Canterbury Farming, December 2014 by Integrity Community Media

29,200 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast.

December 2014

INSIDE Fonterra entices new farmers to co-op Page 3

Farm quad bikes in the spotlight Page 8

Spreading the sustainable message

Page 10

A life time of dairying

by Kent Caddick

Canterbury dairy farmers will be at the forefront of Fonterra’s new milk sourcing subsidiary aimed at growing the company’s market share in New Zealand. Called ‘mymilk’, it will initially invite applications, from farms in the Canterbury, Otago and Southland regions which are not currently supplying Fonterra, for one year contracts, renewable for a maximum of ﬁve years, without the obligation to purchase Fonterra shares. At any time mymilk suppliers can apply to join the co-operative, purchase shares and supply Fonterra directly. Fonterra chairman John Wilson said there are farmers who support the co-operative model, but are at the stage of development where sharing up is currently beyond their ﬁnancial reach. “Providing a different pathway of supply to farms not currently supplying Fonterra enables farmers to ultimately weigh in behind the co-operative model.” Mr Wilson said it was important in an increasingly competitive milk sourcing environment that farmers could support Fonterra and then apply to become shareholders in the wholly owned New Zealand Cooperative in time. “It is also important that we protect the future of our industry and allow farmers to grow. We do not want a fragmented industry, as this would not be good for New Zealand dairy farmers and not good for the country.”

Selwyn dairy giant Synlait Milk said it is not concerned about Fonterra’s new venture. “We don’t see this as impacting our future growth plans ,” Synlait managing director Dr John Penno said. “Competition in the raw milk market has always been part of the landscape, which is good for New Zealand dairy farmers. “Since our operations began we’ve grown our milk supply volume by an average of 30% year on year in the face of various competitive pressures.” Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings said Fonterra had the ability to reach millions of consumers and customers around the world through its broad product portfolio spanning ingredients, consumer and foodservice. “We have a clear ambition to be a globally relevant Coop, generating the highest sustainable returns at the farm gate, topped with proﬁts from our consumer and foodservice businesses in strategic markets. Milk growth is fundamental to that. “Mymilk sends a signal to our current and potential competitors that we really value the milk from New Zealand farmers and we are out to secure it.” Mr Spierings said contract prices paid by mymilk would be competitive, but they wouldn’t be more than the Farmgate

Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings says the company’s new venture will not adversely affect current co-op members

Milk Price paid to Fonterra shareholders. He said mymilk would deliver value to existing Fonterra shareholders in five ways: increase volumes of milk to support Fonterra’s global ambition; help improve asset and supply chain utilisation; achieve transport efficiencies by targeting milk near factories; provide incremental milk for capacity investments and attract potential new shareholders for the future. “Ultimately mymilk will return profit to the cooperative’s existing farmer shareholders through capturing these benefits,” Mr Spierings said.

Synlait managing director Dr John Penno is not concerned about Fonterra’s efforts to court dairy farmers to its co-op

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December 2014

Southdown rams lead sales

Field day preparations step up a gear The organisers of South Island Agricultural Field Days are well down the track shifting the venue of the popular event from Lincoln to Kirwee.

by Kent Caddick

The Canterbury A&P Association Elite Ram and Ewe Sale, held at the end of November produced a quality line up of 238 rams and 24 ewes. The average sale price was $1,781 for rams and $234 for ewes with total sales of $286,725 recorded. The highest price was reached by two different Southdown rams, each selling for $14,000. PGG Wrightson’s livestock genetics manager Bruce Orr said the sheep were very well presented in forward condition. “It’s pleasing to see that two Southdown rams sold for $14,000, and while overall

sales are down on last year, the clearance rate was good and averages kept up with 2013. “The drop in sales is disappointing, but it’s obviously difﬁcult for stud breeders around Canterbury to get commercial sales of any substance due to the drop in commercial ewes in certain areas — it’s a sign of the times. “The prices being paid for rams this year represent very good value as a percentage of

the values of prime lambs returned.” Mr Orr said the overall picture in the New Zealand sheep industry is positive. “The overall picture for sheep and beef looks pleasing when you consider the global outlook for dairy farming, particularly taking into account the large disparity in the 2013 and 2014 proposed payouts.” The Canterbury A&P Association Ram and Ewe Sale was traditionally held over two days in January. The event was moved to a single day sale in November 2013 to bring it into line with the ram selling season.

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various components. Organising committee member Daniel Schat said the Field Days had out-grown the site it leased near Lincoln University, so the committee decided to purchase its own property. “South Island Field Days 2015 will be bigger and better than ever,” he said. “It will provide visitors the same mix of

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displays, agricultural machinery, and fencing demonstrations that has made the event such a success in the past. “We will also have the AgriInnovation competition, with awards for best New Zealandmade machine, best farm invention, and best imported farm machine. We expect to see a range of new companies and new technologies this year.” With more than 25,000 people expected to attend South Island Field Days, the event will give a boost to the local economy of Kirwee and surrounding towns. In addition to a surge of customers for hospitality businesses, local community groups will raise money by directing traffic, parking cars, and pitching tents at the event. Malvern Anglican Parish is taking a creative approach by organising bed and breakfast homestays for exhibitors and visitors. Their effort will not only raise money for the parish, it will give visitors a chance to meet local people in their homes. SIAFD is a non-profit organisation that is staffed by volunteers. A percentage of the money it raises from running the Field Days goes to scholarships for Lincoln University Students.

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 2014

Farm quad bikes in the spotlight by Kent Caddick

The use of quad bikes in farms is again in the spotlight after a farming couple from Canvastown near Blenheim were fined $20,000 each for offences involving the use of quad bikes on the farm where they have a sharemilking partnership. WorkSafe New Zealand said there were multiple sightings, dating back to 2012, of Phillip Andrew Jones and Maria Anna Carlson riding quads without helmets and in some cases Ms Carlson had small children with her on the quad. Ms Carlson was witnessed twice riding her quad without a helmet after a prohibition notice had been issued and the second time she had two young children with her on the bike. The ﬁnes were imposed on the pair by Judge Tony Zohrab in the Blenheim District Court this month. Both were charged under the Health and Safety in Employment Act — Mr Jones with failing to take all practicable steps to ensure no other person was harmed at work while riding a quad bike and Ms Carlson with failing to take all practicable steps to ensure her own safety by wearing a helmet, and the safety of others by not carrying her children on a quad bike. Mr Jones refused to talk to WorkSafe New Zealand during the investigation and Ms Carlson admitted, despite the partnership owning helmets,

that she didn’t wear a helmet because ‘it becomes just a little bit of a hassle’. “ Wo r k S a f e warned the couple, then issued a prohibition notice which was ignored,” WorkSafe’s national programmes manager Francois Barton said. “This behaviour does not represent the sensible approach taken by most farmers to quad safety, but as a regulator, we could not ignore this wilful refusal to meet their legal obligations.” Mr Barton said quad bikes pose a serious risk on farms. “On average ﬁve people are killed and 850 are injured every year. The best way to stay safe on a quad bike is to always wear a helmet, never let kids ride adult quad bikes, choose the right vehicle for the job and get proper training. “The vast majority of quad bikes used on New Zealand farms are designed for one rider and the manufacturers say they should not be used to carry passengers.” The recent Child and Youth Mortality Review Committee report ‘Child and youth mortality from motorcycle, quad

bike and motorised agricultural vehicle use’ looked into 33 child deaths caused by off-road motor vehicles in New Zealand from 2001–2012. This included 12 deaths caused by quad bikes. According to Safekids Aotearoa, 30 children die or are hospitalised every year as a result of quad bike injuries. Safekids Aotearoa Ann Weaver said studies also showed that in over half of child quad bike injury cases, a child was identified as the driver. “It is essential that anyone considering buying a quad bike of any size, or allowing a child to drive or ride on one understands that quad bikes are powerful and heavy machines with a high centre of gravity. “Children are particularly vulnerable as they do not have the body size, weight, perception and coordination skills to actively ride these large machines. “The evidence is clear, parents should not allow children on quad bikes as they are potentially lethal and have the capacity to inflict on them significant harm,” Ms. Weaver said.

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December 2014

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

Support in times of need Christmas is fast approaching and we look forward to family time and a break from the routine of our lives for a few days. People expect work to be put on hold wherever possible. For the dairy workers and smaller farmers the need to milk cows twice a day or perhaps once, eliminates the chances of a complete break. Ensuring I was capable of milking after a night out was always a challenge but the job had to be done. For my cousins the dry stock farmers they had the luxury of a sleep-in and with a bit of organisation a few days clear over Christmas. And so it is too with many other jobs and industries throughout New Zealand. Some are fortunate to get a break and others are not. The sad and growing reality is that many do not have the choice about whether they work over Christmas or not. Our economy has become a 24/7 machine that must be fed and maintained. In the past rewards for the work have in part compensated for the loss of family time and inconvenience. Nowadays the rewards are often

relatively less and the general expectation is people will work when they are needed. Others are lucky and get to choose. There is talk of a twospeed economy where some are getting benefits and others are not. A couple of years ago dairy farmers may not have related to the struggles of many but the recent payout announcement will be changing a few things down on the farm. Empathy with struggling Kiwis may be one of them. The dairy industry will be separated by those who can continue to make a profit at $4.70 and those who can’t. Higher cost systems that promised so much production and hopefully profit, suddenly become millstones around the necks of heavily indebted farmers. The traditional advantage of low cost milk thrown out the rose tinted window of more land, more cows, more milk, and usually more debt. Whatever sector you are

working in and whatever the challenges there is always someone else better off and worse off than yourself. The important thing to remember over this Christmas period is that we are all Kiwis, living in this wonderful country. Visitors too deserve consideration so that whatever and however we are to live through the next couple of weeks, understand that everyone deserves a bit of kindness and empathy. There is one thing for sure and that is what goes around comes around, and pride comes before a fall. Maybe it’s time for the committed wool farmers to ride high again. In the meantime dairy farmers and many others will appreciate that fortunes can turn around in a hurry and leave us struggling to keep it together. It’s up to all of us to support any people in need of the spirit of Christmas. Have a safe and happy one.

A Green Perspective with Steffan Browning, Green Party spokesperson on Agriculture

Sustainable New Year This festive season enjoying our families and friends may be laced with discussion about how we can maintain truly sustainable farming systems which might be resilient in the face of climate effects and banks. In my home region of Marlborough, we are told that 2014 was the warmest year on record (since 1932) and in Canterbury apart from some pockets that were close to average, last year’s winter was 0.5 – 1.2°C above average, with many locations in Canterbury and Otago recording their highest July mean temperatures. Then spring rainfall was well below normal (50%) in Nelson and Marlborough, and below normal (50-79%) in eastern parts of Otago and Canterbury. Increasing adverse weather events as a result of climate change will require two signiﬁcant approaches from a farming perspective. The first for all New Zealanders is for the government to face up to climate change and stop the increase in emissions here,

and be part of the global solution to protect our growers and communities. Official government projections show New Zealand greenhouse gas emissions are planned to increase by 50% in a decade. While Europe and Scandinavia have achieve signiﬁcant decreases in emissions, and there has been only a small increase, 3%, in Australia’s emissions since 1990, New Zealand’s emissions have already increased by a massive 111%. Second, our farms need to be more resilient to adverse weather effects and less dependent on imported feed and fertiliser. Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) imports are already dropping, parallel to milk payout projections. Due to the direct association with rain forest clearance, PKE is rotten from a reputational angle, doing nothing but harm to New Zealand’s best marketing tool, the clean green and safe brand. I note new Fonterra director Leonie Guiney’s example as the best low-input system in the 2014 Dairy Business of the Year. A very successful

farmer with her husband Kieran, Leonie is opting for a grass fed system with strict supplementary drymatter feed limits and the use of PKE is very limited. Their low cost of production was reported at $2.86/kg on a 250-hectare, 900-cow farm compared with the New Zealand average of $4.42/kg — based on figures from the 2012-13 season, and Fonterra’s farmgate milk price of $5.84/kg, plus a dividend of 32 cents a share. The biggest difference in operating profit of $4607/ha compared with a national average of $1997/ha is supplementary feed. Increased global competition and downward price pressure on primary production, means that New Zealand must have a distinct point of difference and defendable brand. Moving our farming systems to those that are genuinely sustainable and not reliant on imported feed and high fertiliser and pesticide regimes will help secure markets and price. May 2015 be the best for positive change towards sustainable profitability.

December 2014

Country Matters

From the Minister

with Rob Cope-Williams

Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

A busy and exciting year This is my last column for the year and a chance to say thank you for all your feedback and support. It’s been a very busy and exciting year in both politics and farming, with the election an obvious high point. It was very humbling to be re-elected for a third term in Government with strong support from rural New Zealand. Likewise I was thrilled to be re-appointed as Primary Industries Minister by Prime Minister John Key. This is a huge and exciting portfolio and there is lots of work to be done. Our goal is to double the value of our primary sector exports by 2025. This is achievable, but will be challenging when we have years like this one. Fonterra’s downward revision of their forecast payout was disappointing but no great surprise given the fall in dairy prices this year. We all know that last year was a record payout, and that farming is a cyclical business. Farmers are in it for the long term, not just one year, and the longer term outlook is positive. It’s a question of ‘when’, not

‘if’, dairy prices will recover. At the same time it has been a boom year for the red meat sector with very strong demand from the US where beef prices are 40 per cent higher than a year ago. The Ministry for Primary Industries have released their latest forecasts and are predicting that meat and wool export revenue will rise by $518 million this year. This strong demand is likely to continue for another two years which is great news. We’re expecting to see increases in export revenue from horticulture, arable and seafood, with improved demand for products like crayﬁsh, mussels and salmon. Another positive is the strong results for kiwifruit, which have rebounded well from the Psa disease. In fact orchard values are now at pre-Psa levels which shows growing conﬁdence and returns for the industry. Of course, no industry can succeed if we don’t properly

protect our borders from pests and disease. This is why I’ve always said my number one priority as Minister is biosecurity and we’ve made good progress this year. Three industries have signed a formal Government Industry Agreement to work closely on biosecurity preparation and responses. It’s great to have the kiwifruit, pipfruit and pork industries involved and I’m sure we will see more. We also have a new $65 million biocontainment laboratory to be built near Wellington, and around 125 new front line inspectors have joined MPI in the last two years. In my next column I’ll talk about some of the big challenges and opportunities I see for the primary sector in 2015 and the years beyond. All the best for the Christmas and the New Year, and I hope you get some time to relax wherever you might be.

NO MATTER WHAT YOU DRIVE HAS YOU COVERED

Leading the way with genetics As we watch another part of our proud industry slip into a downward slope as the cycle swings, it reminds me of the fact that all our sectors have had, at some time or other, major swings and as the returns drop off, the determination to hang in there gets stronger. One of the first things that I notice is that unprofitable stock is culled. It is a natural thing to reduce numbers and concentrate on getting more from fewer animals, so the bottom of the flock or herd gets their heads cut off. Dairy farmers do it on a normal rotation as young stock come up through the ranks, but that is about to become more important. It is interesting to talk with the top producers because they are all saying the same thing — less mouths and more production. However, let’s take a close look at the sheep and cattle farmers. They have had some very lean years and the national flock and herd is well down on the happy days of the past. So the result is that the top sheep and cattle have been

kept and the average standard across the country is now a lot higher than ever before. That is illustrated by the prices being paid for rams being exported to South America. While everyone is talking about negative things, there’s a couple of people being very busy buying rams and sending them overseas because the rest of the world knows just how good our genetics are … all below the radar, as they say. That proves that New Zealand is certainly at the forefront of world genetics, and yes we could bring rugby into the equation if you wanted to. So with sheep and beef cattle totally sorted, and obviously the horse industries both racing and sports horses

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at the top of their game as far as world beaters are concerned, dairying is right there poised to take on the world. After all we have been able to challenge the rest of the world with total grass regimes. Now there’s a swing towards cut and carry, our genetics that have boxed well above their weight will really stand out. So, the silver lining to the cloud is that while things appear to be very tough, and people are talking doom and gloom, the industry will very likely come out the other side being a lot more efﬁcient. The old saying that every cloud does have a silver lining has been proven right for the sheep and beef farmers and it will be the same for the dairying folk.

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December 2014

Country Law

with Ronald W. Angland & Son

Holiday pay entitlements With Christmas coming soon almost everyone will be thinking about holidays. If you’ve got a fortnight off and plan to get the tent loaded up and head off to the beach for some rest and relaxation you might have special costs to worry about. If you’re coming into the busy season and have to work on Christmas you’ll be feeling a bit put out and wanting that extra effort to be recognised. The law still sets minimum limits employers must obey about public holidays and annual holidays. During the summer period employees are entitled to a holiday on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and the day after (these can usually be transferred by agreement). If a holiday day is one that you would ordinarily work then you should get paid as though you have worked (on a calculation including incentive payments or piece rates, if

relevant). If you have to work the public holiday you should be paid at least time-and-ahalf and have that holiday transferred to be subsequently taken and paid out. Everyone also gets at least four weeks’ paid holidays a year or a percentage equivalent. These holidays normally accrue after each year worked; they can be taken at any time, and you are entitled to have at least two weeks of them in a row. Holiday pay entitlements depend on your type of work — if you are on a salary your holiday pay will likely be your ordinary weekly pay, whereas if you do wage work your holiday pay should be a weekly average incorporating all your gross earnings (piece rates, overtime, etc.). Holiday entitlements should be paid out in advance of your holiday unless your contract says

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otherwise. If you are on fixed-term employment or are a genuinely causal employee (with no ﬁxed work pattern or expectation of ongoing work) you will have your annual leave paid as you go at a further 8% minimum on top of your pay as you won’t be anticipating an annual holiday as such. The pay-as-you-go pay is the exception to the rule, and only applies to a few work arrangements. These are just some of the basic holiday entitlements at law in New Zealand, and while you can contract for greater entitlements a work contract which provides less is illegal. If you are have any concerns about your holiday pay or other employment issues you might want to have a word with your lawyer. Don’t let a Grinch steal your Christmas. This article has been prepared by Craig Wakelin, a solicitor with Ronald Angland & Son, Solicitors, who may be contacted on Tel: 03 324 3033 or e-mail craig@anglands.co.nz

Money Talk with Andrew Wyllie

Lower oil prices to boost global economy It’s hard to believe that this year has all but finished as we head into Christmas and the festive season. Hopefully we will get a period of settled weather over the holiday period. Global Markets Amongst developed economies, the United States remains the poster child for economic growth. Europe continues to struggle to reignite any substantial growth, not helped by Russian sanctions. Elsewhere, Japan has resorted to an even larger quantitative easing programme (in GDP terms) than that adopted by the United States, to restart its economy. The combined effect of this mixed global growth has enabled global inﬂation to remain in check and kept interest rates low. The global economy is expected to receive a substantial boost from lower oil prices, with the falls to date having delivered a windfall to consumers in excess of US$1 trillion. With developed economies being large energy importers. This should have a positive ﬂowon effect and help increase economic activity, led by the United States. Global Equity Markets Global equity markets were broadly higher over the quarter, with Japanese equities posting

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would be a good summation of where things are at and likely to be for a while. Despite improving United States growth, long-term interest rates continue to hover around their 12 month lows. Subdued global inflation has helped, but surplus European savings being redirected internationally also acted to cap the potential for longer-term rates to rise. With European growth expected to remain weak, these capital flows are likely to continue to suppress the potential for any significant change in global interest rates. Local shorter-term rates also appear to have minimal upside, with a softer stance by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the market now pricing in no increases before late 2015. For fixed interest investors we have had very little in the way of new issuance in the final stages of 2014. However several new bank fixed interest issues are anticipated in early 2015 and interested investors should express any demand early. Have a Merry Christmas and an enjoyable holiday season. For further details contact Andrew Wyllie, an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@ forsythbarr.co.nz. To find out more about Forsyth Barr visit www.forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

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good gains after the Japanese Government Pension Fund was directed to increase its asset allocation to local equities. United States equities were however the stand-out performers, helped by another positive reporting season. Lower oil prices did hurt the energy sector, but the effects of lower prices were viewed as more beneficial to the broader economy. From a New Zealand perspective, currency movements further enhanced returns, with the start of the secular recovery in the US dollar being the major driver. Australian and New Zealand Equity Markets New Zealand equity returns have been strong, with electricity companies leading the returns. The re-rating of these stocks following the re-election of a National-led Government provided the initial boost, which was then supported by the high yielding nature of these companies. By contrast, Australian equities were the weakest of the markets we follow, with the resource sector negatively impacted by declines in both iron ore and oil prices. The flow-on effect to investment and employment expectations also impacted domestically orientated companies, while the banking sector had to contend with the prospect of the ‘Murray Report’ requiring them to hold more regulatory capital. Healthcare and Telecoms were the only sectors to provide any material advances. Fixed Interest Market Looking at fixed interest markets, ‘lower for longer’

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Dame Margaret joins Green Cross Health board Rural Women New Zealand welcomes the appointment of Dame Margaret Millard to the Green Cross Health board, saying she will bring a rural perspective to the company’s operations. “We are delighted that Dame Margaret has accepted this position. She is a visionary leader and thinker who will ensure that the rural voice is heard during the many changes taking place, particularly in the homecare sector,” says Rural Women New Zealand’s national president, Wendy McGowan. Dame Margaret is a past president of Rural Women New Zealand and served for nine years on the board of Access Homehealth Limited, which Rural Women New Zealand sold to Green Cross Health earlier this month. She brings not only a rural focus, but also a strong health and community background to the directorship with Green Cross Health. Amongst her other governance roles she has been a member of the NZ Red Cross Board and has also served on the Nursing Council

of New Zealand. Awarded the Dame Companion New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the rural community in 2002, Dame Margaret has a farming background, through her involvement with family beef and dairying operations in the Manawatu. She also represents the Rural Support Trust in ManawatuRangitikei. Green Cross Health chairman, Peter Merton says, “We are honoured that Dame Margaret Millard has accepted our invitation to join the board of Green Cross Health. “Dame M a r g a r e t ’s experience and knowledge will be a tremendous asset to us as we focus on developing and delivering seamless primary health services to benefit everyone in New Zealand. Dame Margaret brings a wealth of experience in the care

and there are often signiﬁcant roadblocks including: • The parents being afraid or unsure of how to talk with their children about what they intend • The increasing average size of the economic farming unit raises capital requirements and exposes the farm business to more debt • The difﬁculty in keeping up the momentum in implementing the farm succession plan, and • Acknowledging that every farm and family is unique and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Mr Rowan advises that If the farm is the centre of the succession plan then your

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If you’re Planning the farm’s future reading this, It is a fact of life — we are all getting older. While that then so may sound a little trite, it becomes relevant in the farming community where the succession of farm ownership can come are your with legal and financial considerations. customers So with the average age of New Zealand farmers rising, where do we go to for advice? Of course there’s always the family lawyer, but technology means the rural household can connect to the Internet for relevant help. What is needed is a formal farm succession plan and online legal advice from Doug Rowan explains that an effective succession plan enables a smooth transition of farm ownership and control to the next generation with appropriate legal structures in place which serve the whole family. Many people shy away from getting to grips with a plan

December 2014

decisions will revolve around how to maintain and develop the existing farm so that it doesn’t fall out of the family ownership. If the family is at the centre of the succession plan then decisions regarding what to do with the farm will revolve around what is best for the family — both now and in the future. In a farm succession planning exercise, a team approach will bring about the best results. This team should include you both, your lawyer, accountant and banker. It’s critical that all these professional advisors are prepared to work together and listen to your real wishes.

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SPREADING THE sustainable message BY BELINDA CULLEN-REID

Their time as the ambassadors of New Zealand agriculture might have officially ended, but Methven intensive arable farmers Craige and Roz Mackenzie are still committed to educating the agricultural industry about sustainable farming practices. Craige and Roz of Greenvale Pastures became the National Winners of the 2013 Ballance Farm Environment Awards for their use of technology to maximise production in a sustainable manner on their intensive arable operation. The award saw them became ambassadors for New Zealand agriculture, travelling nationally and internationally to spread their sustainable message, and hosting visitors and ﬁeld days at their own property. “We were very privileged to be recipients of the award. We’ve had a fantastic year. It’s

been very enlightening. We’ve rubbed shoulders with a lot of people and that’s stimulated the thought processes,” Craige said. “We’ve been able to sit down and discuss things with people and been exposed to ideas that we can use to help in our own business.” Along with their 200ha Greenvale property, the Mackenzies also hold a 50 percent equity share in a neighbouring 330ha dairy unit and also co-own a company that utilises precision agriculture technology to provide agronomic support and solutions

to farmers with their daughter Jemma. “We’ve been interested for a long time in sustainable farming. We’ve always been in that headspace. We’ve always wanted to have the least impact on the environment while remaining profitable. Those concepts aren’t exclusive,” Craige said. Craige has been farming all his working life. He never studied agriculture at University choosing to attend ‘University of Life’ where he’s learnt from others, which he still continues to do. He and Roz bought their

Methven property in 1994, starting a business that he said they have grown, developed and extended. He says farming is a career where you can never stand still. “We can’t do the things we’ve always done. Then you go backwards. These days farming is about sustainable intensiﬁcation.” It’s that enthusiasm to learn that has resulted in the Mackenzie’s being recognised as leaders in sustainable farming practices. Their intensive farm operates simple and effective crop rotations and is a high

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performing unit in every aspect, growing mainly specialist crops, with this season’s rotation including radish, chicory, wheat, ryegrass, fescue, barley and faba beans. The judges of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards said the couple had high levels of innovation and had taken technology to the next step on their irrigated farm by using every available tool to improve their production and cost efﬁciency. Examples of this are electromagnetic soil mapping which is used to give a clear

picture of water holding and productive capacity within specific zones. Variable rate irrigation ensures crops are never over watered. Strategic use of irrigation ensures maximum seed germination while enhancing the activity of applied chemicals and increasing nitrogen use efficiency. The MacKenzies were praised for their effective utilisation of soil test and plant requirement information to plan and monitor nutrient use efficiency. Fertiliser is spread using a variable rate spreader

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KWIKSHIFT CONTRATORS LTD 03 318 4132 Craige and Roz Mackenzie say sustainability and profitability on the farm can go hand in hand agriculture, we have some huge advantages climatically and technologically.” Back home on the farm, Craige and Roz have hosted several ﬁeld days showcasing the use of technology to lift farm performance and improve sustainability. “We invited the Green Party to come and see what we are doing. We also reached out to the wider community because we feel it is our duty to engage urban people and help them understand what farmers are trying to do.” A visit by government ministers Steven Joyce, Nathan Guy and Jo Goodhew was a highlight. “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to talk face-to-face with politicians about some of the challenges in front of farmers,” Craige said. A trip to address agribusiness and industry leaders in November allowed

the Mackenzies to deliver a message that sustainability must be built into everyday farming, not bolted on. The trip organised by the New Zealand Farm Environment (NZFE) Trust included meeting with key industry stakeholders to promote good environmental practices and swap ideas on how to improve environmental management as well as an address to the Primary Production Select Committee. An important part of running a sustainable operation is the ability to plan for and adapt to change, and Roz says many of the business leaders she and Craige met were eager to gain ideas on how they could shape their businesses for the long term. A key challenge is how to improve farmer access to scientiﬁc research. “There is some really good work going on at the moment, but there appears to be a growing disconnect between

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equipped with technology that allows targeted nutrient application to meet speciﬁc crop requirements. Craige said winning the award opened up a whole world of opportunity for them. As ambassadors for sustainable agriculture they travelled widely, including Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, where they studied arable farming, dairying and beef production. In October Craige was the only New Zealander in an elite group of 16 farmers who attended the Global Farmer Roundtable in Iowa. Held as part of the World Food Prize meetings, the roundtable addressed the challenge of providing enough food for nine billion people by 2050. Craige described the experience as humbling. “It certainly made me realise how lucky we are to have what we have in New Zealand. In terms of

farmers and scientists,” Roz said. “It’s a worldwide problem, but New Zealand has a signiﬁcant advantage because a lot of farmers do have close ties with industry bodies and research organisations. So we need to take ownership of this issue and do our bit as well. “By working collaboratively with science organisations we can ensure that good science will reach farmers. “For us, precision agriculture is about the ﬁve ‘R’s. That’s using the right inputs at the right amount in the right place at the right time and in the right manner.” Next year the Mackenzies will travel overseas to represent New Zealand as ambassadors for agriculture and environmental sustainability.

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I M T E E F I O L F A DAIRYING

BY BELINDA CULLEN-REID

A lifestyle block in Prebbleton is now home to 82-year old Alistair Thomas but his involvement in the dairy industry has left him with a lifetime of memories.

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It may have been a while since Alistair ran a large dairy farm of his own, but his two sons Michael and Warren are still in the industry and he likes to keep up with the latest innovations, as well as reminiscing on days gone by. Alistair was the third generation of the Thomas family to be involved in dairying in New Zealand and now thanks to his sons the tradition continues. Mark Thomas, Alistair’s grandfather, milked cows in the Kaituna area in the late 1800s. Alistair’s father John kept the dairying tradition going and in 1928 bought a dairy farm in Greenpark where Alistair was raised and in turn raised his own sons. Alistair remembers growing up on his father’s Greenpark dairy farm, which he described

as ‘old style’ dairying. He remembers the milk from the farm being carted to a community separating plant with the cream being brought back to feed the pigs. After the Second World War dairying in Canterbury became much more lucrative for the average farmer with the introduction of the Town Milk supply on a permanent basis, ensuring a steady income for the farmer. Before that milk had been supplied on demand with no set contracts, leaving farmers vulnerable to the whims of the market — a situation which Alistair described as ‘pretty unsatisfactory’. He said in 1945 a group of dairy farmers decided to form a co-operative and Canterbury Dairy Farmers (CDF) was

the result. They acquired a milk processing facility in Christchurch and used ex-army vehicles to move the milk cans from farm to factory. “With CDF farmers had total control of supply and processing,” Alistair said. Now dairying was a profitable profession with farmers receiving monthly payouts and end of year bonuses that were equivalent to an extra month’s income in the year. Alistair said prior to 1945 the farm at Greenpark had been typical of dairy farms at the time. There was no intensive dairying, rather a combination of cows, other types of stock and mixed cropping. “The Town Milk scheme was a life saver”, Alistair said. “It was a prosperous livelihood that continued until the 1990s

when government protection was lifted, freeing up dairying for major industry players to become more involved.” In the 1960s Alistair took on a half share of the Greenpark farm. He worked in dairying on another farm during the week and came home in the weekend to give a hand. After his father passed away, Alistair took over the balance of the property in 1977. He recalls it being a bit of an undertaking with high inﬂation rates. With the employment of a good accountant, Peter Alexander, who the family still use today, Alistair said they navigated difﬁcult economic times, including buying land for his sons during the eighties when others were downscaling. Advice which Alistair said proved sound over time.

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He may be retired by Alistair Thomas still retains an interest in all things farming Alistair Thomas is no longer a full time dairy farmer but is still involved in the industry grazing young cows and bulls on his Prebbleton lifestyle block In 1988 Alistair went into a three-way partnership with Michael and Warren, which he said had been a happy collaboration. “We’ve always worked as a team. The boys still come and talk to me and tell me what they’re doing. It’s nice to be involved,” he said. Michael has gone on to farm in the Burnham area and Warren farms near Darﬁeld. Both have made livelihoods out of dairying. Nowadays Alistair and his wife Patricia are living a somewhat quieter life on their lifestyle block in Prebbleton, but Alistair is not quite ready to give up dairying completely. As a grazier he takes on calves

for 12 months at a time. Grazing six animals to the hectare he says the calves get pretty good treatment. Whilst a typical grazier might get an increase weight of 0.7kg a day, Alistair said his last herd averaged 0.9kg. He says while the New Zealand media likes to hype up the current fall in milk price pay-outs to dairy farmers, he said he was not too concerned as dairying has always had its ups and downs. “At no time has dairying been a total disaster. Over the years we’ve learnt to be very resilient. We clam up when the money’s not there and hold on.” He praised the versatility of cows, saying if you can’t

milk it, you can still eat it. “The good thing about cows — while you’re sleeping they’re producing income.” Alistair said the fat may have gone out of the industry for now, but the muscle was still there. “It will be the service industries that feel it,” he said. Another reason to sing the praises of the dairy industry is the collaborative way dairy farmers help each other. Alistair

said it is not uncommon for those who are scaling down their operations to give a hand to others who are just getting started. “People help each other. That’s a feature of the dairy industry.” As he ploughs through his family’s role in the history of dairying in New Zealand his memories are happy ones. “Dairying has been very good to me over the years.”

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WATER

December 2014

Irrigation Issues

Dr Tony Daveron

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I am talking about irrigators squirting water onto the road and the dust adhering to the yet to dry surface of the vehicle. Nobody holds consent to irrigate the road — it is dangerous and might even be ‘illegal’. No matter its status, irrigating onto the road is not good. Phew another late night article following a prompt, actually more a plea from the editor for an article. I could blame the fact I am back visiting farmers in Ruataniwha — it would be feeble given I have missed the due date by nearly two days (nearly because midnight of the end of the two day grace period I guess). Back to the subject at hand — irrigating onto and sometimes across the roads. This is nothing more than terrible practice and is inexcusable. It is: • a waste of water • dangerous because of both the surprise/startle factor and loss of visibility for a few seconds • potential loss of control of the vehicle — and • on gravel roads one’s vehicle becomes a ﬁlthy mess (like the blue Hilux that we see every night before the weather on TV1) Beginning with your resource consent to take and use water, one of the conditions requires:

‘The consent holder shall take all practicable steps to … avoid the application of abstracted water onto nonproductive land such as impermeable surfaces and river or stream riparian strips’. Unless I miss something in this condition, a road is: a) A non-productive piece of land — and b) Is an impermeable surface There is no justiﬁcation or permission for irrigation of the road. And it is not just a misguided gun irrigator, but roto-rainers and end-guns on centre pivots. Oh and before I forget, much of the shelter belts have sufﬁciently low porosity for the high volume — high pressure water stream from the end nozzle of a roto-rainer and from the end-gun of the centre pivot to pass through and onto the road.

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While irrigating onto roads maybe isolated incidents, I had two ‘wash downs’ within ﬁve minutes two weeks ago — one on Acton Road and another on Gardiners Road. The ﬁrst a gun landing ‘bang’ in the middle of Acton Road and the other a pivot end-gun nearly clearing the road. Both were inexcusable, especially the centre pivot which has the technology to sector the road boundary and exclude from irrigation. While the watering is temporary and for short duration, these ‘reasons’ do not excuse the misuse of the water. Enough of that rant. This will be the last article before Santa arrives and a New Year has dawned. We will have gone past the longest day — an important day in crop production, especially for obligate photoperiodic plants. This mouthful simply put are those plants which require a

long or short enough night before flowering, e.g. oats. But there are plenty of long-day plants such as Swiss chard or sugar beet, radish, rye, spinach and spring wheat where flowering, vegetative growth and/or internode elongation are affected. Corn (and aka maize) yield is reduced for every day after the longest day the plant flowers. With maize a long way from flowering this season, thanks to the continuation of the ‘Spring El Niño’ (you know the cool SW, occasional NW, and a general lack of rainfall of any significance) it will be some time before maize tassels, silks and flowers. I will leave it to you to make the obvious deduction. Let’s hope the New Year brings warmer and sunnier weather for harvest and those of you who will head for some water, whether the sea or lake.

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WATER

Weather Watch

December 2014

Much like October, November was a windy spring month with more southwesterly airflow than usual. Cold fronts were frequent in their passage over Canterbury bringing many southwesterly changes, preceded by mild (although not especially warm) northwesterly winds, and followed by cold (sometimes unusually cold for the time of year) periods with showers, thunderstorms and hail. Temperatures in November were colder than normal, generally by −0.5 to −1.0deg on the Plains, but by −1.5 to −2.5deg further inland. Night time temperatures were especially cold, with a number of late season frosts early in the month. Sunshine hours were above normal by 15–35% due to the predominantly westerly quarter airﬂow. Rainfall was highly variable over the region, with patterns dominated by the movement of many individual storms and showers over the course of the month. Generally totals on the Plains were near normal, but varied from about 50% below to nearly 50% above normal. Most high country areas were a little drier than normal. In the tropical Paciﬁc, ocean temperatures are starting to show a more coherent El Nino

pattern, but it is weak and not developing in the typical way. Many atmospheric indicators are failing to show any significant El Nino development. The Southern Oscillation Index has trended slightly negative through November, indicating weak El Nino conditions, but fails to indicate a significant El Nino development. The latest computer models continue to suggest a weak El Nino event will remain through the summer months, but some suggest the El Nino has peaked at low levels, and will decay steadily throughout the summer period. There are still some suggestions of a significant La Nina event developing during next year. As we are currently in a phase in the Pacific where La Nina events are expected to be more dominant, we too expect this El Nino to be in imminent decline, and likely to be replaced early next year by potentially strong La Nina conditions. As the El Nino peaks and slowly decays we generally see increased westerly or southwesterly airflow over New Zealand and this spring has shown that pattern so far.

However, the SOI has so far failed to reach the levels to signify a traditional El Nino event, and as of midDecember is now trending slowly back to neutral. This has been accompanied by a trend to seeing low pressure systems develop in the Tasman Sea and near New Zealand, with the westerly airﬂows of spring weakening, allowing

more opportunity for airﬂows over Canterbury from other directions. We expect to see this pressure pattern continue through January and into February, with more low pressure systems than usual moving across the North Island, and more anticyclones near the South Island. This will bring more frequent periods of humid easterly

Temp

Sunshine

Airflow

A little drier than normal

A little milder than normal

A little cloudier than normal

More anticyclones

Feb

A little drier than normal

A little milder than normal

A little cloudier than normal

More anticyclones

Mar

Wetter than normal

A little milder than normal

Cloudier than normal

More easterly airflows

Apr

Wetter than normal

A little milder than normal

Cloudier than normal

More easterly airflows

Jan

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Forecast – Canterbury Rainfall

be normal at best, and may be a little below. Rainfall is likely to be near to or a little below normal, but with more frequent periods of afternoon convective showers than usual. From March and into April we may see increased cloudiness, and at least normal rainfall, possibly above normal. Temperatures should remain a little above normal.

airflow onto central New Zealand. From about March we may see the low pressure systems move more towards the South Island. For January and February in Canterbury we expect to see temperatures near to or a little warmer than usual, but with some extended periods of near normal temperatures, and few extremes. Sunshine hours will

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

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December 2014

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WATER

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

Getting the facts on irrigation IrrigationNZ, with the support of some of our members, recently hosted a breakfast for over 70 politicians, industry and business representatives and NGOs in Wellington. The aim was to dispel myths about water storage and irrigation and highlight our role in maintaining New Zealand’s competitive and vibrant agricultural sector. In particular we wanted to educate Wellington’s corporate and government sectors and we were pleasantly surprised by the response.

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around road works

IrrigationNZ chairperson Nicky Hyslop opened proceedings by describing what breakfast might look like without irrigation compared to the full and varied breakfast plate on offer. The stark contrast between the non-irrigated ‘black coffee and wild salmon’ menu compared to the diverse offerings on the day couldn’t have been more effective. Nicky went on to describe the efforts the irrigation industry is putting into environmental stewardship and community partnerships. “Irrigating farmers in New Zealand are constantly innovating and improving at their own expense for the beneﬁt of all. Today we’re asking urban New Zealand to recognise these efforts.” IrrigationNZ has known for some time that anti-irrigation rhetoric frequently develops in urban centres, like Wellington, partly because of remoteness from rural communities, but also through lack of knowledge

and understanding of how farming works. The aim of the breakfast was to show Wellingtonians that their irrigating counterparts are not only helping sustain their quality of life, but are also making signiﬁcant efforts to manage land and water sustainably. To help us sell our message, representatives from several irrigation schemes around New Zealand joined the breakfast, including Robyn Wells, CEO of the North Otago Irrigation Company (NOIC) and Mid Canterbury dairy farmer Mark Slee, an IrrigationNZ board member. Both speakers were able to provide a ﬁrst-hand perspective on what irrigation schemes and irrigating farmers are doing to mitigate environmental impacts on-farm as well as demonstrate the wider economic contribution of irrigation. In his opening remarks, Minister for Primary Industries Hon Nathan Guy, commended

IrrigationNZ for arranging the breakfast and said that events like this play an important role in educating New Zealanders about where their food comes from. “Irrigation underpins a big part of the economy as water is New Zealand’s strategic asset and our competitive advantage in the world. “Irrigation is crucial to our way of life and while we have an abundance of water, it doesn’t always fall in the right place at the right time which is why irrigation and water storage are so important,” he said. IrrigationNZ now intends to offer more learning opportunities along these lines for urban New Zealanders so we can forge better understanding and improve perceptions of our industry. Modern irrigation, including precision technologies, is highly efﬁcient and innovative and as a sector we are keen to engage more with urban communities to relay this story.

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WATER

December 2014

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FORESTRY

December 2014

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF, Laurie Forestry Ltd

A rocky road in forestry The log trade has been a rather tumultuous one for Canterbury with export log prices lifting and dipping faster than a slow bullet and wind damage recovery clean up stretching all resources to the max. By year’s end, we are now in pretty good shape. Domestic sales are moderate to strong with prices ﬁrm to ﬂat. The region’s saw miller owners appear ambivalent with comment hovering between the positiveness of good sales volumes but tempered by margins under continuous challenge. Export sales have levelled after climbing back and look destined to remain that way through into Q1 2015. On the domestic front it is important to record the recent

untimely death of Gary McVicar a person very widely known in timber circles. The McVicar enterprises in the Canterbury region are signiﬁcant and of huge importance within the timber and related industries. Gary built on an enterprise from the foundations laid by his late father Neil. Gary has been a sound industry advocate, often leading the charge on behalf of industry. He had many roles and interests touching timber and forests spanning in excess of 50 years.

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He was forthright, hard working and of unquestionable business acumen. His contribution to our industry must therefore be acknowledged and in so doing we also extend sympathy and condolences to the McVicar family. In December we expect CIF settlements in China to remain ﬂat with most commentators suggesting A grade will remain at US$130 per cubic metre. FOREX has remained reasonably stable with the US$/ KIWI$ rate staying within a 1.5 cent range over the last month. Shipping costs have deﬁnitely softened with the northern Hemisphere winter starting to impact trade and more vessels prepared to head south for cargo. Overall we are seeing shipping rates coming off

US$2–$3 per cubic metre which on balance is adding about the same to wharf gate prices in NZ$ terms. However, this China market is continuing to carry credit risk factors. With two very large Letter of Credit providers having left timber and log segment, some customers are struggling to conﬁrm sales. Credit is under pressure with payment time terms reduced and deposit percentages increased. On the one hand, the China business code suggests it is quite wise to pay up on time but on the other I have noted default and bankruptcy remains prevalent. Whilst this air of constraint pervades and overall nervousness continues, we would expect conditions to remain ﬂat in to next year. On a more positive note, overall inventory levels are

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Those involved in the Canterbury timber industry are mourning the loss of two industry identities, Gary McVicar, pictured above, and former Canterbury Farming columnist Andy McCord

continuing to fall now below 3.5 million cubic metres and continuing to decline. Sales across the eastern seaboard are continuing at 50,000 to 55,000 per day, which is not too shabby. One other bright light for the New Zealand side, is the significant reduction in supply of log and lumber from the Pacific North West. The US domestic market now pays US$30 to $35 per cubic metre equivalent more for logs than can be achieved in export sales at the wharf gate. Sellers are heading in droves to their local mills. US sales are strong and sawmills are flat out. At a US/NZ cross rate situation, in the past, we have typically seen US Douglas fir and Hemlock logs sell at a US$20 to $25 per cubic metre premium above Radiata pine. This margin is shrinking significantly with margins now in the order of US$10 only. This is certainly not music to the ears of NZ Douglas fir forest owners and log sellers and we do not expect their news to improve any time soon. On another note of sadness we also must record the recent untimely demise of forest management practitioner, Andy McCord.

Andy has been a signiﬁcant contributor to the forest industry primarily in Canterbury but his knowledge tentacles spread far and wide. He was a passionate advocate for sound forest establishment practices, and an out of the square thinker on options and alternatives. He was a man of enviable humour, great company and a good friend to many in the industry. He was of course, well known as a writer for many years to Canterbury Farming. He will be sorely missed and our sympathies go to Sammie and family. And so it is we must end a year having recorded some wonderful highs and some not so great lows. Whatever your experience I extend seasons greetings and wish everyone the very best of everything good in 2015. Of course it is thoroughly important to remember the trees keep growing regardless and people of the world continue to need wood for wide ranging reasons. 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.

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December 2014

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A look at sharemilking disputes Herd owning sharemilking agreements have been very common in the New Zealand dairy industry for 100 years.

EITHER WAY IT’S 20K

important clauses that is in both sharemilking agreements. Lately it has been announced that Federated Farmers have deleted the set-off clause from their 50/50 herd owning sharemilking agreements. The statutory Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011 still retains the set-off clause. However, while still retaining this clause the dispute resolution process clauses must be strictly followed and it is only after the dispute has failed to be resolved by conciliation that the farm owner is entitled to withhold the sharemilker’s

proceeds to the value of the claims as follows: (a) The farm owner must notify the sharemilker in writing of the intention to retain the sharemilker’s payment; (b) The farm owner is not entitled to retain or deduct from any one payment due or to become due, to the sharemilker more than 75% of any such payment; (c) All money deducted from the sharemilker will be paid into the farm owner’s solicitor’s interest-bearing trust account to be accounted for on request by either party.

The farm owner must be very careful to follow the rules strictly as set out in the Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011. If the farm owner withholds more money from the sharemilker than the amount the farm owner is claiming, then in the absence of extenuating circumstances, the arbitrator must award interest on that money at a rate of 8% per month or part of the month compounding, This equates to 96% interest per annum. If the farm owner withholds only the amount being claimed and the farm owner’s claims

NDF1324699

These particular 50/50 herd owning sharemilking agreements are not statutory agreements like the Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011. The Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011 provides the opportunity for an individual to become a sharemilker without owning the herd, working for a dairy farm owner. The right of set-off where a dairy farmer can instruct the dairy company to withhold milk proceeds owing to the sharemilker under the terms of the contract is one of the very

are subsequently not awarded in full, the arbitrator must award interest at a rate of up to 5% per month compounding on the excess money withheld. Arbitration was seen at one time as the best option to settle sharemilking disputes. Today however the cost of arbitration can amount to many thousands of dollars. The Farmers of New Zealand sharemilking agreements give the parties, we believe, a number of options that the farm owner and the sharemilker can decide on prior to signing the 50/50 herd owning sharemilking

agreements, which ensures a speedy conciliation process and a low cost method of resolving their dispute. Farmers of New Zealand believes that the District Court Dispute Tribunal is the most economic way to settle claims of $15,000–$20,000, if the dispute cannot be resolved by professional conciliation. We have a renowned reputation for providing successful professional advice in sharemilking and employment matters. If you have a query, contact our membership help desk services.

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December 2014

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December 2014

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December 2014

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Deer farmer training gathering steam by Trevor Walton

After a break of several years, training courses are now underway for farm workers who want to know more about farming deer. Course fees are subsidised and there is the opportunity to use the courses as stepping stones to higher qualiﬁcations.

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one is underway and two are planned. Trainees who complete the courses will be awarded their Level 3 Certificates in Livestock Husbandry and Deer. Deer Industry NZ producer manager Tony Pearse says the first course began in Southland in April. The second, in South Canterbury, kicked off with a block session at Peel Forest Estate in September. In February a third course will start in North Canterbury. These courses, which are designed for people already working on farms, follow several years when ITO training in deer farming was not readily available. The lack of training was of concern to deer farmers looking for workers with deer experience. Since the Primary ITO was formed two years ago, it has worked with the deer industry to get Level 3 courses underway. The ITO also supports Level 4 and 5 deer farming training as part of its National Certificate in Agriculture, with individual

students being assigned tutors with deer farming expertise. An agreement, supported by the deer industry, has been signed between the Primary ITO and Agribusiness Training to deliver the Level 3 courses and the deer industry has two representatives on the ITO’s dry stock advisory group. As an incentive to get deer farm workers into ITO courses, 60 per cent of course fees are being sponsored by ﬁrms operating in the sector — Alliance Group, CK ImportExport, Downlands Deer, Duncan & Co, Mountain River, Silver Fern Farms and Stanﬁelds — as well as by the NZ Elk & Wapiti Society. Each have agreed to sponsor up to three trainees a year for three years. Each Level 3 course involves a block training session at the beginning and the end of the course. But most of the training is completed on-farm under the guidance of the farmer or farm manager. Trainees complete written assignments and

Primary ITO staff visit them on the farms and assess what they have learned. The first course, in Southland, involved a block training session based at David and Lynley Stevens Netherdale Stud in April. At this session trainees were tutored by deer veterinarian Dave Lawrence on deer health and biology and Sharon McIntyre from DEERSelect, followed by a visit to a local commercial deer farm. At the second block session in October the emphasis was on velvet antler production, preparation for fawning and hind management. Most of the students were then able to attend a velvet ﬁeld day on a local farm. The Southland trainees have now completed the off-farm part of their training and eight of the 10 have completed their on-job assignments. The remaining two are expected to be completed early in the New Year. All will then be eligible for their Level 3 Certiﬁcates. Mr Pearse says feedback from the trainees on the Southland course has been very positive. “They were wellsupported by their employers, thought the block sessions were

excellent and really valued the opportunity to visit other ‘real’ deer farms.” Once the initial ‘catch-up’ is over, Mr Pearse expects there will be around 30 new people entering Level 3 ITO training every 18 months. A smaller number will also be wanting Level 4 and 5 training which is available either onfarm through the ITO or the Open Polytechnic, or off-farm through Telford in Balclutha and Smedley in Hawkes Bay. “Telford has had one agriculture student a year in recent years who has demonstrated a strong interest in deer. These students get more practical experience with deer than other students and have access to resources provided by the wider deer industry.” Meanwhile, Deer Industry NZ has decided to promote preemployment training at Telford and Smedley with a $500 scholarship at each training institute for students who excel in deer management. Interested in more information about training in deer farm management? Contact Tony Pearse, Tel 021 719 038, email tony.pearse@deernz.org

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December 2014

A dog’s tail …

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After a bita konfusion “C’mon Dog. Wear going ona roundup.” I prickt up me ears real quick wen tha Boss sed that. Boss an’ his gerlfren Sharlene had jus’ finished brekfist, with there dorter Sophy, who is now more’n one year old. I knowed it was brekfist ‘cos Sharlene always sneeks me the left-over bakin rind, an’ sumtimes Boss leaves a bita sossige too. Well, Boss ‘n Sharlene had bin talkin’ about Krissmiss, an’ getting’ Sophy sum pressints. Seems its just aroun’ tha corner. (Well, readas, I took a look roun’ tha corner ofa woolshed an’ down to tha kattil stop ona road, bit didint seen any Krissmiss?) Then I rekind it was just one ofa Bossis funny sayin’s. He meens Krissmiss is commin’ but it hasint got to tha corner even. But a roundup? “Yep Dog,” seda Boss as we went ova to tha woolshed toa get the big red quod bike. “Krissmiss is commin’ but tha geese isn’t too fat eh?” (There he goes agin. We don’t got any geese. Only chooks.) Boss musta seen I was going a bit crosseyed, witch for an eye Dog issint a good look. “Sorry Dog. That meens we mite be a bit short fer Krissmiss, cos bluddy Fonterror gonna cut tha milk payout. Meens that our dairy farm not gunna make too much munny. That meens no fat ona goose.” (OK Boss, wotever…) “So Dog, Sharlene an me were workin’ out wot we gonna do fer a Krissmiss hooley and pressints an’ such. So I hada brainwave.” (Gawd Boss, brains duzzint wave ta anyone…??) Boss is pretty smart eh. He

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noticed me eye’s agin. “Nah Dog, Brainwave meens havin’ a grate idea. Now Fonterror mite be savin’ its munny ta pay the chairmins wages, ana directa’s wages. “But guess wot. We gotta hole lotta fat steers ova tha back ofa dry stock unit eh? So me an Sharlene decidid ta send a cupla truck lodes to tha werks. Beef prices are looking good still, an’ wot better way ta git sum cash fer Krissmiss pressies, without raidin the bank balince.? Be plenty left ova for a kupla Krissmiss kegs ina woolshed an’ a bitofa nees up with tha staff an’ neighbours eh? “Mattra fact, gonna chuck ina a truckload of late lambs too. They bin smokin along ona spring feed an shud get a good price too.” Gotta hand it ter tha Boss, ay readas. That’s wot he meens by swings an’ rounabouts eh? Lose sum, win sum. Ups an’ downs. Milk down, beef up. Yep, us Borda Colly’s a pritty darn quick ona uptake eh? Looks like we gonna hava very meery Kissmiss ona farm . I hope yer orl hava good one too! Merry Krissmiss! See ya nek yeer. Billy

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RURAL WOMEN

December 2014

Supreme winners announced

A South Canterbury-based environmental consultancy duo are the Supreme Winners of this year’s Enterprising Rural Women Awards. Keri Johnston and Haidee McCabe, principals of Irricon Resource Solutions, have gone from strength to strength since they established their business in 2010. The duo now employ nine staff, located from Motunau in North Canterbury to Duntroon in North Otago, with wideranging expertise. A key feature of Keri and Haidee’s business is their philosophy of fitting work around family and farming life. “Where we are today was born out of a desire to have professional careers but on our terms — working from home, around children and farming,” says natural resources engineer Keri, who owns a farm with her husband just out of Geraldine.

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Haidee, an environmental consultant from Albury, adds “Five of our consultants are women who would not be working professionally if they didn’t work for Irricon. “Working from home means the best of all worlds for these women, and it allows them the opportunity to work, but be wives, mums and farm workers as well. “Unless we’re in a hearing, we’re not a ‘suit and tie’ type of business — our jeans and gumboots are well worn! Our clients really appreciate having someone turn up who knows farming. Because of the expertise we have, we can handle almost any job from start to ﬁnish — design, consenting, implementation and compliance. We have over

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500 clients, and this number is still growing.” The business focusses on improving or maintaining the sustainability of natural

resources, such as land, water and waste, and is also involved in irrigation and catchment management. Irricon Resource Solutions also won

the Help! I Need Somebody category, sponsored by Access Homehealth Ltd. Rural Women New Zealand national president, Wendy

McGowan said, “We are keen to raise awareness of women’s entrepreneurship and their input into rural communities.”

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Rural insurer FMG and the Mental Health Foundation will work together on a new programme which looks after the farm’s most important asset – the farmer. FMG chief executive Chris Black says the programme provides an opportunity to give back to the farming community and the partnership with MHF is a natural ﬁt. “Running a farming operation has become

increasingly complex and challenging,” says Mr Black. “Farmers often prioritise keeping their stock, land and physical assets in good condition ahead of looking after themselves. The intent of our programme is to get them to think about that and help them and their families stay in good shape.” MHF chief executive Judi Clements agrees, “FMG’s extensive and well-established

networks in the rural sector, combined with our experience in improving wellbeing, means that together we can make a positive difference for rural communities.” FMG and MHF are inviting farmers to complete an online survey as part of the programme’s initial development. The survey asks about the type of farming they are involved with, the techniques they use to manage

the demands of their work and what information they would like about keeping themselves in good shape. “There’s plenty of other work going on behind the scenes in bringing this new programme together and we expect to be in a position to talk more about it next year,” adds Mr Black. The survey takes 10 minutes to complete and can be found at fmg.co.nz. It will remain open until Thursday, January 8.

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RURAL WOMEN

Renewed call for illuminated school bus signs Rural Women New Zealand is deeply concerned about an incident this month in which a Canterbury teen was hit while crossing the road, after getting off a school bus.

Either Way It’s 20K — Rural Women NZ has renewed its call for 20km/h signs to be approved for all school buses

“The accident may well have been avoided if the bus had been ﬁtted with illuminated 20km/h signs to remind drivers of the speed limit past a stopped school bus,” says Rural Women NZ’s national president, Wendy McGowan. Rural Women NZ took part in a trial of new LED signs in Ashburton last year, which included a public education and police enforcement campaign. The trial proved very successful in slowing drivers and Rural Women NZ hopes that the signs will be approved for general use on school buses in 2015. “Rural Women NZ has been advocating for years for public awareness and driver education around school bus safety, especially the 20km/h speed limit in either direction. Using technology to get the message across to drivers has been a big part of our campaign.” The ‘Either Way It’s 20k’ Ashburton trial saw a marked drop in speeds when the ﬂashing 20km/h signs were operating. “The flashing lights and illuminated signs are visible for a considerable distance, alerting drivers to slow down especially in a 100km/h zone,” says Mrs McGowan. The NZ

Transport Agency agrees the results of the Ashburton trial are promising, provided they are widely and consistently used on entire school bus ﬂeets, and supported by active and widespread community engagement and publicity. The Transport Agency is in discussions with the Ministry

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Co enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitaminlike compound made in your liver to make energy and also as an antioxidant to protect cells and tissues. Age, disease and medications can all reduce CoQ10 causing fatigue and other problems. Today we summarise the main points discussed in in the recent columns on Co Q10. The main function of CoQ10 is its role in the final stages of making the energy our body needs. This is a little like your car fuel line to move fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. In its ubiquinone form CoQ10 accepts electrons (H+) released from food and moves these to make the energy we need to live. The parts of our body’s that need the most CoQ10 are our heart, brain, muscles and nerves. There are good studies showing benefits for supplementing CoQ10 for things like cardiomyopathy and various heart rhythm issues. The most common reason to take extra CoQ10 are those taking statin cholesterol lowering medications. These can reduce circulating CoQ10 by as much as 50% and

of Transport and the Ministry of Education and Police on the possibility of wider use of the signs from next year. Since 1987, 23 children have been killed in New Zealand when crossing the road to or from school buses. At least 47 more have been seriously injured.

is the main cause of the muscle, energy and memory-loss side effects. In most cases taking good quality CoQ10 can rapidly resolve these side effects. A client on statins rang me today and told me that after only two weeks his energy and vitality had returned. We put him on a double dose of CoQsol® plus some Omega 3 and a good multi-nutritional programme. He said it is like his old self returning. Health conditions especially autoimmune disease and neurodegenerative disease can also reduce CoQ10 production. I am sure the tiredness people with these conditions experience is largely about low CoQ10 levels. For example, I will almost always include CoQ10 in my Polymyalgia recovery programme. Feel free to contact me if you need help or more information. 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@abundant.co.nz. Join his full weekly newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz and to read back issues.

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EITHER WAY IT’S 20K MIND YOUR SPEED AROUND SCHOOL BUSES

December 2014

RURAL TRANSPORT Dangers on rural roads

QUAD BIKE SAFETY

Holiday time on rural roads beings a new paradigm for regular road users, as town folk and tourists make their presence felt. Recent news stories have highlighted the dangers of our roads when unfamiliar drivers are about. Rural Women New Zealand is calling for arrows to be painted on the left-hand side of roads leaving tourist venues, and at regular intervals on all roads, in an attempt to reduce the number of accidents involving tourists. “The danger posed by tourists particularly on rural roads was a hot topic at our recent national conference,” says Rural Women NZ national president, Wendy McGowan. Last year 558 crashes resulting in death or injury involved foreign drivers. In three-quarters of the cases the visitors were shown to be at fault, with many of the accidents caused by drivers being on the wrong side of the road. “Anything that can be done to remind drivers which side of the road they should be on needs to be done,” says Mrs McGowan. While stopping short of calling for driving tests for all

Concentrate on the riding. Look where you’re going, not where the stock are going.

overseas drivers, Rural Women New Zealand believes more could be done to educate tourists when they hire rental cars. “We are aware that rental companies do provide information about driving on New Zealand roads, but this needs to be reviewed to ensure it is available in a range of languages, or in visual form

such as a video that all drivers need to watch.” There is concern too, with holidaying families in rural areas that the rules on quad bikes are made known. A farming couple was recently ﬁned $20,000 each for offences involving the use of quad bikes on the farm without helmets and in some

cases with small children on the quad. Meanwhile Safekids Aotearoa strongly supports recommendations made in a new report highlighting the dangers posed by quad bikes when ridden or controlled by children who are under 16 years of age, saying 30 children die or are hospitalised every year as a result of quad bike injuries.

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FARM WHEELS

December 2014

Taking it to the streets

BIG TRUCK ON THE FARM

by Andy Bryenton

The versatile and hard-working Suzuki DR200 has been so popular with farmers over the years that it’s almost as much a part of the rural landscape as wire fences and bales of silage. The tough little 199cc twowheelers are everywhere, and there are plenty of farm workers who have gotten their ﬁrst taste of motorcycling by taking the DR200 for a run down the races or through the paddocks. That’s strictly for work, though — most riders quickly progress to something with a bit more focussed design if they want to hit the motocross track or the trail. But how about if you want to go the other way — taking to the open road for some touring adventures this summer? Chances are, if you are familiar with the DR200, you might not enjoy the smoothest of two-lane blacktop to your door. A sports crossover bike like the big V-Strom is the perfect answer, but it’s a handful for learner riders. That’s where the Suzuki engineers have played it smart, adapting the DR200 itself as a go-anywhere, street legal 199cc learner-approved ride. With styling tweaks garnered from the

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www.prestigecv.co.nz RM-Z series of dirt bikes and a host of ergonomic adjustments to take the rural, utilitarian look and feel off the edges, the DR200S is transformed from a farmhand’s working tool to a nimble and nicely proportioned dual-sport adventurer. There may not seem to be a huge helping of horsepower lurking in that sub-200-cube mill, but it proves ample to

ﬂick what is only a 126kg bike around, especially when that bike has a feather-light clutch and smooth, long-travel suspension. Best of all, for anyone who has ever rounded up a herd or simply bashed through the paddocks on a farm bike, the DR200S feels familiar and inspires confidence. Suzuki have gone much further than

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just bolting indicators and a headlamp to their venerable DR200 ‘Trojan’ in order to create a cross-over adventure bike. A look beneath the surface reveals many small adjustments designed to increase comfort and rider enjoyment. If you’re serious about hitting the highway, this may be the right machine to bridge the gap.

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December 2014

Top honours for automotive excellence by Andy Bryenton

This year’s AA and New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild car of the year awards have provided some surprises and some clear victors, as members voted for their pick of 2014’s top auto across a variety of categories. While it was the Mazda3 which took top honours this year, there has been cause for comment across some of those other classes too, with especial mention made of the Ford Ranger’s win in the best ute category, and the double win for Mercedes Benz, with their C Class taking out both best medium to large car and safest car. The Mazda3 impressed the judges with a combination of style, technology and function, joining the marque’s CX-5 in the winner’s circle as the ‘crossover’ took best small to medium SUV. AA Motoring Services General Manager Stella Stocks says the Mazda3 has become a Kiwi favourite with a wide range of models to suit a broad range of motorists. “The Mazda3 is a very deserving winner and its

place at the head of the top 10 ﬁnalists is likely providing little surprise to many,” Ms Stocks says. “With the Mazda3 we have an outstanding allrounder with a wide model range and some great safety technology.” Ford’s Ranger ute has enjoyed a stellar run on the podium, with big awards in every year of its model life, including being named New Zealand Autocar Car of the Year in 2011. This year sees the Ranger once again take out best ute, a title it has held since 2012, and a clear challenge to other global car makers. This popularity has been borne out in numbers of Rangers on the road — Ford are on track to be New Zealand’s best selling ute this year. Such is the prestige attached to winning Car of the Year that Mazda may very

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well expect similar performance from the Mazda3. Mercedes-Benz have elevated their C Class to new heights with the latest model, putting it deservedly in top spot for both safety and for the important medium to large car bracket.The large SUV award went to Hyundai’s Santa Fe, while the best small car was awarded to the nimble little Honda Jazz. BMW’s M3 and M4 were jointly named sports car of the year, continuing the dominance of the formidable M series. BMW also took out best luxury SUV with their X5, rounding out a list of superbly engineered steel for the Kiwi public to peruse, debate — and drive — as we head into 2015.

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December 2014

Hoof Print

with Fred Hoekstra

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

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In last month’s article I mentioned that according to Dairy NZ the average cost per lame cow is around $500, including lost production and treatment costs, and that on average 35% of your herd will be lame in a season. That means that for every 100 lame cows, you could be losing around $50,000 from lower production and treatment costs.

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costs? And even if your staff has some spare time on their hands, is spending a couple of hours a day trimming hooves really the most profitable use of their time? Let’s take a look at some figures. If for example you had 100 lame cows and it takes your staff about one hour to trim five cows, then it would take them 20 hours to trim those cows. And if you were paying them $15 an hour then it would cost you about $300 to trim those cows. The other option is to get a professional trimmer in. They may charge you $15 per cow so the cost to treat these cows would now be $1,500. In other words by doing it yourself you could save $1,200, always assuming your staff member is highly trained and

Resting cows have less stress and less lameness

does a similar quality job as a professional trimmer. However — the professional completed the job in ﬁve hours and has therefore just freed up your staff for around 15 hours to do other things. So what could your staff do with that 20 hours that could be more proﬁtable for you? For a start they would need to concentrate on activities that reduce lameness. So, what should those activities be? One major cause of lameness is the lack of resting time. It’s well known that a lack of resting time leads to stress

which means more lameness, along with other problems. So what can your staff do to ensure your cows get more rest by spending more time in the paddock? And remember that every case of lameness you can remove could save you around $500. In other words, if you make a few changes in your farm management and use the same staff member to implement those changes, you might reduce the number of lame cows in our example by up to 50% — saving yourself $25,000. Another thing

you could do is to have smaller herds. But, I hear you say, smaller herds means more herds which require more staff time. Remember however, that you now have more labour hours available if your staff member is not trimming cows anymore. So to summarise — it’s well worthwhile considering these options in your management plan because of the huge potential returns that they bring. I would be happy for you to email me at fred@veehof.co.nz if you would like to discuss your situation with me or call on 0800 833 463.

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December 2014

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Soil Matters with Peter Burton

call 0800 4 Dolomite

Spring less of a challenge for some enthusiastic, and confident we had the answers. Extra hay wasn’t stored, nor were winter crops on our agenda. Without securing our feed supplies we became increasingly nervous, and certain that the weather was conspiring against us in ways earlier generations never had to cope with. We also mistakenly thought that, because of our importance to the country’s economy, in times of hardship government support should and would be available. Our thinking and planning became short term. We were always looking for the next decent rain in order to ensure sufficient pasture for the next grazing. Spending took place when there was money in the cheque account, and stopped when there wasn’t. Through our own lack of planning our well-being was at the mercy of short term weather events. In doing so our financial survival was placed in the hands of local banks and overseas markets, and it appears that little has changed for many farmers since. But it doesn’t have to be. Farmers have the ability to gain greater control of their future by ensuring more pasture is pushed ahead as soon as pasture growth is sparked by the arrival of the autumn rains. Squeezing the system to achieve a few extra kilograms of milksolids is unlikely to generate more (if any) profit this season. Therefore it may be an ideal opportunity to dry off early, build covers, and put weight on animals. Next spring’s feed will largely be secured, and with better conditioned animals, early season production will

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As one farmer client stated ‘this spring has been a challenge’, and he’s referring specifically to pasture growth over the last three months. In the cooler areas of the Bay of Plenty, and the pattern by most accounts has been similar country wide, there’s been a few warm bright days, interspersed with yet another band of buffeting chilling sou’westerly winds. That’s not conducive to strong pasture growth and the ﬁgures from the cages on the two ESI monitor properties reﬂect that. Apart from Edgecumbe growth rates of 80kgDM/ha/ day for October, growth rates are down on last year. The October growth figure has been supported by a record silage take. However, unless reasonable rain arrives by the end of December, it’s unlikely there will be surplus to make into hay. What is clear is that the ability to manage the uneven growth this spring has been largely dependent on the amount of pasture cover available at calving. Properties with higher covers have been able to maintain longer intervals between grazings, ensuring higher plant energy levels and more rapid regrowth after grazing. The amount of available cover at calving was dictated by autumn management months before, prior to soil temperatures dropping to below 10°C, when there is no or little growth. Thus it takes much forward planning and careful management for famers to have the ability to safeguard feed supplies months into the future. When we started our farming career we were told that a shed full of hay was good insurance. But we were young,

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December 2014

Focus on Effluent ADVERTORIAL

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DAIRY

December 2014

Focus on Effluent An independent warrant of fitness

Getting a certified ‘WoF’ assessor can only be good practice, particularly when a farmer has upgraded his effluent systems but may may not be aware of all the rules that must be complied with. Dairy industry advice is that when buying or selling a farm, it’s advisable to get an independent person to prepare a comprehensive report. ‘Then you know what is needed to

upgrade. For a sharemilker moving onto a farm being able to see a ‘WoF’ report means you know what kind of system you’re taking on’. There is no legislation or regulations around

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a dairy effluent ‘WoF’, it is a voluntary programme, sort of like a building inspection. The assessor checks over the entire farm where there are areas that effluent collects and the corresponding infrastructure, including feed pads, underpasses, storage ponds and the irrigation network as well as a lot more. It is a thorough assessment and also diagnostic. It takes between three and four hours to complete. For instance the assessor will insert a flow meter and pressure gauge into the mainline as that helps identify if there is a problem with the pump. They carry out a full irrigator inspection and test the application depth and average rate. They also calculate the amount of storage for the type of effluent management system on the farm. After the assessor has completed the work a report is prepared for the farm owner/ manager. All the certified ‘WoF’ assessors have several years of experience. Accredited

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designers should be called in when you are upgrading your system or installing a new system. The assessors are not designers, as they are trained to assess the current system on-farm in a consistent way. However, over time there will be accredited designers that are

also certiﬁed ‘WoF’ assessors. All the information that is gathered is stored in a central database at QCONZ. It is only used to analyse trends on farms over time and to see if there are any areas of concern that the dairy industry needs to focus more attention on.

It’s just a matter of calling up your local Certiﬁed ‘WoF’ assessor and making a time for them to come out. They’ll make sure you are fully informed in terms of what information they need from you and what areas of the farm they need access to. Contact www. efﬂuentaccreditation.co.nz.

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LIVESTOCK

December 2014

Mineral nutrition of plants: sulphur by Dr Tim Jenkins

Soil sulphur can be in organic or inorganic form. Organic makes up 90% to 95% of total sulphur in most New Zealand soils. Sulphur can be added as the most concentrated of all fertilisers, elemental sulphur (90 to 98% S). In most other fertilisers, sulphur is present in the sulphate form, the main form that is taken up by plants. Elemental sulphur can be mined from natural volcanic areas or is produced during refining of petroleum products. Natural sulphate deposits are also common with calcium sulphate (gypsum), potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts and kieserite), and potassium magnesium sulphates (e.g. langbeinite) being available. A major form of synthetic fertiliser sulphur is in superphosphate in which sulphuric acid has been used to digest phosphate rock and synthetic potassium sulphate and ammonium sulphate is also common. Sulphur is required for the formation of key amino acids, cysteine and methionine, and thus is a component of many proteins. The role of sulphur in plants also extends into the structure and function of cell membranes with sulpholipids and crucial antioxidant activity. High levels of sulphur compounds are found in the membranes and fluid around the sites of photosynthesis where oxidative stress can be high. Sulphur is also required for the synthesis of chlorophyll and is a key component of the protein ferredoxin required for photosynthesis. Not surprisingly a symptom of sulphur deficiency in plants is often yellowing of the leaves (light green initially). Since sulphur is not easily mobilised from older leaves to young shoots, sulphur deficiency shows more in the younger leaves (although if nitrogen status is low, sulphur deficiency can be seen in older leaves). In brassicas, sulphur deficiency can be seen as reddening of the undersides of leaves and inward leaf cupping, followed by a general reddening of the leaves. In pasture, it is typically the legume component that is most limited by a shortage of sulphur.

Loss of sulphate is mostly seen as a nutrient budget and expense problem as it is not considered to have a signiﬁcant impact on water quality (unlike nitrogen and phosphorus). The oxidation of elemental sulphur drops soil pH. Growers can make use of this in high pH over-limed soils or to drop the pH to meet the requirements of acid-loving plants. One hundred kg/ha of element sulphur drops the pH roughly as much as

300kg/ha of lime would lift the pH. Ammonium sulphate also tends to drop soil pH. Gypsum is a combination of calcium and sulphate and tends to be pH neutral. Sulphur is released steadily over time from gypsum so it is suitable as a sulphur source and is organically allowable. The potassium and magnesium salts of sulphate are also readily available and organically allowable if naturally mined.

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dioxide from the air and from the deposition of sulphur from acid rain (sulphuric acid from the reaction of SO2 and water). Elemental sulphur needs to be oxidised to plant available sulphate in the soil through the action of speciﬁc bacteria. That fact combined with chunky particle size may mean that sulphur release is delayed. Some delayed release can indeed be helpful if the soil is prone to leaching as the sulphate form is mobile in soil water.

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LIVESTOCK

December 2014

Wool Perspective

From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

Wool market cautiously optimistic Wool prices have eased over the past few weeks although supply has been restrained due to weather interruptions in southern areas, plus an apparent hesitancy by growers in many other areas to begin shearing. However the hesitancy may simply be that growers have other more important jobs to attend to at present with such a variety of weather issues facing them. Dry conditions in areas of the South Island have in some cases dictated an early weaning and ewe shearing, while prolonged wet conditions in other areas have caused anxiousness amongst those farmers keen to

get tractor work completed and paddocks sown plus hay and sileage crops harvested. Wool ﬂow predictions for the remainder of December and throughout January could face further interruption, if some of the long range weather forecast experts are proved correct allowing perhaps some cautious optimism for prices to maintain similar levels to now, on a type for type basis,

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if supply is restricted. There is one thing for sure, which is that the sheep population is still in decline due to the intervention of alternative farming practices, and continued options created by water introduction, land subdivision and suchlike. Recent wool auctions have seen an easing in market prices compared to earlier, although general interest has remained solid. As post lamb shorn crossbred ﬂeece began to come forward for sale a decrease in wool quality became apparent, despite visual wool colour remaining relatively good,

Wool samples for the December wool auction on display at PGG Wrightson Wool in Christchurch

showing evidence of tenderness and cotting. Hogget wools dominated the November and early December crossbred wool auctions with most being of good quality,

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displaying good washing colour, and length of staple generally in the 75 to 125mm ranges. Interest in crossbred hogget wools was very good with Chinese processor representation dominant from the buyers’ bench. For buyers searching for mid-micron wool types (Halfbred and Corriedale wool), supply was fairly limited during the November period, however, those offered were well sought after by the trade and, although also easing in price slightly, were mostly sold under the auctioneer’s hammer. Good useful selections of merino wool types were offered during November at the Christchurch auctions with most interest shown towards well grown, well skirted, broadly classed (i.e. not over-classed), good sized lines, of generally adult wools measuring from approximately 18 to 21 microns and of good tensile strength. A few wether clips offered in the aforementioned micron ranges drew good interest from buyers looking for robust wools displaying very good tensile strength. A large number of merino hogget wools offered were generally in the extra-fine categories measuring from 14

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Young deer processed annually

Adding Value From Farm To Market Contact a PGG Wrightson Wool representative today:

to 17 microns. These types were difﬁcult to sell due to their mostly low tensile strength measurements, plus the market here continued to follow general price trends for similar micron wools offered for sale in other competing countries, such as Australia and South Africa. The 2014 year seems to have whizzed by quicker than any year before it and the change in land use in many areas also seems to have been phenomenally quick. Subdivision of land and urban spread has been one thing which I have noticed this year and have often found myself asking ‘where are the people coming from who will inhabit these new homes?’. Water availability has also increased this year with a number of irrigation schemes having begun, creating excitement and interest in what is to follow. I look forward to what 2015 will bring with it and, from a sheep industry perspective, hope that markets will continue to look favourably at New Zealand wool and meat. I take this opportunity to wish all readers a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. That’s my view.

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December 2014

Insect pests avoid boosted pasture grasses Pasture grasses containing beneficial micro-organisms are less attractive to soil-dwelling insect pests. That is one of the main ﬁndings of a recent study carried out by the Bio-Protection Research Centre at Lincoln University. Dr Michael Rostás, a senior lecturer at Lincoln University and lead researcher on the paper said most New Zealand ryegrass and fescue pastures contain beneﬁcial micro-organisms that live within the grass shoots. “These fungal endophytes are key to the country’s healthy grasslands. In return for food and shelter the endophyte can help its host grass resist insect attack, survive droughts, and even protect against overgrazing.” Insect pests are attracted to plants by odour as they can smell minute amounts of chemical compounds that tell them if a plant is damaged or healthy. The latest study has shown that, when colonised by endophytes, the chemicals released by the grass are different, and this can deter insect pests in the soil from feeding on plant roots. The study showed that grass grubs, a major grassland pest throughout New Zealand, preferred to feed on the roots of grasses without endophytes, and that the insects appeared

the ‘last’ word with Rob Cope-Williams

Remember the workers As the acid comes onto the management and owners of dairy herds and farms, the obvious cost cutting measures will be put into place, but a major risk will be the cuts hitting the workers.

The New Zealand native grass grub (Costelytra zealandica)

to be responding to the smell of specific types of compounds (known as volatiles) that are released by the plants. “The endophyte is only present in the shoots, not the roots — however, we found the roots produce less volatiles and so fewer grubs came to feed on them,” Dr Rostás said. While previously shown to affect the above ground feeding of insect pests, this novel finding reveals that endophytes that inhabit only the shoots and leaves can also affect feeding below ground. “Our data suggests that protection is a two-step process where grass grubs are less attracted to plants with endophytes in the first place. Those that do feed on the roots

will eventually be deterred by the fungal toxins,” Dr Rostás said. This research used the latest mass spectrometry technology at the University of Otago, which can detect very low amounts of airborne chemicals. “The fact that such sophisticated equipment is needed highlights just how sensitive insects’ antennae are.” Dr Rostás said more research is necessary to see whether other combinations of grass and endophyte have the same effect, and if this can be used to combat grass grub damage on farms. This research is available online in the Oecologia journal and will appear in print early next year.

In any operation which is successful the management will tell you that the most important ingredient is the people. I remember asking a top scotch distiller what he thought the most important part of any great single malt was — the water, the malt, the oak, and he said straight back ‘none of those, it’s the people I work with’. Note he said work with not who work for me. Staff seeing ‘the Boss’ putting themselves on to the milking roster will automatically think that one of them is for the chop. Scared staff can’t give their all. Sure put yourself onto the roster, but explain that is so they, the others, can have more time doing other duties on the farm to help ﬁne tune the operation.

Communication is the other area that becomes vital in times of stress. Staff listen to the radio, read the papers and watch TV as well so they are very aware things are tightening up and cash ﬂow will be a lot lower than it has been. They will also be feeling for those who write the cheques, not just their pay cheques, but all of them including the bank. They will also be watching management to see what stress levels are like, and probably dreading the resulting change in temper levels. They themselves will be suffering a huge load of uncertainty and that will ﬂow through to how they treat their work mates and family. One doesn’t have to open the businesses books

to give the team ownership of the operation, but regular conversations telling them where things are going will. Things such as revised plans for cost cutting and how they can help that to happen. Changes in feeding the stock that will save a certain amount of outgoings, and talking about everyone, and that includes management, lifting their game slightly. Not talking about the things they do badly, but how to tune the things they do well. Top sports teams do that sort of thing and they are contest winners because of the motivation. Your team doesn’t have the threat of younger players coming through and taking their role because they had a bad game, so it should be even easier to motivate yours.

SAFETY FIRST ON THE FARM

We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy festive season and thank you all for your support this year. We look forward to working with you all in 2015! From the team here at Kelvin Green Ph 03 347 1530

Phone 03 347 2314 Email info@canfarm.co.nz

Shane Hendriks Ph 03 347 2314

December 2014

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