Canterbury Farming, February 2016 by Integrity Community Media

February 2016 Edition

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

Living the orchard life

Silage expert uncovers secrets

Conserving the rare and unique

P44

P20

From the horses back Page 4–5

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Messages from the burning bush

Prioritising the year Michael Spaans is the new chair of DairyNZ, stepping into the role after John Luxton retired in October, and has outlined what he sees as the industry’s priorities for 2016. “I am just three months into my role as the new chair of DairyNZ, but seven years’ experience as a DairyNZ board member has provided me with a solid platform of knowledge to build from,” said Mr Spaans. “I am firmly focussed on taking the industr y forward, but very much plan to continue the legacy of our founding chair John Luxton and building on our established reputation as a highly effective, respected and valued industry body.” He says maintaining strong relationships across the dairy industry and the entire primary sector is his

immediate priority. “Farming has become a lot more complex but the need to be competitive as well as farm responsibly remains our firm focus. “The need to support profitable farm systems has not changed, but there are more challenges, including dealing with more extreme market volatility, farming within environmental limits, consumer expectations and how we farm responsibly — in particular animal welfare standards. “The quest for talented people is a challenge we expect will become more difficult as all parts of the

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The likelihood of destructive wildfires becoming more common as a result of climate change is a major driver behind a joint Lincoln University and University of Auckland study to undertake the first experimental measurements of the flammability of large numbers of plants in New Zealand.

economy compete for the best and brightest.” He says there is a need to provide positive wor k environments, par ticularly covering health and safety aspects and also employment conditions, and the greenhouse gases is an issue that remains firmly on the DairyNZ radar. “At the same time, we need to look at these as opportunities where we can position ‘NZ dairy’ as a producer of high-quality safe dairy products.” DairyNZ has a key role to play, particularly through its very strategic approach to investment. The Strategy for Sustainable Dair y Farming, also dubbed ‘Making dairy farming work for everyone’, was developed in conjunction with industry partners and with key input from farmers. “It guides the DairyNZ board on how to best invest dairy farmers’ milk solids’ levy and influence government investment. Our annual budget is now around $90 million and as a board we think very carefully and strategically how to best invest that money on behalf of farmers.”

The team was led by Dr Tim Curran of Lincoln’s Ecology Department, Dr Sarah Wyse and Professor George Perry of Auckland’s School of Environment. The data they gathered will be used to identify fire-prone ecosystems, as well as species with low flammability that can be planted as green firebreaks to reduce fire spread. The work has just been published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire. Existing lists of suitable species in New Zealand are mostly based on expert opinion rather than empirical tests. “Our results provide the first experimental evidence to support current guidelines on New Zealand plant flammability,” says Professor Perry. “This provides recommendations for councils and fire managers as to which native New Zealand species to plant in green firebreaks to reduce fire spread.” The team placed shoots on a specially designed ‘plant barbecue’ - a 44 gallon drum cut in half with a grill on

Dr Tim Curran of Lincoln’s Ecology Department

top. They lit samples with a blowtorch and recorded how quickly they ignited, how hot they got, how long they burned for, and how much of the sample burned. Their results generally confirmed current expert opinion, with the most flammable species being gorse, a widespread weed. However, New Zealand native trees rimu and silver beech were just as flammable as a eucalypt and some other highly flammable overseas species.

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Dr Curran says that while the shoot-level flammability measurements represent an important advance in plant flammability knowledge, they are a first step in a wider range of experiments that need to be done on this topic, including refining the testing method and conducting experiments on larger plant samples, and ultimately on plant communities in the field. He emphasises that planting green firebreaks is just one of the tools that can be used to reduce fire risk. “It is not a silver bullet to reduce the impact of wildfires, though it can help. Given favourable fire conditions any plant will burn, so green firebreaks are unlikely to work during extreme fire weather.” Dr Sarah Wyse, the lead author of the study and now based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK, is excited for the next steps. “We are now studying how species burn when mixed together in different combinations (a ‘mixed grill’). What happens when you burn a highly flammable species like gorse with a low flammability species such as Coprosma robusta - karamu? Does the mixture burn as well as gorse on its own? Or as poorly as karamu? Answering these questions will help us to predict how invasive plants might influence the flammability of the ecosystems they invade.”

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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CANTERBURY FARMING

Fresh Water discussion were flagged by Federated Farmers as potential issues for farmers when the latest Land and Water Forum was released. “We said at that time and reiterate now that Federated Farmers and the industries we represent are committed to building on the good work done so far to make further improvements to water management and water quality. At the same time, we need greater transparency around what any new measures will look like and to ensure that they are practical for farmers and reflect the activities and impacts of all water users,” says Dr Rolleston. “It is important that iwi are heard just like any other sector of society but what this means for council processes needs to be made clear and the outcomes need to be practical for water users. We are also concerned that some local Governments may use their role in consultation with iwi over water to pre-empt negotiations between iwi and central government.” Federated Farmers also welcomed the government’s investment of a further $100 million to address water management. “This follows the government’s allocation late

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Federated Farmers has welcomed the release of the Government’s discussion paper on freshwater management as a useful next step in this important debate. The Next Steps for Fresh Water paper follows the release in November of the fourth report of the Land and Water Forum — a collaborative stakeholder group in which Federated Farmers has played a key role since its inception as part of its commitment to moving the industry forward in terms of freshwater management. “The government has moved with tremendous speed and farmers are crying for certainty around the national framework that will be used to guide how councils tackle this important and very complex issue,” says Federated Farmers’ president Dr William Rolleston. “We’re pleased that the discussion paper recognises that both rural and urban water users have a role to play, but it goes beyond the recommendations of the Land and Water Forum in terms of stock exclusion, such as the broader definition of what constitutes a waterway. “While outlining a number of recommendations in terms of iwi rights and interests, it also leaves a lot of unanswered questions about what this will actually mean for water users. This is something everyone needs to understand, not just farmers.” Both of these issues

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CANTERBURY FARMING

From the horse’s back

by Ayla Miller

Beginning in Cape Reinga in 2006, The Great New Zealand Trek showcases some of the best kept scenic secrets in New Zealand, normally reserved for private farmers, and raises money for research into Multiple Sclerosis. Rider Jenny Harris spoke to Canterbury Farming straight from the horse’s back during her week long adventure.

enny has been a trekker since the very first event. She and her friends Lynn and Heather have completed all 11 stages and aim to finish in Bluff in a few years’ time. This year 83 horse riders, 85 walkers and 36 mountain bikers trekked from Springfield to Fairlie across numerous private farms and high country stations to raise funds for the cause. Jenny says it is the friendships made and the people they meet along the way that makes the trek worthwhile as well as the environment. Her husband Logan has been a dedicated support person on many treks since they met and he says although it is a lot of work it

is a de-stress week for him as well. “I do it to support Jen in her goal of reaching the bluff. It is like having a holiday but not having a holiday,” he laughs. “Kitty Johnson is a great organiser. She really has her finger on the pulse. It really is a journey like no other.” Many of the contestants only see each other once a year and Jen says this is one of the things she most looks forward to. ”I also enjoy getting closer to Bluff. We will get to there one way or another.” Not only do contestants get to enjoy hidden parts of New Zealand, money from the entry fees as well as sponsorship gathered by

trekkers prior to the event, go to the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research. Over the last 10 years, The Great New Zealand Trek Charitable Trust have raised more than $279,000. The event was founded by Steven Old who had seen similar treks done in Australia. As his mother had MS he decided to use the event as a way to fund research into the condition. “It’s a great cause. I don’t know anyone personally with MS but it is something that doesn’t get as much publicity as other diseases,” says Jenny. Now Kitty Johnson and her team have the mammoth task of organising over 300 people including 76 volunteers and

Lynn Wheeler from Kerikeri riding Glory, Heather Jones of 90 Mile Beach riding Flower, and Jenny Harris of Rangiora riding Buddy

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The Great New Zealand Trek caters to mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders and showcases parts of the country off the beaten track 16 support people, shifting and setting up the mini town each night on a different farm, not to mention moving toilet and hot shower units, hiring marquees, caterers and many other things to ensure trekkers have a comfortable journey. “Our trek is unique in the fact that we shift campsites every night. We also approach private landowners to plan out a route so we are providing an opportunity for people to go places they wouldn’t normally be able to go. You get to see the real New Zealand and meet real farmers. It is very humbling for us that all these landowners make their properties available to us which helps make this trek successful. “People also enjoy seeing all the different farming techniques as they go through

with different methods of grazing and crops. There is a chance to ask farmers questions as well in the evenings when we invite them to come for dinner and we encourage them to speak to the group. “We mark the trek but participants spread out and people can be riding on their own. They enjoy the fact that they aren’t all bunched up and can go for a canter or have a rest when they want. “It’s definitely something you have to experience. You can’t write about it, or show it in a photo, you have to actually experience it.” There are 58 contestants who have been with them right from the start. Some are trekkers, the majority are volunteers, and there are five horse riders that have ridden the same horse every year.

“Some just come for a holiday, some have a passion for walking, horse riding or biking but there are others that either have a family member or friend that has MS and they do this to help them. “This is once a year meeting for a lot of people and it has a real family camaraderie feel to it. We might have doctors, lawyers and people that work at the

rubbish dump or roading contractors, but out here they are all one and walk side by side. Everyone is equal and I think that is what makes this special,” says Kitty.

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February 2016

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Country Law

Money Talk with Andrew Wyllie

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Investment Markets Update

Misuse of work email and computer systems Trademe and Facebook seem to be two habits internet users are incapable of ridding themselves of, even while in the workplace on a work computer. It’s all too easy to open a new internet tab and start browsing or just to check to see how that auction is getting on — so exciting for some to post a picture of their breakfast on Facebook, etc. As email and internet systems grow in use and application in workplaces the law around usage is developing; cases are beginning to appear around the misuse of email systems to forward dirty jokes and other ‘questionable material’ to coworkers or to harass fellow employees.

doughnuts at the worksite. In some instances the use of the electronic systems might amount to behaviour which would independently constitute misconduct, eg sexual harassment. There the misconduct can be addressed independently of the means used (email, etc).

Where there is a possibility the behaviour has gone overboard or is proving a consistent problem, that behaviour can potentially be considered employee misconduct.

It is important in these situations that there is a clearly defined workplace policy which is policed. A boss can hardly turn around and have a crack at an employee later down the track for email misuse if they themselves have been forwarding blue jokes. Without a clear policy in place and if some liberal use of electronic systems has become a part of the workplace culture, an employer will have difficulty

As one judge rather simplistically put it in a case ‘’it is difficult to see any difference between any other machinery and a computer’ — ie you wouldn’t expect the digger driver to do spend all day doing

However, the systems themselves can often be a part of the behaviour — instances where an employee is using electronic systems in a way the employer objects to or contrary to an employer’s policy.

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in justifying disciplinary action unless there are aggravating features such as downloading porn or clearly excessive time wasting. If a clear and justifiable policy is in place, a sufficiently serious breach of policy will constitute misconduct and justify dismissal. In relation to usage policies there are a few points to keep in mind: Any policy relating to internet use should be clear, coherent and properly communicated and there should ideally be clear ly defined guidelines of reasonable use; If a policy is in place it must be properly and consistently enforced if it is to be later relied on; Any policy needs to be reasonable — workplace cultures do need to balance productivity with reasonable breaks or downtime; Any claims of poor performance as a result of systems misuse should be properly substantiated and any investigation into internet usage must be carried out in a technically competent manner. 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

Covering the three months ended 31 January 2016 Global Environment In terms of growth, the United States continues to lead the developed economies, driven by increasing wage inflation and lower unemployment. This is supporting the consumer sectors of the economy and boosting household spending. Lower oil prices have also helped household disposable incomes in developed economies. On the other side, the lower earnings from oil production affecting a number of emerging economies have led to concerns of a negative economic impact. Concerns around Chinese growth also remain, particularly in relation to China’s weaker industrial production. While this ignores their growing services sector, the likely overall outcome is for global growth forecasts to continue to ease back. Australian and New Zealand Equity Markets Many equity markets declined over the last three months, as investors reduced equity exposures in response to weaker global growth. Rising credit spreads (corporate versus wholesale interest rates) indicated corporate default risks had increased. In New Zealand Dollar (NZD) terms, New Zealand and Australia managed positive returns over the quarter. New Zealand equities generally pay high dividends. This helped protect the domestic market from this period of global market volatility. The Australian market was boosted by the performance of its more defensive sectors, in particular the Healthcare

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and Telecommunication sectors. The resource sectors continued to weaken as a direct reflection of lower commodity prices. Global Equity Markets Reviewing the international equity markets we monitor, United States and Japanese equities were the best of the major markets. United States equities were generally more resilient and benefitted from a stronger consumer sector. Japanese equities meanwhile gave up most of the gains that were created by the Bank of Japan’s stock-buying plan, but unhedged New Zealand investors benefitted from the stronger Yen. European and Hong Kong equities were the worst performers. Fixed Interest Market Interest rates were slightly lower over the last three months. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) cut the Official Cash Rate in December but commentary at the time (and subsequently) suggests that the RBNZ is reluctant to make further

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cuts. Commentary noting that the NZD/USD exchange rate was ‘unhelpful’ does however imply that an easing bias remains and that another move lower should not be ruled out. Longer-term interest rates also moved lower, but the higher default risk emerging globally has led to higher corporate credit margin spreads (the interest rate differential between corporate and wholesale bond rates). New Zealand spreads had been lagging international trends, but with some increase in issuance, investors have been able to be more discerning, influencing the yields on offer. If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www. forsythbarr.co.nz/investingwith-us/new-to-investing/ or to discuss your investment options please contact Andrew Wyllie, an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding por tfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew. wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

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RURAL PROFESSIONALS

by Ann Morgan

CANTERBURY FARMING February 2016

Support is at hand

The Rural Support Trust began in the 1980s when subsidies were removed by the government and farmers were walking off their farms. “One lady, Dorothy Oakley, had many calls for help from concerned wives so she set up a trust and organised semi-retired farmers to act as counsellors,” said Nor th Canterbur y Rural Support Trust chairman Doug Archbold. Doug is a retired farmer and has worked in the farming community all of his life. He had farmed for 32 years on 2000 acres and sold in 2001. As a result of serious health issues, and the fact that neither of Doug’s children were keen on farming, the farm was sold and Doug and his wife Jill moved to Christchurch. “Wherever there was an adverse event we would get out amongst the farmers to help them.” In 2007 the government realised that farmers were

falling through the gaps. They used North Canterbury Trust as a template for across New Zealand and now government funding helps keep the organisation open. “In North Canterbury we have 18 representatives across the region who live in the rural communities and act as our eyes and ears to help identify people who may need our help,” said Mr Archbold. “The drought persisted last year. We have had three visits from Ministers Nathan Guy and Jo Goodhew to discuss our situations. They were fantastic and showed farmers empathy. Mr Guy has recently announced government funding is extended until the end of June. “We have many areas in which we can help, such as organising rural assistance payments when finances have

been exhausted or getting home help for a family if a wife needs to go to hospital. “We organised feed donations from all over the South Island and paid the freight for the farmers. We hold functions, including the women’s resilience day where 300 turned up for lunch to hear guest speakers, and celebrity chef Annabel White is coming on April 1 to Amberley. “The suicide rate is a big concern and extra financing was received to train people to offer emotional support to those in need.” The dairy industry has troubles but the spinoff is the cropping, sheep and beef industries. They usually get income from grazing dairy cows. This doesn’t happen now. The flow on effect is wide

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reaching, and on top of this they have to deal with the earth quakes. “The Rural Support Trust is for any farmer and is a free service. If you ring you will automatically get connected to your region of the country. Our staff will point you in the right direction or they can direct you to professional help if need be.” If you have concerns for yourself or someone you know call 0800 787 254.

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February 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

by Ann Morgan

Cheskin Orchard is in Cooptown — Little River and is the home of Jeremy Elvidge and his family. Jeremy was born in Christchurch and has always enjoyed being outdoors and under the fruit trees.

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is daughter Jordi is 23-years-old and has grown up on Cheskin, her home since she was three-years-old. “We moved here in 1996 and started planting stone fruit trees of mixed varieties in 2003. We now have 3,000 on about three hectares,” said Jordi. “Our house is an old villa and was built around 1865. My dad planted the orchard surrounding the house on what used to be farm land. It originally had horses and sheep but we never wanted to farm.” The property is 100 acres of mostly hill country with

the orchard on the flat and a little of the ridge. It was part of a larger block split up in 1901 for Boer War returned servicemen to work as Cockfoot blocks. “We grow cherries, apricots, nectarines and peaches with a few plums and apples. We grow the well known varieties with a few unique or specialty trees. We have old and classic types like Sundrop and Moorpark apricots and yellow flesh peaches like Spring Lady that everyone loves. “My dad is a horticulturist by background and he used to work in Central Otago. He also directed some orchards

Jordi Elvidge grew up on the orchard which she is managing this year for her father Jeremy

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

Jordi and her sister Tory with the finished shop sign when they were younger Jeremy picking nectarines ready for the shop at Cheskin Orchard in Clyde. He planted this orchard to keep himself busy and get myself and my sister Tory through university. He is a really hard worker. You always see him out amongst the trees. It is his passion and we often have to go and get him in at night.” Jorid has always worked the summers on the orchard picking cherries and running the shop. “We started off with me on a wine barrel under an umbrella selling cherries at the gate when I was young. We eventually moved into the garage. The business grew year after year with lots of fruit coming into season at different times. Our customers drive under a massive walnut tree on our drive way which is like a roundabout and they come

and get their fruit and head home again. “This was the first year I have run the business totally by myself. From hiring staff to picking the fruit and then selling it. My dad had other commitments so I put my hand up to help him. “I irrigate the trees and do the general care and maintenance of the property. We irrigate from our own spring water which is farmed and held in big water tanks and occasionally use the Okana River that runs through the property to frost fight in the Spring. “Tourists call into the shop and ask if there is any work. I had locals and Germans come this year and they were great. Tourists are keen to try something new. Some have picked apples or kiwi fruit

before so I show them how to pick and handle the fruit we grow. “We don’t use insecticides and it tastes a lot better. It is juicier and fresher than some you buy in the supermarkets. Our fruit is picked when it is firm but they are tree ripe with good flavour and colour. When picked we store the fruit in the chiller and sell it all direct to the public from our shop. “One lady drives out every week from the city just to get her fruit and others have come especially from the West Coast. I love seeing the regulars.” Jordi says their fruit has a yummy natural look. “It is fresh and juicy and it drips down your face when you eat it. It is not organic but it is as close to it as we can. I love it here, it is my home

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and I helped plant it. When I was young it wasn’t so much fun. I was digging holes and picking up prunings which is the worst job ever. Now I am older I appreciate that at the end of all the hard work you see growth. It goes from dull empty trees to lush

green growth to little fruit, to beautiful fruit to enjoy and share with others. “We used to grow other things like pumpkin, corn and Christmas lily’s but we had a flood two years ago and it wiped out a lot of our crops and trees and totally diverted

the river. We have carried on with what we have. “People love the blossoms in September to early October and we have a lot of people pull up on the side of the road to take photos. It is a family business and we live in a very special place.”

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February 2016 CANTERBURY FARMING

Here is where it matters.

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We’ve been busy getting rural Canterbury better connected. Vodafone has been making huge improvements to rural connections right across New Zealand. But what matters to you most, is what we’ve done right here. We’ve recently built and upgraded 77 local sites, providing mobile coverage to 96% of Kiwis in the region. Plus, you can now get fast and reliable Vodafone Broadband at over 36,000 Canterbury addresses. Talk to one of our rural specialists in-store or call 0800 777 042, and get better connected here in Canterbury.

CANTERBURY FARMING

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conservative estimate given the success of the China FTA. From the start of that agreement in 2008, trade between our countries has quickly doubled to $20 billion. Many of the criticisms of the TPP have been wildly exaggerated, especially around Investor State Dispute Settlements (ISDS). In reality, these are designed to help New Zealand companies investing overseas (like Fonterra) in countries where the rule of law might not be so strong. The threshold is set so high that it’s unlikely New Zealand would ever have a case brought against us. In fact, these have been a part of our trade deals for years now and it’s never happened once. Over all the benefits of the TPP greatly outweigh any costs, especially for an

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TPP signing great news for rural sector We’ve been trying for years to get a free trade deal with countries like the United States and Japan to help our farmers and exporters, so this is well worth celebrating. There has been a lot of misinformation out there so it’s worth just reflecting on why the TPP is so important. In simple terms, it removes most of the tariffs and quotas other countries impose on our exports. All tariffs on horticulture, wine, seafood and forestry will be wiped upon ratification, as will most tariffs on red meat — except for Japan where the beef tariff will be reduced from 39.5% to just 9%. We would have liked more on dairy, but it is still the biggest beneficiary with savings of over $100 million a year. Many critics of the TPP don’t seem to understand

February 2016

LAND CLEARING & DEVELOPMENT

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exporting nation like us. Not signing up would put us at a huge disadvantage against our competitors. A large amount of information is publicly available including fact sheets, a National Interest analysis and the full text. Public roadshows are being held around the country and it will also be considered by a Parliamentary Select Committee. The primary sector is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy and helps pay for things like schools, hospitals and roads. We need to support it by opening up new markets and removing trade barriers, which is exactly what the TPP does.

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February 2016

WATER & IRRIGATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

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

IrrigationNZ urges action IrrigationNZ welcomes the fresh water’ consultation document released this month — but encourages government to ‘get on with it.’ We were hoping for more immediate action from central government, particularly around water infrastructure and transfer. In the third and fourth reports, the benefits of water infrastructure and transfer are clearly recognized, and the immediate need is backed up by recent South Island droughts.

Freshwater is a natural and recurring resource we need to protect. It needs to be properly and carefully managed to bolster our agricultural-led economy. If government is truly serious about sustainably managing our water resource, then alongside the implementation of environmental limits, changes to the water transfer

system that allow for more dynamic use of the allowable volume are key. Also, for the development of modern multi-purpose infrastructure, the initial regional scoping stage needs to be viewed as a public good — allowing communities to objectively work through their options. There’s a number of economic growth studies

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IRRIGATION SPECIALISTS

being undertaken in the regions, including Northland, Bay of Plenty and the Manawatu. All identify the potential of water, but a lack of resourcing results in the subsequent regional scoping stage being stalled or underdone. If we’re serious about economic development in the provinces, this scoping phase needs greater resourcing and in a timely manner. Once a potential project is identified, this is when the public-private approach should kick in. IrrigationNZ acknowledges there are a number of positives in the document: Stock exclusion regulations are long overdue — they provide an easy fix for a number of water quality issues in New Zealand. Broadening the scope of the $100 million Freshwater Improvement Fund to include environmental infrastructure makes sense

as win-win environmentaleconomic solutions are key to a sustainable future for all New Zealanders. The focus upon implementation of Good Management Practice and clearly defining technical efficiency expectations is also welcome. The future needs to be about ever improving practices and actions on the ground, that’s how you create outcomes. IrrigationNZ has spent the past 10 years developing minimum expectations for irrigation performance, these are written into a series of industry codes of practice and standards that are supported by knowledge resources and training. In the past three years over 1,000 irrigators have attended irrigation management training days. There’s a number of examples of how

both irrigators and irrigation schemes are achieving SMART Irrigation — Good Management Practice — on the SMART Irrigation website: http://smartirrigation.co.nz/. The widespread adoption of SMART Irrigation creates both economic and environmental benefits and we are eager to see more uptake, but this will be partly dependent on resourcing and support from central government. On a final note, don’t forget the IrrigationNZ Conference and Expo takes place between 5-7 April in Oamaru. A final programme has now been released with keynote speakers tackling nutrient management, global agricultural trends and how to sell the irrigation dream. Registrations are still being taken and more details can be found on our website www. irrigationnz.co.nz

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Weather Watch

by Tony Trewinnard

Rainfall twice the normal

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

BEST POND AND WATER COURSE SOLUTIONS BEST POND

AND WATER COURSE SOLUTIONS

Unlike the previous few months, January ditched the westerly quarter airflow typically expected in El Nino seasons for increased easterly quarter airflow. This was due to an increase in low pressure systems over the North Island and in the western Pacific, and anomalously high air pressures south of New Zealand. Januar y rainfall was at least twice the normal across the district, with many parts of Mid and South Canterbury above 250% of normal, and some parts of South Canterbury near three times the long term monthly average. Sunshine hours were only 65-80% of normal, lowest near the coast and eastern Plains, due largely to persistent on-shore airflows. Temperatures were significantly colder than usual by day and milder than usual at night (a typical response to increased cloudiness), averaging out about — 0.5deg to — 1.0deg colder than usual. At the time of writing, the first three weeks of February have brought a return to the warmer than usual, drier and sunnier than usual conditions more typically expected in a post-El Nino month. In the tropical Pacific, ocean temperatures remain in El Nino territory but the areas of warmer than normal water, which has defined the current El Nino event, are weakening steadily and significantly becoming fragmented as the El Nino decays. This decay is also apparent in other atmospheric and oceanic indicators. It is clear the current El Nino peaked in December and is now on the way out. All computer models we monitor continue to predict a steadily decreasing El Nino over the next 3 months. A significant La Nina event is now being predicted by most computer based models for later this year. Here at Blue Skies we continue to think it looks increasingly likely.

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Temperature

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Airflow

March

Drier than normal

Milder than normal

Sunnier than normal

More northerly winds

April

Drier than normal

Milder than normal

Sunnier than normal

More northerly winds

May

A little drier than normal

Near normal

A little sunnier than normal

More anticyclones

June

A little drier than normal

Near normal

A little sunnier than normal

More anticyclones

Decaying El Ninos of the current type often bring increased frequency of anticyclones over the North Island through the summer months. Light westerly airflow often blows over the South Island. As autumn arrives a return to stronger westerly airflow often occurs. This current season is complicated by significantly warmer than normal ocean temperatures in the Tasman Sea, especially

the northern Tasman Sea, and colder temperatures in the southwest Pacific. These patterns will combine to increase the frequency of northerly quarter airflow over New Zealand for the next few months. Analogs of similar seasons in the past show generally drier than normal conditions in Canterbur y through autumn followed by wet winter weather.

We expect to see wetter periods around the first and third weeks of March and drier weather in weeks two and four. April should see generally drier conditions, but with significant rainfall likely mid month. In May and June anticyclones may become more frequent over New Zealand with southwesterly changes making a more regular return to the east coast.

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February 2016

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Effective irrigation management

Aquaflex Soil Moisture Sensors are an investment that can provide immediate returns to improve farming’s bottom line and even in difficult times it is an investment worth considering. With more stringent environmental and consent requirements being enforced on farmers, Aquaflex is a vital part of any farm environmental plan and nutrient budget. Immediate financial benefits provided by Aquaflex include reduced water usage, pumping costs and maximised production with more pasture growth, requiring less supplemental feed. Fertiliser use is reduced and in fact applied at the correct time as Aquaflex monitors soil temperature and when included in farm plans and budgeting, benefits include possibly halving soil N loss numbers. Whilst most Aquaflex customers enjoy the benefits of having continuous and immediate soil moisture data provided by Aquacom telemetry systems, Aquaflex NZ has recently introduced Aquaflex Smart which is an entry level solar powered download system that allows data to be downloaded and viewed via Bluetooth. The system still provides continuous soil moisture data and can also have an air

temperature sensor and rain gauge attached with data transferred by simply passing a sensor. Aquaflex NZ is a division of Streat Instruments and an independent company supplying Aquaflex and Aquacom products and ser vices direct to our customers and also through distributors and partners. We have a long history in the field of industrial control and telemetry systems and are ideally placed to provide full sales and after sales support. The company is committed to supporting their customers to ensure the maximum benefit from their systems and has a dedicated support team and infrastructure to ensure prompt, professional and efficient resolution of any problems that may arise. For existing Aquaflex and Aquacom now is a good time to; • Check your Aquaflex sites to ensure good pasture or crop cover and that there is no depression or raised area over the sensors. • Check all cabling is well supported and protected from stock damage.

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• Check the hot-wire or similar protection around the unit on the fence post or headworks to prevent stock damage. • Ensure no electric fence wires come in contact with the Aquacom units. • Ensure all electric fence units are well earthed (and don’t use any irrigation pipework as an earth). • Clean solar panels and check they are facing north.

• Check the flow meter is operating correctly and flow is being shown on the relevant website when you are irrigating. • Check that the rain gauge is clean and free of any debris, spiders, bird droppings etc. For information and sales and service, or to arrange a free on-farm consultation, contact — 03 384 8900 or e-mail mail@streatsahead. com

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February 2016

FORESTRY & LOGGING

CANTERBURY FARMING

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF, Laurie Forestry Ltd Export sector remains focused The log supply shortages for local sawmills has continued this month with some reporting downtime from running out of logs. This situation is almost unprecedented in the Canterbury region. Whilst we have seen short term supply constraints of the past, this period has been extended and significant The significance impacts in two ways. Running out of logs sees people being paid to do less productive, non revenue earning tasks whilst they wait supply. The other impact relates to the sawmill not being able to mill consistently similar sized logs of the same grade. This reduces throughput efficiency and therefore profitability. On the plus side mills are being forced to look at other grade supply options thus spreading the diet of supply and market. Inevitably this leads to compromise and is not likely to be a long term solution unless the trade winds change direction significantly. Local lumber sales appear to be good with prices holding and in some cases small increases are being reported. Local sales have a very strong outdoor flavour with fencing,

pergolas, outdoor furniture and decking featuring. Log exports remain stable in terms of price and supply. Wharf gate prices are good and likely to remain that way until at least the end of March. The export sector remains focussed on China where pre Chinese New Year sales were stronger than expected and log supply from all sources remained subdued. Inventory level and usage reports are less reliable at present as everyone gets back to work and into the swing. Inventory level reports suggest a total eastern sea board softwood volume of about 3.2 million reflecting about 2.5 months supply. This is a very comfortable level for most and should not excite the trade one way or the other. But the next six weeks will be critical in determining the levels of consumption as compared to the level of delivery and how this impacts the market beyond April. At this stage the delivery of logs to NZ ports remain slightly behind last year

and well behind 2013/14. This appears to be the consequence of volumes available from forests and a continuing loss of logger capacity after the big price plunge in the fourth quarter 2015. There are regional variations of course, but it is the national figures that are important in terms of their impact on the China eastern seaboard trade. The market indicator A grade prices appear to be stable in a range around US$110 CIF (landed at the China port) per cubic metre. Whilst historically quite a low level, very low shipping rates and favourable foreign exchange rates are ensuring historically, prices at the wharf gate NZ, remain in the top 90 percentile of the market of the last 10 years. Indeed shipping rates are currently the lowest I have seen them in the 20 odd years I have been involved in log exports. Much more importantly, at these sales levels in China, Radiata pine logs are very competitive compared to the likes of Douglas fir and

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Western Hemlock from the Pacific Northwest. As reported previously, the biggest portion of softwood logs end up as plywood or lumber holding up concrete until it dries in multi story buildings. Radiata pine has the distinct added advantage of being able to be peeled for plywood which is a big proportion of construction sector requirements. PNW logs are not favoured for peeling, however in terms of long term strategic advantage, it rarely matters

to the China buyer whether the tree took 28 years to grow it in NZ or much much longer in PNW it all goes down the same throat! In terms of firing a couple of warning shots over the bow, I do see some weakness in pruned log prices ahead. We have seen some wonderful price point for large pruned logs. At the cheaper of the NZ ports, prices well in excess of NZ$200 per cubic metre have been common for some time. My spies in China report the

market becoming much more critical, wanting consistent quality logs well within agreed specifications, are a sure sign volume and price weakness is around the corner. And so it is, wood fibre as a commodity continues to buck the trend, prices are stable and very good and we are currently at peace with the world! 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.

FORESTRY & LOGGING

Heading for safer forests The only acceptable figure for fatalities and serious injuries in the forestry industry is zero, says Fiona Ewing, the national safety director for the Forestry Industry Safety Council. The council was set up last year following an increasing number of fatal accidents and serious injuries across the industry spectrum. This year FISC will focus on ensuring industry players understand what’s required of them under the new Health and Safety at Work Act, which comes into force in April. There were in fact fewer deaths and injuries last year with Worksafe NZ reporting that serious injuries halved to 78 in 2015 from 160 in 2013, with three forestry workers killed last year. But the council says while there were fewer casualties, there’s still a lot of work to do to reach the goal of zero fatalities. “The trend is going in the right direction but we can’t rest on our laurels,” says Ms Ewing adding that FISC has been working to ensure sustained safety improvements in all areas of forestry. “There’s a risk that with fatalities dropping from their 2013 peak people will think we can tick safety off as being sorted. Experience tell us that the minute we take our eye off the ball those fatality and serious injury rates will start climbing back up again.” Forest owners led a massive

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

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overhaul of the industry in 2014 after funding an independent investigation into the industry’s accident record that found forestry was the most dangerous industry to work in, with more than 1,000 serious injuries and 32 deaths between 2008 and 2013. Forest Industry Contractors’ chief executive John Stulen said with the

help of new technology, forest owners and contractors have since led positive safety changes, including the establishment of the FISC. “We’ve gone way ahead and our members have led the pro-active change to identifying risk more actively, getting a mind set in crews that safety is the most important thing.

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February 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

The sharpest in the shed

by Andy Bryenton

When it comes time to manage pasture and ensure the best conditions for winter success on the farm, there are a wide range of implements available to get the job done. Whether it’s deep aeration to let the soil breathe, the turning of stubble into forage, or even re-seeding, even the most advanced agricultural tools are only as good as the machine which gives them mobility and power. Enter the multi-purpose weapon of choice for open field farming — a tractor designed just for the task of picking up and running with any of today’s high power implements. Deutz Fahr’s 5 series landed at Mystery Creek in 2015, and the midhorsepower machines in green have been favourites around the country since that inception, gaining accolades for their ease of use and driver comfort. Because, of course, it’s not just the tractor which must put in long hours and hard yards at pasture renewal time — it’s the pair of hands behind the wheel as well. At the heart of it all is an engine small enough to offer good fuel economy, but powerful enough to drive not just those big wheels, but anything which

can be yoked to the PTO for work, The Tier 4i compliant, 3620 cm³, four-cylinder DEUTZ TCD 3.6 L04 engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler for forced induction, and common rail fuel injection. Tier 4i compliance was achieved by adopting a clever exhaust gas recirculation system in conjunction with a special DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst) catalytic converter, which catalyses chemical reactions within the exhaust gases on contact to transform them into harmless substances. A flat torque curve in the vital 1200–1900 rpm band leaves a hearty 30 percent of torque available when its needed. While all that power from a mid-Hp tractor is just what the doctor ordered

when hooking up to modern harrows and cultivators, the aforementioned ease of use and operator comfort is what really makes the 5 series stand tall. Deutz Fahr have even enlisted the help of legendary car designers Giugiaro design to ensure airconditioned comfort and ergonomic placement of all the controls needed for a hard day’s work. Their other notable marques as well as the 5 series tractor? Try Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lotus, and even the iconic 1980s Delorean. There’s even the option to have the entire cab independently sprung for a smooth ride over bumpy terrain, and computer readouts which allow multicommand sequences to

be stored and chained together at the touch of a button. When pasture management season is over — at least, for a short

CANTERBURY ROCK PICKING SPECIALIST

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AUTUMN PASTURE

CANTERBURY FARMING February 2016

Coping with winter rains

Winter feed is an annual farming challenge, and heading into autumn is time to consider preventive measures to insure optimum pastures. Good ground conditions are vital so having efficient drainage systems in susceptible paddocks will ensure that the paddocks remain wet for the shortest possible time as the winter rains set in. Good drainage will also offset the prevalence of stock pugging the soil, although even the best drained pasture will suffer from damage during heavy rains. As in all things farming, it will pay to discuss and compare local conditions with stock advisors, neighbours and other interested parties to get the best information on specific soil types and contours. Coping with hill runoff can best be done with open or pipe drains that intercept the cascades and as a barrier moat this reduces the need for more drainage and excavation further into the pasture land itself. All open drains should be fenced from stock to improve water quality and reduce drain maintenance.

However, it is not essential that all areas on the farm need to be drained, and drainage is not always costeffective when ongoing maintenance is required because peatland, as well as springs, swamp areas and soaks perform this draining function as nature intended. Good farming practice will see these natural drains well fenced from stock and they reduce flood flows, and also act as nitrogen filters before the run-off enters other larger waterways. One solution to poor drainage on flat land is mole drains. Ground that is too wet for cultivating or subsoiling may still be suitable for moling. In cases of heavy ground surface pugging, re-draining may be necessary and a key element is having an efficient outlet flow to speed the unwanted water on its way. Where connecting moles to a pipe system, the pipes should be installed first and the mole drains pulled afterwards.

With any subsurface drainage, there is an increased risk of polluted water draining from paddocks through the soil into the drains and then flowing into waterways at the discharge point. This type of discharge by-passes the filtering effects of riparian areas so avoiding any effluent irrigation over the affected pasture is of top importance. If it is at all necessary it should be kept to a minimum. Irrigation should only occur in dry conditions. Even when there is efficient drainage, stock access should still be managed to avoid concentrated use when the soil is wet — spell the paddock for a day after the rain has fallen. As a final management solution, consider creating, and in fact planting an artificial wetland at the drainage exit point as a means of filtering runoff before it makes it’s way into a natural waterway on or off the property.

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February 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

AUTUMN PASTURE

T R E P X E E G SILA

S T E R C E S S R E V O C N U

LER

BY AYLA MIL

ring New ealand offe Z w e N d re ucing u when prod ung has to K te s a in w im e L is r o profess to minim age expert about how e ic v d a le Leading sil luab rmers inva uction. Zealand fa p rease rod c in d n a e silag

UNT LL

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ollowing a successful series of meetings with Australian forage contractors last year in partnership with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, American based Dr Kung visited New Zealand to share his knowledge. Dr Kung recently lead a research programme at the University of Delaware, where he is based, which examined the value of microbial inoculants that improve the aerobic stability of silages, the use of enzymes to improve feed efficiency, and a wide range of applied management strategies to enhance forage quality.

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AUTUMN PASTURE He is also experienced in the field of silage additives and believes that this subject is confusing to many farmers and contractors due to the sheer number of additives, inoculants and preservatives available. Each of these products serves a specific purpose and he says it is important people understand the benefits and limitations to get the best possible outcome. “While microbial inoculants are tools that can improve farm income, producers should remember they are used to maintain the quality of forage coming from the field. They cannot change ryegrass from a mature vegetative period with low ME into a product made at three leaf stage,” he says. “It is also important to emphasise that goodmanagement practices when baling or filling bunkers should always be used — even with the use of silage additives. A poorly packed and uncovered bunker, or insufficiently wrapped bale with damage to the plastic wrap will most likely show very little benefit from a silage additive.” He also explained that silage is affected by the stage of maturity and the quality of the crop being harvested. If

a cow’s rumen is full of high fibre, low quality forage,it cannot eat any more feed even if it was put in front of them. Silage therefore needs to be made from high quality forage, harvested at the right growth stage, which makes it easily digestible. Higher digestibility results in more forage intake and more energy and nutrients being available to the animal. Providing good quality silage is therefore critical as a base for achieving high animal production. Air is the worst enemy of silage and stacks needed to be effectively sealed according to Dr Kung. He suggested that farmers make a plan, ensuring workers were allocated specific responsibilities throughout the process before making silage. The man on the stack was key to controlling the rate of stack fill, which has a large influence on stack density and the ultimate result. He advised going to companies for inoculants which have research and data to back their claims. Chop length and particle size were discussed and he explained how the cow’s rumen worked. Cows chew for roughly 12 hours a day and could chew 50,000 times

making 150 litres of saliva. If the particles in silage are too big the cow may have difficulty digesting them; if too small the cow would not chew enough and they will pass through too quickly. They need to remain in the rumen to be digested. Technical Service Manager — Forage for Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Robert Jackson says having the professor spend a week in New Zealand was ‘fantastic’. “He is very knowledgeable in the dairy nutrition sector and very good at putting the practical side of silage making to farmers.” Dr Kung has spent the last 35 years involved with silage and dairy nutrition research. The workshops held throughout the country gave contractors, farmers and nutritionists the opportunity to hear a specialist who knows and understands the practicalities of good forage preservation and how it can influence efficiency. Mr Jackson says the talks covered what happens in a silage stack and how to get the most out of them. “You’re always going to have losses but it’s all about making losses minimal. Most farmers do not need to accept the level of losses they are currently working with.”

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

The American professor gave New Zealand farmers practical advice on silage matters

Highfield Machinery Working with the farmer

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February 2016

AUTUMN PASTURE

CANTERBURY FARMING

Preparing for new pastures It can take a whole year to establish a new perennial pasture and the preparation of the paddocks prior to sowing is important regardless of whether a paddock has come through a cropping programme, or is to be sprayed out directly from old pasture. This is a good time to sort out any problems that may have a negative effect on new pasture establishment or productivity. An easy way to keep a close eye on things is to get out there and actually walk the paddocks. This is a chance to assess the condition of the paddock and decide what work is high on the priority list. Examine the soil profile by digging some holes in

the seed and root zone and to check for pests. Test the soil on the paddocks being renewed and correct any pH or nutrient deficiencies. Remove or kill any existing plants. About 5–10cm green leaf is needed for effective glyphosate absorption and kill. Add a broadleaf spray if required for hard to kill weeds. For autumn spray-drilling in situations with hard to kill weeds, or where there are high soil weed seed

loadings, consider a double spray with a fallow period in between sprays. Identify any pests especially crickets, slugs, black beetle, grass grub. Use treated seed to provide seedling protection from insect attack before endophyte takes over this role. Aim for an even, fine and firm seedbed. Some form of cultivation or rolling may be required if conditions in the

seedbed are not conducive to a rapid germination of seed and even seedling emergence eg pugged or rough soil surface. Bury or remove trash from the previous crop or pasture — this can harbour pests, lead to uneven sowing or poor seed-to-soil contact. By sticking to these simple guidelines, your paddocks will be ready in no time, producing healthy pastures for the season ahead.

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FA R M I N F O R M AT I O N Nigel Rathgen - South Canterbury

This season Nigel’s net benefit from using SustaiN instead of urea is expected to be $2,813. To find out what your SustaiN Gain could be visit www.sustaingain.co.nz and work it out for your own farm or call your Ballance Nutrient Specialist. *For details on the variables used in the above calculation visit www.sustaingain.co.nz or phone 0800 222 090 for more information.

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AUTUMN PASTURE

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

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February 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

AUTUMN PASTURE

ADVERTORIAL

Assessing , understanding and engaging Before rushing into pasture renewal, assessing the scale of the issue is the vital first step while the next is understanding the cause of the reduced pasture production and then engaging in the process of renewal. Assessing which paddocks may require renewal needs to be based on information and not gut feel. Using evidence to understand which paddocks aren’t performing to expectation is vital. The use of pasture measurement tools such as C-Dax Pasture Meters and

mapping tools will make underperforming paddocks much more visible. You can get handy reference cards from the Pasture Renewal Charitable Trust website, which gives you the ability to not only score paddocks on how they look but combine it with pasture production

information. This allows you to rank paddocks in order of performance and let you decide on the amount of pasture renewal you can do against your budget. Understanding why the pasture is not meeting your expectation is the next important step. The saying

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‘flogging a dead horse’ comes to mind as sowing new pasture into a paddock that has background issues in pasture performance is not a sustainable and sensible plan. The question needs to be asked whether it is an over or under-supply of nutrients reducing production, or is it insects or troublesome perennial weeds? The use of Whole Farm Testing will allow you to answer these questions. You should test at least six months prior to re-grassing to ensure any soil nutrient issues are rectified.

If insects were causing the issues, ideally a break crop such as brassicas, would be utilised. There are a range of novel endophyte options available depending on the insects present to help with this problem. Engage with experts who understand the options that best suit your farm system. The range of pasturedamaging insects will determine the type of endophyte used, but also the timing of peak pasture growth — and that doesn’t mean all year round! Looking at your pasture production records

and animal feed demand will help decide what species and/or cultivar will best meet your needs.” Ravensdown have a range of high performance pasture mixes that can suit most farming systems. We can customise a specific mix for your requirements, whether it be a range of heading dates, endophyte options if insects are issues or just a lift to higher performing pasture grasses. Targeting paddocks that have the lowest production, and understanding why will give you the most financial return from re-grassing.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

AUTUMN PASTURE ADVERTORIAL

Aerial Agricultural Services

Cost effective soil nutrient Regular application of lime is very beneficial to maintaining the productive capacity of agricultural land and is an important part of soil management. CP Lime Solutions produces a range of limebased fertilisers and animal mineral supplements under the Optimise and Vitalise brands, and the company says ‘the frequency of liming depends on soil texture, nitrogen use, pasture and crop removal of nutrients, the amount and type of lime applied, the soils pH and more often than not, cashflow. ‘Fertilisers commonly of the NPKS variety are applied routinely as part of annual dressings and regarded as a necessary input for sustainable economic farming. ‘The major drawback of applying lime is the amount required. This will depend on scale and level of intensification. The actual cost of the product is not the purse limiting component, but the cost of its delivery and then getting what you’ve paid for on the ground. Bear in mind, the advantages of applying lime are more than

February 2016

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Plan for an energy smart winter by Andy Bryenton

While our pioneering ancestors were happy to simply have shelter from the elements and a roaring fireplace, modern home builders have access to a wide range of heating and energy saving technologies, ranging from the simple to the highly advanced. When building from the ground up it’s easy these days to specify top-grade insulation on all sides, solar water heating, powerful heat pump air conditioners or even piped underfloor heating. But when it comes time to renovate an existing home, the choices can become

more about compromise with design and aesthetics than about the pure physics of heat in and out. Seeing as heating makes up on average one third of a Kiwi family’s annual energy budget (with hot water a close second place), picking the right combination of investments

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is the key to a lower energy bill, across both electricity and combustibles like wood. The first step is to ensure your home is insulated — and that your hot water system is thermally lagged, along with as much pipework as possible. Often, homeowners ask if they should choose either underfloor insulation or more batts in the roof space — the real answer is ‘both’. Think of the home like a chilly bin — the ideal situation involves complete coverage. But hot air rises and is easily lost through a poorly insulated roof. Many people have not checked the state of their ceiling insulation for years, and it may have degraded into virtual uselessness. The second stage to to make sure your home is dry. Damp breeds mould, and that means respiratory disease — laws have been proposed to force landlords to address black mould issues before they can accept rent from tenants.

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Thankfully, air movement can rid the home of most mouldforming conditions. Pipe out moisture laden kitchen and bathroom air with ducted fans, and if your home suffers from condensation, damaging wooden fixtures and window sills, consider a whole-home dehumidifier, in the form of a positive pressure in-ceiling ventilation unit.

Warmth completes the picture — health authorities indicate that living areas should not be below 18 degrees celsius and bedroom should not dip below 16. While a 5 kilowatt or larger heat pump is perfect for most living rooms, multiple smaller units may prove costly for each bedroom, so economical panel night-store heaters are also a popular choice. For

those with a fireplace, that ceiling space can be put to work, housing the insulated ducts of a heat transfer unit which takes heat trapped near the ceiling and pipes it through to each bedroom. Wo r k i n g t o g e t h e r, insulation, ventilation and heating promote good health, better sleep and a more valuable home when it comes time to sell!

BLUEPRINT TO HANDOVER

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

Clean solutions to messy problems Every home generates waste — after all, it’s a biological necessity, even if it isn’t a topic of dinner party conversation, and while New Zealand’s building rules state that if a municipal sewer connection is available, it must be used by a new build, options abound for those constructing or renovating in areas where civic infrastructure does not reach. Many people will be aware of the old fashioned septic tank system — a single large tank, usually concrete, into which waste material are piped from the home’s conveniences. A single stage of decomposition happens inside over a period of time, using the power of anaerobic bacteria, and the liquid runoff is often noticeable by a very green and lush patch of paddock ‘downstream’. The solid waste must be pumped out on a regular basis to ensure that the whole process literally flows smoothly, and the little bacteria continue munching through nasties down in the dark. Modern systems may utilize two chambers, with a second phase of treatment activated by aerobic bacteria. These tiny creatures thrive on completely different materials and conditions to their anaerobic cousins, further breaking down waste and providing much safer runoff. As this all eventually ends up in the groundwater, some forward-thinking councils have already made it compulsory

for new systems to have more than one tank. While some may have three or four, any number over and above one is best practice. There are even means to expand existing single-tank anaerobic systems with a second aerobic bacteria powered tank. When planning a new septic system, remember that an average New Zealander uses 160–250 litres of water a day. Take into account the fact that your family might grow, or that holiday periods may see an influx of guests. A small system may very well prove to be false economy if it becomes overloaded, meaning more maintenance and the need to pump out solid waste more often. No matter which way you go, you will require building consent, and will have to comply with your local council’s bylaws about not just the system itself, but the runoff and soakage area where liquid waste, once treated, is returned to the soil. Native plants and water-loving

species like reeds and marsh grasses will help turn the runoff into additional growth, or to evaporate. Growing trees over this area, however, can prove disastrous, as their roots can disrupt pipes and even crack tanks. There are a vast range of eco-friendly options available today to replace the old septic

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February 2016

BLUEPRINT TO HANDOVER

CANTERBURY FARMING

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BLUEPRINT TO HANDOVER

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

Getting the keys The construction of the new house is over, and thoughts are turning to getting the keys. But contemplating moving in needs to be balanced with some practicality. It is a time also to be most careful. There is the builder to pay out but before you call the moving company. You need a code compliance certificate, CCC — a formal statement issued under section 95 of the Building Act, that construction carried out under a building consent complies with that document. It can also affect financial considerations as a mortgage holder will need to be satisfied that finance is properly secured over the property. Homeowners need to be happy that their builder will complete any oversights that a compliance certificate may identify. Ask the builder for a clear council inspection showing your home has passed, or that the items outstanding are of a minor nature. The certificate also underpins the value of your new build. Construction finance company NewBuild advises that ‘in today’s environment, having a CCC is like gold, so do not compromise anything to ensure you receive this certificate. If you don’t get one, the value of your home could fall dramatically. ‘To take possession you must have accomplished the following: ‘Your valuer must revisit the home and

declare it finished and also advise what, if any, work is incomplete; ‘You may want to complete your driveway later, but if your valuer has included this in his original valuation, then the home will be deemed incomplete; ‘The CCC comes from the council, and is normally sought by the builder, but it is obviously important for the client to be aware of the process; ‘Newbuild recommends you plan on taking possession several days after the council inspector provides a clear field inspection to avoid that unnecessary “mad rush” and stress at hand over’. And there is the vital matter of insurance. ‘You must arrange to have homeowner’s insurance cover in place because your builder’s cover normally expires at the time you start putting your belongings into the new home. Caution here, once you start putting personal items in the home, even if the home is not quite finished, your builder’s insurance — Builders Risk Cover — may not protect your belongings, and in fact may not cover the house. ‘So give yourself a week before handover to review the final invoice, and don’t allow this to be left to the last minute’.

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February 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

BLUEPRINT TO HANDOVER

First things first The architects have sent in the bill for the plans for the new build, and your wishes have been faithfully incorporated in the the the blueprint and the section has been signed up.

Manufacturers and Suppliers of:

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But before the hammer hits the first nail of course, there is the matter of a building consent. This is quite simply, permission to build a structure with the assurance that it complies with the rules and your first stop is your local council to obtain the formal approval issued by a Building Consent Authority (BCA) that certain works meet the requirements of the New Zealand Building Act, Building Regulations and Building Code. Some minor work is exempt under the Act, but consent is required for most work, including of course, new buildings. However the consent also applies to a wider range of construction including the following: • swimming pools, spa pools and fencing,·retaining walls over 1.5 metres (no surcharge) • retaining walls any height incurring a surcharge • decks over 1.5 metres high

• pergolas attached to buildings • free-standing nonhabitable buildings larger than 10 square metres • plumbing and drainage work • demolition • relocation of buildings • additions, alterations to existing buildings • change of use (may include an increase in occupant numbers) • heating including fireplaces • ventilation and airconditioning systems (commercial) • small dams (more than 35,000 litres of water)

Consents can be organised online with application forms that can be obtained from council’s websites or from offices, and these are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. All building work should be completed within two years from the date that the building consent was granted. Building consent applications can be complex — councils recommend that you engage a professional person to help with design work and drawings. Fixed fees are available for some types of applications. If your project does not meet the fixed fee criteria, the cost

will depend on things like the type of application, cost of work involved and the level of detail provided. Council’s charges are listed on their websites and are based on the length of time it takes to process an application. An estimate of the fees involved may be provided, however the final cost will not be known until the application is processed. When your application is ready for issue and all fees are paid, your building consent will be posted, or sent electronically to the contact person nominated on the application form.

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BLUEPRINT TO HANDOVER

CANTERBURY FARMING

Practical tips to revive your decking by Andy Bryenton

Salt air, sun, dirt and mould can give Kiwi decks a hammering. But it’s easy to restore a beautiful finish to your outdoor spaces, increasing the value of your home and adding years of life to tired timbers. The first place to begin is cleaning the deck surface — a process which can be achieved with or without chemicals. Debate among deck afficionados still rages as to whether using a simple electric waterblaster or chemical treatments is best. Some say that a water blaster can damage the fibres of the wood, while those who prefer the blaster counter that chemical treatments can kill off more than just filth and mould. A favourite option is a low-pressure washdown with a water blaster or a hose and brush, followed by the use of an oxygen based ‘one hour cleaner’ designed specifically for moss and mould. Never use the kind of high powered water blaster you’d employ on concrete, or to strip mud and dirt from under your 4x4 — these really can ruin the integrity of the deck and ruin the grain of the timber. Next, rinse and let your deck dry. The next step will be to add ‘wood brighteners’ — spray on chemicals which open up the wood like the pores in your skin and allow

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the next step — the stain — to really penetrate and protect. Rinse and dry again before assembling your tools to get the stain on. Remember to cover areas which you don’t want affected by over-coverage or splatters — even the most careful applicator will inevitably make small mistakes and it’s easier to cover than to clean. All the top renovators agree — when it comes to timber stains you get what you pay for. A trip to your local paint shop will

help you get the right product for a beautiful result — take some simple info with you in the form of your deck’s area, location, intended uses and the type of wood from which it’s built. A good stain is an investment, so go for the good stuff! When applying, remember that less can be more. Only apply as much stain as the wood can take, because to use more isn’t just wasteful, it can also cause a shiny or waxy layer which peels after

just one or two seasons. Work in between the boards with a paintbrush for complete coverage — and let your deck ‘rest’ for about 24 hours before cracking out the barbecue and inviting guests to appreciate your work!

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February 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

BLUEPRINT TO HANDOVER

Why Portabuild? BECAUSE WE GET THE JOB DONE

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BLUEPRINT TO HANDOVER

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

Taking power prices off the boil by Andy Bryenton

Every home uses hot water — for cooking and cleaning, in the laundry and bathroom — sometimes even just as a form of relaxation after a long day’s work. But does this most civilized of luxuries have to come with such a steep price? It’s estimated that up to a third of the energy expenditure in some homes comes direct from the hot water boiler. This is especially true in colder climates, in homes with big families, and in situations where the old trusty hot water cylinder has been serving duty for more than a decade or two. Add up that combination and little inefficiencies and demands can add up to big bucks — along with a great excuse to invest in new technology. The easiest way to cut hot water heating bills without the expense of full replacement is to turn down the master heating dial on the cylinder itself. Many are set so high that hot water from the tap is not just painful to touch, but dangerous. Drop the temperature, then ensure that as much copper pipework as possible is lagged, with the cylinder itself wrapped to prevent heat loss. Many homes still maintain a large, family-sized cylinder even after the kids have left to make their own way in the world. This is the perfect situation to regain some cupboard pace and install

a gas califont — an instant heating system which only provides hot water exactly when it is needed. Califonts are best deployed in situations where they won’t be in massive demand, like households of two or three people, and are powered by gas — so a good reliable delivery service is also something to investigate. The same technology used in modern refrigerators and air conditioners can both heat and cool. That heating phase is perfect for heating up lots of water at once, so those in the opposite situation to califont users — large families, or even guest houses and motels — should look into heat pump hot water systems. While they are electric, like a traditional boiler, they do away with a costly element and instead employ a heat exchanger for maximum cost savings over time. And they can often be retrofitted to an existing cylinder, using it as a storage tank. Perhaps the ultimate solution though, is to let the sun take up some of the burden of heating your

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100 IT’S NOT A TARGET home. Even on cold or cloudy days the sun has the power to warm the entire planet, and modern solar hot water systems are far more efficient in harnessing that power than those of the past. Team one up with a ‘wet back’

fireplace, and you have essentially free hot water summer and winter!

Farm Bridges - Precast and Prestressed Concrete

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At Stahlton we pride ourselves on delivering cost effective and sustainable solutions for the rural sector. Specialising in precast farm bridges, Stahlton will provide you with a fit-for-purpose solution designed and installed with your environment in mind. Concept image

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Concrete, Paving & Driveway Specialists in Christchurch

Let your vision become reality With years of combined industry experience in design, manufacturing and installation of all forms of man-made and natural stone paving and driveways, at Oasis Concrete & Paving you can be sure that quality is never compromised. Greg Kirk founded Oasis Concrete & Paving in 2008 in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our company specialises in a range of products and services including: driveways, decorative concrete, asphalt, paving, floor slabs and earthwork construction. Oasis Concrete & Paving Ltd is a highly experienced driveway, concrete and paving contractor, with over 25 years’ experience. You can be sure that quality is never compromised. We pride ourselves on delivering excellent results and providing the same high quality service to all our customers no matter what the size of the job. Our highly skilled team have worked in many types of projects in both the domestic and commercial sectors

OASIS CONCRETE & PAVING LIMITED M: 027 284 7249 • P: 03 383 8952 • F: 03 383 8954 E: greg@ocp.net.nz • W: oasisconcreteandpaving.co.nz A: PO Box 38143 Christchurch 8083

February 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

A WINDOW INTO THEIR WORLD BY AYLA MILLER Middle Rock Farm, steeped in history and surrounded by some of Canterbury’s most popular ski slopes, offers people from all over the world the chance to catch a glimpse into one family’s high country life.

he farm, home to Bruce and Lyn Nell, stretches across just over 1000 hectares running 5000 ewes and 3000 hoggets. Seven years ago they were joined by their daughter Charlotte and later her husband Vince. The family now farms in partnership, with Vince and Charlotte residing in the farm cottage Bruce’s parents built as their retirement home. “The farm itself was one of the soldier ballot farms. After the Second World War the government wanted to place the returned servicemen, so if they could prove they could farm, and had saved enough

for a deposit, the government allowed them to enter the ballot,” says Charlotte. “The week my father was born, my grandparents drew Middle Rock out of the ballot which had a reputation for being notoriously windy. My great-grandfather managed the property up the Rakaia Gorge and he said to take it as it was in his words, ‘sweet sheep countr y.’ Aside from going away for schooling, university and work experience, my father has been here ever since.” The tourism venture began 25 years ago when Charlotte’s mother Lyn opened up the garden for

privately arranged tours. “My mother was stuck at home with small children and she began developing the garden which soon became a feature of the property. Slowly over the years, to augment their garden visit, people started requesting to go out on the farm for a quick look. With the late 1980’s farm subsidy removals, my parents were forced to change their farming operation in order to survive. To do this, they replaced a labour unit with better fencing, laneways and upgraded farm tracks,” says Charlotte These tracks were done to a high standard with

Bruce and Lyn Nell with their son-in-law Vince Rietveld and daughter Charlotte

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CANTERBURY FARMING gravel and, conveniently, also doubled as roads which meant coaches could move around the farm easily. “While farming is still undoubtedly the main business, gradually the tourism operations have grown. The garden tours now rarely happen, instead we focus the business on pre-booked large groups who are generally international visitors.” They also offer accommodation in newly renovated shearer’s quarters which gets a lot of return family groups. “Catastrophe happened two-and-a-half years ago when the quarters went up in flames. It was purely accidental with a fault in the chimney lining paper and we have since rebuilt it.” At 33, Charlotte is the youngest of three children and chose to return to the farm after a career in rural banking. “I came home with not a huge amount of farming skills but I have a very patient father and mother and so slowly it all came together. “I always had an innate desire to go farming. Eventually I convinced my parents they should give me a shot, but my mother was always very worried that I had come home with no boyfriend, so eventually she harassed me until I found one,” she laughs. “Now I’m sitting here married and eightand-a-half months pregnant!” She says the farm tours are

February 2016

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Charlotte enjoys talking with farm tour visitors who she says are relaxed, ready to learn and on holiday unique in their authenticity. “We do not change the operations for the tour groups, we fit visitors into what we are doing that day, and they really enjoy the inter-generational part of it. It is increasingly hard to find a family owned business. Visitors love coming to see where their food comes from and being able to go out on the farm, see the animals, see the contour of the land, and experience the environment. “Ever ytime I’ve gone overseas, the things I remember the most are the authentic experiences, when you go in and meet real locals and see where they live and what their lives are like. We welcome

people on the farm tours to my parents homestead to experience this.” Charlotte says she finds farming an incredibly satisfying way of life. “Possibly because it is so tangible. It is also really holistic, especially with Corriedale sheep, which are a quiet breed. You can only go as fast as the animals, the weather, the environment and the contour will allow, which ends up being a very satisfying job because you have to balance all those things with yourself.” The tourism side of it is refreshing for the family and they enjoy meeting new people. “The visitors who come here are astute,

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inquisitive, intelligent people and they are also on holiday. They are relaxed and ready to learn, enjoy and laugh and it’s a pleasure to be able to do that with them. While they come to see our life, they are also giving us a huge amount by talking to us about their lives, and how it compares.” She says she always knew early on in her 20’s that she would enjoy this lifestyle. “It’s such a special thing to be able to work as a family and carry on the whole heritage that my grandparents began. It is an honour and a challenge but it is also something really important and worthwhile and to be able to share that with others makes it extra special.”

Wear a helmet. A helmet is a must while riding a quad bike around the farm.

ID CANTERBURY ACHINERY

We Buy,Sell & Trade Machinery

Ring to Hire Machinery!

Rata Forks JD Fittings �� $750 Gregoire Besson 5MtrDiscs �� $15,000 Claas 680 Profill Rake �� $12,000 Bale Forks �� From $600 Dunhill 8 Furrow on land plough ��$3,500 Howard 80 AR Rotohoe Tidy ��Coming in Sulky DPX 28 Fert Spdr 2013 ��$6,900 Alo 1�5 Silage Grabs Shipment Arrived ��$5,000 Agrimaster RMU 2000 Mulcher ��$6,500 Cambridge Rollers 10ft,11ft & 22ft �� From $2,000 Grubber Trailing ��$6,750 Fieldmaster 3Mtr Gear drive ��$9,750 Bamford 7 Reel Rakes �� From $1,250 Celli 2�5Mtrs Roto Hoe��$6,500 Taege Vrake 7 aside ��$9,750 Krone AMT 283S Trailing Mower Conditioner ��$7,000 Claas Rollant 44 Baler �� $500 Gray 10FT Water Ballast Roller �� New POA Duncan 734 Direct Drill ��$9,750 Kverneland TLA 5�5 Maxitill ��$6,750 IH 440 Baler ��Coming in Duncan 701 Drill C/W Eclispe Box ��$4,250 Aitchison 16 Run Direct Drill ��Coming In Cattle Ramp ��$2,400 Nobili BNG 310 Mulcher ��$8,250 Grader Blades �� From $500 Fiat 250 Tractor ��$2,000 Watson 6�3 Rollers www�walter-watson�co�uk ��In Stock UFO 3100 Mower ��$3,750 Pearson Silage Grab Euro Fitting ��$3,700 Kuhn 700 & 800 G11 Mowers �� From $8,500 Topping Mowers �� From $1,500 Kuhn FC 202 4 Disc Mower Conditioner ��$3,500 Trimax Mulcher 1�5Mtr �� From $1,750 Tandem Trailer 4�1x2�45 Reg & wof ��$3,500 Trailer 2 Axles Turntable �� $10,000 Kverneland NG300 H4 Power Harrow ��$7,900 McHale Soft Hands ��New $3,150 Sunbeam Shearing Machine �� $400

David Brown Potatoe digger �� $POA

Just a Small Selection of our Stock • We Buy, Sell & Trade Machinery All Prices + GST • www.midcanterburymachinery.co.nz

CANTERBURY HEAVY HAULAGE Phone 0800 88 11 88 Email natalie@canterburyheavyhaulage.co.nz

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172 Wills Street Ashburton Tel/Fax: 03 308 9889 Mob: 0274 341 040 E: n.stockdill@xtra.co.nz

February 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

TARPAULINS FOR THE FARM Super Cheap Waterproof Vinyl Tarps

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

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

A Green Perspective

with Eugenie Sage, Green Party Primary Industries spokesperson

TPPA – many risks and questionable benefits For the first time, the government is asking what New Zealanders think about the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). For years it has kept the public in the dark about what is actually in this trade deal and what has been given up to get it. Even though the 6,000 page text has finally been released, all documents will be kept secret until four years after the agreement comes into force. The agreement includes investor state dispute provisions that will allow any one of the 11 other signatories or multinational corporations that reside in their territories to sue New Zealand for any perceived breaches of the agreement. These special rights for foreign investors weaken the government’s right to regulate in the public interest and risk a chilling effect on public policy. Simon Terr y of the Sustainability Council of New

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Zealand recently released an expert environmental analysis. It says ‘the environment is a casualty’ under the TPPA because multinational corporations can sue governments for environmental regulations which impact on them. This could include law changes limiting fracking and fossil fuel exploration, regulating pesticides and genetic modification and changing the Emissions Trade System. These risk of being sued will make future governments think twice before doing anything that could aggravate multinational corporations. While the ETS may not be popular among many farmers, giving integrity to the New Zealand’s “clean green” brand by controlling climate and water pollution helps protect the valuable marketing base for food,

fibre and other primary sector products. New Zealand should have the right to set our own rules about genetic modification (GM) within our borders. Yet US corporates are likely to put strong pressure on countries like New Zealand to relax GM restrictions and accept genetically modified products. The much vaunted economic benefits from the TPP are likely to be less than claimed. The TPP only applies to 25 % of our export markets, primarily the United States,

Japan and Australia. It perpetuates significant agricultural subsidies, especially for the US dairy sector. Ian Harrison, the lead economist at Tailrisk Economics recently added his voice to a growing number of experts who are questioning the modelling and benefits of the TPPA. Harrison estimates that the total benefits of the TPPA to New Zealand’s economy are likely to be in the order of $135 million a year, or about 0.04 percent of GDP.

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CANTERBURY FARMING February 2016

ADVERTORIAL

Boarding life full of fun Passion, commitment, humour and energy are some of the words used by St Andrew’s director of boarding Dianne MacDonald to describe the college’s boarding house staff and tutors. “We have a great team, who encourage the students to respect each other, make responsible choices, show kindness, honesty and courage, participate, and achieve their potential.” Dianne believes the structures and systems in place at St Andrew’s boarding houses uphold “the best traditions”, while reflecting modern principles of residential care. “Boarding adds an extra dimension to the St Andrew’s experience, allowing us to provide holistic education to the students, with complete inclusion. “We work very closely with the day school to ensure the students strive for individual excellence in their studies, and also encourage them to participate fully in boarding life, especially when it comes to the many fun events offered as part of our activities programme.” Jack Taylor, head of boys’ boarding, says having good support is critical when adjusting to life away from home. “The staff here are great and the boarding house tutors are like big brothers and

sisters. We are very close to them and can ask for their help with anything.” Jack, from Ashburton, has boarded at St Andrew’s since year 9. He and head of girls’ boarding Bailey McCann, who is from Nevada, USA are excited about their

leadership roles in 2016. “My advice to any new student is to get involved. There are lots of fun things to do such as the boarders’ games weekend and activities both within and outside the school,” says Bailey. Boarders enjoy the comfort

of two brand new state-ofthe-art boarding facilities, which opened in 2013, and the existing boarding house, which has been strengthened well beyond building code requirements, says Dianne. “We understand some parents are concerned about

safety given the seismic events in Canterbury but can reassure them the boarding facilities at St Andrew’s are extremely strong and safe and the students are very well cared for in a warm, accepting environment.” St Andrew’s has around 160

boarders who come from all over New Zealand as well as from overseas. For more information about boarding at St Andrew’s College please contact Registrar Lynn Smith on enrol@stac.school.nz or 03 940 2016

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February 2016

PRODUCE

CANTERBURY FARMING

Fresh produce at Riccarton House by Ann Morgan

The Christchurch Farmers Market was started 10-years-ago at Riccarton House when Sam Marchant and his business partner at the time were running the restaurant at the house and wanted to focus on locally grown produce. “There were no farmers’ markets around in Canterbury back then and we were one of the first to open,” said Sam. “We wanted to run our restaurant using local ingredients and we wanted to enable locals to be able to buy the products as well. We researched local suppliers who we could get products from for our restaurant at the homestead and people were very keen on the market idea so we started the Saturday

markets. Riccarton House is the first house to be built in Christchurch and the market is one of the longest standing farmers’ markets in New Zealand. Sam and his wife Amanda own the restaurant and farmers’ market. “We are careful about who we let in as stall holders. They must have good quality products, be able to attend their stall weekly, and be interactive with customers

regarding what they sell,” said Amanda. “We feel it is appropriate for the markets to be here at the old homestead. The grounds are gorgeous and have a long drive off the main road. Starting with fruit and vegetables and meat suppliers, flowers and baked goods traders and other goods, customers can then enjoy a coffee and ready to eat items from the traders at the stalls by the house with

Stall holders at Christchurch Farmers market interact with their customers

$980 Including GST

the river running beside. It is a nice place to catch up with people in the sun. “Depending on the supplier, some products are spray free, some are organic and some aren’t. There are many options available and consumers can choose which they prefer. It is more about having great people supplying your products and knowing where they came from which is important to us. We have a wide variety of items available.” There are about 70 stalls on site every weekend and the markets are open all year except for two weekends over the Christmas and New Year period where everyone enjoys a well deserved break. “We have a great pork supplier who has wonderful products, and salami and venison are also available. There are Spanish sausages, two salmon suppliers, organic chickens, and a stall which

sells pate. Fresh coffee is also available on site. Most vendors are there all year, and at times specialty items are available. In Summer we have an orange grower come along, and other suppliers with their goods each season. “Running the market is brilliant. We are giving it a revamp at present and reconnecting with store holders. Some have been here since the very first market and are still going strong. People have started here and then gone on to opening a store and then gone nation wide. It is a relatively inexpensive place to have a go at something and see if it will work before opening a shop which can be expensive to do. This is a positive place to begin. “We have had traders win the cuisine artisan awards such as Mariano’s Spanish Sausages. Wine and beer are also available and we have

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a boutique milk company supplying fresh milk in silver urns and clients come and get their fresh milk weekly. “There are regular customers who literally do their weekly shopping here. There is such a great selection including soaps, spices, jams and chutneys. At present we are moving through the process of being more socially interactive and working on our blog, providing recipes and organising stallholder profiles to communicate more with our customers and visitors. “It is a buzzing market and it has a beautiful atmosphere. The produce are fresh and vibrant and the range available is extensive. We are proud of our market and it is always nice to see the regular clients and visitors walking around enjoying the environment. We are open every Saturday from 9am-1pm.”

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Largest Selection of Jars & Bottles in NZ Farmers markets are springing up across the country, and with them has come a revival in bottling of fruits and vegetables. Arthur Holmes Ltd is a family firm which this year celebrates 105 years in business, wholesalers of New Zealand’s largest range of glass and plastic jars and bottles for food, oil, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, scientific, herbal and homeopathic businesses, and all types of cottage industries. “We specialise in supplying small quantities of quality jars and bottles and their respective closures, says managing director, Rick Holmes. “Additional closures can be ordered

individually, and there’s no minimum purchase requirement. “Preserving jars and bottles are our mainstay and these have had a marked increase in sales in recent years. Many of our customers now sell in the frequent weekend farmers’ markets. “Today preserving is so much easier. Gone are the days of seals and bands. The modern cap now has a built-in rubber compound which when hot filled creates a vacuum once it has cooled, the twist finish allows the cap to be opened by braking the vacuum.” Arthur Holmes Ltd supplies over 40,000 customers.

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

Hindsite Canterbury Branch NZ Deer Farmers Assn

Country Matters

Farm venison prices highest in four years

Rumours

with Rob Cope-Williams

Sponsored by Mountain River Processors Ltd

Deer farmers are enjoying the best venison prices in four years, a reflection of good demand in overseas markets and favourable currency movements. “Chilled exports made up 17 per cent by volume and 30 per cent by value of total venison exports in 2015,” he says. “The total value of chilled exports increased by 10 per cent while the volume dropped by 1 per cent. Overall venison exports dropped in volume by 5 per cent to 15,035 tonnes.” Coup says a key industry objective is to build yearround demand for chilled venison at premium prices in new markets and new segments of existing markets. It is also the focus of the Passion2Profit strategy, a Primary Growth Partnership programme b e t we e n DINZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries. “At present, the largest year-round market for chilled NZ venison is North America, with 600 tonnes worth $NZ12 million sold there in 2015,” he says. The industry hopes that the success of its

strategies will be reflected in sustainable increases in both venison prices and deer herd numbers. Hinds made up nearly 55 per cent of last year’s venison kill, which means the national breeding herd and the annual venison kill will continue to decline. The total kill in the 12 months to 30 November (stags and hinds) was 383,740, down 7.5 per cent on the same period in 2014. “One of the reasons why there is a high proportion of hinds in the kill is that some farmers are retaining stags to rebuild their velvet herds, in response to a five year run of firm velvet prices,” Coup says. “All the same, it would be good to see hinds making up a little less than 50 per cent of the total. This would result in a small annual increase in the hind herd, which has to be for the longterm good of the industry.”

It seems that the world is faster at spreading bad news than it is good news. I suppose it always has been like that, a bad experience in a restaurant will travel a lot further than reports of a happy and wonderful experience. However with the tightening of the dairy industry the rumour mill is in full flight. Perhaps it’s the tall poppy syndrome, that New Zealanders all seem to have a PHD in, but the latest sport seems to be taking shots at the dairy farmers. A variety of people who say that they are in the know are very quick to tell anyone who will listen that banks are coming up with all sorts of tricks to put farmers out of business and that dairy farmers are being forced off their land in droves. I have talked to several bankers and they have all said that their industry is a small one and if there were any pressure being put on

their industry would know about it. They say, in fact, that the opposite is happening and bankers all over the country are trying everything they can think of to get their clients through these troubling times. One of the sad results of tall poppy is that it does affect the people who are being taken off at the knees. My own per sonal experience tells me that when you are down the world seems against you and everything that comes your way is bad. As one of my mates says, if it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all. So when you are down, it is very hard to find anything positive. That leads to depression, and that leads to not talking to the people who you should be talking to, as in the ones who can and

want to help you. Mind you the media in general don’t help with their screaming headlines and picking up on every price drop and swinging lead over a few cattle standing in a lake. I think there are two options for people with their backs against the wall; drop to your knees and get the life kicked out of you, or come out fighting. If you choose the later, ask for a few mates to give you a hand and together take the world on. The sort of mates you call out to are your banker, your accountant, and your company reps who call on you and know about your industry. The interesting thing is that you will find all your mates will benefit by you staying in business so they will fight as hard as you do to keep you above water.

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming

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At $8.63, the spring peak of the 2015 venison schedule was 11 percent higher than 2014 and the highest since 2011, says Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) chief executive Dan Coup. “Venison prices peak each year in spring in response to demand from traditional game meat markets in Europe. Demand for chilled venison during the 2015 season was solid, with air freight shipments continuing up to Christmas.” The average stag venison schedule now stands at 728 c/kg, compared with 630 c/kg at the same time last year — an increase of 16 per cent. This reflects an 11 per cent currency gain and a 5 per cent market gain. Digging a little deeper into the figures, Coup says the market price gain reflects a 12 per cent increase in the per kilogram value of chilled venison exports.

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February 2016

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

Soil Matters with Peter Burton Magnesium — the basis of good farm health The last dolomite article contained the quote by the late Tom Walker, a past Emeritus Professor of Soil Science at Lincoln University, ‘It makes good sense to me to correct animal deficiencies through the soil and the plant’. When animal deficiencies are corrected in this way, not only is animal performance enhanced, soil health and subsequent pasture performance also improve. There is now a growing awareness of the inexorable link between soil, plant, and animal health. Persistent animal health issues in spring are a symptom of less

than ideal soil health, and supplementing cows with magnesium via water troughs or dusting is little more than a temporary quick fix. By addressing the real issue, the availability of magnesium for plant uptake, plant and animal performance lifts, costs come down, and the frustration of not knowing when the next

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FORREST ENGINEERING

mix containing 217kg/ha of dolomite, which applied 25kg/ha of magnesium. Calving in spring was largely trouble free, with only a handful of animals requiring treatment, and all responding rapidly. A marked and welcome change for a farmer in a district where severe metabolic problems are regarded as normal. This is only one of many instances reported over the twenty eight years of supplying dolomite to intensive high performing dairy properties, and the reasons for the outstanding performance are now well documented and understood. Trial work conducted at Massey University on magnesium fer tiliser s highlighted the superior performance of dolomite in lifting Soil Exchangeable Magnesium, when compared with other magnesium products currently available. Dolomite is naturally occurring carbonate rock, different from limestone in that it contains 11.5% magnesium, and 24% calcium, compared to

around 35% calcium and no magnesium in high quality agricultural lime. Fineness of grinding of dolomite is a key to the almost immediate lift in the magnesium content of pastures, and the subsequent improvement in animal demeanour and overall health. Animals with sufficient magnesium in their diet become content and increasingly docile, making yarding and handling an easier and more pleasurable activity. Magnesium also aids the uptake of phosphorus by plants. An important factor to bear in mind when deciding on nutrient inputs this autumn. Having a pH modifying, or ‘liming’, effect greater than limestone, means that where soil calcium and pH levels are already generally adequate, dolomite is an ideal maintenance product. The outstanding improvement in overall animal health and performance may not be solely attributed to the magnesium and calcium content of dolomite. The Golden Bay deposit was initially a seabed deposit and,

as a result, also contains a wide range of essential trace elements and minerals. As soils weather over time, mineral content of the topsoil is steadily lost. Although only present in very small amounts, the boron, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc contained in dolomite will be beneficial, particularly on soils where those elements are deficient. There are very few pastoral situations where more than 220kg/ha (25kgMg/ha) of dolomite is required to obtain the animal health and performance benefits discussed. At this rate a truck and trailer load of 28 tonnes is sufficient for 127ha. Dolomite is available nation-wide and, if not in stock at your local fertiliser supplier, it can be delivered within a few days. It may be mixed with any non-nitrogen fertiliser product or applied separately at any time, as the only effect on animals eating it is beneficial. For more information call Peter on 0800 4Dolomite (0800 436 566).

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animal will require attention rapidly diminishes. In our experience the only fail-safe way of doing this is by an annual application of Golden Bay dolomite. It may be applied at any time during the year. However, with the greatest demand time for magnesium being prior to calving, autumn is the ideal time to apply. Animal systems are unable to efficiently store magnesium, so it is essential that sufficient is eaten each day to meet their demand. The obvious and most effective way of doing this is to ensure that every mouthful of pasture contains a healthy amount of magnesium. Last autumn a property, with a history of numerous severe and persistent calcium/magnesium related metabolic disorders in spring, applied a fertiliser

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DAIRY

Hoof Print

CANTERBURY FARMING

with Fred Hoekstra

February 2016

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

Preventing laminitis

Having explained the steps of preventative trimming last month we can now take it a step further and talk about the treatment of lame cows. Remember how we said that the outer claw is often higher than the inner claw? This means that the outer claw is carrying a greater portion of the weight, with the result that the live tissue inside the outer claw is under more stress than the inner claw. Well, when a cow gets laminitis (a disease in the foot that damages the blood vessels of the claw and weakens the live tissue) the outer claw will suffer more because of this extra stress. So when we trim this claw preventatively we spread the weight evenly over the two claws and the effects of the disease will be minimised. If however, it has got to the point where the outer claw has become too badly affected and the cow has ended up lame, then we need to go further. If this claw has suffered more because of the extra pressure then the logical thing to do for this cow is to minimise the pressure as much as we can. Step 4: We now lower the claw even further so that the outer claw ends up being lower than the inner claw. In this case the inner claw will end up taking a bigger part of the weight. You may now ask, “How will that help the cow because now the inner claw is going to be over stressed. Won’t that cause further problems?” That would be true if the inner claw had to deal with this extra pressure for a long time, like two or three months. But because the outer claw will grow back

in time it is not an issue. Having trimmed the outer claw thinner the live tissue inside this claw is getting rest and can heal. Taking the pressure off the wound is the key to overcoming lameness and most people know this. We often see lame cows that have been trimmed by a staff member where the wound has just been dug out, the theory being that you take the weight away from the wound and spread it out over the rest of that claw. But this is wrong. The weight has to go to the other claw. The whole lame claw needs to be released from weight. Step 5: Finally, we now need to take all the loose horn away. If you can put your fingernail underneath the horn then bacteria and dirt can get in there and this is just a recipe for infection. So, when you see an underrun sole all that horn needs to come off. That may mean that the whole sole has to come off in some cases. Don’t be afraid to do so; just try to not make the claw bleed. If the lame claw ends up with the live tissue exposed and you can’t create enough height difference between the two claws, then you should glue a claw block to the healthy claw. This way the sore claw is artificially raised off the ground. The theory here goes — if in doubt use a claw block. Claw blocks are always cheaper than lame cows. On our website www.veehof. co.nz you can find the full

five-step schedule on hoof trimming. I highly recommend you print, laminate, and display it in the cowshed. You

can always call us if you have any other questions or would like to sign up for one of our training workshops.

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February 2016

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

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Online tool helps insulation A simple new online tool that allows dairy farmers to calculate how it can help save on energy costs, and meet new milk chilling regulations has been launched by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority. “Around 80 percent of milk vats on New Zealand dairy farms are uninsulated, wasting up to $7 million of electricity and emitting around 4,000 tonnes of CO2 more per year than they could be,” said EECA Project Manager, Kirk Archibald. “Insulating your milk vat protects it from heat gain, reducing the load on a farm’s refrigeration system and on the amount of time needed to cool milk. “Farmers can save up to six percent of their energy use, and in summer months can speed milk chilling by up to 20 percent.” The new tool comes at an opportune time for dairy farmers with new regulations requiring milk to be chilled faster and to a lower temperature. “The regulations, which will be phased in from August, will require around 30 percent more refrigeration capacity. While most farms will have spare capacity,

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority project manager, Kirk Archibald

around 40 percent will have to make some changes to their refrigeration system to comply,” said Mr Archibald. “Many farms will only need system tweaks or maintenance upgrades to meet the new regulations,

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but some will need to invest in refrigeration capacity or pre-chilling. “For minimal cost vat insulation can effectively increase refrigeration capacity by up to 20 percent. Our tool will help farmers

determine how insulation can ensure compliance with the regulations without costly upgrades.” The tool is available at www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/ tools/milk-vat-insulationsavings-calculator

New Canadian manufactured Heavy Duty Cultivator from Pluck’s Starting at 6.8 Meters Wide x 30 Legs, at 9" or 7" Centres x 4.6 Tonnes We have just assembled our latest cultivator from Canada and it’s even bigger and tougher than before.

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DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

Irrigation Issues with Dr Tony Daveron

How dry is dry 2015-16 shaped up and has been one of those seasons, especially for those with no irrigation. But just how dry is dry? One of the lysimeter network sites is at the Christchurch Airport and the soil moisture and drainage data makes for interesting viewing. Lysimeter you might ask? The lysimeters where we measure soil moisture are pretty simple devices: A large tube buried upright in the soil. Any water that moves through the lysimeter is collected and measured (in the network lysimeters have an automatic rain gauge). A neutron probe access tube is installed in each of the network lysimeters to measure soil moisture. Measured soil moisture content at the Airport site shows similar conditions as experienced in 2014-15. A plot of soil moisture since January 2015 shows that while it has been dry this year, it was drier, and for a longer period in the 201415 season. At the same time in February 2015 the soil moisture content for the soil depth 0-200cm was 190mm, while in 2016 it was wetter — 205mm. Once wilting point is reached (180mm) nearly

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Figure 1 – Lysimeter drainage in millimeters

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seasons. Nonetheless the plot (Figure 1) shows very small amounts of drainage since May and no drainage since 25 September — ie there has not been sufficient rainfall to refill the soil profile and result in any drainage. In the last 10.5 months there

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has been just 100mm of drainage to groundwater at this site — tiny! Back to the theme of this article ‘How dry is dry?’ Well not as dry as 2014-15, especially for the same time in February and it may not be over just yet.

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February 2016

LIVESTOCK

CANTERBURY FARMING

CONSERVING THE

RARE & UNIQUE BY ANN MORGAN THE RARE BREEDS CONSERVATION SOCIETY WILL BE HOLDING THEIR 27TH ANNUAL LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY AUCTION AT WILLOWBANK WILDLIFE RESERVE IN CHRISTCHURCH ON SUNDAY, MARCH 13.

“T

he society started with a group of people getting together with concerns that all the commercial hybrids of animals coming through were replacing the old original breeds that carry irreplaceable genetics,” said society member Michael Willis. “The worries were that breeds which did not depend on the use of drenches and other chemicals would disappear due to the new high performance breeds that have been bred to improve production. With up to 400 members the organisation

is going strong. Sheep, pigs, goats and cattle don’t always have clubs to keep them going so forming the Rare Breeds Conservation Society helped protect them. “It was founded in 1988 and we are devoted to the preservation of rare and endangered breeds of livestock. As an example, Shaver and Hyline chickens have been bred to produce really well for a short time, and heritage breeds such as the Rhode Island Reds and Wyandottes have almost disappeared. “In the early 1980’s there were hardly any purebred

chickens available in New Zealand but a few breeders kept them going and now they are climbing in numbers again,” said Mr Willis. “New Zealand contains breeds that are now rare in their country of origin. There are also distinct breeds which have developed here without human intervention from livestock brought to New Zealand from Europe during the early days of European settlement. “A very good example is the Auckland Island pigs which were released by whalers to provide a food source for shipwrecked

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LIVESTOCK sailors and reverted back to the wild type during the past 150 years. “They are the only pigs in the world that don’t carry a virus that makes all other pigs unsuitable for transplanting their organs into humans. The Society caught some of these pigs when they were being eradicated by DOC to preserve the island’s flora and fauna. They are now bred in quarantine and good things are happening. “The Arapawa Island goats are probably derived from the English milk goat and they are no longer present in England but they are here. There are also numerous feral sheep breeds that are resistant to footrot, flystrike and have no lambing problems. They are hardy with their resistant genetics and they need to be preserved.” When the auction first started there was no trademe or online sales. It was the place for people to buy and sell their livestock and it is still going strong today. It is also a lifestyle heritage day. People have their animals on display and it is a day for the public to see a vast variety of poultry and rare livestock. The entry also gets them into Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. It is the only auction of rare breeds of its type regularly held in New Zealand and is a major fundraiser for the Society which uses the funds in a variety of ways. People come from all over the country and in some cases

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

CHILDREN HOLDING A BABY CHICKEN FROM THE CHICK DISPLAY

AUCKLAND ISLAND PIGLETS ARE AMONGST THE VARIETY OF ANIMALS SEEN AT THE AUCTION stock is sold via phone link to clients. Mr Willis says a signature project was the expansion of the only Raglan Romney flock of sheep now left in New Zealand. “The flock had a very narrow genetic base, but for tunately the Society had semen stored in its Genebank, which we were able to use to help rejuvenate the breed. We used this to help stop inbreeding and expand the flock. “Enderby Island cattle and rabbits are all unique New Zealand breeds which also would have been eradicated

by DOC to protect the island if the society didn’t step in and bring some out to save the breeds. “During the day people exchange livestock, plan matings, complete forward ordering and get valuable information from each other which all goes towards an expansion of genetic preservation which is the backbone of the society. “Most vendors turn up with vehicles and trailers full of livestock, and leave with them filled with livestock. “The ability to source, exchange and barter, is a key function and value of the day.”

Sponsorship by individuals and businesses is also an essential component of the success of the day. Livestock includes breeds of sheep and cattle such as Damara, Awassi, and Galloway, along with rabbits, pigs, llamas, and goats. The poultry section range from doves and pigeons, through to chickens of all descriptions, geese, ducks, pheasants and guinea fowl. “We have seen a number of younger bidders in recent years who are serious in their purchasing and will have an influence on the conservation of such breeds in the future.”

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February 2016

LIVESTOCK

CANTERBURY FARMING

Wool Perspective

From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

Market confidence continues Weekly wool auction sales in either or both islands dominated the New Zealand wool scene during January and February and, with a continued seven day gap between auctions in Christchurch right through until and including the 23rd March, wool exporters remain busy with their pre-sale appraisal of greasy wool samples plus their bidding on auction days throughout the main part of the crossbred wool season. For at least the past twelve months, woolbrokers and exporters have identified with the reduced (from past seasons) wool volumes available, resulting in near to full clearances of wool offerings at each auction. Although there was a slight correction to pricing during the first two months of 2016, most of the grower wool offered in broker catalogues was sold

to the exporting trade either immediately at the fall of the auctioneer’s gavel or by post-sale negotiation after having been passed-in below grower reserve. Crossbred fleece wool continued to sell well during the past couple of months at South Island auctions and with the majority of full length wool coming from Southland and Otago, base wool colour was better than perhaps

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expected for the time of year. Most fleece wool was slightly tender as expected, however cotted fleece was very noticeable by its absence. With prices for most fleece reaching around the 580 cents per clean kilogram mark, the strength of the market was obvious. Bulky oddments were commanding around 530 cents, however hesitancy from buyers was once again shown towards oddments containing very mixed lengths, reinforcing the necessity to keep similar lengths together during shed preparation. A few dollars

spent wisely in the shed can reap good rewards. Crossbred Lamb’s wool had been in good demand prior to mid-January and remained that way during February. Coarser crossbred lamb’s wool did ease in price as the staple lengths increased and the micron tests became stronger, than those in earlier catalogues, however demand for all lamb’s wool types was very evident. On several occasions recently on the sample show floor during presale evaluation of auction samples, wool expor ter

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staff have remarked about the general lack of wool available, via all avenues, with the same exporter staff agreeing that the best place for growers to sell wool on the spot market in such times is most definitely through the open-cry wool auction system, where growers expose their wool along with comprehensive test data to every possible wool export house, rather than just one buyer as is often the case with many sales methods conducted outside of auction. I regard such a comment as a great endorsement for the auction system, and with our New Zealand wool clip very much serving niche markets (it always has done, in my opinion, due to the types of wool we grow in our environment), surely the real “market price” is created from the genuine

trading base via the auction where a vast range of types are available and buyers can be assured they will buy what they require at the true market value. If a grower requires a guaranteed price for wool still on the sheep’s back, then a forward contract will lock that in, with perhaps some minor adjustment necessary if the contracted type is unachievable and a slightly varied type is actually delivered against the original contract, plus the auction spot market price delivers the best option for the balance of the clip. An old friend of mine, now deceased, used to often refer to many of his farmer clients (who were often the better farmers in their districts) as “uncomplicated”, a term which I regard as very descriptive of how our wool industry should be! That’s my view.

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RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

Fresh start for a new year by Andy Bryenton

With farmers seeking economical options and eschewing needless luxury on their working rolling stock, it’s nice to see a new model in the ATV market which does not at all seem like a compromise. Introduced just a year ago, the Can Am L series of offroad machines represented an entry level into to the popular brand. Now, after 12 months of feedback from customers worldwide, Can Am have sharpened up the L series into something even more practical — offering new engines with more power, more towing capacity, more rack space and the option to jump into a ‘fully loaded’ model right off the showroom floor. The updated Outlander L series is led up by the 570 for 2016 — a powerful addition to the range. With a brand new 48 horsepower Rotax v-twin providing the get up and go, the 570 is a step up from the single-piston 430 which is also available to L riders. With eight valves and a classically

‘bulletproof’ single overhead cam system, the new Rotax gains faster acceleration without compromising top end speed. Petrolhead purists will appreciate how this has been achieved — not through computer tinkering, but by beefing up the size of the pistons and lengthening the stroke. It’s old-school engineering, but it works perfectly at the heart of what is assuredly a multi-functional tool on the farm. Combine that new mill with tried and tested torsional trailing arms at the back and independent A-arms at the front — plus a healthy ride height — and there is not much the L 570 can’t slog through. It’ll attack the paddocks towing 590kgs, with a further

163 onboard. That’s plus a full-sized rider — so it’s a good thing that Can Am have fitted out their new model with their proprietary Viscolok automatically locking front diff for acres of grip. A popular choice for those interested in taking the L 570 to work is the option of an ‘LE’ package — a collection of ‘most wanted’ optional extras bundled together to further reduce costs. Notably, this package includes Can Am’s tri-mode power steering, along with upgrades such as beefier front and rear bumpers and a super-tough seat skin. We’re sure to see a lot of Can Am’s new Defender in the farming press this year, but the 570 L — especially when fitted out with that bundle of extras — is bound to cause a stir as well.

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February 2016

RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Mid-life power boost on the way Normally, vehicles at the mid-point of their production life are given a new facelift — a bit of a spruce up to contend with the changing tides of automotive fashion, or to add a bit more pep to an engine suddenly outpaced by the advancements of competitors. Not so the Isuzu Dmax ute, which is due for a little tweak and polish this year. Sales of the original Dmax have been strong, and there are many who consider the tough 3 litre machine from Japan to be a better bet than its cosmetically similar rival, the Holden Colorado. Isuzu have embraced their roots as a big, tough, nononsense diesel producer,

enlisting the help of legendary outdoorsman and Swazi clothing founder Davey Hughes for their marketing. A look at the internals of a Dmax engine compared to its rivals showed a similar trend — big and solid is good, weak and fallible doesn’t even get a look in.

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The original Dmax, therefore, would always have been a hard act to follow. And considering Isuzu’s marketing push to appeal to real rugged blokes, a bit of cosmetic ‘bling’ would have seemed superfluous too. Now, what’s happened with the Dmax has less to do with finding a formula for flagging sales — they aren’t — and more to do with meeting ever-tightening emissions standards in Europe. It seems that literal blue-sky law making has put a turbo or two on even the most flamboyant supercars — and now Isuzu have found a clever way to increase torque and slash emissions with a new power plant. The Euro5 standard is already in place in most of the old world, including the United Kingdom, where the new twin-turbo 2.5 litre engine is already a feature on Dmax models on the yard. The good news is that boost in Newton-metres — up by 70 to a tarmac-crunching 400. A tiny drop of 10 kilowatts is the only concession made by shaving off half a litre of displacement, proving that clever engineering may be

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a replacement for it — at least in this case. The big payoff comes from fuel economy stats of a mere 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres — comparable to some compact cars of the none too distant past. This big change under the hood is likely to hit the

antipodes later this year, but in the meanwhile the Dmax continues to uphold its reputation as an ironclad-tough alternative to the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux — a ute for the driver who looks past the tooth-and-nail rivalry for the top spot on the sales podium.

Let’s put it this way — when it comes to muscle cars, there are those who, when asked if they fancy Ford or Holden, will quite rightly say that they would prefer a Dodge Viper. In the world of utes, that alternative, wellreasoned choice is called the Dmax.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

February 2016

Classic badge with a new beginning by Andy Bryenton

It’s likely that at some time or another we’ve all been a passenger in a big Leyland Daf vehicle — be it a van, a truck, or a bus, the marque from England was well represented here in New Zealand in the first shine of its popularity. Leyland, as many will know, even built tiny cars as well — such as the ever popular mini.

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But a combination of factors spelled the end of the old Leyland Daf brand, starting from the era of Margaret Thatcher. To build a better vehicle, Leyland Daf turned to a partnership arrangement similar to the one Jaguar pioneered in India. They now come under the umbrella of Chinese industrial giant Shanghai Automotive, one of the biggest firms in that most populous of nations. Combining the best of British and Chinese engineering, Leyland Daf became LDV — and they are still the van of choice for Britain’s Royal Mail. The combination of a very western design with efficient eastern manufacturing techniques is exactly what gave us the stand-out vehicles of the 1980s Japanese automakers’ ‘invasion’. LDV’s

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range of big, work-ready vans don’t mess about with fancy names, either — they are literally branded as ‘big’, ‘bigger’ and ‘biggest’. By the time you reach the top of that list, there’s enough load space inside to swallow up smaller machines whole! Now LDV have come up with something new, though — a van which deviates from the big, white, slab-sided image of an electrician or plumber’s daily ride. The new G10 Cargo Van is — dare we say — even a bit sporty, with a 2 litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a six speed automatic gearbox under the hood. There’s even air conditioning and a DVD player as standard. It’s a party in the front but business in the back, in a reversal of that 1980s haircut

we all know and love. with 2.3 metres by 1.5 metres of cargo space, accessed by both rear and side doors, there’s a lot this peppy little machine can carry. And while the turbo-fed mill under the hood seems like it should be in a barnstorming coupe — packing 221 horsepower, 165 kilowatts — it also generates 330 Nm of torque to lug those heavy loads. Couriers, take note. At under thirty grand, your new favourite van may just have landed. Shanghai Automotive sold over 5 million vehicles last year — and with the addition of Leyland’s history and engineering know-how, their vans are sure to become a familiar sight again on Kiwi roads. Now, if we could just talk to them about reviving

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February 2016 CANTERBURY FARMING

Breaking new ground When Honda released their Pioneer side-by-side UTV it was a clear indication that this sector of the off-road market had truly come of age. The acclaimed past masters of quad bike design, Honda may not have been the first to put two seats and a roll cage at the disposal of Kiwi farmers, but their dominance of the ATV sector gave them a solid understanding of just what owners of such machines prioritised. The result was a very well considered, well engineered unit, built like the big Japanese brand’s TRX series of quads for rugged versatility and reliable operation. Now, as the trend toward side-by-side off-roaders continues to gain momentum,

Honda have jumped ahead of the horsepower war that rages among their competitors, packing the new 2016 Pioneer 1000 with clever features as well as an extra whack of terrain-busting power. An example of this smart thinking is the core of

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the Pioneer — its new 999cc, liquid cooled single overhead cam parallel-twin engine. By mounting the power plant longitudinally and low, with no right angles, the entire mill drops the centre of gravity for improved stability. Shockabsorbing mounts eliminate noise and vibration to ensure a smooth ride. Behind the engine comes a reminder that competitors are dealing with the company which produces the frighteningly quick NSX supercar — a nobelt, all gear twin-clutch sixspeed transmission, the first of its kind fitted to a UTV. A computer system juggles the clutches, as well as detecting descents to apply powerful engine braking. There’s a mode for the driveline setup to handle any kind of terrain — 2WD with a locked rear differential, 4WD adds in a limited-slip front differential, Differential Lock for full grip, and Turf Mode to tip-toe over lawns. Even when fully laden — and that’s a hefty 450 kilos — the auto-levelling rear suspension adjusts to ensure a full foot of ground clearance and a smooth ride. The real standout however, is the sheer build quality of Honda’s latest offering. As

one would suspect from a firm whose other areas of expertise include producing race cars and robots, absolute precision and top-flight engineering have been deployed to produce a tough chassis and internals. While some UTVs look and feel like they have been built

from tube steel in a shed, the Pioneer could have rolled off the same production line as Honda’s Civic Type R or a CBR motorcycle. Unashamedly at the top end of the spectrum when it comes to both technology and construction, the Pioneer 1000 is Honda’s invitation for

loyal farming customers to expand their TRX quad fleet into two-seater territory. It’s also thrown a gauntlet to the other players in the UTV game — the old masters, who have been building off-road machines since 1970, are here to offer a very serious challenge indeed.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

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While we talk a lot about resilience within ourselves and keeping well mentally and physically, I think a lot of farmers forget about the health of their pastures. I had the honour of joining the team from Seed Force on a travelling road show in the North Island recently and leant a lot about pastures and forage in general. It seems the days of growing grass that looks great and grows well are over. What is needed is grass that the stock love to eat, and a range of different grasses so you get feed all year round. Fescues are gaining a lot of support because of their rooting systems and the fact that it is drought tolerant. Cocksford is another type that is coming back into popularity but not the old type, the new variety is robust, it doesn’t clump and the stock loves it. Then you look at fodder and sugar beet and growing feed as you have for generations suddenly lands on its head. Talking with farmers who have achieved great figures and margins, they all said that they did their own trials as in they would sow what they always had sown, but then did a few rows of something new

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STAY AFLOAT and then watched the results. Without exception, they had all swung away from their traditional “off the peg” mixes. The other main feature was the advice and support they were accepting. People growing fodder beet for the first time, for example, had harvested it with to much top sill on and then stored

it out in the open where it suffered from heavy rain and humid weather. Next time they will simply harvest it as and when the stock need it and utilise the leaves as well. You can’t be expected to know, so ask. The clever farmers are even growing different crops in different paddocks because the

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FREEPHONE 0508 BARBER 34 High Street, Geraldine 34 High(03) Street, Phone 693 Geraldine 1403 Phone (03) 693 1403 Wayne 027 221 1467 Wayne 027 221 1467 www.barberdrilling.com Nigel 0274 822 315 www.barberdrilling.com

Well-Vu Camera can view up to Well-Vu Camera 300 metres can view up to 300 meters

soil types change across their properties. And of course there are the weather changes around different regions. So basically there is no easy mix that does all. If you want to achieve with the top five percent, you can. Take small steps, ask for advice and dip your toe into the water by doing your own trials.

THIS SUMMER

Think water safety

February 2016 CANTERBURY FARMING

BALER BLOWOUT WELGER RP535

WELGER RP520 MASTER

Welger RP535 Master round baler, variable chamber, new belts fitted. (M19144CHCH) WAS $45,000 NOW $40,000+GST – make an offer!

WELGER RPC445 TORNADO

Massey Ferguson 2150 TB, very tidy machine, only done hay and straw, Field Star monitor, 41,200 bales. (M19137CHCH) WAS $125,000 NOW $110,000+GST – make an offer!

MASSEY FERGUSON 185

– make an offer!

$45,000+GST

2015 NEW Welger RPC245 Tornado – baler/wrapper combo, below cost price. (M19620CHCH)

$99,000+GST

– make an offer!

CLAAS ROLLANT 255

Massey Ferguson 2150 TBC, Tandem, Blower, Chopper, 3x3 low count baler, ideal for contractors or large scale farms. (M19139CHCH) WAS $115,000 NOW $105,000+GST – make an offer!

Claas Rolland 255 rotorcut in good working order, 37,000 bales. (M18901CHCH) WAS $22,000 NOW $14,000+GST – make an offer!

NEW HOLLAND 654

2001 New Holland BB940, 3x3 baler with tandem axle, 63,000 bales, in tidy condition. (M18950TIM) WAS $42,000 NOW $38,000+GST – make an offer!

MASSEY FERGUSON 187

2008 Massey Ferguson 2150 TBC 3x3 baler, tandem axle, blower, chopper, very tidy condition. (M20934TIM)

$75,000+GST

Massey Ferguson 185 baler, series 2. (M21048CHCH)

NEW HOLLAND BB940

MASSEY FERGUSON 2150TBC

2010 New Holland BR7070, one crop farmer form new, very tidy order, Crop Cutter II. (M20953TIM) – make an offer!

Welger RPC445 Tornado, 28,900 bales c/w rear bale kicker. (M19220CHCH) – WAS $99,000 NOW $78,000+GST – make an offer!

2001 New Holland 658 – very tidy, 19,000 bales. (M19052TIM) $10,000+GST – make an offer!

NEW HOLLAND BR7070

WELGER RPC245 TORNADO

MASSEY FERGUSON 2150 TBC

NEW HOLLAND 658

Massey Ferguson 185 tandem axle, blower, chopper, 83,000 bales. (M16746TIM) WAS $48,000 NOW $34,000+GST – make an offer!

$26,000+GST

MASSEY FERGUSON 185

Welger RP520 Master round baler, variable chamber. (M19694CHCH) WAS $35,000 NOW $30,000+GST – make an offer!

MASSEY FERGUSON 2150 TB

NO RESONABLE OFFER REFUSED

1999 Massey Ferguson 187 baler, 4x3 bales, 80,000 bales, (M19996TIM) WAS $48,500 NOW $45,000+GST – make an offer!

1996 New Holland 654 baler with net tie. (M20220TIM)

NOW $7,000+GST – make an offer!

MASSEY FERGUSON 2150

2010 Massey Ferguson 2150, 3x3 baler, tandem axle, sprung axles with rear steer and brakes, knotting blower, ISO BUS. (M20956TIM)

$60,000+GST – make an offer!

JJ Ltd Christchurch JJ Ltd JJJJ Ltd Ltd Christchurch AshburtonJJ Ltd Ashburton JJ JJLtd LtdAshburton Timaru Christchurch JJ Ltd Timaru JJ Ltd T 36 Hickory Place HORNBY Phone: 03 344 5645

36 Hickory Place PlaceLane 36 9a Hickory McGregor HORNBY HORNBY ASHBURTON Phone: 03 344 5645

Phone: Phone: 03 03 344307 5645 6031

9a McGregor Lane 280 Hilton Highway 9a 280 McGregor Hilton Highway Lane 280 Hilto ASHBURTON WASHDYKE ASHBURTON WASHDYKE WASHDY Phone: 03 307 6031 Phone: 03 688 7401

Phone: Phone:03 03307 6886031 7401

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