Canterbury Farming, June 2017 by Integrity Community Media

June 2017 Edition

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

The genetics of charolais

Wildlife through the lens

Passengers on quad bikes

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Upskilling for France Page 8–9

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Forward thinking for food Jemima Snook from Christchurch has been selected alongside Beth Hampton from Matamata to represent New Zealand at a summit focussed on solving one of the world’s most important issues — how to feed a growing population. Rural & Urban Subdivisions Cross Lease/Unit Surveys Resource Consents Topo/Site Surveys

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They will join 100 other delegates from 49 countries and aged between 18 and 25 in Brussels, Belgium on October 9–13. The delegates share a passion for agriculture and a vision of a world without hunger. Aiming to address the UN Sustainability Goals of ending hunger, achieving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture, Bayer, together with partners Groene Kring and Federation des Jeunes Agriculteurs (FJA), is hosting the summit, which has the theme of ‘Feeding

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a Hungry Planet’. Those attending will share their diverse experiences and work together to generate innovative, sustainable and actionable solutions to global food security challenges. Their mission is to come up with new ideas which can drive agricultural progress across the globe and be put into practice back home. Jemima says she is honoured to be representing New Zealand at the Summit. “Coming from Lincoln

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University I have many friends who are great advocates for the agricultural industry. The opportunity to attend the Summit is an amazing chance to share ideas with other young leaders, grow my leadership skills and understand more about how New Zealand can contribute to solving issues of food insecurity. “I hope that my experiences of working in the New Zealand agricultural industry will bring practical, real-life knowledge

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to discussion topics at the conference.” Jemima spent her early childhood on a dairy farm and completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) majoring in Farm Management and Accounting al Lincoln University. As a recipient of a Prime Minister’s scholarship for Asia, she participated in a Lincoln University summer school trip to Indonesia in 2016 where she gained an under standing of food security issues in a developing country. Bayer New Zealand Crop Science head Scott Hanson says it’s important that young Kiwis get the opportunity to attend international summits. “I believe there is a need for young leaders to be engaged in finding sustainable solutions to the growing global need for safe and nutritious food. The Youth Ag Summit is an opportunity to broaden the perspectives with others from around the world. It will also enable young leaders to further grow personally and develop their knowledge and foster their ideas, share best practices and explore the role of modern agriculture in feeding a hungry planet.” Visit www.youthagsummit. com to learn more about the Summit or go to facebook. com/YouthAgSummit.

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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National recognition for Agri-Women industr y organisations, farming businesses, Maori agribusiness, environmental and community. The judges’ comments described the trust as ‘strongly aligning its focus on leadership and governance with key programme offerings at many levels. It has positively benefitted New Zealand in their sector by developing the skills and confidence of 1,800 women who are now making an impact at all levels — from grassroots to the boardroom’. Since it was established in 2010, AWDT has provided eight different programmes across primary industries with participants coming from arable, dairy, deer, goats, honey, horticulture, and sheep and beef. About half of the 84 alumni of AWDT’s 10-month governance and leadership programme, Escalator, have now progressed to governance roles that they did not have before, including many as chair. They include three of Maori corporation Paraninihi ki Waitotara’s seven elected directors, three Environment Canterbury’s ten Zone Committee chairs, and the two elected women board members of New Zealand’s

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The work done by the Agri-Women’s Development Trust to develop the governance, leadership and business skills of women in primary industries has been recognised with the Outstanding Pathway to Governance Leadership category at the 2017 Women in Governance Awards. An initiative of Women on Boards NZ, a business unit of Governance New Zealand, the awards recognise the organisation that has provided a pathway that aids progression of women to governance leadership roles, and the awards celebrate innovation, excellence, creativity and commitment to diversity by organisations and individuals. “This award is an acknowledgement not only of the trust, but of the women who have completed our programmes, stepped up and are showing the leadership needed to transform primary industries,” said AWDT chair Charmaine O’Shea. “AWDT is changing how women view their contributions and how the sector views their potential. It has also changed women’s aspirations for themselves and their farming businesses, communities and industries. “When women gain the right skills, support and confidence and discover where they can add value, they find purpose and meaning and contribute more strongly.” AW D T graduates are contributing across multiple spheres including

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THE GENETICS OF CHAROLAIS by Ann Morgan Sam and Viki Holland operate Hemingford Charolais Stud in partnership with Sam’s parents, based in Culverden. The 955ha flat to steep hill country property is the home to 200 in-calf Charolais cattle plus 75 heifer calves and 75 bull calves as well as the couple’s stud sheep.

“I

grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Manapouri and was always keen to go farming,” says Sam. “ We we r e a l way s interested in the Charolais breed and the opportunity to move into them arose when our neighbour’s cows became available. We then built up with the best we could source from around the country and have expanded from there, culling hard and selecting and breeding from the best. “We have been breeding for 12 years now and we are about to present 42 bulls at our eighth on-farm

sale on Thursday June 15.” Prior to the Charolais they had an Angus commercial herd and the Charolais are expected to perform as the Angus did on the hills. “We have 1,700 Texel, Suftex, and Romtex ewes as well as 600 commercial Romtex ewes and 750 ram hoggets and 750 ewe hoggets. The cattle keep the pasture down and in good quality for the sheep. “Charolais are a terminal sire and we are very pedantic with the temperament and ensure we breed quiet cattle. They grow fast, with good high meat yields so when

you cross them over Angus or Hereford, faster growing animals are produced. It is about helping our commercial clients produce higher profits. “We take a balanced approach with our breeding, using the estimated breeding values (EBV’s) and recording everything fully on Breedplan. We breed a robust animal that is going to get out on the hill country and do the job required. “If you put your lower performing or late calving cows to the Charolais bull they leave a good marker so you don’t end up keeping those replacements.

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The family constantly work on improving the genetics of the cattle Sam prefers Charolais cattle as they grow fast, and produce high quality meat yields “We are constantly trying to improve what we have genetically and are working on marbling and increasing the fat cover as well.” All stock are eye muscle scanned by Bill Austin, and the Hollands are slowly increasing the commercially relevant traits to produce faster growing cattle with top meat traits. “They may winter on kale, and we are increasing our irrigation so we can increase our stocking rate and grow more crops such as fodder beet. This will give us more options to trade cattle and possibly buy Charolais cross heifer calves and get into a once bred heifer system. “We have to get more efficiency out of the animals on-farm, whether it is sheep or cattle. There is a lot of room for people to increase profitability through having faster growing animals that can be killed earlier at higher weights.” The family have taken a similar approach with their sheep. Their main terminal breed being Suftex which gives them good high yielding, early, high growth lambs. “We started with no stud stock when we moved here. It was a good farm but performance was very low and we spent a lot of time fencing and developing it. “We are looking forward to expanding the irrigation,

particularly with the past few years drought. We managed to get through because we were lucky enough to have a little bit of irrigation and did a lot of grazing off-farm and brought a lot of baleage.” They retained most of their capital stock but are a few commercial ewes down to what they normally have. “We managed because friends helped us out and we really appreciate that. It may have been a very different story otherwise. “There are 42 bulls catalogued for sale. We are

excited to be presenting what we believe are the best lineup of bulls we have had to date.” “They are meaty and have good quiet temperaments. Our bulls and rams are guaranteed to perform well. We pride ourselves on our customer service, buying the bull or ram is just the start. “We are fortunate to be a part of some pretty good operations that use our genetics and have made some good friends throughout the country, it is all part of the enjoyment of breeding stud stock.”

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Money Talk

with Andrew Wyllie

Investment Markets Update (Covering the three months ended 30 April 2017) Healthy growth momentum Credit, money and liquidity indicators in developed economies suggest a healthy pace of growth for the rest of the year. Although manufacturing has eased off highs in some markets over the past month, this has been offset by an increase in non-manufacturing activity, especially in the United States and Euro area. Chinese growth expectations have also recently been upgraded and other Emerging Markets are also benefitting from increased global activity and a pick-up in trade volumes. Geopolitical risks still remain, although political risks appear to have been overstated with election indications/outcomes in Europe so far more positive than anticipated. This has no doubt been helped by the European Union’s (EU)

relatively healthy underlying economic momentum, with growth expectations for 2017 also revised higher. In the United States, political risks are also likely to have been overstated after several of President Trump’s policy plans failed to gain Senate or Congress support. Tax and deregulation reforms are the more important economic drivers and these issues are expected to be progressed through the rest of this year. As a consequence of growth, headline inflation has accelerated and core inflation in many economies is at or near Central Bank targets. The United States Federal Reserve has already raised rates three times this cycle and is expected to increase rates two to three more times this year. The European Central Bank has

signalled continued support for the EU economy with monetary stimulus, but has also indicated that tapering of quantitative easing measures could begin later this year. These changes would be supportive of an appreciation of the United States Dollar (USD) and Euro, but also underlines that economic data supports an upward trend in long-term interest rates. Equity markets rebound The positive backdrop allowed equity markets to deliver solid gains over the last three months. In New Zealand Dollar (NZD) terms, the best performing market over the quarter was France, followed by Germany and then the United Kingdom. Australian equities also continued their strong performance, helped by improving sentiment towards commodities and

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also improved sentiment towards financials. European m a r ke t s benefitted from the improving outlook, with political risks proving to be overstated. For the United States, political issues including President Trump’s inability to repeal Obamacare and set-backs on building the Mexican wall were largely dismissed by markets, with tax and deregulation reforms more important. Removing regulation alone should save companies billions in costs and encourage CEOs to expand their businesses once the shackles are off, boosting revenues in the future. Besides proposed tax cuts, the Trump Administration is also arguably one of the most pro-business administrations in history; while tax cuts are likely to boost earnings, deregulation may have a more immediate positive effect on earnings.

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New Zealand equities produced positive returns but lagged international markets. Building company downgrades held returns back in the current quarter, as building costs have led to downgrades in margins and expected activity levels. The NZD was also notably weaker over the quarter, with the attractiveness of New Zealand’s economic story losing some of its appeal relative to the positive momentum in economies further afield. RBNZ on hold despite inflation Globally, recent inflation data has headline inflation levels nearing Central Bank targets. However, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is expected to maintain the Official Cash Rate (OCR) steady at 1.75% for at least the remainder of 2017, with its preference for a weaker NZD and the memory of moving too quickly in 2013, staying its hand. In its decision-making, the RBNZ continues to stress concerns around the potential for increased protectionism in global markets. It is also mindful of migration keeping a cap on wage inflation. On the other side, housing risks remain, but the use of macro prudential tools (eg higher loan to value requirements), coupled with domestic bank capital requirements, have reduced the supply of credit and raised its cost, causing housing demand to moderate. However, higher longterm interest rates are still expected, albeit slower than we first thought. This

is likely to be driven by global economic strength and a gradual pull-back from quantitative easing in Europe later this year, and potentially the US Federal Reserve (Fed) reducing its balance sheet as securities mature (~US$250bn pa) from 2018. The Fed has also signalled a tightening bias, with its median expectations inferring that (if New Zealand rates remain on hold) United States short term interest rates could be higher than those in New Zealand by midway through 2018. The small declines that occurred during the last quarter are therefore viewed as a pause in the rally and not a change in the medium term direction. The declines have also been helped by expected issuance being delayed, although this should be a timing issue rather than a permanent trend. If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at http://www. forsythbarr.co.nz/investingwith-us/new-to-investing/ or to discuss your investment options please contact Andrew Wyllie, an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding 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 for Forsyth Barr Authorised Financial Advisers on request and free of charge.

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Country Law with Ronald W. Angland & Son

The bank of mum and dad The media bombards us daily with details of the unaffordability of housing and especially how it is now impossible for first home buyers to save for a deposit on a home. It always has been difficult to save for a deposit for a home but rigid self discipline does work. Recently I heard Chester Borrows giving his advice on how to save for a home but he sounds like a dinosaur in today’s World. However there are other options for younger people and many look to their parents for financial assistance for a deposit on a home. Assisting family into a home can be a minefield and care needs to be taken to achieve the best outcome for all parties. I become concerned when parents mortgage their home to provide funds for family members to purchase a home. They are putting their major asset on the line and could lose everything if the family do not comply with the terms of the loan. Acting as guarantors of a Bank loan for children is also not recommended as the parents become responsible to the Bank if the family does not pay the mortgage instalments. I have seen parents become bankrupt as a result of acting as a guarantor for family members. Where parents have resources of their own and are able to provide funding

for their family without having to borrow themselves care should be taken to make the arrangements crystal clear. The parents could make a gift to the children which means that it does not have to be paid back. If the property is sold the proceeds of sale belong to the family outright and repayment cannot be demanded. If the sale is as a result of a break-up of a relationship the partner (who is not related) will benefit as to a half share of the original gift. Consideration should also be given to parents’ future housing needs especially if rest home care may be required. MSD will take gifts into account in calculating whether the applicant qualifies

for a rest-home subsidy. The preferred arrangement is for the parents to make a loan available which should be documented with all details of the amount of the loan, when it is repayable and whether any interest is payable to the parent during the term of the loan. This is the preferred procedure when assisting children on the purchase of a property. Further down the track the loan can be written off if the parents wish to do that and it avoids any misunderstandings especially following the break-up of a relationship. This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a partner at Ronald W Angland & Son, Solicitors, 2 Chapman Street, Leeston

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Exploring rural health services A rural health road map which sets out top priorities for healthier rural communities is being explored as one avenue to addressing the challenges the modern day farmer faces. The Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand (RHAANZ) recently held their second annual ‘Rural Fest’, in partnership with Federated Farmers. For farmers, the focus was on increasing pressure related to industry compliance and the stress from dealing with frequent and intense adverse events. The w o r k s h o p ’s principal goal was to give life to the road map which was developed following the inaugural RuralFest in May last year. “The bringing together of farmers with midwives, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, district councillors and universities provides a solid platform to discuss the critical issues affecting our rural communities,” says Katie Milne, Federated Farmers National board member, and RHAANZ council member. “It was a great oppor tunity to hear perspectives from every aspect of rural health — from the user point of view through to those charged with delivering the service. “This was also a chance to put down on paper a range of suggested solutions to those issues, and a workable direction of travel to ensure rural

people don’t end up as second class citizens when it comes to health services. “One of the strong themes was it’s about investing in primary health care in peacetime — when things are going good — so that when we’re hit by an adverse event we’re more prepared.” Poor broadband connectivity was also raised, alongside access to health services and a burnt out and ageing rural health workforce with lack of succession

planning — all of which are important to keeping farmers connected, and ensuring they have access to services when they need them. “It was not necessarily a gloomy outlook for farmers as there were plenty of people outside the rural sector who have a vested interest in farmer and rural community w e l l b e i n g .” F o l l o w i n g RuralFest, members are being asked to keep the priorities of the rural health road map ‘alive’ in their own regions.

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by Ann Morgan Cecile Valadier arrived in New Zealand in early December from Marvejols — a small town in the mountains in the province of Lozere, in the south of France. She came to New Zealand with one ambition — to learn how to farm sheep the Kiwi way.

he 24 year old’s grandparents were small dairy farmers and she spent a lot of time on their farm during her childhood. “I have always loved animals. My grandparents had 30 cows — it was nothing like the dairy farms here in New Zealand,” says Cecile. “I told my mum I want to be a farmer. I developed an interest in sheep and travelled to Ireland to learn more as it is another sheep

country. However, I believe New Zealand is the best country in the world to learn about sheep and how you can produce lambs with lower production costs.” Cecile wants to take as much knowledge as possible back to her home country to help develop the farming industry. “I worked for two months on a farm with 2,000 Romney ewes in Waikari. I already had experience drenching and shifting mobs so the farmer

let me get more involved with what he was doing. “I learnt so much from him — it is good to experience the different ways of farming.” She says they do not have many Romneys in France and they use a lot of wheat and barley for feed because crops like rape and kale are expensive. “Summers are very dry in some areas so there isn’t enough grass to finish the lambs. Not many people use these crops but I have noticed

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CANTERBURY FARMING there is a big difference in lamb growth. “I spent time in Balclutha on a property with 1,800 Romneys, 50 dairy goats and 30 cattle. The first farm the land was flat and easy but this one had steep land and I learnt how dangerous farming can be — now I know why Kiwis use Huntaways. We only have heading dogs in France. “I helped milk the goats and the milk was used to feed the calves. Once they wean the calves they buy a pig or two and feed the pigs the milk.” Cecile also attended the shearing world champs in Invercargill to learn more. “I was keen to learn about wool handling and managed to get work with Dion Morrell, the shearing contractor in Alexandra. “It was an amazing experience to see the teams work together and I do a few months with Merinos in June with Dion. “I have done mostly crutching and second shearing and I am looking forward to working with full wool and Merinos which are different to other breeds.” Cecile says they don’t have rousies in France and she wants to show others how to be a rousie. “I don’t think we get paid enough for the wool because the quality isn’t very good on some breeds. The price often doesn’t cover the shearer and because the country is dry there may not be so many dags so we don’t have rousies because most farmers don’t

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Cecile wants to take new farming knowledge back to France to help develop the farming industry crutch the sheep. “I did an internship on a demonstration farm in France and they were shearing twice a year and all the wool went in the bale as is. It was amazing to see the atmosphere of the shearing shed here.” On a majority of farms there are no shearing sheds, they just shear on the ground on a square piece of wood most of the time. “A few farmers have started

A need for feed? Fodder beet

to build sheds but they are nothing like the Kiwi sheds. They just have one or two stands. “I will go back to the first farm I was at for lambing and head back to the North Island in September to a 770 hectare farm with 3,000 dairy sheep. The company promote the dairy sheep industry and I will do the lambing and milking. “In France a big farm is 500-

600 ewes and I am excited to take home knowledge and experience. “I want to take back grazing management information and all the things I have learnt about wool and how to improve it. “We will have the shearing world champs in France in 2019 and I think we have a lot of work to do on our wool industry and having extra knowledge is a good thing.”

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Helping antibiotic resistance New Zealand’s native fungi could hold the answer to antibiotic resistance crisis amid growing concern over the need to combat antibiotic resistance. Considered one of the greatest public health threats of the modern age — a campaign has been launched to determine if a collection of fungi, unique to New Zealand and the Pacific, could hold the key to discovering new antibiotics. Cure Kids, the nation’s leading charitable funder of child health research, has kicked off its ‘Fight Against Superbugs’ crowdfunding campaign. “Countries around the world have been asked to act now. New Zealand may be a small nation, but our native fungi and our unique biodiversity could provide an answer to this global problem,” says Cure Kids Research director Tim Edmonds. “If we don’t act now and discover new medicines, it is predicted that within a generation, antibiotic resistance will overtake cancer as the leading cause of premature death worldwide. “We know that antibiotic resistance is an issue many New Zealanders are concerned about. Particularly

for those children at greatest risk of infections.” The ‘Fight Against Superbugs’ campaign aims to raise $250,000 to suppor t pioneering research by scientists at the University of Auckland who will study fungi from a collection by Landcare Research. Fungi are a proven source of antibiotics, such as penicillin, and most antibiotics in clinical use are from soil microbes. Microbiologist, Dr Siouxsie Wiles, head of the Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab at the University, and her team aim to mine 1000 prioritised fungi from the collection of 10,000 over the next 12 months to identify pathogen-fighting properties. Dr Wiles’ team have piloted the approach, screening 300 fungi, using a cultivated form of bacteria that’s been engineered to glow when alive. When the bacteria stop glowing, it signals potential antimicrobial qualities in the fungi which then undergo more tests. “We are really hopeful that we will make rapid

progress in our search for new antibiotics. Children are at increased risk and more vulnerable to infectious diseases. :We are par ticularly hopeful we will identify fungi that are able to kill the bacteria responsible for many of the serious diseases rife in New Zealand such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),” says Dr Wiles. “While current antibiotics have proved highly effective in the defence against infectious diseases, common bacteria regularly develop new strains that resist these antibiotics.” Dr Wiles recently published her book ‘Antibiotic resistance — the end of modern medicine?’ Which explores the threat to humans, agriculture and animals from superbugs and antibiotic resistance. She says antimicrobial resistance threatens to undo many of the medical achievements of the last century. To join the ‘Fight Against Superbugs’ visit www. curekids.org.nz

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Managing dry spells and their intensity is challenging the rural sector and communities to build greater resilience to protect their livelihoods and further Government investment for irrigation projects has been noted by Federated Farmers as a powerful stimulant for re-energising provincial New Zealand. Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced an injection of $90 million dollars through its Crown Irrigation Investments into existing regional schemes. “A reliable water supply for growers and farmers has major potential to boost economic growth, creating jobs and exports in the regions. At the same time these schemes can deliver real environmental benefits by maintaining river flows and recharging groundwater aquifers,” says Mr Guy. “The importance of water storage has been reinforced over the last few years with severe droughts in places like the east coast of the South Island and Northland. The funding we are providing in this budget will help develop new private sector schemes which will reduce the impacts of droughts on rural communities.” Federated Far mer s’ environment spokesperson Chris Allen says this is great news for rural communities and will provide access to significant social and economic benefits. “It also emphasises the Government’s commitment to water storage, which is a lifeline for those connected and working in our primary sector.” The investment will allow communities to

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optimise the management of current and future irrigation projects ensuring better use of resources with less wastage. “It will provide greater assurances all round and ultimately takes pressure off water resources when they are scarce especially during droughts and dry spells,” says Chris. “Precise agriculture is increasingly being adopted by irrigators, which allows for the exact measurement of crop and pasture needs where water and nutrient can be accurately applied to meet plant requirements.” Another aspect of well-designed irrigation schemes is the potential it has to provide significant environmental benefits. “For example, the combination of smar t technology with more sophisticated water scheduling ensures nutrients do not leave the root zone of plants, greatly reducing and potentially eliminating nutrient loss to the environment.” Of the new funding, $26.7 million over the next three years provides matched grant funding to regional scale irrigation schemes, helping them progress through the phases of development to reach construction, while $63 million of new capital funding

Chris Allen, Federated Farmers’ environment spokesperson

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June 2017

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

The effects of aging The latest Government report on New Zealand’s freshwater environment exposes aging infrastructure as a key threat to water quality, quantity and biodiversity. Amongst the flurr y of recent reports, ‘Our Freshwater 2017’ was the first to detail the pressure humans are putting on our freshwater environments. Not cows, not irrigators, but PEOPLE. ‘Our Freshwater 2017’ outlined in detail the effects of land-based human activities on our waterways. In urban environments, it showed contaminants entering water bodies mainly through stormwater and wastewater networks, illegal connections to these networks, and leaky pipes, pumps, and connections. It found nitrate-nitrogen concentration was 18 times higher in the urban land-cover class, and 10 times higher in the pastoral class compared with the ‘native’ class; e.coli concentration was 22 times higher in the urban land-cover class and 9.5 times higher in the pastoral class compared with the ’native’ class. And yet people are still calling for a moratorium on cows.

If we’re to have any hope of addressing the pressures on our freshwater resources, New Zealanders need to take a deep breath and have an adult conversation about investment. And by ‘investment’ I mean rates. There’s no way around it. A few years’ back, the Government was talking about a looming ‘tsunami’ of old people — that soon, the over-65s would well outnumber the workingage population. I’m loathe to use the word ’tsunami’ when talking about old dams, but the reality is, our aging infrastructure isn’t up to scratch. Auckland council can’t separate its storm water from its wastewater from its harbour; a lack of investment in its municipal supply infrastructure was cited as a contributing factor to Havelock North’s gastro outbreak earlier this year. Last week, we watched as Hawkes Bay Councillors fought amongst themselves about investing in modern infrastructure that could

potentially deliver millions of dollars in economic growth. So, let’s take a look at the communities who’ve invested in infrastructure. Canterbury — through Central Plains Water — is a good example. Farmers are making money on the back of a secure water supply; the community has benefitted from its estimated $370 million contribution to economic growth and the environment is being enhanced through groundwater recharge and catchment augmentation. South Canterbury’s Opuha Water supplies water for irrigation, electricity and town supply. Investment in this infrastructure has added $124 million to the local economy, and through their ‘adaptive water management’ approach, ensured the river flows even in times of drought, and the community always has access to a reliable supply of water. So here we have farmers, and rural councils, willing to invest in water infrastructure

and upgrades because they can see it’s good for their household income, their community and their environment. We have the Government, through Crown Irrigation Investments and the Irrigation Acceleration Fund, willing to invest in irrigation infrastructure because it delivers tangible

economic, environmental and social benefits. And then we have urban people, unwilling to invest in infrastructure because they don’t understand the benefits, and they refuse to acknowledge their contribution to New Zealand’s water quality issues. This is where councils need to step

up — urban ones in particular. They need to do a much better job at talking to their communities about the value of infrastructure and the need to invest in it and they need to be open and honest about the pressure being placed on our environment, and our economy if they don’t invest in it.

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On farm issues that Aquamonix find a solution for and add value whilst incorporating equipment already installed.

on pivot) This also allows recording of mm applied per day/ week / month / season for the nutrient budget. Moving forward we will be incorporating the farmers existing infrastructure (flow meters at wells, Soil tapes and rain gauges) to flow into our system for compliance, monitoring and for GMP. The addition of a weather station and EMFLUX magmeters at each pivot base will allow the more precise monitoring of water useage against soil and crop types, greatly improving accountability and visibility of costs and more precise reporting. This is only the first stage in an ongoing approach to measure monitor and master inputs to achieve improved efficiencies onfarm and better use of resources.

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Myrtle rust fight heats up With multiple sources of infection emerging as this edition goes to press, the spread of myrtle rust is alarming biosecurity and movement controls are in place as the battle against the fungal disease moves into high gear. The scourge was first found in Kerikeri early in May, and two weeks later, it was discovered in Taranaki. Now Waikato has come under the spotlight after myrtle rust was found in a Te Kuiti nursery. The windborne spores mean New Zealand may have to live with an ongoing threat to the myrtle family of plants which include pohutukawa and manuka. Thought to have arrived on winds from across the Tasman, the disease is likely to affect some of our iconic native plants as well as commercially-grown species. Testing by the Ministry for Primar y Industries confirmed rust infection at a plant nursery in Waitara had spread to four other sites in the province. MPI’s Myr tle Rust Response Incident Controller David Yard says that, as with the nursery in Kerikeri, movement controls have been placed on other properties involved. No movements of plants or other risk materials are permitted off the sites and the locations have been treated with fungicide and inspected out to 500m from the infection sites “The earlier we locate a new infection, the greater the chance of doing something about it. We’ll be throwing everything at it to attempt to control it, but we are realistic that it is a huge challenge, given how readily the spores spread by the wind.” Mr Yard says finding myrtle rust in a new region could be the sign that we will need to learn to live with this fungal plant disease. Myrtle rust infects plants in the myrtle family including pohutukawa, rata, and manuka as well as some production species including feijoa and eucalypts. There are two main reasons why the rust has been seen first in nurseries.

June 2017

Country Matters with Rob Cope-Williams

What more can we do? The industry is doing everything it can to clean up the water ways and still the perception is that dairying in particular is destroying our clean green image.

Keep an eye out for Myrtle Rust

Growing conditions there are ideal for the fungus with many vulnerable young plants in sheltered, warm and damp environments. In addition, there has been a large amount of communication with the nursery industry and growers have been particularly vigilant in checking their plants. “While we are unlikely to ever know exactly how myrtle rust arrived in New Zealand, the most likely entry route remains being carried here on the wind from Australia where the infection is

widespread,” Mr Yard says. The Ministry will once again partner with the Department of Conservation, local iwi, local authorities and the plant production industries in onthe-ground management. Members of the public who believe they have seen signs of myrtle rust are advised: • do not touch it, or the plant • take a photo of the rust and the plant • call MPI’s Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

On the AM television programme the ‘problem’ was highlighted with the news that 97 per cent of our waterways were fenced. They did a poll asking if people thought dairying was at fault. 54 per cent said no, it wasn’t dairying that was at fault, but 46 per cent said they considered dairying was the problem. So why the mental block — surely nearly half the population can’t be ignorant and can’t think for themselves. Sadly the news media are very good at telling one side of a story and highlighting either historic information, photos or whatever, or an incident that is actually .002 percent of what is happening out there.

A photo taken by a tramper of a few cows in a lake doesn’t mean that it is common place. You will remember that the story was blown well out of proportion because the owner of the property was a well known figure head. Seriously 97 per cent of waterways being fenced off is astounding, and now add to that the regional council’s new regulations about fertiliser usage and the farming industry should be congratulated, not slated. I do admit that there are more troughs being used than water races because troughs work better, but still that’s not the point. So on-far m areas are fenced, apart from some springs in the high country, and main

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June 2017

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF, Laurie Forestry Ltd Another positive month in May with both domestic and export prices increasing by an average 5.5%. This continues a two-year bull run on both demand and prices. It is even more significant in terms of stability. Over the sale period prices changed up or down have rarely exceeded 5% in any one month. All indicators across both export and domestic segments suggest we can

expect more of the same. This will in turn continue to see commercial forestry as one of the highest yielding returns of all land based industries in New Zealand. My reports have rarely included much about what is happening in India. Given we can expect significant growth in this market it is

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worth a review. At present annual log exports from NZ to India are in the order of 1.6 million cubic metres per annum. Most commentators are suggesting this market will increase by close to 100% by 2020. Prime Minister Modi has introduced various monetary changes in order to increase the tax take thus ensuring infrastructure and economic growth. The so called demonetisation of high value currencies has seen a staggering 80% increase over a typical year rise in the number of taxpayers. However a surge of 9.1 million additional taxpayers

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needs to be taken in context. In a typical year there is an increase of about 5 million meaning a net gain of 4.1 million in the last 12 months. Prime Minister Modi has set his officials a goal of increasing the number of taxpayers from 65 million to 100 million Fur ther evidence of economic growth is revealed in car sales with an increase of over 12.5 million units on the road in the last five years and in 2016 over 20 million Indians travelled overseas on business or pleasure. There can be no question this tide of change is ever increasing. China remains solid in terms of price and demand but we are seeing a gradual shift in end use with our wonderful Radiata pine increasingly being seen in the furniture and moulding segment. NZ domestic demand remains unprecedented. Construction is at the outer limits of levels ever previously recorded and sawmills are going flat out to keep up. Log supply has settled a little of recent weeks with less talk of mills taking time out due to supply shortages

In Canterbur y the picture is a little skewed with companies like ours positioning logging crews in to fire damaged areas on the Port Hills. Fortunately the trees in the fire ravaged areas, whilst burnt to varying degrees, remain recoverable in terms of usable wood fibre. Even though blacked on the outside, the wood inside the tree is mostly undamaged. The challenge here is to remove as much of the blackened bark as possible during harvest. This would otherwise finish up in the sawmill bark and chip pile which in turn would finish up at the MDF plant in Sefton. Black flecks infused through MDF boards is about as popular as the current North Korean leader is in the United States….not. A further challenge lies in a little beasty called the Burn Bark beetle who likely thinks all his and her Christmas’s have come at once in the Port Hills. The loggers need to get trees down and processed before the beetle makes new homes and starts building family members. Fortunately the onset of winter months should see limited expansion

of the beetle population until the summer months. Outside of a couple of questionable leadership currently to be found in North Korea and USA, it looks like stability will continue to rule in terms of softwood log markets for the foreseeable future. Continued demand across NZ domestic, China and India currently has all the hallmarks of continuance. Shipping has flattened off after a solid firming period. Additional volume capacity in the Handy class segment, which is the basis on NZ log shipments, is evident with more vessels opening on NZ as northern hemisphere volumes wane slightly. Shippers are much less ambivalent about settling prices for vessels and appear much more eager to negotiate early contracts. All in all we remain on track as a high yielding land use and we continue to see plantation forestry as a highly profitable if not close to the most consistently profitable land use in NZ. This proves once again, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet, is to get out there and plant more trees.

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Tracking animal evaluation second is a mid-term review of the economic models that are used to generate breeding worth. The review will commence in spring 2017, and the panel along with other stakeholders will be involved in providing views on the key focus areas. “DairyNZ invests a significant amount of farmers’ levy money in NZAEL each year, and it is critical that we look to maximise value to farmers — getting more direct farmer input is one important way to do that,” says Bruce Thorrold, DairyNZ strategy and investment leader productivity. In addition to working closely with the panel, NZAEL values feedback from all New Zealand dairy farmers and will continue to consult the industry on big changes and developments via breeding company meetings, user group meetings, consulting officer networks, social media, and email newsletters which are produced three times a year. User group meetings will be held from time to time to communicate major developments. To receive the NZAEL newsletter sign up at dair ynz.co.nz/news/enewsletter-subscriptions.

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To provide practical, farmer based feedback on animal evaluation research, development, and communication, New Zealand Animal Evaluation (NZAEL), a subsidiary of DairyNZ, has established a new farmer advisory panel. The aim of this panel is to create a forum for two-way discussion between farmers, researchers and the NZAEL team, and to assist NZAEL in identifying practical issues that could be implemented as part of the strategy. “It is vitally important for farmers to be involved in genetic evaluation development,” says Dr Jeremy Bryant, NZAEL manager. “The perspective and experience of farmers is invaluable when it comes to enhancing the animal evaluation system. “The six farmers on the panel have farming businesses that are representative of a range of New Zealand farming systems. “They are advocates of genetic improvement and will meet about five times a year to give their practical views on research and development being proposed or undertaken by NZAEL and DairyNZ researchers.” There are currently two key areas that the panel is providing feedback on. The first is a project focussed on reducing the ‘reproof bias’ in AE enrolled sires (read more at dairynz. co.nz/reproof) and the

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WILDLIFE THROUGH THE LENS

BY ANN MORGAN OPENING THE FARM GATE IS A PRIVILEGE MANY DO NOT UNDERSTAND, BUT PHOTOGRAPHER TONY FLUERTY UNDERSTANDS THIS VERY WELL.

“I

am from Upper Hutt and spent much of my early years roaming around the Te Urewera National Park and the Tararua Ranges as a hunter and fur trapper,” says Tony. “I grew up in the 70s and saw lots of things in the bush but never had photos to back up my stories and people wouldn’t believe me. Then I realised it was hard to rely on memories and many of my hunting mates had cameras to record their experiences. “I have always been fascinated by the beauty of nature and in my late thirties I began photographing what I saw on my hunting trips and it meant I could share what I had experienced. I love the

wilderness and coasts, the stunning rata and majestic rimu trees, rugged peaks and playful antics of undisturbed deer to the comical behavior of seals, but the elaborate dances and the incredible colours of birds always hit the right spot for me.” Years ago Tony had five dogs he trained for field trials and got into duck shooting and upland game became an obsession. He travelled all over the country with his setters and German shorthairs. “I really liked the challenge of training my dogs and shooting birds when they were flying. It takes a lot more skill than with a deer that is standing there unaware of your presence. Then I

wondered what it would be like taking photos of birds flying and the passion grew from there.” Tony says it is a lot harder than shooting with a shotgun and there are many components that have to come together to get a decent photo. You have to have light and lots of it and the right technique or you are destined for disappointment. “It is impor tant to get permission to cross someone’s land and it is a privilege to be able to take images of wildlife whilst they are going about their daily life. “We encourage farmers to preserve the wetlands. A good balance of wildlife enriches your life, and children can learn a lot from watching

PHOTOS COURTSEY BONEY WHITEFOOT PHOTOGRAPHY

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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2017 animals and birds interact with each other and survive. “I think one of the most important things for farmers to do is have pest control of rats, cats and stoats. These animals eat the birds and their eggs, especially waterfowl and swamp birds. “Bird varieties in New Zealand are amazing and many farmers don’t realise what they have on their land, like the spotless crake, which is a bird with very similar colours and shape to a pukeko but grows to the size of a blackbird, and the marsh crake. They are only the size of a sparrow and live in swamps. “They are native and we have found them on nearly every substantial swamp from Wellington to Foxton. Most people have no idea that they even exist let alone on their land.” Tony believes birds need protecting. “Birds help keep waterways open and insect numbers down. If you look around you will see amazing things on your farm. Even pukeko’s help to keep drains open by eating grass around waterways. “Bitterns in particular are now almost critical, some get shot during the shooting season, this practice has got to stop — they are struggling as it is without becoming some bored duck shooters’ target practise.” Tony presents his photos of black kites, owls and fairy terns, to name a few, under his business name ‘Boney Whitefoot’. “One day

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THE PATEKE (BROWN TEAL) IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY BIRD SPECIES TONY OBSERVES AND PHOTOGRAPHS ON FARMS I came out of the bush to my friend Steve and I took my shoe off to check a blister. A lady said ‘what ugly boney white feet’ and that is how the name ‘Boney Whitefoot’ came about.” Tony has photographed the Koekoea (long tailed cuckoo) in the Pureora Forest Park and says these birds migrate each summer to lay eggs in

the Whitehead nests, a bird about the size of a sparrow. “Then they and the chicks fly back the Pacific Islands during our winter. The shining cuckoo lay in grey warbler nests, and fly off leaving the grey warbler to babysit. They roam around the countr yside, never settling in one spot. Cuckoo’s are attacked by other birds

because they are known for their tricks. “Photography is a good, productive hobby and appreciation for the wildlife produces a healthy environment for both young and old. Photography put simply is a love affair with light and how it reacts. It means painting with light and makes you very aware of the surroundings.”

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Farmers now have a responsibility to farm within water quality limits, to improve local results. This means many farmers will need to apply for a land use consent to farm.

Visit www.canterburywater.farm/events to find an information session in your local area.

June 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

WWA CONFERENCE 5-7 JULY 2017

Encouraging enhanced soil performance Farmers and growers are invited to hear from international and farmer speakers about options for lifting the capability of your operation’s production platform – that is, your dairy and pastoral livestock, soil, pasture, crops and water.

he Wo r l d Wide Agriculture Conference will be held at Lincoln University from July 5-6, 2017 with a farm tour on July 7. “The idea of the conference is to show farmers that the different products and inputs they are using, if they are used more efficiently, and in different ways, will help increase their yields production and animal health,” says convener and founder of AgriGanics Limited, Bruce Hore. “The guest speakers will be discussing different farming methods related to

soil health and other ways to apply or utilise what we already use now, to get much better farming results. “Top-performing farmers – whether sheep/beef, dairy or cropping – are looking for a step change, as they recognise that simply throwing ‘more’ in agriculture is not the way forward. A considered and sophisticated approach is needed and you need to take the time to understand your production platform so you can optimise its potential.” If you are growing grapes, potatoes, pasture, grain,

carrots, or any other crop, this conference is worth investing in. “One of our cropping guys who has used the information he has been given now consistently achieves his yield of his carrot seed more often than not. He has increased knowledge of the importance of his soil fertility and he has discovered everything that he needs to do to get the best production he can,” says Bruce. “The conference is aimed at providing farmers with the necessary information so that they are aware that

things they are using now, used in a different order, will help increase the yields with what they are doing. “It is not rocket science and all the information handed out is backed by science. “At present we are looking at NPK with more N and P.” Dr Dale Blevins will discuss the inter-relationship between calcium and boron, and why we need these two elements. Dr Don Huber is talking about the role of nutrients in the plant and how they protect it from specific diseases, why you need to use each of the elements to fight disease in the plant, and what makes the disease more resistant. Neal Kinsey will discuss how to achieve nutrientdense crops and foods and the role of sulphur. Neal has been a soil fertility specialist since 1973, learning under Dr William A Albrecht. His approach is based on using soil chemistry and providing

nutrients to correct the soil’s physical structure, providing the ideal environment for encouraging life in the soil. Stephanie Howard has worked for more than two decades on new technologies and sustainability issues in Europe and New Zealand. She is currently projects director at the Sustainability Council of New Zealand and will discuss market issues around genetic modification (GM) agriculture and technology choices for New Zealand farmers. She is one of New Zealand’s foremost scientists and entrepreneurs. Peter Norwood from Australia will discuss human and animal nutrition. Peter specialises in nutritional balancing using hair mineral analysis. Australian and New Zealand dairy farmers are using this scientific methodology to break through animal health and production barriers. “It would be great for people

to come along and hear these and the other speakers we have chosen. All the top operators are starting to hit a wall in production and they are at a point where they can’t go any further. This conference will help answer the questions of why they can’t progress with where things are at,” says Bruce. “The guys who are pushing hard are hitting the wall first and having this new information will help you get further ahead. Farming shouldn’t be a daily grind, it should be enjoyable. “The event will also help people understand more about grass growth and how amino acids and glucose are needed to produce milk. By looking at your soil fertility you will produce more amino acids and glucose and this is also important for animal health.” For more information or to register go to www.wwag. co.nz

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

WWA CONFERENCE 5-7 JULY

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

ADVERTORIAL

Magnesium fertiliser lifting yields on Ruapuna property The addition of Magnesium fertiliser to his programme has significantly increased yields on the property of Stephen King, at Ruapuna, west of Ashburton in the South Island. Mr King grows a range of seed crops including Turf grasses, Perennial ryegrass, Rapeseed, White clover, as well as Barley, Wheat and other options. He said the property was 1,000 feet above sea level on stony silt loam which grows good crops with the right inputs. “I soil test every year. Every twelve months we test every paddock. It is a true way of knowing where you are.” He said the soil tests were important because it demonstrated what elements needed to be addressed in the soil to enhance yield. “I had been doing it the old way like most farmers in New Zealand. The soil tests are telling me I have very high phosphate levels because I never used to miss superphosphate for year upon year. “My calcium levels were reasonably high and my magnesium and potassium were shockingly low.” He said the magnesium levels were at one to two per cent when they should be at ten to twelve per cent. “I am using Mag 2000 from Sibelco®, and I’ve had great results. Easy to spread. It’s great.” “I had a friend that wanted to use it and I said, ‘well I’ll give it a go’. I did a four

hectare paddock around my house and the magnesium level went from about seven or eight percent to twelve percent. We found it great and really cost efficient.” “It is obviously working because it is showing up in our soil tests the following year.” The real benefit of increasing the amount of available magnesium in the soil was in the superior yield and quality from the different crops. “I’ve brought my magnesium levels up to ten to twelve percent” Mr King said. “That’s reflecting in the yields and quality of food crops and grass I am growing. It is good.” “I grew some Italian grass last year after a crop of barley. I sowed it in February and grazed it with heifer calves in June when it had about 4,500 kilos of dry matter. Then I shut it up and harvested it in November for silage, with a yield of 6,300 kilos of dry matter. It equated to about 28,000 tonnes of wet and I only put on 300 kilos of nitrogen to grow.” “I think a lot of other people would have put a lot more on. Using Mag 2000 I’ve got my calcium and magnesium up to speed. I am growing more dry matter, more efficiently, and it is just working really, really well.”

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“I recently headed some dryland barley with no irrigation at all. The crop yielded just over ten tonnes per hectare whereas a few years ago when I was using NPK only I was getting about six tonnes per hectare.” “I think it is a combination of getting your fertiliser right, better varieties, and better genetics. It is all hand-inhand. I’m happy with what I’m doing.”

Stephen King of Ruapuna, South Island, has used Mag 2000 to lift yields on the property

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WORLD WIDE AGRICULTURAL CONFERENCE DICK TAYLER — NZ Guest Speaker

TIM REINBOTT – USA

STEPHANIE HOWARD – NZ

DR DON HUBER – USA

Dick was the 1974 Commonwealth Games’ gold medalist in the 10,000m and held many New Zealand titles over 1500m to 10,000m distances.

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY LINCOLN, JULY 5–7

REGISTRATIONS CLOSE ON 29TH JUNE

Will discuss market issues around genetic modification (GM).

NEAL KINSEY – USA

Will discuss his work using the Albrecht programme on com and forages & the effects it has on soil health. Will talk on the role nutrients have on plants and how they protect them from specific diseases.

BOB PERRY – USA

Discussing how to achieve nutrient-dense crops and foods. He will also discuss the role of sulphur.

Will provide an overview of peer reviewed papers investigating Albrecht and testing methods.

PETER EGGERS – CANADA

DR DALE BLEVINS – USA

PETER NORWOOD – AUSTRALIA

JOAN TRIMMERMANS – NETHERLANDS

FARMER SPEAKERS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

To register visit: www.wwag.co.nz or email: bruce@wwag.co.nz

He will talk about why and how his yields are better than both GMO and conventional crops. Peter will be discussing human and animal nutrition.

Discussing the inter-relationship between calcium and boron, and why we need these two elements. Will speak on the use of plant sap analysis.

June 2017

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Wilding pines control Wilding pines’ control work has nearly reached its first year target of a million hectares. “Twenty per cent of New Zealand will be covered in unwanted wilding conifers within 20 years if their spread isn’t stopped. They already cover more than 1.8 million hectares of New Zealand and until now have been spreading at about five per cent a year,” says Minister of Primary Industries Nathan Guy. “The National Wilding Conifer Control Programme was put in place in 2016 to prevent their spread and systematically remove them from much of the land already taken over.” Minister Guy says wilding conifer are incredibly hard to get rid of once they become established. “Prevention is the best form of management. Removing young seedlings before they start producing seeds costs less than $10 per hectare, but removing mature trees can cost over $10,000 per hectare.” Conservation Minister Maggie Barry says wildings compete with native plants and animals for sunlight and water and can severely alter natural landscapes. “The control programme is to protect our conservation land, iconic landscapes, tourist routes, high country farming heritage and sensitive

Maggie Barry, Conservation Minister

water catchments from these invaders,” Ms Barry says. “Last year the Government committed an additional $16 million to wilding control over the next four years and that’s on top of an $11 million already spent each year.” “Control work has involved targeted aerial spraying of individual trees in remote

areas where there is light wilding infestation, and ground control in more heavily infested areas. The programme this year covers 14 initial priority areas, including extensive areas of conservation land and farmland in Central North Island, Marlborough, Canterbur y, Otago and

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Southland.” Minister Barry says wildings are public enemy number one in the War on Weeds and top the Dirty Dozen 2017 list. “The Depar tment of Conservation’s Community Fund has financed a number of community groups, trusts and organisations to carry out wilding conifer control ion work in 2016/17, complementing the work of the national control programme by reducing wilding conifer spread in low density areas.” The Wilding Conifer Control Programme has already started preliminary planning for 2017/18 control operations. The Programme is being implemented by the Ministry for Primar y Industries, Department of Conservation, and Land Information New Zealand in partnership with other central government agencies, iwi groups, local government, forestry and farming industries, landowners, researchers and community trusts and organisations.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

Who are you going to call?

Keeping it under cover by Andy Bryenton

Nobody plans for things to go wrong on the farm but nature and fate can be cruel accomplices. And while the best laid plans to ensure fertile fields, healthy herds and a solid bottom line go uninterrupted nine times out of ten, it’s that capricious tenth time which makes insurance a prudent investment. Of course, insuring a farm is far different from insuring a home or a more conventional place of business. The very nature of farming means that one property is often home, work and investment all rolled into one. The obvious things — such as replacement or repair of buildings and possessions — take on new significance when home is also the office and hub of a million-dollarplus business. Even the trusty vehicles farmers rely on present a new facet to the challenge of working out an equitable and fair insurance coverage programme. The same ute which hauls feed and tools on a weekday may be the one which takes the kids to school and is used on a Saturday to attend sporting matches. Other machinery can cause even more serious problems if it breaks down or goes out of commission — even a stolen quad bike can prove a catastrophic loss depending on the season. Farm cover spans a wide range of aspects, from the obvious through to the more speculative, such as arranging cover for production interruptions due to natural disasters. Livestock can be covered, as they are a primary asset, but so, too can working dogs and horses, for example, taking the sting out of

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veterinary bills for working animals. Perhaps just as importantly, insurance cover can be arranged to reduce the financial loss from the accidental spoilage of primary products such as meat or milk. A knock-on effect from broken machinery or contamination which can‘t be avoided in a state of emergency could cost a lot more than simple repairs, considering that nearly all farms stockpile consumables in one form or another, either for pickup and processing or in the form of feed for livestock.

The best way to navigate through all the options to find an insurance plan which fits an individual farm’s business model is to consult with an expert in the field. Farm insurance — spanning from liability insurance through to the more prosaic home and contents variety — is very much a case-by-case, personalised endeavour. With ever changing assets and the combination of home, business and legacy, it’s a good idea to talk to an experienced broker at your place and discuss a

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WHO ARE YOU GOING TO CALL?

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CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

Passengers on quad bikes Carrying a passenger on a quad bike that is not designed for more than one person can increase the risk of accidents by making it more unstable, more difficult to control, and more likely to roll over. Worksafe New Zealand has clarified the circumstances in which it is acceptable to carry passengers on single-seat quad bikes in consultation with Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb NZ, and DairyNZ. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, persons conducting a business or undertaking such as farming must identify and manage risks arising from work, so far as is reasonably practicable. WorkSafe’s position on quad bikes is that singleseat quad bikes should not normally be used to carry passengers. “WorkSafe’s guidance is that you should use the safest vehicle for the job. When carrying a passenger this would mean using a vehicle specifically designed for more than one person,” said Al McCone, WorkSafe sector lead — agriculture. WorkSafe acknowledges that farmers and others using quad bikes for work need the policy clarified so they clearly understand what

is acceptable in terms of carrying passengers. It is only acceptable when there is no reasonable alternative having considered factors such as availability of alternative vehicles, terrain, and rider and passenger capability. In those cases where a passenger is taken, appropriate mitigation measures must be taken — including limiting speed, briefing the passenger on best practice riding, and avoiding unsuitable terrain. If carrying a passenger on a quad bike is a recurring necessary practice, you should be looking at acquiring an alternative vehicle suitable for the circumstances as soon as is practicable. The clarification also stipulates that carrying a child as a passenger on a quad bike creates a particular set of risks that you need to consider. As with the general principle, you may only carry a child as a passenger if there is no reasonable alternative

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and following an assessment of the related risk and risk-mitigation measures. “This is a good example of WorkSafe and farmers working together to find practical solutions. We all

want fewer accidents and injuries on our farms, so the important thing is that we always consider risk and this guidance emphasises that,” said Beef + Lamb NZ chief executive Sam McIvor.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Call in the professionals by Andy Bryenton

The spirit of do-it-yourself ingenuity is alive and well in New Zealand and especially in the far-flung rural areas of our farming communities. While it’s a trait that’s served many of us well over the years, there’s a definite line where work is best left to those with the right qualifications. Changes over the last few years have made the situation clearer and easier to understand, with most qualified tradespeople now carrying identification from their authorising agencies, such as the plumbers and

gasfitters or electricians. Photo ID helps not only in keeping impostors out of the game — some of whom may even be simply posing as tradespeople to attempt burglaries — it’s also a way of ensuring that all

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undertaken by a licenced building practitioner. In many cases this means that builders have also had to take on the role of project manager, bringing trusted subcontractors on board to complete tasks within the build such as wiring and water reticulation. This all creates a paper trail of correct practice, which becomes valuable if the home or building which has been worked on comes up for sale. A comprehensive guarantee on building work means that those who sign their name to a project have a long-term

obligation to see it done right. This may be even more important on the farm than in the home, simply because of the nature of the farm environment as both a place to live, and a working business. Of course, a power outage or water blockage, leaky roof or interrupted gas supply is a terrible thing in the home, but when it can disrupt production it’s much worse. Add liability for any safety threats caused, in a business context, and getting things fixed up once and fixed up right makes a lot of sense. Changes

to the rules — even small ones, such as anticipated new regulations around the fitment of safety glass in homes and businesses — can wrong-foot those who are not kept up-to-date by their trade associations and regular training seminars. The good news is that despite the relative isolation of many farming communities, there are plenty of qualified and skilled tradespeople in a variety of fields who are able to offer a mobile service — and not just in the critical building and infrastructure trades.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

Sorted under the hood by Andy Bryenton

A breakdown is a terrible inconvenience when it’s your daily driver that’s affected — a hassle nobody needs, especially in cold, damp wintry conditions. But it’s worse when the vehicle in question is a vital part of the production chain on the farm. From utes to quads and UTVs through to hard working tractors and implements, it’s vital to know who to call to reduce downtime and keep the wheels turning. The trusty quad bike has taken over from the horse as the motive power of farming in the 21st century — and to be fair, for a large part of last century as well. Agile and powerful, these machines are relied on to start first time even in the dark and cold of winter mornings, and their counterparts — the cageframed, side-by-side UTV and the knobbly-tyred two wheel farm bike — are put under similar pressure. No matter how tough they are built, however, a regular service is something these vehicles definitely need to keep going strong. Bike mechanics everywhere will tell you that cleaning off excess mud and dirt will extend the time needed between full overhauls, but a quick trip to the ‘quad doctor’ before

winter really hits home is a great idea. Many bike mechanics offer a courtesy quad along with a pickup and delivery service — some many even be able to undertake repairs on site. Right now is also the time to swap those tyres out for some rubber that’s designed for the deep mud. When it comes to bigger machinery, the stakes are even higher. Tractors are a vast investment, and the implements they pull can be just as costly and complex. Having a qualified and experienced tractor mechanic on call to help out should the worst happen is vital — thankfully the professionals in this field often operate mobile trucks and keep a massive store of parts to ensure a fast turnaround. It’s a similar story with the

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realm of mechanical repairs, prevention beats cure nine times out of ten. But on that tenth occasion, it’s good to have a wealth of local knowledge at your disposal to get things rolling again, ensuring a smooth operation from the garage or shed to the field.

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June 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

FENCING

The best in fencing on show The best in the farm fencing business from across New Zealand rural communities will be making their way to the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek for three days of demonstrations and keen competition from June 14. Once again the free F ieldays Fencing Demonstrations by Taragate are expected to attract a wide following at an expanded site cited as bigger and better this year.

The novice wanting to learn a little about fencing or a professional wanting the best advice will get answers here. The ethos behind the demonstrations is to offer free and interactive fencing

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advice for large-scale farmers and lifestyle block owners alike. Visitors are welcomed onto the site from 10am until 3.30pm each day of Fieldays. Programmes of live and interactive demonstrations are run continuously by three top professional fencers and fencing instructors. The public can get right up close to the fence line and demonstrator in a relaxed interactive environment to

watch and learn. A solution to every fencing requirement will be demonstrated. Also featured will be fences being built using tractor driven post drivers from several of New Zealand’s manufacturers, including King Hitter and Fence Pro. Taragate is also supported by some of New Zealand’s top fencing suppliers – Farmlands, Eurocorp and Permapine. The New Zealand National Fencing Championships at

100 IT’S NOT A TARGET

Fieldays are organised and run by New Zealand Fencing Competitions which runs regional fencing competitions throughout the countr y year-round. The Fieldays event showcases New Zealand’s top agricultural fencers in a match of skill, speed, endurance and tenacity with a focus on excellence, matched against time penalties.. Another crowd pleaser is expected to be the Fairbrothers Speed Fencing Competition. Contractors and farmers use the competition to share their techniques with others and be in with the chance to win cash prizes. The objective for doubles teams will be to staple 30 wooden battens onto a pre-built nine wire fence in the shortest possible time using a handheld hammer. For the singles, it’s 15 wooden battens. While the professionals are doing their thing, the growing number of lifestylers with a few acres to fence are always there to pick up advice.

Goats are notorious for testing fences, being prone to climb up, jump over, crawl under, crawl through or even walk through fences. Build your fence so that it’s tall enough that they are not likely to jump over and in the ground enough that they won’t crawl under. The space between wires needs to be smaller than the size of their heads, because if a goat can get its head through, then the rest of its body is sure to follow! Sheep are less notorious for testing fences, yet are as small as goats - thus similar fencing requirements are required. Pigs are worse for digging and crawling under fences and need a barrier that is deep enough underground. Horse owners will argue that barbed wire fencing is the worse thing for horses to be contained in, and would rather spend the extra money on rail, or board fencing than wire. So lifestylers can find myriad answers when they meet the professionals at Fieldays.

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FENCING

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

ADVERTORIAL

Saving time and increasing benefits by Joanna Manson

STOCKade is the world’s leading manufacturer of fencing staplers, staples and other wire fixing systems so it’s no surprise there ST400i cordless fence post stapler is proving a hit. Typically used for rural livestock fencing, the ST400i is the world’s first 4mm diameter, nine gauge cordless fencing stapler destined to make fencing faster, easier and safer. STOCKade has continued to invest in developing better fencing solutions by launching the cordless gas powered ST315i batten fence stapler in 2015 and most recently the ST400i post fence stapler in 2016. The development of the ST315i and ST400i was driven by farmers and fencing contractors, wanting powerful and portable stapling systems not reliant on compressors and hoses The difference between this particular stapler and the batten stapler is “the ST400i is a post stapler which fires a 4mm diameter barbed staple, 40 or 50mm in length, compared with our batten stapler which fires a 3.15mm staple barbed and non-barbed,” says account manager for Australia and New Zealand, Steve Lennon. With a strong safety

message, the ST400i means the user is able to fire staples with one hand, allowing the second hand to be kept out of harm’s way. Fencing contractor and owner of Stocklink, Grant Elson said he gets a lot of use out of his stapler while working in the Darfield area. “I got the ST400i about six months when it had just come out, I got one of the early ones. For starters it’s the first cordless stapler that uses large staples and it really is so much faster, much quicker and much easier. Grant says he uses the post stapler every time he is putting up wire and netting. “I get a lot of use out of it. Fencebuild Ltd. owner Jason Croft also bought the cordless stapler six months ago. “What appealed to me is that the staples are barbed, it was much quicker and unbelievably quicker on a big job,” he said. After using the tool Jason’s main concern was how long the batteries would take to charge once flat.

Roundwood

Scott Heasley MOB 027 535 0302 | heasleyfencing@xtra.co.nz

SAFETY FIRST ON THE FARM Owner of Stocklink and fencing contractor Grant Elson using the ST400i

However any fears were soon alleviated once he realised it only took 20 minutes to re-charge when plugged into a vehicle

lighter socket. The ST400i is available at Farmlands, PGG Wrightson, Goldpine and can be found in ITM, Carters and Placemakers.

Southbrook Rd Rangiora Ph 03 313 8339 Fax 03 313 3767 Email roundwood@mcalpines.co.nz

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June 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

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CANTERBURY FARMING June 2017 ADVERTORIAL

Winners! The same day North Canterbury’s John and Jacqui Baddock were joking about never winning anything was the day they received the call that changed that.

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Only $14,900 + GST Jacquie and John Baddock receive a $2,000 travel voucher from StructureWise general manager, Scott Hellyer

The Ohoka lifestyleblockers won a $2,000 travel voucher from House of Travel Hornby, thanks to StructureWise’s South Island Agricultural Field Days’ promotion. John told us he didn’t even realise the promotion was going when he visited their site at Kirwee — but his entry was nonetheless pulled from among more than 170 names of those who’d asked for quotes at the event.

The couple were in the process of getting a quote for a mechanical workshop for their son’s auto repair business. Specialised Automotive Ser vices is devoted to rally cars. Encouraged by StructureWise managing director Phil Williams to come along to Field Days, John was well impressed. He reckons theirs was the best display at the show. The competition asked entrants for

the name of the new product they’ve released. The answer is Steelbone — a building system with an enclosed steel section promoted as being completely bird and vermin proof. It’s just one new addition to a long-standing business undergoing much change. General Manager Scott Hellyer says the company has shifted to not only specialise in rural builds, but commercial as well.

Apply Gypsum Now The benefits of gypsum in soil treatment are well known, but its value goes well beyond this: • Helps mitigate the flow of nitrates and phosphorus in New Zealand waterways. • Can be used to address the issue of sodium from applied effluent. • Reduces surface run–off and drainage loss, reduces preferential flow of water run–off in soil. • Can be applied by a number of different means to target risk zones. • Assists with addressing high soil potassium levels. For more about Natural Gypsum and soil stabilisation visit www.gypsum.co.nz Rates vary per farm and soil type. Applications can last for up to three years and can be used as a base layer in stand–off (loading) pads.

Normally $16,435 + GST Ideal rig for Canterbury farms. Easily add a Side mount unit to make it even more versatile.

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Phone 0800 362 776 www.farmgear.co.nz

June 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

EARTHMOVING

& MAINTENANCE BUSINESS PROFILE

Getting the job done by Anna Harding

After working in the industry for several years and gaining a drainlaying qualification, Grant Wooster founded his own company Dynamic Drainage and Excavation Limited in 2007. “I decided it was time to have a crack at being my own boss. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy ride, but I’m always up for a challenge and I like being independent,” said Grant. Grant started out working from home with one digger and one truck. Now ten years later the company has around 14 staff, seven diggers and 10 trucks, as well as a purpose-built facility in the Izone Business Park at Rolleston. “I believe our greatest strength is our ability to get in, get the job done and get out again causing as little disturbance to other onsite operations as possible. We recognise that excavation wor k and

drainlaying can be disruptive and we’re committed to completing our tasks in the quickest, most efficient manner possible.” Grant says he and his team have experience in all aspects of drainage from domestic to light commercial, as well as the installation of septic tank systems on lifestyle blocks. “With four c r ew s operating Canterbury-wide from Hanmer Springs to Timaru, we have the practical skills and the capacity to handle any drainage project regardless of size, scope or complexity.” He is passionate about making sure his team have the best resources and tools available, and considers

DIRTY DEEDS Done Dirt Cheap

Grant is passionate about making sure his team have the best resources and tools available and considers advancing his employees as very important

advancing his employees as very important. “We have three certified drainlayers on staff, as well as three apprentices close to being registered, with an additional four other apprentices at

various stages of their training. You can really get the best out of staff as they progress through their apprenticeship because they have a goal to strive for and a reason to produce

We do: • Removal of hedges and stumps • Professional Excavation • Drainage • Road Works • Drain Cleaning • Driveways and Carparks • Farm tracks

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EXCAVATORS Ltd

continue to live up to the “dynamic” word in our name. The future for the drainage industry is exciting.” Call Dynamic Drainage and Excavation Ltd on 03 352 3144

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fast, efficient ser vice.” Even though Grant has had success with the way he does things now, he says “by constantly monitoring world-wide trends and innovations we intend to

FARM DRAINAGE | TRENCHING WATER AND IRRIGATION RACE CLEANING ROOT RAKING | GENERAL FARM WORK

PAUL’S EXCAVATION

Phone Jason

P O BOX 69198 LINCOLN CANTERBURY 7640 Steve: 021 338 247 | AH Phone: 03 325 7922 | Fax: 03 325 7923 Email: epsltd@xtra.co.nz | Web: www.paulsexcavation.co.nz

027 495 5732 • All residential, light commercial drainage • Septic Tank systems • Alterations • Excavations • Canterbury Wide • Free Quotes

Phone 027 254 0407

M: 027 437 2468 | E: office@dynamicdrainage.co.nz | W: www.dynamicdrainage.co.nz PO Box 86024, Rolleston West, Rolleston 7658

EARTHMOVING & MAINTENANCE BUSINESS PROFILE

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

Not Just Dairy Lanes

Digging for the future by Joanna Manson

Sandy and Leanne Shirtcliff are the proud directors of Ellesmere Excavation and Aggregate and hope their business and legacy will be passed on for generations to come. In 1996 the couple began the excavation side of their business and 21 years on they are still going strong. After receiving resource consent nine years ago they expanded the business to include aggregate. “We’ve got lots of clients that we’ve had for 20 years. We supply them with excavation work and aggregate. The reason we added aggregate to the business is because the two mediums fitted in well together and there was nowhere in the area that you could buy it,” said Sandy. “We sell to a lot of other contractors — we’ve got a clientele that we have had a for a long time through excavation, and lot of new clientele through aggregate so we don’t stand on too many toes that way.” Sandy says the aggregate side of the business now employs more people with six full-time workers. He credits his wife and fellow director Leanne to being the “backbone of the business” as well as the “key staff” which Sandy says all play a part in making the company successful. “If it wasn’t for Leanne we wouldn’t be able to keep going — she is one of the key components to the whole operation,” he said. Although the change of seasons makes for a few more track and pothole repairs work, heading into

• Dairy Lane capping – time proven screened rotten rock • Driveways & yards • Roading metals – crushed – all grades • Free Quotes

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Your aggregate & excavation specialists

Directors of Ellesmere Excavation and Aggregate Sandy and Leanne Shirtcliff

winter is generally focussed on maintenance. “At the quarry we make a special ‘2a builder sand’ which is in demand all year round especially with drain layers who use it in subdivisions. Sandy’s favourite part of the job is “banging around in the Rakaia River bed.” It is here that the shingle is sourced and where he can organise and predict where shingle can be extracted by looking at the river braids. “The main focus in the next five years is to get more

efficient at the river and make products quicker and easier. Most of all you’ve got to have fun doing what you’re doing, it’s not just about making money.” “The long-term plan is that business will carry on to the third generation — I want the aggregate part of the business to go for the next 100 years.” Sandy is encouraging both his children to work elsewhere after leaving school before returning “with a new skill set to bring back to the business.”

Civil Ltd.

Reaching further for our Customers

YOUR LOCAL CIVIL & RURAL CONTRACTORS OFFERING OVER 38 YEARS EXPERIENCE

• Bridges & cattle underpasses • Driveways & farm tracks • Roading • Drain & water race clearing • Drainage & laser work • Hedge & stump removal • Chain trenching & mole ploughing • Land clearing/development work • Subdivision work • Demolition • Site works and shingle supplies • Sheet piling • Bulldozing • Graders, trucks, rollers, compactors • Wheeled & tracked excavators: 1.5T - 30T • Trucks & Trailers for hire • Screening & Crushing Plants

Harts Road, Lakeside, RD3 Leeston Phone (03) 324 3744 • Fax (03) 324 3778 • Mobile 027 432 9590

Call Sandy for all your Commercial & Residential site works & rural excavation requirements

Please call

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

We supply a wide range of aggregate direct from our quarry, ex river pick up or we deliver

Phone Sandy on 027 438 9576 Quarry hours: 8am – 5pm weekdays

Land Development - Stump Removal - Forest Roading - Root Raking - Farm Development - Land Clearing - Hedge Removal

Quarries - Aggregate Supplies - Hard Fill Dumping - Rock Breaking - Concrete Crushing - Soil Screening

Civil - Ground Remediation - Trenching and Irrigation - Land Remediation - Effluent Ponds - Roading and Dairy Lanes - Special Waste Cartage

Ph: 03 348 8567 www.frews.co.nz

Cell: 027 42 42 455 brendan@frews.co.nz

June 2017

EARTHMOVING & MAINTENANCE

CANTERBURY FARMING

BUSINESS PROFILE

A construction specialist

by Joanna Manson

Director of Concrete Lock Blocks, Alwyn Clarke specialises in landscape, construction and concrete solutions. He is also one of the original manufacturers of concrete lock blocks for the Canterbury region. Based in Harewood, Alwyn first started out in the concrete industry with his own ready-mix company before venturing into the interlocking concrete module 12 years ago. “I was probably the original manufacturer of lock

blocks in Christchurch when I first started doing them. The blocks are an interlocking concrete module and they click together like Lego. The application is generally used for bulk storage containers and retaining walls.

Alwyn makes a range of four blocks which differ in size and weight. “The smallest blocks weigh half a tonne and the larger blocks weigh around 2.5 tonne,” he said. Orders are steady throughout the year

Director of Concrete Lock Blocks Alwyn Clarke

Full range of Concrete Block Sizes from 1.2m x .600 x .600 to 1m x 1m x 1m Aqua Lock Blocks for retaining walls Easy lift certified lifting inserts

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Ph Alwyn: 021 709 429 or e-mail: concretelockblocks@gmail.com or visit my display at 11 Broughs Rd, Christchurch. concretelockblocks

STONE CRUSHING

and not necessarily driven by seasonal changes. His services and supplies attract contractors and farmers, and he has large interest from the horticulture sector. The lock blocks are even used for roading safety barriers — Alwyn is always keen to create new block designs for different purposes. “I have a an engineer certification for

• Stone paddocks upto 300mm in diameter down to 25mm • Laneways and Driveways • Raw River Bed Gravel (unscreeened) • Coarse Lime Rock • Recycled material - concrete, brick etc.

CONTRACTING

RESURFACE DAIRY LANES Contact Graeme & Kay Murphy Ph (03) 693 9406 • Mobile (027) 451 8553

end of winter. Along with two of his staff, Alwyn manages to manufacture approximately 18 concrete blocks a day. For now creating the lock block for the pivot irrigator is his number one priority but Alwyn also hopes to look into designing a block specifically as a mooring anchor sometime soon in the future. Contact Alwyn Clarke 021 708 429

t DIG i it DOZEK it TRUC

Our Heavy Duty Machinery is Perfect for Roading and the Development of Stoney Farm Land

MURPHY

manufacturing the large blocks as they have to meet the concrete handling New Zealand safety standards. “I’m just in the process of designing a new block aimed at dairy farmers. It’s going to be designed for pivot irrigation and will help anchor the irrigator down in the windy season.” He hopes the block will be released and available by the

G.H. FOSTER Contracting Ph: 027 441 1533

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email: fostersdigit@xtra.co.nz

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Stahlton offer rapid and cost effective rural bridge systems throughout the South Island. Contact us today for a customised solution to keep your operations moving. 03 344 3014 www.stahlton.co.nz info@stahlton.co.nz

EARTHMOVING & MAINTENANCE

CANTERBURY FARMING June 2017

BUSINESS PROFILE

For the community In 1933 Jules Fulton and Bob Hogan started a contracting business together. Today the two families, together with their employees, comprise a company involved in transport, water, energy, mining, civil construction and land development infrastructure, in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific. Managing Director Nick Miller said that “while times and technology have changed, what will never change is the way we work. Jules Fulton and Bob Hogan set out to create a business based on honesty, trust, respect, safety and teamwork. It worked for them and still works for us today.” Fulton Hogan has become part of our country’s history. “We build and maintain the roads, rail, ports, airports, bridges, parks and property developments which make up connected, functioning towns and cities. We construct and maintain the vast networks of pipes and drains below ground which supply potable water, energy and fuel and manage waste, keeping communities healthy and livable. We’ve been making our mark for more than 80 years,” said Nick. Fulton Hogan have their own asphalt plants, quarries and precast plants, which enables them to supply

directly to their own civil or construction projects, helping make projects be on time and in budget. The company takes pride in continuing to be familybased and one that cares about the communities they work with, their customers, suppliers and their 6,900 plus staff. The company is often at the frontline in the aftermath of disasters and emergencies — like the Christchurch earthquake and the Queensland flooding and bushfires. Head office is in Christchurch, “where we are helping rebuild the city and our heart is in every job we deliver with skill, pride and a genuine commitment to safety and quality.” Nick said “Fulton Hogan has earned a reputation for always doing what we say. Our customers tell us it’s our approach and culture which set us apart. We’re proud of that and we apply that approach every time we help build a stronger community.”

Mt Somers Excavation Ltd

MIND YOUR SPEED AROUND SCHOOL BUSES

“Jules Fulton and Bob Hogan set out to create a business based on honesty, trust, respect, safety and teamwork. It worked for them and still works for us today.”

“Local knowledge that counts” Specialists in all types of : • Earthmoving/Excavation • Borderdyking (Laser and GPS) • Dairy Conversions and Underpasses • Farm Maintenance • Irrigation Trenching and Pipe Laying • Pond Construction and Design • Tree and Stump Removal

GENERAL FARM MAINTENANCE • ALKATHENE PIPE IRRIGATION MAINLAND TRENCHING • 8 & 20 TONNE DIGGERS TIP TRUCK & TRAILER • GRADER SCREEN SHINGLE SUPPLIES • TREE REMOVAL

Alistair Parris Owner/Operator • Ph: 027 434 7278 20 Hinds Gorge Rd RD8, Ashburton 7778 E: mtsomersexcavation@xtra.co.nz www.mtsomersexcavation.co.nz

EITHER WAY IT’S 20K

Waimate 03 689 7881 | Timaru 03 687 4699

Earthmoving

Oamaru 03 433 1246 | Ashburton 03 308 6011 enquiry@rooneygroup.co.nz | www.rooneygroup.co.nz

AVAILABLE FOR ALL DEMOLITION & EXCAVATION WORK AT REASONABLE RATES EXCAVATION / SITEWORKS CARPARKS / DRIVEWAYS

MINI EXCAVATION

20 TONNE, 14 TONNE, 5 TONNE EXCAVATORS TRUCK & TRAILER / WATER CART 10,000 LITRE Site works Land clearing & development work All drainage work with lazer Clamshell holes Hedge & stump removal

Peter Kaisa M. 027 207 3323 E. kaisa.earthworks@xtra.co.nz

SHINGLE SUPPLIES & PRIVATE QUARRY

BULK CARTAGE & HEAVY HAULAGE

Installing culverts Mainline excavation Driveways & farm lanes Dairy conversions Water race & irrigation race cleaning

20T - 30T EXCAVATORS

Dairy track capping Screen plant hire Dump truck hire Shingle supplies Rut filling

June 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

WINTER IS HERE! Book now for maintenance on your boat and jet unit SERVICE FOR EVERY TYPE OF JET BOAT, JET UNIT, AND ENGINE

Part Boats & Hulls Turn Key Packages New Jet Units

Jet Unit Refurbishment Engine Tune-Ups Insurance Repairs Impeller Reconditioning

Anode Replacement Hull Repairs New Trailers & Trailer Repairs

Custom Fabrication Expert Advice

Boat Restorations Dent Pressing

Spare Parts Retailer

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June 2017

Fit for transport animal welfare app launched Therapy for osteoarthritis ADVERTORIAL

A mobile app that helps farmers, transporters, stock agents and veterinarians determine whether an animal is fit for transport has been launched by the Ministry of Primary Industries.

Part 1 Everyone is different and this is certainly true when using nutritional therapy for osteoarthritis. Sometimes these differences are obvious — helping someone in their 80s with advanced arthritis is different from someone in their 40s who have had their first joint niggles. Other differences though are not so obvious. In some people joint pain is more from inflammation while in others more from the actual joint deterioration. This series of columns looks at some personal stories and the methods we used to bring improvements. I have just spoken with someone with significant osteoarthritis. He is in his 80s and has long term osteoarthritis in his ankles, knees and hips which caused significant pain with

“Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and farmers, transporters, stock agents and veterinarians all have a role to play in ensuring only fit animals are transported. “The information in the app is based on the transport requirements in the codes of welfare for dairy cattle, deer, sheep and beef cattle.” Developed under MPI’s Safeguarding our Animals, Safeguarding our Reputation Programme, the app is a tool to improve voluntary compliance with animal welfare requirements. “One of the ways we achieve this is through the

development of resources to support owners and people in charge of animals. “There has been demand for this tool and many are excited that it’s now available. We’ve had great feedback so far,” says Dr Kebbell. The app also contains the requirements for the recently implemented regulations for young calves. New fitness for transport regulations are currently under development and the app will be updated once they are implemented. To download the app, head to iTunes (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices) and search ‘fit for transport.’

our joints, is equipped with powerful healing processes which can be overwhelmed when fighting a disease processes. The first goal of nutritional medicine is to get these working again. Once these are activated the body can then set to work trying to heal the problem. In the case of my client the supplements played a huge role in stimulating this often latent healing force. For more information give me a call or email john@ abundant.co.nz. You can read back issues at www. abundant.co.nz John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz

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The app is an easy and efficient tool to help people make the right decision for the welfare of animals and was developed by with the industry and vets. It consolidates available information into one place and doesn’t require internet access, which makes it suitable for on-farm use. Director of Verification Services, Dr Chris Kebbell says most people in the primary sectors are well aware of the fitness for transport requirements, but MPI veterinarians at processing plants still see some animals arrive that should not have been transported.

restricted mobility. He rated his discomfort at 7/10 and was faced with further steady deterioration. He was already doing some positive things through supplements with a good Omega 3 and a joint supplement. What we did was to fine tune his programme and introduce an anti-inflammatory nutrition programme. The main supplement component was to lift chondroitin sulphate to over 1000mg daily combined with curcumin and glucosamine. This is much higher than in many joint products. After only 2 months he now rates his pain at 2/10 down from 7/10. He is both surprised and delighted having lived with this for a long time. Our body, including

What is Bettaflex? • Bettaflex is a joint support formula to promote healthy joint cartilage function. • Bettaflex combines high grade chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine sulphate and a potent 95% curcumin (turmeric) extract. • Each capsule of Bettaflex contains 382mg of high grade chondroitin, 425mg of glucosamine and 50mg of curcumin extract.

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John Arts comments: “I formulated Bettaflex based on the latest research into natural compounds that can help with joint support and function. The normal dose is 2 capsules daily but I recommend a double dose for the first 1-2 bottles to saturate joint tissue.” (John Arts, Founder Abundant Health Ltd)

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Premium products at sharp prices Mid Canterbury-based dairy cattle feed specialists Enerpro deliver premium products at sharp prices to grow your herd from conception to the milking shed. Husband and wife team Noel and Nikki Dew spend much of their time on the road talking to customers, and during their three years in business have developed a range of feed products designed to meet the seasonal needs of Canterbury farmers. Nikki says getting the right fuel into spring calving cows now is essential to lifting the poor in-calf rates prevalent in the district last season. When times are tough it’s easy to cut back on supplementary food, but the common denominator in high milk solid production and low empty rates is good feeding. “These cows have to run a marathon but they are not always getting the right feed to balance their diet,” Nikki said. “Pre-calving and premating it’s really important to get the right feed into them. When you get the right stuff in you get the right stuff out.” At around $300 a tonne the Enerpro Survival blend has been developed to get cows through the period they most require a high energy diet. Containing no more than 40 per cent PKE, the balance of the blend is corn-

based dried distillers’ grain, soyabean hull and rolled barley. Extra minerals and nutrients can be added for an additional $18 per tonne. “We are getting great feedback on that product,” Nikki said. Once the calves are on the ground giving them the best start in life also becomes a priority. Enerpro calf meal comes in two protein levels to achieve target weights quickly. Enerpro20 can be fed from day four following colostrumfeeding, in conjunction with quality milk replacement while the Enerpro16 blend has been developed for feeding from four weeks. Both calf meals are manufactured with corn dried distillers’ grain, soya meal hulls and oil, soya meal, lime flour, salt, molasses, essential vitamins and minerals and Bovatec to help control coccidiosis. No PKE is used in the calf feed blends. Working in partnership with the team at Rural Transport has proved a winning combination for Enerpro. “We use Rural Transport to move our blended feed

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DAIRY/CALVING

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

Soil Matters with Peter Burton What will be the change kicker? It was interesting to receive a phone call from a retired economist recently. courses, that clearly identifies the underlying issues, and it involves toy making. In a nutshell, a toy making firm by necessity had to make more toys at a lower price in order to remain in business. The necessary studies were completed and the new plan involved splitting the work force into groups with lunch breaks and smokos being staggered. This meant that the manufacturing could continue uninterrupted with a marked increase in efficiency and output. The work force continued to be paid on a throughput basis which meant they received more pay, they also worked fewer hours, with the factory owners generating greater income and lifting profitability. Ever yone seemingly won, however the factory was a major employer in a small town and prior to the changes being implemented had been operating in the

same way for many years. Almost immediately there were grumblings of discontent from the workforce and within a few months a meeting with the owners was demanded. The upshot was that the original inefficient and financially less rewarding system was re-introduced even though it was made clear that as a consequence the factory faced an increasingly uncertain future. The trigger for the changes were that although they worked for a shorter time and took home more pay as well as having a more certain employment future, their breaks fell at different times and they couldn’t share them with the same people they used to. We don’t like changes to our routines and social disruption is particularly unsettling. Even when there is an obvious and undeniable upside our foundations are rooted in our daily interaction with friends, family, and those

we work with. Changes to this aspect of our life are the most difficult to cope with and therefore the most resistant to change. What will change dairy farmers’ behaviour is social pressure, in much the same way as smoking in restaurants and school staff rooms became unacceptable. So too will farming practices that destroy soil carbon allowing the steady degradation of our fresh water reserves. The query is how much more damage has to be inflicted before those changes take place. A number of onlookers are suggesting the tipping point is close, and it’s hoped that the catalyst is not regulation but a genuine desire by the farming community to again be highly respected and well liked members of the wider community. For more information contact Peter on 0800 843 809.

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He rang to say that the point made in my latest article that farmers were not to blame for the practises resulting in environmental degradation, instead fault lay with the advice they received, in his view ‘hit the nail on the head’. We discussed a number of aspects related to this issue particularly the loss of soil carbon as a result of excessive fertiliser nitrogen applications and agreed that the continued loss of production that resulted could not continue much longer. What has also been interesting of late is the number of farmers who acknowledge that they know major changes in all aspects of farm management are necessary and will probably happen, but are reluctant to take the first step. And the reason for this apparent paradox is well understood. There is a classic case, often cited in management

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Best start is key to calving To set a dairy cow up for a long, productive life requires the best possible start in life and veterinarians and farm consultants alike agree that extra effort at calving will be returned in spades by a long and productive life on the farm. Dair y NZ advises accordingly that heifers that reach target weights make successful milking cows and growing them well starts from the day they are born. They must receive adequate fresh colostrum within the first 24 hours of life and should be fed colostrum, or a colostrum substitute, for at least the first four days. Welfare regulations are becoming enshrined in handling regulations and the young stock must be handled with care and that means gently. Farm workers must be advised not to throw, hit or drag a calf at any time. Electric prodders must not be used on calves. In fact the ‘bible’ for calf handling is available in the Animal Welfare (Calves) Regulations 2016 Calves that are not with their mothers must be provided with shelter so that they can stay warm and dry. Calf pens must be fit for purpose and well maintained. Bedding areas must be comfortable, clean and dry, with adequate ventilation but draft free at the calf level. Exposed concrete, bare earth and mud are not acceptable. Calves should be fed at the same time each day to minimise stress, and always ensure they have access

to plenty of fresh water. Adequate quantities of good quality feed must be available to enable them to reach weaning weight with a welldeveloped rumen. A calf should drink at least two litres of fresh colostrum during the first six hours of life to get protective antibodies. To achieve this, pick up calves twice a day and give them gold colostrum, best fed fresh but may be frozen for up to six months, then thawed and heated in water.. The level of antibodies in a batch of colostrum can be measured using a Brix refractometer, available from your vet, farm supply store or a home brew shop. Brix higher than 22% are best for newborn calves - colostrum can be stored in a cool place and out of direct sunlight and

needs to be stirred twice a day. A colostrum keeper or yoghurt starter, available from supermarkets, can be added to each drum to preserve it. Alternatively, preserve colostrum with potassium sorbate. Checklist: Ensure good routine hygiene and health practices; Scr ub all feeding equipment well with hot water and detergent; Remove sick calves promptly to a designated sick pen; Frequently clean and disinfect pens where sick calves are treated; Disinfect hard surfaces; Ensure bedding is regularly refreshed, Vaccinate, treat for parasites, and provide access to shelter.

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DAIRY/CALVING

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CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

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We are now starting the dry period. Another season has gone by and it is time to refresh and take life a little easier. Some of you may even go away on a holiday. Cows are gone for the winter or, if we have them on the run-off, we need only feed them and leave them to it till tomorrow when we must feed them again. We don’t have to get up so early in the morning for milking and apart from the air temperatures life is good. We all need breaks and time away to refresh. It is the same for a cow. They need a dry period. They need a time of rest. They need to be able to lay down in a dry comfortable place out of the rain and the wind. I have said in previous articles that cows are lacking resting time under normal circumstances during the milking season. Even on the best farms, cows are being deprived of resting time because there simply isn’t enough time in a day for a cow. I know it sounds silly but our dairy cows are overworked during the milking season. That means that the rest during the dry period is even more important. However, when I drive through the countryside during winter I see many

cows on winter crops — the management of which is critical for the cows’ wellbeing considering the cows that have died because of mismanagement with fodder beet. But, apart from the potential nutrition problems there is also a problem due to the lack of proper resting facilities. You may think that this just doesn’t make sense because the cows don’t do anything other than eating and resting, but look at cow behaviour in the paddock. We all know that a well-fed cow’s normal behaviour during the day is grazing, drinking, laying down and resting. Cows don’t normally spend a lot of time standing. If they do there

is a problem. The cow may be sick or it is raining or it is too hot and the cow is under heat stress. Now, when we look at cows on winter crops we see them spending a lot of time standing. This is not necessarily because they are sick or because it is raining. It is because there is nowhere for them to lay down and be comfortable especially when it gets muddy. Even in those muddy conditions, cows will lay down but only if they just can’t stand any longer. Why is this important? Because tired cows don’t perform. Tired cows are under severe stress. Tired, stressed cows are much more susceptible to lameness. Sometimes

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the difference in numbers of lame cows from one season to the next is due to the wintering conditions. I know that cost needs to be kept to a minimum to run a profitable farming operation but if you want to calculate the true cost of the different farming systems you need to include the lameness cost during the upcoming milking season as well as the empty rate and mastitis cost. Much more research needs to be done in this area to get a better understanding of the true cost. It is quite likely that the cheapest system may be the costliest.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

Pay attention!

Wool Perspective

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On the flip-side, fine wool prices have remained buoyant as demand appears to be outstripping supply big-time. For many mid micron types, market interest has also remained positive, particularly with the small volumes of these types offered for sale during the past few weeks. As new season’s pre-lamb shorn wools begin to filter onto the market, many producers of strong wool who may not have been exposed to the market place for almost twelve months, could

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struggle to come to terms with the low pricing structure which has evolved during that time period. At recent wool auctions crossbred prices have remained sluggish and, in particular, an obvious lack of interest for poor scouring colour and/or very short second shear and/or mediumto-high levels of vegetable fault has become apparent as buyers are more selective with their purchases, a probable reflection of a distinct slim order book particularly from Chinese mills. The majority of buyers have shown most interest in well prepared, good colour, sound tensile strength wools with a minimum staple length of approximately seventyfive millimetres.

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Halfbred and finer Corriedale types have received good support from the trade recently, buoyed by the very solid global fine wool market. Well prepared halfbred types drew widespread interest from buyers at all Christchurch wool auctions during May with most micron categories improving slightly in value at each offering perhaps a reflection of the limited supply available at this time of year, and with so many clips in recent years having either succumbed to crossbred sheep or a complete change in land use, such as dairy or viticulture. The very small quantity of merino wool types available to the exporting trade in New Zealand during the past few

weeks have drawn fantastic interest, with the also small number of vendors mostly ecstatic about the returns for their, mainly, short and or oddment types. Australian wool brokers and exporters have also repor ted a continued improvement for their wools, with only a couple of sales during the past month or so experiencing a slight easing in price before regaining the lost ground. At the time of writing there had been some publicity condemning pollution via plastic micro-fibres ejected into the seas around our planet, generally as a byeproduct of clothes washing. At a time when natural products appear to be enjoying support around the world, often driven by younger folk who insist on sustainable consumer products, wool surely has a great opportunity to win ground as a fibre of choice both for apparel but also interior furnishings. Wool, being flame retardant, biodegradable, and a naturally renewable resource, in my opinion, ticks plenty of boxes for everyone. The Campaign for Wool has focussed on all of those properties and is doing a great job of promoting wool across these sectors. At this time of year we could all do much better promoting woollen garments to our families to be worn simply for warmth. The term ‘fleece’ is used often for garments made from entirely man-made fibres, but with an obvious connotation of natural warmth. Does that annoy you? It sure annoys me. That’s my view.

More returns for your wool. Carrfields Primary Wool (CP Wool) is a 50/50 joint venture between Carrfields and Primary Wool Co-operative (PWC), a 100% wool grower owned co-operative. • CP Wool has stores in key locations across NZ • CP Wool offers significant benefits and advantages to New Zealand wool producers Talk to your local CP Wool representative about maximising the returns on your wool clip.

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BE FIRE SAFE THIS WINTER

LIVESTOCK

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

Managing risks during shifts Recent finds of the pest plant velvetleaf and myrtle rust around the country underline why it’s crucial for farmers to take precautions as they move stock and equipment during the year. The mass transportation of cows and machinery around the country’s roads as farm contractors relocate themselves and their stock during the year is a time to be extra vigilant. “Biosecurity star ts at the farm gate,” says Darion Embling, pest plants team leader. “It is clear that farmers and contractors have an important role to play in preventing the spread of pest plants through good on farm biosecurity practices.” He said machinery hygiene is especially important and people need to take extra care with the movement of stock, machines and vehicles between farms. “To help stop the spread of dangerous weeds and animal pests, as well as disease, it is important to ensure vehicles, machinery and equipment is cleaned before making shifts. Machiner y should be cleaned so no visible soil or plant matter remains which might spread pests or weeds. “Taking precautions like this on the plant pest front

helps ensure agriculture stays healthy.” Last year it was confirmed that unclean machinery generally had been linked to the spread of velvetleaf. To help avoid stock effluent ending up on the road during shifts, it is also recommended that farmers stand their stock off green pasture for a minimum of four hours with water before transporting. Other tips include: confirming stock pick-up times in advance to eliminate confusion; move stock close to the loading ramp the day before; when possible use dry feed before transport because it results in less effluent, and if possible quarantine stock for 24 hours before moving and on arrival. Velvetleaf is an annual broad-leaved weed that grows up to three metres tall. The flowers are butteryyellow and about three centimetres across and bloom from spring through to autumn. The leaves are large heart or circular shaped and are

velvety and soft to the touch with distinctive seed pods or capsules in a cuplike ring and each segment contains 1–3 large hear t-shaped black seeds. The Velvetleaf Farm Management Plan is available at: www.mpi.govt. nz/aler ts and provides recommendations for machiner y hygiene, animal feed management, stock movement and crop management. Myrtle rust is readily transportable because they produce large numbers of small and light spores. Myrtle rust attacks young, soft, actively growing leaves, shoot tips and young stems. Initial symptoms are powdery, bright yellow or orange-yellow pustules on leaves, tips and stems, and can also be dispersed through the transpor t of infected plant material. Suspected infected plant material should not be touched and should be reported by phoning MPI on 0800 80 99 66.

Darion Embling, pest plants team leader

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Minimise Risk. Maximise Return.

Valued Marketers of All Wool Types

For all your unwanted animals, cattle, sheep, calves, horses

Phone Nick Mobile: 027 210 1621 Factory Shop - Ph: 03 348 9439 15 Michelle Road, Wigram, Christchurch, 8042

Contact a PGG Wrightson Wool representative today: Doug McKay

Ph: 027 432 6910

Peter McCusker Rob Lynskey Ph: 027 432 4926

Freephone 0800 946 000

Ph: 027 591 8454

Ange Armstrong Ph: 027 436 2603

Helping grow the country

WE’VE MADE BULLS MORE ATTRACTIVE.

As the country’s leading rural insurer, FMG is making bulls look more appealing on sale day. With 14 days free Premier Bull Cover, they’ll be automatically insured from the fall of the hammer, including their transit to the farm. And you can keep that cover going for the remaining 12 months for just 6.5% of the purchase price, for bulls up to the value of $25,000. So don’t miss this chance to buy bulls covered by FMG. Check out the list of exclusive bull sales where you can get this mighty attractive offer, and find out more details, at fmg.co.nz/bulls Please note this is only a summary of FMG products and services and is subject to our specific product documentation. For full details, refer to the relevant policy wordings at fmg.co.nz

FMG0550WFLQP

We’re here for the good of the country.

June 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

WE HAVE A FIELDAYS DEAL THAT’S PERFECT FOR YOU!

RANGER XLT 4X2 DOUBLE CAB MANUAL

SPECIAL PRICE

490 +ORC1

• 3.5 Tonne Towing2 • 5-Cylinder 3.2L TDCi Diesel Engine • 147kW/470Nm • 240V Power Invertor • Reverse Camera • Apple Carplay™3 & Android Auto™3 integration through SYNC®34

Avon City Ford Anywhere Ford

RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

Double vision by Andy Bryenton

The age of the station wagon is over — the era of the crossover SUV is firmly here to stay. But what does that mean if you still want the convenience of that long, flat boot space and the lower operating costs of a stretched sedan? Is there room in the new world of bigger rims and jacked up ride heights for something to truly usurp the kind of cars which took us to innumerable childhood camping holidays? Ssangyong are among those who say yes — and they’ve brought something new to the table to back up their assertion. Taking the platform of their break-out hit — the funky, compact little Tivoli — the Korean automakers have given it a tweak and a stretch, creating the new Tivoli XLV. The original combined everything the world enjoyed in the original supermini — funky two-tone paintwork, crisp retro-inspired lines, nimble handling and a low fuel bill. Now it’s been given the kind of extra boost in space which we used to see in big Commodore and Falcon sedans when they became the station wagon or estate model. This renders an impressive 720 litres of boot space, with the option for even more when the rear seats fold flat. In standard configuration that means room for five with plenty of gear — the ideal family touring machine. Dad’s old Valiant may have been twice the size, but this

ALL NEW TO THE WORLD American made zero turn mower All new level of performance, durability and design at a great price 54”, 61” to 72” cut

0800 38 44 50 modern alternative packs in more comfort, more technology, and importantly a ton of safety systems unheard of in the days of cassette tapes and tartan blanket seat covers. As well as a full suite of airbags and an electronic stability programme, electronic brake-force distribution and anti-lock brakes work together to

ensure that the front and rear wheels brake proportionately according to the number of occupants and the weight of the onboard load. The economical 1.6 litre engine under the hood delivers 7.6 litres per 100km efficiency while still producing 126 horsepower — in a vehicle which is light and agile in city traffic despite its carry capacity. And with the

option to select a steering mode from comfortable to sporty, once you take to the highway this is no mundane people mover. Ssangyong have made a name as a clever alternative, and with the original Tivoli they made a bold statement, claiming a new sub-sector in the market. Now they’ve done it again, with a fresh twist on a popular concept.

Oi!

DON’T TXT & DRIVE LT-A500XPL7

KINGQUAD 500 4x4 POWERSTEER

SAVE $900

FIELDAYS FINANCE

$13,995 EXCL. GST

LT-A500XPL7 Finance offer is based on $5,437.16 deposit or trade-in equivalent, a $369 documentation fee and $13 PPSR (total charges $382), then 1 payment of $6,124.14 after 12 months and another payment of $6,124.14 after 24 months at 6.99% interest. Total cost of purchase $17,685.44. Normal lending criteria apply. Price excludes GST. Offer not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Offer ends 31 July 2017 or while stocks last.

ARTHUR BURKE LTD AMBERLEY - ESTABLISHED 1935

INCL. GST

• Liquid cooled fuel injected 4-stroke • CVT transmission with Hi/Lo ratio and reverse • Push button 2WD/4WD select with diff-lock option • Independent front and rear suspension • Disc front brakes • Fully sealed oil-bathed multi-plate disc rear brake • Comfortable T-shaped seat • 24 Month/15,000km warranty

NORTH CANTERBURY SUZUKI DEALER Markham Street, Amberley • Phone 03 314 0132 James Carr • Phone 027 706 4856

FORD | EVEREST ENGINEERED FOR EXTRAORDINARY Towbar (3,000kg Capacity) Adaptive Cruise Control Panoramic Moon Roof Satellite Navigation Hill Launch Assist SYNC2 MyKey

Avon City Ford

Go Further

June 2017

RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Off the beaten track by Andy Bryenton

CARS - TRUCKS - VANS - 4WDS

New + Used Lamps for Cars, Trucks, Vans, 4WD, Motorhomes, Trailers & LEDs. We can repair your existing lights including: Headlamp Adjusters, Lens Refurbishment and Plastic Welding.

Phone:

0800 225 483 For all your Automotive Lamp Requirements our

Use y

F: 03 371 1101 E: carlights@carlights.co.nz 325 Brougham Street, Christchurch

Card here

DRIVE TO THE

CONDITIONS THIS WINTER GETTING THE LOGS IN SA

Adventure is rarely found inside one’s comfort zone. That’s an adage which has remained true since the time of the hardiest early explorers, and one which still holds true today. To really find the great outdoors, you need a machine that’s equal to the challenge. And when it comes to motorcycles, that means sticking with a tried and true recipe. While ‘adventure’ bikes designed with road tyres and a suite of creature comforts abound for the two-wheeled traveller, the classic combination of a big, torque-delivering single pot engine, bulletproof and simple, mated to a high-riding but responsive frame is still king. That’s why, after years of producing award-winning and competition beating off road bikes, Suzuki still stick to the original template when they upgrade their dr650 series. The latest generation of the big adventure bike is uncompromising as a tool for leaving civilisation behind, offering paramount reliability, agility and grunt to stomp down even the gnarliest terrain. The surprise here, then, is not that the dr650 is a consummate off-roader. The real trick is the calm, smooth road manners of the big Suzuki single-cylinder bike on tarmac. Offering the best of both worlds can sometimes be a difficult proposition, but

Classic combination — with its big 644cc single cylinder and wire spoke wheels, the off-road heritage of the dr650 is clearly apparent

Suzuki’s engineers have hit the nail squarely on the head thanks to years of refinement and customer feedback. A combination of plenty of power from that 644cc air

cooled, single overhead cam four stroke mill and a smooth five speed gearbox means there’s plenty of down-low grunt and grip, as well as long legs for cruising. And while

every panel, guard, fender and component is tough to take the knocks, it’s a handsome beast as well. Weight has been pared back, too, adding to the crisp handling characteristics of what has always been a sure-footed model. Speaking of sure footing — and long legs — there’s even an option to drastically lower the seat height on the dr650, allowing those of a less towering stature to plant their feet comfortably at traffic stops. Lighter, tighter and still the kind of machine which takes off-road punishment in its stride, the dr650 continues a long line of Suzuki offroad dominance which has seen this recipe for success imitated — but rarely beaten. And with the complete package coming in well below the 10k mark in price, there’s plenty left in the budget for all the camping and outdoor gear which this classic adventurer can haul to just about any point on the map.

SALES EVENT

UP TO $2,000 REBATE ON SELECTED CAN-AM MODELS

DEFENDER HD8 DPS & HD8 DPS MAX

2009 Argosy TSB Log truck Cat C-15, Smartshift auto trans, air, crosslocks, Patchell gear. One owner.

$50,000 + GST Kim Harris Mobile 027 545 7973

0800 379 899

www.prestigecv.co.nz

$1,000

GENUINE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES*

OFFER ENDS JUNE 30TH MAKE TRACKS BEFORE THEY RUN OUT Timaru CAN-AM

OUTLANDER 570 PRO

$1,000 REBATE $1,500 REBATE $2,000 REBATE 650

850 / 1000

COMMANDER 800

$1,000 REBATE* $500

GENUINE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES*

Glenn: 021 533 141 or 03 688 7517

127b Hilton Highway Washdyke Timaru • www.timarucanam.co.nz

*Offer available for only authorised Can-Am dealerships, for vehicles sold between April 1st 2017 and June 30th 2017. MY16 and MY17 Defender HD8 DPS including max models. MY15, MY16 and MY17 Outlander 570 Pro, 650, 850 and 1000. ^3 year warranty covers MY13/14/15/16 Can-Am Outlander, and MY16/17 Can-Am Defender models only. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always wear protective gear & approved helmet. Only available at participating BRP approved Can-Am dealerships

6 Detroit Place, Christchurch | 03 343 2468 | www.armstrongprestige.com | Open 7 days

SALES

ALL

SERVICE

EEP

PARTS |

ASE

FINANCE

CANTERBURY FARMING

June 2017

the ‘last’ word with Rob Cope-Williams

Young people and depression With suicide prevention being back in the news as Mike King goes public about his views on a lack of action, it is again timely to take a long hard look at the situation. I am currently working very closely with Young Farmers New Zealand on a documentary looking at suicide in the youth sector. Firstly congratulations to the Young Farmers’ organisation for picking up the gauntlet and focussing on the problem. The interesting thing that is coming out is that young people have their own set of problems and pressures that we older folk are not aware of. Therefore it is good that the young are there for their peers rather than feeling alone and unable to talk with the older generation. That leads onto what is perhaps the scariest point they are making, and that is that many of their parents are still in the Victorian era and refuse to accept that their offspring are in trouble. I know full well that I would never have spoken to my father about my condition, but I was blessed with an amazing mother whom I could talk to. She wasn’t able to give advice, or understand

100 IT’S NOT A TARGET

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming fully but she was there. It takes a huge amount of strength to talk to a parent, or older relative about mental pressures and illness. If I had the ability I would wipe the word ‘committed’ from the sentence when describing someone taking their own life, I certainly would do it. It is not a crime, and the sooner everyone realises that, the more people will seek help. That stigma is

literally killing people. I am putting out a plea to all parents and relatives who have younger people in their lives to never tell them to ‘harden up’ or use any of the other terms used to dismiss the subject you don’t want to understand or to learn about. Just because our generation didn’t have the support we needed doesn’t mean we need to starve the younger generation of understanding and support. Our pressures

were very different to those of young people today, we can’t be expected to understand them as we don’t walk in their shoes, but what we need to do is drop the feeling of ‘we are OK, we survived’ and actually build a solid bridge between generations. I know you think this isn’t aimed at you, and that you have a great relationship with your youngsters, but would they come to you and say they need help?

Please call

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

65 Main North Rd, Woodend PH: 03 312 7927 | www.canterburyhonda.co.nz

COME SEE THE FULL

HONDA FARM RANGE IN STORE TODAY!

June 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

INTRODUCING THE

ALL NEW POWERHOUSE

NEW MF 6712 S | 120 HP

THE NEW S GENERATION PACKED WITH POWER Powerful and fuel efficient 4 cylinder AGCO POWER engine

High versatility for a range of enterprises and farming needs

Available with Dyna-4 (16 x 16) transmission for a wide range of applications

Built in Europe for outstanding quality and reliability

Essential specification levels to perfectly suit your requirements

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL JJ DEALER FOR A REAL DEAL | JJ.CO.NZ JJ Ltd Christchurch 36 Hickory Place HORNBY Phone: 03 344 5645

JJ Ltd Ashburton 9a McGregor Lane ASHBURTON Phone: 03 307 6031

JJ Ltd Timaru 280 Hilton Highway WASHDYKE Phone: 03 688 7401