Canterbury Farming, March 2016

March 2016 Edition

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

A passion for lavender

The treasure of the sea

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Planning for a positive lifestyle

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March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

Agri-food sector crucial The agri-food sector in New Zealand contributes around one fifth of the country’s GDP according to a new study released by the Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit at Lincoln University — and there are some key actions to keep that contribution strong.

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The Land and the Brand report, authored by Professor Caroline Saunders and Professor Paul Dalziel, aimed to measure the sector’s economic impact and to analyse how the sector can and must continue to grow to support the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

Agri-food produce grown from the country’s natural resources make up more than 70 per cent of New Zealand’s merchandise exports. This includes dairy products, meat and wool products, forestry and wood products, hor ticulture products and seafood.

The study found that in 2011/12, the growing and harvesting of products contributed 6 per cent of GDP, or $12 billion, to the economy. Processing those products doubled the sector’s value to $25 billion or 12 per cent of GDP. These primar y and processing activities themselves then draw on additional goods and services across the whole e c o n o my,” explained Professor Saunders.

“If you take these indirect effects into account, the total size of the agri-food sector was $40 billion in 2011/12. That’s nearly $1 for every $5 spent in the

economy that year.”

The Land and the Brand study looked at not just the economic data but also the future of the sector, setting out a vision for future growth. Continued commercial success requires a combination of industry leadership, effective science, skilled people and cooperative investment — all working towards production of high value products from the agri-food sector, rather than treating our agri-food products as low-cost commodity items.

“The findings underscore how critical the industry is to our economic health, and the future opportunities for New Zealand as a high profile countr y-oforigin for quality food and beverages,” said Professor Dalziel.

“We need to continue to move away from New Zealand being known as a lowcost provider of agrifood commodities, to being known as a high value provider of agrifood products.”

Professor Caroline Saunders

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

End of an era for ‘tremendous’ Chancellor Lincoln University has announced the retirement of Tom Lambie ONZM as University Chancellor after 12 years in the top job.

Pro-Chancellor Tony Hall says: “it was with much regret that the Council received Tom’s resignation at the Council meeting this week. Tom’s contribution over the last decade has been hugely significant — to the University but also to the wider tertiary and land-based sectors. A key part of Tom’s legacy will be the impact he had on the people he engaged with at Lincoln. He balanced his governance role with a very personal regard for the individuals he met — whether they were students, staff, alumni, stakeholders or visiting dignitaries. He will be missed around the Council table.”

Tom Lambie joined the Lincoln University Council in 2002 becoming Chancellor in 2005. During his time in office the University has heightened its focus as New Zealand’s specialist landbased university — a longterm strategy to reposition the 138-year-old institution.

The strategy has led to the introduction of a new suite of qualifications to sit alongside Lincoln’s flagship programmes; entering the QS world-rankings top 400 universities, notably number 13 in the world in the small

university category; a refocussed farms’ portfolio; the introduction of the former Telford Rural Polytechnic qualifications into the University structure; and more recently, overseeing the plans to commence the rebuild of the Lincoln campus as a fit-for-purpose, modern land-based institution.

“My time as Chancellor has been a truly life-changing experience and it hasn’t been an easy decision to step down. However, I am very confident that the time is right,” says Tom Lambie.

“I am a dairy farmer from South Canterbury and as the industry enters challenging times it has become obvious that I need to turn my focus to the farm — and to hand over as Chancellor to allow the University to receive the focus it needs.

I leave the University in very good hands, with ProChancellor Tony Hall being voted in as Chancellor and Linda Tame as Pro-Chancellor.

I have the utmost confidence in Tony, Linda, the Council and the Vice-Chancellor to lead the University into the future”.

Immediate past-President of the Lincoln University Students’ Association, Kahlia Fryer, says:

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“I used to talk to student reps from other Universities and they just don’t know their Chancellor like we did at Lincoln.

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has a huge amount of respect for the students and he would often consult with me first on issues because I represented the student body.

Tom will officially step down after officiating at his twelfth graduation in office, on Friday, April 8.

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March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

At home on

the harbour

by Ayla Miller

It is often said there is no place like home and Tony Muir agrees. After travelling extensively all over the world he is a firm believer that paradise is right here where he started out — in Akaroa.

T

ony, who was a builder by trade, left New Zealand when he was 20-years-old and travelled to Australia, Europe and Canada, ending up in Hawaii working as a stable manager for the Hawaiian Polo Club.

It was in Hawaii that he met his wife, Cynthia, and they have one daughter, Hannah, who has grown up to share

her dad’s passion for the ocean and horses. In 1993 Tony returned to Akaroa with his young family and settled down. Now he has a hobby farm of 30 acres, where he fattens cattle, and runs his own marine tour operating business, Coast Up Close.

He has always felt a strong connection to the Akaroa Harbour and has fond

All photos courtesy of ‘Coast Up Close’

memories of being taken down to the beach to learn how to swim when he was in primary school. He spent most of his childhood catching fish and spearing eels.

“It was a magnificent place to grow up. We didn’t sit inside on sunny days. We would run around outside and Mum wouldn’t see us until it got dark or we were hungry.”

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CANTERBURY FARMING March 2016 He also spent time working in the area as a commercial fisherman and in 2010 Tony bought his 1964 Kauri Launch and began taking tours.

“It has twin six-cylinder diesel engines which makes it very manoeuvrable and we can get up very close to things.”

With his building background he renovated the boat which was purchased in a state of disrepair, over eight months of full-time work of what he called a ’labour of love’.

“It took longer than I expected but it was very rewarding,” he says.

Growing up around the harbour, being a keen diver and fisherman himself and through his work as a commercial fisherman, Tony knows all the best places to see wildlife, and is able to share his knowledge of the coastline with his visitors.

Unlike other wild life tours Tony has chosen to avoid purchasing a PA system and prefers to talk to groups individually. He rarely takes more than 25 people on his trips and says his average group size is seven or eight people.

“People often tell me after the trip that it is like spending the day with a friend rather than going on a tour,” he says.

Trips take two-and-a-half hours and he does two per day during peak tourism season.

“The boat is based out of Takamatua Bay so it’s a 15-minute journey down to the wharf. It’s a nice little nostress commute to work.”

He says the highlight for his visitors are often the marine mammals.

“We are very lucky with my old boat. The speed we travel at is a very comfortable speed for dolphins to ride the waves. They find us every day — we don’t have to go looking for them.”

He also knows the best places to see little blue penguins and sometimes yellow-eyed penguins.

“We can get up very close to everything. I get lots of positive feedback and quite a few people say my tour is the highlight of their New Zealand trip.

“I enjoy talking to people about where they come from,” he says, and as he has been to many of the places his guests are from, he finds it easy to relate to them.

“After travelling and living in many different places I know there are many beautiful places and people out there but there are also a lot of problems in the rest of the world. Akaroa is a beautiful place. I believe that there are

The Coast Up Close tours are able to do exactly that — show visitors the coast up close probably quite a few people who don’t appreciate what they have on their doorstep here. There is a fantastic volcanic coastline. There is really nowhere else I’d rather live.”

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March 2016

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Country Law

Money Talk with Andrew Wyllie

with Ronald W. Angland & Son

Investment Markets Update

Dairy outlook remains difficult In many cases where a creditor has applied to bankrupt another for their failure to pay a debt due there will be little option but to go bankrupt because of the level of debt or the inability of the debtor to offer their creditor anything in satisfaction of the debt.

There are even some instances where the debtor themselves applies to be bankrupted. However, there are many reasons why you should do everything within your power to avoid be bankrupted.

Direct consequences of bankruptcy under the Insolvency Act are that: • The property previously owned by the bankrupt vests in an assignee (the only property which the bankrupt can keep is property they hold on trust for another person, necessary tools of their trade, necessary household furniture, and a vehicle of less than $5,000 value); • The bankrupt can be required to pay the assignee during the bankruptcy as contributions toward payment of the debts owed;

• •

•

• • • •

The bankrupt cannot manage or control a business; The bankrupt cannot leave the country without the assignee’s consent; The bankrupt cannot get credit of more than $1,000 without advising the lender they are an undischarged bankrupt; and Details of the bankruptcy and some of the bankrupt’s personal information will be publically available for four years after the bankruptcy is discharged.

There are also broader consequences of bankruptcy: The bankrupt cannot be a company director; They can, potentially, be removed as a trustee of any trust; If they are a professional their ability to remain in their profession will likely

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be subject to scrutiny by a regulatory body; • Their bank will likely decide to close their accounts and may be able to proceed on a mortgagee sale of the bankrupt’s home (sometimes even if the home is held by a family trust); • The bankruptcy may allow the other side of any contract the bankrupt has to cancel the contract; • There can be a stigma associated with having been bankrupted which can impact on future career and business options; and The facts of the bankr uptcy will be made available to credit information agencies and will remain on their files after the bankruptcy is discharged.

This last matter — that the bankruptcy is known to credit agencies after discharge is often the most on-going impact on the bankrupt’s future life as it will be extremely difficult to ever get lending.

If debts are mounting up it is often better to front foot the issue and try for some kind of compromise or payment arrangement with creditors to avoid the risk of being bankrupted.

This article has been prepared by Craig Wakelin, a Solicitor with Ronald Angland & Son, Solicitors, who may be contacted on Tel: 03 324 3033 or e-mail craig@anglands.co.nz

Covering the three months ended 29 February 2016 Global Environment The United States Federal Reserve’s move to tighten monetary policy, lifting interest rates 25bp in December 2015, was quickly overshadowed by the European and Japan Central Banks adopting aggressive negative interest rate settings to achieve their inflation targets. Persistently lower inflation outcomes have been the reason for these aggressive actions with the authorities wanting to stimulate growth, improve country competitiveness, and avoid lower expectations becoming embedded in wage negotiations.

The collapse in commodity prices partly explains the lower inflation outcomes, however the aggressive policy measures have increased concerns about economic growth. The rapid commodity price falls, particularly in oil prices, have also raised concerns that defaults by oil and gas producers may feed into another round of global financial stress.

While investors should be aware of this potential scenario, the global banking system is now more stable and better capitalised.

Household debt levels in most major economies are also lower and the consumer benefit of lower energy prices should provide a positive offset and help underpin the global economy, albeit at more tepid growth rates.

Australian and New Zealand Equity Markets Equity markets had a disappointing three months and declined in response to concerns that Central Banks

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were signalling weaker global conditions. Higher credit spreads, driven by defaults in higher yielding bonds, also hurt equity prices as investors reduced exposures to protect capital.

Caution around reporting season earnings was also apparent, however most results were generally better than expected. Of the major markets we follow, New Zealand equities stood out by delivering a positive return for the quarter. Buoyant consumer and business confidence helped investor sentiment.

Company results were better than expected, with forecast earnings upgrades higher than normal. Close to 70% of the companies that reported saw unchanged or upgraded forecasts. This compares to less than 50% in the last two reporting periods.

Rather than weakness in the Resources sector, the Australian market had to contend with declines in the Banking sector. This was despite the Banking sector reporting another round of record returns, which highlighted that asset quality had not deteriorated.

Defensive sectors fared best, but Consumer and Industrial sectors also delivered positive returns. In terms of earnings, outside the Resource sector, midsingle-digit earnings growth is still forecast.

Global Equity Markets United States equities with international earnings saw the impact of the strength in the United States Dollar on results, while the domestically focussed Consumer sector

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Whalan and Partners Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

was generally stronger.

United Kingdom equities were not helped by the markets’ exposure to the Financial sector, but New Zealand Dollar (NZD) returns were also impacted by the weaker Great British Pound. The Euro fared better but European equities responded to the extraordinar y measures being adopted by the European Central Bank by pricing in a greater likelihood of recession.

Fixed Interest Market Benchmark interest rates declined during the quarter as the negative interest rate policies being pursued internationally by Central Banks helped drive rates lower. Corporate spreads (the interest rate gap between corporate and wholesale bond rates) however are of more interest domestically, given the prevalence of corporate debt in our investment portfolios. Corporate spreads increased over the quarter, offsetting some of the declines in benchmark yields.

New Zealand corporate bond spreads had been lagging international trends, but with international spreads trending higher coupled with an increase in issuance, domestic spreads are normalising and investors have been able to be more selective in participating in offerings.

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.

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RURAL PROFESSIONALS

CANTERBURY FARMING March 2016

Plugging into digital age Demand for internet data in rural Canterbury has soared, with small communities and farmers plugging into the digital age like never before.

In the past year, Vodafone has seen a record increase in data consumption across its rural 4G network in Canterbury — 2200 per cent.

Vodafone consumer director, Matt Williams, said Kiwis right across the country have a voracious appetite for better, faster mobile and broadband speeds.

“To put this demand into perspective, New Zealanders are now consuming more data in a month than we did in an entire year, 15 years ago.

“This explosion in demand is precisely why Vodafone partnered with the Government and Chorus to extend our mobile network as part of the Rural Broadband Initiative.

“With the build of new RBI cell sites now nearly complete, it is very exciting to see demand for mobile and wireless broadband services grow month on month,” Williams said.

Vodafone has also seen a significant increase in voice minutes as well as the

number of unique devices connecting to Canterbury’s RBI towers.

Rangiora retiree, Ian Cadwallader, is one of thousands joining the rural wireless revolution.

“We have fibre where we are in Rangiora but we’re soon to move to the family block in Fernside — where our children and grandchildren have really struggled with internet and mobile phone coverage.

“Last week I tested Vo d a f o n e ’s wireless broadband in Fernside and we couldn’t believe the results — we had a great broadband signal across the entire property. The family thought I was Father Christmas!

“This is important to us, but more so for the younger ones who need reliable broadband for school work and everything else.

Previously the grandchildren would come to us in Rangiora most days after school to use of our fibre connection to complete the school work they needed to do,” said

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Cadwallader. In the last 12 months Vodafone has built more than 30 new cell sites in the Canterbury region to support the explosive data demand which has in part been driven by services such as Netflix and cloud computing.

In this time, Vodafone has seen an additional 2,760 gigabits fly across its entire mobile network in the Canterbury region — the equivalent of six million extra ‘selfies’ uploaded to social media.

Matt Williams adds: “The opportunities for better rural connectivity range from simply browsing faster and more reliably online, to leading the world in precision agriculture innovations — such as real-time wa t e r metering and crop monitoring”.

“We look forward to taking our leading mobile network further and faster so more Kiwis like Ian and his family can reap the benefits of better rural connectivity.”

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March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

A PASSION FOR LAVENDER Keith and Charlotte Brown are the owners and operators of Herbal Visionz Lavender Ltd which is one of the first Distilleries for essential oil to be established in Canterbury.

by Ann Morgan

“I

grew up on an orchard a few miles from here and my Nana has always been a wonderful plants woman,” said Charlotte who lives in Amberley.

“She used to show us how to make soap and creams and things when we stayed with her when we were young.

That started my love of herbs and from the age of seven I had my own herb garden.”

When Charlotte got older and started working she met like-minded people and one was Virginia McNaughton.

“Virginia has written a couple of books on plants and is the ‘guru of lavender’. From then on lavender basically took over my life.”

Charlotte met and married Keith who nurtured her

dreams and helped her start growing lavender. Virginia discovered a plant growing in Avice Hill’s garden and asked if she could breed it up and it is now on the Plant Variety Right, which means it can’t be grown commercially except with the permission of the person who holds the PVR and is very special.

“We purchased some from her years ago, planted them and you cannot buy the plant at the moment. In 2008 we won a Gold award with the oil from it.

“At the same time the DSIR now Crop and Food were doing research into starting a lavender essential oil group in New Zealand and along with Virginia and others we formed the Lavender Growers Association. I

2016

am the Secretar y and we have just celebrated the 20th anniversary of the association.”

“Over the years as a group we have established quality controls for essential oil in New Zealand and now have the Supreme Oil Awards held annually for members to put their oils in to be judged by expert noses.

We originally lived in Leeston but the conditions weren’t conducive for growing lavender and we had an opportunity to move to Amberley — this was a very positive move as the climate is warmer and the soil is lighter. The plants love it here.

“I initially transplanted 1,000 mature plants in a week into a bare paddock that we brought. We didn’t

Keith and Charlotte Brown have won numerous awards for the essential oil they have produced

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The Brown’s are passionate about lavender and Keith personally created their distillery equipment lose one of the barbecue. After plants. Keith put this move he “My daughter a root ripper on made a bigger had her bridal the tractor and still and we shower photos ripped the lines started distilling taken here. It for me to put the for others and would be nice things just plants in and I took off. This basically heeled to be available was about 25 them in. for wedding “By time I dug years ago. photos” up the plants “ We use each day, we a Japanese were replanting Tea Harvester them by the light with a curved of the vehicle. They gradually reciprocating cutter blade straightened themselves and a blower which is pushed up. These are now what I along on big wheels. It is easy propagate from. to manoeuvre by hand. You “We originally started have to adjust the heights distilling the oil on the and you can harvest as fast stove and then Keith made as you can push or walk. a distillery out of an old Charlotte has started

using the garden as a location for photographs to be taken.

“My daughter had her bridal shower photos taken here. It would be nice to be available for wedding photos when the season is right because lavender is such a lovely plant.”

Next year Keith and Charlotte are heading to France, Provence, the United Kingdom and Seattle, on a trip for seven weeks gathering information about exporting and how they can be involved in a reciprocating way with those countries, their products, and working with them rather than competing against them.

“Once a year we have

about 30 clients coming to get their lavender distilled and this year we are experimenting with other herbs to expand our business.

“Our distillery is one of the best in Canterbury. Keith has modified and refined our processes and due to his careful attention to detail and expertise we’ve won many awards for the essential oil we have produced for ourselves and our clients. We’ve been helped and encouraged by family and friends along the way.”

“We have won a two gold for our Avice Hill oil and three silvers for our Impress Purple and one for Pacific Blue.

“We are passionate about growing lavender and would never give up lavender growing — it is a passion, more than a financial choice.”

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March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

THE TREASURE OF THE SEA In the early 1990s teachers, Jill Bradley and her husband Keith Atwood, spent long Summer holidays visiting organic farms across New Zealand.

by Ann Morgan

I

t was life changing for the couple for a number of reasons including tasting great food and discovering the value of seaweed.

“It was a hot, wet, fungal summer and most farms were having problems with issues such as botrytis in strawberries and facial eczema on cattle but one farm was not having trouble,” said Jill.

“This property belonged to a German couple and their farm was exceptional with no health problems with soil, plants, pasture or animals.

Their major farm input was seaweed.”

After that trip Jill and Keith committed personally to investigating the value seaweed has and growing organic food for their family.

“In those days not one

organic input was to be found in any garden store. We were living in Auckland with a beautiful garden and large grounds, but were reliant on high chemical inputs.

“We researched seaweed internationally to discover who uses it, what it is good for and how it was used.

Seaweed worldwide are loosely categorised by colour — red, green and brown. The

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Tane Bradley with his parents Jill and Keith, the founders of Agrisea brown category was the one widely used in agriculture and horticulture.”

In the 1940s in New Zealand 500 different seaweed species were known and over 65 per cent were native to the country.

“Today we know more than 800 species. We trialled different New Zealand brown species until we identified the premium one — Ecklonia radiata. Keith brewed and I grew — only then did we begin to learn the real value of seaweed.

“We were founding members of the Seaweed

Association of New Zealand, an organisation set up in 1994 with two major aims — to protect the marine coastal eco-system, and to build a long-term sustainable seaweed industr y for the country.

“Seaweed is the most complex material containing minerals, vitamins, growth promotants, trace elements, amino acids — it is a nutrient ‘feast’, a smorgasbord for soil biology, plant and animal health.

“Our own property was changing and thriving. We had eight Golden Queen

peach trees that had leaf curl and brown rot so severe not one peach was edible.

We treated the drip lines with seaweed. By season two the disease had halved and we treated them with soil and foliar. In season three we had eight healthy trees with wonderful crops. The ‘secret’ to seaweed was and still is simply — high nutrition.

“We read that famous rosarian, Allen G Scott, was trying to save old roses around a church in Morrinsville. We sent our seaweed to him and they thrived. Rose growers and gardeners star ted

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CANTERBURY FARMING visiting and asking for liquid seaweed concentrates.

“Finally a Hawke’s Bay orchardist rang for two 200 litre drums for his apple orchard after his wife had used it on her garden. This compelled us to produce and sell to others.

“We registered a company called Ocean Organics Ltd in 1996 and our certified organic seaweed products were appreciated by gardeners.”

Moving to the Hauraki Plains they purchased the old butter factory in Paeroa where products including comfrey sprays to induce flowering, garlic spray and creams, and soaps with seaweed for humans were developed.

“Kiwifruit people began to make enquiries and we took this very seriously and commissioned three years of research across five kiwifruit orchards to assess the effects of AgriSea seaweed.

The results included an 11 per cent increase in yield year one. Significantly longer storage capacity and 150 per cent increase in worms and larger fruit size,” said Jill.

“Avocado, vineyard and dairy farmers came to us and we felt a huge responsibility to growers who depended on their land.

“In 2003 our son, Tane, did market research on dairy farmers’ perception of the word ‘organic’.

“It was extremely negative so on advice from business experts we created AgriSea New Zealand Ltd. This removed the word

March 2016

11

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www.sharpleslogging.co.nz Clare Bradley brewing the Agrisea seaweed ’organics’ from any company indicators.” Liquid seaweed concentrates for soil, foliar/ pasture, seaweed salt blocks, and seaweed pellets were then developed.

Jill and Keith have now handed over the reins to Tane and daughter-in-law, Clare.

“One of their aims is to increase exports once a safe management framework for seaweed is in place. Tane and Clare are as committed to research as we were.”

In April, Dr. Christine Jones, an internationally renowned soil ecologist who

works with innovative farmers world-wide, will move to Paeroa to take up the position of AgriSea Head of Research to develop a ‘Soils First Production System’.

“As rules tighten for farmers around regulatory requirements for reduced chemical inputs to mitigate environmental factors, including severely compromised waterways, farmers need well researched alternative management strategies. The single biggest on-farm factor to ensure healthy waterways is to have

healthy soil. AgriSea products are bio-stimulants that support the life in the soil.

Jill says any high input dairy or sheep/beef farmer can apply to be part of the ‘Soils First’ three year research project by contacting Clare Bradley at clare@ agrisea.co.nz www.agrisea. co.nz or 0800seaweed.

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March 2016

WATER & IRRIGATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

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

Helping to understand The Tourism Export Council recently suggested a five-year moratorium on irrigation development. They asked whether new irrigation schemes are necessary in the wake of the dairy downturn and questioned whether water quality would be better served by stalling further development.

IrrigationNZ felt this was a perfect opportunity to update the tourism sector on how irrigation works and how our industries can better work together. Below is some of the messaging we sent them.

Irrigation is not solely about dairying. Irrigation supports a variety of land

uses including viticulture, horticulture, cropping, and sheep and beef. Pastoralbased activities make up approximately three quarters of our irrigated area (dairy 50% and sheep and beef finishing 25%). The other 25% of irrigation supports predominantly vegetable and

arable crops alongside fruit and wine growing. Without irrigation, the tourism industry would not be able to promote the food and wine packages it offers in regions such as Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago. These growers are only able to produce quality vintages and

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products with the support of reliable water.

In 2012, it was estimated that irrigated farms provided a $2.7 billion contribution to New Zealand’s economy, and more than double this in terms of the benefits to the wider community. Irrigated agriculture underpins many of the provincial economies on the east coast of New Zealand. Towns like Hastings, Blenheim, Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru, Cromwell and Alexandra would be far less vibrant and resilient without irrigation. Irrigation actually benefits tourism because the renewed vitality of these rural centres has created openings for tourism operators.

The growth of rural cafes, service and retail outlets, medical centres, alongside improved roading and council infrastructure, can all be attributed to more resilient economies due to irrigation development. School rolls and employment prospects have also increased as job-

seekers and families move into these areas to set up businesses and take jobs connected to irrigation.

Tourists leaving the ferry at Picton now experience a South Island east coast which is alive at the weekends as locals make the most of the opportunities water has brought to their communities.

Getting better at using and storing water also allows us to address the environmental challenges that have arisen including legacy water quality concerns as a result of increased land use intensity and general population growth in urban centres. Irrigators have long considered themselves stewards of the land.

We accept that with increasing land intensity, water abstraction needs to leave enough water in our rivers and streams to maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems (the majority of New Zealand rivers have a minimum flow regime), and the impact of farming on the land needs to minimise its footprint. Stored water will help us face future climate change challenges, either through augmenting river flows during the summer or recharging aquifers in spring.

We can also rejuvenate

today’s streams and rivers by ensuring higher minimum flows are maintained yearround with the assistance of water storage.

There are a growing number of examples where irrigators have helped to restore environmental legacy issues: Wakakihi stream — Morven Glenavy Ikawai Irrigation, Pahau stream — Amuri Irrigation, Waiareka Creek — North Otago Irrigation Company. Irrigators have also led the way in adopting Audited Environmental Farm Plans. These plans create bottom-lines for farm environmental performance, helping irrigators continuously improve performance.

Currently New Zealand only abstracts around 2% of its water resource (if hydropower is included this rises to about 5%). Irrigation accounts for approximately 60% of this and by international standards our general abstraction rate is very low.

The worldwide precipitation average is 800mm per annum but New Zealand receives in excess of 2000mm per annum, which is two and a half times more rainfall.

Taking both our abstraction and precipitation rates into account, New Zealand is definitely a water-rich country!

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WATER & IRRIGATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

13

Weather Watch by Tony Trewinnard Warmer, drier and sunnier Unlike January, February was warmer, drier and sunnier than normal in Canterbury.

There continued to be a trend towards northerly and northwesterly airflows over New Zealand, and this resulted in a month with near record warmth. The last day of the month was the only one to record a southerly wind over Canterbury and a maximum temperature under 20 degrees.

February was notable for being warm almost every day, and not once cold. The mean daily maximum for the month was over 3 degrees above normal in most places, and set February records at a number of sites. Night time minimums were also well above normal. For a few sites it was the warmest month on record, and for most the warmest since at least 1973.

Sunshine hours were higher by 10–30%, and rainfall was around 50% of normal or less.

The frequency of southwest winds was amongst the

lowest ever recorded for any month.

At the time of writing, the first three weeks of March have continued the February trend of warm days, plenty of sunshine, and fewer days with rain, although the rain that has occurred has been significant.

In the tropical Pacific, ocean temperatures remain in El Nino territory but the areas of warmer than normal water which has defined the current El Nino event are weakening steadily and significantly, becoming fragmented as the El Nino steadily decays.

This decay is also apparent in other atmospheric and oceanic indicators.

All computer models we monitor continue to predict a steadily decreasing El Nino over the next three months.

A significant La Nina event is now being predicted by most computer based models for

later this year. Here at Blue Skies we continue to think it looks increasingly likely and will probably take hold by late winter or early spring.

This could lead to a wetter than normal spring and summer ahead.

Decaying El Ninos of the current type often bring a return to stronger westerly airflow through autumn. This current season is complicated by significantly warmer than normal ocean temperatures around New Zealand and in the Tasman Sea. These patterns will increase the frequency of northerly quarter airflow over New Zealand for the next few months. Analogs of similar seasons in the past show generally drier than normal conditions in Canterbury through April, normal rainfalls in May, then followed by wet winter weather. We also expect most of the next four

Rainfall

Temperature

Sunshine

Airflow

April

Drier than normal

Milder than normal

Sunnier than normal

More northerly winds

May

Near Normal

Milder than normal

Near Normal

More anticyclones

June

Wetter than normal

Near normal

Cloudier than normal

More low pressure systems

July

Wetter than normal

Near normal

Cloudier than normal

More low pressure systems

to six months to be warmer than usual.

We expect to see wetter periods around the second and fourth weeks of April and drier mild weather in weeks one and three. Temperatures may become quite cold from late April, in line with the expected seasonal change.

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March 2016

WATER & IRRIGATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

Wireless management made easy Lindsay New Zealand is offering remote control monitoring and reporting with Growsmart Precision VRI with FieldNET to provide complete remote pivot management, with VRI control, monitoring and reporting.

With Precision VRI, growers can precisely apply the correct amount of water over multiple crops, soil types and terrains. When integrated with FieldNET remote management, growers have the ability to easily create or edit irrigation plans. The detailed irrigation reports assist with better decisionmaking and multiple users can also be added with controlled access, which simplifies communication with staff and stakeholders.

“The correct amount of water on every part of the field is essential for maximum yields. said Richard Hall, Lindsay regional manager for Australia and New Zealand “When coupled with FieldNET, Precision VRI gives growers the pinpoint accuracy they need along with the efficiencies that result from full remote capabilities,” said Lindsay regional manager for Australia and New Zealand, Richard Hall.

“Configurable inputs allow for real-time system status data feeds, and the cloud stored backup reduces maintenance and repair system downtime.”

Ashburton farmer, Phill Everest uses Precision

VRI to irrigate his farm, demonstrating a passion for environmental efficiency that he hopes others will follow.

Flemington Dairies features deep silt loams braided by shallow stony soils, the result of historic riverbeds. Springs pop up in wet conditions,

and one area of the farm has open drains running down its length. With precision technology, he is able to turn off irrigation over and around pivot ruts, tracks, water troughs, gateways and drains.

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and allowing them to recover before changing his plan and irrigating again — effectively managing problems posed by heavy, seasonally waterlogged soils. “The first time using the new FieldNET tool for Precision VRI, I found it very easy,” Everest said.

“It was much simpler and quicker having just the one place to go to control my pivot and manage the Precision VRI plans.”

Irrigating 132 hectares he is able to reduce his water usage by 3,350,000 litres in comparison to a standard

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From the Minister

March 2016

15

Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

Dairy outlook March 2016 Fonterra’s recent announcement of their forecast payout for 2015/16 was disappointing for dairy farmers but most have realised we are experiencing a lot of volatility in the global milk price. The world is still awash with milk and no-one knows how long this will last for. ensure farmers and their families know who to turn to.

There is a wide range of support and guidance available through organisations like DairyNZ who are hosting workshops on topics like supporting sharemilkers, wellness workshops and case studies of farms operating on low cost structures.

It’s important to plan ahead, budget, and talk to those around you. There is help out there. Keep in touch with your bank, with your Rural Support Trust, and keep talking to your neighbours and mates.

At a wider level we are supporting farmers through policies like the TPP which cuts tariffs into major markets like the United States and Japan. Dairy is the biggest winner from this agreement with potential savings of around $102

million per year for the sector.

We’re also suppor ting irrigation and water storage projects around the country.

This month I’ve announced $1.6 million in grant funding for projects in Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.

These are impor tant because they help remove the uncertainty of weather.

We can’t control things like commodity prices, but with irrigation we can get through droughts in better shape.

Other important policies that support farming include RMA reform and the rollout of rural broadband. We are also fortunate to have interest rates at a 50-year low.

Overall, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact the dairy industry has a strong outlook in the medium to long term.

We know the world population

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A lower payout will have an impact on regional economies, but that is partially offset by the strong performance by other sectors — especially beef, horticulture, wine, kiwifruit, and tourism.

Dairy farmers will be looking to adapt and make efficiency gains inside the farm gate. Reducing unnecessary costs will be one long-term positive for the sector. I’ve spent some time talking to banks and by and large, they’ve indicated they will support dairy farmers through this period of volatility and lower milk prices. Any forced farm sales could lose them money and harm their reputation in the rural sector.

The Government is looking for practical ways to help the dairy sector. As one example, last year we allocated an extra $500,000 to rural mental health initiatives to

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16

March 2016

FORESTRY & LOGGING

CANTERBURY FARMING

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF, Laurie Forestry Ltd Chugging along nicely Wood Fibre markets both nationally and internationally appear to be bucking the commodity trend at present. Indeed the log trade has been very settled since late December 2015 also holding at a very reasonable value position for NZ forest growers.

The Domestic log trade is chugging along with supply and demand very broadly in balance. Most sawmills are getting the logs they require and prices are stable at historically good levels.

In our key export market, China, consumption levels are starting to pick up. In the week beginning March 8, softwood log usage across the eastern seaboard was running at 53,400 cubic

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metres per day, an increase of 16,600 per day on the previous week.

Usage is obviously a function of demand, but is also a confidence determinant. And in China confidence determines mood and therefore the ongoing self fulfilling outcome. Inventory can also be added to the pot of confidence. Again in the week of March 8, total softwood log inventory was 3.27 million cubic metres — a level that should see continuing stability.

Hence we can determine that at the current usage, the softwood inventory reflects 2.25–2.5 month’s supply in stock which is just about right for this time of the year.

This level also reflects little change since last month.

On the not so good news side of the equation, the China domestic price for lumber fell $30RMB (China currency) per cubic metre which equates to close to NZ$7 in the same week. Thus suggests some weakness in the overall market conditions

although early days yet to be seeing any net impact.

At present most commentators are reporting a pretty flat profile in export log settlements. At present, CIF prices are hovering in a US$105–110 bracket, A grade basis, most agree US$110 is a good level.

There are, as always, exceptions to the rule but it can be a challenge to sort the bull from the bluster sometimes.

As expected, Pacific North West (PNW) supply has been on the decline as their domestic market continues to provide better returns for forest owners.

Over the last few weeks we have seen export volumes fall significantly. Some reports have suggested there is 15,000–20,000 cubic metres per week less than compared to the same time last year.

This equates to about two vessels per month which is good news for New Zealand.

Meanwhile NZ as a whole is starting to lift harvest production to about the same

levels as last year. Right now that production is running slightly ahead of usage levels in the market. We can only hope some bad weather and holiday breaks will be applied to curb this back a little. The consequences of this not happening would see the pendulum swing the wrong way log price-wise.

Shipping costs for NZ logs heading to China remain at very low levels, ensuring a good bottom line for suppliers to the wharf gate. Recent modest lifts in the US$/

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FORESTRY & LOGGING

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

Hunt for pest weed The Ministry for Primary Industries is asking farmers and growers of arable crops to look out for a highly invasive pest weed that has appeared on a handful of South Island properties.

Velvetleaf, a serious cropping pest, has been found in fodder beet crops in North Canterbury and Central Otago. It affects many arable crops by competing for nutrients, water and space.

The Ministr y is investigating how it got there and is building a picture of how widespread the situation is. At this time it appears the finds are associated with fodder beet crops and MPI is looking at all possible ways the plants could have arrived at the properties concerned.

“It is important those who sowed fodder beet this season check their crop for the presence of this very distinctive weed,” says manager of Plants and

Environment Surveillance, Mark Bullians.

“Velvetleaf is a broadleafed weed that grows to between 1-2.5 metres. It has buttery-yellow flowers which appear over summer and autumn. The leaves are heart shaped and velvety to touch.

“We are hoping that in most cases we will be able to locate any velvetleaf plants and remove them before they can spread their seed. Once seed falls, it can persist for decades, making control a very long-term process.

“If farmers and growers find this pest they are urged to photograph it, mark its location so it can be found again easily and immediately call MPI on the free hotline — 0800 80 99 66.

“Calls will be referred to an incursion investigator who will make arrangements to safely remove and collect any plants.

“We advise people not to remove any plants themselves as this could risk seed being spread.”

Velvetleaf is known to be present in the Waikato where it is well managed by the regional council. The South Island discovery looks to be recent and MPI is working with partners in the seed and farming industries and regional councils to manage it.

“Immediate repor ting to MPI will give us the best possible chance of dealing with this weed,” says Mr Bullians.

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18

March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

Irrigation Issues with Dr Tony Daveron

Don’t Count Your Chickens After the first significant rainfall for more than six weeks there was some thought one might not need to irrigate again — well not for some time anyway.

Yes it is Autumn and the weather has given up some hints of Autumn, but irrigation should not be packed away just yet. How often do we all use proverbs like ‘don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched’ — that is,

you should not count on something before it happens or alternatively you should not expect all of your hopes to be fulfilled. Just when man (or woman) began to use this phrase is not conclusive but may have its origins with the

Greek fable writer, Aesop, who lived around about 620 to 560 BC. He wrote ‘The Milkmaid and Her Pail’ (though can’t say I have ever read it or remember having it read to me) about a milkmaid who carries a pail (bucket)

Figure 1. Soil moisture for the soil layer 0-300mm, mid-plains.

of milk on her head and daydreams about selling the milk, buying chickens with the money and then becoming so rich from selling the eggs that she becomes independent.

Her daydream would provide her enough money to turn away all the young men trying to win her love. Unfortunately she is so immersed in her daydream that she shakes her head and accidentally drops the milk — so much for the daydream. And one can just imagine her sage mother advising her: ‘Do not count your chickens before they are hatched’. So be it with the rainfall last week — varying from the low 20mm to over 50mm in the south around Geraldine. Don’t drop the pail of milk because you think that will do for the season. 201516 just hasn’t been like that — we could just as easily see another prolonged rainfallless and warm period heading through April. Does that mean irrigation is immediately imminent? No not really. The soil moisture record in Figure 1 illustrates why you should not ‘accidentally shake your head’ just yet. The 27mm rainfall was most beneficial, not enough to refill the soil profile 0-300mm, but nonetheless saved irrigating.

The effect of the hot, dry and low humidity (305 or less) is clearly evident in the steep decline in soil moisture since Friday 18. Since Friday

soil moisture has been declining at an unusually high 4-4.5mm/day — this is high for so late in March. At this rate of fall, irrigation will be required again about March 24. If a timely 20mm of rain does not arrive, irrigation is necessary.

The onset of autumnal conditions brings with it sharper falls in soil temperature than just a month ago. Many reasons for this — we are beginning to get colder weather systems, solar radiation is on the decline and day length is declining (the equinox will have passed when you read this and there will be less daylight than darkness). The last two SW weather systems — 12th and last week on 17th resulted in sharp declines in soil temperature. While soil temperatures have headed back to 20°C, it is unlikely they (soil temperatures) will get back up to 23-24°C. But for ryegrass-clover pastures soil temperatures in the range 15-20°C are the optimum growing temperature. So a little silver lining from the cooler SW systems so long as they are followed by warm dry weather again. Take home message — might not be the end of the irrigation season just yet. If the NIWA long range is correct, another 50mm is likely to be needed in pastures before the end of April.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Country Matters

with Rob Cope-Williams

Motivation

March 2016

19

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I was chatting with a mate over a beer recently and he hit a chord with me. He was saying that since he retired as an International pilot three years ago he has had to force himself to get motivated.

We all know that in years gone by people would retire at age 60 and stop and within a few years they would die.

Thankfully that has changed as people tell you that they are busier now than when they were working.

However, my point is that my mate had a long battle with his insurance company and EQC over his home here in Christchurch.

He said that it seemed the world was against him and that there was a constant flow of negativity coming at him and that he felt, rightly or wrongly, that he was fighting a losing battle.

Because of the emotional pressure plus the ‘no headway’ feeling to say nothing of the financial blows he took as rules were seemingly changed to cost him and not the authorities, he went very quiet.

Yes, he slipped into depression, and cringed in his home as he tried to fight for what was rightfully his.

Very recently he was paid out and the pressure has gone, which incidentally is why he has been in touch with me after a very long time as he feels he can talk to people again. So there are several points here.

Firstly he felt as though he was totally alone and didn’t want to, or more to the point, didn’t have the energy to talk to anyone to share his load, and he caved in.

Secondly his energy levels dropped to a level he couldn’t be bothered to do anything.

And lastly once it was all sorted he is his old self again. His energy levels are up, he no longer falls asleep on the couch after luncheon, and he is getting things done around the house that should have been done years ago.

Forget the saying such as ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ that

describes people who are OK and not taking hidings whether they are real or not.

The bottom line is that time will always outlast bad times and challenges and even when you are in a deep hole, a ladder will be lowered to get you out.

I remember seeing a sign that said ‘the universe will not ever throw anything at you that you can’t handle’ and it is true.

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20

March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARM EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY Compact toolkit for farm support

by Andy Bryenton

A modern farm’s main tractor is expected to fulfill a variety of roles, from powering high-demand implements to hauling feed, right through to cultivating the soil and undersowing. Which puts pressure on any secondary tool in the same shed to be just as versatile — if not more so.

There are likely many times when farmers wish they had an excavator at their disposal — or indeed, the multi-role

power of a big JCB backhoe.

Certainly, resorting to a shovel and pick is far too labour intensive for workers on a

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busy schedule. But diverting the primary tractor from its tasks may also be overkill and might even require putting off vital work in the field. That’s why a popular option is to invest in a small secondary machine like Kubota’s B26 — a compact combination of loader, mini tractor and backhoe which packs a lot of power and versatility into a diminutive frame.

Kubota have kept the B26 simple, while offering as many different roles for it around the farm as possible. With 26 horsepower on tap from a clean-burning and efficient little diesel mill, the B26 can tackle many tasks as a ‘junior’ complement to the kind of large 100-plus hp tractors which are a rural mainstay.

A standard three-point hitch enables the little Kubota to operate without its loader bucket or backhoe, both of which are easy to attach and detach with minimal fuss.

This frees the B26 up for

duties pulling a slasher, rotary hoe or power rake, to name just a few. That voluminous front bucket can be switched out just as easily for pallet forks or a bale spike, making it easier to shift everything from feed to palleted sacks, fencing timber or even cubic containers of liquids.

With the buckets attached, there are a myriad of jobs open to the B26, replacing the need to hire a small digger. Drainage work, infill, even prepping ground for small construction projects — that backhoe is sure to pay for itself in a season or two. Ease of operator controls makes it no greater challenge to use than your mobile phone, and it gets far more work done than a mere shovel can. The front loader is a time saver when dealing with feed-out tasks, or handling the silage pit.

The icing on the cake is that this small tractor features the same kind of systems to

Orange alert — it may not be the size of a road-building JCB backhoe, but the B26 does the business

manage its power as bigger machines. There’s no need to stop to engage the PTO drive for example, and unlike some mini tractors the B26 comes equipped with true four-wheel drive capability.

It may not be as big as some of the machines rolling out on Kiwi farms today, but this bright orange workhorse

is sure to do more than its fair share, especially if it comes teamed up with a full complement of additional implements. Think of it as a 26hp ‘Swiss army knife’ — it may not have raw brawn on its size, but those who engineered it have used enough brains to save you time and money.

Sitrex MX10 VEE Rake

“Raking the heaviest of crops cleanly” The Sitrex MX10 VEE Rake is built to rake the heaviest of silage crops cleanly. It will also effortlessly rake the bulkiest of hay and straw crops. Standard telescopic arms allow for very easy set up and with extra long reel arms, the reels follow the ground even in the roughest conditions. This also allows the reels to lift high enough to clear raked rows.

Reels are lifted hydraulically. This can be operated by a tractor, electric pump or hand pump.

Reel arm pivot and all the lifting shafts run in nylon bushes for a smooth and quiet operation.

Large 15” wheels and 2000kg hubs and stubs are standard with very efficient front wheel pivot brakes to stop wheel shimmy when transported at high speeds. Also avaliable is an optional hydraulic folding and width control system which only needs one double acting circuit.

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FARM EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

21

Power where you need it The motive power behind Kiwi farms may very well be electric in the future — a range of electric offroad machines are in their first generation now, with more to follow. Efficient batteries promise to revolutionise the way we drive, cultivate and harvest.

But for now, the power for agriculture, especially in the back blocks far away from fuel supply infrastructure is still diesel.

It’s been this way ever since the first diesel powered tractors replaced the archaic coal fired traction engine at the end of the Victorian era.

Advances in compression and common-rail turbo technology have made the diesel engine better than ever, allowing it to be deployed in smaller and more economical vehicles.

Of course many farms have a single central diesel tank to fuel up anything from tractors to generators. When the weather gets bad and roads become impassable, it’s diesel fuel which keeps the wheels turning.

That’s why Mahindra’s latest entry in the side-by-side UTV market is so interesting.

Not just because it represents a fusion of corporate design and engineering between the huge Indian manufacturer — the biggest maker of diesel engines on Earth — with the specialist know-how of Intimidator off-road in the United States. No — it’s the

fact that this 1000cc utility machine is diesel powered, packing a Kohler mill which churns out mountains of torque. It’s needed, too, because this is no lightweight when it comes to hard work.

With an electric rear tray lift as standard, the Mpact 1000 can lug over 950 kilos over all kinds of terrain.

A similar machine by North American competitors Polaris has seen massive pickup from farmers, as well as forestry companies and even search and rescue teams.

Mahindra, with the assistance of Intimidator’s on-the-ground knowledge of the UTV market, have crafted a machine which aims to challenge the top selling Ranger head-on, boasting a fully locking differential train, front and back, alongside some seriously tough suspension — dual independent a-arms front and back. Under the skin, you’ll find that the boys

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All of this means that the versatile 1000cc unit will make short work of the challenges found on Kiwi farms.

At a recent display of Mahindra’s products, the top question asked was about indian build quality — the simple answer was to tell customers just how rough conditions are both in the subcontinent, and indeed in the southern US bayous and mountains where the Intimidator brand was born and bred. It’s really the best of both worlds — and fueled by a power source which is currently inexpensive, plentiful, and already well entrenched as the lifeblood of rural New Zealand.

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22

March 2016

FARM EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY

CANTERBURY FARMING

Bespoke power and design

by Andy Bryenton

With a small window of time in their calendar for growing a full harvest, the farmers of the far north in Europe have a long tradition of finding ways to make their productive season more efficient. Couple this with a tradition of engineering and design which has given us top brands of power equipment like Stihl and Husqvarna and strikingly forward-thinking automakers like Volvo and Saab, and you have the recipe for a very interesting tractor indeed.

Valtra’s new N series of tractors may very well be the best looking agricultural machines on the planet. But the philosophy which broke the mould and decided that a workhorse can look like a thoroughbred goes deeper than just the smooth, sculpted lines of this midsized powerhouse. Beneath the roomy cab with its acres of glass and the supercar

light clusters you’ll find some serious number crunching has gone on to improve the bottom line for owners.

It all makes sense when you realise the roots of the Valtra name. Derived from a merger of Volvo BM (previously the tongue-twisting Eskilstuna Mekaniska Werkstad) and Finnish firm Valmet, Valtra tractors share the same design philosophy which

saw the Finns reject other military weapons and design their own compact, rapidfire Suomi machine pistol.

Suffice to say even Stalin thought twice about crossing the border — and that independent spirit sets Valtra apart today. Almost every part of the 24,000 machines they make annually is bespoke, inhouse and designed without compromise. The N series, for

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Good looks and big muscles — the N series by Valtra works hard and packs cutting edge electronics

example, handles like a small tractor but works just like a big one, packing 185hp and a whopping 730nm of torque.

That’s all thanks to the most powerful engine in its class, which has also been squeezed to maximise fuel efficiency and to meet harsh new European air purity laws.

It even keeps 20hp ‘up its sleeve’ for PTO and transport

use when it’s needed, meaning the power plant is never strained, no matter how much work is called for in a day. A versatile loader is available from new, and when it comes to implements the N series can work front and back, with PTO links at both ends to combine tasks such as cultivating and seed drilling, or running overlapping

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mowers. In fact Valtra are so confident that their N series will save you time and money that their website puts a dollar value on projected savings. Compared to other premium tractors this adds up, hour after hour, into a great reason to take a closer look at the ‘thinking man’s tractor’ from out of the great white north.

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Ring to Hire Machinery!

Water Ballast Roller ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$3,500 Gregoire Besson 5Mtr Discs ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ $15,000 Claas 680 Profill Rake ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $12,000 Hustler 2000 (Done a Lot of Work) �����������������������������������������������������������������������������$3,850 Dunhill 8 Furrow on land plough ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������$3,500 Howard 80 AR Rotohoe Tidy �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Coming in Sulky DPX 28 Fert Spdr 2013 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$6,900 Alo 1�5 Silage Grabs Shipment Arrived ����������������������������������������������������������������������$5,000 Roller Rings 25 24”X3” Heavy ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Each $60 Cambridge Rollers 10ft,11ft & 22ft ������������������������������������������������������������������ From $2,000 Grubber Trailing ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$6,750 Fieldmaster 3Mtr Gear drive ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$9,750 Bamford 7 Reel Rakes ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� From $1,250 Celli 2�5Mtrs Roto Hoe�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$6,500 Taege Vrake 7 aside ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$9,750 Krone AMT 283S Trailing Mower Conditioner �������������������������������������������������������������$????

Unic Crane 220V Turbo ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$1,800 Gray 10FT Water Ballast Roller ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� NEW POA Duncan 734 Direct Drill ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$9,750 Kverneland TLA 5�5 Maxitill ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$6,750 Ferguson 9Tyne Grubber c/w Moulders ���������������������������������������������������������������������� $600 Duncan 701 Drill C/W Eclipse Box �����������������������������������������������������������������������������$4,250 Cattle Ramp ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$2,400 Nobili BNG 310 Mulcher ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$8,250 Grader Blades ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� From $500 Fiat 250 Tractor ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$2,000 Watson 6�3 Rollers www�walter-watson�co�uk �������������������������������������������������������In Stock UFO 3100 Mower �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$3,750 Pearson Silage Grab Euro Fitting ������������������������������������������������������������������������������$3,700 Kuhn 700 & 800 G11 Mowers ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� From $8,500 Topping Mowers ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� From $1,500 Kuhn FC 202 4 Disc Mower Conditioner ��������������������������������������������������������������������$3,500 Trimax Mulcher 1�5Mtr �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$1,750 Tandem Trailer 4�1x2�45 Reg & wof ���������������������������������������������������������������������������$3,500 Trailer 2 Axles Turntable ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $10,000 Kverneland NG300 H4 Power Harrow ������������������������������������������������������������������������$7,900 McHale Soft Hands ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������New $3,150 Bale Forks ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� From $650 Hydes Post Driver 3 rams ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$3,750

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

E!

Prices excl. GST

C Dax 200l tank and inbuilt pump fence line boom ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $1,200 Clough Plough 6 farrow, good tidy straight plough ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $1,500 Clough Maxtill 6m tidy over all condition new points fitted����������������������������������������������������������������������$12,500 Ditch Cleaning Blade to fit FEL ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $300 Duncan 800 Discs sound condition blades about 20% worn������������������������������������������������������������������ $4,250 Duncan Eclipse Box 20 run, very tidy ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $800 Duncan Grubber 3m Tidy condition fitted with mounted rear harrows ����������������������������������������������������� $1,800 Farm Gard Flat Eight Grab ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $800 Farm Gard grader blade very tidy condition suite smaller tractor �������������������������������������������������������������� $1,200 John Deere Disc Drill very tidy condition, 7” row spacing, covering harrows ���������������������������������������� $5,000 Hardi Sprayer 800L tank 16m boom, fome marker, induction hopper������������������������������������������������������ $7,500 Harrows, Large selection ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ From $350 Honda CT 110 Motor Bike 1998 model, very tidy condition, low km ���������������������������������������������������������� $1,500 Howard Rotavator 80” Very tidy condition rear packer roller fitted ������������������������������������������������������� $5,000 Khun Disk Mower tidy condition, 2m cutting width new blades and to cover fitted ���������������������������������$3,750 Kirwan Auger 35ft, good condition, would be an excellent silo to truck auger, PTO drive ������������������������ $1,500 Post Driver Older model but in good overall condition ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ $1,600 PZ Hay Bob very good condition, can ted out and row up ������������������������������������������������������������������������ $1,800 Repsol Chain Bar oil 20 L ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$130 Roller Rings selection of used roller rings 24/26” ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� $60 per ring Row Crop Wheels various sizes �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� POA Silage Grab to fit Begg FEL, in good condition ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ $1,200 Taege V Rake older model, new reels, great entry level V Rake ���������������������������������������������������������������$3,750 Taege Bale Feeder tidy condition can feed round or square bales ��������������������������������������������������������� $4,500 Tandem Hay Trailer 5�9m long, sound condition, repainted, for farm use only ��������������������������������������� $4,500 UFO Drum Mower tidy condition 2m cutting width ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $2,500 Vogel & Noot Four Furrow Plough fully reconditioned and new steel �������������������������������������������������$10,500 Winstone Sprayer 500 litre tank 9m boom ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $2,500

THIS IS JUST A SMALL NUMBER OF ITEMS WE HAVE IN STOCK, TO VIEW ALL MACHINERY VISIT OUR NEW WEB SITE www.highfieldmachinery.co.nz For further information and viewing phone

Hamish 027 424 6637 or Office 03 318 1762 • 1857 Highfield Rd, RD1, Christchurch 7671

Whatever the Season

... there’s a Bailey Trailer that meets your needs

• Combine Harvester Spares • Windrower, Fingers, Sections • Elevator Chains made to order • Kverneland Hay-Silage Tynes • Baling Twine (Poly & Sisal) • Bailey Trailers, Bulk, Flatdeck, Removable Sides • Number one in UK • Eight now sold in Malvern area • Tools and lots of other stuff

91 Horndon Street, Darfield Phone 03 318 8229

FARM EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

Adventure time all grown up As adventurous off-road vehicles in the four-wheeled sector become more and more luxurious, they have crossed over to appeal to the suburban family. Quieter, safer, more gadget-laden and more comfortable than ever, they have gained a whole new market — but are a disappointment to some purists, who love nothing more than massive torque, a face full of mud and the call of the wilderness.

It’s been the same with adventure bikes — once hand-made modifications of conventional machines, then beefed-up, spotlight-heavy iterations of the kind of motorcycles which could eat the legendary Paris to Dakar for breakfast, with the Baja for dinner. These old original warhorses sacrificed style and complexity for reliability and strength, along with the ability for a rider miles from civilisation to effect basic repairs in a jiffy.

Now Kawasaki bring back a little of the old, with a large helping of the best of the new.

Because their KLR 650 feels just like some of those big old single-pot, overhead cam trail sluggers of yesteryear — just more refined in the areas which matter. Like the Russian made AK47 rifle it’s got only one big moving part at its core, a four-stroke onecylinder mill of prodigious torque. Like the AK, it’s pared down to the basics, but all of those basics have been over-engineered for durability. And, like the AK, it gives the impression that it could survive equally well in a muddy, smokey warzone as it does on the city streets.

Cooler days are on the way, Call Mark to organise your Winter Servicing and Anti-Freeze for your Tractor now.

•On-Farm Mobile service for all makes and models •Service and repair small Japanese import tractors including Jinma & Lifestyle •Crawler Tractor service and repairs •We do all repairs from major to minor •Supply new and used parts •Hydraulic Hoses made to suit •Topping Mower repairs and Blade sharpening •Restoration of Vintage Style Tractors •Servicing the Waimak and Selwyn areas •Over 40 years experience

Mark A’Court

Ashworths Road, Ohoka 027 315 0627 • 03 3134 250

It’s not just the digital camo paintjob which gives this military metaphor bite.

Kawasaki are no strangers to the cut and thrust of motocross competition, and this bike displays some of the lessons learned in the arena, sticking jumps twelve feet off the deck. Massive ground clearance, lots of grip and a UniTrak rear shock with

five-way preload and stepless rebound damping make sure the KLR feels planted, even when fully laden. And while it’s a big beast, the 650 seems manageable and nimble thanks to its relatively light weight. A bulletproof five-speed box delivers ample torque all the way up the speedo, eschewing extraneous extra

cogs in favour of raw pulling power. The best part about this bike may be the way it stands out as a well crafted tool in a world of pointless Swiss army knives. But riders will certainly appreciate the very reasonable price as well as a great way, and a great excuse, to get into adventure riding and really get among the scenery.

100 IT’S NOT A TARGET

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WE DESIGN OUR DRILLS WITH FOUR PRINCIPLES: ACCURACY, SIMPLICITY, DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY

Everlasting quality is our policy and promise

• C-D Series • • Contractors triple disc, flat to undulating ground •

• P-D Series • • Min-till, arable drilling •

OMO EARLY BIRD PR ON C-D SERIES

• T-D Series • • Entry level tyne direct drill •

• E-D Series • • Entry level triple disc •

Y

SPRING DELIVER BOOK NOW FOR SPECIAL PRICING t 2016 *Offer ends May 1s

• H-D Series • • Flat ground, heavy direct drill •

FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE OR CALL IN AND SEE CRAIG AND THE TEAM TODAY! 32 Robinson Street, Ashburton, Mid Canterbury | Ph: 03 308 4094 CRAIG ALLEN 021 861 440 | Email craig@allencustomdrills.co.nz

www.allencustomdrills.co.nz

23

24

March 2016

FARM EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY

CANTERBURY FARMING

Teutonic tag-team take the field

by Andy Bryenton

During the middle ages, the fertile fields of lower Saxony were the breadbasket of what would later become Germany — and they provided their share of burly, scythe-swinging harvestmen. So much so that the great Emperor Charlemagne kept a special unit of troops hand picked from Saxon harvesters to wield the giant ‘flamberge’ longswords in battle.

Today Saxony is a peaceful land, but a tradition of harvesting excellence lives on with the machines created

by B. Strautmann and Sohne

GMbH. Their products have come as far as New Zealand, where they have had a large impact in the dairy sector. A powerful combo for farmers

POLYNON RUSTING POLYSILOS MULTIPLE USES

Fast Easy Assembly No Blockages Minimal Sweating Full Range of SSizes: EASY

FINANCE DEALS ON FERTILISER

SILOS

From 1,600 L (1 tonne)

to 40,000 L

(30 tonne)

0800 668 534 advantageplastics.co.nz

HEADER

Repairs & Spares • Concaves Manufactured new for all makes

looking to maximise silage production, the Strautmann Super Vitesse forage wagon and the Vertimix mixer wagon.

It’s a one-two punch of performance, demonstrating big economies of scale for intensive farming operations — in a whole lot of ways, the very size and power of these machines is what sets them apart.

The Super Vitesse is designed to sit at the middle of the range, but it’s still a massive beast, able to pick up green forage in bulk — up to 33 cubic metres at a time. A battery of knives macerate the incoming feed, pumping it into the rear storage area via powerful conveyors. Strautmann have been building forage and hay wagons for over 50 years, and their attention to detail shows in the ease of operation for such a big machine. Needless to say, it takes a large tractor to couple up to the Super Vitesse and its even larger Giga Vitesse cousin, but the gains made in stripping whole fields back to winter feed with minimal passes are massive.

‘WORLD’S NUMBER 1 SAWMILL’

specially designed stepped sieves for small seed applications. Cleaner Sample - Less Loss

• General Engineering Fabrication, steelwork, repairs, sheet metal.

(Formerly D.C. Newburry & Co, Southbridge)

Ph: 03 324 2145 • Mobile: 027 331 9821 www.ellesmereengineering.co.nz 185 Jollies Road Southbridge

production, which is sure to appeal.

Strautmann continue to develop new systems to help turn pasture forage into profit, building on decades of experience and customer input. The days of Charlemagne may be long past, but the harvest in lower Saxony is in good hands with these diligent engineers on task.

THE SIDE-BY-SIDE THAT’S GOT IT ALL 1100 EFI NEW UPGRADE MODEL!!

Wood-Mizer sawmills: ✓ Use the latest in thin kerf technology ✓ Produce more timber from fewer trees ✓ Are adaptable to all sawing situations ✓ Are flexible in operation ✓ Have low operating costs ✓ New or used

7 sawmill models and 28 engine options.

Personal to Professional sawmills with output from 2 to 100 cubic metres per day.

Recover your own timber or mill for others.

ELLESMERE ENGINEERING LTD

regard, and is able to carry nearly as much fodder as the Super Vitesse, at a hefty 30 cubic metres. Cattle can be notoriously fussy eaters, and by mixing a ration of different components they don’t have the chance to pick and choose, instead getting a balanced diet, even when it’s snowing outside. Numerous international studies point to this method boosting milk

Over 70,000 Machines Sold

• Drums & Bars Manufactured and repaired.

• Sieves & Riddles Repairs, rebuilds and

When it comes time to disperse feed, at the other end of the cycle, the equally imposing Verti-mix is another smart choice for big operations. Many farms — especially those who must resort to supplementary feed programmes during the hard months — have turned to planning out TMR or total mixed ration plans. The Vertimix double fits the bill in this

WOOD-MIZER® SAWMILLS

and models. Built specially for NZ conditions.

Also repairs and alterations.

All makes and models. Preseason checks done on farm.

Big, red and ready to work — Strautmann’s engineering know-how helps make short work of forage tasks

Contact: Paul Marshall (B.For.Sc., M.Sc., M.N.Z.I.F) Director Wood-Mizer NZ Ltd.

DEALERS

WANTED

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1100cc 4 cyl. 16 valve engine, 5 x speed transmission, hydraulic clutch, 2WD / 4WD, diff. lock front & rear, max speed 70kph, snorkel, motorised tipping rear deck, fully foldable windscreen, front mounted electric winch, roof mounted spotlights, all steel construction, disc brakes all round, amazing carrying capacity (front, roof, rear tray), road registrable, etc, etc.....

Lifestyle Tractors & Machinery Ltd

BUY DIRECT FROM THE IMPORTER!

Mobile: 021 331 838 • Email: P_Marshall@xtra.co.nz

www.woodmizer.com

Tel. 03-347-4956 • Mob. 0274 770 070 Email. tractors@lifestyletractors.co.nz w w w. l i f e s t y l e t r a c t o r s . c o . n z

TRACTOR & LOADER PACKAGES FROM

Power Farming Canterbury

+ GST

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PAY AS LITTLE AS

59,990

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With 5 models available from 85-115hp, the Agrofarm series from Deutz-Fahr offers a range of multi-purpose tractors with the perfect balance of power and weight.

The series includes cab and ROPS models with 100% locking front diff, true four-wheel braking, a flat platform and a super-smooth power-shuttle 40x40 transmission**.

The Agrofarm is the ultimate general-purpose tractor, ideally suited to New Zealand farming.

03 349 5975

51 Waterloo Road, Hornby, Christchurch www.powerfarmingcanterbury.co.nz

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

25

Lifestyle Block Services Planning for a positive lifestyle

by Paul Campbell

Lifestyle blocks are a burgeoning sector of New Zealand rural life, and with this comes a great responsibility that new owners may have not fully appreciated when making their move from an urban environment — and ‘environment’ is a key consideration.

This is where a lifestyle block management plan — LBMP for short — can help lifestyle block owners identify actions to enable them to achieve high standards of environmental management.

Based on a wider plan for larger agricultural operations, it is a plan that is simplified for smaller properties under 20 hectares in size. It will help lifestyle block owners recognise key environmental risks, and identify and carry out key actions to manage those risks. They can be unique to a property and reflect the local climate and soils, the type of farming operation, and the goals and aspirations of the land user to better manage the impact of their enterprise on the environment. Perhaps the best source of overall

information on planning management ot your piece of land on the plan, which will be in an overall sense be applicable from North Cape to Bluff, can be found at Environment Canterbury — www.ecan.govt.nz/ lifestyleblock.

There you will find a copy of Good Management Practices for Lifestyle Blocks and use this to get ideas for actions you can take to make improvements around land, soil and fer tiliser management, irrigation management, and management of waterways, wetland and biodiversity wherever you are in New Zealand.

The site advises that small holdings are generally not large contributors to nutrient leaching and losses to the

environment but poor soil and waterway management practices can still have significant effects on water quality. Completing a LBMP should not be onerous and will help you think about your property in terms of impact to

the environment, and identify any risk areas that may need to be managed in a different way. Your planned actions and careful management will reduce nutrient and other pollutants from reaching waterways and groundwater,

water

wells

David James

Agricultural Engineering Ltd

… for water when and where you want it!

FREE QUOTES WITH NO OBLIGATION

Specialising in: • General Engineering • Bale Feeders

Domestic Irrigation Environmental & Investigation Drilling Pump Sales & Service Over 25 years Drilling Experience Water Testing

• Cattle Yard Gates

as well as ensure a high standard of environmental management. There are also some activities that should be carried out carefully so as not to cause nuisance to your neighbours such as having offal or rubbish disposal

areas not too close to the boundary. In all, there is useful information that is relevant to any lifestyle block in the country — and a check of the regional council information in your particular province is also recommended.

RURAL BROADBAND PLANS FROM

$79.95/MONTH FULL SPEED - NO PHONE LINE REQUIRED Why wait for Broadband?

NetSpeed is installing RBI Broadband connections in your area now so join the revolution and call us now for a FREE site check for your home or business.

NetSpeed is a locally owned broadband network operator dedicated to delivering affordable city speed broadband to urban and rural New Zealand.

0800 638 773

East Coast Drilling Ltd

027 220 2275 or 03 3252 762 d.james1@xtra.co.nz Osterholts Road, Ladbrooks, Christchurch

03 347 9337 or 027 434 1162 454 West Melton Rd, West Melton RD6 CHCH A/H 03 347 8446 Fax 03 347 8426 ecdrill@xtra.co.nz

Available within the NetSpeed RBI coverage area. Installation/Equipment charges & Netspeed T & C apply. For more info see www.netspeed.net.nz/rbi

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

CANTERBURY CONTINUOUS SPOUTING LTD “Whether it’s a homestead or a farm shed CONTINUOUS has the solution for you.”

• 21 years experience installing throughout Canterbury and Westland.

• 6 spouting profiles to suit your requirements.

• Installation crews servicing your local area.

• Strong brackets and robust snow protection to handle the rural climate.

For a FREE no obligation quote phone CONTINUOUS TODAY on 0800 50 1993

www.continuous.co.nz

0800 50 1993

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

26

March 2016

LIFESTYLE BLOCK SERVICES

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

From land to the sea If you had told Pip and Hugh Waghorn 35 years ago that they would end up trading working life on the farm for the sea, they wouldn’t have believed you. But after farming for 19 years in Pigeon Bay, then Hororata and Cheviot, Hugh’s knee said ‘no more’.

It was then they made the decision to return to where they grew up — the beautiful Banks Peninsula, to set up the harbour cruise company, Akaroa Dolphins.

That was 12 years ago, and Akaroa Dolphins is now an award winning big player in the cruise market in Akaroa.

Their beautifully appointed catamaran offers the perfect

opportunity to get away from crowds to enjoy a more personalised luxurious cruise experience.

It also gives the chance to get extremely close to the wildlife, including dolphins, seals, penguins and seabirds.

While doing this, guests enjoy complimentary drinks during a two-hour cruise.

Although their venture cruising on the water is a

far cry from working the land, not all of the traits of the Waghorn’s farming days have been lost.

With the Banks Peninsula area boasting the highest population of the rarest and smallest dolphin in the world, the Hector’s dolphin, they still rely on working dogs which have learned to sense the location of dolphins — instead of rounding up sheep!

nature cruises Join us for an intimate nature cruise on beautiful Akaroa Harbour to see the rare & playful Hector’s dolphin up close.

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LIFESTYLE BLOCK SERVICES

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

27

Embracing the outdoor life

by Andy Bryenton

The recent exodus of older Kiwis to establish themselves on a coveted ‘place in the country’ has seen many demographic trends dissected here in the media. Lifestyle blocks have meant that previous city dwellers, some in their retirement years, are taking to the land, learning new skills and enjoying those leisure pastimes which rural folk enjoy as their birthright.

Some of these skills — like enjoying a kitchen garden, or gathering eggs from domestic chickens — have little potential to go wrong. But others — like learning to ride a quad bike for the first time, or getting to grips with chainsaws and tree felling — can prove trickier. One aspect of the country life which Kiwis love is, of course, harvesting the best of local fish and game, and a new crop of (often none too young) hunters and sports shooters are now getting out there, learning the necessities of safety and accuracy with rifle and shotgun. With duck season just around the corner, it’s good to know how to upskill and be safe in this engaging and rewarding sport.

A good place to begin for new shooters is with your local rifle club. Target shooting introduces the basics of safety and firearm handling, while allowing you to determine just what works for you in a gun.

It also never hurts to brush up on your aim — even seasoned hunters take

to the target range to keep their eye in. Most clubs will be more than happy to help begin the process with the local constabulary to attain a firearms licence, too, suggesting the best places to source such needful items as gun safes, before a mandatory test is sat.

The other group working hard to ensure that new shooters are safe and can enter the wilderness with confidence, is the Mountain Safety Council.

Anyone moving to the country from the city, or thinking of taking up hunting, hiking or back-country fishing should check out their very informative website — http://www.mountainsafety. org.nz. It’s also their role to take prospective gun owners through a safety course, preparing them for the licencing test. Take a look, too, at the Sporting Shooters Association, here a thttp://sportingshooters. nz. Advocates of gun safety and the rights of the hunting and target shooting public — there’s little they don’t know about your rights and

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March 2016

LIFESTYLE BLOCK SERVICES

CANTERBURY FARMING

Autumn planting tips

With Autumn on its way now is a good time to start thinking about what you need to plant.

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Most tree sites in the South Island should be planted between April and October.

To prepare the soil rip the planting lines to 30cm in late Summer or Autumn to help with early root development.

Make sure the site is pest and animal free before planting and if necessary fence off the area. Remove any weeds that will compete with soil nutrients. Prepare any irrigation set ups and shelter belts.

Container trees may be planted year-round on moist sites, or where irrigation is available. These trees

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outperform bare-root trees under dry planting conditions or where out-of-season droughts occur.

Taking care of plants before they are planted is important and will save you money on lost stock. Roots must be kept moist at all times. Container trees in cartons are packed at the nursery and may be stored

for up to seven days provided they are kept cool and moist.

Never stand them in direct sunlight and always plant as soon as possible as foliage will soften in the carton.

Before planting make sure you have the necessary equipment such as a sturdy tree planting spade.

Slow release fertiliser tablets will give plants an

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advantage for up to two years. It is not recommended that soluble fertiliser is used at planting.

Liquid Shotgun pest repellent should be applied immediately after planting.

This egg-based formula, developed by the Forest Research Institute, has been proven to significantly reduce damage to young trees from rabbits, hares and possums.

When planting, don’t worry if some of the foliage is under the soil, as deep planting ensures wind stability and positions the roots in moister soil and this is essential for Pinus radiata cuttings.

Post planting, keep the trees moist during dry spells, and keep weeds under control. Mulching is labourintensive, but will conserve soil moisture, improve the soil structure and biological activity, and ultimately provide nutrients to the tree. Bales of straw provide useful windbreaks and mulch material for later on. Spraying should be carried out in early spring before weeds get away.

Soluble fertilisers may be applied six to eight weeks after planting, at a point 1520cm away from the tree.

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LIFESTYLE BLOCK SERVICES

Autumn face off for electric saws The two biggest names in outdoor power equipment are, unsurprisingly, both from Scandinavia, where forestry is a way of life. Both Stihl and Husqvarna are veterans when it comes to creating chainsaws for the discerning lumberman, but a recent foray by both firms into the frontier of electric power has caused a stir worldwide.

Stihl were first out of the traps with a range of lithium ion battery powered machines, and have recently updated their battery system for longer life and more oomph. Husqvarna, on the other hand, waited until they were fully satisfied with a second-gen battery product before rolling out their range.

Both groups contain the essentials of maintenance for a lifestyle block or larger section, making them attractive for rural New Zealand. And the similarities go deeper than the bright orange colour scheme of both marques as well.

With a proud heritage of engineering (going back to times well before chainsaws existed) both of the rival Scandinavian manufacturers have gone to great lengths to ensure that their electric power tools do not fall into the trap of earlier corded models. These should never be seen as ‘second best’ or as ‘toys’ for urban dwellers unused to the cut and thrust of taming a big yard. With both ranges boasting 36 volt power, Husqvarna are

making hay with the fact that they offer a large backpack battery alternative, with many hours of charge on call. Stihl have taken the tack that their batteries charge quickly and can be ‘shuttled’ between all machines in their pack, meaning that a good store of electric ‘ammo’ is always on hand.

Both camps too, know that the key tool for a lifestyle block owner in Autumn is going to be a versatile chainsaw. Chopping, pruning back, cutting firewood and stacking it up — all require a lightweight, powerful saw.

Can electric really beat petrol in all these categories? Well, one benefit of the intense rivalry between the two big Scandinavian brands is this — they have gone to extremes to make sure they can.

Stihl’s MSA-160 CBQ saw was trialled on tough spruce, and managed 150 cross cuts on a charge. Husqvarna’s brushless motors boast 25% more torque than conventional electric engines, delivering lots of grunt at low revs, where it counts. Both are lighter and easier to

29

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start than petrol saws the same size.

Looking through the range, the benefit of buying electric is clear. One battery from either firm can be slotted into a range of blowers, trimmers and brushcutters, making that first saw an investment — the ‘skins’ of additional machines can be bought alone at a reduced cost.

Learn how to quickly and easily convert your grass into cash & increase the value of your lifestyle block For a copy of this valuable guide, call Andrew now on (03) 318 1860 or email gary@lifestylefarmsystems.co.nz

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With all these factors in mind — range, charge duration, power, weight — the two front runners are neck and neck in the race to build the perfect electric tools.

It will be a matter of personal preference to choose either Stihl or Husqvarna — but choosing either over petrol may be an easy call to make.

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Our company specialises in a range of products and services including: driveways, decorative concrete, asphalt, paving, floor slabs and earthwork construction.

Oasis Concrete & Paving Ltd is a highly experienced driveway, concrete and paving contractor, with over 25 years’ experience. You can be sure that quality is never compromised.

We pride ourselves on delivering excellent results and providing the same high quality service to all our customers no matter what the size of the job. Our highly skilled team have worked in many types of projects in both the domestic and commercial sectors

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30

March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

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SAFETY FIRST ON THE FARM

Reaping the benefits of technology

by Andy Bryenton

There’s something to be said from starting with the basics. Getting the small things right, then building until the sky is the limit. Well, that’s just how Norwegian company Kverneland went from making scythes by hand, all the way to producing the biggest, most advanced stubble cultivators to tackle post-harvest fields.

Begun over 135 years ago by a literal village blacksmith, Kverneland rose to prominence with the invention of the reversible plough, so turning the soil is their stock in trade. A range of powerful machines come out of their European plant each year, from those small and versatile enough for smallholdings to giant engines of cultivation able to turn, aerate and seed a whole swathe at a time. The incorporation of several different methods of processing the soil — and crop residue — is a Kverneland specialty, and their largest machines incorporate tines, discs and even pneumatic seed drills all in a single unit, pulled by a single tractor and under computer control.

Here in New Zealand, our deployment of maize as a supplementary feed crop means we are the

perfect country to roll out the CLC Procut in Autumn.

This machine is compact enough to be towed by the mid-horsepower tractors favoured by Kiwi farmers, and boasts four distinct ‘zones’ across the implement — four actions which process even long and unwieldy stalks and stubble into oxygenated, fertile soil. First comes a row of high durability cutting discs. Then deep tines in a double row, with wide shares (the evolution of the old ‘ploughshare’) to dig deep and turn the soil. Next comes a set of levelling tines, then a final active roller to finish the job. The result — soil in peak condition for microbial health, with the remains of that last crop chopped and distributed to add fuel to the next round of growth.

For even larger applications, Kverneland present the CTC — a modular system which allows farmers to incorporate

Kverneland’s big, modular CTC system cultivates huge swathes of pasture at a single pass

a wide range of rollers, tines and rear equipment onto a large frame. But for ultimate ease of use, the Norwegian engineers have outdone themselves, putting together the power of an intensive cultivator with the ease of a pneumatic seed drill. The A-Drill can be trailed along with a CTC unit to literally turn stubble to fresh pasture in a single pass. And while such a large machine is perhaps excessive for many New Zealand farms, the lessons learned in its design have

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been passed down to smaller, more specific products such as the CLC Procut, in terms of reducing maintenance downtime and increasing operator accessibility. For example, Kverneland shares feature a unique ‘knock-on’ system, making them easy to exchange, even in the field.

It’s a long way from hammering out scythes on an anvil, but Kverneland are still in the same business — making sure the harvest comes in on farms all over the world!

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CULTIVATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

31

Winter decisions dictate spring choices The cultivation and overall management of winter pastures on dairy as well as beef and sheep properties makes a big difference to farm outcomes in spring in terms of feed supply — that is, pasture growth and grass condition.

How much grass is available in quantity and quality in early spring has a major impact on farming systems and influences winter stocking rates, lambing and calving dates, lambing, lactation and weaning potential, and efficiency of finishing growth rates.

Farmers need to make greater use of available pasture management tools and knowledge to effectively manage winter pastures if further productivity gains are going to be made.

A sacrifice paddock is one way people choose to manage their cows and pasture when there are no purposebuilt stand-off facilities, or where off-farm grazing is not an option.

A sacrifice paddock can take the pressure off the rest of the farm by allowing

grass cover to build up while vulnerable soils are wet. The regrowth of a small area of pasture can be sacrificed to enhance the regrowth on the rest of the farm.

Some farmers use sacrifice paddocks when it is dry in Autumn. By feeding supplements on a sacrifice paddock it allows future paddocks in the round to build up pasture covers.

The often muddy and wet conditions in sacrifice paddocks can increase the risk of mastitis and lameness if animals are not well managed.

With efficient management farmers have the opportunity to improve the feed supply available in early spring when animal demand is at its highest, relative to new pasture growth.

Therefore good management in the early to

mid-winter months has an impact on late Winter and early Spring feed supply and animal production, including stockpiling feed in late Summer and Autumn to be fed out during winter.

Winter growth then accounts for much of the available feed during early Spring.

Animals affect pasture production through grazing, treading, and return of dung and urine. These effects may be more apparent during Winter and early Spring because pasture growth is slow and soil conditions can lead to greater treading damage.

Feed supply and demand must be matched for the Autumn and Winter so target cow condition can be achieved for the Spring and the new lactation, to achieve maximum productivity.

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32

March 2016

CULTIVATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

Giving nature a helping hand

by Andy Bryenton

It’s half way through Autumn, after what has been a long Summer by New Zealand standards. As the season turns, it’s time to consider restorative fertiliser for paddocks and pastures, replenishing nutrients to the soil. The timing of this is all about fitting into the cycle of nature, as it would have been in the days before intensive livestock farming.

In those primordial times, a variety of different species of plant would have inhabited a given space — whether it was scrub, prairie or forest.

Different chemicals and compounds would have leached into the soil due

to decomposition of falling leaves, and plants living or dying by their own calendar. In modern practice, the selective use of specific pasture grass cultivars means that essential minerals and trace elements need to be applied manually.

www.mccarthycontracting.co.nz Ph 03 329 6655 or 027 484 8564 Now harvesting fodder & sugar beet with a 6 row Grimme Rootster Harvester

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Autumn is traditionally the time for lime, for a variety of reasons.

When it comes to soil, it’s all about the microbial life under the surface. A healthy community of microbes means better growth, so applying lime in Autumn also ties in with two other important inputs to the soil.

The first is rain, helping activate microbial activity. The second is the cultivation of the remainder of crops into the soil through the use of agricultural machinery. With decomposing plant material, water and lime, the microbes are well fed. And that bodes well for regrowth as it takes off. Of course, because those remnants used to be living plants, they contain a great mix of everything a healthy plant needs!

One way to help boost this natural process is to ensure that any stubble and crop residues are cultivated under fast. To make the absolute best of what remains after a crop is harvested, it’s advised to use a stubble digester — a formula which helps break

Spreading lime and seeds together — a simple way to save time and give pasture a head start

down the residue and provide essential carbohydrates to all those micro-organisms.

The addition of a little nitrogen at this time also helps speed up the process, turning the top 10cm of soil into a powerhouse of revitalisation. New roots and new shoots springing up

from soil provided with the correct nutrient mix have a better start in life, leading to increased profit down the track.

All experts agree, of course, that this process should take place as soon after harvest as possible.

Leaving dead crop residue

above ground simply means a loss of potential fertiliser — a waste which will have to be made up somehow. Timing is the key to success, and with Autumn well and truly here, it’s a golden opportunity to lay the groundwork for better pasture and more vibrant crops next season.

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CULTIVATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

33

Cultivating good pasture With the temperatures still high across the country as March draws to a close, cultivation of pasture for the Spring flush is still a viable choice.

M a s s ey University advises that a useful guide is to use a soil temperature of 10C as the minimum required for germination and establishment. Ryegrasses are more tolerant of cooler temperatures and a good choice for Autumn sowing.

Provided soil moisture is available, slower-establishing species such as tall fescue, red clover, chicory and lucerne are also a good choice but the risk of poor white clover establishment increases greatly after March because of cool soil temperatures.

A key part of successful pasture management is renovation.

Massey Univer sity’s Peter Kemp in a paper says: ‘pasture renovation is replacing all or some of the species in a pasture. Although the obvious reason for introducing new species is to increase pasture production, there are other reasons.

‘The most common are to increase annual or seasonal production, to remove persistent weeds, to repair pasture damaged by natural events such as flood, drought or insect attack, or to renew a pasture that has lost its vigour because of poor grazing management or treading damage.

‘Whether an old pasture is replaced immediately or after a forage crop also needs to be considered. Forage crops, apart from providing supplementary feed during shortages, also allow better weed, pest and disease control. For example, the use of novel endophytes such as AR1 in perennial ryegrass cultivars requires all traces of the old ryegrass in a pasture to be removed, which is more readily achieved via a forage crop.

‘Overall, the rate of pasture renovation in New Zealand is relatively low, with estimates

it is 2-3% of pasture a year.

Yet on intensively managed dairy, beef or sheep farms on flat to rolling land that will result in old pasture that is producing less annual dry matter of poorer nutritional value than pasture based on modern cultivars.

‘A typical increase in annual production when a pasture is renovated is 20% or 2-3 tonnes of dry matter per hectare per year.

Additionally, the increased nutritional value of a renovated pasture results in improved animal production.

‘White clover is often such a low percentage (less than 10%) of old pasture that milk production, and rate of growth of lambs or cattle being finished, is constrained.

A pasture renovation programme where 10% of the farm is renovated each year still means that some pasture will be 10-years-old and not in its prime’.

CULTIVATION

GORSE, BROOM & SCRUB

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UNT LL 12 row precision planter for all your Fodder Beet requirements. Save money by putting the fertiliser on at planting and where the plants need it (In the Root Zone) Drill is equipped with trash discs so stones are swept out of the way to prevent bounce and Individual Planter shutoffs reducing overlaps and saving more costs. Also planting maize in narrow rows decreasing seeds per hectare (Costs) while gaining the same yields or we can plant at normal row spacing (Convert to 8 row with fertiliser).

Also available •7 furrow fully mounted plough, • Atlas 6m Bednar discs with the largest diameter discs for primary cultivation • 8m Bednar Levelling cultivator and 4m ripper cultivators • Horsch 6m Pronto Seed/Fertiliser Drill saving costs by putting the fertiliser on in the seed zone.

Direct drilling, Silage and Balage also catered for. For all new clients we will offer free winter DM tests of their silage using our John Deere Harvest Lab

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For your Autumn/Winter sowing needs contact Mark

Tel 03 302 8872 or 027 221 6070

34

March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

Effluent and Waste Management Effluent disposal options The task of managing farm effluent, in particular with dairying, has many challenges, not least when farmers may be in a position to have to dispose of milk on-farm.

Recent plummeting prices notwithstanding, there are instances when milk may not make it to the tanker.

Dairy NZ advises that milk can be applied directly to land as is the case of whey or other liquid dairy products, and farmers may continue to add milk to the effluent system provided it is diluted one-for-one with water.

However, dilutions up to 10 : one water to milk should

be considered to reduce the possibility of odour problems and pasture damage.

Other points are that farms should not apply more than 50,000 litres per hectare to pasture and if possible use land that can be worked following application.

Effluent can be applied onto recently grazed pasture and following irrigation the land should be flushed with fresh water to rinse milk

residues from foliage. Milk must not be applied to land within 20 metres of a drain or waterway, close to public areas or neighbours where odour problems may arise, or on paddocks which are likely to flood, have steep slopes, are pipe drained or mole ploughed.

Milk can be control-fed into a pond system, through land application is preferable.

The dairy guidelines add

We will design and construct your storage ponds from start to finish and: • Save you time and money • Reduce the risk of effluent non-compliance • Give you environmental protection • Be more effective in utilisation of nutrients and water

that odour problems may occur five days after milk has entered the system, and that a mixture of milk and effluent can give off lethal or explosive gases.

Do not mix them in confined spaces or buildings, or enter any enclosed effluent storage facility.

Dairy NZ adds that properly designed two-pond systems

e

p 0800 773 2002 • 03 688 2001 admin@paulsmithearthmoving.co.nz

• Setting aside a paddock intended for cropping to dispose of milk; • Digging a ditch, preferably in an area where the water table is not high, and empty the milk into the ditch. Allow the milk to soak into the soil and cover the ditch with soil at a later date to avoid odour issues.

ANDREW SWANN

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can cope with milk from four consecutive milkings. After this, another option should be used, as additional milk will cause rapid deterioration in the quality of the discharge.

Fur ther recommended disposal options include: • Using a slurry tanker to spread the milk onto a paddock as if it was liquid fertiliser;

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EFFLUENT & WASTE MANAGEMENT

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

35

ADVERTORIAL

Effluent answers in action

Effluent ponds are a vital part of dairy farming — but they’re no use when they’re overflowing.

Timaru-based SJ Allen Ltd has been emptying ponds for 20 years and has a large fleet of trucks available that can usually have the job done in a matter of days.

With 14 staff in South Canterbury they cover the area from just south of Rakaia down to Palmerston, running 15 effluent trucks, with branches in Timaru and Oamaru.

Manager Darren Ladbrook said the company takes care of all effluent matters, including providing pond stirrers, which with just a few hours of operation in the pond will have broken up the crust and bought the solids from the bottom of the pond up to become a slurry, which can then be spread evenly onto paddocks.

“We’re very flexible with what we can do,’’ he said, “from effluent ponds, above ground effluent tanks, underpasses, saucers, wedges, and stone traps — just some of our many services that can be provided to the dairy industry.”

Staff are also fully upto-date with changing disposal regulations — a vital component as dairying comes under increasing

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“The effluent sucked out of farmers’ ponds is spread onto whichever paddocks they want sprayed with liquid fertiliser,” Mr Ladbrook said.

“For the larger ponds in the district, containing one to two million litres, SJ Allen will take in five or six

trucks to complete the task in a shorter time frame,” he said. SJ Allen Ltd also have a variety of water blasting units for unblocking and cleaning drains, culverts and irrigation pipes etc. CCTV units are also available for inspection of pipes and drains.

Utilising every opportunity to get the job done in the most

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efficient and cost effective way for its farmer clients is what SJ Allen is striving to do.

SJ Allen offer a 24/7 service so give them a call on 0800 155 669 and let the team take all the hassle of cleaning your effluent pond out of your hands and get those nutrients back onto your paddocks.

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36

March 2016

EFFLUENT & WASTE MANAGEMENT

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

CANTERBURY WATERBLAST

Good news on wastewater

Family Owned & Operated

AES, an abbreviation of Advanced Enviro-Septic, is a low cost, no power wastewater system ideal for rural properties and perfect for off-grid locations.

Dairy Sheds Effluent and Water Tanks Farm Machinery Culverts Hydro Excavation Septic Tanks, Waste Removal and Blocked Drains

... and many more waterblasting applications available Make a booking before the end of April and mention Farmlands to receive a $50 Farmlands voucher!

Ph: 0800 H20 JET 4 2 0

5 3 8

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around road works

There is nothing to service as there are no mechanical features, no filters or electronics to break down and the system comes with a 20year component guarantee.

Other than the usual periodic emptying of the septic tank, no homeowner interaction is required which, coupled with the fact that it treats effluent to advanced secondary quality, significantly reduces health and environmental risks.

AES’ resilience in intermittent use situations, along with a large buffer capacity, means it can be used in a wide range of situations. The key strength is in its ability to ‘absorb the shocks’ of day-to-day living.

The self-colonising bacteria involved in the treatment process thrive on regularity, yet adapt to the feasts and famines of shock loading and intermittent use by reducing and re-colonising on demand without intervention.

The AES pipe system also has a large buffer capacity should actual use exceed the estimated peak flows. The effluent is then passively dispersed into the soil or can be collected from a lined bed and used for 10 LOC0% AL

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YOUR PROBLEM SOLVERS Our Waste Away staff are always happy to help!

• Septic & Holding Tank Cleaning • Dairy Pond & Saucer Emptying • Liquid & Hazardous Waste Collection • Grease Trap Servicing • Bulk Liquid Transporting • Hydro Excavation • Concrete Slurry Wash  Tank & Silo Cleaning  Fresh Water Delivery  Effluent Stirrers Available  Rubbish Skip Hire  Water Blasting Services  Drain Unblocking & Cleaning  Drain CCTV Inspections  Interceptor Cleaning

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irrigation by way of dripper lines, if that is preferred.

AES systems therefore have several environmental advantages. They produce very high quality effluent which minimises the risk of groundwater contamination while returning used water to the ground and the treatment process requires no external energy input, nor ongoing service visits or spare parts.

This gives it one of the lowest carbon footprints in the wastewater treatment industry with a low capital cost.

AES has been in use in the United States for almost three decades with more than 400,000 installations worldwide. It has now been installed in numerous residential situations — both new installs and upgrades of existing septic tank systems — in commercial café and rural workshop situations, National Parks, at Onuku Marae on Banks Peninsula, and the largest installation in New Zealand to date — at the Greenwood Park Holiday Camp in Richmond.

In addition to our team of independent designers and installers in Canterbury, Environment Technology’s

AES wastewater system four months after installation

technical adviser, Hazel Clemens, is now based in Christchurch and available for AES wastewater enquiries at any step of the design and build process.

Jan Nish, a homeowner from Ashburton says of her system installed by D&L Plumbing: ‘I haven’t had to think about it — it hasn’t given me any problems whatsoever’.

Drainlayer, Paul the Plumber, who fitted out Okarito Campground on the West Coast, says

‘AES is a back to basics system, no bells or whistles, but the best treatment results and no ongoing maintenance expenses’.

To support designers and drainlayers wanting to familiarise themselves with AES, an online certification course has been developed, which earns the latter six CPD points. To sign up visit http://secure. environmenttechnology.co.nz or see the website for further information www.et.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

37

ADVERTORIAL

Getting the good soil No amount of improved seed or synthetic fertiliser can revive dead soil according to the Brown Revolution, which has a website devoted to improving the planet’s productivity.

Southern Humates identifies that it’s important to get ‘life’ back into our soils with unhealthy soils identified by hard soil structure, leaching, loss of moisture when the rain disappears, too few earthworms and that good ‘earthy smell’ is gone. Increasing amounts of fertiliser, herbicides and pesticides are required, there is erosion, a poor crop yield and quality — the list goes on.

The Association of Biological Farmers define healthy soil as ‘productive, sustainable and profitable.

Soil health is the condition of the soil in relation to its capability to sustain biological productivity, maintain environmental quality, and promote plant and animal health. Healthy soils are a result of the complex interaction between physical, chemical and biological processes’.

Humates play a critically important part in the bigger picture of soil regeneration and biological farming as it provides essential complex carbon molecules that form the basis of the food chain for all the good bugs and earthworms in the soil. But is this ‘snake oil’?

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Talk to the manufacturer toll free 0800 175 720

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

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming Please call 03 347 2314

Southern Humates put their humates to the test. Dr Peter Espie from AgScience Ltd has been trailing our humates (used in conjunction with urea) independently since 2014, and consistent to many other trials he has done, using our humates with different fertiliser mixes, he has had an average of 22% increase in DM weight. All the trial work proves beyond any doubt that the addition of humates to

fertiliser increases yield, and very importantly, does so with less cost. Another surprise about humates is the effect it has on animal health. Calf rearers especially rave about its natural healing properties (especially for scouring stomachs) while it saves on the antibiotic bill.

For productive, sustainable and profitable farming, Southern Humates is the first step in the right direction.

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SAVE MONEY BY ADDING HUMATES TO FERTILISER Humates are a natural, organic source of Carbon, containing Humic- and Fulvic acids.

Our Humates are independently trialled by AgScience and the results conclusively show that it works.

• SAVE MONEY. Adding humates to fertilizer results in an increase in grass DM / crop yield.

• HIGH CEC RATES. Increases mineral utilization – less grows more.

• REDUCED LEACHING. Keeps your fertilizer at the root zone and away from the water ways.

• MOISTURE RETENTION. Vital during dry periods.

• GET THE GOOD BUGS GOING AGAIN. Humates stimulate healthy soil regeneration and sustainable biological farming.

• CALF HEALTH. Calf rearers report excellent results from supplying humates ad-lib to their calves. They love it!

| IT WORKS! Contact - Chris Nel: 0211 544 988 | office@southernhumates.co.nz Web: www.southernhumates.co.nz | Look for Southern Humates on YouTube

Put names to friendly faces in your community

Join today and meet your neighbours www.neighbourly.co.nz

38

March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

ENABLING RURAL SUCCESS Cass Square, Hokitika, April 15–16

Showcasing the west Farmlands AgFest West Coast on April 15 and 16 is an event that recognises the importance of the agricultural sector on the West Coast and provides the rural sector the opportunity to showcase itself and celebrate its significance.

Visit Farmlands AgFest West Coast to experience every inch of farming in New Zealand — from the latest in dairy sheds to the best gumboots to wear in them. You’ll see the latest in farming vehicles and implements, stock care, health and safety, and much more. We have over

300 businesses exhibiting on Cass Square.

The event is becoming well known for catering for women, who will be captivated by The Hits Women’s Expo Marquee and this year Farmlands AgFest also introduces The Guthrie Bowron Home Concepts Centre for people who are

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looking to either build or renovate. Farmlands AgFest is an event for everyone, not just the rural sector, and is now going into its third successful event with its growth proving how much it’s needed in this region. Take the opportunity to enjoy West Coast hospitality!

Love and entertainment on show Farmlands AgFest brings together the best products, solutions and deals available on the West Coast and as always, the Farmlands Village will be the place to be with top shareholder offers, expert advice and quality service.

On the certain premise that rural life is never one dimensional, Agfest will have on-site experts on finance, grain and seed, livestock, lubricants, nutrition, real estate, and much more. “ Fa r m l a n d s A g Fe s t promises a great family day out, with sideshows and rides to keep the kids entertained and the ever popular Women’s Pavilion,” said Agfest managing director, Andy Thompson.

Tickets are available to pre-purchase from Farmlands stores on the West Coast — in Hokitika, Whataroa, Greymouth and Westport. On the day ticket sales will be available at the gate. Tickets cost $8.00 (incl. GST) for Farmlands shareholders or $10.00 (incl. GST) for non-shareholders.

“The purpose of the event is to give people in the rural sector the opportunity to showcase their business, to celebrate the agricultural industry and its significance to all businesses on and around the Coast,” said Mr Thompson.

“Show patrons can expect — apart from topline food and entertainment — to experience every inch of farming in New Zealand, from the latest in dairy sheds to the best gumboots to wear

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming Please call 03 347 2314

Well known Kiwi food presenter, Jo Seagar will be at AgFest West Coast 2016

in them. “You’ll see the latest in farming vehicles and implements, stock care, health and safety, and much more. We have over 300 businesses exhibiting on Cass Square. The event is becoming well known for catering for women, who will be captivated by The Hits Women’s Expo Marquee and this year Farmlands AgFest also introduces The Guthrie Bowron Home Concepts Centre for people who are looking to either build or renovate.”

Farmlands AgFest is an event for everyone — not just the rural sector — and is now going into its third successful event.

“The growth of AgFest proves how much this event was needed in this region.

Existing exhibitors proudly recommend it as their preferred event — taking the opportunity to enjoy our hospitality while they are here. The fast growing success of AgFest is proof that your business just has to be here.”

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AGFEST WEST COAST 2016

A fast-growing farming event Farmlands AgFest brings together the best products, solutions and deals available on the West Coast and as always, the Farmlands Village will be the place to be at Cass Square in Hokitika on April 15 and 16. With top shareholder offers, expert advice and quality service. “ Fa r m l a n d s A g Fe s t promises a great family day out, with sideshows and rides to keep the kids entertained and the ever popular Women’s Pavilion,” said Agfest managing director, Andy Thompson.

Tickets are available to pre-purchase from Farmlands stores on the West Coast — in Hokitika, Whataroa, Greymouth and Westport. On the day ticket sales will be available at the gate. Tickets cost $8.00 (incl. GST) for Farmlands shareholders or $10.00 (incl. GST) for non-shareholders.

“The purpose of the event is to give people in the rural sector the opportunity to showcase their business, to celebrate the agricultural industry and its significance to all businesses on and around the Coast,” said Mr Thompson.

“Show patrons can expect — apart from topline food and entertainment — to experience every inch of farming in New Zealand, from the latest in dairy sheds to the best gumboots to wear in them.

“You’ll see the latest in farming vehicles and implements, stock care,

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

PUMPSERVICES W E ST COA ST LT D Water & Effluent Solutions

• Approved effluent system design, construction & installation - Includes all types of effluent separation • Dairyshed water reticulation – leading the field in technology • Pump sales, upgrades and new installs • Suppliers of tanks, poly, pvc and all pump accessories • 24/7 unsurpassed breakdown service • Obligation free site visit and quote

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DRIVE SAFE On Rural Roads health and safety, and much more. We have over 300 businesses exhibiting on Cass Square.

The event is becoming well known for catering for women, who will be captivated

by The Hits Women’s Expo Marquee and this year Farmlands AgFest also introduces The Guthrie

Bowron Home Concepts Centre for people who are looking to either build or renovate.”

Farmlands AgFest is an event for everyone — not just the rural sector — and is now going into its third successful event.

“The growth of AgFest proves how much this event

was needed in this region.

Existing exhibitors proudly recommend it as their preferred event — taking the opportunity to enjoy our hospitality while they are here.

The fast growing success of AgFest is proof that your business just has to be here.”

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S AROUND THE CORNER

AGFEST WEST COAST SITE NO. 228

Visit our website for more on how the

Win $500 of bulk fuel!

Fill out our quick survey at AGFEST and be in to win our $500 bulk fuel prize. Visit us at AGFEST, Site A (next to the Biz Hub), Cass Square, Hokitika, 15-16 April 2016.

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For fuel and lubricants call 0800 383 566

40

March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

DoloZest ® CalciZest Gr

ow i

ng Smar

te r

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ce 2010

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0800 843 809 or 07 362 7288 Functional Fertiliser Ltd www.esi.org.nz

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SAFETY FIRST ON THE FARM

DAIRY

Soil Matters with Peter Burton Kiwi ingenuity provides genuine alternative We’re all aware that nitrogen is one of the essential elements to get plants to grow.

What some farmers don’t seem to realise is that there is already tonnes of it in our soils, not to mention it being a major part of the air around us. The only hitch is that this soil or air nitrogen needs a bit of help from nature to make it suitable for plants to use.

The help could come from mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria, which do the trick of turning the soil and air nitrogen into plant usable forms.

In the late 1970s, before farming started on the ‘urea track’, New Zealand scientists had estimated that there could be a reservoir of up to 14,000kgN/ha, with between 3,400 and 6,800kg of organic N/ha in the top 150mm of soil.

But if the ‘soil life’ isn’t there, or not in sufficient quantities, then all that ‘free N’ can’t be got at by plants.

The answer should have been to boost the soil life and let nature get on with it. But what happened was that the urea plant was built, and now farmers can be heard to say: ‘You can’t grow grass without urea’, and they believe it!

And it’s not just this misperception going around.

Regular urea applications tend to decimate the very mycorrhizae and bacteria that could and should be doing the job.

Not only this, but the clover plants, which used to be part of the process in fixing nitrogen for free are weakened by constant urea applications. We pride ourselves on growing ryegrass/clover pastures,

but how much clover can still be seen in many of them? It has got tired of not being able to do what it does best and faded away.

What our pastures really need is sweetening up with regular calcium (lime), along with major and minor elements to be applied where soil tests have shown shortages, and mixtures enhanced with carefully chosen mycorrhizae and bacteria to help the soil

life that’s already there.

Functional Fertiliser Ltd has been measuring dry matter production on several farms using their products for over a decade now. And the production levels are getting bigger every year with no added N, as tests have proved that there is already about 9,400kgN/ha in the top 300mm of the soil (the depth to which plant roots can penetrate freely). So when the payout looks like

never recovering, why spend the precious budget on something you don’t need, when you could be spending it on something really useful that makes low-cost, highly nutritious grass grow?

And the prize to top it all off is that you could soon be leaching up to 70% less N into our streams and groundwater. Solving two problems in one go!

For more info, call Peter on 0800 843 809

Where there is MUCK there is money!

SAVE $$$ on artificial fertiliser by utilising the effluent stored in your ponds.

Talk to me to arrange an analysis of your effluent and to plan to get the maximum value out of your slurry ponds and onto your paddocks.

DAIRY

Uncommon sense

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

41

David Law, Managing Director of Forward Farming Consultancy

In every sector of society we see the emergence of growth industries. These new industries are usually triggered by a problem which needs addressing.

In 2008 a Nationwide drought saw the need to bring in feed from offshore.

Thus began the Palm Kernel Expeler (PKE) market and it caught on like a match thrown into a haystack. 330% growth since 2008.

Yes, there was demand at that time and it necessarily filled a feed deficit when nothing else could. Yet since that time, farmers have become addicted to using it.

Ships have been assigned to bring it into New Zealand.

Massive storage sheds have been erected and a transport industry has grown to cope with the demand. Farmers have even built PK Bunkers to store it.

All this, in spite of the years of good weather since 2008. Why? Three reasons. First, feeding animals with PK is convenient. Second, it’s relatively cheap. And finally, due to a steady stream of sales pitches from so-called experts, we’ve come to believe that using PK is all benefits with no down sides.

But that isn’t true.

Here’s a fact that might make us all think twice us about over-using PK. Analysis has shown that the digestibility of PKE is 52%.

That means that if a farmer buys 100 tonne of PK at $250 per tonne ($25,000), his cows will only utilise 52 tonne of that feed. Only half of that feed investment will go towards animal health. Only half will end up contributing to money in the vat.

Where does the remaining 48 tonne of unused PK go?

It either ends up on the

Wear a helmet.

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

Pond crust gone for 10th the cost?

True!

ground or in your effluent pond. After examining hundreds of ponds throughout the countr y, we have established that the crust and sludge is mostly undigested PK. High users of PKE have a distinguishably browner colour to their effluent arising from the increasing amounts of sludge buildup.

What are the unseen costs of PK? Tangibly, there is the cost of excavation which farmers are forced to carry out when sludge builds up to critical levels. Then there are the less obvious costs. Going back to our ‘who pays $250 per tonne for PKE’ — what he’s

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actually paying is $480 per tonne of usable feed since 48% of PKE is indigestible.

When you also consider that any increase in production only affects the fat portion of your milk solids AND do a full add-up of associated costs, it may be that other people are making the profit out of this PKE growth industry, not the farmer.

Is there a better way?

Let’s contrast the PK approach with a basic allgrass system. In an all-grass system, biological activity naturally produces the correct enzymes to help the cow digest the feed she eats.

Studies show that cows are

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able to digest and utilise 80% of grass feed.

That means tonnes more food goes into animal health and vat profits, and tonnes less ends up in your pond. Makes sense?

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Know What You Grow Farm Dairy Effluent WOF Certified Assessor.

Dairy NZ Certified BCS Assessor.

Buying or Selling a Dairy Farm, Preparing a Farm Environment Plan. Farm Consultant.

5 Good reasons to get a ‘WOF’

The Certified Assessor:

1. Have you upgraded the effluent system yourself? Then you might want reassurance that your system is fit for purpose.

2. Have you budgeted for an upgrade to the system? An independent person who assesses the current system will help you in your decision making.

3. Are you buying or selling a farm?

You need to know if the system is fit for purpose or if you need to factor upgrades into the offer.

4. Are you a sharemilker coming onto a property? Find out how well the effluent system is performing.

5. Corporate Board members and absent owners can be liable if an inadequate effluent infrastructure is installed on a farm. Find out what the risk is for your farm.

• Looks at your farm’s effluent consent or permitted rules: are all requirements being met?

• Views the nutrient budget and checks nitrogen loadings • Runs the dairy effluent storage calculator to estimate if there is enough storage for the farm effluent system • Checks over the storage facility for signs of possible risk areas • Looks at all catchment areas, particularly standoffs, feedpads and underpasses • Tests the application depth and rate of the irrigation system • Identifies the hazards and notes general health and safety requirements.

Contact Craig Strong (Consultant) on Phone: 027 PASTURE (027 727 8873) Email: pastureproduction@gmail.com www.pastureproduction.co.nz

42

March 2016

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

Building dairy industry skills A partnership between industry training organisation Competenz and the New Zealand Milking and Pumping Trade Association has resulted in New Zealand’s first nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification for dairy engineers.

1.5

M please

The qualification, the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Dairy Systems — Engineering, will build the skills and careers of a group of people who play an essential role in supporting New Zealand’s biggest industry — the engineers who design, install and maintain the milking, pumping and effluent systems that keep dairy farms running 365 days a year.

Learners will gain the qualification through a three-year apprenticeship training programme.

“The NZMPTA has been championing an apprenticeship programme for the dairy industry for many years and we’re thrilled that, with the expertise of Competenz, it’s now in place,” says NZMPTA president and country manager of Grundfos Pumps, Simon Fletcher.

“This nationally recognised qualification addresses the shor tfall of skilled tradespeople in the milk harvesting, pumping and water application sectors of the industry. While it’s largely engineering-based,

FORREST ENGINEERING

the apprenticeship delivers a range of skills, knowledge and workmanship.

“It will help the industry attract new people and offer them career paths, lift the level of skill in the industry and set consistent standards.

Employers, employees and the farming clients we work with will all benefit.”

Competenz industr y manager Peter Ferguson says strong industr y representation from the NZMPTA has helped the Competenz team understand the technical skills dairy technicians need to work productively and safely, and agree on the qualification’s structure and content.

“Dairy is such an important industry for New Zealand and our regional communities. So we’re really pleased to be able to help the industry build the skills it needs, right through the supply chain, to be internationally competitive.”

Peter says apprenticeships are a structured, proven way to build skills.

“Most learning takes place on the job.

“So apprentices are gaining practical skills that

Competenz industry manager Peter Ferguson

are directly relevant to the job they’re doing.” As the industry training organisation for the engineering industry, Competenz already manages over two thousand

engineering apprenticeships across New Zealand. Now we’re extending those apprenticeships to meet the needs of New Zealand’s biggest industry.”

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2016

43

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

How much does it cost?

How much are you willing to pay to minimise your lameness cost? I guess the answer would be ‘as much as it takes as long as the benefits exceed the cost’.

Lameness costs a lot of money even in a low payout year. It is difficult to give money away if you haven’t got any to give away. In a low payout year the cost won’t be as high as in a high payout year due to lower cow prices, and the loss of milk production is less costly because of lower milk prices.

However, the cost is much more critical. You simply just cannot afford to have your cows under-performing in a financially difficult year. The trick is to get as much out of your cows with the least amount of cost. In order to do that the basic needs of the cow must be met. This way she will be producing well and have the least amount of problems, including lameness. Many people don’t know or don’t appreciate the importance of this fact, yet it is quite observable when you look at cow behaviour.

Most farmers that move to a 16-hour milking schedule towards the end of the season report that their cows move faster back to the paddock, milk production stays the same and they have less lameness. What has changed for the cows when they are only being milked every 16 hours instead of every 12 hours? Well, the short answer is that you are giving your cow more time in the paddock.

This means that the cows are getting more time to

behave in a natural manner.

Look at a well-fed herd in the paddock. What are they doing? How are they behaving? They graze, lay down, drink and do some socialising. This is obviously normal, natural behaviour or at least as close to it as the cow can get in the environment in which we put them.

What do cows do in the yard? They just stand there waiting. It is quite a different behaviour from what they are showing us in the paddock.

If cows are spending a lot of time just standing in the paddock and doing nothing other than standing, then there is a problem. If we force our cows to take on a

different behaviour pattern to what they would choose themselves then you can expect problems. That sounds reasonable doesn’t it?

You could argue that cows would get used to a different behaviour as they are creatures of habit.

However, if it is true that the forced behaviour is not an issue for the cows then why are they improving so quickly when that forced behaviour is reduced? So, what is my point? I am not saying that we should cut out all forced behaviour. A cow needs to be milked and the farm needs to run practically. What I am saying is that the forced behaviour should be kept to an absolute minimum. If

you don’t think this is a big deal, just ask your cows.

See if they will change their behaviour when they get more paddock time. The aim should

be to let the cows behave as naturally as possible for the most time possible. That may mean milking every 16 hours, having smaller herds, being

more efficient with milking or anything else you can think of, but it does not need to cost much to minimise your lameness cost.

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LIVESTOCK

Be my Guest

Bill Guest Farmers of New Zealand

Membership Services: 09 439 5219 • 09 430 3758 www.farmersofnewzealand.com Email: newzealandfarmers@xtra.co.nz

Is it time to call time on CEO? Reports that Fonterra boss Theo Speirings, was abused while visiting the Northland Field Days is of concern, but one can understand the anger of many farmers who are questioning his judgement and his ongoing statements that Fonterra has got the fundamentals right in spite of low prices.

On January 20, Spierings told Bloomberg Fonterra would maintain its $4.60 per Kg forecast pay-out for the forthcoming season. On January 28 Fonterra lowered its forecast for the 20152016 season from $4.60 per kg milk solids to $4.15 per kg of milk solids. On March 9, Fonterra announced the current season forecast had been reduced to $3.90 per kg of milk solids.

It is my opinion it is time to question Theo Spierings’ judgement. After watching

and listening to his message to farmers over the last 20 months it is my view that he over promises and under delivers and sends very mixed messages to milk suppliers.

His role as Fonterra chief executive is very important as New Zealand dairy farmers throughout their long history have placed a great trust in their dairy leaders that they have got it right. There has been the odd mistake par ticularly when Jim Graham of the then NZ Dairy Board had a meeting I once

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attended and told suppliers that the pay-out forecast for the coming season was going to be good and yet within months the NZ Dairy Board introduced a policy whereby it would pay dairy farmers to go out of milking because of an oversupply of milk affecting world markets.

It was surprising the number of farmers who took this offer up at the time.

Spierings can’t use the excuse that he was overtaken by the speed of world events regarding milk supply. Fonterra has 6000 employees throughout the world. There would be no excuse for them not to comprehend the dramatic effects of the United States trade ban against Russia.

Even the Governor of the Reserve Bank acknowledged this when he lowered interest rates this month. As leader of our company Spierings is obliged to manage not only

results but expectations because if he fails to do so the consequences for the company shareholders are incomprehensible. It is apparent that 85% of Fonterra milk suppliers’ farming businesses are now at extreme risk. Fonterra is reported in the press that it is introducing a 90-day delayed payment system for its trade suppliers. This will ruin many rural businesses that support Fonterra and the rural community.

Fonterra’s 2015 financial report shows that Theo Spierings had a salary band within $4.9 million representing a $770,000 increase on his 2014 remuneration package. The statements also showed that the number of Fonterra employees who are paid more than $1 million per year rose from 17 to 22 last year.

Theo Spierings predecessor, Canadian Andrew Ferrier

Theo Speirings Fonterra boss

reportedly received an $8.2 million golden handshake when he left in 2011.

It is my view that Theo Spierings has lost the confidence and trustworthiness that he had with many milk suppliers.

It is time for the board to consider a change in company leadership. It could prove to be very

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Wool Perspective

From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

Good innings for wool At time of writing the Black Caps had just beaten India in their opening T20 World Cup match and whilst I did not have the pleasure in watching the match or hearing any commentary, from all accounts our boys beat the opposition at their own game with the Kiwi spinners capturing nine wickets for 44 runs!

How was that!

Our wool market has remained very shiny recently as buyers have stumped up each week to match orders with the lots on offer. During the past couple of months lamb’s wool did lose its earlier market edge, however one could argue that prices for those types may have been a little silly prior to their slip.

Supplies of lamb’s wool was crowded during the recent few weeks as growers cut it off to give their animals a better chance to flourish and pile on weight, delivering a wide selection of lamb’s wool to the market.

Despite the high number of bales of crossbred lamb’s wool being offered, buyers obviously thought most lines were worth a shout in the auction room which resulted

in the majority of lines scoring well. At prices advancing past 700 cents clean, for the finer edge, down to a touch over 600 cents clean for the coarser edge, in comparative terms the lamb’s wool market remained fairly firm.

It was thought that fleece prices may have come to the end of their fine run too and may take a turn for the worst, however although there was the odd barer patch during the month, prices generally bounced along well.

Depending on test results, crossbred fleece remained in the vicinity of 550 to 600 cents clean per kilogram, with several poorer wools, surprisingly, pushing the boundaries of the better styles as they caught the eye of buyers needing to cover

their forward positions. A few lines of straight cotts also received more than just a glance from the trade, selling well.

An interesting feature has been the extremely good prices paid for crossbred second-shear wool, and although in the past there have definitely been boundaries for pricing of these types in comparison to full length fleece of similar style, this season secondshear types seemed to dig-in and stability prevailed.

Mid-micron wool types also continued to command interest and as they opened their order books, buyers seemed happy to pitch their prices squarely in line with the Australian market.

Merino wool types were

CANTERBURY FARMING

short in supply during the last session, however those fine wools coming to auction in Christchurch were well chased by exporters.

All in all, the wool market has enjoyed a good spin of late, and the auction arena has followed a very good pace.

From here until the current season is over, and taking into account that we are almost into the tail of the 2015/16 auction sales order, it’s fair to assume that wool volumes will continue to be well short of requirements.

Some exporters report limited activity from their market place at present, however this is not unusual as often offshore customers are visited at this time of the year, in order to both establish and reinforce relationships looking forward into the following season.

Just lately mornings have had a distinctly autumnal feel, however recent rain experienced in many parts of the reading area has fallen upon warm ground therefore I imagine we will see reasonable growth to grass and other crops almost immediately.

At least I hope that will be the case for most of you, and in particular for those of you who have been under extreme pressure from dry conditions for far too long.

That’s my view.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

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Canterbury deer farmers aiming for success with young hinds As autumn days shorten, deer farmers are getting their hinds and stags organised into mating groups, one of the most crucial phases of the breeding season. Peel Forest farmer, Kiri Rupert and her family, are paying special attention to their first fawners — the rising two-year-old (R2) hinds.

Veterinarian Pania Flint, facilitator for Deer Industry New Zealand’s Advance Party programme, says high conception rates can be harder to achieve in R2 than mature hinds.

“Empty hinds are a lost opportunity and a drain on productivity,” she says. “Also, by having high conception and fawning rates among your R2 hinds you can accelerate genetic progress.”

Flint says the Advance Parties — teams of about eight-to-10 deer farms that work together to improve productivity on each farm — are showing how good management can help close the reproductive performance gap between R2 hinds and their mixed age herd mates.

Kiri, who farms with her fiancé Josh Brook and parents Martin and Hendrika Rupert, is a member of the South Canterbury Advance Party.

They run a deer breeding and velvetting operation, along with dairy grazers, on two properties at Peel Forest in South Canterbury.

She says they identified the reproductive performance of their R2 hinds as an area for improvement. This involves achieving good conception rates and improved fawn survival. Between 2011 and 2013 their R2 hinds had total reproductive success (fawns weaned as a percentage of hinds to the stag) of 71–73 per cent, compared with 91–95 per cent for the mixed age hinds.

“One of the most important factors is feeding the R2s well so they achieve target weights,” Flint says. “To reach puberty in time, they need to be treated as priority stock throughout their first 18 months of life. They need to have a body condition score of 3.5 and be at least 75 to

80 percent of their mature weight at mating.”

That actual weight in kilograms will vary depending on the hinds’ genetic makeup, but a typical large red hind that matures to 125–130kg will need to be at least 93kg and preferably about 100kg to get pregnant, she says.

For this reason, the Ruperts’ have been careful to get their R2 hinds on a rising plane of nutrition leading into mating.

They have also been supplementing their hinds with copper to counteract the region’s very low natural levels of the element. And they have been “fawn-proofing’ their fences to prevent losses of the young animals through misadventure when they squeeze through standardsize deer mesh fences into lanes and shelter belts.

These and other changes have made their mark. Kiri

says fawns weaned as a percentage of hinds put to the stag in their R2 hinds jumped from 71 per cent in 2013 to 83 per cent in 2014.

Results last year weren’t quite so good. Despite a good conception rate of 90 per cent in the R2s in 2015, the final weaning rate as a percentage of hinds put to the stag was 76 per cent, so there is still room to refine the system.

Overall, though, Kiri says they’re getting a much better appreciation of the factors affecting their fawning success and the input of other members of their Advance Party has played a big part in this.

The other big influence on reproductive success with R2 hinds is behavioural. Flint says young hinds should be sorted into mating groups with stags introduced in February or earlier, to allow

South Canterbury deer farmer Kiri Rupert, shown here with fiancé Josh Brook and father Martin Rupert, is a member of a Deer Industry NZ Advance Party

social structures to settle down before mating begins in late March/early April.

Flint says the use of single sires or multiple sires is OK, but it’s important to get the ratios right. When using spiker stags, there should be no more than 10 R2 hinds per stag. The Ruperts use mature stags to single-sire mate the R2 hinds in mobs of about 40. This higher ratio allows more hinds to be covered by good-quality stags.

Flint says it is advisable to use a back-up stag in single-sire mating mobs, put in at least 18 days before the planned end of mating. Infertility and non-performance can occur in stags and it is difficult to detect during the breeding period.

Advance Parties are jointly funded by Deer Industry NZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries Sustainable Farming Fund.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

A Green Perspective Changes in dairy sector Recent analysis by Massey University’s Professor D.J Donaghy and others suggest that the current dairy downturn is the result of structural changes and a “significant reset of dairy economics across the globe.”

There is a milk glut. The removal of milk production quotas in the European Union leaves the world’s largest milk producer free to expand production while price support schemes in the United States and the falling cost of feed corn will result in more milk than the US domestic market can use. The Massey analysis suggests that low prices and payouts may not be just a short term adjustment to supply issues. It’s too early to tell.

Much of the dairy industry expansion in New Zealand and the 140 per cent increase in dairy cow numbers in Canterbury, up from 542,000

to 1,304,000 in just 11 years appears to have assumed that market demand for milk will continue to increase, and so will returns. Fonterra’s goal of increasing milk supply by 2-3 % annually seems based on a similar assumption.

This and the National Government’s goal of doubling primary sector exports by 2025, its weak regulatory approach to land and water use, subsidies for irrigation and its failure to put a price on carbon have all contributed to a perfect storm for dairying. They have encouraged a focus on maximising production and an intensive, high input, high

cost dairy farming model. It involves high stocking levels, costly external inputs such as irrigation and imported feed like PKE to grow both grass and milk, and high levels of debt, including to service the capital costs of conversion and irrigators. Last year the Reserve Bank identified high levels of debt in parts of the dairy sector as a risk to New Zealand’s financial system.

Dairy farm debt now stands at $38 billion, compared with $30 billion five years ago. A Federated Farmers’ poll has shown that 11.1 per cent of dairy farmers were under scrutiny from their banks.

Dairy NZ has predicted that

March 2016

with Eugenie Sage, Green Party Primary Industries spokesperson 85% of dairy farmers are unlikely to make a profit this season. The stress and pressure this creates for farm businesses and families juggling mortgages, production costs and low payouts is immense.

Businesses fail in other sectors and the Government does not bail them out.

Bailing out failing farmers

is not an option despite the heartache which selling capital stock and land involves. Government should increase, however, the funding to support the excellent work done by the Rural Support Trusts. We need to shift from the high input model to lower input, mixed land use, and more environmentally sound ways of farming, like organic

milk production, that are more profitable. And we need to diversify New Zealand’s economic base and add more value to the food and fibre products we produce.

We have a long way to go when nearly half the value of dairy exports come from milk powders and half the value of our wood exports is from raw logs, poles and chips.

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March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL WHEELS

Technology reaching for the sky

by Andy Bryenton

Every new car and ute seems to have a fancy new badge these days, touting some electronic or engineering wizardry under the hood. It almost harks back to the days of American luxury cars in the 50s, with their Torque-flite, Power-max marketing. But there’s one badge attached to Mazda bumpers which actually means more than most — the Skyactiv brand associated with their 21st century engine technology.

As early as 2008 the backroom boys at Mazda were on a quest to increase efficiency and power using what would become the Skyactiv method — increased compression and ideal combustion. A normal petrol engine only

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unlocks about 30 percent of the chemical energy in its fuel — a terrible waste when seen in raw figures. At the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda unveiled a gasoline engine they dubbed Skyactiv-G. With its high compression, the

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little 1.3 wowed spectators with its power output.

But they weren’t going to stop there. You see, increasing compression was always going to be an answer to some of the problem of unlocking the power of fuel.

But the traditional downside of doing this is ‘engine knock’ — a product of waste gases and inefficiency in the ignition cycle. Tightening up design in the exhaust system, in the injectors, the air induction system, and reducing the combustion duration to a short, sharp controlled detonation have allowed the Skyactiv engine to achieve a 14:1 compression ratio — unheard of in massproduced cars.

The results we r e immediate and measurable — a 15 percent increase in fuel efficiency and torque.

A similar diesel engine was designed, delivering the same kind of advances. But the credo of the Skyactiv programme explains why Mazda engineers did not simply rush right into production at this point.

‘Stop at nothing to deliver the very best in everything

Under the hood — the Skyactiv badge represents a significant advance in economy and power

about cars, be it their safety and fuel efficiency or simply how fun they are to drive’.

Consequently, before Skyactiv engine tech was unleashed on the road, a whole new series of transmissions had to be designed as well. Eschewing the trendy double-clutch

layout as pioneered by the likes of Ferrari, Mazda reinvented the automatic, taking strain off the torque converter by incorporating an active clutch plate as well. The resulting six-speed box makes the most of the extra torque unlocked by Skyactiv’s high compression.

Engineers then overhauled the way Mazda built bodies and chassis components too.

The end result is a range of cars far ahead of their predecessors. Next time you see the Skyactiv badge on a new Mazda, you know that it means close to a decade of technical research!

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CANTERBURY FARMING

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Dealing a pair of aces Back in the early 1980s, there would have been few people in the world who knew what a ‘sport utility vehicle’ actually was — let alone how to design and build one. The English gentry had their land rovers for grouse hunting, the army had their off-road vehicles for the pursuit of — at the time — communist militias, and Joe Citizen drove a sensible big saloon car or station wagon.

The change came at the start of that tumultuous decade of big hair and leg warmers. Toyota’s FJ, the original Range Rover, and Mitsubishi’s Pajero changed the way we looked at off-road travel. Soon would come the leather seats, mini bars, school run specials and faux-wheel-drives. But in the springtime of the SUV, Pajero was a big name. Now it’s set to become so again.

This year sees the relaunch of the badge from Mitsubishi, replacing the outgoing Challenger with two variants, in much the same way that Mercedes has achieved with their GL-E class. The Pajero returns with a solid, angular look, backed up by the power

of a 3.2 litre intercooled turbo diesel. Combine the over 400nm of torque from this power plant with acres of grip, and you can appreciate how the Pajero achieves its rated three ton towing capacity.

Inside, we are reminded that the modern driver demands more comforts than his 1980s counterpart — it’s all here, but so too, is a convenient space for a second battery under the hood, and everything in place for the fitting of bars, winches, lights and other offroad necessities. This is the marque which monstered the Paris to Dakar for ten years.

The only small complaint — the colour palette doesn’t match the presence of the

Pajero’s design, with only ‘high resale value’ neutrals and metallics available. One of these in hot orange would turn more heads than the second coming.

Sitting next to the Pajero in the new Mitsubishi lineup is its slick and aerodynamic little brother, the Pajero Sport.

If the big bruiser above is all about power and capability, then this offering is more of a crossover into the realm of comfort and connectivity.

Don’t get us wrong — the pair of Pajeros blur the line nicely, and the Sport is still no slouch when the going gets rough.

But it puts style and sophistication to the fore, for the driver who will only

Smooth operator — the Pajero Sport rounds out the hard lines of its bigger brother, but still conquers mud and snow

rarely venture off the beaten track. And when you do need to test the mettle of the Sport, it proves it’s no show pony. A very clever off-road mode selector juggles power,

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grip and torque to handle everything from sand to ice.

So, a pair of competent and stylish new machines, worthy of their predecessor’s nametag. The hard part here

will not be deciding if they are a contender against the likes of Toyota and Ford — but which one to pick. And where to find a suitable shade of candy-orange paint.

E G N A R M F 0 TRX50 9 exc

13,90 $ M O ING FR T R A T S

MB Actros 2654L/36 Tractor unit. 2005, 540hp, Telligent manual, cross lock hub reduction axles. 4.27m wheelbase, ideal transporter or truck/trailer operation.

$55,000 + GST. Kim Harris Mobile 027 545 7973

0800 379 899

65 Main North Rd, Woodend | 03 312 7927 | www.canterburyatv.co.nz

www.prestigecv.co.nz

SPECIAL SHIPMENT LIMITED STOCK

99

Brand new Pik-Up 4x4 Ute

2.2L Turbo Diesel 2.5 Tonne Tow Capacity 1.1 Tonne Load Capacity 3 year Roadside assistance 4x4 High/Low range

Book a test drive today Dealers Nationwide * Subject to finance company approval. Terms & conditions apply. Double Cab Wellside Model for $28,740 inc GST + ORC of $950. Based on 60 month term with $10,800 deposit at 9.95% interest rate, $13 ppsr fee & $510 establishment fee. Available from participating Mahindra Dealers only. Units must be registered by 30 April 2016 to qualify. Applies to new Mahindra PIK-UP vehicles only. Mahindra reserves the right to vary, withdraw or extend this offer. Photos used for illustrative purposes and may show optional extras not included in the price. Only while stocks last.

3 year

100,000km warranty

50

March 2016

RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

BATTERY ADDITIVE

Recharge — the message is getting through

Battery Revitalizer & Conditioner A lot of people in our Recharge Conditioning program are getting 8 to 10 years out of their batteries. Just dose them when you buy them, treat them every two years and give them an overnight charge twice a year between treatments and eliminate the sulphation problem. Yes you can treat sealed batteries, simply drill into each cell, top up with water, treat, charge and reseal with silicone, sika-flex or a plastic bung.

Available at :

0800 36 33 36 – www.recharge.net.nz

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

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

“Finally,” says Gerard Anselmi of Recharge the Battery Additive, “after 18 years on the market in New Zealand and 13 years in Australia, the message is getting through. Don’t put Recharge in dead batteries, they are dead,” he says.

“The big issue is every battery you buy is sulphated.

Treat batteries early with Recharge, repeat the process every two years and keep batteries charged by backing up with a mains powered charge every six months or so and most batteries will go a long time — 10 years or more. Yes you will get some failing batteries back but not all so worth a go at $4 or $5 per car battery.”

Anselmi says every show he and his wife Debbie do, and that is about one a week these days either in NZ or Australia, they get Recharge customers with batteries that are 10, 12 and 14-years-old and often still going. “I had a farmer at the Southland Field Days in Waimumu in February who told me he’d been using it for years and wasn’t sure but then took a battery out of a tractor that had just died and it was 17 years old so he figured it must

The Wait is OVER! The CAN-AM DEFENDER is here. Prices starting from

DEFENDER TOUGH CAPABLE CLEVER

$20,899 Call today to book your on farm demonstration.

3 year unlimited KM warranty

have done something.” Lead acid batteries usually die prematurely from sulfation build-up on internal lead plates, corroding the lead plates and compromising the batteries’ holding capacity,” and according to Gerard Anselmi, “most batteries are ready sulphated when you buy them so treating them early and keep them charged will prevent premature battery failure with the simple Recharge Battery Conditioning Programme.

RECHARGE is available from Farmlands. The 500ml farmer pack works out at $4.50 per car battery or $8.50 to treat an N-70zz light commercial battery.

A more cost effective 2-litre commercial pack is also available and can also be purchased on line at www. recharge.net.nz or on TradeMe. As RECHARGE is acid based it is dangerous goods and expensive to freight; the 2-litre bottle is therefore, the only one that we sell directly. The 2-litre pack

treats 42 x N-70 batteries or 22 x N-150 truck batteries or about five sets of electric golf cart batteries, about $6,000 to $8,000 worth of batteries treated for $340 delivered.

And yes you can treat sealed batteries simply by drilling into each cell, treat and reseal with silicone,

sika-flex or a plastic bung.

Recharge is also great for deep cycle batteries like forklifts, golf carts, scissor hoists and lighting system batteries.

“The big deep cycle batteries we get a very good result with,” says Anselmi, “they should go for a long time but usually don’t.”

Go The Extra Yard

™

 IS600 SUSPENSION MODEL (shown) From $11,999.00 $10,499.00rrpRRP  F50 NON-SUSPENSION MODEL From $9,499.00 $8499.00rrpRRP

2+2 YEAR

From patented suspension technology to innovative cutting systems, Ferris mowers make the most of every minute in the field.

LIMITED

WARRANTY ARRANT *

For your nearest dealer call: For further info contact: Ben Stewart • 021 533 144 or 03 688 7517 127b Hilton Highway, Washdyke, Timaru • www.timarucanam.co.nz ®

#1

0800 274 447 www.ferrismowers.co.nz www.FerrisIndustries.com

Distributed in New Zealand by Briggs & Stratton

UTE IN NZ FOR 2015.

Avon City Ford

Cnr Main South Rd and Epsom Rd, Sockburn | 03 348 4129 | 0800 655 551 Rangiora Service Centre | 78 Ivory St | 03 313 7059 | avoncityford.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

the ‘last’ word

51

Rodent Invasion? with Rob Cope-Williams

Banks and budgets As more and more ‘experts’ comment on the Dairy industry and quote figures such as banks losing four billion in the next few years instead of making five billion a year, the pressure comes on to find something positive to talk about.

It does seem as though everyone has an opinion about what will happen over the next few years which astounds me. If they are that clever at predicting things, surely they would win Lotto every week.

However one positive is that Fonterra are obviously listening to farmers and the media and are, or seem to be, cutting overheads.

The closure of the Kaikoura factory is very tough for the 15 workers out of the 30 who don’t want to shift to another plant, but if the factory isn’t pulling its weight, it has to go.

A senior management person resigning and walking away from a $1 million salary package is another positive, depending who replaces her, or whether her work load is shared by others.

Most salary type people in the farm servicing know all about merges, take overs and belt tightening so they will relate to Fonterra and what must happen. Hindsight is 20/20 vision as we all

March 2016

Get rid of rats & mice with solutions from Pestgard!

Rodent Deterrents Nooski Traps

Rat Zapper & more

d.co.nz/rodents 0800 737 838 www.pestgard.co.nz info@pestgard.co.nz

view now - www.pestgar

PestGard

know, but really, if Fonterra had done what Helen Clark’s Government has instructed them to do when it was set up, we may not be in this situation.

You will, no doubt remember that the company was to diversify into niche products and move away from commodities.

Other dairy companies have done that and do much better than Fonterra. Just how

big the need for banks to be the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff will be, they can only do so much.

No-one wants to see banks owning land until the pressure comes off, nor do they want to see land values and stock values dropping through the floor, but nature being what it is that is very likely to happen. And we certainly don’t want to see people leaving the industry with

nothing! Whatever figures are hauled out by people from politicians through to those who think they know, the bottom line is it will take time and those who are wise will lean on those in their corner.

Accountants and farm advisers are vital links, and as Amy Adams said recently, “When you haven’t got any money, you have to think” and she would know being a farmer herself.

Grab-a-Fert, Deal of the Week:

DAP GRANULAR

$765+gst* AMMONIUM SULPHATE

$420+gst* *Conditions of sale: Minimum Purchase 10 Tonne.

Product sold in 1.25MT bulk bags with discharge chute.

10% Deposit required on Order Confirmation.

Lead time of 6 weeks from Order Confirmation.

0800 ZEALYN or 0800 932 596

, Getting kicked in the crotch by a 1200kg bull... yip, that ll hurt.

So too will spending more than you have to on fertiliser.

Call 0800 ZEALYN - 0800 932596 , Don t wait for a rebate, get a better price up front - No Bull

52

March 2016

CANTERBURY FARMING

THE ALL NEW THE ALL NEW

real real DEAL DEAL

NEW MF7700 SERIES | 140 – 255 HP STRAIGHTFORWARD AND DEPENDABLE TECHNOLOGIES NEW MF7700 SERIES | 140 – 255 HP Advanced electronic management of Outstanding lift and drive capacities STRAIGHTFORWARD AND DEPENDABLE TECHNOLOGIES engine and transmission for heavy-duty applications Fuel efficient AGCO POWER engines Advanced electronic of Dyna-4, Dyna-6 andmanagement Dyna-VT transmissions engine and transmission for maximum productivity, efficiency and operator comfort Fuel efficient AGCO POWER engines Newly designed SIS (Setup and Dyna-4, Dyna-6cab andwith Dyna-VT transmissions Information Screen) offering the highest for maximum productivity, efficiency and standards of draft control operator comfort

New Massey Ferguson designed double actingliftfront longer Outstanding andaxle drivedelivers capacities suspension travel for heavy-duty applications New Massey Ferguson designed double acting front axle delivers longer suspension travel

Newly designed cab with SIS (Setup and

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MF Screen) DEALER A REAL DEAL Information offeringFOR the highest standards of draft control WWW.MASSEYFERGUSON.CO.NZ CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MF DEALER FOR A REAL DEAL WWW.MASSEYFERGUSON.CO.NZ

MASSEY FERGUSON®, MF®, the triple-triangle logo® is a worldwide brand of AGCO. © 2016

MASSEY FERGUSON®, MF®, the triple-triangle logo® is a worldwide brand of AGCO. © 2016