Canterbury Farming, July 2015 by Integrity Community Media

July 2015 Edition

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

They protected our quotas

Fertilisers’ association through time P10

Positive waterways achievement P21

Okawa from generation to generation Page 8–9

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Investment a vital need for water project The much-needed Hurunui Water Project irrigation scheme for drought-stricken areas of Hurunui in North Canterbury is seeking further financing to get the project to a commercial-ready stage. HWP is behind the Waitohi Irrigation Scheme which has been hampered by unexpected and extraordinary delays due largely to the changing legislative and regulatory environment over the last seven years HWP chief executive Alex Adams says shareholders have invested $10 million to date but a further $1 million external financing is required to move the project to a commercial-ready stage and be able to access $1.1 million available from the Government’s Irrigation Accelerated Fund scheme. “Our farmer shareholders face compounding challenges with drought and lower dairy returns, so external investment is now required to allow the scheme to proceed to the next important phase,” says Mr Adams. The scheme had nine consents granted in 2013. Two appeals were lodged and are awaiting a final Environment Court ruling, following a mediated agreement in February this year. There were no appeals of an environmental nature. “We are ready to proceed with further investigation work followed by engineering and

economic modelling to have the first stage commercialready when the consents become unencumbered but fur ther investment is required.” He said the scheme has been impacted by the introduction of a new legislative and regulatory regime related to freshwater management but the operating company remains

confident about its future. “While it’s undoubtedly great for the long-term freshwater management of New Zealand, the timing of new policies and regulations, including the introduction of the 2010 Environment Canterbur y Act relating to improved water management, and the introduction of nutrient load limit regulation, has caused unanticipated delays to this

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particular project. There’s a lot at stake, not only the original investment and the wellbeing of those in the Hurunui District but also a significant $100 million economic boost to the regional economy and an estimated 680 jobs that could be lost if the initial scheme cannot continue apace.” Adams says HWP is in discussion with some par ties regarding the required financing, including government, and seeking interest more widely. “For the benefit of the wider community and our shareholders who have already made a significant outlay. We’re hopeful that there can be an exceptional response to our requirement for external financing because of the extraordinary set of circumstances surrounding the project’s development.”

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

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CANTERBURY FARMING July 2015

Economics and environment In a speech made at the local government New Zealand conference, Federated Farmers president Dr William Rolleston encouraged farmers and the government to continue to work together to increase production whilst decreasing environmental impact. “We must continue to enhance our economic benefit by increasing productivity, adding value to our current products and developing new high value products. We must address the risks which exist in the market, in our social licence to operate, in biosecurity, including pests and in our climate,” he said. He outlined areas where economic progress supported a healthy environment regarding fertilisers and water management schemes. “It is a myth that water is free. Farmers pay big dollars to have water reticulated to their farms through their own or other schemes. The proposed Ruataniwha Dam is a good example. “In Canterbury we have seen significant increases in water efficiency through spray irrigation and now precision irrigation. Research is continuing to improve drought tolerance and water efficiency in the very plants themselves.” Mr Rolleston also spoke about soil erosion and the carbon emissions scheme. “New techniques such as no till agriculture, where paddocks are sprayed with herbicide and direct drilled, not only increases productivity but retains soil structure helping to preserve

Farmers are amongst the most carbon efficient animal protein producers in the world. “In the absence of mitigation tools and any charges on our competitors, penalising farmers to the extent it would reduce biological emissions would mean a movement of production to less efficient producers offshore and an increase in global biological emissions.” The speech also outlined Federated Farmers agenda regarding these issues. Near the top of the list is water storage, as an example of

positive resource expansion. “Water storage builds resilience — the trifecta of economic resilience, community resilience and environmental resilience. It also creates headroom to dissipate the issue of constraint. The rationale however is still governed by cost. “The Opuha Dam in South Canterbury remains the leading example of water storage for irrigation. As well as economic benefit the Opuha Dam has increased river flows, generated electricity, provided Timaru City with water as well as

recreation for watercraft, fishers and campers. The courage of a few to build the dam has, through its living example, made possible the Canterbur y Water Management Strategy and in turn the Land and Water Forum. The protagonists knew that economic and environmental gain together was possible.” Mr Rolleston concluded his speech saying that the use of science, engaging farmers and providing them with the tools of modern technology to seek solutions that make economic and environmental outcomes possible.

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July 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

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

Challenging times ahead Canterbury like many other regions of New Zealand will be reeling from a further drop in the Global Dairy Trade price for dairy products and the flow on effects to farmers and the rural economy. The drop in the value of the New Zealand dollar and interest rates are the offsetting positives in what looks like a challenging couple of years ahead. There are plenty of fingers being pointed, and for over 500 Fonterra staff, their commitment to Fonterra has been deemed surplus to requirements. It will be a tough time for those people and their families who like the farmers have relied on Fonterra for their livelihoods. Farmers are expected to survive on close to half their previous income, these staff will lose the lot. The crucial question is what is needed to ensure the farmers as suppliers and shareholders get incomes back up to viable and profitable levels. If the 500 staff were doing essential work which we all assumed was

necessary, then who does their work? Restructuring has been occurring within Fonterra on a regular basis yet suddenly on the same day the GDT prices crashes the CEO announces that 500 staff are surplus to need. The timing and the implementation seems cynical and desperate. As a nation that has supported Fonterra through careful legislation we all hope the company works in the best interests of New Zealand. We are told they are focussed on getting better value for the Kiwi farmers but continue to invest in ventures that deliver more to foreigners while Kiwis carry the risk. China and Australia are obvious beneficiaries at the moment while the traders on GDT leverage the price ever downward with inevitable consequences to New Zealand dairy farmers.

So where do the Board and CEO of Fonterra sit in this challenging equation? It is they who are ultimately responsible for the operations and decisions of the company and all its subsidiaries. The Fonterra directors who also sit on the Boards of the major trading banks may be celebrating record profits but the farmers who are also relying on them will be struggling to meet the payments demanded by the same banks. It is a situation that seems terribly conflicted to me and I wonder if the farmers could be better served by single focussed co-operatively minded individuals who understand the huge challenge facing unsubsidised, unprotected Kiwi farmers in a very competitive international marketplace.

Read the paper online canterburyfarming.co.nz

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

Concern over new standards for forestry A Proposed National Environmental Standard – Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) is open for submissions until August 11. I have been attending the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) consultation meetings around the country on the proposed NES-PF and people are seriously worried. Once the NES-PF is finalised by government and gazetted, it will replace council’s existing district and regional plan provisions for managing plantation forestry across Aotearoa New Zealand, unless the NES-PF specifically says otherwise. There is no further chance for public comment. Submissions are important to strengthen the draft NES-PF. For more information on submissions visit http://bit.ly/1fjYN2b. The proposed NES-PF will not adequately protect our indigenous habitats, our streams and erosion prone land from the impacts of forestry, yet blocks councils from easily setting higher standards where they can see the need. Government has softened the risk

classification of more than 1.6 million hectares from Very High and High Erosion Susceptibility classification, permitting extensive and inappropriate forestr y activity there, with resultant damaging sedimentation. The proposed new NES-PF, for example, reclassifies the majority of Nelson’s Maitai Valley plantation forestry area from high or very high erosion susceptibility to moderate. This means that forestry activities (harvesting, earthworks etc.) become a permitted activity and no resource consent would be required. Last time forests were harvested in the Sharlands and Packards Creek catchments, the streams ran with silt — straight into the Maitai River and then into the estuary. The NES-PF has some limited protection for freshwater fish including indigenous fish, trout and

salmon, particularly during spawning. However there is no consideration of marine fish species that can spawn in freshwater such as flounder and kahawai. The NES-PF will also more easily allow genetically engineered (GE/GMO) trees to be planted, making GE trees a permitted activity ever ywhere should the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approve an application. Concern over The GE trees provision should be removed from the NES-PF. GE trees threaten biodiversity, are fire risks, and are not proven safe for the environment, or human health and safety. Our e nv i r o n m e n t a l standards should set strong bottom lines to protect the environment, not be used to promote the development and deployment of GE trees for the short-term economic benefit of a few transnational corporations.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

From the Minister Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

Dairy price volatility It’s been a very volatile period for dairy prices and this is likely to continue over the next six to twelve months. Falling dairy prices mean it will be a tight year for many farmers and they will need to budget carefully. My advice to farmers is sit down with their professional advisors, like their accountants and banks, and work things through. The world is pretty much awash with milk right now. The removal of the European Milk Quotas is expected to increase the world’s supply of milk, and China’s stockpiling of product and the Russia sanctions are also having an impact. We need to remember that farming is a cyclical business and always has been — prices and returns always fluctuate every year. Farmers are in it for the long term, not just one year. Importantly, the US–NZ exchange rate has reduced by 20 cents in one year which is giving our exporters some confidence. Other sectors like beef and horticulture are having record years which will help soften the impact in rural areas. Farmers are resourceful. In many cases

they have farmed through droughts, storms, and all kinds of challenges. Farmers are not interested in handouts, but there is support out there. As a Government we’ve increased funding for Rural Support Trusts in different parts of the country and we have an extra $500,000 to support mental health in rural communities. We also invest $300m a year in primary sector research and development, and help

support irrigation and water storage projects around the country. The medium to longer term outlook for dairy is strong and forecast to grow by a compound annual growth rate of nearly 7% over the next few years. Price increases are expected to be demand driven, predominantly by wealthier middle class Asian consumers who happen to be almost on our doorstep.

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July 2015

Country Matters with Rob Cope-Williams

Rural Crime At last there’s a bright focus on rural crime. Both the Government and organisations such as Rural Women NZ are now on a very solid awareness campaign in an attempt to reduce what has been a problem for many years. There is no doubt that in many cases the problem is really that of the farmers themselves. Doors left unlocked, tools sitting on the back of the unlocked utes, and petrol pumps left unlocked and ready to be used. Add to that the fact that most homesteads are surrounded by lovely gardens that screen the yard, and it’s a thief’s paradise. As far as stock rustling is concerned there are few options, but locked gates on the road and serious electric fences would certainly deter the casual low life. The professional will always get what they want. I like the sign on the gate saying ‘You need to be able to cover 100 yards in at least 15 seconds

because the bull can’. Seriously though, we all know what a hassle it is to lock everything, and having to carry a pocket full of keys, but finding that the chain saw is missing when you need to clear the drive or fence lines after a strong wind is more of a hassle. Farmers work ver y hard to pay for their tools, vehicles, fuel, and other assets, so why hand them over to low lives who don’t want to work at all and literally live off the land. Sorry if I sound as though I am lecturing a bit, but the best way of stopping rural crime is to cut off the supply. The reason there are gun laws in place and that you need to get checked when you renew is not designed to make you grumpy, it’s to try to stop guns being stolen and used in crimes, or traded at a damn good profit — a profit that is made at your expense. How often do we see rifles and ammo sitting in

full view in a ute, even at the end of the day? A few years ago being slack and leaving everything lying around and buildings unlocked was just what we did. But like being able to pronounce the names of the All Blacks, those days have gone. The police can’t be there as a prevention, they can’t even be there as a precaution or a deterrent so it is totally up to you. I suppose it is all a bit like speeding on the roads, it’s all OK until you meet the guys with the flashing lights and get a fine that would cost a case of scotch. Then it becomes a reality and you set the cruise control and stay at or just below the limit. All we are asking is for you to do a touch of prevention as it’s a lot cheaper and although it’s a hassle, think about crime prevention as a form of insurance, and you put your insurance policies in case of fire etc in place without a second thought.

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July 2015

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Country Law

Money Talk with Andrew Wyllie

with Ronald W. Angland & Son

Investment markets’ update

Legislative rental improvements After some unfortunate events recently in relation to residential rentals of poor standard and a good bit of argument around obligations, the government has proposed some legislative reform to the Residential Tenancies Act. The reforms will begin kicking in as of July next year. The two big changes will be an obligation on landlords to insulate rentals and install smoke alarms. Smoke alarms will be mandatory in all rentals from 1 July 2016. This is a no-brainer which has been welcomed by the fire service and will save lives. The new law will, as of 1 July 2019, require rentals to be retrofitted with ceiling and underfloor insulation unless those areas are not accessible. Landlords could investigate the possibility of insulation costs being subsidised by the Healthy Homes scheme; they should

move promptly, as this scheme is only guaranteed to remain in place until June next year. As with every law these days there will no doubt be included a raft of exemptions and workarounds, but landlords will be liable to state the extent of the rental’s insulation when signing tenants up. There will also be increased penalties for inaccurate disclosures and failures to bring houses to specification (the penalties will also apply to existing landlord responsibilities to repair, e.g. a leaky roof

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or dodgy electrical wiring). The proposed reforms could have gone further, dealing with installation of efficient modern heating and other such matters. Nevertheless, there will be significant health improvements from insulation and prevention of preventable deaths from mandatory smoke alarms. Much of New Zealand’s housing stock is not ageing well and these measures will go some way to ensuring tenants are not stuck choosing between exorbitant heating bills or freezing in winter. This article has been prepared by Craig Wakelin, a Solicitor with Ronald Angland & Son, Solicitors, who may be contacted on Tel: 03 324 3033 or e-mail: craig@anglands. co.nz. John Angland Leeston (03) 324 3033 john@anglands.co.nz Craig Wakelin Leeston (03) 324 3033 craig@anglands.co.nz

Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

(Covering the three months ended 30 June 2015) Global headlines have been dominated by Greek issues during the last three months and shifted focus away from economic recovery. Whatever the outcome economically, Greece is now less important than it was five years ago. Importantly foreign private sector exposures have been reduced. We remain positive on global economic growth continuing to recover. In the United States, the rebound in macro data continues and GDP growth of 3% per annum is expected in the next few quarters. We are also observing a cyclical recovery in Europe, supported by accommodative monetary policy. In China, the structural slowdown in growth continues, but recent monetary policy measures should suppor t shor tterm growth. Global Equity Markets The media highlighting Greece and an uplift in bond rates from record low levels, meant headline equity returns were negative in most markets over the past three months. The New Zealand dollar weakened significantly, after the Official Cash Rate was lowered and New Zealand GDP growth came in materially lower

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than expectations. This near double-digit currency decline, against our trading partners, more than offset the headline equity declines. Historically, United States equities tend to drift in the six months leading into the first hike of a tightening cycle and this year seems to be no different. Elsewhere, of the markets we follow, Hong Kong and Japan were the strongest. Japanese equity returns have been driven by significant monetary policy stimulus which has boosted the competitiveness of the region’s exporters, creating an inflow into equities. China’s new round of monetary stimulus is supporting equity markets and has been reflected in Hong Kong equities. Australian and New Zealand Equity Markets Australian equities underperformed most markets with banks under pressure as regulators signal the need for higher capital requirements. Consumer sectors were also weak with both the retail and media sectors declining. Energy stocks performed well earlier in the period, recovering on the back of a bounce in the oil price (particularly in Australian dollar terms). Our local New Zealand share market returns were modestly lower over the

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past three months driven by a weaker electricity sector. During the period the New Zealand market absorbed a number of share placements and the second instalment payable by Meridian shareholders. A decision on the Tiwai Point smelter has been delayed and this also weighed on sentiment. Fixed interest market New Zealand interest rates were dominated by a cut to the Official Cash Rate and short-term rates also factor in two further cuts to the Official Cash Rate. This is great news for borrowers, but it becomes harder for income investors. Recent bond issues have been very highly sought after and we would expect this demand to continue going forward. United States authorities are still expected to increase short-term interest rates later this year, but the increases are expected to be staged and the impacts gauged before successive moves are made. If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www. forsythbarr.co.nz/investingwith-us/new-to-investing/ or contact Andrew Wyllie, an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew. wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

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Fonterra dairy suppliers will soon know whether the payout forecast will again be revised in August, with the declining value of its dairy products.

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with the company employing in excess of 18,000 people. Fonterra dairy farmers need to stop being friendly, co-operative members and start becoming hard-nosed, demanding shareholders, speaking out and asking the hard questions. Does the Global Dairy Trade auction system set up by Fonterra really maximise the price for our dairy products? No doubt there will be screams of affirmative from the industry but is it simply a cost effective way of easy selling? Marketing is about producing a product the customer wants and optimising the price you receive. Apple are one of the best marketers of our time. They produce a great functioning but well designed product that customers want and they can command a significant premium against their competitors. I doubt if Apple would contemplate ever auctioning off their

products to determine the market price. In fact, they manage their own price in the market and aggressively protect its value. If we are to really achieve an added value for our supposedly clean green safe dairy products how can we capture a premium when we dump thousands of tonnes, along with everybody else’s, on the auction floor for the customers to set the price. How do we develop strong relationships with our customers and build customer loyalty when we treat them all the same in the auction room? How do we ultimately build added value if we continue to use the crude auction process? This country for decades has talked about added value and done the actual opposite. The consultancy company, McKinsey, that originally promoted the mega merger resulting in Fonterra, has now been appointed to review Fonterra’s

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Time to ask the hard questions The dair y giant’s competitor Open Country announcing its revised forecast milk price downwards into the range of $3.65–$3.95 from $4.70–$4.90 a kilo will spook the banks and their farmer clients, especially if the Fonterra current cash advance paid to farmers drops to the level of the Open Country announcement of $3.00 a kilo of milk solids for August and October. With November to January forecast at an initial $2.75, the average New Zealand dairy farmer will face a financial operating loss from dairy returns in excess of $200,000. NZX dairy futures price predictions that milk powder will decline even further to US$1,570 a tonne, is well short of the US$3,500 a tonne required for Fonterra to meet its current $5.25 per kilo milk solids forecast. Dairy farmers now face the prospect of receiving the lowest payout since the 2002–2003 season’s $3.63 return. Fonterra’s seemingly belated announcement in recent weeks that it has now engaged consultants to look at its core business, and that there will be 500 staff redundancies, will be viewed by many as an action taken too late and insignificant

July 2015

performance. Well Fonterra has not got even close to delivering what was originally proposed and the company’s soft underbelly has certainly been exposed with the slump in prices. The fact that they have to employ consultants to decide where they are going wrong says bucket loads about the effectiveness of both the management and the board. It’s unlikely any of the top brass will fall on their sword leaving the pain and hurt of their lack of skill to the lower echelons of Fonterra and their farmer suppliers. The board’s chairman and other directors are up for reelection at the forthcoming annual general meeting. History has shown that when company shareholders lose confidence and morale is low, it normally results in the non re-election of the chairman and directors.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Okawa FROM

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BY ANN MORGAN David and Rosemary Morrow ran Okawa Hereford Stud at Mt Somers in the foothills of the Canterbury Plains from 1977. They retired last year and passed the reigns to their daughter and son-in-law Penny and Nick France. The stud was originally established by David’s father in 1954. This year marked the stud’s 46th sale and the first the young couple were in charge of.

ick who is 35-yearsold met Penny who is 33-years-old when they were teenagers, eventually getting together at University. The couple have moved around, working on various farms before they returned to the stud. They now have four children aged six, five and three-yearold twins. They have two staff — Sam Lock from Methven is the second in charge, and Joe White from Geraldine as shepherd. Their breeding philosophy is — ‘having

bulls that perform well under commercial conditions and produce well grown, profitable offspring’. “We have been back for four years now, returning from Southland where we were stock managing for the Turner family in Mossburn,” said Nick. “We came home and leased half of the farm for a couple of years and David decided last year that it was time to retire, so we took over management of the stud.” David and Rosemary are still living on the property

and David gives the couple advice and helps out with bits and bobs. “It has been a long process to take over the reins. We haven’t just jumped in — there was a lot involved in the process to achieve a good transition of management. We make breeding decisions together and go to sales together and discuss what we need. David’s input is still very important.” The herd is r un commercially which includes winter on hill country for cows which puts pressure

Nick and Penny France have taken over the managing of Okawa station and plan to carry on with the core values of the stud

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Looking across the valley into the ranges, Nick and Jack move cattle across the farm on to test constitution. Over summer they are used as a tool for growing pasture for the commercial sheep operation. They maintain the quality of the pasture and keep it under control. The farm has 4,500 commercially run ewes. The main mob is Romney and from these replacements are bred, as well as crossbred — East Friesian/Texel/Romney — ewe replacements, which

July 2015

Jack, Sylvie, Blaise and Violet observing how the winter cattle breaks are implemented

form the crossbred flock and go to a blackface ram. Crossbred hoggets are mated also. The annual bull sale was held in June and sold 41– 42 bulls, for an average of $5,700. “It was a good strong commercial sale — we were really happy. We have regular clients who we hope got great value for their money and we are pleased about that,”

said Nick. “This year we have some exciting yearling bulls from Okawa Major 2008, he was the $55,000 bull sold a couple of years ago to the North Island and we used him as a yearling. We also have Limehills Hogan and Matariki Holy Smoke sons that are shaping up well. “Our clients often comment on the longevity and soundness of our bulls. They go home happy knowing the

animal will last the distance. It’s a testament to David’s attention to detail on the critical basics of conformation and constitution,” said Nick. The couple plan to continue to maintain and build on the performance and quality of their stock. Their bulls go everywhere from Northland to Southland and the Chathams.

“They have been tested around the countr y in different environments. Our clients include some of the harder places so structure and doing-ability are tested. “David’s role is still keeping an eye on us and making sure the stud continues to run well. He has decades of experience and plenty of knowledge to pass on.

Our plan for the future is to carry on with the core values of the stud and continue improving performance, while maintaining balance and athleticism in our bulls. ”We want to breed wellfleshed, active commercial bulls with strong constitutions and improving performance which are the core values the stud was founded on.”

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rotect p y e

OUR QUOTAS BY ANN MORGAN

A group of retired fisheries officers gather annually to reminisce, walk Ripiro beach, go fishing, look at old photos and tell stories — some true and some not so true, of years gone bye.

he team worked across the country from Cape Reinga to the Bluff and beyond, via air, land and sea between 1967–89. They say it is the best job they could have discovered back in the day. The camaraderie between teammates was high and the experiences unique and varied. Kenneth Ford ser ved his final 10 years in the South Island, based out of Christchurch. “It was a great life experience, and very settling after coming back from the Vietnam war,” said Ken. Diving and recovering poached goods was all part of the job and he travelled

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around the country including the Chatham Islands to relieve the stationed officer for three weeks at a time. “I was promoted and relocated to Christchurch as the senior fisheries officer and was responsible for seven permanent staff and 14 honorary fisheries officers. Our main job was checking the trawlers and foreign fishing fleets were manned properly, and ensuring all documentation was accurate. “We had some of the best mussel, paua and crayfish in the area around Akaroa, Kaikoura, Timaru and Christchurch. Kaikoura was a major commercial area, and we dived from Lyttelton to Akaroa surveying paua and

checking on stock levels. We confiscated a lot of diving gear from illegal divers in Akaroa for harvesting undersized paua and crayfish.” At times he would spend six weeks on Korean fishing boats, obser ving and ensuring they abided by and understood the rules. He also dealt with misunderstandings owing to language barriers. “It was good to work with the guys on the boats — we had good relationships with them,” he said. Fraser MacLean recalls training was literally — here is a vehicle, a book of regulations, a warrant, and at times a small boat — ‘away you go’. He remembers

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CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

Ken Ford, inspecting divers paua for regulation size and quota in the Lyttelton Harbour

The officers observed boats like this, checking the operational methods of purse seiner fishing. This one was netting for kahawai the biggest apprehension of undersized crayfish of approximately 1,300, and another incident with 16,000 pipis. Richard Williams joined straight out of school and says it was exciting with the behind the scenes work, similar to detective planning. Farmers would let them cross through their properties. Two flicks of the headlights at night meant it was them and the gates would be unlocked, giving them access to the goings on of the coast. Duncan Chisholm was the first ‘trainee’ to be employed and joined because

it ‘sounded appealing and fun’. As some shellfish are fat in winter, they would have to anticipate which nights to monitor the shore, often coinciding just before weekends because poachers would be getting ready for pub raffles. “We believed in what we were doing. We were protecting our resources from being over-harvested,” said Billy. “We had to go to sea as well, to the 200-mile fishing zone, observing international fishing boats and supervise the transfer of fish to the mother ships.” Ian Walker

recalls catching full-time poachers with 23 sacks of mussels. This incident ended up with fisheries being physically assaulted. The situations varied and changed daily and this made the job interesting. “We gained valuable experience in a short amount of time,” said Don Young. “ We obser ved on horseback at times to be less conspicuous. On many occasions people would make a run for it and drive into the ocean, or get stuck in the sand, and still get caught.” It was in experiencing these incidents that he

realised the job was much bigger than just counting seafood on the beach. The men worked 24/7 but over time the position took a more administrative role and the rules and regulations started changing. These officers discovered it didn’t really suit them anymore so one by one they departed the industry. They reflect on years past and say they were lucky to have experienced so many different places around the country in the variety of roles they played, and yes, they would all go back in time and do it again.

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WATER

CANTERBURY FARMING

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

IrrigationNZ announces delivery of three new qualifications Three new irrigation qualifications IrrigationNZ has been developing since 2012 are now ready to be launched. The first qualification, ‘Irrigation Performance Assessment’, is scheduled for three days in September 2015. This level four qualification has involved a major overhaul of the previous irrigation evaluation qualification, so it is now

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suited to irrigators that want to grow their understanding of irrigation systems. The second qualification, ‘Irrigation Manager’, is scheduled for two days in November 2015. This is a level four qualification designed for workers and managers at the coalface of irrigated properties. The qualifications focus is on practical application and ‘on job’ learning. Those that complete the qualification will be able to schedule and make irrigation decisions that optimise production — in essence become SMART Irrigators. The ‘Irrigation Manager’ qualification comes at a time when there is a need for greater accountability. The next generation of irrigators being trained and qualified will demonstrate to the regulator and public alike that the irrigation industry is serious about lifting its game. Becoming SMART Irrigators with increased knowledge and ability will not only lift irrigation efficiency, but will improve the environmental performance and productive

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and financial performance of irrigation. The third qualification, a revamped ‘Irrigation Designer’ qualification has been split into three training modules, which will run in January, February and March in 2016. All three qualifications have been welcomed by regulators and primar y industry alike and will further enhance the irrigation industry’s proactive stance on improving performance — the move to SMART Irrigation.

Go to our website www. irrigationnz.co.nz for more details and to register. And don’t forget bookings for the SMART Expo at IrrigationNZ’s 2016 Conference and Expo next April are now on sale. The expo is an ideal opportunity for companies and businesses that have an irrigation focus to showcase products and ser vices to delegates and other industry clients who visit the expo. Network Waitaki

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WATER

CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

Irrigation Issues with Dr Tony Daveron Irrigation — Yeah Right?? July, a southerly just been through again, it’s cold, there is some fresh snow and I have an article to write about irrigation. Thank you Tui — Yeah Right! But we are closer to irrigating than not and I will feel guilty if I don’t meet the deadline. So what’s topical and/or hard hitting to write about irrigation. Nobody is irrigating so nobody is doing things right or wrong that can inspire an article. However, here’s some thoughts about getting the best out of your soil moisture sensors (or not). I have previously alluded to the Pareto principle — what we

all refer to as the 80:20 rule; that is • 80% of the gains are gained from getting the basic essentials right. In the case of soil moisture measurement (no matter how you do it) it is all about good site selection and good installation — 80% of the benefit of soil moisture

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July 2015

WATER

CANTERBURY FARMING

Weather Watch by Tony Trewinnard In common with recent months, June brought more southwesterly airflow than usual over New Zealand, with low pressure systems forming in the Tasman Sea and moving across New Zealand while anticyclones tracked further south than usual. Overall temperatures for June were near or a little below normal, but this statistic masks considerable contrast between the two halves of the month, and between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Daytime maximum temperatures were near normal overall. Nighttime minimum temperatures were

colder than usual, and much colder in some inland areas which saw record setting frosts. Sunshine hours were well above normal, by at least 20% and up to 40% in some areas. Many inland parts of the region above about 200m altitude had snow lying on the ground for 5–10 days during the month. Rainfall totals

were boosted considerably late in the month as snow which had fallen earlier. Most areas recorded at least normal rainfall for the month, and generally totals across the Plains were 20–50% above normal. By near the end of July this month was shaping up as colder than normal

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as frequent southwesterly changes dropped snow on the region and brought periods of heavy frost. Rainfall and sunshine totals were near normal. In the tropical Pacific, ocean temperatures remain clearly in El Nino conditions. A moderate to strong El Nino is currently in place, and is largely responsible for the frequent southwesterly airflows over New Zealand. This El Nino is expected to increase further in intensity and may become close to a ‘strong’ event soon. Curiously the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) shows little trend towards strong El Nino conditions, remaining near neutral. Most computer models still

favour the development of a strong El Nino over the next 3–4 months, although a few have scaled back their expectations. We still expect this current event to be of relatively short duration, peaking around September or October, and then decaying during the summer. A strong La Nina event often follows short-lived El Ninos of this type and this looks increasingly likely later next year. As we move towards a peak in El Nino (which will cover the period till about October) we expect to see on-going frequent periods of cool southwesterly airflow over New Zealand with regular rainfalls over Canterbury. However, once we pass the

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peak and begin the descent towards La Nina we often see a shift to more westerly airflow, and can experience dry months. This may provide some hint of what may be coming through the summer and first half of next year. Looking at previous years with similarly developing El Nino patterns, we find that most winters and springs were characterised by increased frequency of cool southwesterly airflow over New Zealand, and we have already experienced this in June and July. As we move through winter and into spring, we confidently expect to see this trend continue. From August through to October we expect to see anticyclones dominant in the Tasman Sea with some low pressure systems over or near New Zealand, and frequent periods of southwesterly airflow. Inevitably, being the winter season, some of these southwesterly airflows will tilt southerly and bring cold outbreaks. Therefore we expect Canterbury to see mostly near normal rainfall for the next few months, with sunshine hours possibly a little above normal, and mean temperatures colder than usual. Come November, we may start to experience an enhanced period of spring westerly or northwesterly airflow, which may herald the start of a prolonged period of drier (but not necessarily warmer) than normal months.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

Next phase for NAIT July is the start of the next phase for OSPRI’s NAIT programme with the three-year exemption period for pre-NAIT cattle now over.

This means that all cattle must be tagged and registered in the NAIT system, even if they are not leaving your property or were born before the NAIT programme launched in July 2012 — the transition period for deer ends on 1 March 2016. “Our goal is to get everybody on board with NAIT so we can all reap the benefits of tighter TB control and continued access to export markets. The only way to make this happen is if farmers play their part and fulfil their NAIT obligations,” said OSPRI group manager Dr Stu Hutchings. A key focus over the coming months will be working with farmers to help them understand and meet their obligations. The information collected by NAIT allows OSPRI to hold and report on movement and location data to support our food safety and biosecurity systems within New Zealand. Dr. Hutchings says, “We’ve got a team out in the field dedicated to helping farmers meet their obligations. We need every cattle and

deer farmer to provide the information about their stock, or they jeopardise the effort put in by their fellow farmers throughout the country who see the importance of this for primary industry.” OSPRI is constantly working on ways to make it easier to meet NAIT obligations and recently launched a new way for farmers to update their NAIT account called ‘stocktake’. Using a scanner, farmers can scan all their animals, or a group of them, and upload one up-to-date file to the NAIT system. OSPRI also recently announced there will be no change to the process for your animals that are impractical to tag — ITT. You can continue sending these animals to a meat processor, and pay a $13 ITT levy. The current legislation around ITT animals is going to be reviewed and the process for them is likely to change in the future. OSPRI helps protect and enhance the reputation of New Zealand’s primary industries. It currently runs the NAIT and TBfree programmes.

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July 2015

FORESTRY & LOGGING

CANTERBURY FARMING

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF, Laurie Forestry Ltd

Forestry at an interesting point The current affairs of China are certainly making for some interesting days at present. Across the forestry sector in New Zealand, all eyes and ears strain to see and hear the latest in factors like daily timber consumption, the cash situation and just what the China Government will do next. From my phone calls to traders and buyers in China, it is clearly evident they are also very worried. Just like us, the daily grind of business is centred around trade and maintaining good relationships with customers and suppliers. It is times like these when you really appreciate the maintenance of good business and sticking without exception to the principals of honesty, loyalty and commitment. It is very obvious to me the China people I deal with value these elements as much as we do. For exporters in the NZ timber trades, in the immediate term, we expect

the falling exchange rate and reducing shipping costs to off-set the downside of falling CNF settlements for both the log and lumber export sectors. For July sales the market indicator A grade has held a steady price path of around US$100 per cubic metre. All indicators in the last week show that we can expect August settlements to ease US$5. At the NZ wharf gate it is possible prices could actually increase as FOREX and Shipping impact positively. For suppliers of both log and lumber into Asia, including the China Eastern Seaboard, over-supply will kill any chance of short to medium term revival. Supplies of lumber from Russia and Pacific NorthWest have been very strong, biting in to the radiata log market but also at rates that confirm there

will be no lifts in prices any time soon. Current indicators are suggesting China log consumption is running at around 45,000 cubic metres per day, down significantly on May, but not unexpected for this time of year. Meanwhile a reduced log supply has seen volumes, predominantly from NZ and Australia, drop to around 50,000 cubic metres per day. Inventories have therefore continued to build and domestic prices in RMB (China currency) terms have also started to fall. Domestically we have seen local sawmills chug along with nothing major to report. A slight undersupply of log is continuing to see some mills struggle for sufficient logs to maintain optimal production. Prices are holding firm and the exchange rate is certainly helping to keep export lumber sales in the black. The Christchurch

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rebuild seems to be on a rest period, and outside of the normal speculations, nobody call tell me why the critical demand profile appears to have flattened. The falling exchange rate against the greenback is

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rates, and in my experience this is a forerunner to bulk rates dropping also. As reported previously, pruned log prices are the big bright light glowing solidly with current prices the highest experienced in many years and only about NZ$10 per tonne off the highest ever experienced. China appetite for pruned clearwood logs has remained steady and prices have stayed outside the shenanigans of the unpruned segment. Some price pressure has come on in recent weeks but the US$5–7 per cubic metre drops have been more than offset by the dropping NZ$/ US$ exchange rate. It continues to be thoroughly important to remember the trees keep growing regardless and peoples of the world continue to need wood for wide ranging reasons. Thus it has never been more timely to remember, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees!

Laurie Forestry Ltd

Harvesting & Marketing, Consultants & Managers

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

FORESTRY & LOGGING

CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

ADVERTORIAL

Strength in the Canterbury Forest Domestic Sawmill Market Management services Since its beginnings in the early 90s Forest Management Group set a goal to support Domestic Sawmill supply in the Canterbury region. Relationships developed with sawmill owners and consistent pricing of log grades has proved invaluable to our woodlot owners over the years as the export market spikes and dips in line with global economic factors. To highlight the strength in domestic saw log value we analysed a recent harvest operation in North Canterbury to show where the true value in this harvest operation was discovered. The below list highlights 6 key domestic mill customers Forest Management supplied in this harvest operation: • IPL — Greymouth (pruned & unpruned peeler logs) • WestCo Lagan — Hokitika (pruned sawlog) • McAlpines — Rangiora (small branched sawlog and post material) • Stoneyhurst Sawmilling Co — Christchurch (small branched sawlog) • SRS NZ — Rolleston (small branched sawlog) • Daiken NZ — Sefton (chip wood)

With 25 years’ experience in the industry the Forest Management Team offer services in: • Woodlot and shelterbelt harvesting • Timber sales to domestic and export markets • Forest establishment of harvested and greenfield sites • Forest Valuation • Emission trading scheme advice and management • Trainer/Assessor in NZQA forestry related units Our highly experienced team aims to ensure value optimisation in all aspects of forest management.

At the time of harvest export prices were sitting just below the 5 year average, this resulted in domestic log grades surpassing export values and was prioritised in our cut plan. Of the 510 tons cut per hectare 70% of timber went to domestic mills and 30% into the export market. In this particular job domestic mill relationships proved valuable in providing price stability to the forest owner. Export grades were shipped via Lyttelton Harbour where Forest Management

has a strong presence. Reliable offshore customers ensure that forest owners have peace of mind that logs will be moved off their property and royalties will be paid. When choosing a Forest Management company it is encouraged to explore what markets are available to ensure maximum harvest revenue. For a no obligation woodlot value analysis contact Forest Management Group on 03 343 4101 or visit our website for a full list of services www. forestmanagement.co.nz.

To find out more call us on 03 343 4101 or visit www.forestmanagement.co.nz

Help us keep you

connected

Reduce the risk of power cuts CUT DOWN – consider removing tall trees that could fall through power lines.

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TRIM EARLY – if you can’t cut down the tree, keep remaining trees trimmed to at least 2.5m from low voltage lines or at least 4m from high voltage lines. Ideally further. BE SAFE – please call Orion on 0800 363 9898 for a list of qualified contractors. PLANT WISELY – ask us about safe planting distances and power line friendly trees and shrubs.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Six DairyNZ spots up for election Nominations for farmer-elected directors on the board of industry body DairyNZ open on August 5 and close on August 28. This year three farmer positions are open for election to the board, and three positions on the director’s Remuneration Committee. Voting on both the DairyNZ board and remuneration committee will be held from September. Dair yNZ chair man John Luxton is standing down after nine years, having been a founding director during DairyNZ’s transition from predecessor organisation, Dexcel. Two other farmer-elected directors positions are up for election with directors Michael Spaans and Ben Allomes retiring by rotation, but still eligible to stand for re-election. All farmers paying a levy on milk solids to DairyNZ are eligible to stand for election. An information pack outlining criteria and nomination requirements for the positions can

be obtained from the returning officer. Nominations must be received by the returning officer by 12 noon on Friday, August 28. If more than the required nominations are received, elections will be carried out by postal, fax and internet voting using the STV — single transferable vote — voting method. Votes will be weighted by annual milk solids production. Voter packs will be posted on September 14 to all registered DairyNZ levy payers. Results will be announced at the DairyNZ AGM in the Waikato on October 13. For fur ther details contact the returning officer, Anthony Morton on 0800 666 030, email elections@ electionz.com or go to dairynz.co.nz/election or electionz.com.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

FOCUS ON FERTILISER Fertilisers’ association through time Being a predominantly farming area, Canterbury has a long history of using fertilisers. Be it top dressing or ground spreading, Cantabrians have seen it all. In fact, the first commercial aerial top dressing occurred in this area in 1949. Tiger Moth ZK-ASO paved the way by applying superphosphate, on a property at Tai Tapu. The plane carried 181 kilograms of fer tiliser, taking seven and a half minutes for each trip. It was estimated that it saved over half the cost of manual spreading. It was only natural that Canterbury also created a branch of the New Zealand Bulk Fertilisers’ Association, holding their first meeting in June of 1967. This later became known as the NZ Groundspread Fer tilisers’ Association. Meetings were held at the Transport Secretariat rooms in Manchester Street in Christchurch and other venues including pubs. Members came from an extended area, covering Methven to Kaikoura and the West Coast. In 1986 the Canterbury branch wa s formed amalgamating the

Ashburton, Canterbury and Central Districts. The Canterbury branch saw a number of developments made to the face of fertilising in this region. One of these was the establishment of Spreadmark with Lincoln Ventures in 1994. This scheme is organised by the Fertiliser Quality Council which is made up of representatives from fertiliser

user groups, applicators and manufacturers allowing for precision agriculture and to monitor environmental impact. The Spreadmark Scheme is a fertiliser placement quality assurance programme and aimed to place fertilisers where they can be of most agricultural benefit and least environmental harm. The scheme registers spreading

companies, provided they have certified spreading machinery, trained operators and an appropriate quality management system. Systems are independently audited to make sure farmers and regional councils are happy with the programme. The precision placement of fertiliser depends on the careful integration

of operator skills, sound spreading equipment and appropriate fertilisers. It is the combination of these factors that is at the heart of the Spreadmark scheme. Although registration is

voluntar y, groundspread operators are encouraged to sign up as there are many benefits to the proper placement of fer tiliser, both agronomically and environmentally.

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July 2015

FERTILISER

CANTERBURY FARMING

GROUND SPREADING OVER TIME Before the invention of some machinery, fertiliser was spread out of sacks by hand. Nowadays farmers have access to complex technology measuring all aspects of the fertilisation process making the task quicker and more efficient.

ertilisation gradually evolved to being distributed from one hundredweight bags, loaded onto trucks by hand and spread by spreader boxes not much wider than the vehicle itself.

Later a bin was added to the equation, controlled by the wheel with a small motor driving the spinner on the back. “Then came the bin on the back of a truck which was driven off the wheel and a small motor driving

a spinner on the back. This greatly improved the spreading company’s ability to cover more ground, as they could cart it in bulk and travel faster and wider over the paddocks,” says R and R Haulage owner,

Ron Smith. Accuracy has changed a bit too. “The accuracy at the time was to have a look at the back of the vehicle and walk across the paddock. You would step out the start to finish of the width of spread and

Gypsum is one of those rare materials that performs in all categories of soil treatment: an amendment, conditioner and fertiliser. It is useful in the transition period in dairy cows 2 – 4 weeks pre & post calving, and can be used as an anionic salt to counteract the effects that high potassium & sodium concentrations have on increasing hypocalcemia. Gypsum, a readily available form of calcium, is 100 times more soluble than lime and is more suitable for the digestive system during this period. Gypsum in fertilising Soil tests for many areas in New Zealand show that sulphur deficiency is wide spread. Although the importance of this element is often overlooked, sulphur is needed in at least equal quantities to phosphorus. Many responses in crops are sulphur responses arising from the sulphate radical (SO4‑‑), rather than phosphate responses.

• Readily dissociates into free calcium ions (Ca++) and sulphate ions (SO4‑‑), major elements in plant nutrition • Has an approximately neutral pH and can be used in heavy applications without causing undue alkalinity in soils

Ronnie Smith of R and R Haulage is always on the look out for new innovations

Gypsum in water savings • Promotes water infiltration, retention and conservation • Allows water to penetrate the soil without forming puddles or water logging • Conserves water by stretching intervals between irrigations • Tests show that farmland treated with gypsum requires up to 33% less water than soils without recent gypsum application Gypsum in soil conditioning • Breaks up soils compacted by sodium and clay, and compounded by farm animals and machinery • Reduces cracking and compaction following irrigation and retards soil crusting • Allows soil to dry more quickly after rain or irrigation so that it may be worked sooner

that was the width you spread to.” Distances were marked out by the width and spread and a piece of insulation tape was placed on the mirror stem allowing the farmer to line it up with the wheel mark.

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“The door on the bin and the cog on the wheel were the only things you altered to get the right spread rate. Sometimes we got it correct. Once we got it correct it was written down in a book in the truck and kept for

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FERTILISER further reference.”Over time, like all industries, technology developed and a computer was created for the vehicle which was hooked up to hydraulics. Applicator s only needed to enter the rate, density and how far apart they drove and the computer calculated it. Fertiliser spreading was really taking off at this stage and large quantities could be applied in one day — far greater than ever before. Ron doesn’t think it was particularly accurate but it was the best they had. Then, “NASA and the Americans had some satellites roaming around in space and finally agreed to let the rest of the world use them and out came the Global Positioning System.” Once GPS came on the scene, everything changed. Now technology meant farmers could programme the exact location. Fertiliser bin manufacturers and computer companies leapt at the chance to use this technology recognising the money saving potential. “The industry had changed again to provide the farmer with a more accurate spread distance and every wheel mark was the same distance apart. Spreadmark was then developed and this tested the vehicle for a correct spreading distance of the fertiliser being applied and between the GPS and the Spreadmark Scheme fertiliser was finally being applied correctly and the farmer was reaping the benefits.”

CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

Over time technology has developed, making fertilisation quicker and easier

Now there is even more accurate technology which keeps the cost down and improves yields called Prescription Spreading or Variable Rate Spreading. Going one step further, this technolog y means fertiliser is only applied to the areas it is needed, cutting down on waste. Ron Smith has seen fertiliser spreading come a long way in the 30 years that he has been in the industry.

“I can see there will be more advancement to be made to spreading fertiliser in the future and the farmer and the environment will be better for it.” He has noticed there has been a changing mood towards natural fertilisers to improve soil health and releasing nutrients to the plants and says he is always on the lookout for new innovations to benefit his clients.

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GET THEM ACROSS THE ADVANTAGE LINE WITH Nutrition is the key to optimum performance. Help your cows fly through calving with Calcimate – the trusted, quality choice for calcium supplementation.

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July 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

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FERTILISER

CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

ADVERTORIAL

Using microbes to enhance fertiliser performance There are many compounds both organic and inorganic that are largely unavailable to plants, in fact a lot of these compounds are nutrients added in fertilisers and organic matter.

This leads to wastage and nutrient leaching as they are not being used by the plants. However, microorganisms can solubilise these compounds and make them available for uptake by the plant’s root system. These microbes will also make it easier for plants to access these nutrients and allow the plant to put more energy into growth. In performing this important function, the

microbes create a more efficient use of added nutrients, generating a better growth response from fertiliser inputs. Also research has demonstrated the ability to lower fertiliser use while still getting the same yield. This doesn’t happen unless there are good populations of bacteria and fungi in the soil. By using a microbial inoculant like Effective Microorganisms,

significant populations of beneficial microbes that stimulate other important soil bacteria and fungi are added to kick start the biological function of the soil. EM is a product with a multitude of benefits, many of which are discussed and implemented all around the world. In addition to enhancing fertiliser, EM can also provide nutrient sources

Microbes for Enhanced Fertiliser Performance Effective Microorganisms (EM) is a low cost microbial inoculant that will improve crop and pasture yields and enhance fertiliser and effluent performance.

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outside of fertiliser inputs — these include fixing atmospheric nitrogen, converting organic

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YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S AROUND THE CORNER

Where there is MUCK there is money! SAVE $$$ on artificial fertiliser by utilising the effluent stored in your ponds. Talk to me to arrange an analysis of your effluent and to plan to get the maximum value out of your slurry ponds and onto your paddocks.

ENGINEERING REPAIRS

Continuing to service, repair & manufacture fertiliser spreaders

• Contract Machinery • Fertiliser Spreaders • CNC Profile and HD Plasma Cutting • Transport Decks, Crates• Recycling Presses Manufactured ENGINEERING REPAIRS (2012) LTD 14 Watson Street, Industrial Estate, Ashburton Ph 03 308 1506 | Fax 03 308 1516 | engrep@xtra.co.nz | www.engrep.co.nz

July 2015

FERTILISER

CANTERBURY FARMING

Agrichem: The Precision Agriculture Specialists Agrichem is an innovative world leader in technology and the production of high quality fertilisers that are sourced globally and formulated in their own custom facility. be successful through timely and professional services and knowledge in dealing with events outside the norm.

The diverse product range covers everything needed by todays demanding growers. From Organic and Biological products to chelates, plant activators, seed dressings, suspensions, complex and sulphate micros – the range is extensive.

Agrichem, with over 20 years’ service to the farming community.

Our Products

Whatever your goal is Agrichem can help by selecting the right product and advising the right time of application to give you the result you want. Pete and Graeme stand behind all their products with a commitment to farmers. “We have the specialist products giving scientifically proven and tested results all based on giving the most efficient result for the best dollar per hectare spent”. “Our goal is to increase farmers return on the investment required to grow all crops, from grass, maize, fodder beet, vegetables, grapevines, tree crops, flowers and anything at all. We can design programmes to suit your specific outcomes whatever they may be – higher tonnage, increased nutrition, better shelf life, more protein, higher brix or earlier harvest dates.Our in-house agronomy and irrigation specialists can help develop packages to suit your requirements”

Agrichem NZ is backed by the full resources of Agrichem Australia with its team of in house agronomists, irrigation scientists and team of research people along with technical resources pulled from one of the largest farming cooperatives in the USA. This allows Pete and Graeme to provide the latest information on products and technology to allow farms to operate sustainably and economically. These include soil moisture probes, weather

Seed Germination without NutriSeed®

stations, Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) and fertigation systems. “Through our resource network we can provide technology, products, knowhow and crop programs tailored to suit any farming situation. We can troubleshoot when needed, provide crop pathology and supply products to help mitigate” Our programs are structured with product turning up to farm when needed. Planning to

Seed Germination with NutriSeed®

− − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −

Soluble Solids Complex Micro Nutrients Plant Activators Secondary Nutrients Soil and Water Conditioners Suspension Micros Chelated Micro Nutrients Complex NPK’s Plant Health Products Simple NPK’s Sulphate Micros BFA Certified Organic Products Weather stations Soil Moisture/Temp/Conductivity Resin Balls Fertigation Systems Irrigation monitoring and strategy Agronomy and plant programmes Seed Dressing Activators and Fertilisers − Biologicals

What Our Clients Say “We had a soil problem that stopped my grass growing as it should and made nitrogen applications ineffective. This was worrying and frustrating. I had no immediate answers. Graeme and Pete gave insight to the cause and provided a remedy that got the soil engine running sweet again. Growing great grass again. I am grateful for that. Grass not growing right? Give the lads a call”. Georgia and Mike Dewhirst, Dewhirst Land Company (415Ha effective, 2 milking sheds for 1650 cows)

Last season’s maize crop was the biggest by far using the fertiliser and agronomy provided by the boys from Agrichem. We are now evaluating different seed treatments to improve our establishment and yield. Graeme and Pete are always available, informative and keen to lend a hand – especially treating seeds late at night!” Andrew Stewart, Cresslands Farms Limited (Milking, cropping and support blocks)

Pete Kerdemelidis

Graeme Pile

AGRICHEM NZ LTD (S.I) 185 Kirk Road, Innovation Park (Blue Gum Rd) Templeton 7675, Christchurch, New Zealand MOBILE 027 574 3667 PHONE 03 420 3784 FREEPHONE 0800 337 840 EMAIL pete@agrichemnz.com

AGRICHEM NZ LTD (S.I) 185 Kirk Road, Innovation Park (Blue Gum Rd) Templeton 7675, Christchurch, New Zealand MOBILE 027 624 6750 PHONE 03 420 3784 FREEPHONE 0800 337 840 EMAIL graeme@agrichemnz.com

Business Development Director

Sales and Technical Director

AGRICHEMNZ.COM

FERTILISER

CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

ADVERTORIAL

Optimising Lime & Sulphur Application New Zealand agriculture’s competitive advantage is our ability to produce pasture-based feed at relatively low costs. Maintaining and enhancing productivity is just, if not, more important in times of economic pressure. Soil fertility is key to this, but we must always challenge smarter and more efficient use of fertiliser expenditure to enhance productivity. This starts with creating a healthy soil environment for quality pasture. Regular fine-lime application to provide a suitable soil pH and to enhance soil health is important to get the most out of other nutrients inputs. Fine-lime also helps to improve soil structure leading to better moisture absorption and root development, enabling plants to better access available water and nutrients. These improvements are in a large-part due to increased microbial and earthworm activity creating a better aerated soil. Soil biology responds positively to readily available fine lime, which also leads to improved nutrient cycling and improved utilisation of other fertiliser inputs. Optimal utilisation of inputs will be critical for future development while working within nutrient budgets. Optimise is ultra-fine lime in a pelletised form that has been shown to be effective at lower application rates than

peak-demand periods. Optimise is also a valuable tool for the application of trace elements such as boron, where inclusion within the pellets provides excellent

coverage that is otherwise hard to achieve at such light application rates. Because Optimise is a dry pelletised product it can also be blended with high-

analysis fertilisers such as DAP and urea in a single pass application. For more information freephone 0508 678 464 or see www.optimise.net.nz.

Amuri Transport (1989) Ltd Livestock • Bulk Grain • Shingle • Fertiliser Application • Daily Freight Service

©iStock.com/konradlew

conventional aglime. This makes Optimise a practical and cost effective means of applying lime regularly to enhance and maintain soil health. In addition to lime, Optimise can provide a full range of macro and trace elements. Optimise Sulphur is a good example of this, providing a very cost-effective means of applying lime and sulphur together in a single pelletised fertiliser with excellent

spread characteristics. Regular sulphur application is important in our largely sulphur-deficient soils. Optimise Sulphur incorporates fine-ground elemental sulphur & lime into a unique pelletised product. In its elemental form, sulphur is not prone to leaching and provides a supply of sulphur over time. Fine-grinding elemental sulphur provides a source that can be converted more effectively by soil bacteria during the warmer

• 4x4 ground spreaders for lime & super application. • GPS Placement. • Spread mark certified

Livestock - stock@amuritransport.co.nz Fertiliser - fert@amuritransport.co.nz Freight - freight@amuritransport.co.nz

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Pelletised Lime-Based Fertilisers

July 2015

FERTILISER

CANTERBURY FARMING

“When magnesium inputs are required, Golden Bay Dolomite provides the simplest and most effective option.” call 0800 4 Dolomite

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NZ’s Finest Magnesium Fertiliser

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming Please call

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ADVERTORIAL

Your natural fertiliser needs covered

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 Poulfer t (chicken litter) throughout the greater Canterbury area. The product is sourced from chicken raising farms strategically placed around Canterbury. 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 its 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. Conventional fertilisers by its chemistry base is

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 product adds to the soil structure breaking down slowly providing nutrients to plants in keeping with their ability to absorb. 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 available all year around with the company operating specialised bulk cartage and spreading equipment with GPS accuracy and proof of placement now they are Spreadmark certified and offer proof of placement through livetime precision tracking. Simply call Marty and Tracey Peoples on 0800 NPK NOW and they will happily discuss any questions regarding the use of Poulfert on your farm.

PASTURE NEED A BOOST? www.mccarthycontracting.co.nz Ph 03 329 6655 or 027 484 8564

Operating the new Bredal K45 Spreading Unit

Natural Cost Effective Fertiliser

Slow Release NPK | Soil Conditioning | Organic Matter | Totally Natural “Your Chicken Litter Specialists” W: www.poulfert.co.nz P: 03 349 2411 | 0800 NPK NOW

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SKYFARMERS

Topcon GPS • Proof of Placement Variable Rate Spreading Spreadmark Certified Ag Lime Spreading • Mini-spreading available

Aerial Agricultural Services Services we provide: • Solid/Fine Particle Fertiliser Application • Brushweed/Crop Spraying • General Lifting – Tanks/Fencelines • Mustering • Fire lighting/Fighting • Wilding Pine Control • Aerial Photography/Scenic Flights • Charter - Fishing/Hunting • Flight Training • 8 Wheeler Flat Deck/Hiab with 5 tonne lift

Specialist in All Types Of Agricultural Aviation Applications Aerial Topdressing • Aerial Spraying • Poison Baits Suspension Fertiliser • GPS Application

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Phone: 03 310 6815 0800 929 246 www.way2go.co.nz

FERTILISER

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

Fertiliser spreading with accuracy Rata Industries Group Limited, based in Winchester, has been appointed the New Zealand distributor of the Italian Agrex brand of professional chemical and organic fertiliser spreaders. “This is to complement our well-known Vogal range of high quality ATV/ UTV fertiliser spreaders,” said Rata sales manager Glenn Walton. “Rata now distributes a full range of fertiliser spreaders from a small 45-litre single spinner up to the 14,000-litre capacity auger and twin spinner spreaders. Agrex fertiliser spreaders have been designed to respond to the requirements of professional operators and contractors. They distribute chemical and organic fertilisers with higher demands for

accuracy and sustainability on large blocks of land.” Rata has independently tested a range of Agrex spreaders locally, where it was demonstrated they could accurately place and spread numerous different types of fertiliser across the entire spread width. “There are many options available to suit every operator’s needs, from manual operation to full computer control. “The forward speed and the weight of the discharged fertiliser were monitored, revealing fertiliser savings of up to 15 per cent.”

Tw i n centrifugal spreading discs and threeposition adjustment made it possible to regulate the spreading width accurately from 12 to 36 metres, with accurate placements according to the variety of fertiliser used. “Specialised lime and other organic spreaders such as the Agrex KALKO and MAGNUM spreaders are a big focus with Agrex,” said Glenn. “The Rata team is committed to providing customers with user-friendly equipment that was proven in New Zealand conditions.”

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Good Fertiliser Is Wasted, Unless It’s Applied Accurately “Get the right spreader” “Strength and flexibility that amazes for its simplicity and accuracy”. • • • • •

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July 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

FERTILISER ADVERTORIAL

Soil data vital to crop yields Smart Ag Solutions was founded by four Canterbury cropping farmers who saw the variability within their paddocks on a daily basis.

Reduce liming costs Accurately map the variability of your soils pH with on-the-go soil sampling. 20-25 pH samples per hectare for precision variable rate lime applications.

Reduce nitrate leaching Identify your at risk leaching zones and soil water holding capacities with precision soil EC mapping.

Increase your yields Apply lime only where it’s needed, when it’s needed and in the correct amount.

Smart Ag Solutions team (left to right) Colin Hurst, Nick Ward, Seaun Lovell, Michael Tayler, Hugh Wigley

Knowing that accurate soil data is vital to crop yields they decided to do something about it. They discovered the Veris MSP3 in the United States and brought one into the country. They now have the ability to offer precision soil mapping and testing at a level never before seen in New Zealand. 20–25 soil pH samples are taken every hectare, giving you detailed GPS cross

referenced maps of your soil’s true pH levels, “highlighting areas that will more likely never need lime, saving you money,” says Smart Ag Solutions Seaun Lovell. All data from the Veris soil mapper is verified against physical soil samples taken from the paddock and sent to a New Zealand lab for testing. This ensures only accurate and quality data is ever

recorded. Along with EC (electrical conductivity) maps, which give you soil textures down to 1m, and Organic Matter percentage maps. Growers, consultants, and suppliers are using Smart Ag Solutions soil maps to devise management zones, set sampling locations, vary seed rates, nitrogen, lime and irrigation applications — just to name a few uses of precision technology maps.

Rising phosphorus levels have a significant impact on NZ waterways & your fertiliser and effluent dispersal strategy. Annual soil analysis (pH, salinity, chloride, phosphorus etc.) is the key to devising effective salt reduction strategies. Realise your irrigation targets by annually applying Gypsum across the entire farm to combat sodium and improve soil structure. Talk to your farm advisor to learn more about the benefits of Gypsum.

FERTILISER

CANTERBURY FARMING July 2015

ADVERTORIAL

Soil equals mind over matter

The Albrecht-Kinsey system of soil fertility and biological farming has been getting a lot of attention lately and for good reason. Genetic technology, intensive farming systems and equipment innovations have made dramatic changes in farm management and profitability. Topsoils chief executive Don Hart says the new systems have proven results. Farming innovations worldwide have seen yields of produce double, triple and even quadruple. The support of biological basics, increasing and balancing plant-available minerals in the soil, plant diversity, while creating an ideal home for soil life and feeding it well, managing soil, air and water and supplying major and trace minerals sees results. To achieve this there must be a system to measure and manage. “We are seeing really big results from the changes we are making. There are animal health improvements and better crop yields. We are changing the systems from traditional methods and it is gaining momentum because of the results we are receiving.” The AlbrechtKinsey system of soil fertility

refers to the principals used to develop the system of testing of which Dr William A. Albrecht worked to perfect in his decades of tireless work with the soil. Neil Kinsey who studied with Dr Albrecht adapted the principles for every type of soil and farming system worldwide. The soil audit uses a specific developed set of soil testing procedures to determine and correct the soil’s mineral content, providing the means to measure and supply the needed chemistry for each particular soil and farming system. “Now we have sustainable solutions and have confirmed how we are doing it. We are getting back to a simple system, working with nature and aiming to improve biological soil,” says Mr Hart. In tough economic times, traditional farming practises need to be challenged. It’s time for a new word in farmer’s vocabularies, Biological Nitrogen Fixing. There are free-living nitrogen fixing bacteria called associative–diazotrophs.

Associative, because they are only found inside aggregates, attached to living plant roots or connected to living plants via the hyphae, and diazotrophs, because of their ability to use the di-atmospheric nitrogen N 2 to convert to plant available ammonia. The big problem is that the traditional fertiliser and farming practises, are not allowing this to happen efficiently. Less tillage, chemicals, synthetic fertilisers and nitrogen and more diverse grass, cover crops, legumes and herb species will, with the addition of balanced fertilisers and trace minerals. “Farmers have a tremendous body of knowledge, but what we can bring to the table as we begin to collaborate and build confidence with the farmer, is our knowledge of biological farming and soil fertility problems, by filling in of the gaps of fertility programmes to solve the social, financial and environmental issues with sound proven science.”

To o s

Better Farming

Through Better Soils

TOTAL SOIL FERTILITY SOLUTIONS

IMPROVE YIELDS, SUSTAINABILITY & PROFITABILITY Every field, every farm and every farmer is different.

We can unlock your farms potential by increasing and balancing plant available minerals in the soil. We use the Albrecht-Kinsey proven system of soil fertility that measures and manages to provide customized solutions. We supply and blend only the soil fertility nutrients needed for growing healthy high-yielding and profitable crops and pastures!

Farm To Your Full Potential

Consignment store for

Changing Soils & Changing Minds To make sure you can maximise your production, profit and plant health, contact:

To o s TOTAL SOIL FERTILITY SOLUTIONS

Don Hart 027 432 0187 Lydia-Beth Gundry 027 698 9907 Henry Wardell 027 212 0737 Duncan Humm 027 228 1073

July 2015

ADVERTORIAL

FERTILISER

CANTERBURY FARMING

Leading the way in GPS variable rate fertiliser in New Zealand

Agronomy Solutions are taking their Precision Nutrient Management variable rate fertiliser service to another level, with extensive attention to detail. They have a long history of giving nutrient advice to clients and tailor making fertiliser recommendations

for individual crops. Utilising their own in house agronomist, who has over 25 years’ experience in a

See our Ad on Page 51

wide range of crop and agronomic conditions, they work on the whole crop rotation producing fresh variable rate (VR) maps for each paddock and crops within the rotation. No crop is treated the same and the Agronomy Solutions team account for the potential yield, nutrient removal and straw status. “Attention to detail is key, and having the

PRECISION NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT “Put your inputs where they are needed”

Choose our GPS, variable rate fertiliser system for: NZ-KCL Application Rate

• Healthy balanced soil. • Identifying problem areas. • Improved crop and dairy pasture health.

World Record Barley crop 2015 Agronomy and Precision Nutrient Management by Agronomy Solutions Ltd

knowledge to take into account use of nutrients from alternative sources is also a huge asset.” says agronomist Roger Lasham. “The question often asked is: “Why all this effort when just a blanket application will do? Every paddock has variability, firstly in pH and secondly in

nutrient status. Phosphate, Potassium and Magnesium are all required by crops in varying amounts. With paddock amalgamations and changes in cropping history these show on tests, highlighting areas that need addressing. Attending to each of these nutrients and only supplying what the crop

needs, is the most economic way of giving the crop the best possible chance. “This method not only works for cropping but also grazing, allowing grass growth with the correct amount of nutrient leading to healthy balanced grass and healthy livestock also.” Email: info@ agronomysolutions.co.nz

• Fertiliser cost savings.

Acitivity Plan: 2012 Onions - NZ-KCL Boundary Area: 32.07(ha) Minimum: 0.00 (kg/ha) Maximum: 190.00 (kg/ha) Min Non-Zero: 80.00 (kg/ha) Average:72.32 (kg/ha) Est. Total: 2,319 (kg)

• Flexible to suit any farming system. KG/HA % 0 45.85 80 13.41 129.75 27.85 190 13.09 Field Boundary

• Specialist technical team with over 20 years experience in precision farming systems.

Agronomy Solutions Ltd Contact Julie Lasham for more information:

027 445 0170

info@agronomysolutions.co.nz agronomysolutions.co.nz

• Recommendations supplied independent of inputs.

• Tailor made, crop specific fertiliser recommendations.

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Call Hamish on 03 308 4079 Call Kent in Kurow on 03 436 0849 Call Kerry in Fairlie on 03 685 8911

Call today to discuss your fertiliser requirements

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CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

Ashburton and Canterbury

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July 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

Back to basic feeding New Zealand dairy farmers are ‘going back to basics’ as the downward trend in global dairy prices continues. With the Global Dairy Trade auction showing a greater than expected drop across the range of dairy products, this will affect both farming and the rural communities. ”Farmers are picking up on these price signals and doing things differently this year. This is reflected in the higher than usual culling of dairy cows as farmers look to decrease the number of mouths they need to feed,” said Federated Farmers Dairy chair Andrew Hoggard.

It appears a lot of the commentary and possibly market sentiment is focussing on previous production data. “Feeding cows the grass on their farm is cheaper than buying in feed, so many farmers are going back to basics. This change is evident in the reduced imports

of feed such as palm kernel extract.” Mr Hoggard said the recent winter weather experienced across the lower North Island and the South Island and this ‘back to basics’ tactic, suggests milk production in New Zealand is unlikely to increase this season, contrasting with the

last couple. “With the tightening of the belt, farmers do not need or want extra costs. If central government thinks it can shunt costs on such things as rural roading onto local government, then they need to think again, as all these costs then pile up at the farmer’s door.

ORE PRorOe DquUalCityEpM roduct a

Get m

way.

HgEsAtrLoTnHgeIrE, RbigSgeTrOaCndK

in Grow

faster .

Federated Farmers Dairy chair Andrew Hoggard

“Maybe this could have been possible or more palatable in a good payout year, but it certainly isn’t when things look like they do now. I am pleased that farmers

have spent a heap of money on environmental stuff during the good years. Now we’re back to basics — thankful for the improvements we have made.”

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DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

Improving Soil Structure by Dr Tim Jenkins

Taking care of soil structure is a key issue at this time of year when wet soils can be compacted. The water acts as a lubricant and soil particles can slide past each other losing their beneficial crumb structure. Maintaining good soil structure is crucial for providing roots with plentiful air to breathe and yet ample water to take up. So we keep off wet soil as much as possible reducing the pressure from livestock hooves and tractor tyres. The ideal is to have a soil of aggregates or crumbs. A crumbly soil means the roots get the best of both worlds. Between the crumbs, water can drain more freely leaving an aerated soil. Within the crumbs, there is more chance of the soil holding on to the resource of water when dry conditions hit. Root hairs can access moisture from within the crumb and also get access to the minerals and nitrogen that are stored within the crumb. Plant nutrients are also made more available in a well structured soil because the structure also assists good soil biology which enhances the speed with which nutrients are made available. Some soils have a good natural structure which certainly helps. But soil

structure can also change for better or worse according to how we treat it. Soil should not be worked when water is above field capacity or even when the soil is too dry (crumbs can turn to dust). Restrict cultivation to times when the soil has drained off excess water but hasn’t become too dry. The soil should feel reasonably moist to touch but no excess water that can be squeezed out. A moisture meter level can help with decision making. As well as soil biology improving with better soil structure, good soil biology can lead to good soil structure. Many types of bacteria are useful in producing a gum that helps hold soil crumbs together. Fungi of many species form threads that can also physically bind soil particles into crumbs. And the masters of soil structure improvement are the earthworms with their active burrowing and the leaving behind of casts with a mix of organic matter and soil plus their skin mucus which helps soil crumbs hold together. Take care of soil biology by maintaining plant cover as much as possible,

reducing cultivation and ensuring ample calcium levels. Ample calcium is also important to soil structure (partly for its boosting effect on earthworms and other soil biology but also for its flocculating ability). The double positively charged calcium ion helps hold soil particles like clay and organic matter together in crumbs (this is flocculation). Bulk lime to achieve a desirable soil pH for your crop, use fine limeflour to stimulate biology and consider gypsum in clay soils that crack in summer or lose structure in wet conditions and gypsum can also address some subsoil drainage issues. Lifting soil organic matter should also be an aim. In pastures this largely relates to improving pasture growth, not grazing pasture too hard and allowing pasture to fully recover before grazing again. In cropping soils, for long term sustainability, it is best to have a pasture resting Car d phase (with or without grazing animals) and where feasible, compost addition for a direct boost to organic matter levels. Cover crops (green manures) don’t generally add to long

term organic matter levels but they are an important strategy for protecting and

fibrous root structure so is beneficial for soil biology and structure.

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DAIRY

July 2015 CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

On farm innovation

Supplying dairy farmers with innovative systems that are affordable and offer a quick return on investment, is the underlying philosophy for the Onfarm Solutions Ltd product range.

The first product launched in 2009 was the very successful Teatwand automatic teat spraying system. “We are pleased to announce the launch of the web based Onfarm DATACHAIN service. This AUGUST 2013—hANhAm 1/2PG ADVERT service allows farmers to monitor and automate many processes on the farm to improve their efficiency or cost effectiveness,” said general manager Gary Arnott.

“Three components make up this service. One is a monitoring component which can monitor virtually all things that are measurable. This includes soil moisture and temperatures, milk and wash temperatures, feed levels in grain and molasses silos, effluent levels and flow rates, and the current status of any connected electrical equipment. There is a control component which can utilise

the monitored information to control pivot or lateral irrigators, any pump or device with electricity supplied to it. “The weather component provides local weather data including wind speed, temperature, rainfall, and solar radiation to improve the accuracy of weather forecasting for your farm.” The advantage of the Onfarm DATACHAIN service is it can start with one

system and be added to as the need or finances allow towards completing a fully comprehensive farm system. Some examples of systems are using soil moisture and temperature monitoring to regulate irrigation, high wind alerts for irrigation systems, pivot monitors with remote on/off control, feed levels to ensure grain and molasses silos never run out, and milk temperature to monitor

Concrete Water/Feed Troughs • Precast Panels • Silage Pits • Water Tanks/Effluent Tanks Concrete Bunkers • Weeping Walls • Killing Sheds • Cattle Stops For any quotes or enquiries contact us on

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cooling efficiency, where high and low alarms can be set. Ground temperatures for frost alarms and evaluating crop planting times. New hardware and updates to software will be rolled out as they are developed so customers are able to update accordingly or as finances allow. The software is flexible and will be tailored to

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A new milking season is looming with some farmers having started milking already! The milk price is not looking too good for this season either, so how do we get the best out of our situation? The answer is quite simple. Make sure you look after your cows. Do not compromise on animal health and do not compromise on their basic needs — things like food, water, rest etc. You may get different advice from bank managers and the like. Some bank managers want you to milk more cows and have less staff. They see some farmers running four or more cows to the hectare and seem to think that that means everyone should be able to do the same. Even though this seems to make sense, I don’t believe that this is the right approach. Milking more cows does not automatically equal more milk. It may do in some circumstances but if milking more cows means underfeeding them then this will not be of any benefit to you and you should not go for it. I have seen too many

examples where people are milking too many cows. So often I drive past a herd of cows not long after milking and there isn’t much grass left in the paddock. If cows are not fully fed they will not produce to their potential, animal health issues will become a bigger problem, and lameness will increase. You may not believe this but it is true. If you or your bank manager wants you to milk more cows then there are other things that will have to change as well. That may be different for each farmer depending on their situation. It may mean you have to upskill yourself in pasture management or you may improve the fertility of the soil or improve grass species. You may need to get better irrigation systems. If you don’t know what you can improve then you should not consider milking more cows. Another way of putting it is that milking more cows should be a result of better management rather than having to improve

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Soil Matters with Peter Burton Growing more pasture is the future The financial dilemma dairy farmers find themselves in is only in part the result of reduced market returns. The other reason is the ever-increasing cost of producing a kilogram of milk solids, and that’s been ongoing for many years. For dairy farmers to remain solvent and retain their equity in animals and land, more milk solids must be produced from grazed pasture. This means growing more pasture, and there is the ability to do that on virtually every dairy property in the country. The maximum measured dry matter production from permanent grazed pasture in this country, is 22,500kg in a twelve month period — an average growth rate of just over 60kgDM/day. Today. 15,000kgDM/ha appears to be the accepted norm from well managed properties on high quality soils in a favourable growing season. The potential therefore to increase pasture production is significant, and the products and programmes to steadily lift performance are readily available. They have

been available for over twelve years, and measurements from monitor properties show a steady upward incline. What grows above the ground surface is the visual manifestation of life and activity below. By stimulating soil life there’s a marked improvement in physical soil structures which provides a number of benefits. Plant roots have the ability to penetrate more than half a metre, harvesting nutrient and moisture from well below the normally accepted 100mm root zone. This ensures more even growth throughout the growing season, particularly so when the surface of the soil begins to dry. Less nutrient input is required, which means fertiliser expenditure can be decreased as plants are able to harvest more of the applied nutrient before it’s lost to groundwater. With strong and abundant soil life, the speed of nutrient cycling increases. This

means an increase in total DM production as plants are continuously supplied with nutrient including nitrogen. Extra calcium is usually required initially to ensure sufficient is available for strong clover growth over summer. The calcium content of clover leaf is higher than that of grass, often by as much as four times. Clover, as well as fixing nitrogen free of charge, further reducing fertiliser inputs, is also more digestible and nutritious, which means animals are able to eat a greater amount in a day and grow or produce more. Calcium in the form of agricultural lime is the cheapest nutrient available, and the money spent on generous amounts of this when coupled with mycorrhiza and bacteria is more than offset by a reduction in nitrogen and other major nutrient inputs. But perhaps the most encouraging aspect of

feeding soils and increasing life below, is the ability to both sequester carbon from the atmosphere and steadily increase the amount of humus in the soil. As a rule of thumb the weight of pasture above ground is supported by an equal weight of soil life below.

When soils are cared for and provided with the appropriate total nutrient packages, including beneficial fungi and bacteria, extra humus is formed and total pasture production steadily lifts. The non-irrigated long-term Functional Fertiliser monitor property, based on monthly

cage cuts, has increased pasture growth 23% in seven years from 15,600kg to 19,200kgDM/ha. This has meant a substantial lift in milk solid production from pasture with less reliance on bought-in feed. For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

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DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY COMPLIANCE Investing in compliance infrastructure by Andy Bryenton

As the new season begins in farming, all eyes have been on the success of the recent agricultural field days in the Waikato — a barometer of the health of this vital sector of the economy. Despite a lower than average payout for those in the dairy trade, those commentators who have watched the rural market

for many years have been pleased to note that the cyclical nature of agriculture has been recognised — while spending on nonessential

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supply with primary goods. As in any industry, standards and practices are there to ensure a balanced and equitable relationship between the producer and supplier, with guarantees of quality enforced, in this case, for the best of reasons — the health not only of consumers, but of New Zealand’s reputation as a top-grade exporter. Thus, farmers are still investing in the important equipment which allows them

to run a modern, healthy and quality-controlled operation, whether in dairy, dry stock or even in cropping. Of course the dairy sector is in the spotlight at this time, and the nature of the goods produced by these hard-working farmers means that their plant and infrastructure are held to rigorous standards. Fonterra’s handbook for suppliers outlines a list of key areas in which contributing

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dairy farmers must comply, from the purity of water used for operations (including lack of harmful bacteria and other residues) through to a robust chiller system used to bring milk down to temperature prior to collection. It’s not just the equipment in and around the milking shed which must meet new standards. As an example of wider requirements, Fonterra now requires new, repaired, or structurally upgraded tanker

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roadway bridges or crossings to be certified to at least 53 tonne, allowing safe access for their fleet. Waterways must be fenced to ensure environmental standards are met, with results in stream and river purity already being felt in the Waikato as a result. These factors, along with the machinery required to hygienically wash down milking sheds and equipment, and the modern milking

systems needed to cut back on ills like mastitis, mean that, season after season, the backbone infrastructure of farms must be kept in good shape, no matter what mother nature or global commerce throw at us. A good example is the robust new systems used to treat dairy effluent — systems which turn what was once an odious problem into a potential source of fertiliser and nutrients.

In this arena, farmers have been able to work innovatively within the framework of environmental protective laws to find a sustainable way forward. With the trend toward global free trade pushing further regulation and more exacting measures to ensure milk and meat quality, keeping these vital infrastructural systems at peak efficiency would seem a wise choice, this season as in any other.

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reser ving hunting memories is what Lance, Nevin and Kerry are all about. As avid hunters themselves, they have an appreciation for trophies which has led them to follow in their father, Gerald O’Rourke’s footsteps, keeping G. D. O’Rourke and Sons Taxidermists Ltd going since it was established in 1965. Taxidermy began as a hobby for Gerald in 1958 and soon became a family-run business, situated in Pleasant Point, South Canterbury. Lance, Kerry and Nevin O’Rourke learnt everything they know from their father who left his job at the freezing works to take up the trade full time. His vision was to produce high-quality trophies using modern methods and materials. Now that Gerald has passed away, his business has been taken over by three of his sons and is very much kept in the family, with Kerry’s daughter Vanessa Marr working on anything the brothers don’t have time for and adding the finishing touches. At one time or another all six family members have been employed in the business.

“Our aim is to recreate the animal so that it brings back the memories of the hunt,” says Lance. The three are selfconfessed hunting enthusiasts which has given them the knowledge and appreciation of animals to be able to create lifelike models. Although Lance enjoys taxidermy, his first real love is hunting and fishing. When he turned 15 he left school and began to work for his dad to save up for his first rifle. A regular day begins at 7am with a two-minute bike ride from home to the workshop. He might start to stuff a deer head or prepare skins and heads for mounting. “We tr y to mount something ever y day. Realistically this doesn’t happen as a customer might arrive one day with a full truck of trophies to be skinned. “I particularly enjoy the skinning. I’m quite good at it after all these years. I also enjoy mounting fish. In the last twenty years I have taken up fly fishing which has become a favourite pastime of mine.”

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Between them, the trio have completed thousands of hunting trophies for local and international customers. Lance believes about 50% of their clients are American. “A lot of tourists come over here to hunt and we preserve their trophies, package them up and send them home. The whole process usually takes about 9–10 months.” The team also are contracted to preserve animals for the Department of Conservation displays. Recently they have worked on stoats, weasels, kiwi and cats. They have also worked on animals for Te Papa and various other museums. “It really helps, being a hunter. You have an idea about what the animals look like alive. “Nowadays when I go hunting I don’t kill everything I see. I spend more time just watching the animal. “I really enjoy hunting and outsmarting the animal. I used to hunt for trophies but now I just hunt for very good meat. Lance has a collection of exotic animals. “Looking at my elk brings back memories of the hunt

CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

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Lance after a successful hunt in Mongolia.” This collection also consists of a moose and caribou from Alaska, a deer from New Caledonia and a trout. Amongst some of the more unusual things the O’Rourke’s have preserved is a polar bear and a rhinoceros, many years ago. “The African animals are often the most difficult. There just isn’t the stretch in the skin. The rhinoceros came to us already dried and salted and we had to

soak it for days until we could stretch the skin. It doesn’t take long to learn how to practise taxidermy,” Lance says, adding it does take time to hone those skills and techniques. “We are very busy at the moment. Taxidermy is very popular and there are a lot of animals out there. The most commonly mounted animals are a hunters’ first kill and their largest.” Over the years, like many industries, technology

has changed the way taxidermists do things. “It used to be called stuffing because that is what we did. Nowadays with the transition over time we are using fibreglass moulds and using polyurethane forms of animals. This creates a lot more detail. The result is definitely improved.” But for Lance it is still the hunt that gets his heart racing. “It’s the excitement,” he says.

We usually make all the CoQ10 we need. Some of us though could benefit from supplementing with CoQ10 mostly because of age, health problems or medications being used. CoQ10 is essential to make the energy our bodies need. The final stage of making our energy needs CoQ10 to carry the hydrogen needed to make energy. If your body levels of CoQ10 are low this can cause low energy and be felt as weak muscles and general fatigue. CoQ10 is also an exceptional antioxidant protecting cells and fats from free radicals. It’s most important antioxidant function is to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol as it circulates in the body. This is a critical part in our natural defences against blockages in heart arteries and other blood vessels. Possibly the most common reason for CoQ10 supplementation is for those using cholesterol lowering (statin) medication. The side effects of statins are so common that they are a diagnosable disease called statin myopathy. The most common side effects are muscle stiffness, pain and weakness.

This can also cause general fatigue which often feels like a lack of motivation. I have been helping a Canterbury farmer on statins who said he felt he had aged 20 years with muscle stiffness and general lack of motivation. After two months of targeted nutritional therapy he said he felt normal again. Statins effectively inhibit the enzyme needed to make cholesterol. Unfortunately this enzyme is also needed to make CoQ10. Blocking this enzyme reduces cholesterol but also CoQ10 by as much as 50%. Drug companies are well aware of this problem and hold patents for combining CoQ10 with statins. Until such drugs are routinely available I recommend those on statins supplement with 100mg of patented CoQsol®. If you are unsure feel free to phone or email your questions. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For personalised advice, contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his full weekly newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.

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July 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

Positive waterways achievement NZ Landcare Trust’s entry for this years prestigious Morgan Foundation NZ Riverprize has been shortlisted for the finals, due to take place in September at the 18th International Riversymposium in Brisbane. The Aorere River story is one of a rural community who proactively responded to the challenge of declining water quality. Led by local dair y farmers and with assistance from NZ Landcare Trust, the community formed a catchment management group and set about making

positive changes. The key to their success was a practical approach that included excluding stock from waterways by installing new stock bridges and riparian fencing. “Becoming a finalist in the inaugural NZ Riverprize is an amazing achievement for the NZ Landcare Trust. It

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is a reflection of the Trust’s 19 year journey to support the farming community to restore New Zealand’s freshwater ecosystems,” said NZ Landcare Trust chief executive Dr Nick Edgar. “I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff and trustees to this mission. Special recognition goes to our Nelson/Marlborough regional coordinator, Barbara Stuart, for a lifetime’s commitment to supporting the rural community, in particular, the farmers in the Aorere River catchment.” “The Trust is a national independent non-government organisation committed to sustainable land and water management. “The Trust suppor ts landowners to voluntarily adopt best management practices to mitigate the impact of intensive agricultural practices on water quality. “Voluntary actions by the farming community to improve New Zealand’s water bodies are a critically important feature of farming in this country, and these actions complement the regulatory

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July 2015

From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

New wool season opens in ‘seller’s favour’ Often after a spate of solid wool prices, industry observers can become slightly nervous in regard to the future and an air of pessimism can creep in, however the 2015/16 wool selling season opened in Napier on July 9 on a very optimistic note with auction prices at least maintaining levels from the previous season’s close and, at the Christchurch auction on July 16, the ‘seller’s favour’ trend continued. In June I referred to the realisation by wool exporters that there is little or no stock-pile of unsold wool in New Zealand, and that fact remained a major driver of the positive trend to wool pricing during early and midJuly, along with assistance from a pedestrian Kiwi dollar losing ground as the race leaders emerging from the main basket of global trading currencies surged ahead.

the best of them, and from approximately 600 to 650 for slightly shorter types. Hogget types testing at around 30.5 microns sold to extreme with prices of 875 to (just shy of) 900 cents per clean kilogram quite common-place in the PGG Wrightson catalogue. Crossbred oddments also attracted extreme demand with aggressive and animated bidding evident from the full bench of buyers.

Full-length crossbred pre-lamb shorn fleece wool measuring from about 36 to 39 microns reached prices from between 575 and 590 cents per clean kilogram at the July 16 auction. Finer pre-lamb shorn full-length fleece types in the 34 to 35 micron range were extremely well sought reaching levels from around 660 to 690 cents per clean kilogram for

Halfbred and Corriedale wool types continued to enjoy solid support from the exporting fraternity with well grown and well prepared fleece wools measuring 28 microns at around 980 to 1,000 cents per clean kilogram, 27 microns around 1,005 to 1,025 cents per clean kilogram, and 26 microns around 1,100 cents per clean kilogram. Halfbred

and Corriedale wools on offer remained of a very high standard, with quality defying the difficult season experienced in several growing areas. A small selection of useful merino wool types were available at the Christchurch July auctions. Because ewe numbers have dwindled significantly during the past ten years in favour of a variety of land use options other than sheep, there is a guarantee that wool quantities will remain low for the foreseeable future, unless farm returns for lamb meat improve substantially. Although wool values ‘across the board’ are currently at levels more attractive than they have been for a number of years, net wool returns on a per head basis remain challenging for sheep

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farmers and are, therefore, not significant enough to influence any population increase to the national ewe flock. With drought conditions seemingly quite prevalent in a number of sheep grazing hill country areas, and the need for increased farm production to justify development costs for water application on easier country, in my opinion the New Zealand sheep industry, in general, remains under considerable threat. PGG Wrightson Wool is offering growers an extremely attractive lamb’s wool contract, details for which can be viewed at pggwrightson.co.nz/services/ wool/forward-contracts. Forthcoming Christchurch wool auctions are scheduled for July 30, August 6, 20, and 27, before September 10 and 24. That’s my view.

Your Best Option For All Wool Types Contact a PGG Wrightson Wool representative today:

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July 2015

LIVESTOCK

CANTERBURY FARMING

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Advance parties gaining traction A growing number of deer farmers is wanting to join a Deer Industry NZ Advance Party. There is a proposal to establish a party in Canterbury for Elk/Wapiti farmers and another for Red deer farmers in North Canterbury. Advance Parties are an innovative concept designed to get deer farmers to encourage and suppor t each other in adopting management practices that will make their farms more profitable. There are nine parties underway, as part of a three-year trial of the concept. One of the nine is developing tools or ‘metrics’ that farmers can use to measure the performance of their deer businesses. The rest are on-farm groups located from Hawkes Bay to Southland. Among these are APs in Mid-Canterbury, South

Canterbury/North Otago and the Mackenzie Country. The farmer participants — most of whom have now been involved for 12–18 months — are reporting major benefits. Not just in getting insights from other farmers, but in the confidence that comes from being part of a group with like-minded farmers, sharing private business information and exploring new ideas. John Falconer, Ranfurly, says APs are a huge step up from discussion groups, with a lot of open figures and ‘nowhere to hide’. “A few guys in our group, myself included, thought they

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weren’t bad deer farmers. But realistically when you get other people unpicking your business you find there’s a lot of room for improvement.” APs were developed following a 2012 review of deer farm productivity, by Deer Industry NZ. This noted that average fawning rates and carcass weights had been static for more than two decades. There was also a growing gap between average and top performers, which indicated that the problem was not a lack of technology, but in enabling farmers to adopt it. Advance Parties are only one element of the deer industry’s Passion2Profit strategy, but they are a very important one. Each AP project is tailored to an individual farmer’s objectives and business goals. So we are seeing farm system changes being made at a faster rate than if people were to simply read about

them in a magazine, mainly because they have a higher level of trust in their fellow farmers,” coordinator Amy Wills says. “One of the big outcomes we want are case studies detailing what individual farmers have done to change

management practices on their farms, along with the results. These case studies can then be used as a guide for other deer farmers who face similar challenges on their properties. “We require participants to measure and record

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

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

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performance before and after they make any management changes. I’d love to see this data, but as the farmers keep telling me, you make a management change on your farm and it’s normally at least a year before there is a measurable result. So I just need to be patient.” The consensus among AP participants is that expansion of the initiative needs to come through the establishment of new APs, rather than trying to bring new participants into established groups. Along with the two proposed new Canterbury groups, Wills says she has requests for groups to be established in South Otago, Waikato and two or more in the Central North Island. She asks farmers who are interested in hearing more about the programme to get in contact with Innes Moffat at DINZ, so meetings can be organised. “We will work through the regions where there is demand and establish more APs throughout the year,” she says. Contact: innes.moffat@ deernz.org. Tel 04 471 6111.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

ADVERTORIAL

Serious pest control service With more than 30 years’ experience in hunting and shooting, Bob Sugrue of RL Sugrue Enterprises Ltd, can offer farmers a quality pest control service from the West Coast, Marlborough to Otago, and anywhere in-between. As the son of a professional shooter, hunting is in his genes and he was able to pick up skills from an early age. Managing and eliminating pests that adversely impact on agricultural production and the environment can make a big difference to farmers’ productivity and is an important part of any successful agricultural business. Recently he became registered with a pet food company and offers farmers royalties for the animals shot on their property. “This means the farmers get something more out of it,” he says. As a keen hunter for most of his life, he has experience shooting rabbits, hares, possums, goats, deer and pigs. It is this love of the outdoors and everything hunting and shooting that makes RL Sugrue Enterprises Ltd the place to go for pest control. As a one man band, with his partner taking care of administration, Bob

says communicating with clients and hearing about how his work can make a difference is a big part of what he does. “I enjoy doing a good job, getting feedback, and looking after the farmers.” He has also spent some

time in Australia shooting kangaroo and pigs. “I offer a reliable service with competitive prices as well as some contract driving,” he says. Call Bob on 027 307 9419 to discuss how he can assist you.

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More returns for your wool with Elders

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming Please call

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

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July 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

Crossover king all grown up

ROAD SAFETY

by Andy Bryenton

The original iteration of Subaru’s go-anywhere Forester somewhat defied description. Neither a conventional sports utility, nor a standard station wagon of its day, the boxy and voluminous vehicle became a favourite for two markets.

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Even today, you’ll see Foresters of that first run in either off-road spec, carrying kayaks and mountain bikes, or with gaudy 20 inch chrome rims, tinted windows and a vast sound system. In a way, Subaru were ahead of the curve. This was a time before the term ‘crossover SUV’ existed, but the Forester filled the niche nicely, and as a model it has grown into the space with an almost organic evolution. The 2015 Forester looks nothing like its ancestors, but that sense of rugged, upfor-it attitude shines through, even in a sector now bursting at the seams with rivals and imitators. Some of that charm comes from its looks — this is no shrunken SUV, but stylistically appears to be more of a big, muscular wagon. It’s certainly

The 2015 Forester has come a long way from its square and boxy origins to become a consummate crossover

evolved toward the shape of such other vehicles as Honda’s CR-V, but it’s clear it got there by a different route. This impression extends to the ride and responsiveness of the 2015 Forester, which has been tightened and stiffened up to deliver sharper handling than one would expect from a vehicle

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in this class. Subaru’s rally heritage with the WRX series is here in spirit, if not in raw performance figures, though the 2.0 litre turbocharged Forester cranks out a respectable 250 horsepower, making it no slouch. Add to this a very good scorecard in crash tests — surpassing many full sized SUVs — and a clever CVT transmission which has been programmed to feel like a

slick, machine-gun quick six speed auto, and the Forester presents a package that’s hard to ignore if you are in the market for a lifestyle machine. Even the simple, somewhat austere lines and colours inside the cabin speak more of utility — and being easy to clean — than lacklustre build quality. Like the WRX Subarus of old, this is no luxury yacht, and it wears its intention to tackle trails and spearhead adventure holidays proudly. Hopefully the 2015 Forester is put to its intended use by its buyers, because it is above all a supremely competent machine. It would be a shame to see all that engineering wasted making this generation, like many of the first Foresters, into mobile discos crawling through Kiwi suburbia. This one needs open space to really shine.

We have the machinery to make you comfortable... • Trailered log splitter - 30 or 40 tonne splitting options • 11hp. diesel engine • Vertical & horizontal splitting • Extremely robust construction • Fast recycle time

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Go Further

RURAL WHEELS

The cream of the crop by Andy Bryenton

Versatility is the key to success for tractors in the hotly contested 100–150 horsepower segment, with the ability to cover a wide range of tasks on the farm proving popular, as savvy farmers invest in a ‘swiss army knife’ approach to their machinery.

CANTERBURY FARMING

July 2015

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Kubota have taken this ethos a step further than most with their latest M-series tractors, delivering a range of machines spanning from 100 to 135 horsepower which are as adept at feeding out to the herd as they are undertaking cropping operations. Rather than being focused on one particular form of primary production, the MGX 135 and its little brothers down the HP range are designed, like the old dependable tractors of yesteryear, to simply go where they are needed. Aside from the bulletproof nature of Kubota’s lowemission diesel mill under the hood, this has been achieved largely through clever design. Class-leading underbody clearance and the ability to fit row-crop friendly narrow wheels makes the MGX fit right in on a cropping farm, while the option to fit a powerful hydraulic bucket up front is welcome in any operation.

Add to this a smart PTO memor y system which remembers the revolutions per minute needed for the optimum use of a range of trailed or mounted implements, and this mediumsized tractor begins to truly punch above its weight. A versatile tractor is often called on to work in muddy and difficult conditions, both the front and rear diffs of the MGX can be locked using an electro-hydraulic system, providing the kind of traction which off-road trucks can only envy. The big orange machines from Kubota have had a great showing at this year’s Fieldays, and offerings like the MGX series can only do more to ensconce the brand’s name in the top echelons of agricultural machinery. As farmers look to get the most machine for their money, you can expect that many more will be put through their paces for a test drive this season.

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*Field Day Specials ends 31 August 2015, eligible on MY13/14/15 units only. Terms conditions and lending criteria apply. Additional finance related fees may apply. Applies to Credit Contracts with a 24 month term, provided by MTF. Offer expires 31/08/2015. Available at participating authorised Can-Am Dealers on selected models only. Not available in conjunction with any other promotion. ^3 Year Warranty covers MY13/14/15 Can-Am Outlander & Renegade ATV’s. 2 Year Warranty covers MY13/14/15 Can-Am Commander & Maverick SSV’s.

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July 2015

RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Listening to their constituency by Andy Bryenton

Honda quad bikes have been a driving force in rural New Zealand for decades, with a similar staying power as the venerable Massey Ferguson tractor and the Toyota Hilux when it comes to on-farm popularity. That’s not a position which can be kept by standing still, and Honda are careful when designing a new machine to keep the best of the old and incorporate those new little tweaks and changes which most benefit their core market. In an era when many of the ATVs coming into the country seem to have been designed

for multiple purposes, hunting and leisure as well as farming. The TRX 500 then, is a chip off the ‘old school’ block. Not in terms of its underpinning technology, for the 500cc Honda is fully equipped with electronic fuel injection for a power boost over the old model, and electric-manual gear selection system as used in modern sports cars.

It’s in the area of design and robust construction that Honda have listened to their farming constituency, incorporating features for improved toughness and upping the TRX 500’s capacity for hard work. This is not a quad bike geared toward leisurely trail rides in the country. It’s a farming tool first and

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foremost, as evidenced by the use of a swing-arm fixed rear axle. Why is this indicative of the Honda’s farming focus? Well, an independent suspension system in back would make more sense for busting the trails at high speeds. But this setup means you can tow more and lug more without bottoming out in

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the mud. It also means less body roll on the steep bits that’s where the TRX 500 is quite at home, tackling New Zealand’s often far from flat pasturelands with a load on. Honda’s focus on farming even goes as far as extra guards to keep that ever present mud out of the moving parts, and a rear

rack that is the perfect size for that other vital farming essential, the dog. An economical 500 cc configured with the signature Honda low centre of gravity provides enough power for any day’s work on the land, while still delivering in the vicinity of 100km to a single tank of gas.

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• 2.5 Diesel Engine • High/Low Range • Borg Warner 4WD System • Power Setting & Air Con* *(Premium CRDe Model) If you are on the lookout for a sturdy 4×4 for the farm with a greater fuel efficiency and lower maintenance cost than any ATV on the market, the legendary Mahindra Thar is here. Tackles the toughest of terrains and gives you superior off-roading capability.

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and exit The 8000 4WD series tractors deliver high level productivity at an economical price. High performance engine, heavy duty synchromesh transmission, designed to match the impressive power and torque characteristics of the engine.

CANTERBURY FARMING July 2015

the ‘last’ word with Rob Cope-Williams

Those who serve feeling the pain You wouldn’t wish a redundancy on anyone. I was hit five times in seven years during the late 80s and early 90s so I know, but Fonterra are having to reduce their numbers as the industry takes hit after hit.

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

ID CANTERBURY ACHINERY

We Buy,Sell & Trade Machinery

The latest announcement of restructuring says 523 people will be losing their jobs. That’s 523 families — goodness knows how many children, and what their collective mortgages would be is frightening. However, not being callous, but Fonterra had to make a move and reduce their 18,500 workforce and streamline their operation. Farmers have been doing their bit, not because they want to be more streamlined but because cash flow demanded it. Fonterra could have just dropped their payout prices, farmers simply have to work within their cash flow. Farmers have reduced costs across the board, and in some cases still can’t cover costs, so the pill would have been very bitter had Fonterra not trimmed their resources. There will be those who will say if Fonterra can

cut 523 jobs and suggest more are to come, that the operation must have been very over-resourced, and they are probably very right, but adjustments are being made and savings will be made. Figures released by Fonterra suggest the cost of cutting the 523 jobs will be $12 to 15 million but the resulting savings will be $60 million. That equates to $114,722 per person per year. Whether that figure is all salary or includes cost of employing the person isn’t said, but it is an interesting figure! The other question is what will those made redundant do? The depar tments hit include central procurement, finance, information services, HR plus strategy, and legal. In a world where more and more companies are

using the sinking lid system to reduce staff and make themselves more efficient, especially as computers get more and more sophisticated, the chance of walking into another job is becoming more and more remote. Obviously Fonterra have few options as they are selling onto a world market, so their sales are governed by the state of the global industry. They can’t ask for more from their suppliers because their cupboards are bare, and so savings is really the only way to go. We assume that there’s more than just making people redundant in the restructuring, and that some of the areas of expenses will be under the spotlight. ‘A penny saved is a penny earned’ may be an old saying but it is very true. See where the money is wasted and slam that door.

Hustler 8000 Bale Feeder As New $27,000 Hustler 2000&4000 Bale Feeders From $4,000 AgrimasterRMU 2000 Mulcher $6,750 Dunhill 8 Furrow on land plough $3,500 Fiat 880 DT Tractor C/W Loader $7,000 Sulky DPX 28 Fert Spdr 2013 $6,900 Alo 1 5 Silage Grabs Shipment Arrived $5,000 Lyndon 12Ft Chain Harrows $1,200 Cambridge Rollers 10ft,11ft,&22ft From $2,000 Trailing Grubbers From $8,750 Hydes Hyd Postdriver Coming In 2 4 Long Hay Feeders $900 Celli 2 5Mtrs Roto Hoe $6,500 Alo Universal (Good for Maize Silage) Bucket grab $6,100 Universal Silage Waggon Tandem $6,500 Page Tandem Axle Tip Trailer $11,000 Gray 10FT Water Ballast Roller New $POA Duncan 701 Drill C/W Eclispe Box $4,250 Maxitills 10,12,14,&16FT From $1,450 Read 2 Bale Feeder $3,750 Sweep 2 4wide $2,250 Cattle Ramp $2,400 Kverneland NC 300 Power Harrow $8,500 Nobili BNG 310 Mulcher $8,250 Grader Blades From $575 Fiat 250 Tractor $2000 Watson 6 3 Rollers www walter-watson co uk In Stock Grain Feeder 750kgs Approx $1,600 Giltrap Gearbox Topper 2 7mtr Cut $3,500 Snow Ploughs From $2,150 Taege 2 Bale Feeder $7,500 Pearson Silage Grabs $3,750 Subsoilers 5 Leg From $7,250 Tandem Trailer 4 1x2 45 Reg & Wof $3,500 Trailer 2 Axles Turntable $10,000 Calf Trailer 4 wheel turntable 4 74x1 90 Wide $1,500 Fuel Tanks From $275

Just a Small Selection of our Stock • We Buy, Sell & Trade Machinery All Prices + GST • www.midcanterburymachinery.co.nz 172 Wills Street Ashburton Tel/Fax: 03 308 9889 Mob: 0274 341 040 E: n.stockdill@xtra.co.nz

July 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

TURE

PIC MPLE

SA Brevi MekFarmer 120 power harrow

Italian built power harrow, 1 farm owner from new, 3m wide, 50% tynes, rear coil roller, does a good job & is in good order.

Deutz Agrotron 115 Tractor

MK III, 6 cylinder 115 hp, only 2352 hrs, good rubber, very tidy condition, 1 local owner from new.

$8,500

Giltrap 90-80X feed out wagon

tandem axle, side feed, steel sides, bit rough around the edges but in good working order.

$39,900

$8,900

Lemken Rubin Gigant 9/800

8m working width, 3m transport width, double profile rear press roller, approx 3 years old, in good order.

Arriving in shortly

NEW James Engineering 5 leg aerator

swivel disc coulters, rear roller, replaceable shins, slightly shop soiled.

New Holland TS 115 tractor.

7230 hrs, 6 cylinder 112hp, 1 local cropping farm owner from new, has been well looked after & serviced, very tidy condition.

Kubota RTV 900 XT

22hp diesel, Hydrostatic trans, power steering, Windscreen & roof, 4wd & diff locks, 2602 hrs, good tidy condition.

$29,900

RRP $12,940, NOW $10,900

Hooper 12ft maxitill

12 ft, exceptionally tidy, good straight rear crumbler roller, rear drawbar, seldom available in this condition.

$12,900

$2,500

NEW McIntosh double bale feeder

Trailing & self loading, square bale attachment, feeds rounds & squares out either side, slightly shop soiled. Heavy duty build & low maintenance.

Lemken Juwel 6 furrow reversible plough

5+1 configuration (can be used as 5 furrows), Hydraulic vari width, hydraulic auto reset, hydraulic, depth wheel skimmers, rear disc coulter. Lots of extras fitted, good metal & in good order.

$42,900

RRP $18,130, NOW $13,900

New Holland T7.170

885 hrs, 127 hp, Side winder arm rest, Range Command trans, Super Steer, Front Linkage, As new condition.

Penrose De-Baler bale Feeder

Ground driven off wheel, tow behind ute, feeds out medium squares, in very good condition

$107,900

$4,900

AUGUST SPECIAL 1/3 Deposit, 1/3 in 12 months, 1/3 in 24months* On the below used machines

New Holland T6030 c/w MX T10 Loader

1 local drystock farm owner from new, 117hp, 2700 hrs. 113 lpm hydraulic pump, Good tidy condition, Is getting harder to find good low hr 6 cylinder engine tractors in this hp bracket.

Vaderstad Rapid RPA 600S Drill

Done very little work, in near new condition. System disc, 6m working width. Ready to go for Spring sowing.

69,900

HeVa Disc Roller

4m working width. 1 local farm owner from new, approx 4 yrs old, Good discs, good tidy condition.

$39,900

$135,000

Case IH CVX 120 c/w Pearson 20-42 Loader 5950 hrs, 50 kph variable transmission, front axle & cab suspension. Electric loader controls, new rear & near new front tyres. Serviced all up to date & ready to go. All in good tidy condition.

Farm Machinery Centre

CHRISTCHURCH

$52,900

Amazone Centaur 3001 Cultivator

Heavy Duty cultivator. Chisel plough auto reset tynes, 2 rows levelling & mixing discs, rubber packer roller, Rear linkage for seed drill etc, Moves a lot of soil in a single pass. Good order with good metal.

Kverneland BB100 6 Furrow Plough

1 local farm owner from new, Auto re-set, hydraulic vari width. Trash boards & disc coulters on every furrow. Tidy order with good boards & wearing metal.

$19,900

$44,900

Kuhn/Sulky Power Harrow Drill Combi

Kuhn HR3002 power harrow & packer roller. Sulky Reguline seed drill. Tramlining, bout markers, etc. Drill has de-mount stands & wheel kit for use without power harrow. All in good tidy condition

New Holland T6050 tractor c/w MX T10 loader 1 local drystock & crop dram owner from new, 4960 hrs, 127 hp, Good tyres, 113 lpm hyd pump, cab suspension, serviced, checked & ready to go.

$19,900

$64,900

726 MAIN SOUTH ROAD, CHRISTCHURCH Phone: 03 349 5089 â&#x20AC;˘ salesch@norwood.co.nz www.norwood.co.nz/christchurch * Conditions apply. ................................. ALL PRICES EXCLUDE GST

James Blackler 0274 794 374 | Rennie Barnes 027 433 7714 | Blair Jarvis 027 432 5640