Canterbury Farming, December 2013 by Integrity Community Media

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

December 2013

INSIDE Tectra’s shearing training role not under threat A new Page 4

generation for a fabled sport

Page 10

What exactly is Agresearch up to? A few straight answers please! Page 23

by Hugh de Lacy

Shearing industry training provider Tectra is not about to be kicked into touch by the newly-formed Primary Industry Training Organisation (ITO), Shearing Contractors Association president Barry Pullin says. Privately-owned Tectra was until recently unique among ITOs economy-wide in that it both organised and delivered shearing and wool-handling training, a situation it inherited with the demise of the Wool Board a decade ago. Farmers’ subsequently voted to abolish the compulsory wool levy, which used to be collected by the Wool Board for a range of industry-good purposes that included the WoolPro woolharvesting training programme. Tectra, which was formed in 2004 and is jointly owned by three people with training provision expertise, stepped into the vacuum left by WoolPro, becoming the sole recipient of Government funding as both ITO and contracted training provider.

Christmas at a pioneer farm

Although the statutory environment for the provision of training is supposed to be a competitive one, Tectra in effect held a monopoly.

But from next month the expanded Primary ITO, which covers industry training up to the point of sale for all the farming industries, will take over the organisation of the wool-harvesting training sector, with Tectra reverting to the role

Canterbury Farming 03 347 2314

of contracted training provider at least for the practical on-thejob skills training. The ITO will separately organise and contract out the off-the-job training. Canterbury Farming understands the changes have caused alarm in the shearing industry among those who thought Tectra was being dumped in favour of some new training provider, or none at all. But Pullin, whose shearing contracting business is based near Rolleston, said such fears were unfounded. “The contract for the delivery of training for 2014 is a rollover to Tectra of Levels Two, Three and Four of shearing and wool-handling training. “The ITO and Tectra agree they both need each other. Tectra has said, ‘Yes, we need to work for the ITO,’ and the ITO has said, ‘Yes, Tectra has a major role to play’ — which is great for the Shearing Contractors Association,” Pullin told Canterbury Farming. “What is changing is that wool-harvesting used to be the only industry in the country where the training and the service support of the trainees was handled by the

training provider. Now with [the formation of the] Primary ITO they’ve said, ‘Let’s take the opportunity and bring this all back so everyone’s the same’. “There’s a lot of people out there who still believe that Tectra is the Wool Board, but it’s not the Wool Board and it’s not Meat and Wool New Zealand — they’re both dead and gone.” However there remained “a lot of confusion and misinformation out there”, especially about the separate on-job and off-job training provision. For the time being Tectra will provide the on-job training — the physical and technical aspects of shearing the sheep and handling the wool — though it is possible it will face competition in the future to secure the contract from the Primary ITO. “The change in the delivery of training is that some of the soft skills — the likes of nutrition and hydration — are going to be accessed off the job by the Primary ITO through the Work Record Card and the like.” Pullin said the Government had decided there were too many ITOs in the wider industrial

sector, and had required many of them to merge. “So the Primary ITO was rationalised to cover everything from wool-harvesting to sheep and beef, dairying, arable and horticulture. “The Primary ITO has now got very large, including even horse-related skills and everything else.” He said that while the Shearing Contractors Association supported the changes, it still had some concerns about how the woolharvesting sector would be serviced by the new body.

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However there were already pilot schemes under way to try different forms of training service delivery from Tectra’s established ones. “Some people don’t like and don’t learn under the prescriptive Tectra way, so there have been some pilots where the learning has been totally on-the-job, and they have proved to be successful in their limited fashion. “What we’re moving to is a competitive model — not a monopoly by Tectra — where there is flexibility for people to learn in different ways,” Pullin said.

December 2013

Helping farmers make the transition from battery cages by Kate Wilkinson MP Waimakariri

New Zealand is committed to humane farming practices while ensuring that the costs of food production — and the costs at the end of the line to our New Zealand families — are kept affordable. In December 2012 Government announced a new code of welfare for layer hens that will set the

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even new buildings will have to be constructed to meet new space requirements. The possibility that the transition could cause disruptions to the pricing and availability of eggs, which are a staple and important source of protein to lower-income families, was identified. Farmers will need time to make decisions, raise capital, perhaps purchase land and

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get consents for new sheds or new farms. If just one major operator is unable to remain in production during the transition because of consent issues, prices could be affected. An independent review found there was insufficient time for farmers to do this before the early transition milestones. Following advice from the National Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), amendments were made to the Layer Hens Code of Welfare 2012 to avoid potential problems with pricing and availability. The final date of 2022 for all layer hens to be out of battery cages remains unchanged but the amendment alters the transition dates by two years. Cages installed before 31 December 1999 must now be replaced by 31 December 2018 (previously 2016) and cages installed before 31 December 2001 must now be replaced by 31 December 2020 (previously 2018).

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As a result of the amendment, farmers will have more time to make the transition and there will be less disruption to the egg industry. At the end of each year, the Egg Producers Federation will report to the Minister for Primary Industries on the progress the industry is making towards phasing out battery cages and this information will be made public. I know some farmers will be concerned that alternative hen housing systems are less productive than battery cage systems and have higher running costs. Government has identified that there could be a long-run increase in the price of eggs of between 10 and 14 per cent. However, the higher welfare outcomes that will be obtained will benefit not only the industry but New Zealand as a country of export. International practices are aligning themselves towards humane and better welfare farming practices and today’s consumers are demanding no less.

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

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December 2013

Country Matters

From the Minister

with Rob Cope-Williams

Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

Trade deals helping to drive our economy There has been good news for our exporters in the last couple of weeks as two important markets have expanded their access to New Zealand. On December 1 our economic agreement with Chinese Taipei came into effect, immediately wiping off tariffs on milk powder, cheese, butter, apple, cherry and wine exports. This will mean tariff savings of nearly $40 million on current trade, and will increase to at least $75 million over the next 12 years. Tariffs on beef will be eliminated in two years, and tariffs on kiwifruit in three. In four years, sheep, honey and most fish product tariffs will be eliminated and 99% of New Zealand trade to Chinese Taipei will be tariff-free. Chinese Taipei is our 6th largest market for agricultural products and our 11th largest overall export market. It has a population of $23 million and is a prosperous country with an appetite for high quality New Zealand products. This month we’ve also announced access for New Zealand meat exports to enter Peru. Peruvian authority SENASA has approved the listing of all New Zealand exporters currently interested in exporting beef, sheep meat and offal into the country.

our exporters is a major priority. This is why we also have free trade negotiations underway with South Korea, India and Russia. As I write this, negotiations on the Trans Pacific Partnership are progressing. This involves very important markets such as the United States and Japan, and could have major benefits to New Zealand. Our terms of trade are now at a 40-year high, thanks to the primary industries — dairy, meat, horticulture, fisheries, forestry and viticulture. The OECD is now predicting New Zealand will be among the strongest developed economies in the world next year with 3.6% growth. Westpac are predicting growth close to 4%, and unemployment has fallen to 6.2%. The regions are leading the economic recovery. Year-on-year economic growth accelerated in 12 of the 13 regions, with overall growth the strongest reported since December 2004. Business and consumer confidence is booming and the Government books are likely to be back in surplus next year, which many other countries around the world can only dream about.

This is great news for the meat industry, giving them access to a market with a value of at least US$19 million.

All of this is a huge achievement given what we faced five years ago with a global recession, rising debt and the devastating Canterbury earthquakes.

Latin America is a fast growing region with major potential for more trade growth, which is why I’ve made two visits to the region this year. Opening up new markets for

I’m proud that we have come through these challenges in such good shape. The hard work of our farmers continues to be the backbone of our economy.

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Christmas time again Everyone seems to agree that every year Christmas seems to come around faster than ever before. We have just dusted off one, and there’s another one staring us in the face.

that there were no discussions needed. The money was needed and it was there. In the case of irrigators, it was replacement value and that is as simple as that. Well done VERO.

But it does give us a moment to reflect on what happened during the blur-like year that has gone and wonder what is likely to happen in the coming blur.

Farmers and their well being are a major concern for many people. On my programme I talk to a lot with people about supporting others in the district. Noting if a neighbour has changed his or her usual practises such as not coming to local events or just going very quiet can mean there’s help and support needed. The message is always the same — either call and talk with them yourself, or ring one of the support groups who know exactly how to help them. Sadly however, there aren’t always signs for people to see.

2013 was, for most, a year to forget. Snow we can handle, but those winds that caused havoc and destroyed more than 800 irrigators and the prospects for the coming season, we can certainly do without. It’s interesting that while the winds were news for the nation to look at for a few days, the media quickly moved on and left the financial dramas and the financial burden of the clean up for the farmers to handle in their own isolated basis. Those facing thousands of trees that were blown over and needed to be ‘dealt’ with, was horrific. The fact that it also meant a huge line through their budgets for future income is another thing. The clean up all over the region continues to happen and will need to for a long time yet. Just how farmers are expected to budget for new fencing, contractors, and replacement of shelter plus repairs too, or new equipment has me lost. In my estimation they can’t. I know that VERO, for example, moved faster than the storm itself to ensure that claims were met as soon as they were received and

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So putting 2013 behind us, let’s take a look at some positives for 2014 to deliver. The spring has been very kind to most. Prices are still holding off the value of the dollar to a degree. Irrigation schemes are going ahead and the Government is still behind ensuring more will happen. While we won’t talk about cricket, the All Blacks finished 2013 on a high, and face another great year in 2014. People are getting more and more into eating our produce and we are learning that presentation is paramount and it is working well as we swing to value added and niche markets. We have a brand new year in front of us and let’s grab it with both hands.

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December 2013

by Andy Bryenton

A NEW GENERATION FOR A FABLED SPORT

Harness racing is a sport with a storied past in New Zealand — and in the South Island in particular.

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From the very first harness races here in the 1860s, through to the first official trotting race, held in Canterbury in 1875 (with the princely sum of ten pounds as the stake) and into the present day, the spectacle of horsemanship and skill in competition has proven wildly popular. We’ve produced our share of champions as well. Drive into the small town of Mataura, near Gore, and a sign still proclaims this as the birthplace of the great Cardigan Bay, the world’s first million-dollar winning standardbred racehorse. While breeders and trackside pundits all have their own theories and opinions on what produces a truly great horse (even one of Cardigan Bay’s stature), the process of becoming a driver in harness

Intermediate Cadet of the Year Kimberley Butt receives her trophy — carrying on a proud family tradition

racing is one which demands exceptional commitment, and the development of a huge range of skills. Few other sports expect more of their upcoming generation, but the rewards of a career in harness racing and the allure of its unique challenge draw many young hopefuls each year. To help them achieve their potential, Harness Racing New Zealand have partnered up with Primary Industry Training

Organisation and the NZQA, developing a programme which aims to produce worldclass drivers, trainers and stable hands. Indeed, without the support of a huge range of industry participators, the cadet programme would not be able to operate. The first step on this path is to complete the extensive eighteen-month Level 3

National Certificate in Equine (stable procedures). Those who work with horses know that they are rewarding but demanding of time and care, so it should come as no surprise that this course covers a wide range of disciplines, from anatomy and physiology through to grooming and nutrition — even aspects of equine psychology, workplace organisation and safe procedures for transportation.

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Not Just Dairy Lanes The graduating class of 2013 — ready to apply their new skills and experience to a career in one of New Zealand’s favourite sports

By module four of this course skills such as banking and financial management, shoeing and hoof care, and the rules of harness racing are taught side by side. After this comprehensive regime, a young person entering the sport is qualified to become a junior driver or trainer, going on to the guidance and mentorship of older hands in the sport. An even more specific and detailed level four National Certificate in Equine (harness racing) is then required to further hone and fettle skills both mental and physical — from a course in facing scrutiny in media interviews through to a full veterinary dissection of equine physiology, and of course the established rules, regulations and judicial processes of the sport itself. Much is made in the news of the grit and determination of our young future All Blacks, Silver Ferns and Olympic hopefuls. But the early mornings, long hours, academic acuity and perseverance displayed by budding harness racing cadets might very well top them all. Through all this training and study it’s the love of horses and the thrill of competition which drives and inspires. From the musterer in the hills to the ponyclub show jumper, anyone who works closely with horses will be able to explain the emotional bond with these animals, and in harness racing the synergy between horse and trainer, or horse and driver, must be close indeed to secure victory.

Each year Harness Racing New Zealand awards young harness racing cadets who have shown exemplary skill or ability across a variety of fields within the sport. This year’s prizegiving in Canterbury was no exception, with a crop of future stars receiving accolades for their achievements. Graduate of the Year Scott Stewart has won a scholarship to Australia for further work experience, having worked closely with top harness racing names such as Cran Dalgety, Mark Jones and Mark Purdon. With six wins to his name already, Scott is off to a flying start. Intermediate Cadet of the Year Kimberley Butt comes from a harness racing family, with her father Anthony and grandfather Murray also known as pillars of the sport.

Kim also won the prestigious Wayne Francis Memorial Trophy for leadership, and is expected to graduate next year with honours. J. S. Dalgety Trophy winner Jeremy Anderson was commended for his diligence — he works as an accountant by day, and still finds time to complete his studies and practical tasks in harness racing around his busy schedule. Driving Excellence Award winner Jason Thomas has been in training with seasoned veteran Robert Dunn, and his sons Johnny and Dexter, both top drivers in their own right. A panel of drivers all agree that those skills are rubbing off on Jason, who bagged seven wins last season. Novice cadet Jack Harrington took home the Darren J. DeFilippi Memorial

Trophy, awarded for decorum, composure and manners — vital aspects of character in a sport which is so demanding. If you would like to accept the challenge and begin a career in harness racing, please call Natalie Gameson on 021 936 155 for an information pack. Harness Racing New Zealand’s education manager will be happy to answer your queries.

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Country Law

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Wills in the new age by Bessie Paterson Thirty years ago preparing wills for our clients was comparatively easy. A couple would make their wills providing for each other and if both of them died, their children would inherit their estate. Most homes were owned by couple’s as joint tenants, which meant the survivor was entitled to become sole proprietor of all jointly owned property regardless of what was in the deceased partner’s will. In today’s world relationships have become much more complex with many people living in blended families so providing for dependants has become a major consideration. Obviously a surviving partner must be the will-maker’s primary consideration. If they are not fairly provided for in a will they can claim their proper share of the estate as provided in the Property (Relationships) Act.

Where people are living in second or subsequent relations it is always a matter of balancing fairness between each partner's families when both partners have died. When one partner has two children and the other has five children should the estate be divided in half and one half left to be divided between the family of two, and the other half divided among the family of five, or should the estate be divided equally among all the children who would receive a 1/7 share each. It is a difficult call to decide which option would be preferable and only the will maker can decide on what they believe should happen in those circumstances. It was suggested some time ago that the Family Protection Act should be repealed so that a will-maker’s wishes could not be challenged by dependants who felt that they had been unfairly provided

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for by a deceased parent or step-parent. That has not happened and maybe the changes and complexities in our relationships have shown a need to retain that legislation. The more complex our relationships, the more important it is to have a valid, up to date will. It is not something that should be lodged in the too hard basket. Be aware that the law is not kind to those of us who try to avoid making decisions. If matters go to court someone will always be a loser and losing in court is an expensive exercise. So I do encourage anybody who should make a will, to make a will as soon as possible. With very best wishes for Christmas and New Year from partners and staff at Ronald W. Angland and Son This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a partner with Ronald W. Angland and Son, Solicitors, who may be contacted on tel 03 349 4708 or email: bessie@ anglands.co.nz

It’s hard to believe that this year has all but finished as we head into Christmas and the festive season. Hopefully the warm weather continues over the holiday period. Looking back at last year’s December column, the new Fonterra listing had recently occurred. To re-cap, shares in the Fonterra Shareholders Market (FSF) were issued at $5.50, started trading at $6.66 and hit an all-time-high of $8.09 in May this year. What a start for a new listing! Unfortunately last week’s market update wasn’t great news, with reduced earnings guidance and a dividend cut disappointing investors. For suppliers needing to ‘share up’, this has created a very good opportunity to do so, at much better levels. Shares are currently trading at $5.80. News during the current quarter included the United States’ government shutdown. The political impasse in the US was eventually swept under the carpet, (until next year) and financial markets again switched attention to economic data. The numbers continued to be positive, albeit the forecasts for recovery in growth moderated as

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The announced Chinese reforms included market reform, welfare nets, as well as relaxation of the one-child policy. Together they are expected to see a moderation in Chinese growth, but allow this growth to be more sustainable. Global equity markets advanced over the last month and for the quarter. A more benign view on tapering, coupled with a better than expected corporate reporting season, helped a positive sentiment. European equities saw the biggest gains, with Europe beginning to emerge from recession after six consecutive quarters of falling GDP. US equities recovered during November, helped by 70% of companies beating forecast profit expectations. Australasian equity markets however, were laggards. In New Zealand, the run-up in Price over Earnings (P/E) multiples ahead of earnings being delivered seems to have moved too far and led to the market declining during November. This wasn’t helped by regulatory and

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inflation, or more correctly disinflation, continued to muddy the water. On the other side of the coin, employment numbers continued to recover in the US and lent weight to the US Federal Reserve removing the stimulus provided by their asset purchase programme. However, testimony from Janet Yellen, the next US Federal Reserve Chair, tends to support the prospect of a more gradual exit from purchases and a view that growth needs to be firmly established before any withdrawal would be undertaken. This is positive for the recovery of global growth, as was the detail on the next stages of Chinese reform.

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political issues emerging, or market indigestion post the Government’s sell-down of its Air New Zealand and Meridian stakes. The Australian equity market’s poor performance reflected the subdued domestic economy. Australian September GDP growth disappointed and showed that private consumption grew by just 0.2% in the September quarter. The mining industry contributed half of the growth in the quarter, but with mining accounting for just 10% of the economy, that meant non-mining industries barely grew at all. The end result was November saw profit taking across the board. Financials and sectors with exposure to international earnings were the best performers. Looking at the fixed interest market, the prospect of the tapering of the US Federal Reserve’s bond purchases being closer meant that longerterm bond rates drifted higher over the quarter. New Zealand’s stronger relative economic conditions also meant higher shorter term rates and the New Zealand dollar remaining strong. Domestically, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is still suggesting a higher Official Cash Rate (OCR) next year. However, the introduction of new macro-prudential tools such as the new loan-to-value (LVR) policy signals that the RBNZ would prefer to defer OCR increases as long as possible, so as to avoid the risk of further bolstering the value of the New Zealand dollar. The RBNZ is therefore expected to give these alternative policy measures time to work, before addressing cash rates. For bond investors, Infratil have announced a new issue which opens on the December 23 and will close off in early January. The coupon is 6.75%, with a 2019 maturity. That’s all for 2013. Have a safe Christmas and all the very best for 2014. If you would like to confidentially discuss your investment requirements please contact me. Andrew Wyllie is an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted on 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. Forsyth Barr is acting as Organising Participant and Manager of the Infratil Bond Offer and will receive a fee for this role. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

December 2013

Employment Talk by Matt Jones

Yes, the silly season is upon us so are you up with the play on what public holidays your employees are entitled to? For farmers who may want to get up to speed on the approaching ‘stat’ days, Christmas day and New Year’s days both land on a Wednesday, and Boxing Day and January 2 are both on a Thursday. This is important as these are all typical/ordinary work days for most.

If on these stat or public holidays your staff are working on an ordinary work day they will get paid timeand-a-half and receive a day in lieu. If they’ve taken that day off due to the holiday break they just get paid for a normal day’s work. If any of these days aren’t an actual ordinary work day for your employee and they work for you, they’re entitled to time-and-a-half and no day in lieu. If they don’t normally work that day no pay or day in lieu apply here. So what’s an ‘ordinary work day’ anyway? Just that, a day your employee would normally work. Ordinary work days can be matched up to extended summer rosters if anyone is unsure. Also refer to your employee agreements and typical work patterns so there are no misunderstandings. What if I get asked to transfer a public holiday? Employers and employees can agree to transfer the observance of public holidays to another work day. This can suit both parties well to meet the

needs of your business, or the individual preference of a staff member. The stat holiday to be observed by your staff must be on an identifiable calendar day, or 24-hour period and otherwise be a working day for the employee. To avoid any confusion here, transferring a public holiday is different to a day in lieu. Both parties involved should make the agreement in writing so everything is transparent. Make sure the agreement doesn’t reduce the number of public

everyone is happy! The team at Agstaff wish you a safe and happy Christmas break and look forward to helping you with your recruitment needs in 2014.

holidays which an employee is entitled to so everything is above board. The overall intention of a transfer cannot be used to avoid paying your staff time-and-a-half for working on a public holiday or providing them with an alternative holiday, although this may be the end result. Please note that your workers are entitled to a paid day off on the day the public holiday is transferred to. If your employee works on the day the public holiday is transferred to, then they are entitled to be paid

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arrangement stating the employee will work on the transferred holiday. In summary, please make sure you’re sticking to your seasonal pay requirements so

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December 2013

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

The two sides to every story There is an old saying that ‘half a loaf is better than none’. Another which I quite like is ‘it's all or nothing’. Both are used quite a lot and when it comes to farming, many situations could be covered by either wisdom. www.fertnz.co.nz

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But on the ownership of farmland the passion and commitment that comes from family farms has driven the innovation and resilience of our agricultural systems. The ownership of land brings both responsibilities and rewards. Families have battled the elements and complications to develop rugged bush into quality agricultural land over a couple of generations. In Europe the same transition has taken many hundreds of years. While conservationists have not always praised the change, we are all the beneficiaries of export earnings to deliver a first world economy. So having committed so much to that progress families are often reluctant to sell off that hard won land and income. Indeed many farmers consider it a clear obligation to hand onto the next generation the land in better shape than that which they inherited or purchased. Unfortunately a declining number of city

folk understand that kind of commitment. In their urban world houses and land are bought and sold obsessively for a quick buck called capital gain. I consider that link to the land, as do Maori and their turangawaewae as the core difference between rural and urban Kiwis. If you've put your blood, sweat and tears into land you call home then the desire for ownership will always remain strong. But that bond has also been created over the last century between Kiwis and our core public assets such as electricity generation. Many still recall life without light at the flick of a switch. Many remember the battles over Manapouri and the Clyde Dam. The Waikato and Waitaki Rivers are now managed and compromised for the good of our nation. We all know how important those historic and sometimes difficult commitments and investments were to build our great country.

Just as a family farm is often only sold under duress and with much consternation, so too do most Kiwis object to the sell down of our core infrastructural assets. It does not feel right and as with the farm, should only ever be sold in desperate times. Now is not one of those times. While John Key might be trying to convince us that ‘half a loaf is better than none’ most of us want ‘all and not nothing!!’ The National Government has ignored Kiwis and our passion, our wisdom and our desire to own and control our future. New Zealanders have spoken like the pioneers and farmers we are. We don't want to sell half our farms, half our electricity assets or half our future. The National Government is wrong and we should never forget who sold us out. Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year to you all.

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December 2013

STRAIGHT TALKING with Jim Childerstone

What exactly is Agresearch up to? A few straight answers please! A letter to Steven Joyce, Minister of Science and Innovation (RSVP) Dear Steven, Please forgive me if I call you by your first name. But as 99 percent shareholder of AgResearch on our behalf you will understand that as a publicly elected member of Parliament you are basically a servant of the people.

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We have a big problem Steven. Nothing stacks up regarding the shifting of some 75 scientists and technicians from Invermay research centre to the so called ‘hub’ at Lincoln. I hate to think that politics may have come into this to satisfy the voting public of Christchurch and Canterbury. It’s the economics of the move that makes no sense. Nor the social issues affecting some of the world class scientists established within the Dunedin ‘hub’. Statements emanating from yourself and the AgResearch executive gives few clues as to the reasons why. We need simple clarification in a column specialising in ‘straight talking’. That is sorting out hyperbole, gobble-de-gook and pedantic verbiage. As a graduate of the one-time Canterbury University Agricultural College, Lincoln, back in the late 1950s I have kept in touch with fellow students,

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mostly degree graduates in the sciences and economics. Lincoln has since become a full university and departed somewhat from pure agricultural courses. It now links with Telford polytech near Balclutha. Several of these Lincoln graduates, since retired, spent many years in research at Invermay. None of them can see any benefits of AgResearch's Future Footprint. Its going to take three to four years to implement, says AgResearch. Dr Ken Drew spent a good part of his life building up the Deer Unit with Jim Suttee, mainly in the field of genetics and veterinary science, for the benefit of New Zealand's deer farming industry. Dr Malcolm Douglas spent time to improve high country pasture and livestock production at the Tara Hills Research Station. Later shifted to Redbank Crop and Food institute near Clyde to develop alternative crops which supported the booming Central Otago wine industry. This included such alternative crops as lavender, echinacea and a variety of herbs for commercial use. His final years ended at Invermay's crop and food division. Other researchers were involved in alternative crops varying from nut trees to shitaki fungi. Research stations one after another were canned by sucessive governments ignoring localised soil and climatic conditions. And more recently there has been a major misunderstanding between AgResearch and the University of Otago as to co-operation in interrelated research, particularly on genetics. You seem to think there had been little relationship between them Steven. I don't think your advisors and contacts are giving you a true practical picture. How about taking note of what former director of Invermay, Dr Jock Allison had to say. Or what Prof Frank Griffin of OU's microbiology department has to say. I see BERL has asked searching questions on the

economics of the move. You see, Steven, Invermay has in the last few years established modern buildings and laboratories as part of the ongoing research capacity. So what happens when two thirds of the workforce is shifted north leaving a few researchers to rattle around half empty buildings. And then AgResearch has to earmark some $300 million of new buildings (possibly plus new homes) to house new staff. Doesn't make much sense, does it? It involves more taxpayer money at a time when CRIs are crying for more funding. On top of everything else we learned earlier in November that six Invermay staff, four of them highly qualified leaders, have quit. According to the local media the sole reason was due to the uncertainty of the future moves. Also it has been recently divulged that some 60 staff have no intention of moving to Lincoln. Thus more attrition. An ideal head hunting ground by offshore institutions. So you reckon that recent staff departures from Invermay ‘is within normal expectations’. It would seem the end result within the timeframe the Lincoln hub may attract a possible ten researchers. AgResearch's executive according to reports are in continuous consultation with all personnel. It must have some idea of who is willing to relocate and who is not. Please keep us in the picture. The Otago University's Associate Prof Richard Blaikie, deputy vice-chancellor research and enterprise, has written a very clear report published in the local daily media clarifying the relationship between the University and Invermay which spelt out how both institutes worked together. You might like to read this Steven. I can send a cutting if you cannot pick it up from the ODT email. It categorically states that in just one project alone, the mapping of the sheep genome, there are six OU genetics scientists, students and

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technical support staff involved alongside similar numbers from Invermay, together with the collection of national and international collaborators that are required for such work. Altogether, a 200 plus group of scientists from many organisations connected through the Genetics Otago brand that represents the strongest such network in the southern hemisphere. Steven this is vital work and has to be retained in Otago. And please explain your statement that it is ‘quite apparent that permanently freezing AgResearch the way it has always been, as being promoted by some people, would be detrimental to AgResearch and to the whole primary industry which benefits from its research’. Just a note Steven, we now have vastly improved information technology up our sleeve. We are now in the digital age, only seconds away from contact via email, search engines and visual appliances linking all parts of the world's research institutions and services. This is exactly what the University and Invermay have been doing over the past few decades. There is no sign of them being frozen to a standstill. Only lack of funding can achieve that. Thus myself, and a steadily building crescendo of opinion, ask you, as the ultimate CRI boss, to use your position as 99% shareholder to call off this fiasco before it irreparably damages our agricultural industry and NZ's reputation as a globally recognised leader in this field of research. Lets just use practical common sense and less waffle. We have a huge diversity of climatic, soil and contour conditions. This is not Canada or the USA which appears to be what AgResearch is attempting to implement when talking of bundling researchers into single hubs. My old mate, the late Prof JMB (Sandy) Smith, one-time chair of OU's Microbiology Department must be turning in his grave after all the earlier efforts he achieved with the department's link with Invermay. Yours faithfully Jim Childerstone

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December 2013

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

Irrigation nominations sought

technical innovations by industry — initiatives which protect the environment and innovative thinking where irrigation has helped create resilient communities.

We all know someone who has gone the extra mile for an industry they’re passionate about. IrrigationNZ is currently seeking nominations for the Ron Cocks Award, which recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to irrigation within New Zealand. Named after J R (Ron) Cocks, a Mid-Canterbury farmer who was an early leader in water issues, IrrigationNZ presents the award every two years at our national conference. Awarded to a New Zealander who has demonstrated leadership, voluntary dedication and achievement within the irrigation sector, it is our greatest honor and acknowledgement. The inaugural recipient in 2008 was Sid Hurst followed by Allan Hubbard in 2010. Our most recent winner, Brian Cameron (2012), a retired Ashburton farmer and author was the first chairman of the national irrigation association which preceded IrrigationNZ.

Brian spent more than four decades working tirelessly to transform the arid Mid — Canterbury Plains into the diverse agricultural food bowl it is today. Rejecting expert hydrology advice in 1968 that water couldn’t be struck under his Pendarves farm, Brian persevered and was successful. He was instrumental in negotiating the water right for the Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation Scheme. And as one of the pioneers of the New Zealand Irrigation Association, Brian spent many voluntary hours promoting the organisation and securing financial membership. In 2009 he released ‘Liquid Gold’ — a history of irrigation in Mid-Canterbury, which chronicles the challenges faced by those attempting to harness water in the district to improve agricultural productivity. So if the above story reminds you of an irrigation advocate in your patch get in touch with IrrigationNZ

Past winners of the award include the North Otago Irrigation Company in 2012

by phone 03 341 2225 or download a nomination form via our website w w w. i r r i g a t i o n n z . c o . n z . Nominations close February 11, 2014. At the same time, IrrigationNZ is looking for examples of ‘clever’ and ‘go ahead’ initiatives as entries have opened for our ‘Innovation in Irrigation Award’, in association with Aqualinc. The prestigious award, which comes with a $2500 prize, celebrates, encourages and promotes innovation within New Zealand’s irrigation industry and will also be presented at the national conference next April. Nominations close January 31 and forms can be found on the IrrigationNZ website www. irrigationnz.co.nz/eventsand-training/innovation-inirrigation-award.

which used its prize to reestablish the North Otago Sustainable Land Management Group (NOSLAM) to promote responsible farming. Our 2010 award winner was Fieldingbased Precision Irrigation for its variable rate irrigation systems, which uses GPS to

more effectively target water application. So don’t hold back. We are now waiting for your nominations. Let’s recognise all the innovative and passionate people, businesses and organisations that make our industry such a success.

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December 2013

Irrigation Issues Dr Tony Daveron

Just ten days out from Christmas it is all about festivity, Christmas chaos, stress and a time to reflect on what has been — in 2013. Of course reflection always goes hand in hand with some reflection on what is to come. 2013 has been one of those years that has had a bit of everything for everyone, a bit of good — bad — and the ugly. Reflection — just what do we conjure when we reflect? According to Google there is about seven meanings associated with the noun reflection: 1. The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected 2. The return of light, heat, or sound after striking a surface 3. Something reflected, as an image. 4. A fixing of the thoughts on something; careful consideration

5. A thought occurring in consideration or meditation 6. An unfavourable remark or observation 7. The casting of some imputation or reproach Phew!! Where to start. Certainly when I started with ‘Reflections’ as a theme I certainly did not have in mind anything to do with light, images, or unfavourable remarks — but I did think reflecting and careful consideration. So here goes for 2013 in a nutshell January: I wondered if ‘summer had come and gone?’ And hoped not. The week before Christmas 2012 and first two weeks of the New Year brought fine-sunny-hot windy weather to complement the earlier cooler growing season. By the time I wrote at the end of

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the second week of January I wondered if summer would return. Up to 60mm of rain fell in parts of North Canterbury — these rainfalls were welcome and took the pressure off what had become very demanding irrigation. February: I recognised that the cool wettish spell around 14– 18 January was ‘just an interlude’. Summer did return and with some vengeance — well, for some and not for others. Following that January interlude the weather was hot, dry, and sunny with a little North Westerly thrown in. The soil temperature record in Figure 1 clearly showed the cool and wetter week in mid — north Canterbury. The consequence of the reversal in the weather was some pretty high crop water use eg: · Pasture (>2000kg dry matter cover) 40–45mm/week or 5–7mm/day (average) · Vegetable seed crops up to 50mm/week or >7mm/day average · Green beans 35–40mm/week or 5–6mm/day. March was all about the upcoming South Island Field Days, ‘When is clay not clay?’ Field days and writing articles are not dissimilar — one is always searching for a theme or inspiration. For the SIFD 2013 we decided to go underground and dispel a couple of myths or misnomers about Canterbury soils. We literally took our site visitors underground but not so far to feel they were in a mine, but certainly far enough to get ‘down and dirty’ with the soil. The inspiration came from one farmer comment about all the clay in the sub-soil. You know what I mean — that yellowbrown layer underlying that dark black topsoil and sitting above the gravels. We wanted to demonstrate that the largest proportion of the soil on the Canterbury Plains has yellow brown ‘clay’ that is really silt. Figure 1. Soil moisture record under pasture at Aylesbury. April saw a sharp change in weather that put paid to irrigation and ended the 2012–13 season. The golden summer ended and so did the favourable growing conditions of the first three to four months until September. The inspiration was the soil moisture measurements (Figure 2) and one ‘keen’ irrigator (there is always one somewhere for my inspiration). Figure 2. The end of the irrigation season, April 2013. May somehow flew by as did the ‘due by’ date, so saved my article for June. Some (including the editor may have thought of the 6th definition above ‘an unfavourable remark or observation’). Surely Not? June and July were just that — water, water everywhere — or so the Ancient Mariner rhyme goes. That was according to the myth because someone (the Mariner) shot the albatross.

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WATER

December 2013

Figure 1. Soil moisture record under pasture at Aylesbury

“Water, water everywhere,

large volume of water added to the groundwater system. My rough estimates showed:

And all the boards did shrink, Water, water everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.” I pondered “So who shot the albatross?” And wondered by the end of July whether winter ‘has it been’ and spring — ‘is it here’? While the first two months of winter were mixed up, OMG it was wet. How wet — ask those who farm in and around Lake Ellesmere and further inland where water inundated land for most of this time. There was an upside. There was heaps of drainage into the groundwater system. I did a rough and quick analysis of lysimeter drainage for June and July and the massive contribution to the groundwater supply. The diagram of drainage below shows there has been plenty of drainage in June and July (Figure 3). Figure 3. Rainfall and drainage from lysimeter site. The accumulation of the rainfall and drainage shows that 160mm of the 228mm of rain or 70% drained to groundwater in this period. That is an awfully large amount of drainage and is a very

Figure 2. The end of the irrigation season, April 2013

· In the Rakaia-Selwyn zone covering about 135,834ha, 160mm drainage is the equivalent of 217.3 million m3 or more than the allocation limit of 215Mm3; and · In the Selwyn-Waimakariri zone which covers about 98,310ha the drainage is the equivalent of about 157.3Mm3 or 130% of the allocation limit of 121.3Mm3. So wet these rainfall events left the groundwater supply in very sound shape for the irrigation season and probably the 2014–15 season as well. By end of July the rise in groundwater level was nearly 10m. It was looking like water level might well get back to the halcyon days of 1995. Not a bad place to sign off for Christmas reflections. From August and certainly September onward, the reflections are more about 2013–14 than 2013. So wishing you all a Merry Christmas and probably Happy New Year for 2014 (depending on the editor’s demanding schedule!)

Figure 3. Rainfall and drainage from lysimeter site

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WATER

December 2013

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they were unlikely to breed in New Zealand or be able to form self sustaining populations.” “From the results we have seen on the use of grass carp to control nuisance aquatic plants over many years, their effect has been mostly beneficial and we are not aware of any adverse effects resulting from the use of grass carp provided stocking levels are not excessive. “While potential risks need to be assessed, we consider that there are benefits in using grass carp compared to other methods. Other aquatic weed control methods such as the use of herbicides and mechanical removal of nuisance weeds result in considerable loss of aquatic life and can result in degradation of the habitat through rotting vegetation and disturbance of sediments. Ministry of Fisheries considers grass carp should be the preferred method for aquatic weed control.”

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December 2013

Grasslandz a unique event A new event on the pastoral and agricultural calendar, Grasslandz is set to take place at Hamilton on Thursday and Friday, January 30 and 31, and it is an event with unique points of difference over other field day static shows. There will be live demonstrations of all manner of agricultural machinery, from hay and silage gear, drilling and cultivation, as well as earthmoving and stacking, across 24 demonstration sites ranging in size from 0.5ha to 4ha, and a site covering 65ha. Organisers say the key advantage for ag machinery manufacturers and importers is the concentration of a target audience. The January dates have been chosen as they line up perfectly with the Northern hemisphere indent ordering cycle. For the bulk of New Zealand’s machinery to arrive on a dealer’s doorstep ready for spring delivery, early autumn is when most manufacturers require orders to be placed. Grasslandz is an opportunity to show off product to potential

customers and get orders placed in time. Event manager Andrew Reymer, was born and raised on a dairy farm in the Waikato and has been around the industry all his life. He has been involved with the New Zealand Fieldays on the ag and tractor pull committee — as chairman for six years — for over 20 years. 31 January 2014 With a centrally located site — only 10 minutes from Hamilton International Airport, 10 minutes to the centre of Hamilton where multi-level hotels and conference facilities await, central to many of New Zealand’s large machinery importers and manufacturers based in Hamilton, Morrinsville and Cambridge — the Grasslandz venue is ideally situated.

“This is an event that a number of large machinery businesses have been waiting for to come back, and they have been very supportive,” says Mr Reymer. “After the last event we held here ‘Ag in Action 2011’, we knew the concept was right, and the importers and New Zealand manufacturers were keen for a follow-on event. There’s nothing like seeing it working in front of your eyes. The large demonstration plots were snapped up quickly by major machinery importers and manufacturers who instantly saw the value in getting their machines moving. “The machinery buyers are becoming more discerning and overseas shows such as Grasslands and Muck in the United Kingdom have proven that buyers want to see it

working before making the decision to buy.” As well as demonstration plots the site will feature an AgTrader Alley where companies who fit the criteria will gain access to buyers and sellers at the show, uniting people who can do business together. Site sales have been strong and organizers expect a flurry of sales after the Christmas break. For more details visit w w w. g r a s s l a n d z . c o . n z or give Andrew a call on 027 498 8496.

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December 2013

Weather Watch

Forecast — Canterbury Rainfall

Temp

Sunshine

Airflow

January

Near normal

Sunnier than normal

More anticyclones than usual

February

A little wetter than normal

Near normal

A little cloudier than normal

More depressions than normal, more easterly airflow

March

A little drier than normal

Milder than normal

Sunnier than normal

Mixed

April

A little drier than normal

Milder than normal

Sunnier than normal

Mixed

by Tony Trewinnard

November saw anticyclones being the dominant and persistent weather feature over New Zealand, bringing clear skies and warmer temperatures to many districts, but Canterbury’s usual northeasterly wind under anticyclones moderated the temperatures and affected the sunshine on many days this month.

Sunshine hours were also below normal by 15–25%, due to frequent days with low cloud in easterly or northeasterly airflow. In the tropical Pacific conditions remain quiet and continue in a clearly neutral state.

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There is no clear trend towards either El Nino or La Nina, and the Southern Oscillation Index remains near zero, though with some week to week variations. No other indicators show a trend. There looks to be good reasons to expect on-going neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific for at least the next three months, and probably into early winter. Sea surface temperatures off the Canterbury coast remain near normal, while temperatures are warmer than normal in the Tasman Sea and in the southwest Pacific. This may be

a key driver in weather patterns over the next 2–3 months, bringing on-going low pressure system development there. 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. Some models want to bring in a slight trend towards a very weak El Nino event developing late summer, but at the currently forecast levels this would not impact on New Zealand.

A continuing trend through February is to see reduced westerly airflow each month, with an increased chance of easterly flow and increased risk of low pressure systems developing in the Tasman Sea and moving onto and over northern and central New Zealand. Anticyclones are likely to be more dominant over all of New Zealand than usual,

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higher than usual. There are indications of a dry start to January in the first 10 days or so, a cooler, wetter spell in the middle weeks of January, with a return to more settled drier conditions towards the end of the month. From April into early winter we may see the patterns revert to a more usual westerly dominated period, with rainfall likely to be normal at best, and probably a little drier than normal, sunshine hours greater than normal, and temperatures continuing a little milder than usual.

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but especially so over the South Island. This will likely bring at least normal rainfall to Canterbury in January and February, with some indications of above normal rainfall for February. Airflow from the easterly quarter is likely to be more prevalent, with possibly increased cloudiness in February. Temperatures are likely to be normal to a little warmer and humidity levels

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November was a warm month for most of New Zealand, but temperatures in Canterbury were not especially much warmer than usual, with departures generally around +0.4 to +0.7°C. Rainfall was below normal across the region, with totals of 50–75% of normal.

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December 2013

Perfect Christmas Pudding They say the proof is in the pudding, and the origins of this old term refer to the freshness of the fruits used in it. Make sure that all the ingredients you use in this no-fail recipe are as fresh as possible — not last year’s dried up raisins! Ingredients 350gm of mixed raisins, currants, dried cranberries, and sultanas 50g cherries — real ones or glace, your call! 15g slivered macadamia nuts or almonds 50g plain white flour (not self raising) Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon Freshly squeezed juice of ½ orange and ½ lemon 50g vegetable suet (you can get this from most supermarkets, and in a pinch you can substitute it for frozen, grated butter) 30g breadcrumbs 90g brown sugar 2g mixed spice 1g each of ground nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves 5g salt 2 free-range eggs, beaten Method Place the fruits and nuts into a bowl, drizzle liberally with lemon zest and juice. Pour a large measure (about 100ml or a full shot glass) of brandy or cognac over the mix. Cover and stand overnight. Next day, place this mixture and the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Mix lightly, taking care not to ‘bruise’ the fruit pieces. Line your pudding tin with

Steam for 2 hours before serving as before, and don’t forget lashings of brandy

cream or a flambé brandy coating to make this seasonal treat complete.

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FORESTRY

December 2013

Trees & Other Stuff

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF Laurie Forestry Ltd

by Andy McCord

Has Canterbury had enough of Pine? In the 1940s, the 60s, the 70s and again just recently Canterbury forests have been flattened by gale force winds, in particular our P. radiata stands. Since the last blow I have been getting a lot of feedback about why we should be looking at an alternative species to P.radiata. Sure, I expected this sort of response immediately after the last blow. It was to be expected especially when you hear of the heartbreak these natural disasters have had on the financial sector of our locals. Probably the most thought provoking theory on all this came from a conversation I recently had with a guy from California, who like a few Yanks over the past decade is over here looking to plant redwoods for the California housing market. As he pointed out, to him it wasn’t surprising that we were having stability problems with

P.radiata. His explanation was simple — ‘Look where they come from’. In short they come from around southern California (eg Monterey) where winds are generally calm most of the time. As he put it, the closer to the equator you get, especially on the western side of the United States of America, the closer you get to the ‘Doldrums’. So according to him these trees have been growing for millions of years in an area where winds are light and not accustom to gales. According to him, if we want trees more suitable for Canterbury conditions we should look further north where the trade winds blow up in the Sierra Nevada mountains. That is where you find species like D.fir and redwoods. These handle the winds much better. He could be right

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as I haven’t heard of much damage to these stands as yet. However P.radiata is our bread and butter and guys like Sam Bell have shown how to grow P.radiata successfully in ‘Calamity Canterbury’. Sam has a farm near Windwhistle and close to Mt Hutt ski field where winds over 200km per hour were recorded. So obviously Sam is well aware of the local winds. That is why 15 years ago when he wanted to plant a woodlot/shelterbelt on one of the high points on his farm facing straight into the teeth of the North West winds he planted aged P.radiata cuttings and at the start of their second growing season he applied 120kg/ha of hydroboracite chip, thus improving tree root bio-mass by up to 400%. Not even a branch was lost during the recent gales. Well done Sam (photos show Sam beside his woodlot) Joke time: Paddy was on holiday on Bondi beach but couldn’t get the girls to pay any attention to him so he went and asked the lifeguard for advice. “Mate it’s obvious,” said the lifeguard, “you are wearing old baggy shorts, what you need is a tight pair of speedos. Get a pair two sizes too small then once you got them on drop a good size spud down inside them. The girls will go wild,” assures the lifeguard. Next day Paddy was on the beach in his new speedos but all the girls were pointing and laughing. Completely confused he went up to the lifeguard to ask why they were all laughing. The guard took one look and with a smirk on his face said, “Paddy, you have to put the spud in front of your speedos not the back!”

Despite wood volumes ramping up significantly throughout Canterbury, prices have been holding in both export and domestic segments. Demand domestically has been strong with sawmills often complaining they cannot get enough log. Most sawmills are reporting strong sales but prices for lumber holding stubbornly constrained as upper South Island and Central North Island mills pump the volumes into the region without any regard to matching supply with demand. The stronger sales profile we are seeing therefore likely relates as much to loyalty as to anything else. Loyalty that is to the local mills by local builders who understand the need to ensure there is an ongoing supply capability. The local mills are reporting continuing strong demand in the outdoor segment, for example, fencing materials. It is great to see wooden fences clearly remaining the order of the day along busy road margins with many examples showing up in subdivisions especially. This once again emphasises the use of wood as a sound deadening medium together with the fact it just looks good. The down side is this segment produces pretty poor margins with mills using the fence rail/ paling/slat market as a lower fall down grade. Meanwhile in the land of the multi-story apartment blocks, China demand has remained well ahead of expectation and Russia has continued to ease back on the supply front. Price settlements for late November and December have firmed a further US$1–2 per JAS cubic metre as buyers seek to

ensure supply. Shipping has been a very hard one to pick over the last month with some huge variability in rates as shipping companies scramble for best returns. We have seen as much as US$5 per cubic metre variations in sea freight rates and shipping companies seemingly more prepared to lock into multiple sails at fixed rates. Perhaps this suggests they are already planning for the inevitable freight oversupply situation as we head toward Chinese New Year. The impact of China taking a twoweek holiday late January/ early February certainly plays out internationally The two Canterbury Ports are struggling to cope with a massive influx in volume as might be expected. However all credit to those involved. New staff are being recruited and equipment purchased. As reported last month, daily volumes are rapidly heading consistently over 3,000 cubic metres per day at Lyttelton and Timaru, more than double previous deliveries. Everyone is pitching in to try and make it happen. Even those who have been used to being competitors are getting in the same room and working through the issues to ensure everyone gets a fair bite of the sav. The tragic death of Bill Frost at Lyttelton Port after being hit by a log truck has sent shock waves around the region. Bill worked for

many years at the Port and therefore crossed the paths of many people. He managed the trucking fleet taking logs from yards to ship sides as well as organised the water carts to keep the dust down. We must now focus on learning from what happened and ensuring there can be no repeat of this type of accident again. All hail to Bill, he was a great guy always obliging and keen to make things happen. For early 2014 we do not see great change ahead with the market planets basically in alignment and no major supply/demand imbalance storms on the horizon. Despite there being a dramatic lift in Canterbury log volumes being produced, the percentage compared to total NZ output continues to be relatively small. Thus, 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…! To my faithful readers many thanks for your continuing support. Judging by some great feedback I get, I am delighted people do read this stuff and it is therefore a pleasure to keep the information flow going. I extend to you all a very merry Christmas and best wishes that you enjoy a safe holiday period and a prosperous New Year.

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December 2013

More scenic without the dragon Moviegoers worldwide are once again being treated to a visual feast of glorious Kiwi scenery, as Peter Jackson’s epic retelling of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit continues. And while locales as far-flung as the Waikato and Fiordland have been used as the backdrop for the fantasy films, in episode two — The Desolation of Smaug — Lake Pukaki takes a starring role. The picturesque lake, situated near Mount Cook (another favourite spot for Middle Earth aerial shots) filled in as the location of Esgaroth, a fictional medieval-style city equivalent to real-world Venice. Built on stilts in the middle of a large lake, this stronghold is the last bastion of a human kingdom in the north of Middle Earth, populated by the descendants of those who were driven out by the dragon, Smaug. After the success of the previous Lord of the Rings movies, tourists flocked to the locations used for filming,

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Lake Pukaki — backdrop for Peter Jackson’s mythical world

amazed to find that unlike the trolls, orcs, dragons and giant spiders of Jackson’s mythic world, the stunning scenery was very real. With cinema seats now filled across the globe by a second round of MiddleEarth based movies, hopes are high that an incursion of fans will boost tourist numbers over summer. And with a third and final film in the series set to be based in a large part around the defense of Esgaroth, the lake is going to receive a public

relations boost for at least the next two years. Those who do make the effort to visit Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film locations in Canterbury will not be disappointed. From the battlefields near Twizel to the mirrored expanse of Lake Pukaki and the majestic slopes of Mount Cook, there’s more than a little magic in the realworld counterparts to Tolkien and Jackson’s imaginary landscapes.

We may only need 30mg of vitamin C to prevent scurvy but the body works best with at least 500mg each day, more if you are unwell and even more if you smoke. Our levels of selenium are well below international guidelines. While this may increase the risk of many cancers and other diseases we generally seem to survive on lower levels. Only by using well formulated supplements can you guarantee that you body is getting the right amounts of all 20+ essential minerals, all the vitamins and then the wide range of biologically active antioxidants that have significant protective benefits. A full B complex is important but 200–400IU of natural vitamin E and 1000IU of vitamin D are even more important. Beta carotene is the safer option for vitamin A as your body only converts this A as needed. A good multi should also be a comprehensive multi-antioxidant. My favourite general purpose antioxidant is a patented grape seed extract (OPC) ActiVin™. You can read about this at www.activin.com. To this I like to include lutein for eyes, lycopene for prostate, hesperidin, bilberry and goji for circulation and immune support plus other synergistic compounds. When selecting a product your first check should be the formula. Secondly ask about the quality of the actual ingredients and thirdly whether the company is really interested in your health or just selling you products. See whether the company is able and willing to give you personalised advice and cares enough to track your progress to ensure you are reaching your goals. Give me a call for further information. To join my weekly email newsletter go to www.johnarts.co.nz. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. Contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@johnarts.co.nz. For product information visit www. abundant.co.nz.

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LIVESTOCK

December 2013

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

Wool exporters draw breath after feverish battle CALL ME NOW AND GET IN BEFORE THE FLIES DO! Low Meat Withholding Dips providing Long Term Protection

Whilst prices for, in particular, crossbred wool types eased considerably during late November and the first two weeks of December from their highs of the previous few weeks, the market tone in general remained positive allowing for good clearances of auction catalogues.

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The quiet after the storm began to evidence itself at auctions held in both Napier and Christchurch towards the end of November and into December as exporters drew breath after a feverish period of battle, throughout the October and early November weeks, desperately trying to fill forward orders from the limited volumes of wool available during that time.

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Exporters had always made it clear that the majority of the incredible price spike was

attributable to the ‘demand outweighing supply situation’ during our spring months plus the integrity of exporters to honour forward sales with their customers. By the end of the second week in December prices for almost all crossbred adult body wools were covered within the 520 to 550 cents per clean kilogram range, except for a few shorter second-shear types which were fetching prices some 20 to 30 cents behind fleece prices, however much was dependent on evenness of length, vm content and micron. Oddment price was dictated mainly by washing colour ability, particularly for the shorter types, whilst a few bulky oddment lines received prices just below fleece levels. A large number of lines of crossbred fleece showed a distinct break in the staple and included a few soft cotts. As quality fell an expectation that prices would be quite subdued

seemed appropriate, however in comparison to the better quality wools many of the poorer styles sold well. Solid demand continued for good style, good character, well-bred Corriedale and halfbred wools, and although the offerings of these types were relatively small, buyers showed wide-spread interest. Merino prices were mixed, as the season proper drew to a close for those wools, but a handful of very good adult wools drew a positive response from the export trade. The earlier trend of very limited demand for super-fine and ultrafine merino types continued. It would appear that to create an over supply of ‘average’ extra-fine merino wool types has been too easy, and now as many growers both in New Zealand and Australia have swung towards producing such wool types, the market appears unable to accommodate acceptable (to growers) prices.

In reflection of the 2013 calendar year in regard to wool production, prices and trends, it has been another ‘testing’ one. Focus on dairy along with incredible development in irrigation has continued to replace sheep as an option for many farmers within the South Island which has had, and will continue to have, a dramatically negative effect on wool production. Also the dramatic improvement in crossbred wool prices throughout the year brought smiles to the faces of growers who were able to take advantage, however for many it came too late and following an ‘ordinary’ year for lamb meat returns, did little to improve sheep farmers’ attitudes towards sustainability. On a more positive note the PGG Wrightson wool team delivered a wide range of forward contracts to growers, enabling participants to lock-in price certainty for a portion of their wool clip. To get up-to-date information on current lamb’s wool and second-shear contracts for delivery through June 2014, call one of the PGG Wrightson wool reps listed in the accompanying advertisement. Finally, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2014. That’s my view.

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Chris Munro

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LIVESTOCK

December 2013

Harnessing soil biology — the effect of lime and fertilisers by Dr Tim Jenkins Soil fertility is often defined by the figures on a soil test. That's telling part of the story — the chemistry part. Also important is the physical structure of the soil and the biological activity in the soil. And all three parts, chemical, physical and biological interact with each other. Healthy soil biological activity, for instance, assists in the maintenance and improvement of good physical structure and in the turnover of chemical nutrients to keep them available and working for crop growth. The fertiliser and lime we apply can affect soil biology so its makes sense to factor in the wider effects of inputs on soil biology when making fertiliser decisions.

Bulk Liming Liming is partly about getting the right pH in the soil to maximise the availability of mineral nutrients. If the pH is too low, phosphorus availability can be restricted by aluminium and iron. On the other hand, if the pH is too high phosphorus uptake can be restricted by complexing with calcium. Metal trace elements like copper, zinc, iron and manganese can have a higher availability at lower pH but molybdenum is poorly available at low pH levels. The Goldilocks zone of not too high and not too low a pH is around 6 to 6.4 for most New Zealand soils (with peat soils the aim can be lower and with sandy soils the aim can be lower). Soil pH also affects soil biological activity. In general terms, many fungi are favoured by lower pH levels and many

bacteria by higher pH levels. Most agriculturally important earthworms are favoured by higher pH levels. A good balance of pH for soil biology is perhaps around pH 7 for many soils but this is too high for metal trace element uptake important for many crops and pasture. One approach is to realise that the main benefit to earthworms (and many bacteria and even a few fungi) of liming and a higher pH is the higher availability of calcium. If bulk liming is used to get the soil pH up to a good level (but not so high as to unduly restrict copper, zinc, manganese or iron uptake), further levels of available calicum can be achieved with pH neutral gypsum (at say 200 to 500 kg/ha) and with small doses of finely ground and highly available limeflour (at say 100 to 200 kg/ha). Lime is calcium carbonate. Much has been made of the fact that it is the carbonate that brings the pH lifting effect. While calcium in itself may not have much alkalinity (pH reducing power) but the level of calcium as a proportion of cations (positively charged ions) in the soil is important for maintaining good pH in the soil. Calcium is also a crucial element for earthworm digestion and for bacterial activity. Calcium also contributes to good soil structure through flocullation (the two positive charges on a calcium ion help hold together negatively charged organic matter and clay particles to help with soil aggregate (crumb) binding. This

can be seen clearly in the clay improvement properties of high gypsum doses (1.5 to 5 tonne/ ha). Gypsum is good for subsoil structural improvement too since it naturally works down the soil profile at a much faster rate than lime. The sulphate in gypsum is also useful for leaching out excessive sodium levels in saline soils.

Adding organic matter It is becoming increasingly practical to add compost to soil with the large municipal composting schemes being undertaken. These represent good value for money on a mineral element and nitrogen content alone and offer added value through providing additional organic matter to build up soil organic matter levels and provide an energy source for soil organisms. Even if you're not adding compost, organic matter can be built up over time with good pasture management (avoiding overgrazing, leaving a higher residual and allowing longer grazing rotations. Cover crops or green manures can be a source of short term soil organic matter — while the long term soil

Municipal compost at Living Earth Christchurch offers nutrients for crops and organic matter for soil biology

organic matter levels may not be boosted these crops can provide readily available nutrients for a cash crop that follows. The addition of organic matter from compost or from plant growth can boost soil biological activity leading to improvement in the biological, physical and chemical aspects of soil fertility. Next month will look at the management of other fertiliser inputs with soil biology in mind.

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As an Elders Primary Wool client you can expect great service from a nationwide team of wool experts who will support you with the advice and expertise to deliver improved returns for your sheep business. • Specialist advice for merino, mid-micron or cross-bred wool • Elders is the world’s largest broker of greasy wool • No marketing levies Talk to your local Elders Primary Wool Representative about maximising the returns on your wool clip.

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TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS, ON FARM - IN YOUR SHED: Rakaia River North - Don Kars 0274 500 769 Rakaia River South - Gavin Crump 0274 316 555 Email: wool@hdfarmdirect.co.nz Website: www.hdfarmdirect.co.nz

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Ring Kevin and there’ll be no rep in a new Falcon to see you. Kevin will turn up with the truck and certified scales. He will load the wool and pay you on the day! From mainline to dags see if you can find any wool buyer who will go further or work harder for your wool.

Phone Kevin today and get the best out of your wool.

PH 0274 396 848 or 03 312 9059

LIVESTOCK

December 2013

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December 2013

Christmas at a pioneer farm

by Lorne Kuehn

All my grandfathers and great-grandfathers were early settlers of the land in Canada and Australia, getting their land via Homestead Acts, breaking the land and cutting the forests and eventually dying to be buried on their farms. My maternal grandfather ran his farm in western Canada as would a peasant in Europe. He was born too early to use or even own a tractor. All his farm labours were courtesy of his own manual work or those of his teams of horses. My earliest memories of him, as well as a farm Christmas, were during World War II. My mother lived with her family while my father was otherwise engaged in the military. The snow was deep that December and the remote farm was cut off for weeks at a time. There was no problem because of this since my grandmother (like all pioneer women) had earlier put aside many bottled preserves of vegetables and fruit from the large farm garden. Pigs had been slaughtered and treated, hanging in the cold basement for easy access. Of course, things were made primitive since there was no running water or electricity supplied to the house. Water was drawn

and guitars and the two organs in the living room were put to good use for the rest of the day. Even the dogs were allowed

to howl along. None of my Christmases since have seemed as enjoyable as these simple ones all those years ago.

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from the well and heat was supplied from the forest. Light was supplied by kerosene lamps or candles. Gift-giving at Christmas was limited to hand-made artifacts or even just a special song or funny story. The conifers outside the farmhouse served for simple homemade decorations. The highlight of the celebration after the large and lengthy family lunch was a sleigh ride through the deep snow into the forests on the farm. Two farm

horses were harnessed to the sleigh (actually a large stoneboat) and decorated for the occasion with simple jangly bells. All of us, adults and children, would dress up in our cold weather gear and clamber on to the sleigh to sing carols as the horses trotted along through the snow. Of course, given their relative inactivity while in the barn for weeks at a time, the horses would fart merrily away as my uncle drove them along. He would

be muttering under his breath since he was directly in their line of fire. As children, all of us thought that this was a great accompaniment to our singing and even my mother and aunts would laugh with all of our joy during the hour-long trip. Then it was back to the house for more food and music. My uncles would get out their violins

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us There’s a change coming up that will affect some parts of Canterbury. VetEnt will do the cattle TB testing for TBfree New Zealand from 1 January

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Other than that, it’s business as usual Need to book a pre-movement TB test? Got a question about the TB programme? Please continue to call TB info on: 0800 482 4636 or visit www.tbfree.co.nz

DAIRY

December 2013

Hoof Print with Fred Hoekstra

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

Last month I was talking about knives and made a start on talking about sharpening knives. I want to stress again that a knife should never be sharpened on the back side because you tend to cut into the hoof rather than taking a slice off. If you use a bench grinder with either a linishing belt or a rubber disc, you will need to be careful not to overheat the knife. If the knife goes blue while you are sharpening it

the steel will soften because it cools down too slowly. Having a knife with a soft steel blade will go blunt very quickly so you ruin the knife when you do that. Have a cup of water next to your grinder and dip the

knife in the water on a regular basis. You can’t overcool it but it is easy to overheat. When the blade of the knife is sharp, and you can see that there is a burr along the full length of the blade, you can sharpen the hook. This can be done on the outside or on the inside if you have a rubber disc. We use a rubber disc with a groove in the side about 5mm from the edge. This groove is there especially for the hook of the knife. Because this disc is made of rubber it is important to have the disc turning away from the operator. You can achieve this by just turning the grinder around so that the start is at the back. If you don’t do that you will damage your knife, your disc and possibly yourself. Once the hook has been sharpened you can take the burr off. We use a cotton disc on our bench grinder for that.

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Burn some paste into the cotton disc as it is rotating. Just hold the paste against the disc as it spins around. Without the paste the disc is too smooth and it will take a long time to polish the burr of the knife. So every now and again when the cotton disc doesn’t perform very well you just burn some more paste into the disc. The cotton disc is another reason why you have to have the disc rotating away from yourself. If you have followed this procedure properly you will have a knife that is sharp enough to shave yourself with, however a safer way to test it

out would be by trying to cut a normal piece of paper by holding it up in mid-air with one hand and cutting it with the knife in your other hand. It should be sharp enough to slice through the paper by itself — just about! Most people don’t have a bench grinder with the right discs on it and we would be happy to discuss the options available to you. There are sharpening pens on the market. They may get your knife reasonably sharp but it will never do as good a job as a bench grinder. However it can be handy to use a sharpening

pen while you are trimming to get the dents out of the edge of the knife if you hit a stone. Using the backside of another knife is very effective for this as well. One more thing I would like to mention concerns the use of double-edged knives. If you use the proper technique you should be able to trim a cow with one knife. The problem with double-edged knives is that you end up with quite a wide blade which makes it hard to steer your way out of the hoof when you are going too deep, and it is for this reason that I would not recommend them.

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

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming

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Please call 03 347 2314

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or email sales@canfarm.co.nz

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DAIRY

December 2013

Soil Matters with Peter Burton

Building something better takes effort It’s easy to criticise people, organisations and systems but it takes time and real effort to build something better.

Quality nearly always costs more initially, however those that have made the change to buying true high quality food have found that less is required to satisfy their

Performance measures of CalciZest and DoloZest-based total nutrient programmes over ten years have shown that they increase the speed at which humus is built, resulting in higher and steadily increasing annual pasture production. The quality of the feed grown is also better with a recent independent report showing that 21% less feed is consumed to produce a kilogram of milk solids.

to the plant as required. A humus based system is both more effective and efficient. Nature always sides with the truth and ongoing testing of nitrate nitrogen from a long-term client’s property shows that even

where annual pasture performance exceeds district average by 30% the loss of nitrates is low and meets the Ministry for the Environment’s standards. For more information contact Peter on 0800 843 809. 10 LOC0% AL

Waste Away South would like to wish you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Septic & Holding Tank Cleaning • Dairy Pond & Saucer Emptying Liquid & Hazardous Waste Collection • Grease Trap Servicing Bulk Liquid Transporting • Hydro Excavation • Concrete Slurry Wash  Tank & Silo Cleaning  Drain CCTV Inspections  Fresh Water Delivery  Interceptor Cleaning  Effluent Stirrers Available  Factory & Industrial Waste  Rubbish Skip Hire  Waste Fat/Oil Collection  Water Blasting Services  Waste Oil Collection Mobile  Drain Unblocking & Cleaning

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SOLCOR FENCE DEFENDER NEW TO THE MARKET 2 years of on-farm testing...

Angle crossovers tried, tested and successful! • Easy to install • Can be used on existing fences – no wire cutting • High specification UV resistant cord and nylon fittings Visit www.solcor.com to see a video of Solcor’s Fence Defender in action. Manufactured by Loring Distributors Ph 03 579 5772 BLENHEIM

Available through all CRT FarmCentres, PGG Wrightson Stores and Hazlett Rural

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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The difference between butter made from top quality milk and competing manufactured products containing a range of similar elements may appear subtle but the differences are real, which is why there is a growing demand for high quality fresh unprocessed food.

The principles of successful pastoral farming whether extensive or intensive are the same as those of home gardening. The dependence on regular applications of nitrogen fertiliser throughout the growing season at worst destroys humus and at best limits the speed at which it develops.

Humus development takes place of its own accord provided the amount of air and moisture is adequate — however the addition of

ET OD

High quality fruit, vegetables, and meat may be analysed and the essential elements provided in manufactured products however the long term health and performance of people fed in this way is always inferior.

One of the keys to the superior performance is the inclusion of a selected range of beneficial fungi and bacteria. Just as the making of cheese and bread is dependent on the addition of the necessary microbes so too is the building of humus.

The same philosophy has been used in human nutrition and it’s taken time for the consequences to become fully apparent.

Truly high quality food can only be grown on wellstructured, biologically active soil. From the 56th edition of the Yates Garden Guide, ‘Soils which lack humus are unproductive because they contain no helpful bacteria, which aid in the releasing of all plant foods to the roots. Where humus is present in generous quantities, the land has a loamy fibrous texture and will conserve moisture over a longer period’.

Due to the higher energy and actual protein content of the pasture the overall quality of the milk and meat produced is superior resulting in higher farm income, and with improved animal health the money left after paying all costs steadily increases.

Its continued survival is justified not by performance but by the claim of lowest cost per unit of nutrient, with the argument being that the soil doesn’t know or care in what form nutrient is delivered as long as it’s delivered.

needs. Their performance is better in all respects and with less illness and fewer visits to the doctor the purchase cost is relatively unimportant.

TR Y

The superphosphate industry has been heavily criticised for producing crude outdated product, the performance of which has required the short term prop of regularly applied nitrogen.

the right mix of microbes along with the nutrients that support their activity enhances the process. Humus is the ‘glue’ in soil and soil rich in humus has the ability to hold more moisture and nutrient and release them

TO ORDER:

Murray Taylor 03 314 7254 or 0274 323 250

Canterbury Greenwaste Processor Ltd P O Box 5321 Christchurch

Phone: 03 352 2909 email: king@cpg.org.nz

DAIRY

December 2013

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Whether you’re converting from previous land use or renovating existing property Christchurch ReadyMix Concrete are committed to providing customers with products and services that meet or exceed their requirements. With over 50 years’ experience in manufacturing

and supplying ready-mix concrete Christchurch ReadyMix are able to provide specialist advice and quality materials for your yards, shed and barn floors, feed pads and silage bunkers. We operate three fully computerised transit mix batching plants, two based at Belfast and one at Hornby with current concrete production rate exceeding 60m3 per hour per plant; a total production capacity of over 200m3 per hour. This provides excellent access to jobs located in all areas of Christchurch City as

well as the surrounding areas of Canterbury. In addition to rural solutions specific to the farming community Christchurch Ready-Mix provide expertise in the supply of concrete, specialty sands, and aggregates for residential as well as commercial application. Christchurch Ready-Mix have developed a reputation for high quality structural concrete in accordance with NZS 3104 as well as all types of high-spec concrete, including self-compacting, fibre reinforced and high, early-strength concretes.

We supply concrete for foundations, flooring, driveways, paths and retaining walls with the option to customise a surface using colour, exposed aggregate or decorative finishes such as our locally sourced Waimakariri Pebble. If you’re expanding the homestead to accommodate dairy workers, renovating or rebuilding, or specialising in commercial construction, CRMC provide strong, durable, and affordable solutions with the sound knowledge and understanding of a locally owned and operated company.

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Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year

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DAIRY

December 2013

The dog’s tail …

Krissmiss time agin up on Krissmiss day, like my bluddy second cussins. That’s tha only time ya eva see ‘em eh? Win its Krissmiss. It’s all too hard ona body.”

“I dunno Dog. It seems ta come round faster thin evar evry yeer.” Me ana Boss was takin’ a bita tyme out up the top ofa ridge, wear we was checkin up ona grass. Boss’s had his mate Pete spreadin’ a hole lotta yourear — stuff wot makes grass grow he sez — and he was pretty chuffed ‘cos just a few days afta tha spreadin’ we got a good dollop of rain.

Boss had his hed in ‘is hands, like all tha trubbils ina werld on his shouldas. I felt sota sorry fer him,

“Krissmiss Dog,” he sed. “No sooner ya done with tha larst one, tha next one’s hear.” Then I gotta messij. Boss went out wiv Sharlene last nite fer the skool parents break up. Not that Boss’s dorter Sophy is big enuff fer skool yet, but

Tha naybors hav gotta pig ona spit, ana keg. Ole Gazza probly open a rum bottil too.” That’s my Boss. Fulla Krissmiss cheer — cos neck doors shoutin’ eh! See Ya Billy

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“We’ll have a good bita tucker goin’ inta tha summa,” seda Boss. Way them pootakawas ona coast is flowerin’, we cood need it. Might be a bit dry, eh?” Wotever yer says, Boss, I thort. But wots this about things commin faster.? I had this thort an’, as usual, Boss pickt up me vibes.

havin’ ta put up with so much drinkin, an’ eatin an’ stuff. Thin his sell fone started ringing. Boss sighed and pickt it up. “Yiss Deah,” he sed an I new it wuz Sharlene. He lissind and shut tha fone. “Heh, Heh. C’mon Dog.

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his gerlfrend is tha skool teacha. An’ I reckin Boss spent a fare wile out ina beer tent wiv his mates, that Plumba, blimmin’ Chippa, Albie an’ John and all them. So rilly, Boss is moanin’ cos he’s gotta hangup, sorry, a hangova. I guessed rite too. “Ya see Dog,” he wint on.” I gotta hava shout fer

the farm contractas an’ staff soon, gotta go ta me mate Ralf’s party, gotta stock upa fridge ina woolshed in case of visitas, getta ham and a terkey fer tha house. Then I gotta go ta Dargyville ter find presents fer Sharlene an Sophy an Sharlene’s Mum. Not ta menshin a lotta choclits an stuff in case someone turns

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The range of products include bulk storage silos, hopper bottom silos, roller mills, flex flo coreless augers and grain augers.

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FARM WHEELS

December 2013

READY TO SPREAD

ADVERTORIAL

Motorcycle expertise Combining his skills as a mechanic, his experience managing farms, and his passion for motorbikes means Precision Motorbikes director, James Blanchard, is ideally placed to provide top service for motorbike riders and the rural community.

2009 MAN TGA 18.330 Spreading Unit

“Our experienced workshop mechanic, Richard, services all makes and classes of bikes and with a staff of five, we stock exciting new motorbikes for the New Zealand market,” says James.

4x4, 330hp, 12 speed ZF ASTronic, 425/70R rib tyres all round, Beck Chain feed twin spinner bin, New cab paint, ready to start work now.

$155,000 + GST

“These include the Beta Enduro two-wheel range from Italy and models for the most demanding race rider through to the learner and farmer’s heavy duty requirements, all backed by a full service workshop.

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Braaaps kids’ and pit bikes are a durable, cost effective option for hours of biking fun and the only bike in the world with a life-time warranty. The company also stocks a great range of top accessories including Fox, Thor, FMF, Leatt and Sidi and are importers for Earth-x batteries — the world’s most advanced lithium battery and the only one with built in cell management circuitry. The batteries are 80% lighter and have a huge list of advantages over ordinary lead acid batteries. “We of course also stock tyres and consumables to suit all needs and budgets,” says James.

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• • • • •

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FARM WHEELS

December 2013

Tuatara UTV new to NZ Branded for the New Zealand market, the Tuatara has stand-out features not generally found in other Ultra-Terrain Vehicles (UTVs). In particular, huge storage capacity on the bonnet roof and rear deck equipped with electric hoist. It comes standard with electrically selectable two and four wheel drive options and differential lock and extremely good ground clearance. The Tuatara’s famous CTS all-terrain tyres enhance it’s ground-

hugging capability and the front-mounted electric winch genuinely classifies this machine as a UTV. Standard features include power steering, sturdy roll cage, fold-down windscreen, fibreglass roof, seat belts, adjustable steering height, four roofmounted spotlights and rear drawbar with tow ball.

The popular CFMoto 600cc engine equipped with CVT automatic clutch powers the Tuatara to a maximum speed of 70kph. This vehicle is ideal for farmers, lifestylers and hunters who demand superior terrain hugging qualities and exceptional safety features, massive carrying capacity and

the ability to work in all weather, as well as at night. Best of all is the price, coming in well below that of other UTVs that don’t boast the array of features of the Tuatara. 100% finance package is available for qualifying customers of Lifestyle Tractors and Machinery Ltd.

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The Tuatara’s ruggedness reflects the Chinese militaryinspired design, genuinely good design concepts and a host of special features. This truly UTV has amazing terrain-hugging capability and shear speed, in-built safety features, ample lighting and huge storage capability making this an ideal vehicle for farmers, lifestylers and hunters. BUY DIRECT FROM THE IMPORTER!

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dIrEcT ImpOrTErS LIfESTyLE TrAcTOrS & mAcHInEry OffEr THE TUATArA AT THOUSAndS bELOw rETAIL And OTHEr SUppLIEr’S SImILArLy SpEc’d mAcHInES!

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Prices include GST. Stock is limited and offer is valid only while current stocks last and is not available in conjunction with any other offer.

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

www.avoncitysuzuki.co.nz

FOR ANY LIFESTYLE BLOCK

December 2013

RURAL TRANSPORT ADVERTORIAL

DRIVE PHONE FREE!

Trucking around Canterbury for 46 years

Temuka Transport is a busy diversified transport business with a fleet of 78 trucks.

SAND • FEED • FERTILISER

Fully accredited and fitted with GPS and equipped to cart stock, bulk fertiliser, grain, shingle, curtain-siders for the cartage of dairy products, sidelifters for container lifting and hauling, and tankers for the transportation of bulk liquids. The Temuka yard is the nerve centre of the expanding business with a

growing branch at Pleasant Point catering for the arable farming industry and ground spreading services.

The tankers can supply 10,000 to 27,000 litres of drinking standard water at one time.

Temuka Transport is a registered supplier to carry water servicing Mid and South Canterbury providing household and stock water, filling of swimming pools or supplying tankers for events needing drinking water.

Dairy farmers are well serviced with the tankers for cartage of bulk liquids throughout the South Island, the transport of cows to and from winter grazing and the busy bobby calf season when approximately 25,000 bobby calves

TRANSPORT TRANSPORT

Office 03 347 8258 Mobile 021 964 465 PO Box 17, Rolleston 7643 office.jbc@xtra.co.nz

are taken to Oamaru and Ashburton. Temuka Transport provides over 100 jobs and this continues to grow and expand throughout the Canterbury region. The company supports the community in many ways especially encouraging youth and sporting activities. A family run business taking pride in providing an excellent service.

is our business

is our You can count onbusiness our professional and reliable services

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TROUNCE

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ND ASHBURTON ISLA ENERA UTH O S E L CARTAGE THROUGHOUT TH

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Phone: Ian on 0274329788

Servicing South Canterbury for 46 46 Years

Email: tkatransport@xtra.co.nz FREEPHONE 0800 TEMUKA (0800 836 852) Email: Phone (03) 615 9500 Email: Phone (03) 615 9500 FREEPHONE 0800 TEMUKA (0800 836 852) info@temukatransport.co.nz Fax (03) 615 9501FREEPHONE 0800 TEMUKA (0800 836 852) info@temukatransport.co.nz Fax (03) 615 9501

New Zealand Wide Tractor & Farm Machinery Movers TRANSPORT LOGISTICS continues to offer its clients a low cost, efficient service to move machinery around New Zealand. PORT TO PORT – DOOR TO DOOR INTER-ISLANDER MOVEMENTS A SPECIALITY FULLY INTERGRATED NETWORK via SHIP/RAIL & ROAD WE OFFER: • Access to regular low cost shipping services • Wharf-to-wharf or door to door. • We provide a personal service which is available to machinery importers, dealers and individuals / private purchasers, general public.

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FREIGHT & STORAGE TIMARU » CHCH » MACKENZIE » OAMARU

Christmas ju st around the cois rner and MacKenzie Supp ly Services ar to accommodeaton hand e all your freight requirem ents.

Carting up to 26 tonne and 15m long, we pride ourselves on responding quickly to your needs. As the only freight company to offer same day transport services from Christchurch through South Canterbury and the Mackenzie Country we deliver a service second to none. To ensure you have all the supplies you need over the holiday season, please see our Christmas operating hours below. 23rd Dec 24th Dec 25th & 26th Dec 27th Dec 28th & 29th Dec 30th & 31st Dec 1st & 2nd Jan 3rd Jan 6th Jan

Normal hours 6am – 3pm Closed 6am – 3pm Closed 6am – 3pm Closed 6am – 3pm Normal hours

We wish our customers all the best for a safe & happy new year, and we look forward to working with you in 2014.

For pickups, deliveries, quotes and enquiries please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team 0800 10 50 10 or 03 615 6282

December 2013

WEST COAST

Rich history of the wild west coast Since ancient times, when pre-European Maori travelled west in search of precious greenstone, the West Coast of the South Island has always been famed for its natural resources — along with its harsh and unforgiving natural beauty. Today the region contributes over three quarters of a billion dollars annually to the nation’s GDP, with primary industries still the engine room of its economic growth. Early settlers came to the coast in small numbers, until the discovery of gold by two Maori explorers, Ihaia Tainui and Haimona Taukau in 1864. Their initial find at the Taramakau river led to a gold rush boom for the area, prompting an influx of close to 2,000 European prospectors and miners in one year alone. Briefly, Hokitika became the most populous town in New Zealand, claiming the title from the far north in 1866.

After the gold reefs ran dry, coal was the next natural treasure to be wrested from the harsh west coast terrain. Stories of the triumphs and tragedies of the tough, independent west coast coal miners echo down into the present day, with coal still a vital — and contentious — aspect of the regional economy and psyche. Forestry, too, has proven to be a profitable industry with a political edge, as conservationists and company owners struggle to find a balance between their own priorities and the needs of locals. Recently, eco-tourism has become a huge drawcard for the region, with places like Karamea proving

popular with hikers and travellers due to their unspoiled subtropical rainforests. That’s not to say that farming on the coast is forgotten — far from it. West coast farmers are renowned for their independence and grit, born — so it’s said — from generations of daring the forces of nature in an isolated land. Here, in one of the last vistas on New Zealand to be settled by Europeans, a rural culture still survives which preserves the pioneering attitude and spirit — as evidenced by the continued independence of local dairy company Westland Milk Products, still going strong after 75 years and still proudly local.

60 rotary milking platform, China November 2013 has seen the first installation of a Dispatch & Garlick Ltd rotary milking platform in China.

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With more than 60 rotary platforms exported to Mexico, United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark and Ireland, it was an exciting opportunity to enter the Chinese market. Having established an agent based in Shanghai, our first installation of a 60 rotary was 1,300km north of Shanghai in the province of Inner Mongolia, on the outskirts of the city of Jining. Jining sees temperature from −30 in winter to +30 degrees in

summer — during the installation most days were around −7 degrees. We enhanced our standard design for the Chinese market, utilising a heavier duty track and our nylon roller system as standard. Another three rotary milking platforms have been sold for installation early 2014. We will again be travelling to the farms to assist the installation and provide training to our agent.

Dispatch & Garlick Ltd NZ

Engineers, Merchants & Foundrymen

36 LORD STREET, GREYMOUTH

0800 768 708

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BUILDERS RotaRy milking platfoRm manufactuReRs

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Rectangular and Octagonal Buildings • Yard work • Backing gates • Over head gates • Water and Electrical glands for round yards

December 2013 ADVERTORIAL

With summer comes fire risks

Information about fire safety in Selwyn District Check before you light Before you light a fire, it’s important that you check: • •

whether fire restrictions are in place if you can light a fire, check the conditions you must meet before you burn Visit www.selwyn.govt.nz/fireseason to see whether fire restrictions are in place and find out more about safe burning guidelines. Remember weather conditions can change quickly in the summer months and this means that fire restrictions can also change quickly. We are currently in an open fire season. A restricted fire season may be introduced this summer. During a restricted fire season, a fire permit is required before you light a fire. If you don’t have a fire permit and light a fire or breech the conditions of your fire permit you will be charged a minimum of $575 for the cost of a fire service callout, and may face a much higher bill if significant resources are needed to put it out.

With fire risks rising as the summer months set in, Selwyn District Council Principal Rural Fire Officer Wilson Brown says there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk on your property, and now is a good time to take them:

What’s allowed and not allowed under the rules Type

Residential

Rural Areas of the Canterbury Plains within Selwyn Open

Restricted

DOC

• Keep a hose connected that can reach round the house • Store firewood and other flammable materials away from the house

• Keep a clear space between your house and buildings and vegetation like trees, shrubs and long grass to act as a fire break. Keep this space watered and green if possible or construct it from non — flammable material like paving stones.

• Regularly check and maintain machinery and equipment so it is safe to operate • Dispose of ashes safely in a metal container and use approved incinerators • Keep grass away from under hedges

• Make sure your property address is easy to identify and that there are clear access ways into houses and paddocks which

Be notified when fire seasons change You can now sign up online to be notified when fire seasons change in Selwyn District. Visit www.selwyn.govt.nz/fireseason and sign up for this service and you will receive an email when fire seasons change in the future.

are at least four metres wide and high so that fire services can easily gain access if needed

Mr Wilson says that property owners should check they have adequate insurance cover for fire.

“Fires can start in many different ways and it is important that every property owner is insured for fire damage and also that you are covered should the fire start on your property and spread to a neighbour’s property. “Property owners need to have fire damage, rural fire suppression and public liability insurance. The costs of fighting fires can be very high, and they can be recovered from a property owner or occupier if they are found to have caused the fire through negligence.” He says people should always check what fire restrictions are in place by visiting www.selwyn.govt. nz/fireseason or checking by phone before lighting a fire.

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Prohibited

Hangi

Yes

Fire Permit

Special Permit Rules Apply

Burn Piles (branches etc)

Yes

Fire Permit

Special Permit

Fire Permit

Drum Fires

Yes

Rules Apply Special Permit

Fire Permit

Crop Residue

Yes

Rules Apply Special Permit Rules Apply

Gas BBQ

Yes

Rules Apply

Yes

Cooking fires BBQ / Brazier

Yes

Rules Apply

No burning is allowed within 100 metres of residential areas, schools, preschools and parks. Bonfires and cooking fires are not permitted in Council Reserves, only gas BBQs are allowed. In Hill and High Country areas of Selwyn permanent restricted fire seasons are in place and fire permits are required at all times.

Safe Burning Guidelines During an open fire season burning guidelines apply. During a restricted fire season special conditions must be met. Visit www.selwyn.govt.nz/ fireseason to read about the safe burning conditions.

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Fires in residential areas are not permitted without a resource consent from Environment Canterbury.

Smoke’s about If you live in Selwyn you may see fires in rural areas when open and restricted fire seasons are in place. Unnecessary fire call outs are expensive and time consuming for volunteer fire fighters to attend. If the fire is supervised, and there is a fire break and water on hand it is probably a controlled operation, however if there is no one present you should dial 111 to report the fire.

www.selwyn.govt.nz

CHRISTCHURCH 799 Jones Rd, Rolleston PH 03 349 4883

CHRISTCHURCH: John Murgatroyd 027 4355 900 Murray Chesterman 027 2664 222 Quintin Boyd 027 4867 792

ASHBURTON: Mark Symes 027 4441 706 Baden McDowell 027 4387 555 Reece Trotter 027 4867 733

ASHBURTON 832 East St PH 03 307 9911

www.dne.co.nz 0800 432 633

DRIVE PHONE FREE!

December 2013

Be my Guest

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

While our farms are drying up due to the hot, dry weather it is making the stock feed supply decline and recently harvested supplements are already being fed out by farmers. Last week we met our legal consultants in Auckland who specialise in dealing with banks. It is surprising the number of actions that are currently against the banks, taken by individuals who claim that they have been wronged. Some of these claims now amount to some millions and there has been some success in actions that have been taken, where banks have not followed the due process that is required of them, when lending out their money. Bank clients do have the right to seek a review as to whether the bank has followed due process, in their particular borrowings. We all know there have been a significant number of farms coming on the market and are being sold at less than the bank’s mortgage. While we accept that people should be prudent in their borrowings

and seek the appropriate advice that they can afford to borrow the money, there have been cases where bank lending personnel have processed the loans without acquiring the independent valuations and the projected income streams have been overly optimistic. There is case law that shows that Banks can be liable where it has been proven that they have not followed due process in their lending and have become a contributing factor, in setting up clients to fail. If you are being pressured by your lender and you feel that you are being unfairly treated and wish to seek further information as to what options you can take in having a review of your position, you are most welcome to contact Farmers of New Zealand Inc. The big news this week was the 24 year prison sentence that was dealt to Allan Titford

following a recent court hearing dealing with a multitude of charges. I personally was involved in seeking a settlement package for Allan Titford and the Aranga farmers who were affected by the Waitangi Tribunal recommendation that their land be returned to Maori claimants.

settling Titford for the sum of $3.8 million. Prior to this, the then government had resolved not to deal with him due to the fact that they claimed that he had made threats against the

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It came as a big surprise to me, the actions of Allan Titford and the charges that were laid against him, but I concede that Allan was a very complex individual. I found Mrs Titford to be a very quiet person. She was a prolific record keeper.

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Every time I met her, she was always writing copious amounts of paperwork concerning Allan’s view of the claim. I was directly involved in persuading the Hon.

sample photo only

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$33,000 John Deere 730 Mo/Co with Grouper, Approx 1500 HA, Excellent condition, 230678, T.

$13,500 Vicon Extra 632T Mo/Co, 8 discs, Steel flail, 3.2m cut width, 22489, N.

$25,000 Vicon Andex 843 Rake, 7.60-8.40m working width, Terralink quattro, 22452, O.

$32,000 Pottinger 881A Eurotop Swather rake, Hyd adjustable working width, 230679, T.

$23,000 Welger RP420 Master Baler, 2005, 80,000 Bales, Net Wrap, 22971, B.

$59,500 John Deere 864 Variable chamber, Chopper, Drop floor, Only 2300 bales, 230662, N.

$47,000 Schuitemaker Rapid 130 Loader Wagon, Ready for work, 22792, O.

$50,000 Strautmann Super Vitesse Loader Wagon, 23m3 capacity, tidy unit, 22041, N.

Doug Graham the Minister of the Waitangi Tribunal in

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at the charges that he has been convicted of, I can only say that I hope that Mrs Titford and her family receive the necessary support that they deserve. Her apology to the Te Roroa people says it all. All prices ex GST

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Prime Minister of the time. At the time I maintained that Allan Titford’s behaviour resulted from the pressure that he was placed under, due to what we all believed was a threat against his property rights. When one looks

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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE TEAM AT

Thanks for all your support during 2013

December 2013

Practical tips on Rural Fire Prevention How the rural fire system works Fires in rural areas are the responsibility of the person who lights them. Fire control in rural areas is the responsibility of rural fire authority. There are three types of rural fire authorities:  Territorial authorities e.g. local councils  Rural Fire Districts (e.g. NZ Defence, forestry companies or a combination of fire authorities)  Department of Conservation These rural fire authorities are mainly concerned with the control of vegetation fires. They also carry out fire prevention measures, monitor the fire danger, declare fire seasons and issue fire permits. This work is co-ordinated nationally through the National Rural Fire authority which also promotes fire training, research and cooperation in rural fire management.

Your Canterbury and West Coast Rural Fire Authorities are working with you to protect our rural resources and communities. Fire prevention is the responsibility of us all. Rural fires can be particularly devastating, destroying our natural environment, ecosystems, farmland, forests, property and livelihoods. It’s in all our interests to prevent rural fires. Wild fires can affect us all and many become large and costly due to late reporting and delayed initial response. To report any fire in a rural area, dial 111 immediately and give the location and any details. Prompt reporting is the key to preventing large fires developing. In many cases a commonsense approach can avoid disasters.

The Northern Canterbury West Coast Regional FireFire Committee The South Island Regional Rural Committee is the theregional regionalcommittee committeeforforallall Canterbury and the is ofof Canterbury, West West Coast. It is made up of representatives from local Coast, and Nelson/Marlborough. It is made up of councils, the NZfrom Firelocal Service, NZ Defence, Department representatives councils, the NZ Fire Service, of Conservation, forest owners and Federated Farmers. NZ Defence, Department of Conservation, forest owners and Federated Farmers.

Fire seasons and permits

Fire seasons are advertised by local rural ﬁre authorities. Fire seasons and permits They are responsible for issuing any permits and

Fire seasons are advertised by local rural fire authorities. enforcing total fire bans. Even with a permit, the person They are responsible for issuing any permits and lighting the firefire is responsible andaliable forthe anyperson costs enforcing total bans. Even with permit, or damage. If in doubt, check with your local district lighting the fire is responsible and liable for any costs or council. Remember that campfires, barbecues and damage. If in doubt, check with your local district council. braziers arethat all campfires, classed asbarbecues fires. Remember and braziers are all classed as fires.

Open fire season Means no fire permit is needed to light a fire in the open air in rural areas. Restricted fire season Means a fire permit from the relevant rural fire authority is required to light a fire in the open air in rural areas. Prohibited fire season Means a total fire ban and lighting of fires in the open air is not permitted.

Around the home Install smoke detectors.  Maintain a defensible space around the house.  Store firewood and flammable materials away from the house.  Identify escape routes from the house.  Keep grass areas mown and short and green where possible.  Have defensible space or safety zone around your house and buildings. This involves removing flammable trees and scrub to create a green break with lawns or low flammability gardens and shrubs (see illustration right).

On the farm or lifestyle block  Be aware of the current fire danger.  Obtain a fire permit, if required, and notify your fire authority of your intention to burn.

Protect what you value

 Obey permit conditions when burning and note weather conditions and the forecast.  Signpost your property clearly – know your rural property number, where available.  Keep your rural property number by your telephone.  Ensure emergency vehicles have clear, easy access to your house and sheds.  Have adequate water supply for fire fighting with easy access.  Keep firewood stacked away from the house and keep trees clear of powerlines.  Maintain distances between sheds, (especially hay barns) vegetation and houses.  Maintain machinery properly and use with care in dry conditions.  Remember to check machinery for birds nests.  Carry fire extinguishers.  Store fuel and chemicals safely and keep them isolated from other materials.  Dispose of ash safely in a metal container and use approved incinerators.  Be especially careful with mowers, hay-making equipment and chainsaws.  Keep trees clear of power lines  Carry adequate fire insurance.

On holiday

On holiday Trampers, hunters, ﬁshers and other holiday makers are asked to take care with ﬁre and gas

Trampers, hunters, fishers and otherﬁres holiday makers arenatural asked to take which care with andfully gas recover. cookers this summer. Uncontrolled can devastate areas, mayfire never cookers this summer. Uncontrolled fires can devastate natural areas, which may never fully recover. A year round restricted ﬁre season applies to all conservation lands and within one kilometre of A yearareas. round restricted fire season applies to all conservation lands and within one these kilometre of these areas.

Backcountry users should be self-suﬃcient, carrying personal cooking equipment. Cookers

Backcountry users should be self-sufficient, cooking equipment. should be operated in a well-ventilated area carrying and wellpersonal clear of vegetation that could Cookers easily should be operated in a well-ventilated area and well clear of vegetation that could easily catch alight. catch alight.

 Observe fire restrictions and be aware of the fire danger.  Campfires, barbecues and braziers are open fires and may be restricted or banned depending  Campfires, barbecues and braziers are open fires and may be restricted or banned depending on conditions. on conditions.  Gas barbecues are a safer alternative to open fires.  Gas barbecues are amake safersure alternative to are open fires. with water and disposed of safely. If fires are allowed, any ashes doused  Never unattended. Never leave leave aa fire fire unattended.  IfTake firescare are with allowed, make sure any ashes are doused with water and disposed of safely. cigarettes.  Observe fire restrictions and be aware of the fire danger.

 Take care with cigarettes.

Who pays for fires in rural areas? The costs of fighting fires in rural areas can be passed onto the landowner or the person who caused the fire, even if they have obtained a fire permit. It is the responsibility of the local rural fire authority to decide on cost recovery action. The costs of fighting fires in rural areas passed on to the individual responsible have run into the $100,000’s. It is important that all landowners assess the risk of a fire starting on their land and consider – as well as fire insurance on property and plant having both fire fighting insurance and public liability cover. Accidental fires can occur and it is prudent for rural landowners to have adequate insurance cover.

Fires cost lives and destroy property and you may be held responsible! For

RURAL FIRE EMERGENCY RING 111

December 2013

the ‘last’ word TARPAULINS What Summer holidays FOR THE FARM

Rob Cope-Williams gets…

As the city folk drag their boats out of the garage and get them ready for a summer of fun and sun, and those without boats double check their camping gear, there is little thought about the plight of the farmers during the prayed for long hot summer. I admit to a slight twinge of envy seeing so many boats on the tow bars of vehicles as the holiday season looms large, but it won’t be as big a twinge as farmers will be feeling. There’s no thrill of a fishing reel screaming as a trout takes the lure for them, no relaxed barbecue three times a day under the shade of willow trees planted by someone else many years ago. No community get together with others who have left all their cares firmly locked in the homestead while they are living in a minimum of clothes, and no sampling a variety of booze at lunch time just because they want to. Oh no, the farmers spend their summers doing the same thing they do all the time — working very hard

to earn the overseas funds so the city folk can buy the fuel for their boats. Standing under irrigation systems are as close to swimming farmers will get as the temperatures soar while the pastures buckle under the stress of the long hot summer. Cows don’t have the stat holidays off, so the farmers can’t either. Those who collect the milk, process it and all the aspects of the industry are in the same boat, but who notices? No-one seems too. Then there are those who are involved with cropping. While the city folk are living off hot plates, there’s a raft of people growing, harvesting and processing the veges for the holiday makers to come home to.

Sheep farmers will be faced with trying to keep the pasture in front of their stock, sending off prime lambs, and if need be, selling store stock. Plus there’s shearing to be done, and while the townies can flop into the sea, a pool or the lake to cool off, those in a shearing shed simply tough it out. We won’t even think about the plight of the poultry farmers who have thousands of birds to feed, water and keep cool! Their task is even harder than those who operate out of doors. While the pig farmers face the news that the huge demand for ham over the Christmas season was absorbed by farmers from overseas who probably don’t even know where New Zealand is let alone that their produce was being sold and

consumed here. But those townies who are having a great time have no idea about the satisfaction achieved by those who live and work on the land, because even though it is damn hard work, and financially tough, it is a brilliant way of life. 1108012-Murray tractor Co

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QUALITY USED MACHINERY

Deutz Agritron 105 �� $32,995+GST Complete with loader, 7500hrs, well serviced

Vaderstad RDA 600 ��$149,995+GST A very tidy current model drill. System disc, 6m

Case MXM190 Pro $73,995+GST Only 5,000 hrs, great condition, Rear duals 90%

QUALITY USED MACHINERY

New Holland TM190, 190hp ��$48,900+GST approx� 6500 hours, 19x6 Power Command Trans

New Holland TVT155, 155hp �� $74,995+GST constant variable transmission, low hrs

Kverneland Accordon Optima ��$46,900+GST E-drive with comp�, fertiliser auger, 8 row, tidy

PRE-OWNED TRACTORS PRICE New Holland TM120, supersteer, 6200 hours, 2 owners, very tidy ................................. WAS $49,995 NOW $45,000 New Holland TS100, MX100 loader, 1 owner from new, 5250 hours............................................................... $43,995 New Holland TM130, supersteer, 1 owner from new, well serviced, tidy ��$45,000 New Holland TS110, 1 owner from new, well serviced, loader available for additional ��$39,995 New Holland TS100, cab, 4wd, L/H shuttle, very clean and tidy ��$44,995 New Holland T6070, Elite, power command transmission, super steer �� arriving New Holland TSA125, c/w MXT12 loader, 1 owner from new��$64,995 Case MXM 190, front linkage and PTO, rear duals, 4950 hours ��$73,995 Case MXU125, Stoll loader, front suspension, 6750 hours ��$54,995 Case MX90C, 1 owner from new, 4700 hours��$43,995 Case IH 5150, 4x4, cab , loader, approx. 7800 hours, cheap reliable second tractor ��$29,995 Deutz Agritron, 105, Stoll loader, tidy well serviced unit ��$32,995 Massey Ferguson 390, 2wd, cab, loader ��$15,995 Massey Ferguson 5455, 4wd c/w Stoll loader, 100hp ��$42,995 Kubota RTV900, diesel, hydrostatic transmission�� $8,995 Kubota RTV900 worksite, loaded with extras, 600 hours ��$17,995 Taska RTV, tidy alternative to the quad bike, 4wd, go anywhere ��$7,995 Cub Cadet ride on mower, very tidy ��$2,950

PRE-OWNED TRACTORS PRICE 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 TM190, 190hp, done approx. 6500 hours, 19x6 Power Command transmission ��$48,900 New Holland TS90, with Pearson loader ��$45,995 Kubota M125X, 125hp, only done 2500 hours, tidy condition ��$55,000 Kubota F3560, with mower deck, 4WD, hydrostatic, available in ‘as traded’ condition ��$6,480 New Holland TS100 �� Arriving Massey Ferguson 4245S �� Arriving New Holland TS90 �� Arriving New Holland TL80 �� Arriving New Holland TM155 SS �� Arriving McCormick MC90 �� Being Prepared McCormick CX95 �� Being Prepared

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, 3m airseeder, 25 run, 5¼ inch �� NOW $14,995 Simba Lexicon discs, 4.4m working width offset discs, good metal �� WAS $23,450 NOW $20,000 Great Plains Turbo Till, trailing cultivator�� WAS $25,000 NOW $21,000 Vaderstad Topdown TD600, 1 owner from new, new metal being fitted��$129,995 Kverneland BB100 conventional plough, 6 furrow, auto reset, hydraulic variable width ��$25,000 Read 10 reel V-rake ��$7,995 Vaderstad RDA 600, 6m airseeder drill, system discs, super tidy ��$149,995 Vaderstad RDA 600S, 6 m airseeder drill, system tine, levelling boards ��$82,000 James 3pt linkage bale tipper ��$1,100

PRE-OWNED EQUIPMENT Claas Disco 250 mower, 2.5 metre cutting width, tidy ��$6,995 Claas Disco 260 mower, 2.6 metre wide ��$5,795 Hustler Chainless 2000 Bale Feeder, 3 point linkage model ��$3,795 Hustler Chainless 2000 Bale Feeder, 3 point linkage model ��$2,660 Feeder Leader, Trailed bale feeder ��$1,995 Giltrap MSX160, Super Silage Wagon ��$9,995 Endurotech 7000, Tandem axle bike spreader �� Being prepared SAM 3�25T, Tandem Axle spreader �� Being prepared Uni Silage Wagon, Tandem axle �� Being prepared Kverneland Accord, Optima HD, 8 row, E-Drive with computer, tidy condition ��$46,900 Paddon MX12 V-Rake �� Arriving Paddon MX10, 6.5 metre V-rake �� Being prepared Gallingnani 3200, 4’x4’, fixed chamber baler �� Being prepared

COMBINES / FORAGE New Holland FX58, 355W grassfront, serviced and ready to go �� WAS $135,000 NOW $99,995 BALERS Case LBX432, Rotorcut, 4 x 3 baler, tidy and well serviced, year 2007, 82,000 bales ��$69,995 Massey Ferguson, 185 Series 1, money spent, 74,200 bales �� WAS $36,995 NOW $23,000 New Holland D1010, very tidy baler, will be serviced and ready to go, single axle �� WAS $29,995 NOW $26,000 ALL PRICES EXCLUDE GST AGRICULTURE

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James Blackler 0274 794 374

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03 349 5089 Farm Machinery Centre P 726 Main South Road CHRISTCHURCH Christchurch Rennie Barnes 027 433 7714

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Andrew Caldwell 0274 75 0000

Jason Prendergast 027 433 4272

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Angus Hewetson 021 228 4517

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Gordon Storer 021 891 253