarkable.

Independent girls’ day & boarding school Years 1-8 and co-ed pre-school 122 Merivale Lane, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand Call: +64 (03) 355 7299 (School) • Email: office@selhouse.school.nz www.selwynhouse.school.nz

August 2013

E D U C AT I O N ADVERTORIAL

Exceptional character

At 134 years old, Timaru Girls’ High School is one of the oldest secondary schools in the country, and remains in tune with the core values instilled within its founding. Our motto Scientia Potestas Est, ‘knowledge is power’ is as true today as it was when the first school building was erected in 1880. We have a proud history of educating and empowering young women, building the knowledge and selfesteem necessary to help them realise their ambitions. The school is situated in park-like surroundings, possesses modern, wellresourced facilities and has skilled and enthusiastic staff giving students every opportunity to excel academically, athletically and culturally. Due to its strong history and values, students are encouraged to discover more about themselves with many co-curricular

opportunities available. We also possess strong ties to several other schools in the Timaru region. The boarding house provides a safe environment — fostering good habits to become self-motivated and responsible learners with respect for themselves and others. There are many opportunities to relax and have fun with new friends. Girls also get a private, well-appointed room to themselves. We welcome you to come and visit Timaru Girls’ High School, educating South Canterbury’s young women since 1880. Visit our website www.timarugirls. school.nz or phone us on 03 688 1122.

Development of personal excellence, creativity and individual achievement... Timaru Boys’ High School Thomas House Boarding Hostel

Learning styles designed specifically for girls, an extensive curriculum, and a warm, engaging environment to grow in.

Considering boarding as an option for your son?

ENROLLING NOW FOR 2014

A limited number of places are still available at year 9 for 2015.

Prospective students wishing to enrol at Thomas House will need to make a formal application.

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

To learn more about us, visit

TIMARU GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL A TRADITION OF EDUCATION FOR 134 YEARS

Winchester Rural School Emerge Training Limited, in association with Telford (a division of Lincoln University) is delivering Level 3 Dairy Training Programmes throughout New Zealand. The courses are: - Fortnightly, between milkings - On-farm (where possible) - Over 12 months - FEE FREE

Principal Andrena Norrish

14 Rise Road, Winchester • Phone 03 615 9436 office@winchesterrural.school.nz • www.winchesterrural.school.nz

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

0800 ON FARM 0800 663 276 info@emergetraining.ac.nz

Sowing the seeds, nurturing the growth, reaping the harvest.

Our Winch-wise E, INDEPENDENCE, H, by showing RESILIENC community will AIM HIG nts) ude 6 st — 1 RESPECT. (Year INQUISITIVENESS and

www.timarugirls.school.nz

Emerge is a specialist New Zealand dairy training company. We develop and deliver dairy training programmes ranging from practical skills development through to farm management capability. Our programmes have been developed by farmers for farmers, and cover the full range of skillsets required for people to develop successful farming careers.

Emerge is running training programmes for people interested in furthering their dairy farming career. If you want to develop your skills so you can take the next step up, this course might be just what you are looking for! You need to: - Like and respect animals; - Be employed, and want to pursue your career and take the next step up; - Be honest and reliable; - Be positive about yourself and ready to learn. To get started, or for more information contact: North Island: Rachel Nash 027 838 6844 South Island: Amanda Bisset 027 838 5637

August 2013

Farm Machinery Centre ADVERTORIAL

Westland Farmers’ acquisition CB Norwood Distributors have acquired Westland Farmers of Westport. The official settlement date was August 1. For the past 19 years Westland Farmers has been owned and operated by the Hewetson family — most recently by Angus and his wife Jacqui Hewetson.

Continuing the expansion of the ‘Norwood Farm Machinery Centre’ retail outlets in regions deemed to align with the corporate retail strategy

continues to be a priority for the company. CB Norwood Distributors General Manager Tim Myers comments that: ‘We saw an opportunity to build upon the

PICHON TANKERS AND SPREADERS

Experience and performance from one of the most respected names in effluent management.

Pichon are one of Europe’s largest and most experienced producers of slurry and muck handling machinery. Pichon tankers, spreaders and pond stirrers represent cutting edge innovation combined with the highest possible build quality.

Pichon spreading equipment is second to none!

MS1433

MS1446

See for yourself how Pichon can be integrated into your slurry and muck handling system. Ask your dealer for a demo today!

WEST COAST

Ph: 03 788 9050 or 0800 105 885

successful business model that we employ across the Norwood Farm Machinery Centre retail network, and the opportunity to acquire an existing business from within our distribution network was a perfect fit’. All of the existing staff and contractors have been retained. Norwood Farm Machinery Centre West Coast represents some of the world’s leading names in Agricultural machinery and innovation, and will continue to build on the reputation of these products. Regional Manager Jason Prendergast comments: “Industry leading brands, combined with the extremely well recognised team that has been part of the Westland reputation for years will ensure complete customer satisfaction. We are confident that we now have a platform on the West Coast that combines the local expertise and experience of the existing Westland team

with the scale afforded through access to our National distribution network. This is an exciting development for farmers on the West Coast. ‘The West Coast has always been a strong area for both of our main tractor brands, New Holland and Kubota. We certainly appreciate the loyal support from the farmers and contractors of the West Coast area and we are very excited to be able to continue this strong tradition. We are also looking forward to building on the solid reputation of the Norwood Agriculture Equipment brand, which boasts globally recognised brands such as Vaderstad cultivation and precision seeding equipment, Lemken cultivation equipment, Horsch seeding and cultivation, MX loaders, JF Stoll, Sulky fertiliser spreaders and many more.

As we get our feet on the ground over the next few weeks our sales team will be introducing our demo machines to the market. I would urge any customers who are thinking of upgrading for this season to contact our sales team of Angus Hewetson (Sales Manager) and Gordon Storer (Sales Representative) to arrange a no obligation on farm demo’. The Norwood Farm Machinery Centre West Coast service team is under the leadership of Ricky Dawson, while Parts Manager Adrian Gallagher ensures that spare parts are always on hand to keep machinery going. Norwood Farm Machinery Centre West Coast is also proud to have Tractor and Diesel Tech at Dobson on board as an approved service provider. Steve and his team work closely with the Norwood team to ensure regular support for our customer base.

“Proud to supply Bale Forks (optional high back available)

Farm Machinery Centre

on the West Coast”.

3 3 3 3 3 3

Heavy duty Wrapped Bale Clamp for round or square bales

Phone: 0800 Tulloch

(88 55 624)

Pleased to support Norwood Farm Machinery Centre West Coast

Proud to supply Norwood Farm Machinery Centre Westcoast

MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW LEADERS IN THE FIELD

STRENGTH / QUALITY / PERFORMANCE

NEW HOLLAND PROTECTION PLAN

MS1446

3 YEARS/3,000 HOURS* COMPREHENSIVE PEACE OF MIND** Limited offer available from 1st August 2013. For more information contact your local New Holland dealer today. *Whichever

occurs first. **Offer only available on new New Holland tractors.

www.newholland.co.nz

August 2013

Check in with your local Kubota dealer for

MORE MGX RANGE SPECIALS

GRAND X

from Kubota 3 YEARS/3000 HRS WARRANTY

• New spacious cabin (largest cab in the industry) • New transmission F24/R24 • New Interim Tier IV compliant engine • Japanese proven quality and performance

3/3/30 3% over 3 years with 30% Deposit Conditions apply. Subject to stock availability. Pricing is subject to change. Promotion ends 31st September 2013.

MS1340

MORE POWER, TORQUE AND OUTPUT WITH LESS FUEL - THATS THE NEW T7 SERIES.

0800 KUBOTA www.kubota.co.nz

New Holland’s T7 Series is now available in four new standard wheelbase T7 models, with three transmission options (Range/Power/Auto Command™). Powered by the 6.7 litre Tier 4A NEF engine and using only ECOBlue™ SCR technology to meet the strict new legislation, its performance will be the new benchmark. You can benefit from higher levels of Engine Power Management and torque whilst reducing fuel consumption by as much as 10%. Additionally there’s lower engine speed requirements for any PTO, hydraulic and haulage work, while the interaction between the engine and transmissions are matched to deliver the best efficiency. All this is controlled from a 69 dB(A) cab which can be equipped with the award winning SideWinder™ II armrest featuring the CommandGrip™ handle and IntelliView™ IIII touch screen monitor.

NEW T7 RANGE. TAKE CONTROL C B Norwood Distributors Ltd

www.newholland.co.nz

QUALITY USED MACHINERY

CASE MXM 190

CASE MXU 125

NEW HOLLAND TS100

PRE-OWNED TRACTORS �� P R I C E New Holland TM120 supersteer, 6000 hours, 2 owners ��$49,995 New Holland TS100, MX100 loader, 1 owner from new, new front rubber, 5250 hours ��$43,995 New Holland T6020 Elite, 1 owner from new, front linkage, cab suspension, common rail ��$75,995 New Holland TM175, 7000 hours, well serviced and very tidy, near new front tyres, cheap hp��$49,995 New Holland TM130, supersteer, 2300 hours ��$69,995 New Holland T6020 Plus, MXT10 loader ��$87,000 Case MXM 190, front linkage and PTO, rear duals, approx� 4950 hours, very good rubber ��$73,995 Case MXU125, stoll loader, front suspension, electric remotes, 6750 hours��$54,995 Case MX90C, 1 owner from new, 4700 hours ��$43,995 Massey Ferguson 390, 2wd , cab , loader ��$15,995 Fiat 82-94, 2wd with only 4400 hours ��$19,995 Kubota L3250, great lifestyle block tractor, 2wd Rops ��$10,995 Kubota F3680, out front commercial mower, 72 inch centre discharge, very tidy ��$14,495 Kubota RTV900, 2 to choose from, diesel, hydrostatic transmission, ��$8,995 John Deere, STX 38 ride on mower ��$1,100 Kubota GR2110R, late model ride on mower, kubota diesel, catcher, very tidy ��$13,495 John Deere 6410, Cab, 4wd ��$21,495 John Deere 6420 Premium, Pearson loader��$45,995 Case CX70 Rops, 4wd, loader��$24,995 New Holland TS110, 1 owner from new��arriving New Holland T6070, Elite, power command transmission, super steer ��arriving John Deere 8120, duals, FEL ��arriving PRE-OWNED MACHINERY Duncan 720, Arable Drill, 19 run, twin boxes (stainless fert), new points ��WAS $19,995 NOW $16,995 Sulky Reguline SPI drill,3 mtr airseeder, 25 run, 5¼ inch, presented as new ��WAS $19,500 NOW $16,995 Simba Lexicon discs, 4�4 mtr working width offset discs, good metal ��$23,450 Great Plains, turbo till trailing cultivator ��$25,000 Vaderstad Topdown TD600, 1 owner from new, new metal being fitted� ��$129,995 Kverneland BB100, conventional plough, 6 furrow, auto reset, hydraulic vari width��$26,000 Read 10, reel V-rake ��$7,995 Fieldmaster, 3pt linkage concrete mixer, unused condition, SAVE $1,000 ON NEW PRICE ��$1,995 James Aerator, 5 leg pasture aerator c/w rear roller ��$9,500 Taege, 16 reel V-rake��$14,500 Clough, 4�8 mtr Maxitill, hyd folding, good condition ��$6,900 Celli Tiger, 190 rotorspikes, good tidy condition, overhauled gearbox ��$12,500 Vaderstad RDA 600, 6 mtr airseeder drill, system discs, super tidy ��$149,995 Vaderstad RDA 600F, 6 mtr airseeder drill, system tine ��$82,000 Vaderstad Rexius roller, 8 mtr folding roller, crossboards ��arriving COMBINES/FORAGE New Holland FX58, 355W grassfront, serviced and ready to go ��WAS $135,000 NOW $99,995 BALERS Krone Big Pack, 1270 XC square baler, multibale system, 1 onr from new, only 33000 bales ��$124,995 Massey Ferguson, 185 series 1, money spent, 74200 bales ��WAS $36,995 NOW $29,995 New Holland D1010, very tidy baler, will be serviced and ready to go, single axle ��$29,995 New Holland BBA940, 1 onr, 51000 bales, moisture meter, electronic bale length, 3x3 cropcutter �� arriving Oct �� A L L P R I C E S E X C L U D E G S T

AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Equipment

James Blackler 0274 794 374

QUALITY USED MACHINERY

CLAAS 250

VICON RF30

TVT155 DB

PRE-OWNED TRACTORS ��P R I C E New Holland TVT155, 2300 hours �� $74,995 New Holland TS115A, 16x16 Electro Command transmission, good tidy tractor �� $57,995 New Holland TS125A, with MX120 front-end loader, �� $51,995 New Holland TS125A, with MX120 front-end loader, tidy �� $56,995 New Holland TS90, with Pearson loader �� $45,995 New Holland T5050, ROPS with canopy, with MX75u front-end loader �� $45,995 New Holland TL100A, only done approx� 2900 hours, with MX75�5 front-end loader, 24x24 transmission �� $49,995 Massey Ferguson 5455, 112hp, only done approx� 3700 hours, with Stoll front-end loader �� $48,995 Kubota M125X, 125hp, only done 2500 hours, in tidy condition �� $55,000 Ford 7740, c/w loader �� $18,000 New Holland TS100 �� arriving Massey Ferguson 4245S �� arriving PRE-OWNED MACHINERY Claas Rollant 250 baler, reconditioned pickup, in very tidy condition, done approx. 31,500 bales ................... $8,995 Claas Disco 250 mower, 2.5 metre cutting width, tidy ......................................................................................... $6,995 Claas Disco 260 mower, 2.6 metre wide .............................................................................................................. $5,795 Maxam 2500 mower, 2.5 metres wide .................................................................................................................. $2,750 Maxam 2500 mower, 2.5 metre cutting width, tidy .............................................................................................. $6,450 Maxam 3300 mower, 3.3 metres cutting width .................................................................................................... $6,995 Pottinger NovaCat 305H mower, 3.05 metre cutting width .................................................................................. $4,495 Pottinger NovaCat 305H mower, 3.05 metre cutting width, in tidy condition ..................................................... $6,995 UFO 1500 mower, older machine.............................................................................................................................. $995 Vicon CM300A, trailing drum mower/conditioner, centre pull model with rear collector ................................... $6000 Vicon RF30 Opticut baler, in good condition – still got the paint on the rollers! ................................................ $9,995 Hustler Compact Soft Hands, with MX brackets .................................................................................................... $995 Hustler Chainless 2000 Bale Feeder, 3 point linkage model ............................................................................... $3,795 Hustler Chainless 2000 Bale Feeder, 3 point linkage model ............................................................................... $2,660 Giltrap MSX160 Super Silage Wagon, ................................................................................................................. $9,995 SAM 3.25 spreader, popular size in working order ............................................................................................. $7,995 Bush & Bog Discs ................................................................................................................................................. $1,995 James Aerator, 5 leg, just been repainted ........................................................................................................... $4,995 C-Dax 600 litre spray unit ................................................................................................................................... arriving SAM spreader .......................................................................................................................................... being prepared �� ALL PRICES EXCLUDE GST

AGRICULTURE

Farm Machinery Centre CHRISTCHURCH Rennie Barnes 027 433 7714

Cyril Murray 027 432 5640

P 03 349 5089 726 Main South Road Christchurch

Andrew Caldwell 0274 75 0000

Jason Prendergast 027 433 4272

www.norwood.co.nz/christchurch e: salesch@norwood.co.nz

Agricultural Equipment

Farm Machinery Centre P 03 788 9050

W E S T

Angus Hewetson 021 228 4517

C OA S T

Henley Street Westport

Gordon Storer 021 891 253

www.norwood.co.nz/westcoast e: saleswc@norwood.co.nz

August 2013

e t a v o n e r r o d l i To bu Time to expand Craig O'Keeffe Builders Ltd has been operating as licenced building practitioners for almost three years and with 12 years’ experience in the industry, Craig says it is time to expand the company.

‘’We have three staff along with polytech students on pre-trade experience and Gateway students, and have been specialising in a wide range of work that includes large extensions, major alterations (including removal of major walls etc) and a host of other building tasks,” he says. “I went out in business on my own account because I really enjoy the challenge it offers. Today, we have our own group of sub-contractors to assist in specialist work such as plumbing, electrical, brick and block laying, and painting. The advantage of this close connection with reliable subcontractors enables us to provide superior, quality assured service to clients and meet deadlines as requested. But we want to get into bigger projects-increase our staff numbers to match the demand of this growing business,” says Craig.

NEED QUALITY ASSURED BUILDERS?

• Extensions • Renovations • Decorative Concrete Work • Driveways • Paths • Floors • Porches etc For a Free Quote Call:

Until now Craig O’Keeffe Builders Ltd has focussed mainly on extensions and alterations, along with a strong focus on concrete

Craig O’Keeffe

decorative work such as driveways, paths, floors, porches etc. “The company gets involved in everything to do with concrete, coloured concrete, exposed aggregate etc. But we want bigger challenges!” Clearly Craig O’Keeffe Builders Ltd is the get up and go company with a clear view of their future development. “We are happy to go anywhere in the South Island, and offer quality assurance with every job,” says Craig. Available 264 6806,

on 021 or through

Facebook or yellow pages, Craig O’Keeffe Builders Ltd promises service and satisfaction. With his strong motorsport background and being a member of the South Canterbury Car Club it’s likely you have seen him at Levels. “We sponsor the 2NZ Mazda pro 7 that runs nation wide.” Both Craig and his company are going places fast. Call him today for honest advice and service and a free quote on your next building job.

117 Otipua Road, Timaru 7910 • craigokeeffe@yahoo.co.nz

KITSET FARM SHEDS

BACKUP

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“Whether it’s a homestead or a farm shed CONTINUOUS has the solution for you.”

Call us today: 0800 ABW NOW (229 669)

www.abwelectric.co.nz

• 21 years experience installing throughout Canterbury and Westland. • 6 spouting profiles to suit your requirements. • Installation crews servicing your local area. • Strong brackets and robust snow protection to handle the rural climate.

For a FREE no obligation quote phone CONTINUOUS TODAY on 0800 50 1993

www.continuous.co.nz

0800 50 1993

August 2013

e t a v o n e r r o d il u b To What about building consents? Building consents conﬁrm that plans and speciﬁcations for proposed building work meet the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code, and ensure that any building work is safe, durable and does not endanger the health of property owners and users. It can only be issued in advance of any work taking place. You may also need a resource consent if your project has an impact on the environment. You can access details information from the websites of your local council. New rules came into effect in 2012 which apply to projects containing restricted building work critical to the integrity of a building by ensuring that it is structurally sound and weathertight. Most building projects require a building consent before any work is started. The consent includes not only the building work but also any work related to site preparation, plumbing or drainage. a

starting work, it will cause problems later in the project and may also lead to anybody involved as property owners or tradespersons facing prosecution. You do not need to apply for a building consent if your project is covered by an exemption. However all building work undertaken must comply with the New Zealand

Building Code. Examples of exempt building works include decks less than 1.5 metres above ground level, a garden shed less than 10sq metres and at least its height from the boundary, fencing less than 2.5 metres high, carports not exceeding 20sq metres and even playground equipment, used by a single household, that is less than three metres

above the ground. For detailed information, consult your local or regional council. There are other areas council can assist with including building warrants off ﬁtness, fencing of swimming pools, dangerous and insanitary buildings, earthquake prone buildings, and undertaking enforcement action in connection with illegal building works.

For all CAT safety boots, lifestyle, apparel and accessories see our new websiTe

www.thecatman.co.nz Christchurch, new Zealand

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming

please call 03 347 2314

RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL • Heat Pumps • Garden Lighting • House Re-wire • Kitchen Re-fits • Spa Pool Installation • Telephone Extensions • Shop Fitting • New Builds/Extensions

Need us now?

Greg’s Mobile: 021 22 77 275 Ph: 379 6644 Fax: 379 6645 PO Box 7778, Sydenham Christchurch 8240

FREEPHONE us today!

0800 277 275

EXCEEDING our Customers Expectations

Authorised Mitsubishi Installers

If you do not obtain building consent before

Greg Horton Electrician

www.aelectrical.co.nz

WRIGHT ENTERPRISES BUILD LTD

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FRIENDLY RELIABLE BUILDERS House packages 200 m2 and above from $1300+GST per m2*

*Conditions apply

A Pleasurable, Personal Service! • DRAIN LAYING SERVICE AVAILABLE Contact: Antony 021 111 1703 Email: info@webuildltd.co.nz Web: webuildltd.co.nz

SPOUTING 2 U Supply and inStall or Supply only

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Call Danie 021 875 462 03 980 2865 / 03 344 5744 www.spouting2u.co.nz

$1650

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145 BLENHEIM ROAD, CHRISTCHURCH Ph: 03 3488 358, Free Call: 0800 288 888 Website: www.urbanointeriors.co.nz — OPEN 7 DAyS 9AM-5PM — Free on-site Car Parking.

NZ WIDE DELIVERy AT REASONABLE PRICES

August 2013

e t a v o n e r r o d il u b o T

Call todaY

for all Your gardening needs • garden design, plans and landscaping • lawns lay/maintain/spraying • farm plantings • plans

ADVERTORIAL

Watermelon Shade “I have often thought about installing a shade sail to provide protection for my family and for entertaining, but I have never got around to it.”

PH: 03 308 5076 MOBILE: 027 420 3815 email: dales-gardens@hotmail.com

This is a common response which we regularly receive from all sectors of the community when we talk about the business we are involved in and the various shade and weather protection products we have on offer, says Mike Keys, Managing Director of Watermelon Shade.

Depletion of the ozone layer across New Zealand has sent the risk of skin cancer soaring by almost one third in the last 20 years with melanoma being the fourth most common cancer in NZ. In fact the greatest contributing factor to melanoma is excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UVR) particularly amongst our citizens in the age bracket of 0–15. Our team at Watermelon Shade, with offices in Christchurch and Timaru, are available to listen, discuss and assist you with numerous design options and installation. We not only will provide you with the best

possible solution to protect you and your family, but also a high quality product, with a 10 year (pro-rata) warranty, and a structure that is removable when not required. for

We have a solution every situation and

invariably a feature that will add considerable value to your primary asset. Call us now on freephone 0800–1SHADE or lodge an enquiry on our website www. watermelonshade.co.nz for a free consultation / no obligation quotation.

Quality Builders

Renovating? Think...

THE SHADIEST DEAL THIS SUMMER! “NZ has more than 45,000 new cases of Skin Cancer every year, of these, more than 2,000 are new cases of Malignant Melanoma” DONT BE ANOTHER STATISTIC Protect your most valuable assets - you and your family from up to 99% against harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays

We custom design & install this stylish product which will greatly enhance the look of your outdoor living area and add value to your property Our team of specialists service an area from Oamaru to Kaikoura (including the West Coast) CALL NOW: Toll Free 0800-1SHADE for a CONSULTATION/ FREE QUOTATION

www.watermelonshade.co.nz

Members of:

Ph: 03 3124667

e: northcanterbury@smith-sons.co.nz

501 Woodstock road, Oxford 7495

www.smithandsonsnorthcanterbury.co.nz

Farm Buildings Built to withstand the harshest conditions and treatment

Poles and Posts Against at tack from insects & fungi

Work with our experienced team in putting together your own design or choose from one of our many standard lean-to or gable roof options.

Oamaru 03 434 8658 Waimate 03 689 6369

No. 1 for Posts & Timber PH 0800 4POSTS

Temuka 03 615 5725 Ashburton 03 308 5304

August 2013

PASTURE preparation ADVERTORIAL

For soil health It is that time of the year to consider spring fertiliser requirements for your farm or lifestyle block. Bio Ag and Hort Ltd is an agriculture fertiliser company supplying biological solid and liquid fertilisers to every day farmers and lifestyle block holders who want a better financial return on their fertiliser investment.

A healthy soil promotes stronger and deeper roots in plants which are able to last longer in dry periods and provides plants with a ready supply of minerals and trace elements for healthy growth. A healthy soil also improves

system that delivers a 10 metre spray width, which is fast and effective.

the quality and yields of pasture. Pasture is more nutrient dense and palatable for livestock. Beef, sheep and other livestock are healthier and have quicker weight gains. Barry Davidson who owns Bio Ag and Hort Ltd offers a liquid fertiliser service that is perfect for smaller properties. The spraying system does not have a spray boom so can sneak in smaller spaces with ease. It has a field jet nozzle

Barry uses fish and seaweed-based liquid fertilisers and can add other trace elements and

minerals if requested. The liquid fertiliser has no withholding period as the products are not toxic to livestock or pasture. Other services that Bio Ag and Hort offers are

soil testing and biological fertiliser recommendations.

To book in an application of liquid fertiliser or any of his other services call Barry on 0800 628 725.

Sustainable and profitable biological fertiliser solutions

Liquid fertiliser is a cost effective way to revitalize or maintain the beneficial micro organisms in your soil. By adding liquid seaweed or liquid fish fertiliser to your solid fertiliser program you will increase your natural fertility of your soil and the health of your animals. Over time you will be able to reduce your solid fertiliser application rates, therefore increasing the profitability of your farm.

By using biological fertilisers that enhance the biology of the soil, higher yields of nutritionally dense food can be produced for livestock and human consumption.

Liquid fertiliser products

Services

• Natrakelp pure seaweed • Natrakelp plus added NPK • Bio Marinus liquid fish • Humates

• Liquid fertiliser spraying Canterbury wide • Soil testing

0800 628 725 Liquid Seaweed

A healthy soil fed with biological fertilisers will dramatically improve soil structure, increase organic matter and humus, improve fertiliser efficiency and unlock any nutrients that are bound in the soil.

for Pasture, Plants & Animals

BARRY DAVIDSON — BIO AG & HORT LTD

237 Wainoni Rd, Avondale, Christchurch 8061. Email barryd1968@xtra.co.nz

UNIQUE NATURAL SOIL AND PLANT MICRO NUTRIENT FOR ALL YOUR GORSE AND BRUSHWEED SPRAYING

A Natural, Economic Approach To Soil And Plant Health Sustains and invigorates soil mycorrhizae which make nutrients bio avaialable to plants

Now Running a UTV vehicle for steep and wet country – low impact

Enjoy vigorous seedlings, stronger root growth, earlier production, pest resistance, crop taste and moisture retention www.liquidgood.com

p. 06 752 1318

e. sales@liquidgood.com

CALL ROSS BROWN 03 689 8171 OR 027 481 9190 Email gorseman@hotmail.com • Registered Chemical Applicator

16mm high tensile – Our 12mm-16mm spiked are all available in mild and high tensile steel. We alsO have standard mild 20x24m spiked harrOWs.

phone/Fax 03 347 8516 | www.lyndonharrows.co.nz |

email lyndonharrows@xtra.co.nz

August 2013

PASTURE preparation “In the field”

YOUR SELWYN

SPRAYING SPECIALISTS Registered Broadacre Spraying Contractor Based in the Selwyn district Operating two machines: – Hino 4wd truck mounted Amazone 24m rig – Bargam 24m self-propelled

CONTACT BEVAN HUSSEY

027 454 1843 If you’re reading this, then so are your customers

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming Please call 03 347 2314

or email sales@canfarm.co.nz

Pasture tips with Pasture First by Nigel Johnston

Repairing winter-damaged pastures With the recent wet conditions being experienced in Canterbury, farmers need to assess what they are going to do to repair their damaged pastures to enable them to feed their stock through the important late winter/early spring period. Forage Cereals

With the late winter/early spring period being a crucial time for feed demand due to the on-set of calving and lambing, farmers need to ensure they have a good pasture base to make the most of the improving growing conditions.

For farmers who are able to get onto their paddock now, and who will be looking to sow a spring brassica crop in October/November (see point 2), sowing a forage cereal now such as oats may be an option to establish quick feed before sowing the spring crop.

Remember — a paddock that contains 85-100% grass will grow a hell of a lot more feed than a paddock that is 50% grass and 50% dirt!

As cereals such as oats are ready to be grazed/cut after only about 100 days, sowing forage oats now will give you the chance to grow a large amount of feed in a short period of time, but still enable you to sow a spring crop in late October or early November.

Therefore what are the options that farmers have to repair these paddocks to maximise feed production?

USED Stock

All prices ex GST

Finance available*

JCB Fasttrac 8250 4WD, 260hp, 9000 hours, Vario trans, High spec, COMING IN, 22701, .....O.....$85,000 New Holland TS100A & Milaeux MX80 Loader 4WD, 100hp, 2300 hours, Tidy New Holland T6020 Plus 4WD, 110hp, Very low machine, 22777, ...................O.....$67,000 hours, P/Shift trans, 22861, .................T.....$70,000 John Deere 6520SE & JD 731 Loader 4WD, 115hp, 4041 hours, 22418, ....................K.....$69,000 John Deere 6320P & JD 640 SL Loader 4WD, 100hp, 3700 hours, P/Quad trans, 22654, .............T.....$67,500 John Deere 6220SE & JD 651 SL Loader (2004) 4WD, 90hp, 3032 hours, 22294, ..........K.....$67,000 John Deere 6220SE & JD 651 SL Loader (2004) 4WD, 90hp, 5100 hours, 22500, .............K....$53,000 John Deere 6520P & JD 731 NSL Loader New Holland TM165 4WD, 165hp, 7085 hours, A/C 4WD, 115hp, 5789 hours, AutoQuad cab, Tidy unit, 21895, ............................T.....$50,000 trans, 22649, ........................K....$62,000 Deutz Argotron 115 & Stoll Robust F30HD Loader 4WD, 115hp, 5617 hours, 22704, .........T.....$48,000 John Deere 6210SE & Quickie 760 Loader (2000) 4WD, 90hp, 6642 hours, 22467, .......G.......$38,000 John Deere 6110SE & Pearson 20.36 Loader 4WD, 80hp, 5568 hours, trans, 22451, ..........G....$37,000 Scannell Multi Bale Feeder 4.7m3 Capacity, Feeds rounds and chopped silage, 22702, .........T.....$11,000

John Deere 6620P & JD 731 NSL Loader Hustler Chainless 4000 22845, .............O.....$9,750 4WD, 125hp, 5173 hours, PowerQuad Hustler Chainless 2000 22849, ..............T.....$9,500 trans, 22200, .........................N.....$70,000

*Conditions apply.

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View our full range at...

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August 2013

PASTURE preparation Spring Cropping For those paddocks that are completely ruined (they may have been used as a sacriﬁce paddock), these are the paddocks to target your spring crops with if you consider this as an option. These crops include brassicas such as rape or turnips for spring/summer feed or cereals for feed or grain production. These paddocks can then be targeted as autumn pasture renovation paddocks. Alternatively winter crops such as kale or fodder beet can be used in these paddocks.

Under-sowing with an Italian ryegrass Under-sowing with an Italian ryegrass can be achieved without the expense of cultivating paddocks. Direct drilling into winter damaged paddocks is a cost effective sowing technique for an Italian ryegrass, as its vigorous nature means it can establish quickly. Direct drilling into existing pasture also means that paddocks do not have to be taken out of the grazing rotation which will help to minimise the impact of the regrassing process.

Under-sowing with a perennial or hybrid ryegrass While not the ideal way to establish a permanent pasture, under-sowing with a perennial or hybrid ryegrass is also an option if you would like that paddock to be ‘thickened up’ for a longer period (an Italian ryegrass may only last one to two years).

and realise you don’t have the grass you thought you would! Pasture First can provide the right products and advice to ensure you are getting the best out of your new grass.

While a more expensive, higher productive perennial ryegrass could be used, a ‘cheaper’ variety may be a better option for undersowing, as the paddock preparation is not totally ideal.

• All Types Of Fencing

If a more expensive and productive perennial ryegrass is to be used, it is better that the paddock goes through a proper full paddock preparation.

Do nothing! While this may be a cheaper option to start with, you will wish that you had used one of the above options when you get to spring/summer

For more information contact Nigel Johnston on 03 347 6440 or 027 777 2877 or visit www.pastureﬁrst.co.nz. Nigel Johnston is a Pasture Agronomist and Managing Director of Pasture First.

Specialising in post & rail, cattle & sheep yards

Agricultural Contractors

• Hay & Baleage • Cultivating • Direct Drilling • Digger hire

Craig Wakelin Owner/Operator

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“Let us take your WASTE away” The Claydon one pass cultivator can reduce the cost of establishment without compromising yield. Suitable for direct seeding of green feed, cereals/whole crop and grass establishment. It’s leading tine configuration busts compaction and aids root development. Also will drill into worked ground.

Phone Roger 027 223 0406 Specialists in Farm Waste Turning Waste into Liquid Fertiliser Bulk Liquids Removal & Disposal • CCTV Inspection of Drains High Pressure Water Blasting • Pipe Cleaning & Unblocking Septic & Holding Tank Cleaning • Farm Waste Spreading Grease Trap & Sump Cleaning • Effluent Stirrer Available Hydro Excavation • Farm Effluent Ponds & Sump

We service Mid & South Canterbury, North Otago & Lakes Districts 100% Locally owned & operated

Call Free 0800 155 669 Email: sjallen_timaru@xtra.co.nz www.sjallen.co.nz

August 2013

PASTURE preparation Soil, the priority

ADVERTORIAL

by Calvin Bracken

Very little of what we grow and remove from our land can be produced without soil yet so many take it for granted says Calvin Bracken of Canterbury based Sustainable Soils.

only as a sale rather than being part of a plan, and being very well managed by someone who is focussed on helping achieve better results for the longer term.

be ignored and we carry on regardless and hope for the best.

The thermometer of the soil is the soil test, quality soil analysis is something that should be done annually to determine what nutrients both exist and are lacking and to monitor results to manage future applications of fertilisers, lime and trace minerals. It’s critical soil analysis looks at more than just Ph and NPK.

Most people like to think they are reasonably careful about their diet ie they try and manage it so that health is maintained as best as possible to ensure a good life and standard of living. If the body is abused, undernourished or even overnourished for long enough negative side effects generally result. At this point we have the more urgent option of reviewing what went wrong and determining how best to put it right, alternatively it can

The very same applies to our soil — our greatest asset for which just about everything relies on. So just like our bodies we need to be aware of what goes in and on and what the effects of the soil’s diet will provide us short and long term, ”so many don’t seem to care or are given terrible advice” says Bracken an ex-dairy farmer who understands situations

from both sides of the fence yet has created an awful lot of smiles since operating as a consultant. Bracken and his team step in and step up and offer to pass on knowledge and provide guidance about soil management and studious fertiliser application. He advises that so many farmers are enthused about learning what goes on, in and with soil. Generally it has never been explained and often because fertiliser is treated

Proven Results with Proven Products

Considering the base saturation percentage for calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium is imperative, these elements, and hydrogen, is what make up the Ph factor and they need to be at the correct ratio to each other. Often this is ignored and advised as needless however it is absolutely essential and a very good way to start a better soil management pathway towards improved

Soil Testing & Advice Fertiliser’s | Custom Blending Call us, I’ll prove we can make a difference

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www.sustainablesoils.co.nz

Left to Right, Ashley Seaton , Calvin Bracken and Warrick Seaton standing in their 18 ton swede crop on their farm at Aylesbury

production and health outcomes.

stock

Eco-Logic Soil Improvement) to name a few.

Clients of Sustainable Soils confirm old pastures perform like new, often better, pasture colour is superior with better balanced soil and stock are more content and healthy.

There is a large and growing availability of natural fertilisers on the market to lessen reliance on chemical fertilisers. Natural options encourage and enhance soil biology which promote soil health, humus development, root growth, nutrient management and importantly plant and stock health, these factors can only be good for the consumers who are becoming more and more the driving force in how best practice in agriculture is managed.

Where possible Bracken advises he uses natural fertilisers, like Viafos Guano phosphate which mitigates phosphate nutrient runoff and has very low cadmium unlike chemical phosphates and some RPRs, also ViaMSK, (Mg, K S), DoliZest and CalciZest (from Peter Burton

Ballagh Contracting ltd Windwhistle

Phone Sam 027 279 1344 A/h 03 318 6542 or John 027 432 1988 A/h 03 318 6847 Operating Kverneland reversible plough. HEVA disc-roller with Combi-Tiller, minimum till machine. Great for the working of ex kale or stubble ground. John Deere 750A Direct/Conventional Drill. Also available, 30ft Roller Drill with finishing roller for grass and small seeds.

Sub-soiling and pipe laying also available. Dairy Conversions. Ploughing and Cultivating. 6 furrow reversible plough maxi till with roller behind.

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FORESTRY

August 2013

Trees & Other Stuff

Forestry Market Report

by Andy McCord

Allan Laurie MNZIF Laurie Forestry Ltd

The increasing demand from domestic sawmills reported last month has continued with demand for S grade logs at a point of exceeding supply. Some local mills are struggling to get enough logs, sometimes almost waiting for the next load to arrive. The increase in local lumber prices reported last month appears to have stuck this time. As a consequence we have seen some small lifts in domestic log prices, although certainly not to levels that would prompt cracking a bottle of champagne. Understandably sawmill owners are wanting to hang on to some extra margin to ensure they can keep the wolf from the door. Export prices have held at similar levels this month after a pretty strong bull run over many months. In terms of CIF settlements in the market it is certainly looking like we should be getting prepared to batten down the hatches. Whilst demand in the key China market has been reasonable, Paciﬁc Rim softwood supply has been exceeding that demand for the last two to three months as sellers scramble to capture some very good pricing. Over the next two to three months we can expect usage to continue to decline as Chinese workers slow down in the face of midsummer temperatures. Inventory levels on the eastern seaboard have been rising slowly. Daily log consumption has been running at just over 40,000 cubic metres, about the same as the consumption levels by local processors in New Zealand. However, deliveries have been running at about 60,000 cubic metres per day. It is not hard to imagine the big white gloved hand will be coming out sometime soon to try and slow the log trafﬁc. It is looking like late July/August

CIF settlements will be US$6– 8 per cubic metre down on June sales. The softening Kiwi dollar against the US and small drops in shipping costs have helped to ensure the wharf gate position in NZ remains largely unchanged. Not so I suspect for August deliveries to the ports, with some commentators suggesting there could be another US$4– 6 to come out of the price yet… ouch. Of slightly more worrying concern is the drop in pruned log demand in China or rather substantial over supply compared to demand. Two distressed cargos of pruned logs are on their way to China at present. Distressed means the cargos left NZ without a letter of credit and therefore a confirmed buyer. Of course everyone in the market finds out about this and the buyers start to play cat and mouse with the volume — them being the cat of course and the mouse gets, shall we say, a bit of a bashing. Meanwhile the huge international shipping company STX Pan Ocean announces it is struggling to pay the bills and a range of measures have been put in place. If you read through the bull, this simply means they are looking like the mouse mentioned above after an hour of ‘play’. The company is in hock to the tune of US$3.9 billion, owns 97 vessels, charters another 249 and has 28 new vessels on order. STX Pan Ocean is very strong in the Handysize vessel log trade class including from NZ. It is therefore likely we will see some firming in shipping rates unless others move quickly to take up the slack. It is certainly great to see

SHARPLES LOGGING ltd • Pre-harvest Planning and Configuration. • Timber Sales - Distribution and Roading Logistic’s. • Forest Roading and Skid-site Construction. • Quality Control – Harvesting, Environmental and Cut-over Waste.

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Harvesting & In-Forest Engineering Services in Canterbury

Ph: 03 313 2390 Cell: 027 431 6861

www.sharpleslogging.co.nz

our local mills displaying an air of optimism not seen in the recent past. The earthquake rebuild is looking like gaining momentum with a recent ring around agents nationally, conﬁrming the swing upward is affecting all regions… halleluiah!

Shelterbelt maintenance Without doubt weed control in the initial years of tree growth is essential. When planting woodlots weed control in the first year is a must and in the second year definitely beneficial. After which the established trees can usually outgrow any competing vegetation. And of course after canopy closure all weed competition is smothered out.

Ignoring the issues of the present, long term all international wood ﬁbre supply stats for plantation species continue to point to demand exceeding supply and therefore sustained price ﬁrming.

This of course doesn't happen for shelterbelts as canopy closure doesn't mean much, as most of the active weed growth is around the periphery of the stand. In this case weed control is important for at least three to ﬁve years until the active tree roots can starve the weeds (whether grasses or brushweeds) of valuable moisture.

Thus it is time for many more to now follow suit and it 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!

Once this is achieved weeds will die. But before this if weeds, including rank grasses are allowed to grow actively beside juvenile trees, these trees will suffer both in height and health. Even if they do survive tree height is irregular, and since the

trees sacrifice height for diameter they are ‘whippy’ and prone to topple. About this time last year Brian Kirk (Kirky) of Lake Coleridge Station recognised this problem and decided to do something about it. By completely containing all rank grasses amongst his juvenile shelterbelts he has improved tree health dramatically, and with the present threat of evading grass gone he is confident that tree volume will double over the next few years, and I fully agree. With the strong winds they experience in this part of Canterbury it is imperative that shelterbelt trees are strong, healthy and uniform. Joke Time: An elderly Queensland farmer had quite a big farm. Down in one corner he had a dam on the creek so that his grandkids could go swimming when they visited him. Beside the creek were a few fruit trees which always gave a good crop. It was late in summer and since he hadn't been down there for awhile he thought he would take a bucket and fill it

‘Kirky’ by one of his shelterbelts

up with fruit. On approaching the pool he heard laughing and giggling. As he peered around the corner he noticed a group of young ladies skinny dipping in his pool. So when he arrived he made himself known that he was the owner of the pool. With that the girls all sank up to their necks, informing the old guy that they would not come out unless he left. He informed them that he didn't mind them swimming in his pool at all. While holding up the bucket he mentioned that he had just come down to feed the crocodile!

All you need to know

Laurie Forestry Ltd

Harvesting & Marketing, Consultants & Managers

SUPPLIERS OF FORESTRY SERVICES • Consulting & Management • Valuations • Harvesting & Management • Carbon trade & registering in the ETS Office: Phone 03 359 5000 Fax: 03 359 5099 www.laurieforestry.co.nz Email: admin@laurieforestry.co.nz Unit 3 337 Harewood Road Bishopdale Christchurch 22 Shearman Street Waimate

TREE HUGGER TREE TOPPING SERVICES LTD • Grabs, cuts trunks up to 500mm diameter, and lowers them in a controlled way • Can top to 8m high • Minimise damage to buildings fences, garden etc • Tree & hedge removal • Free quotes Canterbury wide

Phone Peter Whyte 027 426 5595 03 347 4941 www.treehugga.co.nz

(and some things you don’t)

about

FARM FORESTRY

• Woodlot establishment • Aerial pre plant & release application • Aerial boron application • Boron supplies • Herbicide supplies

Andy McCord Resident forestry writer (and joke teller) for Canterbury Farming

Technical Forest Services Ltd 30 Pentecost Road Rangiora e-mail andymccord@xtra.co.nz web site www.techforest.co.nz

Office 03 313 4153 Andy 027 224 3271 Sammi 027 282 7580

Wastewood grinding Your site or ours Wood Chip Supplies Dairy Conversion Cleanup

FARM WHEELS

August 2013

Country Motoring with Ken Strugnell

Deuce — Advantage Hyundai In a game of marketing one upmanship Hyundai have introduced a smaller competitor for its very successful i45 large sedan. Introduced to the NZ market in 2010 the i45 was a radical departure from its predecessor the Sonata. FROM

10,999 ,

It also marked a dramatic change in style and the adoption of an alphanumeric model name.

+GST

TRX420 4W 4WD

Rideaway ideaway

I drove the new 2 litre and 2.4 litre petrol versions at the product press launch in Auckland three years ago and was impressed.

while stocks last

So I took the time recently to drive the latest version back to back with a new diesel i40 sedan, basically a smaller version of the i45. Though is it? Interestingly the 40 is only available as a 1.7 litre turbo diesel and the 45 sips only petrol. So which is best and why? Working with NZ farmers for 40 years

YYear Anniversary

BLUE WING HONDA SINCE 1972

TRX420FM $10,999+GST TRX420FPM $12,599+GST

Rangiora Motorcycles 10 Albert St Ph 03 313 4593 Kevin a/h 027 4361 974 www.rangioramotorcycles.co.nz

Not as easy to split the two as I ﬁrst thought. Price-wise they are similar as they are in interior appointments in several models, so too is the economy factoring in RUC’s for the 40. So for what reason would you buy one over the other?

PURPOSE BUILT FOR RURAL CONDITIONS

New turbo diesel Hyundai i40 Elite is stunningly quick and economical

Both vehicles have many similar appointments 6 speed auto with paddle shift, electric folding and heated exterior mirrors, 4 heated seats, 6 airbags, keyless remote, dual zone air cond. AM FM CD entertainment with iPod USB and Bluetooth. They also share ESP ABS EBD EBA TC and a 5 star ANCAP rating. Hyundai have marketed the i40 as a wagon for a couple of years and we reviewed the petrol 2 litre version when it was released. They also had the same 1.7 litre turbo diesel available that is now the only power plant for the sedan. And it’s a great choice, hard to justify petrol when this diesel is so well suited to the vehicle. Yet here in NZ we have the punitive RUC’s road user charges that penalise and negate the superb economy this 100kW and 320Nm torque engine produces. So I drove the diesel i40 for a day and enjoyed it. The next six days we had it at home proved my ﬁrst assessment and that of Hyundai to opt for the diesel. We averaged 5.8l/100km while Hyundai claim only 6.0l/. Add in the 4.8cents per km and

the combined cost per 100km is only $13.90. (diesel at $1.57).

commonality. Yet there is one feature I loved over the i45.

On the Road

The 40 has an electric park brake. Just a little lever aft of the gear selector. Pull up lightly on it to engage and put your foot on the brake and push down on the lever to release. Easy and very safe for children It cannot be accidentally released and will only do so with the ignition on. The 45 still uses a very old fashioned foot operated park brake.

The diesel really shines with its massive torque propelling up inclines the petrol siblings scrabble down a couple of cogs. I’ve said this before — the driving dynamics of a diesel are so different given its torque that they make direct comparisons with an equivalent petrol difﬁcult save for the fact that the modern turboed diesel is a far more relaxing drive. And that is just what I found. The chassis and suspension are tuned for an engaging ride and communicate well to the driver while effortlessly soaking up road imperfections. Well noised dampened the off seal driving was easy and despite being front wheel driven the electronics hid any oversteer characteristics providing a very neutral vehicle. In common with other diesels in Hyundai’s range the motor is quiet and hard to distinguish as a diesel. Inside the beast. Well it isn’t! In fact it’s hard to tell from any other Hyundai. Such is the attention to detail and

Flexible Flat Deck

cvt

WITH

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$40,000 + GST Kim Harris Mobile 027 545 7973 VISIT

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With room for ﬁve in comfort and a boot capacity of just over 500l the 40 lacks for little and the Elite price of $51,990 makes this economical vehicle a must try on your list if your are in the market for a medium to large sedan. Towing is rated at 1500kg braked

The i45 The i45 in its first facelift and a mild one at that has improved on what was already a very good vehicle. Although a 2 litre 119kW petrol version is available at $42,990 the i40 would be the right direction unless petrol power was mandatory. Quieter more refined and importantly holding its price the 2.4 litre Elite we drove is arguably the pick of the range. The new 18in alloy wheels filling the arches provide a purposeful look. The Hyundai named Fluidic sculpture design is enhanced by the full length panoramic glass roof opening its central panel on Elite and Limited models. I also liked the dual exhaust pipes tipped in chrome making a design statement along with the subtle bobtail spoiler built into the boot lid. That same lid given its squared off look hides a massive 523litres of capacity. In terms of economy we averaged 7.2l/100km(Hyundai claim only 7.9l) meaning our true cost of fuel only was $15.19 (petrol at $2.11. In line with all other Hyundai’s there is no Sat Nav system which I found surprising in a vehicle asking $49,990. However a very good reversing camera is standard on the Elite. Also standard and a

FARM WHEELS

August 2013

both here and overseas and that’s a pity as few will get to experience the quality of ride and driving dynamics they provide. Markedly superior to the popular SUV the i45 is a really satisfying way to enjoy the journey not to just get from A-B. It will tow 1700kg braked and given its interior seat ﬁve in comfort. The beneﬁt of no driveshaft to the rear means the middle passenger will enjoy the journey as well.

2.4 litre Elite Limited i45 is an honest competitor in the big car stakes

great feature is the panoramic roof I mentioned. While it does have a roller blind cover it seems sacreligious to hide the magniﬁcent views it gives while travelling.

to the air of sophistication and luxury in line with Hyundai’s deliberate up marketing of their vehicles over the past decade.

It makes the whole cabin very airy and feels much bigger than its dimensions. Being darkly tinted the roof ‘disappears’ when matched to a grey or black coloured vehicle as was our test car. It also adds

The 148kW petrol motor is nicely matched to this the biggest Hyundai. Where a six cylinder might be considered necessary this well balanced and quietened four does the job with ease.

On the Road

The main beneﬁt being economy for such a large vehicle, it is also a much lighter weight over the front driven wheels giving less diving under braking or lean into corners. This may also explain the lack of the superb 2.2 litre diesel being offered as an option though cost was probably also a consideration. The market for a full sized sedan has been shrinking

I took the 45 from Christchurch through Fairlie and the McKenzie Basin to Omarama down past the Waitaki dams to SH1 and back home. All in a day’s drive it found the legal limit all too easily. I expected a camera ticket as I passed a ‘van’ parked ominously on the side of the road just out of sight rounding a shallow bend. None came which suggests my 109km set on cruise was in fact somewhat slower. Having driven with my 6 in Tom Tom Sat Nav telling me one speed and the Speedo on the car suggesting a higher one I think I was still within the limit — just! The i45 is a very satisfying and well sorted drive though for me I’d take the i40 diesel any day.

Thrill Yourself Don’t Kill Yourself

If you’re reading this, then so are your customers

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming Please call 03 347 2314

or email sales@canfarm.co.nz

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Cnr Main South Rd and Epsom Rd, Sockburn | CHRISTCHURCH | 03 348 4129 or 0800 655 551 Rangiora Service Centre | 78 Ivory St | 03 313 7059 | avoncityford.co.nz Offer available until August 31 2013, while stocks last. 1. Price shown excludes ‘ORC’ (on road costs) based on All-New Focus 2013 Trend Hatch Petrol. Recommended Special Price is not available in conjunction with any other special offers. *World’s best-selling car according to Polk global new vehicle registration data for full-year 2012

Go Further

FARM WHEELS

August 2013

www.jj.co.nz

USED TRACTORS

MF6480T3 Perkins engine, 12 front weights, Belly weight, Datatronic 3 monitor 2,147hrs MF6470 Dynashift transmission, fitted with a Stoll HD30 loader 4,800 hrs MF6465 2,100 hours, c/w loader MF7480 full spec 50 Kph, Climate control. On 14.9 R46 rears and 14.9 R30 fronts. 8,000 hrs MF390 4WD c/w front end loader. 6,473 hrs MF4270 Fitted with MF 876 loader 3,700 hrs VALTRA A95 Fitted with Valtra 930 SL FEL with 3rd service, euro hitch. 1,780 hrs CASE MXU135 Bare tractor, 4 rear remotes, 600/65R38 rears 480/65R28 fronts 5,362 hrs CASE MXU100 Fitted with a Manip s/l loader 4047 hrs JD6530 Premium Fitted with JD 653 front end loader 4,500 hrs JD6520 Premium Fitted with 731 S/L loader 7,382 hrs JD6420 Premium Front axle and cab suspension Fitted with JD 631 FEL 1,753 hrs FIAT 90-90 Fitted with a Fairbrother single crowd ram loader. 8,922 hrs RENAULT 610 Bare tractor, cab suspension, very tidy 6,366 hrs SAME Explorer 80 ROPS, c/w loader, 5,719 hours MCCORMICK XTX 145 Bare tractor, hydraulic cab suspension, full set of weights. 1,784 hrs

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USED BALERS McHale Fusion Series 1 62,000 bales Bale/ wrapper combi MF MB185 3x3 baler 87,700 bales JD 592 MAXI CUT round baler

$55,000 $22,000 $20,000

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JJ Christchurch 36 Hickory Place,Hornby CHCH Ph 03 344 5645 Sales: Nick Wilson 027 498 7044 Maurice Jordon 027 260 7821 Service: Dave Paris 0272 607 822

JJ Ashburton 9a McGregor Lane, Ashburton Ph 03 307 6031 Sales: Terry Gordon 0272 607 820 Bede Prendergast 0277 066 682 Service: Christoph Kalin 0272 607 833

Suzuki Farm Worker

Farm Worker

$16,990

$19,900

$13,990

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FLATDECK incl GST

Avon City Suzuki Epsom Road, Sockburn, Christchurch • 03 341 3490 • Give Geoff a call on 0274 372 790

www.avoncitysuzuki.co.nz

VERSATILE incl GST

DAIRY

August 2013 matter and is the ‘glue’ in the soil that provides good structure as well as storing both moisture and nutrient.

Soil Matters with Peter Burton

The amount of moisture either in rainfall or applied, affects the rate of nutrient lost with more moisture increasing the likelihood of nutrient leaching.

The role of fertiliser in growing A phone call was received recently from a regular reader of our column and he had a number of questions that we will answer as best we can. And although the caller is a successful vege grower the answers to the queries, because the principles of all soil grown crops are the essentially the same, is equally applicable to pastoral farming as to vegetable growing.

However even in high rainfall and irrigated areas the amount of nutrient lost by leaching is minimal when soil is well-structured, biologically active, and humus rich.

However to optimise the growth of higher fertility species such as nutritious vegetables and clover based pastures fertiliser is required. All plants grow best with regular applications of natural material such as blood and bone, ﬁsh and/ or seaweed, and quality compost. Quality growth follows provided the soil is dark, deep and friable. The application of sufﬁcient of these materials to grazing properties is usually neither practicable nor cost effective, so the essential major elements of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), K (potassium), and S (sulphur) are applied

Should bare soil be covered? Ideally, always! Bare areas of soil are steadily losing moisture and carbon. In gardens a covering of weed free straw or clippings will help build humus. On farm when the nutrient status, biology, and physical soil structures are ideal vigorous grass and clover plants cover the entire surface. For further information, please call Peter on 0800 843 809.

Ground Supplies Try us for your compost/mulch requirements We deliver to all areas, or available ex yard

The ﬁrst question was, ‘what is the role of fertiliser applied to soil?’ Due to New Zealand’s relatively benign climate, the fact that most nutrients come direct from the atmosphere, and our soils are calcium rich, plants and trees grow readily without the addition of ‘fertiliser’.

• Composts • Bark/Wood chip • Ground cover mulch in a more concentrated and easily spread form.

optimum growth of the next crop.

How much of each is required can be formulated from a basic soil test carried out by a reputable testing laboratory. Because the cost is relatively low a soil test is recommended even for the home vegetable grower.

How long does fertiliser last in the soil?

All good garden outlets sell general purpose garden fertiliser and a little mixed in when digging in the compost will help ensure

Water soluble NPK nutrients only remain water soluble for a very short period after application, possibly only a day or two. For nutrients to enter a plant they must be worked on by beneﬁcial soil biology, so the requirement to feed the soil with natural materials is essential.

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How quickly does nutrient leach from the soil? There are a number of factors however the most important is the amount of humus in the soil. Humus is the result of the biological breakdown of organic

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DAIRY

August 2013

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

Hoof Print with Fred Hoekstra

Are you ready for the new season? When it comes to being organised with staff and machinery you probably are, but what about lameness? Or, are you like many who believe they won’t get lame cows this year? It is a bit like a new year’s resolution.

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I guess it is understandable that people have every intention of doing their best in keeping this stock afﬂiction down, but how are they going to achieve it? It is not going to happen automatically. You require a strategy, but in order to have a strategy you need a good understanding of the contributing factors of the condition. I have written many articles about these factors and I will continue to do so, but what are you going to do when you do end up with lame cows — and you will get them. How many do you need before

you consider it a problem? Would you consider five cows in your lameness herd throughout the season a problem? I know that many farmers would be more than happy if they only had five throughout the season. Let’s break it down. If you have a milking season of 40 weeks and if cows are lame on an average of four weeks then you will have about 50 lame cows that season because you replace the five affected cows every four weeks, so, over 40 weeks you replace them 10 times. How much does a lame cow cost you?

That also depends on who you talk to. Some people say $50 and some people say a $1,000. A few

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years ago we sent out a questionnaire to 300 dairy farmers. With the answers that farmers were coming back with, we worked out that the average cost per lame cow in Canterbury was around $1,200. That may seem very high but if you have a cow that is not in calf because of lameness then you have to replace that empty cow with a cow that is in calf. That in itself would cost you over $1,000 without the treatment cost or loss of production cost added on. Then there are also plenty of cows that need to be culled because of lameness even though they are in calf. So I think you should work with a cost on average of $500 per lame cow. That is possibly still on the conservative side, but in our example of 50 lame cows during the season you have a cost of $25,000. I don’t know about you but there are many good things that I could do with $25,000! In my travels I come across many farmers who haven’t thought about the cost too much. I am just trying to put things into perspective. There are plenty of new milking sheds being built that have no facilities to trim cows. Some people seem to ﬁnd it hard to justify buying a crush or doing a hoof trimming course because they don’t have many lame cows. You don’t need many lame cows to have a problem that costs you lots of money, let alone considering the animal welfare costs.

DAIRY

August 2013

Copper in soil, animals and plants by Dr Tim Jenkins

sheds ‘n shelters

Molybdenum is a vital trace element for enzymes in nitrogen fixation in microorganisms (including the rhizobia bacteria in legume nodules), and nitrogen metabolism and a range of other functions in many micro-organisms and all plants and animals. Certain crops are more commonly limited by low molybdenum levels — these include cauliflower, brassicas generally, lettuce, onion, beets, carrots, parsnips and citrus. Deficiency symptoms can include low nitrogen levels and nitrogen deficiency yellowing as well as cupping of leaves. Total molybdenum contents in soil can vary widely between soil types with a range of 0.2 to around 2.5 ppm being typically seen in New Zealand soils. Availability of the molybdenum is greatly affected by soil pH with acid soils having greater ‘lock-up’ of the element by adsorption onto soil minerals. With a higher soil pH eg through liming, availability of molybdenum can improve. Plants need hardly any molybdenum and can generally tolerate very high molybdenum before showing toxicity. The problem with molybdenum toxicity in livestock however, is

well known (and humans need to take care in handling the element — the dust is hazardous too). High molybdenum uptake can easily antagonise copper uptake inducing acute copper deficiency in livestock. In most pastures therefore, it is probably safer to try to address molybdenum with bulk liming to bring the pH up to a good level say around 6.0 to 6.2. Fortunately the lime also contains some steadily released molybdenum too. In some cases, liming is not sufficient and there can be marvellous responses in clover growth to 10 grams per hectare (one off annually for five years) of sodium molybdate being sprayed on. Note the small amount — that’s all the nitrogen fixing rhizobium bacteria need to get a boost in their activities. (Note if applying in solid fertiliser form, the recommended rate would be around 50 grams per hectare).

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Fertiliser reps could assess the potential response to molybdenum by spraying a test strip of 1.5 m by 20 m with 0.4 grams of sodium molybdate dissolved in at least two litres of water. A positive response would include a marked increase in clover levels probably within the next growing season. White clover only herbage tests around early November can be a good indication of whether a pasture might beneﬁt from extra molybdenum. Take extreme caution with any livestock paddock scale spraying with sodium molybdate. In almost every

case, this would be as part of a larger blend of elements. You should be certain of the amount involved and that the blend is evenly mixed. Do not graze the treated area for the next three weeks to allow the molybdenum to be biologically incorporated and at least partly transferred to the crown and roots of the plant. Spraying onto non-grazed crops can be at rates more like 20 to 150 grams per hectare to assist some of the more molybdenum deﬁciency prone crops. A decision to apply, and at what rate, can be assisted with a foliage test. Solid fertilisers can also be fortiﬁed with molybdenum.

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DAIRY

August 2013

ADVERTORIAL

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Current methods of heat detection rely heavily on staff knowledge to spot the signs of heat — a very manual and labour intensive process filled with risk. Even with high levels of observation,

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skill and knowledge, many heats are missed or AB straws wasted on cows wrongly identified as ready. Tru-Test Group Product Manager Shane Dooley says whilst there are support devices such as heat mount detectors available, automation enables farmers to gain huge benefits in labour efficiencies and greater heat detection accuracy. “This was the main driver for Tru-Test in developing the MilkHub Heat Detection system,” he says. “Using proven infra red overhead scanning technology (MilkHub Heat Scanner) and New Zealand designed and manufactured self adhesive reflective patches (MilkHub Heat Detectors), the system improves on the benefits of using heat mount detectors by minimising

the requirement for visual assessment during milking. “Pressure from a mounting animal reveals a highly reflective layer. Whilst still visually detectable, when a cow walks under the MilkHub Heat Scanner the infra red beam detects the extent the patch has been rubbed and indicates whether the cow needs to be checked or AB’d by a flashing light and audible beep,” Dooley explains. The Milkhub Heat Scanner can also be integrated into the MilkHub Rotary system enabling automatic drafting of cows on heat. “Staff don’t need to do a thing — cows that are on heat will be automatically detected and drafted and waiting in a pen after leaving the shed.

“In addition the drafting data will be automatically captured in the MiHub Online Management tool providing a record of cow EID, heat detection timings and date, allowing closer management of breeding programmes.” Whilst it is important to remember that all heat detection technologies still need to be used in conjunction with visual observation of recognised standing heat signs in cows and best practice, the MilkHub Heat Detection system, through automation, offers a steep change in reducing labour costs, risk of missing heat, and empty rates and increasing the likelihood of achieving tight calving patterns. The system is suitable for herringbone and rotary operations.

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DAIRY

A dog’s tail…

Greetin’s readas, an’ she’s bin a rolla coasta ride here opna propitty this past weak or so, wiv Boss fare nashin’ his teeth an’ whalin’. Least that’s wot Mum an’ Sharlene reckin.

wiv a lotta twins, his sell fone rang. It wuz Sharlene, an she must bin bluddy upsit becose Boss startid off back ta tha homestead at a fare old clip too.

Reasin Boss is so upsit is not ‘cos that Purry Weaper got kickt offa Orl Black teem ( well, Boss sed he wus kickt off, ana TV fella sed he wus dropt off. I dunno, but kicked or dropt, that Purry musta not kipt his eye ona ball, eh?) But anyway, that wuz tha ferst thing to get tha Boss goin’. An’ then, wile we wuz doin’ tha lambin’ beet, y’no, rite up the back ofa farm, wear Boss sez we got bluddy good percintage,

Well, we got ta tha house, an’ Boss an’ Sharlene had big hug. Mum wus there too, an’ they orl gathid around tha wireliss in kitchen. Then Mum come out and chucked Sophy’s

Making farming more simple

milk powda in rubish tin! (Sophy’s Boss an Sharlene’s ankil bita wot was born ina ortumn.) I’m wayting for her ta grow up a bit ta have a play an’ that. But is they chuck her dinna away like that, I goitta wunder! Well readas, later on, Boss an’ me wuz havin’ smoko ona steps ofa woolshed. There was me, Boss ana sharemilker, yung Justun. “Turned out that Fonterror dropped the bluddy ball, an’ stuffed up a bach of milk powda,” seda Boss. Sharlene an’ Mum an’ there mates is orl ina pinick. Fonterror can’t seem ta make up ther minds wots wot.

The manufacturing business Attitude Buddy, is a division of Attitude Switchboards. Attitude is a forward thinking company that is one step ahead of the game in making farming a lot more simple.

With their environmentally friendly products they are leading the way with monitoring and control solutions and are distributing to dealers throughout New Zealand and Australia. Because the regulations for the dairy sector are continuously changing for environmental reasons, at

• • • • •

About footy an’ Fonterror I trotted along behind an’ lissined wile Boss kept talkin’ ona fone. He musta got threw ta his share-milka, cos thay startid torking about Fonterror. Thas the cumpany that send’s tha big blu an’ wite tanker down ta Boss’s deary block ta get tha cows milk evry day.

Phil and Janine Finnie own a family based business — they have been involved in the dairy industry for over 20 years. Working alongside them are their children Damian and Nikita who are both fully qualified electricians. They also have the backing of a strong workforce who are an integral part of making this a go ahead business.

August 2013

Attitude they have kept updating and inventing new products that are compatible and within the guidelines. Their patented Premier Effluent Failsafe system the Gator Buddy and the Pod Buddy whose job it is to control application rates are good examples of this. Also available is the Vat Buddy which monitors the temperature level of the milk vat and alerts anyone of faults. In conjunction with this is the Buddy Data which is a complete system to control all aspects of your farm bringing all the data to one place on your shed or house computer. Attitude has many more brilliant Buddy Products covering all types of industries in the agriculture sector.

It’s probly gunna play mirry hill wiv milk pricis too. Yung Justun reckin’s he mite give up milkin cows an’ try a new bizniss. She’s a wurry.” Well readas, tha Fonterror tale is still goin’ on as a write me kolum. But theirs a brite lit ona end ofa tunnil (leest that’s wot Boss is sayin’.) Ya see Dog. It’s not orl doom in gloom. Tha ITM footy gunna start rill soon ona widescreen TV. Got Countees Mannercow playin’ Wullingtin ta start off. So I rekmin it’s time ta get sum wood cut fer tha wollshed potbelly stove an get ina few beers. Blimmin’ good think we gotta good cropper lambs ta keep tha bank manijer happy. Sharlene’s gotta new

tin of tucka fer Soph, an’ Coro Street ona house TV. Life goes on eh?” Gotta han’ it too tha Boss.

Cool carm an’ collictid. At footy time. Cheers Billy

WEEK

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DAIRY

August 2013

Be my Guest

Bill Guest, Farmers of New Zealand Membership Services: 09 439 5219 09 430 3758 Email: newzealandfarmers@xtra.co.nz

Dairy farming — a permitted activity? 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 HARBOURS NO BACTERIA SO CAN HELP IMPROVE HOOF CONDITION Waikari Lime Rubble is lighter and goes further than competing lane rock products

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Many New Zealand dairy farmers have made strenuous efforts to upgrade dairy farm infrastructure, in particular dairy effluent disposal systems, in the last three or four years, and are now looking forward to recovering some of the costs incurred. Wi t h F o n t e r r a ’s announced milk payout forecast of $7.00 per kilogramme of milk solids, there is still a risk I believe that due to a small number of non-compliant farmers, dairy farming may no longer be a permitted activity, but become a discretionary activity throughout the New Zealand dairy industry. Some of these noncompliant farmers continually receive abatement notices due to untreated effluent being discharged to water and inadequate management

e.g. broken or blocked pipes, sump overﬂows and lack of irrigator/pump maintenance. Last week at the Northland Effluent Improvement Project meeting attended by the Northland Regional Council, Fonterra, Dairy NZ, Farmers ofNew Zealand and other farming lobby groups, the message was very clear, the dairy industry aim is full compliance. Fonterra and Dairy NZ will be introducing new codes of practice to meet the Food Safety & Health Act, effluent monitors,

provide training courses, introduction of warrant of fitness programmes, nutrient budgets, soil profile reports, sustainable milk plans to ensure full compliance. This will be nationwide. Fonterra’s definition of waterways is any drain or stream that permanently contains water 12 months of the year. This simply means keep all untreated effluent out of surface and groundwater, keep land applied effluent nutrients in the root zone to capture the nutrient and economic value, ensure all effluent systems are compliant 365 days of the year. It is my view that if these minority of non-compliant dairy farmers consistently don’t make an effort to meet the industry goals, they will run the risk of not having Fonterra’s Volvo and Scania tankers coming on to their farms to pick up their milk. They will not only become a casualty of their own making, but also cause their fellow dairy farmers to incur even more compliance costs and environmental rules. In Northland there have been approximately 30 non-compliant farmers who annually, continue to fail to comply. The Chairman of the Northland Regional Council last week said that he did not

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want the Regional Council to become the enforcement agency for Fonterra, that as long as the farmers met the Council’s requirements, it was up to Fonterra to enforce their own rules. Chairman Craig Brown said that the Regional Council is making every effort to sort out the issue of non-compliance, but Northland faced different problems to many other parts of the country, due to high rainfall, soil types and topography. There needed to be a collaborative approach to this effluent issue between the Regional Council and Fonterra. Farmers of New Zealand employment agreements warn farmers and employees that where the Dairy Farm Manager is responsible under the terms of the employment agreement to ensure that the effluent system is maintained and operated correctly. The Environment Court has stated in a recent Court case, that dairy farm managers could be held legally responsible and be liable to prosecution for unlawful effluent spillages and any other legal action resulting from any breaches of the farm resource consent conditions, pertaining to the effluent system, resulting in substantial fines.

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August 2013

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

Wool market remains healthy The first few weeks of the new wool selling season showed that the market is currently in good health, reflecting limited wool supply and a relatively empty pipeline from farm to end market. With reasonably favourable weather conditions experienced during July, shearers were up with the play by early August after being in ‘catch-up’ mode in late June, wool flows into stores were steady and wool quality was very good. Traditional pre-lamb shorn clips, especially from Otago and Southland but also a number from the Canterbury region did not appear to have been too adversely affected by the June snow falls, many looked to have clipped good ‘perhead’ weights and, generally, yield tests were higher than normal. The majority of wool on offer was very well grown and displayed good washing colour, allowing the exporting fraternity complete confidence when making their purchasing decisions. All South Island auctions held during July and into midAugust drew wide spread support from manufacturers across the globe with prices remaining firm, when compared to those ruling at the close of the 2012/13 season at the end of June, despite an also firm Kiwi dollar, and high percentage clearances of the vast range of types on offer was achieved. PGG Wrightson auctioneers were extremely pleased with the results of

the early season auctions considering the range of types offered within their catalogues which included a few Merino lots at each sale, a good range of Halfbred and Corriedale types, plus a very good line up of top quality pre-lamb shorn Crossbred and Perendale types, both full-length fleece and second-shear. All wool types met with enthusiasm from the full bench of buyers present at each auction with a new buyer, introduced through PGG Wrightson, showing interest in some of the early season Merino wools. Oddment types, across the board, continued to sell at levels almost right up to fleece price in many cases and were often quoted as ‘extreme’ by market observers. As we look towards the main part of the wool season, it is difficult to imagine that prices will slump to any major degree due in the main to wool quantities being limited as the national sheep flock continues to diminish. Demand is currently definitely outweighing supply, which augers well for wool growers, with the main influencing factors likely to be currency fluctuation and wool quality, however, and as earlier mentioned, the strong Kiwi dollar has not had any major effect on pricing

this season to date, and it’s interesting to note, that when comparing the Kiwi dollar and the New Zealand wool price over a period of years, there has been little to suggest any significant correlation. Most wool price market movements appear simply dependent on the demand vs supply equation and, whilst some pundits may not enjoy such comment, that is an unfortunate but true reflection of the nature of the commodity called wool. I have often remarked about wool quality and preparation standards and while both are extremely important to ensure full value is obtained, the current situation with many wool types testing significantly higher for yield (yield = clean wool once impurities are removed) than perhaps is normal, is worthy of note, particularly for those growers who may consider selling their wool at the farm gate with no test data. Based on the strength of current market pricing, PGG Wrightson has a range of fixed price forward contracts available, backed up by mainly European manufacturers, at attractive clean prices providing income assurance (subject to meeting contract specification) for a portion of your future wool clip. That’s my view.

Fourth national honour

by Sally Mallinson, CSDTA Publicity Officer

Qualified canines from all over the country made the pilgrimage to the North Island and New Zealand Dog Trial Championships at Taupo, the last week of May. Held on the Tutukau Trust property some twenty minutes from the resort town of Taupo, it was a very well run championship and a credit to the Waikato Centre, their championship committee, the Tutukau Trust staff and the Taupo Club. The weather was good all week and the competition keen. As the week progressed, Canterbury competitors spent some time on the coveted TUX Leaderboard but at the end of the week only three competitors from Canterbury secured their North Island placings and the chance to run off for that coveted ‘green tie’. In the Zig-Zag Hunt, a particularly difficult course with difficult sheep, Steve Kerr and Dodge from Fairlie — the only South Islanders in the event, placed 5th in the North Island and went on to place 4th in the New Zealand final. Dodge had, some two weeks earlier taken the South Island Straight Hunt title at Meadowbank, Blenheim. The Short Head and Yard, another difficult wee course was judged by our very own Andy Clark from ‘rural’ Christchurch. Two seasoned campaigners, Mark Copland with Skip and Stu Millar with Rose finished 7th and 3rd respectively in the North Island placings. Mark, with difficult sheep to contend with was unable to get them locked in the box before time and placed 7th in the New Zealand final. Stu and Rose however, had the best run off run by four points which earned them the New Zealand title and the ‘green tie’. This takes Stu to his fourth National Title in his relatively young career. Stu and Rose finished the club trial season in Canterbury as second highest header with 29 Canterbury points. Following the finals and just to put the icing on the cake, Stu was named as captain of the test team to compete against the Australian team in the Trans Tasman Test Series at Ashburton Show, late October this year. The other members of that team are Graeme Dickie from Otago,

Photo: Lorena Crombie

Fourth New Zealand Title: Stu Millar and Rose, winners of New Zealand Short Head and Yard in Taupo

Murray Child from Northland and Steve Murphy from Taranaki. Mark Copland has been named as reserve. Well done to Stu, Steve and Mark for their Island and New Zealand placings. Within the Canterbury Centre alone this dog trial season, there were 38 Heading dogs with five qualification points or better, and 51 Huntaways with five points or better. A certain testament to the fact that we are a very strong centre in this addictive sport of dog trialling.

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Helping grow the country

August 2013

Livestock

A celebration of Angus proportions 2013 is shaping up as the year of the Angus. Not only is New Zealand celebrating the 150-year anniversary of the introduction of this majestic beef breed onto our shores, but in October we will host hundreds of local and international Angus breeders at the PGG Wrightson World Angus Forum 2013 in Rotorua. “What better way to celebrate 150 years since Angus cattle were ﬁrst introduced here, and to acknowledge how Angus has become such an integral part of cattle farming

in this country,” says Tim Brittain, chairman of the Forum organising committee. “The Forum is an opportunity to showcase our unique grass-fed systems, leading-edge breeding

and genetics, and the emphasis we place on sustainability and animal welfare.” Tim Brittain says the Forum will celebrate the success of the Angus breed in

this country, with the ﬁrst cattle being introduced in 1863 from Scotland. Since then, Angus has become the largest beef breed in New Zealand and also holds a dominant position in retail beef sales and restaurant meals. “Even the McDonald’s fast food chain has joined the trend, developing and promoting a highly successful gourmet Angus burger range,” Tim Brittain says. Spanning a two week period from October 6 to October 21, the Forum event will encompass the Forum Business programme, an international youth programme and the unique 150-year celebration dinner in Rotorua.

very special Grass fed Angus cattle

In addition, Forum delegates can join the pre and post forum tours in the South and North Islands, visiting some of the country’s top Angus studs and enjoying our unique brand of Kiwi hospitality. The heart of the Forum event, the

Tim Brittain, Chairman of the Forum organising committee

business programme, will run from October 13 to 16 at the Rotorua Energy Event Centre. The programme comprises an array of local and international experts and will focus on New Zealand’s unique grass-fed systems and

leading-edge Angus breeding and genetics. If you are interested in being involved in any aspect of the PGG Wrightson World Angus Forum 2013, visit www.worldangus.com for more information.

Angus Event

Join with us in celebrating 150 years since the introduction of the majestic Angus breed into New Zealand. On Tuesday 15th October, as part of the PGG Wrightson World Angus Forum 2013, a unique event will take place.

Date: Venue: Time: Price:

Tuesday 15th October 2013 Energy Event Centre, Rotorua 6pm - midnight $195 incl. GST per ticket

Tickets:

Please contact: Claire Flaxton World Angus Forum Management Office Email: registration@worldangus.com Ph: 07 838 1098

The 150-year Celebration Dinner will commemorate the arrival of Angus cattle onto New Zealand shores. The evening will be steeped in New Zealand history, bringing back special memories of the beginning of Angus cattle in this country.

Purchase of Corporate Tables: Price:

Dramatic and breathtaking entertainment will mark the occasion, complemented by beautifully prepared cuisine and delicious New Zealand wines.

$1,950 incl. GST per table (10 tickets) Please contact the World Angus Forum Management Office (details above) for a booking form.

We welcome you to join us for this truly memorable occasion.

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August 2013

Livestock Rob Cope-Williams gets ...

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“I hear what you say” It isn’t because I have just procured a set of hearing aids from Triton Hearing and that I can now hear things that I had forgotten existed like bird songs, and conversations, but I seem to be hearing other things more clearly.

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