Canterbury Farming, July 2012 by Integrity Community Media

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

INSIDE Page 5

New Distance Programme in Organics Page 8–9

Finishing for his table

Global warming ‘fraud’ passing into history By Hugh de lacy The sky is obstinately refusing to fall in, the Chicken Lickens are scrambling for something new to be terrified of, and the great fraud of global warming is passing into history. That’s the view of New Zealand Climate Science Coalition partner Bryan Leyland as the science and politics of global warming take a global hammering. The coalition comprises the country’s most prominent climate change sceptics.

Page 14

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July 2012

“With the Government putting the extension of its emissions trading scheme (ETS) to agriculture on indefinite hold, a glut of carbon credits poleaxing the European scheme — the only other one in operation — and Australians reacting angrily to Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s introduction of an ETS across the Tasman, the political construct of global warming is rapidly unravelling.” Leyland told Canterbury Farming. Canada last year joined Japan and Russia in pulling out of the Kyoto Protocol that was supposed to drive an international fight back against global warming, and last month’s Rio Conference, a reprise of the event 20 years earlier that ignited fears world-wide, was a spectacular fizzer. “The science too is debunking the grand theory that human activity is warming the atmosphere to a potentially

destructive degree.” Leyland said. “If you look at it scientifically, the whole thing’s been a fraud from the beginning, and right now the fact that the world’s not getting warmer proves that that’s the case,” he said. Leyland concedes that the world did indeed warm by 0.7oC between 1975 and 1988, but there’s been no significant warming since.

decade of the last century. The lead researcher, Professor Roger Davies, was reported as saying that a consistent reduction in cloud height would allow the earth to cool more efficiently, reducing the planet’s surface temperature and slowing any global warming effects. In the face of such evidence the environmental lobby was “shifting the field,” Leyland said.

This cooling coincided with the abeyance of the influence of the last sunspot cycle, the likely cause of such warming as there has been, and raised the likelihood of an extended cooling period.

“Now it’s all about loss of biodiversity and ocean acidification — though how the hell can something that’s become a little less alkaline be labelled acidic? — and a whole lot of other scaremongering.

“History tells us that long sun-spot cycles are always followed by cooling, with no exceptions.”

“They avoid the fact that the world’s not warming by saying a whole lot of things are ‘consistent’ with global warming, therefore it must be happening even though it’s not.”

“There’s no doubt that the world is heading for a cooling period, and the whole [dangerous man-made global warming theory] is bloody nonsense,” Leyland said. Leyland noted that Auckland University scientists in February this year showed that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere seems to lower the cloud cover, offsetting any warming tendency. Their research, using data from a NASA satellite, showed that cloud cover round the world dropped 1%, or between 30mm and 40mm, in the last

“It’s weird and dangerous, but the problem is that all over the world the mainstream media don’t want to know,” he said. The Gillard Government in Australia had managed to impose an ETS there because “it’s probably held to ransom by the Greens, and if you get a change of government in New Zealand that would be exactly what would happen here.” Leyland said the problem with “big scares” like global warming was that after they

faded away the legislation and associated structures that had been built around them tended to be left behind, exacerbating distortions in world economies such as subsidisation of uneconomic forms of renewable electricity generation. “You’ve got these huge lobbies in the renewable energy industry, which is making money hand over fist, except for the manufacturers of windmills and solar cells who are going broke.” “The windfarm people, by contrast, are making heaps of money because of huge subsidies, and they’re using millions of lobbying dollars to make sure the subsidies keep coming.” “You’ve got a whole pile of scientists whose income depends entirely on [the fear of global warming] keeping going, and it would be improbable that they admitted they were wrong,” Leyland said. Chief among the global warming scientists in New Zealand is David Wratt, head

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climate change scientist at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric research (NIWA) and a leading member of the United Nations’ International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). “As far as the science is concerned, from the people who really know about the science, there is still no debate at all but that the world is showing the effects of greenhouse gases,” Wratt told Canterbury Farming. “The world has not been cooling for the past 12 years.” “The expectation from all the science is that if we continue down the track we’re on now in terms of releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the world will warm substantially over the coming decades, and that will lead to a number of problems.” “The science has really not changed from where it was five years ago.” Wratt said.

July 2012

Farmers value wetlands too World Wetland’s day may have come and gone but it’s always heartening to hear stories about farmers and the Department of Conservation working together to protect our rare and valuable wetlands Just 16 per cent of the South Island’s wetlands remain but their value is increasingly being recognised. These areas help keep waterways clean and flowing by filtering farm run-off, hold water in dry spells, and provide homes for a raft of native plants.

to protect and restore it. The Whites love the wetland, which formed below where the Otiake Stream joins the Waitaki River, and enjoy the birdlife it supports. They had already started to fence it off and control the weeds, and were keen to take this further.

South Canterbury farmer Kate White is one who saw the value in the 12-ha wetland on their property just south of Kurow, and approached DOC for help

This is where DOC came in. The Department sought funding, on behalf of the White family, from Environment Canterbury’s Immediate Steps Programme

The ‘Otiake Wetland’ is considered one of the best remaining habitats of its type in the lower Waitaki — a carex sedge and raupo complex — home to long fin eel and native birds such as bittern. It may also

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provide habitat for the rare Canterbury mudfish. The work to revitalise the wetland will take place over several years and will involve getting rid of the invasive willows and other weeds, fencing it off from stock and putting in more native plants. In this case, it was the landowner who took the lead, while the Department came in behind, to provide technical expertise and support. Further north, the roles were reversed to protect other freshwater habitats at Lake Heron, on Upper Lake Heron Station in the Ashburton Lakes area, also known as Ō Tū Wharekai. Here the Department sought the run holder’s support to fence off the lake from stock. Once built, the fence will sit on the lease-hold station land to protect the lake, which is a nature reserve and part of a nationally significant cluster of wetlands that includes the braided upper Rangitata River. This project was also funded under the Ecan water management programme. These are just two of many examples of farmers in Canterbury doing their bit to ensure their farming practices are sustainable and our precious wetlands are safeguarded. It’s great to see the Department and local government working in tandem with landowners to achieve outcomes that benefit us all.

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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July 2012

From the Minister

David Carter, Minister for Primary Industries The changing face of farming It would rate as my favourite ‘big day out’ — a trip to the National Fieldays. A buoyant mood in farming, coupled with bumper attendance figures, made this year’s visit to Mystery Creek one of the best. Around 128,000 visitors flocked to the 44th Fieldays — a nine per cent increase in attendance on last year. This is a triumph for organisers. This year’s theme, “The Changing Face of Farming” captured exactly what I see happening throughout New Zealand’s primary industries. Our primary sector is evolving at an everincreasing rate. Farming today is very different from, say, 20 years ago and our farmers and growers know that adopting new knowledge and technologies is key to driving productivity. I opened Fieldays on the Wednesday and enjoyed a full day at the event before returning on Friday with the Prime Minister. What I noticed as we wandered around was the positive attitude of many farmers. They are confident about their future and they know they’re producing a superior product that’s in demand all around the world.

The EU, the world’s largest economic trading bloc, faces major challenges as it deals with countries like Greece, Italy and Spain. The United States, the world’s biggest economy, can at best be described as subdued.

Young Farmers back on track

In the past, this would have had a huge impact on New Zealand and although such markets are still very important to us, we are fortunate to have repositioned ourselves so significantly to Asia.

Hidden away behind a door opposite the Hammer Hardware store in Methven is NZ young Farmers

China is now our second largest trading partner, with exports growing by nearly 40 per cent in the last financial year, a stunning example of the success of our Free Trade Agreement. According to the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report released by the Ministry for Primary Industries, China is the number one buyer of our forest products, the biggest buyer of our wool and seafood, and comes in a very close second as a purchaser of New Zealand dairy products. I was recently in Russia where we are progressing free trade negotiations which began in 2010. Two-way trade is currently worth about $700 million — but if a deal is reached, it will be Russia’s first international trade deal and our exports will grow significantly.

It’s events like Fieldays that allow us to demonstrate just how good our primary producers and manufacturers really are.

We are renowned as producers of some of the best food in the world, at a time when food security is the world’s greatest challenge, and our farmers are held in high regard.

There is no doubt that New Zealand’s national identity and economic prosperity are inherently linked to our primary sector.

Even with the turbulent global economy and softening commodity prices, the outlook for New Zealand primary producers is very good.

New Zealand’s primary sector now makes up 71 per cent of our total merchandise export trade — but not to the countries we once relied on. The changing face of farming has paralleled a change in our traditional export markets.

Our country’s future, like its past will rely on primary production. New Zealand’s reputation as a leader in quality, sustainable and trustworthy agricultural products is our greatest asset. We must make the most of it.

Septic Tank Owners

Apart from a few e-mails telling me about their regional contests, and of course the NZ Young Farmer of the Year which I always seem to miss because the national broadcaster takes the money and doesn’t promote it, I had thought the organisation had withered and died. I assumed it had been taken over by apathy and ‘other pursuits’ much more appealing for the young people, plus of course the huge reduction in rural staffing and families in rural areas. Even the sign just out of Dunsandel saying ‘Young Farmers are Out Standing in the field’ had fallen over or had been taken down. Either that or I simply hadn’t noticed it for ages. I was wrong. Behind that door is a serious office full of serious young people who are determined to pull the organisation back onto the same high flying platform it was in the 1970s. Not only are they determined to build numbers by offering members fun

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

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They are making farming interesting and something people want to be associated with. Wow, they are doing what the industry as a whole hasn’t been able to do. The old adage that if you want to get someone on your side and to get them to follow you and your philosophies, get them at an early age. That’s what NZ young farmers are doing. Students as young as those at primary school are joining clubs and taking ownership of farming and what it means to be a young farmer. The same thing as scouting and girl guides. Numbers are building through all the age groups and with exchange students heading off to Hawaii and other places for a couple of weeks there’s plenty of reasons for people to join up. I am thrilled that the organisation is on the comeback trail, and wish them all the success in the world. People need to take ownership of the industry and show the industry as the success story that it is. Perhaps this next generation will be able to bury the ‘Fred Dagg’ image for good.

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

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July 2012

O’Connor Comments With Damien O’Connor, Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture

Boost our frontline biosecurity New Zealand must have a first-class biosecurity system. Keeping pests and diseases out of our island nation is essential for our primary producers, our livelihoods, and the protection of our unique native flora and fauna

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them effectively. Labour believes that affected industries and local communities have a big part to play in responding to such threats.

We may not be able to stop every biological threat from entering New Zealand. However, when they do, we must be prepared to manage

Labour substantially boosted New Zealand’s border security capacity while in office from 1999 to 2008. From 2001 to 2008 the government’s

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biosecurity funding almost doubled, from $97 million to $180 million. Under National, overall biosecurity funding has been almost stagnant with the exception of new money to respond to the Psa outbreak. Primary industries are feeling increasingly vulnerable to pest incursions. National has relaxed the continuous vigilance needed against new disease or pest threats. In 2009 it cut 54 biosecurity officers working in ports and airports around the country. More redundancies have followed since and the latest official figures show there are 91 fewer staff on our borders now than in 2008. Detector dogs are meant to be our last line of defence but their numbers have been cut too and many airports no longer have them, for example Wellington airport has been without dogs since October last year. The immense cost of responding to incursions like Psa or even the recent Australian Fruit Fly found in Auckland make National’s cost saving measures look foolish and short-sighted. The 2009 biosecurity staff cuts may save us $2 million a year, but the Psa outbreak is costing the industry and New Zealand as a whole $410 million.

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Labour believes that we need to boost our frontline biosecurity protections; that not only means working for effectively but also better resourcing. At the last election we committed to restore all cuts made to frontline Biosecurity services by National in 2009 and we still believe that more needs to be done to ensure we have a system that properly protects our New Zealand economy.

July 2012

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July 2012

Victims and the law The media makes much of criminals, their crimes and their sentencing but little attention is given to the victims of the criminals To try to give the victims of a crime some rights and input into the process we have a Victims Rights Act 2002 which replaced a former outdated Act of Parliament. The Act provides that you are classified as the victim if an offence has been committed against you or your child or your property has been damaged or destroyed by another person. It also provides that if an offence is committed and as a result a member of your immediate family has died, or is unable to make decisions about his or her welfare as a result of the offence, then the legislation covers that situation as well. Police investigations take time but during the process a victim of a crime should be updated from time to time including details of the charges which will be laid against the criminal, and the time tabling of Court appearances and hearings. The Court may grant the criminal bail pending further Court hearings and the conditions of bail will be made available to the victim.

If the victim is required to give evidence the police will cover the victim’s role as a witness with the victim. Where a criminal pleads guilty to the charges it is not necessary for the victim to give evidence at the Court hearing but if the offender is released on bail it is most likely that the Judge would make a condition of the bail that the offender did not associate at all with the victim of the crime. Frequently a Judge will call for a victim impact statement which he or she will take into account at the sentencing of the criminal. The victim impact report is a statement which includes details of how the crime which has been committed has affected the victim. These reports are generally read out in open Court so that the offender, and any of his supporters, are fully aware of the damage he or she has caused. The Judge will take into account the effect that the crime has had on the victim who has been affected by it.

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

Ronald W. Angland & Son LAWYERS www.anglands.co.nz

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Where the crime is serious and the criminal is sentenced to a long period of imprisonment the victim is entitled to receive notification of parole board hearings and is entitled to make submissions for the board’s consideration at the hearings. The media has given publicity to the continuing input by the Smith family of Southland whose daughter was murdered some years ago and no doubt their submissions have been instrumental in keeping the criminal in prison for longer than he would otherwise have been incarcerated.

W ith Andrew W yllie

The year is just flying by as we move into the second half and look forward to winter disappearing. Final rounds of the Super 15 are going to be very interesting for the local New Zealand franchises with still plenty to play for, although we can safely exclude the Blues from that equation.

Which SOEs are involved? By way of a little background, in New Zealand electricity is predominantly generated by the five major electricity companies in the industry: NZX-listed Contact Energy and TrustPower and three SOEs: Mighty River Power, Meridian Energy and Genesis Energy. Mighty River Power is the first cab off the rank, expected to list in the fourth quarter of this year.

This month I want to have a look at the proposed sales of selected State Owned Enterprises. The proposed sell down has caused plenty of debate so it is worth a closer look at what is actually proposed.

There are also other orders which a Judge may make to try to alleviate the harm which has been caused to the victim. In some cases a Judge may order a criminal to pay reparation which would occur particularly where property has been damaged. Sometimes it is appropriate to have a meeting between the victim and the criminal to help to resolve issues relating to the crime which has been committed. This recent innovation is called restorative justice and is encouraged by the Courts in appropriate cases.

Let’s have a closer look at each of these companies and what they actually do:

Mighty River Power Mighty River Power is an electricity generator and retailer in New Zealand (also known as a ‘gentailer’). It is the third largest generator and has the third largest retail customer base. It owns eight hydro dams in the North Island as well as four geothermal power plants in the North Island. Mighty River Power also owns the Southdown thermal power station which adds flexibility to its otherwise renewable based generation portfolio. Mighty River Power’s key retail electricity arm, from which it sells electricity to households and businesses, is Mercury Energy. The majority of its customer base is in Auckland, with over 240,000 customers in the region alone.

Mom’s the word on this one. Very simply the Government is looking at creating a Mixed Ownership Model (MOM), an initiative whereby investors like you and I have the opportunity to invest in selected New Zealand State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). This process is scheduled to run across a three to five year period and involves four state owned energy companies: Mighty River Power, Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy and Solid Energy. In addition the Crown also proposes to reduce its shareholding in Air New Zealand.

There are a number of agencies who will help victims apart from the Police. Most of the Courts have an advisor, Victim Support has an 0800 number, Woman’s Refuge, Citizens Advice Bureau, WINZ and any number of other agencies can provide help. So if you are the victim of an offence your first port of call should be the local police who will put you in touch with an appropriate agency.

Why are they doing this? As part of the Government’s overall economic reform programme, the MOM will free up capital so investment can occur in new public assets such as schools and hospitals, and infrastructure such as broadband, without incurring further overseas borrowing. The partial Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) will help to underpin and drive the growth of New Zealand’s equity market with an estimated $5 to $7 billion of capital needed to be raised over the three to five year period. It is important to note that the Government will retain a majority shareholding in each company (51%) and these assets represent approximately 3% of the Government’s total asset base.

This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a Partner with Ronald Angland & Son, Solicitors, who may be contacted on Tel: 03 349 4708 or e-mail bessie@anglands. co.nz

Genesis Energy

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Air New Zealand Most of us will have flown on an Air New Zealand aircraft at some stage and they are also part of this Mixed Ownership Model (MOM) programme. The Government currently owns around 73% of Air New Zealand (AIR), and under the MOM could reduce this ownership to as low as 51%.

Meridian Energy

On the fixed interest front we do have two new bond issues currently on the market from well known corporate, TrustPower and Z Energy. TrustPower have a seven year subordinated issue available while Z Energy have a seven year senior issue available. A lack of new bond issues coming to the market has been a feature this year and this combined with an ongoing low interest environment should underpin demand for these issues.

Meridian Energy is an electricity generator and retailer

John H Falloon B.Ag.Com, B.Com, F.C.A. Aaron B Allred B.Com, C.A.

Call us for all your farm accounting requirements P.O. Box 103 Asburton mail@falloons.co.nz

Solid Energy is a coal mining, processing, marketing and distribution company in New Zealand. Solid Energy exports over 60% of its coal production to major international customers, with India being the company’s largest export market — this is largely coking coal (used for steel making). Solid Energy also supplies coal to a number of major plants and industries in New Zealand, including the NZ Steel mill, the Huntly power station, and to a variety of industries including dairying, cement making, timber and meat processing factories — this is largely thermal coal used for power generation and heat output.

AIR is the dominant airline in New Zealand, with a market share of around 80%. AIR also operates international routes into Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands, North America and the United Kingdom and has more than 100 aircraft flying to 28 international and 27 domestic destinations.

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Genesis Energy generates and retails electricity in New Zealand, and owns a number of hydro-electric power stations in both the North and South Islands as well as the Huntly thermal (gas and coal) power station in the Waikato region. Genesis Energy also maintains a 31% share of petroleum sales from the Kupe oil and gas field. Genesis Energy retails electricity under two main brands; Energy Online, and its namesake, Genesis Energy.

Personalised investment advice Forsyth Barr’s portfolio management services ensure you receive personalised, confidential, investment advice backed up by quality research from our highly regarded research team. To find out more, call Forsyth Barr Investment Advisor Andrew Wyllie on 03 365 4244 or 0800 367 227, or email him at andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz.

operating in New Zealand and also has operations in Australia. Meridian Energy generates 100% of its electricity from renewable sources and is New Zealand’s largest generator. Meridian Energy owns and operates seven South Island hydro dams and four large wind farms across New Zealand. Meridian Energy sells electricity under two brands, Meridian Energy and Powershop.

Ph 03 308 9194 www.falloons.co.nz

That is a brief summary of the forthcoming SOE floats and the companies involved, with further details to be provided closer to listing.

If you are interested in the forthcoming SOE floats, new bond issues or would like to confidentially discuss your investment position, please give me a call. Andrew Wyllie is an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted on 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. 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.

rUraL PrOFESSiONaLS

Tax comment from:

Herd Scheme changes The 2012 budget announcement confirmed the previous discussion that from 18 August 2011, apart from very special circumstances, the election to use the herd scheme valuation method for valuing specified livestock (dairy and beef cattle, sheep, deer, goats and pigs) is now irrevocable. Under the herd scheme, changes in the value of the livestock are not subject to tax. However, for other cost based methods of valuation, changes in values of livestock are taxable. Exiting the herd scheme doesn’t happen often except, such as for the 2009 season, when large decreases in livestock values have been predicted. With the required notice to elect to leave the herd scheme, until the recent change, a farmer could have achieved a taxfree write-up in the value of his specified livestock and then, by selecting another valuation method, obtain a tax deduction for the reduction in livestock value.

The announcement of the rate for 2012 is expected to be announced in July but until then, the rate for 2011 of 74 cents per kilometre is able to be used. Self employed persons can also use the Inland Revenue mileage rates except that, unlike employers reimbursing staff, they are limited to an annual claim of 5,000 kilometres.

Accident Compensation Corporation has recently changed the way it invoices self-employed persons with regard to their full or part-time status, dependent on whether you work 30 hours or more a week. To eliminate any possible misclassification, a careful check of the ACC invoice is warranted. For further assistance with accounting and tax issues, why not give us a call

Use of the mileage rates announced by Inland Revenue is not mandatory. Actual cost or other rates such as New Zealand Automobile Association mileage rates may be used instead.

Contact David Capon or Garth Madden at either of our ofﬁces located at •

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Ask us about:

. Rural Loans . Seasonal Loans . Home Loans . Term Investments . Savings . EFTPOS / ATM Cards . Telephone Banking . Internet Banking . Cheques . Personal Loans . Insurance

Think SBS Bank We're proud of our history with the rural community. Our success lies in our people first philosophy and the fact that we're proudly New Zealand owned. If you need rural finance or investment options, then talk to us about the choices we can offer. After all, SBS Bank has been helping members on to their rural properties and into their homes for more than 140 years. Phone us on 0800 502 442 to find out how SBS Bank can help you develop a practical financial solution for your rural business.

Our normal account opening criteria and Terms and Conditions apply. Full Terms and Conditions for residential and agribusiness lending apply. Personal loans are provided by Finance Now Limited, a subsidiary of SBS Bank (Southland Building Society). SBS Bank insurance products are administered and managed by Southsure Assurance Limited, a subsidiary of SBS Bank. Full Terms and Conditions for residential and agribusiness lending and copies of our current Investment Statement and disclosure statements are available on request and free of charge from any branch or agency of SBS Bank or viewed on our website www.sbs.net.nz

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July 2012

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July 2012

Finishing for his table

When Paul Goodwin walked onto the eleven and a half acre block of overgrown apple trees and thistles a handful of years ago, he saw what others couldn’t He saw months of hard work, a massive building job which all the others saw, but he also saw a chance to finish cattle for his restaurant, ‘Elevate’, tucked under Cashmere at the start of Colombo street. Paul has always liked the South Devon cattle as a breed. They are very quiet, have the British marbling, and a fascinating history of working with humans as a draft animal pulling logs out of forests and general bullock duties. A couple of his friends bred South Devons so it was very easy to source his first stock.

A few calls enabled Paul to procure a ‘toll kill’ contract for the animals, and another meeting enabled an outlet for the bits he didn’t want to use in the restaurant. Basically he had found a butcher who was happy to cut up the carcasses and sell what wasn’t needed at the market price, ensuring there was absolutely no waste. While the prime cuts were selling well, there was a huge demand for real beef sausages for lunches and light meals. Suffice to say the South Devon bangers and mash has become as legendry as the

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steaks and other dishes with the South Devon branding. His next challenge was a delightful one. The beef was becoming so popular he was having trouble keeping up with demand — even though it was only going to one restaurant the patrons were eating it faster than Paul could finish his cattle. The simple solution was to ‘farm out’ some of the animals and let others finish them for him. A much better idea than selling up and buying more land, especially as the block he is on in Weedons road is very impressively planted with shelter and is nice and close to the city, and therefore Elevate.

Paul Goodwin saw a chance

His next challenge was a delightful one. “ The beef was becoming so popular he was having trouble keeping up with demand ”

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July 2012

Muscles need CoEnzyme Q10

South Devon Cattle have a fascinating history

There are now several mates finishing stock for him and another couple of South Devon breeders supplying stock.

association with the breed all enjoy the same philosophy.

The next step is likely to be distribution further afield.

So with the public beating a track to the door of Elevate, and consuming sizable volumes of South Devon meat, how does it really stack up?

The idea being that the breed is now ready to start supplying other restaurants in other centres with the South Devon brand shining brightly on their menus. It may be a long way off what the Angus breed is doing, but it is certainly a start, and Paul is certainly the type of person who takes small steps rather than rushing into things. He admits that the breeders and others he talks with in

Interestingly the breeders seem to be as laid back as the cattle they breed.

Suffice to say Paul has got into the semi-finals of the Steak of Origin once and missed out by a heifer’s whisker on the second time, plus he has won a Gold Plate award for his South Devon Scotch Fillet. The nice thing is that all this is done on an 11 and a half acre block.

That is enough for him to make hay for the winter and although he buys in a bit of silage, the cattle are finished without any fuss or bother. He says that they are very quiet so there’s no energy used up in pacing around the paddock, it all goes into meat production. And quiet they certainly are. He never uses yards, all animals’ health prevention work is done while standing in the paddock. For Paul Goodwin South Devon cattle are a hobby that fits superbly with his other passion; food and satisfied diners.

In the May edition we looked at the common muscle diseases Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Fibromyalgia. I received many calls from readers for more information especially from those with Polymyalgia. If you missed the column call me and I can email a copy. Today we look at the role of Co Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) with muscle function. One of the most common forms of muscle pain is statin myopathy. This is a collection of muscular symptoms caused by side effects of commonly prescribed cholesterol lowering statin medication. While statins are very effective at lowering cholesterol they can cause muscle problems. Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) and subsequently reducing mevalonate needed to make cholesterol. Unfortunately mevalonate is also needed for the production of CoQ10. The main function of CoQ10 is to produce the energy needed for our body demands especially in muscle cells. Think of CoQ10 like the spark plugs and exhaust system in your car engine. Without a good spark a petrol engine will not run properly. Without a good exhaust system engine exhausts will choke the engine and pollute the air. With insufficient CoQ10 the trillions of little engines (mitochondria) in your cells will not produce enough energy and you feel that as weakness, stiffness and pain in your muscles. Additionally CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant to clean up the barrage of toxic free radicals as by products of energy production. I recommend everyone on statins take 100mg of high grade CoQ10 to compensate. Interestingly I note an increasing number of doctors including cardiologists who suggest CoQ10 supplementation to counter statin myopathy. I also recommend CoQ10 for people with low energy and especially with any autoimmune or neurodegenerative problems. The one I prefer is a trademarked product that is proven to increase cell CoQ10 levels and includes compounds called tocopherols and carotenoids known to help cholesterol balance. In most cases this can help muscle function by restoring lost CoQ10. For those on statins my first goal is to prevent or reduce any statin myopathy but just as importantly to create a full cardiovascular nutrition programme. I always add a range of nutrients to help with circulation and to protect blood vessels especially coronary arteries from the free radical damage and inflammation central to the formation of arteryblocking plaques. Give me a call if you need help. John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health Ltd. If you have questions or would like a free health plan contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@johnarts.co.nz. You can join his weekly email newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz or visit www.abundant.co.nz for production information.

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WaTEr

July 2012

Improved rates of dairy effluent compliance in 2011-12 season Another 21% of dairy farms had minor non-compliance issues down from 26% in the previous season. The rate of significant non-compliance also fell to 8.6%, down from 9.8% in the previous season.

Seventy per cent of Canterbury’s 977 dairy farms achieved full compliance with dairy shed effluent consent conditions in the latest season, up from 65 % in the previous season

The preliminary results are part of Environment Canterbury’s Dairy Report for the 2011-12 season. The full results and report will be made available later in the year and it will contain region-specific information. Environment Canterbury Commissioner Tom Lambie said dairy effluent consent compliance is monitored because it has the potential to affect the freshwater quality in streams, rivers and lakes if not properly managed.

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“It is very encouraging that our monitoring has shown a steady improvement in overall compliance rates from season to season. “In most cases of significant non-compliance improvements are being made on effluent disposal systems and management of ponding. We recognise dairy farmers are actively working on

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stock from entering natural waterways.

“The improvement in compliance reflects the work done by Environment Canterbury in collaboration with industry partners and other stakeholders,” said Tom Lambie.

“Keeping stock out of waterways is another way we can protect water quality and this is particularly important at this time of year when livestock move to other properties for winter stock feeding.

Dairy shed effluent must be managed in accordance with resource consent conditions or permitted activity rules. Enforcement actions for significant non-compliance issues include abatement notices, infringement notices, and in extreme cases prosecutions are possible.

“In these cases temporary fences may need to be set up to keep stock out of natural waterways,” he said.

In the 2011-12 season there was only one major noncompliance incidence where charges were laid and these were upheld last month. Additional means improve water quality

Environment Canterbury is also strongly encouraging all farmers to follow good practice and exclude stock from natural waterways. Additional rules came into force in June this year prohibiting intensively farmed

Tom Lambie said nutrient management is also important for farmers and it will become more a particular focus when Environment Canterbury notifies its draft Land and Water Regional Plan in August this year.

of more than 10% in nitrogen losses will need a resource consent application. Additional rules will also come in to force in July 2017.

Dairy effluent compliance facts Environment Canterbury compliance officers visited each of the region’s 977 dairy farms at least once between July 2011 and May 2012.

Under the Plan all farmers will be expected to achieve industry good practice for nutrient management based on nitrogen loss targets.

Environment Canterbury in 2008 initiated a meeting with industry partners, Fish & Game and Forest & Bird, to discuss ways to improve levels of dairy effluent compliance. A combined industry and Environment Canterbury group (Canterbury Dairy Effluent Group) has been working collaboratively since then to improve the rate of dairy effluent compliance.

When the Plan becomes operative in early 2014 farmers will be required to begin to record nutrient losses. It is proposed that any changes in land use resulting in either an increase in the volume of water for irrigation, or an increase

The industry partners are dairy companies Fonterra, Synlait, and NZ Dairies, industry groups DairyNZ and Federated Farmers, as well as the South Island Dairying Development Centre and AgITO.

WaTEr

July 2012

Forecast — Canterbury

June was a very cold and stormy month for Canterbury, with significant low level snowfall mid-month The month saw very little in the way of westerly airflow over New Zealand, with low pressure systems frequent visitors from the Tasman Sea, and anticyclones often over the Southern Ocean directing air from the south or southeast onto Canterbury. Most of the region saw at least normal rainfall for the month, with totals generally around 100-125% of normal. However, coastal areas from Christchurch northwards were nearer 200% of normal due mostly to heavy snowfall. Some parts of South Canterbury were drier than normal, in the 50-75%

range. Temperatures were colder than normal across the region, especially inland where many heavy frosts in the -5 to -10degree range were recorded. For most inland areas this was the coldest and frostiest month since 1992. Nearer the coast, frosts were not so severe, but day time temperatures were very cold, making this one of the coldest Junes for 30 years. Mean temperatures varied across the region but were typically -1 to -2.0deg below normal. Sunshine hours were near normal inland, but 10-20% below normal in coastal parts of Mid and North Canterbury.

The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) dropped steadily throughout the month of June, moving quickly from the decaying La Nina of autumn towards a weak El Nino signal by months end. Other indicators of El Nino (ocean temperatures, subtropical winds and cloudiness) also followed this trend. As is usual with a negative moving SOI we experienced complex weather systems over New Zealand with little in the way of westerly airflow. However, since the start of July we have seen more westerly quarter (northwesterly and southwesterly) airflow over the country as anticyclones have tracked more over the South Island. Not surprisingly this corresponds with a change whereby the SOI has started a positive movement and changes in other ocean parameters have halted, probably temporarily. Most predictive computer models expect a trend towards a weak El Nino event to continue through the next 4-5 months. However this trend may be somewhat unstable, with periods where the SOI returns towards neutral gradually outweighed by further pulses of movement towards El Nino. Our overall expectation is that this El Nino event will be relatively short-lived, with

near normal spring conditions in Canterbury followed by a brief dry period in early to mid summer as the El Nino event matures and begins to decay. It is too early yet to make good predictions for later in the summer, but early indications are that the weak El Nino may decay rather rapidly and may therefore be unlikely to bring a sustained summer drought to the region. However, we need to wait a few more months yet to firm up on that.

Rainfall

Temp.

Sunshine

Airflow

Late Jul. & 1st half Aug.

Drier than normal

A little milder than normal

A little sunnier than normal

More westerly quarter airflows

2nd half Aug to early Sep.

Wetter than normal

Colder than normal

Cloudier than normal

More easterly & southeasterly airflows

Mid to late Sep.

Drier than normal

A little milder than normal

A little sunnier than normal

More westerly quarter airflows

Extrapolating out changes in the SOI and combining with other similar periods in the past, we expect to see the rest of July and early August continue to bring periods of westerly or southwesterly airflow, interspersed with anticyclones moving across the country and relatively weak troughs. This should bring a period of drier, sunnier and perhaps milder than usual weather to the region. Around mid August we expect to see a change to more active troughs crossing the country with anticyclones over the South Island or Southern Ocean, bringing a few weeks of colder easterly weather, probably with increased rainfall and cloudiness. During September this pattern will likely flip back towards westerlies, with drier, sunnier, milder weather again.

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WaTEr

July 2012

Irrigation beats par at Hororata By Bruce Franks

A rural golf course stuck in the ‘rough’ on new irrigation regulations, have implemented a new monitoring system to help them beat par

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With a picturesque 18 hole course set across the river terraces of the Selwyn River, the Hororata Golf Club in Glentunnel was not monitoring its water usage. With a high consumption, the club had to comply with upcoming national regulations requiring consent holders with water takes of more than 20 litres per second to install water measuring devices and systems for reporting water use. Hororata Golf Course needed to do something to meet the national regulations and compliance. They elected to implement an automated solution from Canterburybased company, DataCol. At the same time, they also installed a rainfall gauge and

soil moisture / temperature sensor in one of their greens. The rain gauge measures the amount of rain in a given period while the soil sensors measure the levels of moisture and temperature within the ground. These solutions have given the Hororata Golf Club the visibility to see exactly how

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much water they are using, the level of soil moisture, soil temperature and rainfall amounts. It allows them to make intelligent decisions about when and how much water to apply to the greens, saving money in electricity usage and equipment wear and tear. Not only has the solution helped to meet national regulations and compliance, it has also resulted in less paper work for the staff, and at the same time provided them with more useful information. Course Manager, Stephen Inch says one of the biggest advantages is the automatic reporting to Environment

Canterbury for compulsory water monitoring regulations. “It’s very easy for our green keeper to check how much water is being used. He just logs on to DataCol’s water management website to review our water usage data which is automatically sent onto ECan for reporting purposes.” Hororata Golf Club now have the comfort of knowing they are complying with water measuring regulations, while being aware of exactly how many litres of precious water are needed to keep their greens green, which will keep, most importantly, their golfers happy.

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July 2012

Looking for buried treasure on the farm by Lorne Kuehn

My mother’s family homestead is located in central alberta. it is a medium-sized farm devoted to mixed farming, where i spent many childhood holidays helping my two bachelor uncles in their farming I fed the pigs and calves, helped with the hay and the milking, and hunted wild animals and pests. It is also where I decided to end my days as a farmer once I got through with being a military scientist. And so here I am in New Zealand with my own patch of dirt. In Alberta, first one uncle died and then the other, many years later. Throughout his long life, this latter gentleman would put aside all the spare coins that he had collected on his town trips into glass jars that he kept on the two music organs in the living room (where my two uncles used to play duets). Eventually there were a dozen jars stored there, filled with hundreds of old coins. My uncle had employed a housekeeper to help him in his final years. One day he caught her daughter filching a few coins for school treats. He understood the temptation of the coins to a small child and then had an extraordinary idea. Rather than redeem the coins at a bank, he decided to bury all the glass jars in the large farm garden. The housekeeper caught him in the act as he finished the task but he refused to extricate the coins. So there were now hundreds of dollars buried deep throughout the garden in as many as twelve locations. Eventually this last uncle died at the turn of the last century, leaving no siblings alive. My brother and I were

made to act as executors for his estate, as we were the ones most familiar with the farm and the likely wishes for disbursement of the furniture and various household and farm effects. So I went back to Canada and spent two weeks going through the farmhouse and all the farm buildings with my brother, dispensing furniture and other materials. It was then that I realised how fickle family allegiances can be. It turned out that with no will that could be located, my brother and I had to contact all our cousins who could be expected to share in any disbursement of family belongings. More than twenty such people surfaced, half of whom I had never met and in some cases never even heard of! Some

of them had never visited either uncle when they were alive. Nevertheless, these people showed up eventually to partake of the various furniture and effects that were being dispensed with, as was their right. It was then that the housekeeper mentioned the buried coins to me. There was nothing for it but for me, as a recognised amateur archaeologist, to buy a metal detector and explore the garden and its environs. This was a tedious process, requiring many hours. But I was not alone! Wherever I went, I was followed by about twelve cousins who hoped to be in on the discovery of the buried treasure. I felt like a mother goose followed by honking goslings, amazed

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at each successive discovery as we dug down to find the item that had alerted the detector. At least I got to know them all fairly well and renew lost family bonds. And what did we find? Lots of metal bits, wire, bullet shells, even various tools, but no money. Apparently it was never there

or had been lifted out some time after the interment. On this latter point, we did locate a number of deep pits where someone had been digging for something but the housekeeper and her daughter denied all knowledge of such goings-on. Eventually the executor job was finished and I had

to leave. I returned to New Zealand and brought the metal detector back with me. I have now explored my farm here with it, to find bits of metal, wire, bullet shells, and various old tools, during many a long hour. So, the Canadian adventure to settle my uncle's estate has not been a complete waste of time, thank God.

July 2012

Cantabrians featured at alpha Burn by Sally Mallinson, C.S.D.T.a

There can be few spots in New Zealand more picturesque to hold a dog trial, than at the McRae Family’s Alpha Burn Station, amidst the grandeur of the snow capped mountains surrounding Lake Wanaka This scene set the stage for the 2012 New Zealand and South Island Dog Trial Championships, commencing May 28th and running through to June 2nd. The weather was great all week and the sheep took no prisoners! The McRae family from Alpha Burn must take special thanks for providing the venue, the sheep and the countless hours, days and months that were put in to make this a special New Zealand Championship With around 280 odd entries in each of the four Events, Cantabrians featured well, not only in the Run Offs to determine the New Zealand titles, but many had their names on the TUX Leaderboard throughout the week and can be proud of their time positioned there. Event One, The Long Head — judged by Johnny Anderson from Omaramam, North Otago, saw Omihi farmer Neil Evans in the NZ run off with two dogs, having placed third

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in the SI with Gem and sixth with Rose. He went on to place seventh in the NZ run off with Gem and sixth with Rose. A commendable performance given the rather free sheep that both dogs had to contend with. The New Zealand title was taken by Murray Child and Dice from Northland. Event Two, The Short Head and Yard — judged by Loyd Bishop from Taranaki, saw young Jimmy Burrows — from Rick and Debs Orr’s Red Oak Angus Stud at Waikari, with Pal, placed seventh in the SI and moved up to place fourth in the NZ run off. The New Zealand title went to Bruce Parkinson and Brook from Raetihi. Event Three, The Zig-Zag Hunt — judged by Mike Forsyth from Ward, Malborough, saw three Cantabrians go in to the NZ run off. Steve Kerr and Bully from Fairlie placed second in the SI and went on to place second in the NZ run off. Lindsay Wink and Thump,

Steve Kerr and Bully

based at Waiau, placed fifth in the SI and went on to place sixth in the NZ run off. Peter Kidd and Kale from Tai Tapu placed seventh in the SI and seventh in the NZ. The New Zealand title went to Kerry Kilmister and Pulse from Tinui. Event Four, The Straight Hunt — judged by Reece Whitelock from the Hawkes Bay, saw Steve Kerr and Bully feature again, placing fifth in the SI and went on to place fourth in a very good NZ run

off. The New Zealand title went to Aaron Bell and Molly from the Haka Valley. All these guys put up great performances and dealt accordingly, with the deciding factor that they had in front of them, those three sheep! Being amongst the top seven in each event is something to be extremely proud of. Remember, there were 270 odd other competitors in each event, left wanting. Roll on next Season!!

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July 2012

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF Laurie Forestry Ltd

The use of helicopters in NZ forestry

The Forestry harvesting and marketing industry has been business as usual over the last month with prices firming slightly in the export segment and remaining stable in the domestic. Slightly improved CIF settlements together with slight softening in shipping costs has seen exports logs climb NZ$3 — 5 at the wharf gate but unfortunately the lift appears to be short lived. Over the mid summer season in China, construction projects lose impetus as workers return to their traditional homelands to assist families with harvest of crops. This results in a weakening demand for logs when deliveries to ports from New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific North West have kept pace. Indeed PNW has increased shipments in the last month. As a consequence, we would expect prices to drop off slightly for August settlements. Against this general market movement is also a continuing downward pressure on shipping costs which can also be expected to decline very slightly for August sailings. All in all we would expect to see the small gains in July whittled back in August. Across the domestic scene pricing has remained flat but demand is good with just the smatterings of earthquake re-build demand starting to pervade the market. Price positioning is endemic in this market with demand far from a level that would see prices improving at this stage. For the moment we will call this space ‘Great Expectation’. At the recent NZ Institute of Forestry Conference held this year in Christchurch, we heard a lot about engineered wood products. The conference was based at the Canterbury University which enjoys an international reputation not

only providing a leading Bachelor of Forestry Science degree programme, but also for research around wood use in multi-storey industrial buildings. Andy Buchannan has been one of the leaders of research and product development which can now see multi-storey office block type buildings made almost entirely of wood. These buildings can be more cost effective to build, withstand multiple severe earthquakes without damage, and exceed the fire rating of a steel structure equivalent. At an environmental level, we heard about the real win for wood which is the sustainability and low energy inputs required for manufacture versus steel and concrete. Indeed the glues that bind timber construction products make up the majority of factors which makes the life cycle analysis look worse for wood. Even with the addition of glues, the likes of Glue Laminated Beams, Laminated Veneer Lumber and Cross Laminated Timber are 8 — 10% better than steel and concrete in the life cycle analysis. This latter refers to the overall environmental impacts of building materials from the point of manufacture to ending up in the landfill. For the timber industry, the Christchurch conference gave a

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huge boost of confidence with clear evidence emerging as to the future of wood as a key industrial building element that is potentially safer, cheaper and easier to use than any other building medium. But even better still, structural integrity is much less compromised by severe earthquakes compared to steel and concrete. To repeat that which will be obvious to those with a tilt toward our wonderful industry, the only way forward for climate and country is to get out there and plant more trees.

I would have to say that this is the saddest article I have written. However before I explain this I would have to emphasis the importance of helicopters within New Zealand forestry. For without them none of our hill country would be able to be established in forest. As any forester will tell you it is imperative to control the weeds before and after you plant. And the best way to undertake this task is aerial kill spray and once planted aerial release spray the germinating weeds. This is the only way you can achieve the best tree response, because in Canterbury, initial tree growth is directly proportional to the amount of bare earth around each tree. Believe it or not but bare earth is up to 10 times wetter than a weedy site. One guy who believes in this theory is Mark Malcolm from Horsford Downs. Along with “Way to Go” Helicopters he has successfully established many woodlots. But as Mark would say tree response is also directly proportional to the skill of the pilot, and none was more skilled than Mike Mehrtens. As we all know, Mike lost his life when his helicopter crashed into Lake Sumner recently. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my condolences to

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Mike’s family, friends and work mates. Mike was one of the best “Ag pilots” it was my privilege to be associated with. The enclosed photo shows Mark Malcolm (left) discussing with Mike what is required. This was the last job Mike had done for us. Rest in peace mate, you will be sadly missed.

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July 2012

We also get to drive… and the latest Toyota Camry Every week I get requests for information on the best car to buy and asked to speak about vehicles at some function, which I enjoy doing. Even more so when I see or hear that the advice I’ve given has led to the purchase of the recommended vehicle. I also get the comment on just how easy my job is just driving a car and writing about it. Well yes it is if that was all there was to it, though as usual there is somewhat more to making it happen. This week has been particularly hectic and fraught with challenges. As motoring journo to get to drive press vehicles you need to be a member of the NZ Motoring Writers Guild and have some publications that take your stories. You also need to attend product launches held around the country and in some cases in Australia or Europe. Last

week

Chrysler

launched their latest 300 (a full sized sedan like the Commodore or Falcon) on Monday, Tuesday around the Waikato BOP area. Wednesday Honda had its launch of the 4th generation CRV in Auckland. While Thursday and Friday was the turn of Hyundai for the i30 in Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa. I didn’t go to the Honda launch as I had another event locally. So I was to fly to Wellington at 6.45 am, then on to Napier to meet at 10am for the Journo presentation. Arriving at the Christchurch airport before 6am I was to find the Wellington aircraft was unavailable due to “engineering requirements”. Still Air NZ did their best to get me, with another Canterbury based journo, to our destination by rebooking us on a 6.55am flight to Auckland then a connecting one to Napier. Upon arriving in Auckland at 8.15 we found it fog bound though the Airbus 320 was able to land.

Then life got really difficult. All regional services from Auckland were cancelled due to fog till 9am, then 10 am, then mid day, then 2pm. Regional flights finally started again around 4.30 Along with Auckland based journo’s we spent 4 hours in the Koru Lounge until we were rebooked on another 320 this time to Wellington with a connecting flight upon arrival to Napier. However the connecting flight was delayed a couple of hours which once again meant a stay in the Koru lounge. OK so it was pleasant enough except that like downstairs in the rest of the terminal it was packed with very few seats available. Finally arriving in Napier just before 5pm we faced a 350km drive to our hotel for the night in Martinborough! Late for dinner having only had nibbles and coffee for most of the day the 20 journo’s and

Camry, Toyota has reinforced its dominance

their Hyundai hosts enjoyed dinner and quite a few drinks. A breakfast meeting at 7 am then breakfast at 9am followed by the host company presentation 24 hours late had us on the road for a shortened drive to try out the new i30 finishing in Wellington for a quick lunch before our flight home at 2.40pm that was delayed till 4.20 and finally left at 6.10 arriving around 7pm back in Christchurch. Still the 11.1/2 hours spent in the Koru lounge wasn’t all

wasted as I had a call from Christine at Toyota booking me into a couple of new 86’s (Toyota’s new sports car) a Prius V seven seater hybrid, an RX 350 Lexus and the Corolla Wagon over the next six months. I also had calls from Neil at Holden with another Colorado booking, (I’m driving one at present which will feature next month in this column). So ended a frantic week and yes I also got to drive… but not much! The Toyota Camry has been

“The S and SX are both highly specked

with the SX sporting leather dual zone climate control air conditioning and an electric adjustment for the driver’s seat. The main difference though is the addition of sports suspension.

”

with us for nearly quarter of a century. Since the early 2 litre 4 cylinder sedans and wagons and the 2.5 litre V6 models they have been mainstream for fleets families and farmers. For the past decade or more the 2.2 litre then 2.4 litre 4 cylinder sedans has been the only option since both the V6 motor and the much loved wagon disappeared. The V6 reappeared as a separate model the Aurion now with 3.5 litres under the bonnet. Earlier this year at yet another launch, this time of the latest version, the seventh generation Camry, powered by an increased capacity 2.5 litre 4 cylinder producing between 133kw-151kw depending on which of the five model range you have your right foot on the accelerator, we were treated to a much enhanced and more capable vehicle.

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July 2012

TOYOTA CAMRY SPECS Engine Power Torque L/H/Wmm Weight Towing 0-100km Fuel Price S/ SX

ROLLESTON AUTOMOTIVE

a motoring journo — there is somewhat more to making it happen

As is often the case the media launch, in this case held at Manfield race track, it was to demonstrate to the motor journo’s just how good the latest mid sized sedan from Toyota really is. And it needs to be good to retain its number one position in the sector. So with Toyota H/O staff looking on and in some cases sharing the car with us it was time to have some fun in the sheltered confines free from the constabulary to find out just what was what with the Camry. It now appears that the new Camry is worth the wait. Fun to drive, particularly the Atara SX with sports suspension as standard, for beneath the new coat is a well sorted chassis that relishes bends and off camber roads and dismisses potholes. OK It’s not a race car though 100k/hr came up in 8.9 seconds and we went on to double that on the back straight with the revs nudging 4000. Panic stops on a bend from well over 100k/hr were effortless yet oh so quick with both the ABS and ESP ensuring no drama motoring. At the launch of the previous generation of the Camry, some years ago this sort of treatment would have had the car squirming and much to Toyota’s displeasure I was among a number of Journo’s

that was less than impressed with it and said so publicly. Still like every other Toyota it sold to the vast family of faithful and the fleets as well as to the farming fraternity. Now with a mid sized great handling package in the Camry, Toyota has reinforced its dominance of the class. Add to that a bigger more powerful motor that’s more economical and five models across the sedan only range that now includes two hybrids the Camry is aimed at a larger market. So for the record the range all front wheel driven, starts at the fleet friendly GL with a 2.5litre 4 cylinder 133kw and 231nm, mated with a slick six speed CVT with paddle shift. With the same transmission and a motor slightly tweaked to 135 kws and 235nm the new name in the range Atari’s. Finishing off the last two are hybrids which we’ve yet to see. I drove what will be the family favourites. The S and SX are both highly specked with the SX sporting leather dual zone climate control air conditioning and an electric adjustment for the driver’s seat. The main difference though is the addition of sports suspension. Both however gain 5 star ANCAP ratings with 9 airbags covering the cabin area

including one for the driver’s knees.

relieved by a small rear spoiler on the boot lid.

A 7 inch touch screen handles audio and Bluetooth functions and displays the cruise computer functions which are duplicated for the driver on the main dash area.

Towing is rated conservatively at 1200kg braked and though I didn’t get to test it I believe will easily dispatch that load and more that it will inevitably be called upon to haul.

Slightly larger with an increased boot capacity the rear seats accommodate 3 adults comfortably with good shoulder and hip room and increased leg room thanks to 38mm added to the wheelbase. On the road. Once I got to drive the SX at home for a week, it became evident on country roads just how much the vehicle dynamics and driving had changed and for the better. Very much more direct and precise steering gave a feeling of agility and control belying the Camry’s size. Metal roads long a bane of front driven vehicles are dispatched with neutral characteristics, no oversteer and an absence of understeer. That could be put down to the electronics doing their job, but the ESP light didn’t even flicker under the dry and loose metal conditions. On the one wet day that week the Camry still performed faultlessly. The styling shows a propensity to a slightly heavy rear end emphasising the interior space though the bulk is

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July 2012

Drilling down to better harvests farmers of yesteryear would have loved to do — its multiaction mechanism prepares the soil, then ‘shoots’ seed to just the right depth using compressed air, while also maintaining perfect spacing.

The fertile plains of Canterbury are the rolling ‘vege patch’ of our nation – a region of rich, productive soil and gentle contours lending itself perfectly to the cultivation of healthy crops In times past the seeding of next year’s harvest was accomplished by hand… after furrowing with a horse or bullock team the farmer would literally ‘broad-cast’ seed from a sack at his hip, hoping that some would fall in the right place to thrive. Interestingly, our word for transmitting radio and TV shows comes from this practice… the only time younger folks would have heard the term ‘broadcast’. It was an imprecise method, and could lead to

wildly varying crop yields. Farmers would hope and pray for the best each year, but technology has provided a solution that guarantees consistent results. Seed drills were not a new invention when in 1952 a Spaniard named Aguirre began building agricultural machinery in his Iberian farm shed. Up to 1500 years ago the Babylonians used hollow reeds to blow seeds into the ground, and the ancient Chinese had a similar method.

This is of the utmost importance for highintensity and density crop cultivation as it is practiced in Canterbury. With careful management the land can yield bountiful harvests, and Aguirre seed drills have been proven to increase the amount of healthy crops by over nine times compared to older methods of cultivation. That’s because each seed is introduced to moist, aerated earth with plenty of room

to grow, promoting healthy roots and drawing maximum nutrients from the soil. The RS 6000 is the pinnacle of seed drill technology, with a host of fully-adjustable features to suit any crop — even those with small and hard to manage seeds like onions. Despite its six metre spread (enabling less passes across the field to achieve a day’s work) placement of seeds is kept uniform to prevent over spacing or overcrowding of the crop. In New Zealand, the exclusive importer and provider of Aguirre seed drills is Murray Implements — a

company with a reputation for selecting only the best agricultural power equipment for their range. They are proud to represent Aguirre in New Zealand, and believe that they have found exactly the right tool for the job to assist Canterbury’s hardworking farmers in growing a better yield. From humble beginnings in a farm shed, Aguirre have shown the kind of ingenuity and determination which Kiwi farmers are also known for. It’s no surprise that both Murray Implements and many of their customers working the land are effusive in their praise for the RS 6000 and the results it produces!

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July 2012

Another big step forward

Farmers wanting more

CM3 is the next step up from our very popular Pasture Plus, and we are thrilled with the results The 0-3 week growth between the two products has been about the same, however by the 5th week CM3 has shown growth advantages measured between 200-500KgDM/ Ha. This is nearly double what Pasture Plus has been able to achieve. The increased regrowth over autumn has also been exceptional, measuring over 300KgDM/Ha extra on top of Pasture Plus’s already market leading regrowth. The results on grain have also been exceptional. History tells us, Pasture Plus has improved yields by around 1.5 tons/Ha. CM3 has added another two tons/Ha on top of that again. Stock have also done very well on pasture treated with CM3. Weaned lambs placed on paddocks treated with CM3 reached killing weights two- three weeks earlier than lambs of the same age and sex, compared to Pasture Plus treated paddocks. In all cases lamb growth was very good. Pasture Plus is also a preferred grass. In another Southland trial

lambs showed a 70%/30% grazing preference for Pasture Plus treated areas. So we are very pleased CM3 is stacking up equal to Pasture Plus. Cows in Canterbury grazed CM3 treated areas lower than Pasture Plus leaving less residual grass. This indicates a grazing preference for CM3. Combined with Urea: Previous pasture trials showed us that alternating Pasture Plus and Urea applications nearly doubled the growth of either. CM3 has nearly doubled that again.

Economics and Pricing Based on measured pasture response the economic return from CM3 works out between 3-5 cents/ KgDM. CM3 is another great BIO-HELP Product distributed by McDONALD AGRI-FERT, 12 Laughton Street, Washdyke, Timaru 7910, Freephone 0800 24 74 34 EXPANDING RURAL POTENTIAL

12 Laughton Street Washdyke 7910 FREEPHONE

0800 24 74 34

McCarthy Contracting Ltd Please allow space for 200/250 word article with photo The sky is the limit when it comes to applying fertiliser these days. Technology is moving faster than most farms can keep up with

The new addition to the McCarthy Contracting fleet comes at a time when farmers are wanting more even spreading. The new truck starts from the ground up. Mounted on a new Isuzu Euro 5 emission standard, with a wheel base to match the local spray contractors’ wheel spacing’s, ideal for crop work. It has a K45 Bredal bin which will be Spreadmark Certified to more than 24m in urea. The additional technology of the slow down valve on the outside spinner allows fertiliser to be spread at the same rate to the fence without the overlap and gives more control at waterways and in small paddocks. The spreader will be controlled with a TopCon Precision GPS unit. This not only

• Mowing • Ag Spreading • Cartage

controls the spreader but offers guidance along with mapping where the spreader has been. A farmer can give you a map of their paddock and this may have different rates in different parts of the paddock. The TopCon unit will adjust itself to match the map. This is known as variable rate spreading. When spreading is finished the memory card can be downloaded and a map can be printed for the farmer’s records. This gives him proof of placement and traceability for this spreading. The new spreading unit is due to be onstream in spring and will compliment our existing fleet — minispreader which is also set up for vineyard work and our larger spreading unit.

• Baling • Ploughing • Hay & Straw Sales

• Wrapping • Cultivation & Drilling • Ag Plastic Recycling

CM3 —

A breakthrough in increasing pasture growth and nitrogen removal. We are delighted with the results of our new grass growth product — CM3. This product is a step up from Pasture Plus and is targeted at those looking for maximum grass growth at minimum cost per extra kilo of dry matter. Pasture Plus has shown terrific performance against other grass growth products in the market. In spite of this performance we have still had people looking for the next step.

SO HERE IT IS — CM3 Outstanding Product Grows more Grass Puts more Milk in the Vat Boosts Hay and Silage Crops Increases Weight Gains in Lambs Improves Cereal Crop Yields

expanding rural potential

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FErTiLiSEr

July 2012

Fodder beet Cheaper than you may think With feeding out of winter crops in full swing, now is the time to reflect on how well they are performing and ask the hard questions:

1. Did I produce a quality crop? 2. Was the yield up to expectations? 3. How much did it cost per hectare? With more and more hectares of fodder beet being grown, having answers to these simple questions has never been so important. Fodder beet is a high-input crop and there are many examples of disappointing results. Checking soil fertility and applying the right fertiliser are critical to a successful fodder beet crop. Soil testing widely and then choosing a paddock based on its fertility can greatly reduce the crop input costs and lead to far greater kilograms of dry matter per hectare being produced. Too often, we hear of farmers who have spent a fortune trying to grow a high-producing crop that has ended up in disappointment. It’s all about planning ahead and working with the soils you’ve got and keeping to within the budget you’ve got to play with. The attached picture is an excellent example of planning ahead to maximise return on investment. This outstanding fodder beet crop required only $200/ha of a custom Superior Minerals Mix with 20 units of nitrogen

at planting, giving an all-up cost of only $265/ha. The deep rich leaf colour with very little pest damage is the result of addressing any soil nutrient deficiencies with a customised fertiliser application. There are lots of unofficial trials being conducted on farms with applying varying amounts of different nutrients, but just like any crop it comes down to addressing key deficiencies before applying more of what you’ve probably already got. Remember, no two soils are the same so why would you use the same fertiliser? The primary elements of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur are very important, but so too are the likes of calcium, magnesium, sodium, boron, copper and so on. It always comes back to the right balance, prioritising the most production-limiting elements and lifting them to the right levels through the application of an appropriate fertiliser. After all, it takes at least 16 elements to make a plant cell and a nutrient-rich soil will always produce a more nutrient-dense crop. The key to a good crop is getting an in-depth soil test done, seeking good advice on how to address key deficiencies and choosing your paddock early to allow fertility to build and maximise crop yield and quality. Supplied by SUPERIOR MINERALS

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For solid fertiliser recommendations for your farm, not someone elses! Call Jeremy Cunningham Field Consultant, Canterbury Cell: 029 200 2303 Email: info@superior.net.nz www.superiorminerals.co.nz

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FErTiLiSEr

July 2012

Cost effective natural fertiliser the micro organisms within the soil to develop and grow, vastly improving soil structure. While there are other products available, they are a compost with a small nutrient element. Poulfert is a fertiliser high in nutrients with a large organic element. Marty says “The use of the product can be seen

in the growth experienced and the colour of the plant.” A further benefit of using the product is the additional growth experience due the slow release characteristics of the product more in keeping with the plant’s ability to use. Many clients comment about the additional ‘hit’ they get

Poulfert (chicken litter) has long been recognised as a cost effective natural fertiliser, sought after not only for its nutrient value (NPK) but also the benefits of organic matter The family owned company has operated from its Templeton base since 2004, specialising in the bulk supply and spreading of Poulfert (chicken litter) throughout the greater Canterbury area. The product is sourced from chicken raising farms strategically placed around Canterbury.

Conventional fertilisers by their chemistry base are not able to replace this vital ingredient. Poulfert is based on a dry wood shavings base and has a dry sawdust/sand texture. Upon application the

Company manager Marty Peoples says “Poulfert has really gained favour as a natural fertiliser, customers in dairying horticulture and cropping are all seeing the benefits of using the product. In addition to the NPK nutrient value the organic matter of the product is especially beneficial in it’s soil conditioning capacity, particularly in Canterbury where organic matter is often light.” Much of the Canterbury farmland has suffered from years of cultivation which has allowed organic matter to be eroded through prevailing winds.

product adds to the soil structure breaking down slowly providing nutrients to plants in keeping with their ability to absorb. Organic matter is added to the soil by the product’s structure helping

regarding the longevity of the product not seen in solid fertiliser. Application rates depend on ground type, fertiliser history, and crop type. A typical application as a maintenance fertiliser is 2.5 tonne to the hectare, increasing as the need for the nutrient value dictates. The product is very successful on all pastures either established or prior to drilling. And prior to drilling for cereal and fodder crops including maize and kale. The product is available all year around with the company operating specialised bulk cartage and spreading equipment. Their dedication to service with experienced staff make the process of choosing Poulfert as a cost effective natural alternative very real.

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FErTiLiSEr

July 2012

by Brett Petersen

Phosphate on the brain

Below is a passage written by Jerry Brunetti, as part of an article titled “Cows don’t have carburetors” and was published in Acres USA, May 2012. The title seems absurd; it is extremely relevant Unfortunately, livestock operators, especially in New Zealand, are being sold a big lie as to how to grow forages, applying huge amounts of urea and super phosphate for yield while dropping the energy levels of the forages, increasing the “funny protein” (nitrogen), oblit¬erating the biodiversity of forbs (forage herbs) rich in phenols, carotenoids/terpenoids, and complexing those vital elements in the soil, namely calcium, magnesium, sulfur and boron that are responsible for creating quality protein and forage diversity. Many New Zealand farms have acidic soils (e.g., pH of

5.5). Yet, their soil analysis showing a P2O5 “deﬁciency” was derived from an “Olsen Test,” to be used on alkaline soils. Thus these soils show a continued “need” for super phosphate, even though some soil tests that I reviewed contained 4,000 pounds per acre of phosphate when they were analyzed using a Mellich III extraction procedure, the appropriate method of testing acidic soil. All of this excessive phosphate locks up whatever calcium and magnesium is present, denying the plant an ability to synthesize both quality protein and quality forage calories in the form of pectins and hemi-cellulose. Moreover, the excess phosphate drives the critical mycorrhizal fungi out of the rhizosphere, depriving that organism’s contribution of phosphatase enzyme, needed to extract complexed phosphate and trace elements out of the soil. Thus over-applying phosphate ironically leads to a deﬁciency of plant phosphorus, needed to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency in the Krebs cycle for both plants and animals. What does it all mean? Neal Kinsey, of Kinsey Agricultural Services, a true adherent to the Albrecht principles of soil fertility, advises all his clients, which include countless consultants all over the world to use Perry Agricultural Laboratories for their soil tests. Bob Perry uses

Contact us for a free mail out analysis on 03 3184 707 or email splime@xtra.co.nz Low soil pH? Increase your pH with Ag Lime where quality doesn't cost, it pays!!! Other products available: Driveway & landscaping chip, Track Rock, Serpentine, Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate, Blending available.

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the Mellich III test for soils with pH’S up to 7.5. Once the pH gets to 7.6 and above, they provide an Olsen P test result. Since there are at least 12 tests to choose from, why do NZ labs use the wrong one? The Americans use it appropriately and we in NZ have been led to believe it is a true measure of our soil P, when it is not. It may have been close until a few years ago when the superphosphate manufacturers in partnership with local labs, decided to increase the test parameters. On average, 73% of acid phosphates tie up or complex with aluminium, iron, manganese and calcium, within six weeks — sometimes within hours of application. But, super’s big marketing ploy is its low cost. How cheap is a material that is only 27% effective, even less than that on some soils? Remember, chemical agriculture is a selfserving, input-driven system. You are advised to apply an unbalanced fertiliser to an unbalanced soil to help sustain a state of imbalance, which will then require constant chemical intervention. Now we have an inappropriate product and an inappropriate P test. When compared to alkaline phosphate products the answer comes out very much in favour of alkaline products such as guano, RPR, dicalcic and DAP. If needed, you can quickly build soil P levels with those products. When we add the demise of mycorrhizal fungi (VAM) into the equation, the situation becomes even clearer. There

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FErTiLiSEr

July 2012

Lifestyle blocks and fertiliser

is little or no reason to use super, as the VAM increases the effectiveness of phosphate uptake of roots by 10-1000 times. Loss of VAM leads to increased soil erosion and leaching of nutrients from the soil. If the VAM is lost, some other organism will take its place. Usually it is a pathogenic organism. Since properties I have worked with have no facial eczema, it seems a good bet that those using alternative phosphates will also not be bothered by that terrible affliction. As for excess phosphate in the soil, on reviewing soil tests taken on flats, 90% had an excess, some being in the plus 700kg bracket. The hills were a different proposition where 86% were deficient. Phosphate on the brain? There comes a point when some properties at least need to address other nutrients. The best way to assess that is to get a KAS soil test. However, while the general public doesn’t suffer from phosphate on the brain, the high aluminium released from using super is certainly a real

threat to the health of humans, particularly the brain. Jerry Brunetti is managing director of Agri-Dynamics, which specializes in products for farm livestock and pets, and consults on a wide variety of other issues. He can be reached at AgriDynamics, P.O. Box 267, Martins Creek, Pennsylvania 18063, phone 877-393-4484, email info@agri-dynamics.com, website www.agri-dynamics.com.

Canterbury Soils Ltd. operates a purpose built fertilising system that’s perfect for smaller properties. Run by Rob Ballantyne, the liquid fertiliser spraying system is ideal for life style blocks for a number of reasons. Firstly, there are no spray booms to get caught on trees and gateways: field jet nozzles give a 10 metre spray width that is fast and effective. Secondly, liquid fertiliser gives a more accurate and even spread than solids and requires less actual product to do the same job. Thirdly, there is no withholding period as the products are not toxic to livestock or pasture. Rob uses fish and seaweed based

products and can add other trace elements and minerals if they’re requested. Having been in the fertiliser industry for many years now, Rob has built up a good knowledge of soil science and can help out with soil testing, general recommendations and advice. Canterbury Soils offers a generic blend of soluble seaweed, minerals and trace elements including a little nitrogen for $115.00 + GST per ha applied. Give Rob a call on 0800 331 844. Book early as the list of around 150 regular clients can mean some delays are inevitable during the season.

Lifestyle Block

Fertiliser Liquid Fertiliser is very cost effective on Lifestyle blocks. We supply and apply Seasol Plus, a well proven seaweed fertiliser. Includes many essential trace elements and minerals. Even and accurate spread using field jet nozzles (no booms). Improve drought tolerance and earthworm numbers. Boost pasture growth and improve animal health. Enhance the biology in your soil. No withholding period. Just $125.00 plus GST / ha applied. Book early for spring applications. With over 150 customers around Canterbury, you can’t go wrong!

Rob Ball 0800 antyn 331 e

844

Canterbury Soils Ltd PO Box 1350, Christchurch 8140

robballantyne@xtra.co.nz

∞ Soil testing - Brookside Laboratories ∞ Fertiliser Recommendations & Custom Blends Viafos, a genuine phosphate that will make a real difference to your pasture and stock. Cert TM

ViaMSK, a 3 in 1 ( Mg-S-K), single 5101 product fertiliser that is low in chlorine.

0800 65 65 88 Calvin Bracken (Canterbury/West Coast) Ph: 027 290 9942, (03) 312 6865 Email: cr.bracken@farmside.co.nz

Mark Jackson (Mid/South Canterbury) Ph: 027 620 3085, (03) 614 7494 Lester Gibson (West Coast) Ph: 027 431 0058, (03) 732 3422

FErTiLiSEr

July 2012

Fertiliser – back to basics 4. What fertiliser did he apply last year?

be asked by the fertiliser reps, regardless of what products they have in their bag. If they did they would give the farmer a recommendation that would allow the farmer to achieve his production goals and he would be a client again next season.

5. What were the results of his soil & herbage tests — pH, Base saturation’s and Olsen P?

It also doesn’t matter what mode of application is used to apply the nutrients to the soils.

by Graeme Pile In this issue of the Canterbury Farming there will be many different fertiliser companies selling their products to farmers — each with a special twist to why theirs is the best one for the farmer to use. Recently I was asked by a farmer who had 2 recommendations in front of him — what one should he pick. He also asked me whether I had sugar in my coffee! After I had asked him a few more questions such as; 1. What he wanted to achieve on the farm this year? 2. Any issues he was facing in regards to stock health? 3. Pasture production — kg/dm

grown and pinch periods?

I suggested that he choose a different approach — back to basics, as that was going to give him the best Return on investment (ROI) for each $ spent. Lime on areas with low pH, Dolomite on other that needed magnesium and calcium. For sulphur he could use sulphur prills as they mixed well with all products and were good value for money at 90% S. The questions above are ones that all farmers should

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There will also be a need for granular fertiliser to be applied to pastures to ensure they have good base saturations, especially Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur & Phosphate. The other nutrients such as Nitrogen, Potassium, Boron & other trace elements are best spread either in liquid form through a sprayer or pivot (preferred method), as the uptake by the plant structure is more efficient and the plants like these nutrients little & often. In summary, keep this piece of paper in your fertiliser folder & when the next fertiliser rep sits down at your table to discuss his recommendations — see if he asks you these five simple questions. If he doesn’t but explains to you the benefits and features of their products — just make sure that you put some salt in his coffee or tea and see what happens. He may not have stated his preference at the start of the meeting but then did you ask! Sometimes sugar & salt are mistaken — but what goes into the mix will have a huge bearing on the outcome, in this case the taste of the cuppa and more importantly in the case of fertiliser the profitability of your farm.

Balanced Mineral Fertiliser Programmes

Healthy Soils

More power Imagine what you could do with more power for your tractor — or indeed, what you’d do with the savings if you could improve its fuel economy by 10%. Both scenarios open up new opportunities to prune back overheads and improve the bottom line of your farming operation — the big question is how such gains can be achieved. The man with the answer to this technological question is Greg Browning, owner of southland company GB Tech Tune. His years of experience under the hood of all kinds of machines have given him an edge when it comes to an advanced new form of technology… the precise science of ECU tuning and mapping. In simple terms, the ECU is the computer ‘brain’ of a modern engine. It controls the mix of fuel and air into the combustion chambers, and to a great extent it dictates how much fuel is used and what kind of power output can be expected where the wheels meet the ground. By analysing and assessing the ECU with a portable laptop computer, Greg is able to tap into the way the device ‘thinks’, and re-map the electronic pathways to boost the engine’s performance. It’s all possible because most engines are not tuned to their optimum output levels by the factory, leaving leeway for professionals like GB Tech Tune to make the setup more efficient.

ECU map for the needs of each user and according to the design of each machine. It’s possible to dramatically increase fuel economy, or to boost low end torque and slash emissions. GB Tech Tune can even work with cars, motorcycles and trucks to deliver more power for less dollars… a great saving if you have Greg work his ‘magic’ on the entire fleet at your farm or business. GB Tech Tune take pride in their proven results, getting heavy trucks to their destinations sooner, making tractors able to handle heavier workloads, and of course saving those all important fuel dollars. Best of all, Greg is able to visit you on site with all the equipment he needs. It’s a quick, easy job that doesn’t require pulling down the whole engine… you won’t even have to get your hands oily. And despite the hassle-free nature of the remapping and programming itself, the results simply must be experienced to be believed. You’ll love your ‘new’ tractor with all that easy power — even more than you’ll love not having to pay for all that diesel!

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Providing farmers with the knowledge, information and materials to rejuvenate and build soil fertility to produce Healthy Soils - Healthy Plants - Healthy Animals Healthy People, ultimately reducing the need for rescue chemistry!

We Provide

• Soil mineral and nutrient availability analysis. • Independent soil fertility, nutrient advise and interpretation. • Recommendations and programmes for balancing soil nutrients. • Approved Kinsey and Albrecht nutrient balance programme practitioners. • Premier providers of high quality soil and plant fertilisers, nutrients and micronutrients. • All fertilisers are mixed on-site at our store, ready for application. • A complete systems biological approach to soil and plant nutrition, addressing the underlying issues of nutrient and mineral deficiency.

To achieve top performance plants need an optimal quantity and balance of minerals. Healthy Soils programmes are designed to provide this. Stockists and promoters of Golden Bay Dolomite and palaMountains scientific nutrition products.

All farm requirements including: AgChem, Animal Protection, Fencing, Stockfood, Water Reticulation & Irrigation, Sheds & Yards, Shearing & Animal Handling, Fertiliser, Seed & much more. Rob Sharkie Mark Clyne

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FErTiLiSEr

July 2012

Exciting new granular phosphate fertilisers introduced Mainland Minerals is pleased to introduce three new, granulated phosphate (P) fertilisers to the market place. Known as MainPhos (with Phosphate and Calcium); MainPhos XS (Phosphate, Sulphur and Calcium); and MainPhos Nitro (Phosphate, Nitrogen, Sulphur and Calcium), these products have been released to complement and enhance Mainland Minerals’ existing range of fine particle fertilisers and innovative approach. MainPhos is derived from naturally occurring soft rock phosphate deposits, known as guano, which is formed from bird and bat excreta. MainPhos has a number of benefits over conventional P fertilisers.

Most P fertilisers are derived from rock phosphate which typically contains P in the form of fluoro-apatite. This mineral makes the rock hard and can also lead to fluorosis, a toxic condition that results from high levels of fluoride. The plant available P from such rock phosphate sources is generally insoluble in water and consequently, it is only released to the soil (and plants) very slowly ie most RPR fertilisers. To improve the availability of P, superphosphate manufacturers subject hard rock phosphate to attack by a strong acid (sulphuric acid) plus extensive processing. The end result is superphosphate, a water soluble P fertiliser which supplies plants with P

in a readily available form. However, what is not commonly appreciated with superphosphate is that firstly, P is released in a spike of nutrient which is usually too great for most plants to utilise; and secondly, during the process of assimilating superphosphate into the soil, the pH in the vicinity of the decomposing granules drops to an extremely acid (pH 1.5) level. This “nukes” any soil biology close by and can also result in changes to the chemical composition of the soil. MainPhos is derived from a different P mineral: hydroxy-apatite, which is low in fluoride (and also low in cadmium); softer, and more soluble in the soil than RPR. It is a natural fertiliser, which has

undergone minimum processing and which doesn’t harm soil biology during assimilation. It fits between RPR and superphosphate in terms of plant P availability, releasing about half of the P during the first month or so after application, and the balance over the next 12-24 months. As such, not only is MainPhos a soil and environmentally friendly fertiliser, it also releases P at a rate which more closely matches plant P nutrient requirements.

Accurate spreading for reliable results mainphos

Pasture management is a huge part of modern farming, providing enough ‘fuel’ for intensive grazing and forming the basis of modern dairying In fact, it’s true to say that no matter what kind of use your arable land is put to, fertiliser plays a key role — and that makes spreading it evenly and efficiently a vital link in the chain. Vicon’s Rota-Flow RO series of disc spreaders represent a smart investment in technology to tackle this important task. Designed with ease of use in mind, the Rota-Flow series (including the flagship RO — EDW, the largecapacity RO — XL and the compact RO — M) incorporates some clever technology to prevent fragmentation of fertiliser granules, dramatically reducing dust and wastage. The RO — EDW packs a hefty 3,450 litre capacity, and is able to spread working widths up to 45 metres. Four load cells obviate the need to manually recalibrate the high-capacity hopper, while at the same time constantly monitoring the remaining fertiliser load. But the real innovation comes in the form of the rotating discs and vanes of Vicon’s Rota-Flow units — a system that gives the machines their name. To eliminate the problem of fertiliser literally ‘cracking up’ as it hits the moving vanes, the Rota-Flow system pre-spins the granules up to disc speed. This means that your fertiliser suffers less of a jolting impact when it gently meets

the eight vanes on each spreading disc. From here, the undamaged fertiliser is evenly spread — Vicon guarantee accuracy and prime lateral distribution, even on undulating ground. To make things even easier, the Rota-Flow series combines all controls onto a handy and easy to understand monitor and command unit inside the tractor cab. All the parameters and relevant data are at the driver’s fingertips, thanks to the additional incorporation of the ISOBUS system — an electronic integration program which allows a single monitor to route the functions of many devices. Whether you need the bulk spreading power of the RO — EDW or the RO — XL model, or the land you have to cover features tight corners and headlands best suited to the nimble RO — M, Power Farming have you covered. They’re the best people to call for more information and advice on this leap forward in agricultural spreading technology, and they can advise you on which model is right for your farm.

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Eight Vanes per disc ensure consistent spread pattern and superb accuracy Vicon Rotaflow RO-M & RO-XL Spreaders Setting new standards in dynamic calibration, gentle handling of fertiliser and guaranteed accuracy.

• Eight stainless steel vanes on each disc, for consistent gentle flow, no pulsation and less wear • Unique RotaFlow system whirls the fertiliser onto the disc in exactly the same place for consistent spreading pattern, regardless of the angle of the machine on hills and slopes • Effective spreading widths of 12 to 45 metres • Capacity of 1100-3450 litres • Longevity of parts with Stainless Steel hose connections, discs etc.

RO-XLEDW Option available - Featuring full ISOBUS & GPS Mapping For more information contact your local Power Farming dealer or call National Product specialists

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FErTiLiSEr

July 2012

Base saturation explained

by Brett Petersen

Under our current system of soil fertility, we are being encouraged to under-fertilize. This state has existed for many years, but the degree of under fertilizing is getting worse. Applying so called maintenance levels of nutrients is not even ensuring soil fertility is static — it is declining Base saturation is simply the percentage of exchangeable cations. Cations are the positively charged soil fertility elements. Base saturation is used to identify and measure the % of each cation to determine the soils’ available relative mineral makeup. Total Exchange Capacity is the sum of the total exchangeable cations. A light soil — eg Volcanic -having a smaller sum than heavy, alluvial silt loam.

SpreaderS

The balance of cations determines soil structure, nutrient holding capacity, and fertiliser requirement for optimum production. Economic decisions can then easily be made to prioritise fertilizer applications. Some cations are: calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, cobalt, copper, iron, zinc, hydrogen, and ammonium. What we try to achieve (according to a

0800 908 908

www.northcanterburyequipment.co.nz

From large...

Brett’s Owhakatoro Kale

Perry Agricultural Lab test), is calcium to be about 68%, magnesium 10-12%, potassium 2-5%, sodium 0.5-3%, hydrogen 10-15%, and other bases to be about 5%. Don’t try to fit these numbers around another test — it won’t work.

to small...

If the cation balance is close to this ideal, we will get

good soil structure, moisture movement and retention, drainage, and maximum crop and pasture production and quality. All elements work together without antagonism, with pH being ideally constructed. Pasture and crop palatability and consequently, animal performance will all excel.

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Supporting new Zealand FarmerS For over 50 yearS

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Calcium When calcium is present in the correct amount with other cations, the soil is at its most productive and efficient state. If calcium is deficient, other cations — eg Potassium — will dominate the herbage to the detriment of animal health. If Ca is in excess, soil will drain and dry out faster. Phosphorus, trace element and, magnesium availability will be low. Crops and pastures may show clinical symptoms of magnesium, iron, manganese and zinc deficiency. An application of ferrous sulphate will help.

Magnesium Magnesium excess is not common in NZ. However, too much or too little in the soil results in too little Mg in the plant. Nitrogen efficiency is also affected, taking more N to achieve the same result. Soils stick to machinery when wet and set hard when dry. They take more HP to work. It is far more common to find Mg deficiency in the soil, particularly as a result of over liming.

Potassium If potassium dominates,

INCREASED PROFITABILITY STARTS WITH HEALTHY SOIL

By simply correcting your soils calcium and magnesium base saturation levels with a calculated application of fine ground dolomite you will significantly reduce your farms liming/animal health & fertiliser outgoings. For a no obligation consultation of your farms soil contact:

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BRUCE HORE | 027 576 0303

www.goldenbaydolomite.co.nz

DON HART | 027 432 0187

July 2012 pasture palatability will be poor. Stock will require salt to compensate or metabolic problems will develop. Leaf carbohydrate can also break down, leading to lower yields. High K suppresses manganese, cobalt and magnesium. Potassium causes the most angst among farmers who are reluctant to apply it. The dilemma they have is high K in the herbage, while at the same time it is low in the soil. Most farmers are used to potassium chloride, not potassium sulphate. Potassium sulphate should be used instead. Low soil K leads to lower pasture production. Keep calcium, magnesium and potassium soil levels up, and high plant K will not be an issue. Some areas of NSW have very high K, but growers following this system manage to grow high yielding crops by getting Ca, Mg and Na to the correct levels. The soil under those crops is as hard as concrete.

Sodium Sodium must always be lower than potassium. We find in a surprising number of cases, it is the other way around. That situation leads to excess sodium uptake. Plant cell walls can then burst on hot days, leading to dehydration. Perhaps that situation arises if farmers neglect the potassium, but apply sodium to raise pasture palatability. That is attacking the problem from the wrong end and will never solve it. Always try to solve a problem by removing the cause, not by removing symptoms.

pH The above four cations influence pH. The closer they are to balance, the closer the pH will be to the optimum,

My point of view allen Cookson

Portents of the future Cattle standing on the last break

2012 Government and the Christchurch City Council are paying $205M between them to Port Hills property owners who have to vacate their homes. Presumably most insurance contracts do not cover a situation of abandonment of an undamaged property owing to risk from unstable rocks.

being what it should be. Say that is 6.4, however, a 6.4 pH may be obtained by cations out of balance. For this reason, never use fertilizer to change pH. Only add it to change the proportion of the cations. pH should be the result of your fertilizer programme, not the cause of it.

fertilizer to an unbalanced soil to sustain a state of imbalance, which will then require constant chemical intervention. After 20 years of doing that, the chances are you will be no better of in year 20, than you were in year one. Many farmers are complaining they are worse off.

Why use the Base Saturation percentages?

Balancing will require extra fertilizer. For some, the way to approach that is do a portion of your farm at a time. Hill farmers need to look at their flats, flat farmers, their silage paddocks, or parts of the property not doing so well. Over time your farm performance will increase, while eventually, your fertilizer applications will decrease. The point at which the fertilizer spend will decrease, depends on how long it takes to reach that balanced plateau. Once there, it is plain sailing down the other side.

2112 Sea level rise of 1m has led to monstrous payouts from central government and councils to coastal property owners in Pegasus Bay, Southland, Thames and Manukau. Farmland taken to replace flooded urban areas has caused escalation of land prices, reducing economic profit of farms.

The system we use at Kiwi Fertiliser is proven all over the world. This system has produced a world record yield of wheat in NZ, best quantity and quality wheat in Germany, 37-42t+/ha maize silage in USA, best quality and quantity raspberries, best quality and quantity bananas in Guatemala and South Africa, 20t+/ha of lucerne all over the world, and growers being paid US$10/kg for their high yielding grapes by wineries in California, to name just a few successes.

2112 Millions of people displaced from Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam by rising sea-level, continue to flood in to Australia. Large numbers make it to New Zealand by various means. The huge economic and social burdens of assimilating these people into our society almost eliminate denial of anthropogenic climate change.

•

They give a logical explanation of your soil.

•

They give a total blue print of your soil.

•

They allow you to solve problems.

•

Farmers can relate data results to both good and problem areas.

•

No prior knowledge of nutrient levels in the soil is required.

•

The principles apply to all soils, plants and animals.

•

They give outstanding yields and quality of both plants and animals.

Practical considerations In the short term, balancing the BS can be an expensive exercise. The alternative is to put on fertilizer to get your crop or pasture through the season. Remember, chemical agriculture is a self-serving, input-driven system. You are advised to apply an unbalanced

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IMF for bailing out Greece. Meanwhile it is selling its most valuable renewable energy assets at a time when long term credit at low interest rates is readily obtained. The claim that energy asset sales are the best way to reduce government debt demonstrates that senior government ministers are mentally deranged.

relative to other countries. However foreign ownership sees most of the profits going offshore to foreign capitalists. So does output from our foreignowned farms and forests. Skilled Kiwi management still dominates these sectors.

2112 New Zealand’s hardworking, low-paid work force are employed in manufacturing and food-processing which is highly competitive in the global markets, because of its low renewable energy input costs,

2112 Having lost two cases in the TPPA, government has lost interest in health, labour laws and environment, concluding that supranational bodies and courts will look after these things.

2012 Government thinks it has a good deal on trade in the TPPA

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2012 Government is borrowing billions of dollars which it then deposits in the

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July 2012

The blackcurrant: best berry for life

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Blackcurrants are known as the “king of the berries” and within the blackcurrant world itself, New Zealand’s Jim Grierson is very well known too

For advertising call 03 347 2314 or email sales@canfarm.co.nz

After helping to establish a global organisation, known as the International Blackcurrant Association (IBA) regarded as unique in the world of berries, Jim stood down as its founding president this year to continue to develop the agronomy sector of the IBA. In

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a European blackcurrant conference in Germany. He was representing the small but highly respected NZ blackcurrant industry. He saw a global industry at a crossroads and a fruit that deserved better respect and investment than it was able to produce as individual countries. The answer seemed to be for growers of the world to simply talk to each other therefore creating a platform where they could discuss both their highs and lows. “Be it poles, danes,

kiwis, french, dutch and the other nations that produce commercial blackcurrants, they all had similar issues and aspirations,” says Grierson. And the potential world demand for blackcurrant’s organoleptic and bio-functional values was bigger than any one country could supply, so we didn’t need to covet each other’s strengths but gain synergy from bringing those strengths together. We needed to talk up the positives and look forward instead of tripping ourselves

up in a tangle of negativity and disorganisation. As a result, the New Zealand industry hosted the first international blackcurrant conference in Christchurch. It was hugely successful with 163 delegates attending from 16 countries. “The attitude was quite humbling,” says Grierson. A wonderful response from people who wanted to work together, both in the paddock and in the market place. After the success of Christchurch I headed a

July 2012

The IBA was ratified in 2009 at the European conference held in Nyborg, Denmark, where we held our first AGM.

Fortunately I have been asked to develop the agronomy sector within the IBA. The strength of our collective knowledge was demonstrated when we ran an agronomy forum at our recent conference in Dundee. The experience shown by the twelve agronomists and plant breeders around the globe all bodes well for the future of our industry.

We had our first full international IBA conference in Beaune, France in 2010. The IBA was alive and well and starting to assert itself. Since then conferences in goes, Netherlands 2011 and this year in Dundee, Scotland have created a wonderful sense of unity. “Now that the IBA is functioning well I stepped down as president so that our new president Svend Jensen from Denmark could form a well rounded board to take the IBA a bar or two higher in the future.”

As the blackcurrant advisor for Glaxosmithkline Ribena brand I am responsible for procurement of around 45% of the NZ crop. New Zealand unique varietal-climate mix produces exceptional fruit and although, in the early days, the focus was only on colour and vitamin C, the good news is that we now know that the rich purple-burgundy colour

steering committee to develop a draft structure involving not only growers but inclusive of industry plant breeders, agronomists, scientists, processors and marketers. (Brands)

New Zealand only produces around 5% of the global crop. In 2012 New Zealand produced 8,000 tonnes of a global crop of 200,000 tonnes.

represents the presence of highly important phytochemicals that have promising human health values. In addition to Ribena’s own market development for NZ-sourced juice concentrate for Australasian and Asian markets, New Zealand — inspired research is identifying new market opportunities across the globe. As a result we’re seeing the development of value-add complex consumer products such as ingredients, juice from Canterbury’s own barkers fruit processors, capsules and lozenges, from Claridge’s Organics Canterbury, Nelson’s Sujon Berryfruits, powder formulations for both human and animal health, just the berries — NZ and USA — PD Corp with powders, specialist juice, capsules for both eyes and general wellness. Four Leaf Japan has CAM30 for gut health. All of these marketers only use New Zealand blackcurrants. Hence the strap line that has been adopted in the IBA syic. The blackcurrant — “best berry for life” As an agronomist I’m thrilled that the new market opportunities are predicated on value created through good plant breeding and husbandry practices in the plantations. The blackcurrant fits perfectly into a New Zealand horticultural crop matrix from the middleupper south island region.

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Once planted there is very little human contact all of the cultural practices are carried out by machinery. IBA general manager, Bill Floyd, says that Jim Grierson commands huge respect in the global industry. “I have worked with Jim and now president, Svend Jensen of Denmark, to develop the IBA concept and strategy plan. Jim had the vision to see what was possible and the respect of growers of more than 18 different nationalities to put together into a workable construct. Although New Zealand is a small producer of blackcurrants based on volume, it punches way above its weight in both agronomy and market development innovation and Jim’s a key leader of the team that drives the NZ industry.”

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Dairy

July 2012

Hoof Print With Fred Hoekstra I still come across a lot of people who struggle to believe what I am saying in my articles. It seems to be so ingrained in people’s mind that a bruise in the hoof comes from standing on a stone. The scientists and advisors who make that claim have done a good job in telling their story but it just simply isn’t true. There is no evidence to support that claim. If anything I believe I have disproven it (see my previous articles) yet it is so hard to get people to take it on board. Why is that? I can only speculate for an answer but I wonder if it just feels safer. I guess if we have a multimillion dollar business, and we experience a high incidence rate of lameness with a high price tag attached to it, then we want to play it safe and do the things that reduce the lameness as quick as possible. I am all for this, and I would never say that you can push your cows as hard as you like on the track or in the yard and it wouldn’t make any difference. That would be a dumb thing to

say especially when it is quite obvious to see that you do end up with more lame cows when you do that. So is that enough to prove that pushing and standing on stones causes lameness? No! If I see a person walking on a gravel road with a bit of a limp then I haven’t got enough information by just looking at this person from a distance to know what makes this person limp. If I conclude that this person is limping because of a very uneven walking surface and so I let this person walk on a tar sealed road, then they will still be limping if an ingrown toe nail is the cause of the problem, even though they may be walking easier on tar seal. In the same way, a cow with laminitis will walk easier on a well-drained smooth track than on a stony track, but it is still not the track that caused the problem. It only aggravated a problem that was already there. So why then do we see a big improvement when we upgrade the tracks?

We need to ask this question: is it because of less physical force on the hooves or because of something else? I believe it is something else because I still don’t see any evidence of trauma to the foot. A cow needs about 21 hours per day in the paddock for eating, resting, socialising and drinking. That leaves three hours per day to walk the cows from the paddock to the cow shed, milk them and walk them back again twice a day. So that is only 1.5 hours per milking all up. Most farmers don’t manage that.

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If you have rough tracks and you improve them then you also improve the cow flow on the tracks. Cows spend less time on them so there is more time in the paddock which means less stress therefore less laminitis.

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AFTER

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Dairy

July 2012

WINTER COW GRAZING Cows moving to or from grazing in a TB movement control area must have either: • A pre-movement TB test; or • An official permit to defer the test To arrange this please phone

0800 4TB INFO (0800 482 4636)

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Maximising calf growth Whether it is a dairy farmer’s replacement stock or calf-rearing on a sheep farm to supplement income, the objective in both cases is to grow out and maximise the true potential of these young stock The basic requirements of a newborn calf are a dry, warm and draught-free environment. Woolover calf covers offer farmers the flexibility to provide these conditions at a low cost. The basic requirement is WARMTH. Woolover calf covers are constructed using a high percentage of WOOL, which has the ability to absorb up to 30% moisture and still feel dry thus retaining the calves natural body heat and most importantly BREATHE. TRIAL DATA During the northern winter 97/98 Woolover Limited commissioned the North Dakota State University in Fargo (USA) to trial covers on both dairy and beef calves. On average dairy calves that were covered gained 14lb more than uncovered calves over the 65 day trial period. This was in spite of the average low temperature being 5°C higher than normal during the trial. These calves were in dome hutches. The temperature ranged from (plus) 15°C to a low of minus 11°C. Differences in Average Daily Weight Gain (ADG) were most pronounced during the first three weeks of a calf’s life, with an ADG for blanketed calves of 1.15lb versus 0.82lb (unblanketed). Dr J W Schroeder (the NSDU extension dairy specialist) believes that

the blanketed calves benefited from a jumpstart in weight gain that they maintained throughout the course of the trial. At six months of age blanketed calves that exhibited greater early postpartum ADG also maintained a numerical performance advantage in rate of growth at later stages of calf development than unblanketed calves. Beef calves running with their mothers had an average weight gain of 38lb more than the unblanketed control group at 118 days of age. SUMMARY Let WOOLOVER calf covers maximise the productive capacity of your calves in those formative 4–6 weeks. Those rearers on weight contracts should reap the rewards of heavier calves sooner and save extra feed and time. Call and discuss your needs at your local Stock and Station outlet, Veterinary Supplies or World-Wide Sires Representative. Other products made include lamb and finn lamb/ goat covers, sheep covers for hypothermia and dust, innersoles and saddle blankets. We are currently trialling covers for cows. For any more information please contact your local outlet or David Brown on 03 615 9803 or 025 341 606.

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Dairy

Soil Matters — with Peter Burton

A better outcome by spending less Below 10°C the cycling of all nutrients, of which nitrogen is one, is slow and the application of any one of them will have little if any immediate effect on the growth of permanent pastures. The grasses in permanent pastures are bred to grow strongly from 10°C to about 20°C, so again the application of a single nutrient, unless it can be shown to be limiting growth, will have a negligible effect on growth rates during the winter months of June, July and August. The major reason for slow growth at present is low soil temperatures due to fewer direct sunlight hours. The time when nitrogen fertiliser may markedly increase permanent pasture growth rates is when the lack of plant available nitrogen is the limiting factor, most likely to occur at peak growth times in late September and October. At that time in situations where the growth of pasture exceeds animal demand, it could be argued that the requirement for fertiliser nitrogen doesn’t exist and as it is likely to suppress clover growth its value

July 2012

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at best is questionable. Two reasons voiced recently for the application of fertiliser nitrogen in July were that it’s getting closer to calving and lambing and with strong growth not expected until midSeptember it feels good to be doing something, and it’s hard not to apply when it appears that everybody else is doing it. Both understandable and emotionally powerful reasons but when returns from commodity markets are declining and likely to continue declining should costs be incurred without accurate measurable economic benefits. The farming operations that will continue to thrive on lower market returns are those able to limit or reduce their costs and increase their production.

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increases as animals get close to calving and the requirement for calcium increases as milk production lifts. An application of Golden Bay Dolomite direct to pasture markedly reduces the number and severity of calcium/magnesium related metabolic disorder increasing the likelihood of each animal producing to its potential.

Three of the requirements for sustained profitability are well structured soils containing all the required major and minor nutrients, healthy well framed animals capable of high production, and feeding regimes that aim to fully feed every animal each day.

A single application of dolomite lifts plant magnesium levels to between 0.22% and 0.25%, depending on sunlight hours, surprisingly soon after application. It is not unusual to receive reports of a marked decline in calcium/magnesium related metabolic disorders as soon as a fortnight after application.

On intensive dairy properties the demand for magnesium

Because dolomite contains both calcium and magnesium in

a ratio close to the requirements of spring growing grasses, calcium levels usually remain at a minimum of 0.60%, sufficient for fully fed animals with welladjusted rumens to perform at high levels in spring. Dolomite is an outstanding soil conditioner in its own right and therefore plays a very important role in the necessary recovery of soils from the weight exerted by animal feet particularly in wet conditions. Dolomite may be applied at any time. There has never been a reported negative response and with this season’s production determined by performance over the next 100 days, now is the ideal time to ask for a price of dolomite delivered to your property. For more information phone Peter or Coralie on 0800 436 566.

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Dairy

July 2012

Notes from the shed with Mark With the payout McKewen high and interest low, it’s a really good time to

fix the things that are causing some grief around the Dairy. Fieldays 2012towas a resounding success. Before you upgrade new Milfos cup removers or a Milfos Variable Drive Vacuum System it would be sensible to There were people from all over Newevaluate things that could impact on your proposed upgrade. Zealand and do around the world, and come across wiring of all Sparkies generally a great job, however, we regularly sorts thatnumbers has been installed incorrectly. visitor were high. For instance we see the right cable used on say, a milk pump controller, but still It waswith fantastic to see many our interference can also be for a number of bundled everything else so it of creates withused the controller and clients to crazy meetcontroller. so manyUnless othersyou other bingo, aand slightly know what to look for it can be a painful things. process to find like a faulty controller. interested in as ourit looks products. Thanks RFID is an integral part of herd Thisyour is important for all sorts of systems from pulsation controllers to cup removers for company and enthusiasm, management and is used in many the more sophisticated the system the more careful you have to be. We itand made our Fieldays special. around the milking parlour. recommend keeping data cables as far awayways from power as possible. After a long and often contentious Automatic drafting is quite common, We have all heard about stray voltage, yes it does exist and can cause all sorts eight yearwewait, National of issues, havethe found a majorAnimal source is the terminations between as cable is inand bail animal ID on rotary Identification and Tracing (NAIT) milking machines (which can be Variable drives and Motors. scheme arrived on July 1st with variable drives with regard to the There is afinally lot of documentation supplied linked to milk data and feeding cable tofor becattle used and metal glands for terminations etc, these are minimums and a 2012 (with deer to follow decisions), and walk Ifover weighing good Sparky will follow manufacturer’s recommendations or better. in doubt in March). just to name a few. get it checked. The benefits to the industry Don’t forget the effluent or water pump, same deal, the electric fence Whatand is move an initial expense in the are well reported,shed, withthey birth toan interference nasty in the dairy. unit to the implement can be tags can lead to savings over time processing traceability, and the For sensible advice on Upgrades, find your local Milfos dealer or Area Sales Manager ability to react quickly to biosecurity with easy automatic drafting during at www.milfos.com.

threats if they arise.

The Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) eartags are the key to the system, with a range of around a metre, depending on tag brand and model.

mating or improvements in herd information such as weight or in bail data like yield, fat, protein, lactose, and mastitis detection. There are a lot of options to choose from.

All of these improvements and The RFID ear tag technology does more are available through your one thing and that is to individually local Milfos Service Partner or visit identify an animal. In this respect it www.milfos.com for details.

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Dairy

July 2012

Innovation award for stock measurement How do you measure more animals in a day, with complete ease, without compromising accuracy? The answer appears to be the Tru-Test XRS EID stick reader, launched by TruTest Group late last year. Its success has been reflected in it receiving a supreme award for innovation in New Zealand agriculture — NZ Agribusiness Product award. The reader is revolutionising farmers’ ability to measure large numbers of stock through the yards with a read-rate far greater than anything else in the market. It also takes the word vin class battery life and ergonomics. In the United States, the New Zealand designed and manufactured XRS achieved 12 months sales in just 12 weeks.

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“The agri-tech industry’s focus to date has been largely on ‘read range’ — the maximum distance between the reader and the animal,” said Tru-Test Group product manager, Shane Dooley. “While range is undoubtedly important and a key feature of the XRS, the number one requirement of a portable reader is the ability to put large numbers of animals through quickly, and to measure accurately.” “As measuring animal performance and making critical management decisions from this data is increasingly important to farmers, we felt we needed to do everything we could NOT to discourage

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farmers from measuring as regularly as possible. The XRS is the response.” In addition to significantly increased speed — in advance of 800 reads per minute — the XRS addresses the other bugbear in portable

readers — battery life. The XRS has at least twice the continuous operating time between re-charges of any other device, reading up to 500,000 tags on one battery charge — equivalent to around 20 hours of continuous use in the field.

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Dairy

July 2012

“In the field”

Pasture tips with Pasture First by Nigel Johnston

Not all trial data is created equal With spring not too far away, it won’t be long until farmers are bombarded with glossy brochures and fancy ads portraying the latest and greatest seed varieties on the market. These brochures and ads are only a guide to how the

various cultivars may perform, and care needs to be taken to ensure that farmers see past the ‘marketing spin’ and assess how this product is really going to perform on their farm. One of the best ways to assess the likely performance

of a variety is to assess how it has performed in local trials. However, just as important is to assess the quality of the trial. The amount of trial data that companies reveal varies significantly. Some companies are very good, while some are

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poor. For example, in recent times one company has been praising the merits of their own varieties from a trial that had only run for seven weeks! It is totally unrealistic for farmers to be make decisions on how a perennial ryegrass will perform on only seven weeks’ worth of data. At a minimum, a perennial ryegrass trial should run for three years. Yield or growth rates of varieties will differ over the year, with some varieties being more winter active and others being more summer active. To make a decision on the worth of a variety over just seven weeks is unreasonable. You have no

idea how that variety is going to perform for the remaining forty-five weeks of the year or in fact for the next three to five years! Similarly, when assessing feed quality such as metabolisable energy (ME), data should be assessed over a 12-month period. The quality of a grass varies significantly over a year as does the quality between varieties. To get a true picture of how the quality of one variety compares to another, quality measurements should be taken monthly, for a minimum of twelve months and preferably over multiple trial sites.

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Trials should also be run under scientific principles which includes being replicated at least four times and from a number of sites. If the retailer cannot provide this information on a variety then it is recommended another variety be chosen. For more information on which variety you should sow this spring, talk to Pasture First — the Pasture Experts! For more information contact Nigel Johnston on 03 347 6440 or 027 777 2877 or visit www.pasturefirst.co.nz. Nigel Johnston is a Pasture Agronomist and owner/operator of Pasture First.

Dairy

July 2012

Chicory for farm and garden by Dr Tim Jenkins

Chicory is a resilient species with some cultivars excellent for the pasture and related selected cultivars for the garden New Zealand is a pioneer of getting chicory into pastures and there is now a collection of cultivars that offer the drought resistant and stock health benefitting qualities. Some of the later varieties are better at winter growth than the original pasture selections and they are all suitable in a cropping situation as cover crops too. The deep tap roots of the grazing cultivars can capture most of

the last two years’ worth of nitrate leaching in some soils. The deep roots help with the uptake of a range of trace elements, including selenium, copper and zinc, at levels superior to most of the pasture species. The tap root is also responsible for the species being able to hold on in the face of drought. Retaining chicory in a pasture requires a two part

radicchio starting to form head but the outside leaves can also be picked over time for a smart addition to salads

grazing strategy. Firstly don’t graze the pasture too hard so that the chicory plant retains enough leaf to photosynthesise its way through to a fast recovery. Secondly don’t bring the paddock back into grazing too soon. The ideal is to hold regrazing off until the largest ungrazed leaf starts to yellow. This times in with when the carbohydrate reserves in the tap root have been fully replenished from the leaves. It’s not just as a cover crop that chicory can be useful in the home garden. There are numerous forms of chicory (though not so much the grazing types) that make excellent additions to the salad (and for light steaming) and are becoming more common at least at farmers markets. The vegetable may seem a little bitter for many people’s taste in New Zealand, but in combination with other salad vegetables it completes the salad and the bright red or mixed green and red of the radicchio varieties are impressive. The taste goes very well with Mediterranean foods and it is in that part of the world that the radicchio and other chicories are as common

their lettuce cousins. It’s time for New Zealanders to embrace the chicory more directly rather than leaving all the health properties to the livestock. If you’re looking for fancy recipes on the internet, there are indeed many — just search for ‘radicchio’ rather than ‘chicory’ if you want to skip past the farming webpages. Garden chicories including radicchio are generally hardier than lettuce including being cold hardy. Some issues that can occur include bolting (easiest time to avoid bolting is with late summer to autumn planting but at other times ensure they do not get too dry stressed and are not too closely spaced). Garden chicory can germinate and establish very well from direct sowing and the seedlings transplant well too. If left too long in the ground, the bitterness of the crop will increase and challenge even the most Mediterranean palate. Harvest in a timely manner either when the whole head has formed or leaf by leaf as the plant develops.

Chicory was pretty much the only thing green in this pasture late in one dry summer

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July 2012

dairy

Calf scours! Remember Rotagen this spring! For advertising call

03 347 2314 or email sales@canfarm.co.nz

Calf scours may be all bad, but there’s a good option at hand for clients who end up battling with sick animals this spring The Rotagen Combo range remains unique as non-toxic, non-withhold vet only antibody treatment for calves affected by common pathogens like Rotavirus 6 and 10, Coronavirus, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and or E.coli (K99). New Zealand is the only country in the world where specific antibodies against specific pathogens — (Rotagen Combo) — is a registered animal remedy. The Rotagen Combo range is based on Globigen, a spraydried egg yolk powder derived from vaccinated chickens which contains IgY’s specific to a particular organism — rotavirus 6 and 10, As the Rotagen products are based on a local gut immunity provided by immunoglobulins, there is no issue with toxicity and no withholding period. The product can be used with calves of any age and treatment can be initiated at any stage of infection. It

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

aNiMaL HEaLTH aND NUTriTiON

July 2012

Turned a hobby into a business From a small back yard hobby, Greg and Cheryl Boyle have been astonished how this part-time hobby has become a fully fledged and sustainable business. We have grown in the past four years to now employ three to four staff. We pride ourselves on building quality coops with functionality at its best and something that also looks smart in the back yard — not just your average chook shed. With eight different functional designs we have a coop to suit almost every situation, from small urban backyard designs to large lifestyle and farm block models. We also cater for custom designs, specially built enclosures, and have the ability to change our designs to suit your needs. We also specialise in supply of complete hen house packages with chooks, feed — the works. What’s a chook house, without chickens? We have it all! Including NZ’s favourite

Brown Shaver laying hens and one of NZ’s largest ranges of quality feeder and drinker systems, pest traps, quality feeds, organic disinfectants and natural health care products for all your poultry. It’s all here at Chook Manor Limited — your ‘One Stop Chook Shop’. © You’re welcome to visit or buy online! Most of our coops are available for viewing at our property here in beautiful Little River Village, just a short 35 minute drive from Christchurch city. Appointments are necessary, so please phone or email for a time to come and visit. Bring the kids — you never know, you might even witness some baby chicks hatching under their broody mum. If you can’t make it out — just visit us at www.chookmanor.co.nz We have Eftpos on site and major credit cards are accepted. We are happy to accept phone orders and can deliver any of our range of accessories and health care products nationwide. Coops can be delivered too!

Chook Manor Your one stop chook shop

www.chookmanor.co.nz Quality Built Chicken Coop Specialists Stockists of quality poultry products • • • • •

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aNiMaL HEaLTH aND NUTriTiON

July 2012

Grandpa’s feeders has just completed it’s 14th consecutive fieldays at Mystery Creek With the hard times that are upon us at present we have been amazed at our increase in sales every year. It goes to show how popular it is to keep some chooks in the back yard these days. We heard recently that keeping chooks is the number one fastest growing hobby in the UK. Well we believe NZ is right up there as well. Doing the shows gives you an opportunity to talk to the many and varied chook owners out there. We had four chooks at the show to demonstrate our feeders and I think we could have sold them hundreds of times over. Despite the fact that there are other automatic chook feeders on the market now, Grandpa’s believe that their feeder is still the best. It costs a little more, but it is of excellent quality and we provide a full back up service and a money back guarantee. We had one fellow visit us at the show who purchased one of our feeders two years ago, and couldn’t wait to tell us that his feeder paid for itself within six months on the food he saved by not feeding sparrows.

Love your chooks? But hate being tied to daily feeding?

Salt licks for better animal health Before human beings even had a word for sodium or much idea at all about how important it is to the body, hunters and trappers knew all about the value of salt licks As well as sodium, natural salt licks provided herds of animals (as diverse as reindeer, giraffes, elephants and aurochs cattle) with zinc, calcium and phosphorous… trace minerals which living bodies need to aid their natural chemical processes. An easy illustration of the power of trace elements is the use of lithium as a neurochemical balancing agent… this metal derived from salt is one of the most powerful tools of modern mental health treatment. It’s also used to make long lasting batteries! Animals know instinctively that they need to top up their bodies with salt and minerals. Humans, on the other hand, insist on having scientific data to back up what is literally a ‘gut instinct’. It’s no surprise that mammals (like us, and like cows, horses and sheep) need salt… after all, if we believe Charles Darwin we all evolved from the primordial soup of the sea — an environment saturated with life-giving salt. Today, farmers supplement the sodium and minerals available from forage with salt tubs and salt licks formulated scientifically. While they’re not likely to attract many elephants or giraffes (at least not in New Zealand), the principle remains the same. Animals with access to salt and the other trace elements associated with it are healthier, with more robust immune systems and greater resistance to disease and the assault of winter weather. Salt is, of course, sodium chloride, which explains a little of how it benefits living

tissue. Chloride is especially important in cattle as it is necessary for the production of gastric acid — the fuel for digestion that turns grass into muscle mass and milk! Sodium, along with chloride, helps maintain the acid to alkaline balance inside the body. It’s a delicate balance indeed, and must be

maintained for cellular health, growth, and healing. Calcium is famous for building strong bones, but think of where we get our calcium from. Now consider how much calcium a milk producing cow should need to pass on that goodness to hundreds of humans! Zinc, another vital element found

in salt licks, is essential for the body to produce insulin, as well as for growth and for healing. Our modern world now understands the sophisticated nature of naturally occurring Rock Salt, which free-roaming animals in their natural habitat will travel long distances for.

Roaring mad about Johne’s disease in your deer?

So are we!

We have the Johne’s Consultant Network to help you plan an on-farm JD control programme and we’ll even pay to blood test 100 of your deer. Know your status? Find out! Call JML on 0800 456 453 or visit www.johnes.org.nz

Rodents and birds eating their food?

GRANDPA’S CHOOK FEEDERS …are made to save you time and money by eliminating the need for daily feeding and stopping the significant amount of food lost to rats, mice and wild birds. This is the ideal feeder for 1-50 chooks, allowing you to enjoy the goodness of your own farm fresh eggs without attracting pests and their associated diseases. GRANDPA’S FEEDERS developed and sold in New Zealand for over 12 years have become hugely popular and are now considered standard equipment for keeping poultry.

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SATISFACTION GUARANTEED OR MONEY BACK! For happier, healthier more productive chooks contact us.

Phone: 027 276 9794 • 027 497 6021 • 07 552 5225 Email: mark@grandpasfeeders.com • Web: www.grandpasfeeders.co.nz Postal: Windsong Enterprises, 364 Whakamarama Rd, RD6 Tauranga 3176

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WOOL

July 2012

Rob Cope-Williams gets ...

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

Disappointing end to season Considering that the wool market began the season at a relatively strong level with prices for full length fleece around 665 cents per clean kilogram, the end to the season could best be described as ‘disappointing’ with prices for similar wool types slumping to around 445 cents per clean kilogram. The 33 percentage point difference had a variety of reasons attached to it, not the least being the European debt crisis which cast gloom over global business opportunities. Some wool exporters had suggested that the price hike towards the end of the 2010/11 wool selling season and the continued strength overlapping into the early part of the 2011/12 season, may not be sustainable, however others appeared confident that prices had reached a level which was not only sustainable but one which could continue to improve due to the lack of wool supply and, what at that stage appeared to be, very good demand. Unfortunately the former suggestion turned out to be the most correct, as global demand continued to decrease as consumers found less disposable income available amid financial uncertainty, and reduced development opportunities. The last auctions held for the 2011/12 season resulted in a continued sliding of

prices and relatively high pass-in rates of wool failing to reach grower reserves. As already mentioned, prices for full-length crossbred fleece ended the season at around 445 to 450 cents clean. Second-shear prices ended at between approximately 430 cents clean for the good colour and longer types, and approximately 360 cents clean for genuine six month shorn types. Shorter wool (say 25 to 50mm or shorter) struggled to gain interest with a number of these down to levels around 330 cents clean. Despite the low prices achieved of late, a number of exporters have reported renewed interest from processors who were earlier ‘scared-off’ by the rapidly increasing high prices. While grower reaction to that comment may not necessarily be positive, they must remember that pricing during the past 18 months did in fact reach a 20-year high as wool values jumped extremely quickly over a short period. If there is in fact renewed interest at lower levels, at least we may expect to attract buyers who have sustainable businesses resulting in repeatability of contract orders. Longterm we need sustainability, both from a production view-point as well as a manufacturing view-point, and violent fluctuations in

market prices do not assist either party. Wool weights have in general been higher this past season compared to the previous season, and it will be interesting to see how weights pan out during the 2012/13 season which begins with an auction in Napier on July 12. Here’s hoping for a better year to assist the sheep industry maintain it’s importance to our economy, and on that note I wish all sheep farmers (all farmers for that matter) a prosperous season ahead. On a different note, yours truly has recently returned from a three-week holiday in Alaska and Canada. I can thoroughly recommend to all readers the area for its wonderful scenery and the interesting variety of wild animals which we certainly encountered during our time there. However I must also add that during the time spent, I was amazed at the number of, in particular American, people who spoke of their wonderful vacations to New Zealand and how great our people were at service and friendliness towards them as tourists. If I heard it once, I heard the comment a hundred times, that many countries could benefit by taking a leaf from ‘the Kiwi’s’ book of hospitality and service. Well done to little old NZ. Let’s keep up the tradition of making people welcome and enjoying ‘our place’. After all, we do live in the best country in the world! That’s my view.

I recently hosted the awards dinner for the National Ewe Hogget Contest and I was very impressed by the standard, the enthusiasm of the breeders and the overall professionalism of the event. The judges had the incredible job of judging a raft of different flocks from a raft of breeds and were expected to arrive at a winner for each class. Not an enviable job by any means. How do you think you’d go finding a winner of fine wool breeds — Crossbreds, Composites, Coopworths, Romneys, and Perendales? Then the three wise men were expected to find an overall winner. For the record the Fine Wool winners were Tom and Sally More, the Crossbred winners were Sam and Vicki Holland, the Composites winner was Scott and Jo Hassall, the Coopworth title went to John and Karen Gilkinson, the winning Romneys were presented by James and Jane Hunter and the Perendale winners were Preston and Tori

However like all contests involving farming, those who enter say they get a lot more out of it than they ever thought possible.

Each of the classes had a series of photos of the stock, and I was very impressed.

The judges are very quick to talk about the positives and gently massage any areas that could be improved upon.

The range of country was as different as the line up of stock, and how the points system worked is beyond me, but I do know that it was extremely close when the points were added up for the overall winners.

With only constructive things being offered, farmers who by nature of their business operate in a vacuum, suddenly find they have a small group of advisers who have a lot of

Those involved can be justly proud, and to win that award is a huge feather in their hat. It is refreshing to see that the future ewe flocks in New Zealand are in excellent shape.

Peter McCusker Rob Lynskey

Chris Munro

Ph: 027 432 4926

Ph: 027 436 2603

Freephone 0800 946 000

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This was the first time they had entered the contest and admitted to being quite nervous about the whole exercise.

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Preston and Tori Hope, overall winner

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Total stock numbers are 4,750, with 3,250 ewes and 880 hoggets.

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As an Elders Primary Wool client you can expect great service from a nationwide team of wool experts who will support you with the advice and expertise to deliver improved returns for your sheep business.

Talk to your local Elders Primary Wool Representative about maximising the returns on your wool clip.

The Hopes farm 1029 hectares at Deep Stream which is half way between Middlemarch and Outram.

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