Canterbury Farming, March 2015 by Integrity Community Media

March 2015 Edition

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

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Ambassadors on tour

Stock access to water Environment Canterbury have announced that vigilance must be upheld when farmers require access to water for stock in the current dry period.

Mark and Devon Slee, 2014 Ballance Farm Environment winners, took a five-day tour of the North Island, to meet with key industry stakeholders to promote and encourage good environmental practices. New Zealand Farm Environment Trust was the driving force behind the tour which included a meeting with the Primary Production Select Committee and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and speaker of the house David Carter. The trip was an opportunity “to tell our story about irrigated agriculture and the benefits to our community,” said Mark. “Some places were very dry and farmers in these areas were

clearly trying to manage their operations very carefully and use whatever water they have as efficiently as possible.” Mark believes that increasing water storage and clever use of irrigation will help east coast farmers immensely. “The efficient use of resources drives how we manage the farm. “To us, farming is proving that profitability and environmental sustainability go hand in hand and that’s a

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Resource Management Director Kim Drummond said that while it is important for farmers to have access to the water they need, rules regarding potential environmental damage must be taken into consideration. ”Access to stock water is top priority,” Mr Drummond said. “If access to the water stock need to drink is subject to resource consent conditions, Environment Canterbury will consider those conditions and each farmer’s circumstances with the present situation in mind.” Environment Canterbury is unable to authorise intensively farmed stock getting direct access to natural waterways. “The rules are designed to safeguard and improve water quality for the future. “It’s not in anyone’s longer term interests to have stock in waterways because water quality will be compromised and we won’t hesitate to take action if this is required to protect the environment. “Having said that, we are seeing farmers taking steps to get water on to their farms and we encourage these — as long as they’re within the

key message we tried to get across.” During their tour they also took the opportunity to meet with sponsors of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. “Everyone was very supportive of the awards. We really appreciated the opportunity to talk to people from a range of different industries and give our personal perspective of some of the issues and opportunities facing farmers.” Also during the tour they visited the Netherlands Embassy in Wellington. The Slees will travel to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom in late March as ambassadors for New Zealand agriculture. Mark says the trip will focus on studying intensive dairy farming systems to learn new ways to use technology, resulting in improved sustainability from international farms. The Slee’s business, Melrose Dairy Limited, milks over 2,600 cows on three dairy units using the latest technology to enable efficient operation of an extensive centre-pivot irrigation system and other farm infrastructure.

Environment Canterbury Resource Management Director Kim Drummond stresses that farmers must remain vigilant over water access restrictions during the dry season

rules or your consent. Examples are pumping and trucking water in. “We’re doing everything we can to help farmers get access to stock water,” he said. ”We

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don’t want livestock to suffer unnecessarily.” Environment Canterbury lists the use of permanent and temporary fences, bridges or culverts for stock to cross waterways and suggests winter feed crops are not planted in paddocks with waterways. The Canterbury Natural Resources Regional Plan has a number of rules excluding stock from natural waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands. All intensively farmed livestock are prohibited from these waterways but access is allowed for non-intensive stock only if there are no negative effects such as pugging, discolouration, bacteria increase or evidence of faecal matter. Failure to follow these rules can result in infringement notices, abatement or prosecution. For information and advice for farmers about regulations call Customer Services on 0800 324 636. For general enquiries about river flows or irrigation restrictions, visit www.ecan.govt.nz and search on River Flow and Irrigation Restrictions.

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

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Country Matters

From the Minister

with Rob Cope-Williams

Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

South Island Field Days

1080 threat March 2015 The threat to contaminate food products with 1080 is idiotic, cowardly and hugely disappointing. Farmers and consumers I talk to are angry and disappointed that someone would do something so stupid and threaten innocent lives. We know that it could well be a hoax, however as a Government we are still treating it very seriously. Since first receiving the threat we have brought in extra testing and security measures as a further safeguard. We’ve now done over 50,000 tests and as expected have found absolutely no traces of any 1080. This new testing is on top of our normal thorough testing, auditing and verification system. It is extremely unlikely that anybody could deliberately contaminate formula during manufacturing, and there is no evidence of this ever having occurred. Supermarkets have now increased security which has helped reassure customers. The Ministry of Primary Industries has analysed the supply chain in detail and worked with manufacturers to put in place additional security measures.

The police are actively investigating this case, and if you suspect anyone could be associated with this threatening criminal blackmail letter please contact 0800 Crimestoppers. Every resource has been made available and we have treated this as a top priority. Ministers have taken expert advice on how to respond to a threat of this type and make considered decisions. The key message for consumers is that our products are safe, and it’s pleasing that the public has accepted this. So far there has been a very muted reaction from overseas markets and consumers, and retailers report no real change in demand from consumers. It’s very pleasing to see that people are still buying their normal products and taking the precaution of checking their tins. The advice to consumers is not to consume any food product that appears to have been tampered with, and report it to the police immediately. Any signs of tampering are easy to spot and you can find more detailed information at www.foodprotection.govt.nz.

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Great new site and a brilliant reaction from exhibitors is the reaction to this year’s South Island Field Days. I have said it before this year, but it is great that the field days have still retained the original concept of room for people to walk around, time to talk with the teams who are on the stands, and a chance to see stuff that matters. I know the A and P shows are still important for those who want to show off their wares, but the field days have that magical thing which is that they are there for the farmers, and not the general public. Relying on a gate take from people who will never buy a tractor or spend money on irrigation services means there has to be a lot more than farming hardware. Everyone who pays at the gate during the three days this is on are there to see what is new and what they need to know about. The other thing that is refreshing is that it isn’t a market place. Of course if you pulled your cheque book out, assuming you still have one and you don’t do all your commerce via the internet, you will be able to buy whatever you want, but the general feeling is transfer of knowledge rather than a hard sell.

I also have a feeling that firms are very happy to be there rather than feeling they have to be there. There is a very big difference. Walking around the sites, there’s an atmosphere of relaxed enthusiasm. That sounds like a strange this to say, but the people on the stands seemed to be very relaxed but very happy to share their knowledge. In short that’s the rural way isn’t it? We seem to be in a new era. The average age of farmers and those working and managing the farming industry is a lot younger than even 10 years ago, and they are much more aware of technology. Goodness knows where this technology will go and how sophisticated it will get, but the new generation of farmers are experts at mastering it and they are demanding it. As is being quoted by my new operation, farming information on any screen, anywhere, anytime — the modern generation want it short, sharp and available 24/7. Thankfully such events as the South Island Field Days are a very good vehicle to deliver the latest and greatest to everyone from those who do and those who may not understand the way the world is working now.

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RURAL PROFESSIONALS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Country Law

Money Talk with Andrew Wyllie

with Ronald W. Angland & Son

Investment markets update

A recent decision on trust and separation The Court of Appeal determined quite a small but interesting matter in a decision released recently. The case concerned a separation after a seventeen year marriage where the husband, a successful businessman, had been involved in operating a number of trusts and businesses. The disputes arose around one trust in particular. Two preliminary points: 1) the basic assumption of the law around separation is that, provided a qualifying relationship existed (usually three-years-plus duration), all relationship property is split in half on a separation as each party has contributed during a relationship, but separate property — that kept out of the relationship mix — doesn’t figure in the 50/50 calculation. Property is broadly defined to include what one would normally expect (houses, cars, etc.) as well as the catch-all ‘any other right or interest’. 2) Trusts have a long history at law. God had blessed the John Angland Leeston (03) 324 3033 john@anglands.co.nz Craig Wakelin Leeston (03) 324 3033 craig@anglands.co.nz

English feudal lords with the bounty of his lands and it would be irresponsible for said lords not to please God by ensuring the continuity of said feudal structure on behalf of their women, children and serfs. Preserving inheritance was a primary focus. Henry VIII later sought to raise land taxes, and politicians and lawyers cottoned on that trusts were a great way of avoiding personal legal ownership… and thus tax. While tax benefits these days aren’t necessarily quite so pronounced, trusts remain popular. All that is needed is a definite intention in creating a trust, assets to settle in trust, and someone who benefits from the trust. Provided it isn’t simply a fictional puppet-theatre of Mr A acting as settlor, trustee and sole beneficiary, you get a separate legal ownership structure which, amongst other things and for the purposes of this article, doesn’t get considered as relationship property. While there are existing provisions at law to prevent

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one party from squirrelling relationship assets away into a trust during or after a relationship to avoid sharing them on separation, this case was quite unique in its finding. It looked at the trust in dispute and noted the husband was the sole trustee and, in settling the trust, had given himself the power to remove any beneficiary he so decided to. The Court didn’t call this trust a sham (i.e. ‘Mr A acting as settlor, trustee and sole beneficiary’), because at the time it was created the husband had named his kids, his then wife, and himself as discretionary beneficiaries. However, he, solely, had the power to decide who benefitted. Using the definition of ‘property’ noted above, the Court decided that the exclusive power of deciding who benefitted was itself a property right or interest and thus its value was divisible for sharing. The decision will have limited impact on other situations as the unfettered power the husband had granted himself was quite unique, but it is cause for those with trusts to review the situation and ensure things are as they intend. This article has been prepared by Craig Wakelin, a Solicitor with Ronald Angland and Son, Solicitors, who may be contacted on Tel: 03 324 3033 or e-mail: craig@anglands.co.nz.

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(Covering the quarter ended 28 February 2015)

Global Equity Markets Global growth (in particular that of the Developed economies) is forecast to accelerate over 2015 and 2016. Having said that, International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic growth forecasts have moderated more recently, after their reassessment of prospects in China and Russia. The United States continues to be the stand-out economy with the outlook improving as a result of wage growth recovering and unemployment levels falling. European economic growth is also forecast to begin improving with activity expected to be supported by lower oil prices, further monetary policy easing, a more neutral fiscal policy stance, as well as the recent Euro depreciation. Oil prices and capital flows should also lower the risks of global growth being derailed and help defer increases to interest rates in the United States. With longer term interest rates lower over the quarter and company results broadly in line with expectations, equity returns were positive across all the markets we follow in local currency. The strongest local currency returns were delivered by European equities (helped by a lower Euro). Japanese equities delivered the strongest New Zealand dollar returns, bolstered by the Japanese Government Pension Fund being directed to increase

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its asset allocation to local equities. Australian and New Zealand Equity Markets New Zealand market returns, which would otherwise have been in-line with international markets, were flattered by the run-up in the share price of Xero. Strong returns were also enjoyed by both the property and utility sectors as investors sought yield. Australian equities saw a similar story play out, although positive returns from the gaming sector helped offset the weakness elsewhere in the consumer sector. Energy stocks were the laggard with oil prices weakening significantly in the period after OPEC (the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries) shifted its stance from a focus on price support to market share. Fixed Interest Market Longer-term interest rates declined over the quarter, albeit having rallied from a January low. Lower than expected global inflation and more aggressive monetary policy measures adopted by the European Central Bank drove these declines and also contributed to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) moderating its monetary policy outlook. While lower oil prices contributed to some of the deflationary pressure, those prices should also stimulate economic activity. On an annualised basis the recent oil price falls offer NZ$2 billion of savings to the New

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Zealand economy. Assuming half of these are passed onto consumers this would be equivalent to the RBNZ cutting interest rates by 50 basis points. Unlike a 50 basis point interest rate cut, these savings are more likely to be spent than saved, so longer term this should be positive for economic growth. This stimulus to growth should support the move to normalise monetary policies globally, though the low growth in Europe and the risk of policy shock should mean any changes to interest rates are gradual. We noted in last month’s column that new fixed interest issues are expected to come to the market this year. ANZ have recently raised $500 million in a new issue which was heavily over-subscribed, with further new issuance expected in the coming weeks. If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www. forsythbarr.co.nz/investingwith-us/new-to-investing/ or contact Andrew Wyllie, an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@ forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Grant gives greenhouse the go-ahead by Ayla Miller

Lauriston School plans to put their gardening grant, gifted by Rural Women New Zealand and Farmlands, towards a brand new greenhouse. “The students have been planning a glasshouse so we can have a garden all year round and to protect our plants from the school chickens,” says deputy principal Wendy Atkinson. The money will also be used to renovate the existing gardens which they have had for five years. Forty-eight students attend Lauriston School and Wendy says most children will have a part to play in the upkeep of the garden. “Growing your own food is a basic life skill. “It’s part of our survival. I think a lot of children are becoming separated from their food and this is about showing them food doesn’t just come from a supermarket. “It also teaches the students about healthy, unprocessed food. “Last year we had a really good crop of potatoes. We researched different ways to prepare them and even managed to sell some of them,” Wendy says. Unlike schools in town, Lauriston School is able to keep animals on their property and have an agricultural club which holds annual pet days. “The school has a pet lamb, hens, a rooster and a rabbit. The children are also planning on getting a pig to eat the food scraps,” says Wendy. She believes that the school’s size and the amount of space they have on offer is one of the great advantages of being a rural school. Before the grant, Wendy says the greenhouse was never the priority as there were always other things that got in the way and fundraising for that amount of money would have been difficult in such a small community. “Having the money for the greenhouse now means we can get on with fundraising for other things for the garden.”

March 2015

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Lauriston School students were excited to receive a grant from Farmlands and Rural Women NZ, which means they can now build a greenhouse on school grounds

Despite the peaceful location and idyllic setting, there are disadvantages to being a rural school. Although they have their own pool they often travel to compete in sporting events as the school is a 20 minute drive from Ashburton with most students coming from a farming

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background. “We rely on our parents a lot for transport and they are very hands on.” The school joins up with Methven and Ashburton School to build up numbers for events and sports competitions. Rural Women NZ national president Wendy McGowan, believes

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March 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

by Andy Bryenton Travel into the rugged and scenic heartland of the South Island, and you’ll find the Mackenzie country, named for that skilled rogue and local legend, James Mackenzie. The small town of Fairlie has immortalised the life and times of the wily Scotsman, with a statue in its main street commemorating his exploits as a pioneer — and as a drover and sheep-herder of almost mythic status. Right next to this bronze likeness stands another figure, on four legs rather than two. It’s no surprise to see Mackenzie’s loyal sheepdog Friday thus depicted, as the two were an inseparable team. It’s no surprise, either, that this

scenic hill country is home to a club which celebrates the hard-working bond between the drover and his dog. Following on from the epic feats of ‘Mac’ — though within the bounds of the law, we must add — New Zealand’s oldest established sheepdog club meet here among the hills, carrying on a tradition as old as agriculture. The Mackenzie Collie Dog Club have been promoting the skill, intuition, determination and hard-won abilities of canine

and human teams for 125 years, making them not only a venerable institution here, but among the oldest sheep dog clubs on Earth. Apocryphally, the first sheep dog trial in our local history was based on a friendly bet ‘for a fiver’ between farming mates. This happened on James Frazer’s Black Forest Station in the Mackenzie country in 1869. By 1870 Haldon Station played host to an organised event, but it was in 1885 that the first

iteration of what would become the modern club was formed. Under its full and proper name, the club was chartered in 1890. Down through the years the sport and challenge of sheep dog trials has done much to improve the skill and ability of musterers and drovers, herders and farmers, passing on their knowledge through generations. The Mackenzie Collie Dog Club hold their trials on Balmoral Station near Tekapo, in an area of breathtaking

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A top dog was worth his weight in gold! natural beauty. Adding to the challenge is the fact that the trials here utilise good old fashioned Merino sheep. These beasts are well known for their very fine wool, and are one of the internationally recognised icons of New Zealand. But their temperament is also legendary among triallists, who may be used to more tractable animals.

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All in all, the Merinos make a fine challenge for the dogs and their human team mates. With 125 years of history, it’s little wonder that this club has its fair share of past champions, their names emblazoned on the club-room walls. Those champions are of human and canine extraction — an example being prizewinning border

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March 2015

High country heroes — Since the days of colonial rogue James Mackenzie

The loyal and intelligent border collie is a drover’s best friend collie ‘Moss’, who sold for the princely sum of 400 pounds in 1951. This equated to ten month’s wages for the average Kiwi at the time, or enough to build a new home! Of course, during the 1950s the wool and lamb industries were booming, with 40% more sheep on pasture by 1959. A top dog was worth his weight in gold! Memorable characters still fill out the roll-call at the Mackenzie Collie Dog club, such as club Barman, longserving trialist and oldest serving member Phil Green. Phil was once a long-distance drover, tackling the nine-week trek with large mobs of sheep through the Danseys and Mackenzie passes from central

Otago in the days before mass livestock haulage. Geoff Allison has been a member for over four decades and is a past champion many times over, representing New Zealand against the Aussies. Along with Tony Wall and Larry Murdoch, Geoff has also served as a judge for dog trials at a national level. The Mackenzie Collie Dog Club is also an incubator for future talent, proudly passing on the tips, tricks, and training of seasoned veterans to a new breed of trialists and enthusiasts. Just as the best bloodlines of sheep dogs are sought out by farmers for their family ties, the club also boasts multi-generational links, with some up-and-comers who

first attended trials as children now taking their place on the podium. Club President Mark Sheehan’s son Josh is a good example — he first entered the world of sheep dog trials at age 15, and now combines a love of the sport with other outdoor pursuits such as rugby and mountain biking. The Ross family — Herb, and club treasurer Cate — promote new talent with an annual training day held on their farm, where past and present competitors, champions and mentors can impart those years of hard-won skill to tomorrow’s triallists. One and a quarter centuries is a long and honourable record for any club — or indeed, any institution at all. But it’s easy

an invisible psychic bond as they match wills with the Merinos — it’s also a link back to the days when this level of ability was necessary to successfully farm a wild and wide-open land. Without it, James Mackenzie himself may never have dared to drive mobs of sheep through the high passes which now bear

to see why this compelling, sometimes nerve-wracking, always exciting sport is so intrinsic to the Mackenzie country community. Watching a display of deft partnership between the farmer and his dog is not just a wondrous thing — after all, sometimes it seems that canine and human are linked by

his name. A whole industry may have foundered before it even began. But, looking at the justifiable pride with which the Mackenzie Collie Dog Club esteem their past and present members, it’s plain that 150 years — and even 200 — will still see the age-old partnership being put to the test.

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March 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

the goat

APPRECIATING by Ann Morgan

by Ann Morgan

A long way from their desert origins a herd of tri-coloured goats graze the meadows on the plains of North Canterbury. They are primarily nubian and there is a breeding programme in place to breed these goats to be more suited to the cooler climate. Sarah and Steve Page moved from England 12 years ago with their daughters Chloe and Clementine. “When we came to New Zealand we didn’t realise we could buy land. I grew up in

the country so this was very exciting for me,” said Sarah. “We found a property and an old relocatable house to renovate. “The real estate agent suggested we should get some

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goats for the land and this triggered a childhood memory of a family friend who had a big herd of nubian goats that I helped with. I fell in love with the goats’ personalities and their mixed colours are beautiful.

“We went ahead and got a few meat goats but I soon realised it wasn’t going to be easy to kill the animals because I thought one looked like Jon bon Jovi and I wasn’t able to eat him so I sold them all.

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“Not long after, a lady rang me to ask if I would like a nubian doe in milk and that is where our journey with goats began. “The goat was very thin and cold looking and I realised they were originally desert goats and our climate wasn’t conducive to them at all so I decided to help them. “We started breeding but New Zealand had a very small gene pool and I had to mix breed with a toggenburg, which is an alpine breed. They will look like nubians in all ways but with a

winter undercoat, making the climate easier for them to cope with. They will be a better, stronger, higher producing goat. “I feel goats are the most misunderstood of all livestock animals. They don’t just eat weeds, and they are really personable. “They are not grazers like sheep, they are browsers and have much higher mineral requirements,” says Sarah. “If you put goats in a paddock of grass, grass is actually the last thing on their want list. They like roses, gorse,

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2015

Sarah is breeding her herd of tricolour goats to better the cooler climate

Woodchip

Sarah Page enjoys interacting with her herd of goats and likes getting to know their personalities hedges and other things. We also get the brewers’ grain cast offs from a local brewery. By the time they are fed it the grain has sprouted into barley and they love it. “They are often mineral deficient because people don’t realise the food variety required and this shows up with runny eyes and dull coats,” says Sarah. “We give our herd lots of seaweed, cider vinegar, pine and poplar tree branches. They are social animals and when we get a new goat, we make sure they are well adjusted to the herd and fit in. “The worst thing we can do is tie a goat up by itself on a grass verge.

“It breaks their heart to be alone. They are hugely intelligent and are more like a dog personality wise and are very inquisitive.” “One of the things I am passionate about is small scale farming. It is so diverse. These farms can be a huge success but there doesn’t seem to be much support for this type of set-up in New Zealand. She has a British alpinetoggen cross which produces eight litres of milk per day and there are five foundation does that are also good milk producers. “The milkers get fed twice a day and others once. As a

working farm, we are self sufficient in dairy and meat. Even though our block is small, we operate the same as big farms. “I can milk through winter year after year. “Unlike cows, goats don’t need to have offspring to continue to produce milk. Production does go down a bit in winter but at the end of the day you can keep milking. “They produce delicious milk with a sweet, delicate flavour which allows us to make a variety of cheeses such as feta, mozzarella and ricotta, and we also make wonderful, nourishing soap.

I would love to be able to sell my goats’ milk and cheeses which I make but am not able to because the initial set-up costs are out of our reach as small farmers.” “The type of farming we do is thousands of years old and the goats provide milk, meat and skins so if chickens are added to the mix and a vege garden you could survive on these,” says Sarah. “Goats are definitely an intelligent animal, they are personable, amusing and most importantly productive. They are very addictive and before you know it, you may end up falling in love.”

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March 2015

WATER

CANTERBURY FARMING

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

Drought reflections The drought has created a lot of food for thought. To date, IrrigationNZ has identified three key issues. The first is the need to ‘get on with’ alpine water storage. We’ve been banging on about this for months so won’t belabour it here. The point is it needs to be done and soon! us w 66 e Sho & 3 e S e 65 th . 3 at No e Sit

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Secondly we need to take a look at the water management system in New Zealand. It is dated and clunky when we need dynamic and innovative! Initiatives such as global consents or water sharing arrangements need to become the norm so we can better utilise the available resource. Temporary transfer also needs to be split from permanent transfer and become a real-time transaction. Finally irrigation efficiency is a priority. Irrigators that ran out of seasonal allocation prior to early March need to look at what can help them more effectively use their water. Particularly on the shoulders. Spring 2014 was cold but also dry. Analysis of IRRICALC seasonal volumes for an 80% efficient irrigator show most irrigators should have been hitting their mark in early March. This is the one area we can exert some control over and IrrigationNZ is responding to this need with three free workshops at the South Island Field Days. Come and see us at site 474 to hear practical advice about

what you can do to better prepare yourself for future droughts. Soils Essentials workshop will start at 9.30am each day, Irrigation Development at 11.30am and Maintenance of Irrigators at 2pm. And yes they are all FREE! Just turn up on the day. IrrigationNZ is also offering a new members’ deal. Sign up to IrrigationNZ at South Island Field Days and get a Membership and Irrigation training day combo deal for $315 plus GST. This includes one year’s membership and a registration for an irrigation manager training workshop, which also includes the ‘Irrigation in a Box’ resource kit valued at over $100. Another event to watch out for

is next month’s OVERSEER workshops. A new version of OVERSEER will be released late April in which the irrigation module has been overhauled. The update will enable the range of irrigation systems and management practices to be better accounted for which is a good thing. It will however cause some pain because nitrate loss numbers will change so we’re urging irrigating farmers to get up to speed with the details. One of the best ways to do this will be attending one of the workshops planned to outline the changes. Below are the provisional dates and venues for these. Check on the OVERSEER website for confirmed times.

Date

Time

Venue

2 April

1–3pm

Lincoln University

7 April

1–3pm

Elwood Function Centre, Otene Rd, opposite Hastings A&P grounds

9 April

1–3pm

Manawatu Golf Club, 19 Centennial Drive, Palmerston North

10 April

1–3pm

Grey Lounge, Pharlap Racecourse, Timaru

13 April

10am–12pm

Dunedin Venue TBC

15 April

8.30– 10.30am

Ruakura Campus Club, AgResearch Ruakura, Hamilton

WATER

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2015

Irrigation Issues with Dr Tony Daveron

Is the end in sight? The nearly to occur equinox has seen a slight shift in the weather pattern. Does this mean the drought of 2014–15 is over — not for unirrigated areas or those that have been on restriction, but for irrigated areas there has been relief? 2014–15 has been one of those seasons, not a rare event but right up there with events that are (or have been) experienced previously — like 1997–98 (that I have harped on about previously), 1973–74, 1983–84, 1988–89 (though not an El Niño event) and 2004– 05. These events, surprisingly didn’t ‘beat about the bush’ — they were droughts and not classified as ‘medium (or other nondescript word) events’.

Are we out of the woods so to speak — that is, out of difficulty, danger or trouble as in, we’re through the worst. Not by a longshot — while the dribs and drabs of rain over the last week may have been of great assistance to those who irrigate, for those that don’t we are a long way from being through the worst. The soil moisture deficit is still as big as it can get. At a drainage lysimeter site at the airport the soil moisture deficit on the Waimakariri stony loamy sand is still over nearly 100mm over the depth 0–200cm. Rainfall of 26mm on March 7 and another 7mm on March 17 has reduced the deficit. There is considerable ground to be made up before

the deficit will be in zone where growth is not limited by moisture — in the plot the soil moisture content will need to be greater than 250mm for growth to be seriously kick-started. In the second soil moisture plot, soil moisture content (VSW%) has been plotted against depth. As of March 5 (our last measurement (▬) soil moisture was at wilting point throughout the entire profile. The red hashed area is the soil moisture that needs to be replenished to get back to Field Capacity or Full Point. Put that together with the time plot and you can see soil moisture has pretty much been at Wilting Point since about the middle of January. Not even

the California thistles have survived that period of time at wilting point! An important consequence of such large dryland deficits is the effect on groundwater recharge. Before recharge can occur, the unsaturated zone deficit must be relieved — that is there will need to be in excess of 100mm rainfall before drainage from

the soil profile and potentially recharge to groundwater can occur. It has been a demanding irrigation season and without a wet winter (it will likely take that long to relieve the deficit) the next irrigation season could be interesting. I don’t need to write how cold it has been over the past few days — the southerly has

had a bite to it, there has been snow on the mountains and soil temperature has dropped by about 4°C — down from highs of 19°C to 15°C. We are now on the steady downward slide heading into autumn and this will become more marked once we get past the equinox on March 22. This is not good news for unirrigated properties.

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March 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER

Weather Watch by Tony Trewinnard Continuing the theme from January, February saw more anticyclones than usual lying over or around New Zealand, with long periods of relatively light airflow over the country. Te m p e r a t u r e s in Canterbury were near normal or a little cooler than normal, but generally only by up to −0.5deg. This was due to significantly colder than normal night time temperatures under the clear skies and light winds of the anticyclones. Rainfall was highly variable, but quite dry. No areas received more than half of the normal monthly rainfall, but some areas were very dry with totals under 205 of normal. This was due to several days of random shower activity over the region. Sunshine hours were above normal by 20–30%. By near the end of March this was also shaping up to be a drier, sunnier than normal

month with temperatures near to, or a little above normal. In the tropical Pacific, ocean temperatures are showing a mixed pattern, with some areas of significantly warmer than usual water in the western Pacific raising suggestions of a developing El Nino pattern, but this is not yet supported by sea surface temperature patterns in the eastern Pacific. The current pattern is similar in many ways to the same time last year, when a developing El Nino seemed likely, but never fully eventuated. Ocean temperatures around the New Zealand coast remain significantly warmer than usual. The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) has moved slowly towards weak

El Nino conditions this month. The latest computer models are now favouring the development of a weak El Nino pattern over the next three to six months, but it must be noted that this is the time of year the computer models have least accuracy. In particular, a similar prediction was made at this time last year, but only some of the factors needed for a full El Nino were in place, and the prediction foundered. Again this year we have not all of the necessary factors working together, so it remains to be seen how successful the current computer model forecasts will be. The weak SOI patterns have not favoured any of the usual El Nino or La Nina weather phases we often see over New Zealand in the last six weeks. Instead we have seen little in the way of either easterly or westerly airflow.

This has been accompanied by a trend to seeing high pressure systems develop in the Tasman Sea and near New Zealand, with rain producing weather systems few and far between. Our best estimate is for the anticyclone dominated pattern to continue in the next

few months. From April right through to July we expect to see anticyclones being the major drivers of our weather patterns, with rain bearing low pressure systems few and far between. However, when they do arrive, these low pressure

systems may produce reasonable rainfalls. Overall we expect sunshine hours to be higher than normal, and as we move into winter we should see frequent night time frosts with colder than usual night time temperatures.

Forecast – Canterbury

Rainfall

Temperature

Sunshine

Airflow

April

Drier than normal

Near normal

Sunnier than normal

More anticyclones

May

Near normal

A little colder than normal

A little sunnier than normal

More anticyclones

June

Drier than normal

A little colder than normal

Sunnier than normal

More anticyclones

July

Drier than normal

A little colder than normal

A little sunnier than normal

More anticyclones

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March 2015

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March 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF, Laurie Forestry Ltd

Remaining stable Log prices have remained mostly stable this month. Domestic prices are unchanged and export prices have dropped only NZ$2–$3 per cubic metre at the wharf gate. Meanwhile the New Zealand domestic market has very much swung to demand exceeding supply and in the export segment, very much the reverse. Export prices have been impacted by what has been a softening phase centred on a less than buoyant China demand profile. As reported last month, the situation in China is less than desirable with lack of credit and cash together with low numbers of new construction starts being the order of the day. On the positive side in tier one cities in China, house prices appear to have bottomed out and in a few cases started to lift again. Overall, the majority of comment suggests expectations and sentiment are now less negative than pre

Chinese new year. However, in this key market for NZ Forest growers it is looking like it is not going to print anything other than average to mediocre for at least Q2 and Q3 in 2015. Once again we see local sawmills offering price points that at least match and if not exceed those available at the wharf gate. However it is also important to note the local sawmills prefer the best logs in the forest or woodlot. This reflects the local focus on producing lumber for the Christchurch house framing market. Because the cartage distance is generally less to the local sawmill than the port, the forest owner can expect the best prices for this target market. Of some

concern is to see the local mills almost starving for logs with some having to manage usage and supply on a day to day basis. This disturbing situation is related to forest and woodlots of lower quality being harvested and therefore a lesser percentage of higher grade logs. It is also related to a reducing forest cut, as the wind damage recovery programme draws to a conclusion. Local sawmill prices for framing grade logs are continuing to hold in the $100+ per tonne mark. Meanwhile on the export front, CIF (landed in China) settlements have following the earlier predicted path. In February the indicator A grade settlements were mostly US$2 either side of

US$125 per cubic metre, whilst March prices have been hovering between US$120 and $117. This drop reflects prices now in a 10-year low on a CIF (landed in China in US$) basis. The NZ wharf gate situation has been much less pronounced with now some of the lowest shipping costs in 15 years and a declining US$/Kiwi$ exchange rate ensuring prices on a NZ$ basis have remained in a $5 per cubic metre band. The situation in China is as critical to the NZ sawmiller as it is to the log exporter. If China prices continue to drop then the harvest volumes can also be expected to decline as forest owners close their gates. This will inevitably starve the local sawmills of logs

unless they can find a way to compete in the lower quality export log segment. This situation is mirrored in China, where current domestic log supply will falter if NZ and Australia log prices drop to the US$110 mark. Harvest of forests in China is a significant proportion of the total cut and China has very large costs for domestic logs including often carting them over long distances. It is for this reason we believe the current situation is nearing the bottom of the current cycle. The big issue for both sides at present is that the current situation in China is not log price but demand. For a China sawmill owner the majority of cutting is done to order in a factory style basis. At present post CNY orders

have started to come in but they are often small and short term. In this context, if the sawmill does not have any orders, then they will not want logs at any price. It is therefore a major turnaround in demand that everyone is looking out for. I will be in the China market late March so will be able to report more in next month’s report. It continues to be thoroughly important to remember the trees keep growing regardless and peoples of the world continue to need wood for wide ranging reasons. Thus, it has never been more timely to remember, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees!

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Hammer new Zero Grazing withholding period

With the recent Autumn rains comes the need to turn run out pasture or post-harvest paddocks back into production as soon as possible before cooler temperatures arrive throughout the country. Hammer now has a Zero grazing withholding period which means farmers can save 14 days (tribenuron has a 14-day sowing withholding period and other products even longer) and sow the crop straight away after herbicide application.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2015

Agricultural Equipment Clearance

Farmtech 2.4m aerator - ideal in grass for new growth - $8,500

Jeantil manure spreader - 11m3 - high capacity machine - $48,000

Omarv mulcher - 1.8m cut hyd sliding - demo’ed $5,500

Agmech 4B multi feeder - highly optioned -trade in - $39,880

Grapple bucket 2.0m wide - euro hitch grapple removable - $3,550

Old Taege 2 bale feeder all working order - only $4,000

AS Marston slurry tanker - never used 7,000L - save big at $25,500

Nugent farm car trailers All sizes

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Viking 4000 fertiliser spreader - 4 tonne single axle - high spec - stainless steel - can do manure and lime - $26,500

Agmech 12m3 silage wagon demo’s - $39,900

Agromaster 16 run disc drill - twin box demo’ed - $14,500

FarmTech 9 tine chisel plow - well made $6,800

Soft hands with euro hitch attachment cheap at $2,550

Iris ITS300P small spreader plastic with stainless- $1,950

Iris 900L single spinner fert spreader plastic bin - stainless spinner- $3,350

Agmech heavy roller 8’x6’ $14,500 used

Watson 8.3m hyd Cambridge roller with breakers and levellers - $45,750

Agrisem speedy disc 6m 3m to 9m width - $20 to $90,000

3 Mtr speed disc. Demo’s with crumble $18,000

Alpego 3m rotapik harrow with drill combination - 2010 model going cheap at $33,000

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March 2015

RURAL WOMEN

CANTERBURY FARMING

What is Co Enzyme Q10? CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound that plays critical roles in making our energy. Our heart, nerves, brain and muscles have high CoQ10 demand because they have the greatest energy requirements. CoQ10 is essential to make the energy needed by our cells. It is much like the fuel hose in your car to bring fuel to the engine. It also acts as an antioxidant protecting cholesterol from inflaming and damaging blood vessels. Low levels of CoQ10 Reduced CoQ10 is often felt as weak and aching muscles, low energy and poor motivation. Low CoQ10 can be caused by disease, age and commonly used medications. People with autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases especially polymyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, MS and Parkinson’s should be taking 100–200mg of a good CoQ10 daily. This is in addition to a good multi-antioxidant and solid Omega 3 doses. Cholesterol medication Some doctors and pharmacists understand that many of the side effects of statin cholesterol medication are caused by the drug blocking CoQ10 production. Some studies estimate those on statins have 50% reduced CoQ10. This is much like compressing your car fuel hose so that only 50% of the fuel gets to the engine.

It will still run, just not very well. Statins reduce CoQ10. Less CoQ10 means less power. The most common side effects are low energy, muscle weakness, muscle pain, reduced motivation and in some memory loss. I spoke with a client the other day who went to his GP saying he thought the statins caused memory loss. His GP admitted he too had to stop them as his memory was failing fast. For those who cannot tolerate cholesterol medication I recommend using diet, exercise and a patented supplement Sytrinol® to help balance cholesterol. CoQsol® rapid absorption CoQ10 If you are on statins I usually recommend the rapid absorption CoQsol®. This patented CoQ10 rapidly lifts circulation CoQ10 and in most cases statin side effects fade over a few months. Please contact me for personalised advice if you have any of the issues mentioned here. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. Contact John on 0800 423 559 or email.

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Sweet Louise chief executive officer Fiona Hatton says the partnership with Agpac is helping to make a crucial difference to the lives of hundreds of New Zealanders. “A secondary breast cancer diagnosis has a devastating impact — on individuals, their family and friends. “We are delighted that the team at Agpac chose to support Sweet Louise and we

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know that they appreciate our grass roots approach — being out in the community and face to face with those we are helping. Sweet Louise receives no government funding. We rely 100% on donations and quite simply, we could not keep going without organisations like Agpac.” Agpac general manager Chris Dawson says the initiative has been really popular and the limited supply of silage and netwrap has sold well. “The support we have received from farmers, contractors and from rural newspapers has been very gratifying.” Ms Hatton agrees, “We are very grateful that Agpac came up with this idea to help Sweet Louise and we have all been humbled by how the farming community has embraced the initiative. “We want to say a big thank you to the hundreds of Kiwi farmers who have shown their support and purchased pink wrap. It has been wonderful to see New Zealand dotted with pink bales.”

What does CoQsol® do? • Supports

BEST BUY: 3 bottles for $149.84 ($49.95 each) freight free or 1 bottle for $54.95 plus post $4.99. Each bottle contains 60 softgels which is 2 months’ supply for 1 adult.

heart muscle function and normal heart rhythm Promotes good circulation • Helps maintain normal blood pressure • Promotes normal, healthy energy release • Added vitamin E supports cardiovascular health • Added lutein and zeaxanthin supports eye health • Provides extra CoQ10 for those on statin medication •

Caution: Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

TO ORDER PHONE: 0800 423 559 Abundant Health

or order online at www.abundant.co.nz or post a cheque to Abundant Health Ltd, PO Box 4347, Mt Maunganui South, 3149

SAFETY FIRST ON THE FARM

CHRISTCHURCH VEIN CLINIC LASER VEIN - State of the Art Varicose Vein Treatment

• Banish the aches, itching or restless legs associated with your varicose veins • Treatment options include injections, laser or minimally invasive surgery • Treatments covered by most health insurance policies Call us today. Let’s get your legs looking and feeling good again.

Southern Cross Affiliated Provider

146 Leinster Road Merivale, Christchurch Phone: 355-0922 | www.christchurchveinclinic.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2015

Effluent and Waste Management There’s gold in that waste

SHAPING YOUR FUTURE

Recent news media reports have focussed attention on the value of waste — in short, the value of human waste in a world where science continually comes up with the bizarre. Research in the United States finds all sorts of minerals, even gold, can be found in sewage. We will leave that thought to the boffins. On the agricultural front, of course, the value of animal effluent is a fact of farming life, except where the less responsible on the land simply try to dispose of such a common by product. But farm dairy effluent is a natural, dilute liquid fertiliser. It contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S) and trace elements that you’d normally pay for to have applied to pasture. The rules are pretty simple. Think of dairy effluent as a resource, not a waste. The

average dairy herd of say 250 produces the same amount of effluent as a medium sized rural town. Thats a lot to dispose of. When spread over land and applied in a timely fashion, the effluent of 100 cows can save thousands of dollars. Applying the maximum 150kg of nitrogen per hectare amount from effluent for grazed grass, dairy shed effluent also provides approximately 20kg of phosphate, 117kg of potassium, 20–30kg of sulphur and smaller amounts of magnesium and calcium per hectare.

Effluent management systems in place should provide enough flexibility so that irrigation can be suspended when soil is waterlogged or if there is an irrigation equipment breakdown. While it might be liquid gold, water troughs need to be protected from spray sources as well as waterways, where the rule is to keep the distribution 50 metres away. Soil acts as a filter but it can only filter so much effluent at a time. It’s important to match the irrigation depth to the capability of the soil. Land with impeded or

artificial drainage, high or rising water tables or slopes of greater than seven degrees have a higher risk from overapplication, and therefore application depths should be adjusted accordingly to reflect soil and weather conditions. Too much effluent can kill pasture — especially where effluent has ‘ponded’ on the soil surface as well as pollute nearby streams and rivers as it runs off paddocks into waterways. Then there is ground water itself that must be protected, and that’s where local knowledge comes into play.

L&S Contracting servicing the Canterbury area. Lindsay Marwick has over 30 years experience in all general earthmoving and development needs.

SERVICES AVAILABLE:

• Effluent & storage ponds • Dairy Track Lime Rock • General excavation & Site works • Roading & track work • Irrigation & border dyking • Tree removal root raking A/H Ph: 03 303 7260

HINDS

Lindsay Marwick • 027 244 3498

lindsay@lscontracting.co.nz www.lscontracting.co.nz

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

ANDREW SWANN C O N T R A C T I N G LT D

Do you want the maximum nitrogen application and results out of your effluent?

Where there is Muck there is money! Pond Stirring | Disk Injecting or Splash Plate Spreading Environmentally Friendly | Results you can see | Owner Operator Based in South Canterbury | Don’t Hesitate to call anytime

Phone Andrew Swann – 027 322 1014

For an ultra fast and efficient job I now offer a 14000 litre slurry tanker with turbo filler and dribble bar Keeps the Nitrogen on the ground and saves the cost of

artificial fertiliser

Charlies Takeaways– LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT

A Division of Robsons Canterbury

100% Canterbury Family Owned and Operated

In the waste business for 40 years

LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Phone (03) 349 8871 robsonenviro@xtra.co.nz www.robsonenvironmental.co.nz

March 2015

W NE

CANTERBURY FARMING

Twin Roller Towing Frame

Specialists in Farm Waste

3.6m wide x 1.9m diameter rollers 17 tonne each, rolling 7.2m per pass

r Tow both rollers, one behind the other, to your paddock

r Cover twice as much ground per pass with no trouble

r Just 90 seconds set up time in your paddock, with no effort, just move two pins

r No modifications required to your current roller, just hook it on the back of your new roller and away you go

Over 50 years taking care of your business Bulk Liquids Removal & Disposal • CCTV Inspection of Drains High Pressure Water Blasting • Pipe Cleaning & Unblocking Septic & Holding Tank Cleaning • Farm Waste Spreading Grease Trap & Sump Cleaning • Effluent Stirrer Available Hydro Excavation • Farm Effluent Ponds & Sump

Use your

3m wide x 1.5m diameter rollers 8.5 tonne each, rolling 6m per pass

Card

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here

We service Mid & South Canterbury, North Otago & Lakes Districts

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A family run business 100% locally owned & operated

www.plucks.co.nz enquiries@plucks.co.nz Main South Road, Rakaia 7710, Mid Canterbury

Call Free 0800 155 669 Email: sjallen_timaru@xtra.co.nz www.sjallen.co.nz

SEPTIC TANK OWNERS How you can save money by keeping your septic system effective and healthy

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

your system will be operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health. What is Septi-Cure™ Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring microorganisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efficiency. As they progress through to your irrigation field they feed on the slimes that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work. This is why you introduce Septi-Cure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efficiency. A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years. He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition. Problematic septic tanks – treat with Septi-Cure™. Prevent septic system problems – treat with Septi-Cure™. For Septi-Cure™ – Call: 0800 109 202 Website: www.ecoworld.co.nz

For Free Info Pack PH 0800 628 356

Also available at

by WaterFlow NZ Ltd

www.naturalflow.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2015

Effluent and Waste Management ADVERTORIAL

Tanks, toilets and much more

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming

Sue and Craig Bason have been supplying New Zealanders with tanks, outdoor toilets and much more for 14 years now through their company NFP Fibre glass.

Please call

03 347 2314

or email sales@canfarm.co.nz IF YOU ARE BUILDING IN THE COUNTRY AND WANT THE BEST

WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AVAILABLE CHECK OUT THE

BIOCYCLE 8000 FROM

bio YCLE NFP Fibreglass are able to adapt their designs to suit clients’ needs

The Blenheim-based company supply to all areas of New Zealand and as far away as Niue. Their toilets are used by the Department of Conservation, national parks, regional and district council parks as well as reserves, orchards, vineyards and construction sites. A range of environmental, portable, wilderness and alpine toilets are available for any location. Their wilderness toilets can be easily transported by two people and on a regular trailer. The combination of practical designs and sturdy material make NFP Fibreglass products a long lasting investment. They provide ablution cubicles

that can be transported by helicopter into tricky terrain and have a range of easily accessible units for wheelchair users. “We realise that many people have very individual needs and may require the use of ablutions in areas where these may not usually be available. With this in mind, NFP has developed a fully accessible toilet. The much larger area inside allows for the use of wheelchairs with relative ease. “The products have evolved to meet the needs of our customers, which is one of the more interesting aspects of our work. We also do fibreglass repairs. “We make anything out of fibreglass such as slides, kayaks, dinghies, ponds, tanks for viticulture

and aquaculture,” says Sue. “We are happy to meet clients’ requirements with whatever interesting and different projects they think up. “The best thing about it is that we are nationwide suppliers.” The husband and wife team personally deliver some of their products to clients, depending on their location, which means they get to meet their clients face to face, adding a personal touch. Craig’s background in engineering means the team are able to design smarter products. Holding tanks are also available with a range of above or below ground designs holding up to 600L, 1200L, 1500L, and 4000L.

They also offer a 4000L septic tank that can be fitted with bio filters, baffles, inlet and outlet pipes, inspection hatches and a mushroom vent.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

BIOCYCLE SOUTH LTD Phone 0800 246 292 or 03 359 4443 One of the only Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems designed to exceed all standards email: info@biocycle.co.nz

www.biocycle.co.nz

EFFLUENT POND CONSTRUCTION We will design and construct your effluent pond from start to finish and: • Save you time and money • Give you environmental protection • Reduce the risk of effluent non-compliance • Be more effective in utilisation of nutrients and water Liner options include Clay, GCL and HDPE

For a free no-obligation quote call

Kerry Bartlett (Jacko) on 0275 746 803 • Dairy Conversions • Water Storage Ponds • Stock Races • Siteworks • Underpasses • Track Maintenance • Driveways / Landscaping • Forestry • Tree Removal • Border Dyking • Bulk Earthworks • Screening

Manufacturers of:

Canoes • Kayaks • Dinghies • Slides • Ponds etc A wide range of toilet options, portable and permanent incl fully accessible units for wheel chair access. Holding tanks, aquaculture tanks etc. 10 Bristol Street, Riverlands Estate Phone: 03 578 4750 | www.norskifibreglass.co.nz

p 0800 773 2002 m 0275 746 803 e jacko@paulsmithearthmoving.co.nz www.paulsmithearthmoving.co.nz

March 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

The combinations that reach new heights in total crop protection.

At Bayer we’ve developed a range of fungicides and insecticides that work in combination to provide protection like a bubble around your cereal seedlings, from sowing through the first weeks of plant growth. Giving you a simple, convenient way to get ultimate peace of mind, better crop emergence and helping to maximise production. Combination for wheat: Raxil, Poncho & Galmano*

Combination for barley: Raxil & Poncho

Broad spectrum control of establishment diseases, systemic protection of early rust infection and key insect pests.

Broad spectrum control of establishment diseases and systemic protection of key insect pests.

Insist on the perfect combination from Bayer.

For your local SeedGrowth specialist call N.I. Jeff Smith 021 426 824 S.I. Colin Dunstan 021 323 147 www.seedgrowth.bayer.co.nz

BAC 1367

*Galmano is registered for use on wheat. Raxil and Poncho are registered for use on wheat and barley. Raxil, Poncho and Galmano are registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 Nos. P5425, P5967 and P7795 respectively and are approved pursuant to the HSNO Act 1996 Nos. HSR000520, HSR100825 and HSR100402 respectively. Raxil®, Poncho® and Galmano® are registered trademarks of the Bayer Group. ©Bayer CropScience 2015. Bayer SeedGrowth™ is a trademark of the Bayer Group.

BAC 1367 Poncho Cereal Press Ad 180x260_ƒ.indd 1

2015

FARM PLANNER

Autumn

Summer

JANUARY Y

11/10/14 10:32 AM

FEBRUARY

MARCH

Winter

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

ORDER & APPLY DOLOMITE

3 4 5 6

TO COMBINE ANIMAL HEALTH & LIMING IN JUST ONE COST SAVING APPLICATION

Farmers... 7

...it’s that to be 10 10 time of 10 year again 10 10 10 ordering ready for11 11 11 Golden 11 Bay Dolomite 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 your Autumn application. 13 13 13 13 13 13 It is a proven fact that applying Dolomite not 14 14 14 14 14 14 only achieves a RAPID pH INCREASE, it 15 15 15 15 15 15 also has a multitude of additional proven 16 16 16 16 16 16 benefi ts to reduce farm outgoings/improve 17 17 17 17 17 17 your farm profi tablity. 18 18 18 18 18 18 19 20

19 19 For a19look at your farms19Calcium /19Magnesium Base20 Saturation and20soil health 20 percentages 20 20

21 22 23Trevor

21 21 21 21 Contact our South Island Dolomite21Sales team 22 22 22 03 22 5259 843 - 22sales@goldenbaydolomite.co.nz

23 Pearce 24Ross Wright 24 Ross Currie 25 25 John Roberts 26 26

23trevor@sollys.co.nz 23 23 24ross@sollys.co.nz 24

25rossc@sollys.co.nz 25 john@sollys.co.nz 26 26

25 26

23 027 2309 934 24 027 2462 114 027 4529 677 25 027 7064 800 26

AUGUST

2015

Spring SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

ONGOING BENEFITS 1

3 3 3 3 3 3  Significant reduction in animal metabolic 4 4 4 4 4 4 disorders, particularly during the spring season. 5 5 5 5 5 5  Improved mating performance. 6 6 6 6 6 6  Building my farms ideal physical soil structure by 7 7 7 7 7 7 correcting calcium / magnesium base saturation 8 8 8 8 8 8 percentages. 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10  Increased nutrient storage and availability. 11 11 11 11 11 11  Stronger, more vigorous clover and plant growth. 12 12 12 12 12 12  Reduced reliance on nitrogen inputs. 13 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 or eliminate 14  Reduce the14need for14pasture 14dusting 15 15 15 15 15 15 of MgO. 16 16 16 16 16 16  Consistently lower fertiliser input prices.

25 26

25 25 25 25 25 NZ’s Finest Magnesium Fertiliser 26

26 26 26 www.goldenbaydolomite.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

Fonterra boosts organic output Fonterra will be expanding its organic milk business to meet increasing demands, following a review to ensure this business sustains growth. Fonterra’s global business manager for organics, Craig Deadman, spoke about this development. “Following our review, we have refreshed our strategy to enable us to grow the business, profitably and sustainably,” said Fonterra’s global business manager for organics, Craig Deadman. This strategy reflects the volumes our customers have indicated they need, to satisfy increasing demand for organic dairy.” Fonterra will be increasing the total certified organic payment to $1.50 per kg milk solids from June 1. This reflects a new farmer payment of an additional 45 cents per kgMS to contribute to the costs of maintaining organic certification, in addition to the certified organic milk premium of $1.05 per kgMS. Mr Deadman said that although organic dairy is a speciality product, more people are choosing it and the trend is expected to continue in many parts of the world, particularly South-East Asia, China and the United States. “Chinese consumers are quickly developing a strong liking for organic dairy and organic options are always welcomed.”

March 2015

SAFETY FIRST ON THE FARM

forms to protect their health and ensure they are getting the most nutrition from their food. Fonterra’s organics business will concentrate on selling higher-value speciality products at premium market rates. “This approach enables all Fonterra farmers to benefit from heightened returns.”

LOOK OUT FOR YOUR WORK MATES

SOW

SAVE! Fonterra’s global business manager for organics, Craig Deadman wants to continue to grow the organics business to meet consumer demand

He said that Asian consumers also favour organic milk powders, especially infant formula and fortified milk powders. “We have recently launched Anchor organic milk powder in

China and it is already proving very popular with shoppers there.” Increasingly, consumers want to purchase products with less added ingredients and closer to their natural

Times are tough, so to lend a helping hand we are matching our Generator Seed Mix* to the price of milk...and every time the price of milk drops, we will credit you the difference! For more information, please visit our website: www.specseed.co.nz *Generator Seed Mix: This is a mix of high quality diploid and tetraploid perennial ryegrasses, Italian ryegrass, Huia clover and Timothy, and has been designed to achieve a high producing 2-4 year pasture at a very economic price per hectare. It can be established over a wide range of soil types, fertility situations and is suitable for all farming and stock types. Terms and conditions apply. Please see our website for more details.

Not Just Coatings Ltd

Industrial & Marine Coating Contractors

Waterblasting 5’000-40’000 PSI, with up to date attachments for concrete refurbishment, New or existing concrete. Repairs, cleaning & an extensive range of coating options available. We have over 35 years in the industry with valuable knowledge to provide expert advice. We have a “no problems only solutions attitude”!

Our services includes: • abrasive blasting • high-pressure water blasting • industrial & commercial painting • tank cleaning & specialised coating • repairs on a variety of surfaces and constructs such as concrete floors, cow sheds, tanks and concrete bunding.

March 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

Ashburton and Canterbury

Don’t miss out on this great rate over all Deutz Tractors & Simba Great Plains Machinery…

0% INTEREST

10% DEPOST

MONTHS

No fees. No Bull. Great Savings. Great Product

*Terms & Conditions Apply

Power Farming Ashburton and Canterbury Web www.powerfarming.co.nz Simon Jackson 03 307 7154, 0275 127 205 Neil Stuthridge 03 307 7155, 0275 824 545 Blair Jackson 027 706 4147 Joel Parris 027 435 0884 Matthew Kappelle 027 839 9229

CANTERBURY FARMING

Ashburton & Canterbury

one name covers it all $48,000

March 2015

$30,000

$39,000

$POA

$39,000

D L O

S Kioti DX 100 tractor and Loader, 100 hp,as new, awesome tractor with 286hrs

$40,000

Deutz Agrotron 105 tractor only, very tidy, McHale V660 baler, very tidy condition, as new tyres, 5600 hrs just traded and being serviced

$20,000

$36,000

McHale Fusion 2 baler/wrapper Combi, just traded, to be workshop checked, very tidy & NZ’s number one selling Combi baler

John Deere 678 Baler /wrapper Combi , just traded, 23,748 bales, tandem axle and in very tidy condition

$11,000

$9,000

D L O

S Case RBX 464, IMMACULATE CONDITION Variable round baler, 3 seasons old, 15000 bales, great buying at

$OFFERS

Amazone UG 2200 Sprayer, 24mtr, 2500ltr, tidy apart from tired boom, $open to offers

$44,900

Same Silver 110 FEL Very tidy, ex dry stock farm, true 4 wheel braking, 3spd power shift, 4 SCV remotes, 5700hrs

$16,700

New Holland BR750, Very tidy condition, these make great bales, good buying at $20,000

Schuitemaker 100RS Rapide loader wagon, 2005, immaculate condition, make your own silage very cost effective

$10,000

$POA

Stephens 2 bale bale feeder, immaculate Good range of Kverneland, Gregoire condition Besson, Lemken and Overum reversible Ploughs coming in soon

Tanco 1080 wrapper, twin satellite, as new belt, bale kicker mat, auto function, great wee wrapper for only $11,000

Aitchison 1116 seedmatic tine direct drill, immaculate condition, twin box, 3 point linkage

$29,995

$18,995

Massey Ferguson 6150 Vicon Mower Extra 336 3.6m, triple blade, 96hp, Pearson loader with 3rd service, bucket new shop soiled, centre suspended design included, 4600 hours, workshop checked 540 or 1000 rpm, new warranty

$104,800 Deutz Fahr 5 Series Experience the following with this premium low hour tractor. • near new 600 hours • power shuttle transmission-speed range from 134 metres to 40kph • cab suspension-comfort • hydraulic eco pump-efficiency • steering double displacement pump-2.5 turns lock to lock • stop & go-ideal for loader operation and increases productivity and reduces fatigue • self-levelling loader-soft ride-3rd serviceboom suspension • remaining balance of warrantye

$40,000

New Holland BB940 Medium square, Tandem steered axle, Well maintained with 65000 bales

$35,000

$48,990 Clough Quartz plough Realiability and strength, 8 furrow, Kverneland running gear through out, Trash boards

$19,995

D L O

Overum Plough DTL5108H Immaculate, 5 furrow, hydraulic reset, vari width, hydraulic front furrow, disk coulters, grass skimmers

Case MX 240 Deutz 105 FEL Very straight and tidy higher horse power 3rd service, 4500hrs, Great vision for loader tractor up for sale. operation and cultivation, workshop checked • 240 hp - Cummins power and reliability • 8200 hours (well maintained and plenty of $46,000 hours left under the bonnet) • front and rear duals 30-35 % rubber all round • 4 rear hydraulic service remotes • power shift transmission (overhauled 2000 hours ago) • command arm-driver comfort • ideal towing, cultivation or mixer wagon operation

Vicon RF 235 Bale Pack Low bale count @ 13600 bales, Great features for a great price

Power Farming Canterbury Simon Jackson 03 307 7154 Blair Jackson 027 706 4147 Joel Parris 027 435 0884 Web www.powerfarming.co.nz

All prices exclude GST

Power Farming Ashburton Simon Jackson 03 307 7154, 0275 127 205 Matthew Kappelle 027 839 9229 Neil Stuthridge 027 5824 545

March 2015

FARM WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Built for the tough stuff by Andy Bryenton

In the darkest days of World War Two, the allied forces needed a vehicle to turn the tide. Tough, rugged, reliable, and able to be fixed by any soldier with simple tools, the Willys Jeep ticked all the boxes, facing terrain as varied as Pacific Islands and freezing Nordic winters. It was slab-sided, functional and capable, and its legacy has been carried on by a company which are likely the

biggest auto maker you have never heard about — Indian industrial giant Mahindra. This article isn’t about their modernised take on the plucky little WW2 Jeep, though. It’s all about a machine which looks entirely different, but which shares what you could call a design brief with the Axis-

CARS - TRUCKS - VANS - 4WDS

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

0800 225 483 For all your automotive Lamp Requirements

busting off-roader. Mahindra’s Pik-up is relatively new to these shores, and the fully kitted out version we were given to test drive — complete with bull bars, a double cab and a timberand-steel deck — looks as different from its competitors in the utility sector as the outgoing Land Rover Defender did from a RAV4. If the term ‘military’ comes to mind, that’s no mistake — the Indian army, one of the world’s biggest forces, looks to Mahindra for transport. The other word which comes to mind is ‘spacious’, as the interior boasts enough room for a whole burly crew, with ample legroom and headroom for those in the back seats. Even behind a double cab, the back deck is the size you’d find on some singlecab utes, and looking at the single cab variant wellside, one can tell that these machines are made to indulge heavy, bulky loads. That means a ton on the back, four passengers, two and half tons towing capacity — and the ability to take that load

anywhere. Our test track for the Pik-up was not a parking lot (though it did slide neatly into a supermarket parking space). Not even a country gravel road. No — the Mahindra’s minders insisted we take their new ute properly off road — which meant visiting a range of coastal sandstone cliffs, rolling, rutted paddocks and steep hills. Some vehicles are tested on the Nurburgring, or on the Belgian cobbles of a development facility. These utes

EITHER WAY IT’S 20K

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

cut their teeth on the worst roads India could throw at them, then progressed to the Himalayas. Could a bit of Kiwi rough stuff faze them? No chance. On street tyres, in second gear, the Pik-up handled the terrain dauntlessly. And it did it all with a sense of mechanically engineered acuity — the nicely balanced click and slide of a rifle bolt. Under that tough exterior, Mahindra’s 2.2 litre turbo diesel packs parts by Bosch, and the

MIND YOUr SPEED arOUND SchOOL BUSES

kind of variable geometry turbocharger pioneered by the Porsche 911. Eaton supply a clever automatic differential locking system. The five-speed manual box recalls certain great off-road utes we could name, but shouldn’t. It all comes together to create a balanced and functional whole. There’s no mistaking the Pik-up for a luxury sedan — but let’s face it, that’s not what you want it for. Throw in the incredibly reasonable price, and it’s no surprise that Mahindra are gaining ground. After all, half a billion citizens of the world’s biggest democracy can’t be wrong!

QUAD BIKE

E A TE R !

PIK-UP FROM

$ 23,470

+ GST + ORC

* PLEASE NOTE WITH OPTIONAL EXTRAS & ALLOYS SHOWN.

• 2.2L, mHAWK CRDe turbo diesel • Tow Capacity 2500kg • Load Capacity 1100 kg (Single Cab 1250 kg) • Dual airbags, ABS, cruise control & immobiliser • Eaton diff • High/Low Range (4WD Model)

THAR DI FROM

TRACTOR & LOADER

$ 17,380 + GST

$ 71,490 + GST

* PLEASE NOTE CRDE MODEL WITH OPTIONAL EXTRAS & ALLOYS SHOWN.

• 2.5 Diesel Engine • High/Low Range • Borg Warner 4WD System • Power Setting & Air Con (Premium CRDe Model)

• Powerful Perkins 100hp 4-cylinder, 4400cc turbo diesel engine • Power Shuttle 32x32 including 8 Creeper Gears • Heavy dutyloader with 1870kg lift capacity - loader fitted with third service • Electronic 3-point hitch with 3110kg lift capacity • Wet clutch • Industrial-strength chassis

PLEASE NOTE: SPECIFICATIONS & PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. LOADER FITTED ON THIRD SERVICE FOR TRACTOR. PLEASE NOTE THAR CANNOT BE REGISTERED FOR ROAD USE.

www.mahindra.co.nz

COCHRANES AMBERLEY (TRACTORS)- 59 Carters Road, Amberley - Ph: 03 314 9055 COCHRANES ASHBURTON (TRACTORS) - 460 West Street, Ashburton - Ph: 03 307 8027 COCHRANES LEESTON (TRACTORS)- 125 High Street, Leeston - Ph: 03 324 3791 HAMISH’s VEHICLE SERVICES (VEHICLES & TRACTORS)- 2 Railway Esplanade, Gore - Ph: 03 208 1766 MORRISON CAR COMPANY (VEHICLES) - 1-3 Lowther Street, Christchurch - Ph: (03) 341 2020 TEMUKA AUTOCOURT (VEHICLES) -160 King Street, Temuka - Ph: (03) 615 8786

0800 282 726

FARM WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2015

Final Falcon delivers the goods

by Andy Bryenton

The Ford Falcon has been an icon of Kiwi — and Australian — motoring since the inception of the badge back in 1960. Back then, the Americanderived Falcon XK was beefed up to wear the XY denomination, strengthened to withstand the rugged conditions of its antipodean home. Ever since, Falcons have been designed in Aussie, with an eye toward our own roads as well. It was a big departure from the finned, chrome-heavy ‘tanks’ which the USA was famous for in the early 60s, and it formed the basis for a bloodline which has aged like a fine wine, getting better with the passing years. Throughout, there has been a special place in the motoring pantheon for the biggest, brashest Falcons — the GT spec bruisers which have contested countless races. Who can forget the XA and XB GTs, the, 1978 XC Cobra, or the long list of Falcon derived V8 supercars on the Bathurst tarmac? Certainly not Ford themselves, who have channelled this powerful, competitive spirit into the last Falcon ever- the 2015 XR8.

It’s the first XR8 since 2010, and five years of refinement show through. As does the influence of the sadly defunct FPV tuning house, who late last year wowed the world with their iteration of the GT-F — their roaring V8 swansong. Under the hood, this new XR8 packs a leaner 5 litre mill than its 2010 cousin, bolting on a powerful supercharger to achieve 335 kilowatts of power. That’s a hefty increase, and it’s tamed by some very advanced chassis and suspension tweaks, including no-nonsense four-pot Brembo brakes and wider, nineinch tyres. Handling is the key to success for a big muscle car — and the new XR8 fits that category like a glove. With body roll minimised and a crisp response in the corners, this Falcon is as agile as its namesake, making it hard to believe you’re behind the wheel of a 5-litre eight. The XR8 sits right next to its smaller XR6 brother in

styling and road presence, but the unmistakable sound of all those horses under the hood leaves one under no illusions as to which of the big modern cruisers is the daddy.

Not that the XR6 is in any way underpowered — and both cars enjoy state of the art incabin systems, thanks to the Microsoft-co-engineered Sync 2 touchscreen interface.

TWIN SPINNER SPREADER

The Falcon name may be about to ride into the sunset, closing a proud chapter of local motoring history. But this last masterstroke by Ford tells the competition

in no uncertain terms that while it’s going to bow out gracefully — succeeded by the much anticipated Mustang — it’s not going to go quietly by any means.

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BECAUSE WE ARE DIRECT IMPORTERS! 12,000

T l GS rma il o n the ice unt off r $500 lusive p h only inc ril 15t AP

2008 MAN TGM 18.330 330hp 4x4 spreading unit, autoshift/manual transmission, Beck chain feed bin, straight out of work & ready for more.

$125,000 + GST. Kim Harris Mobile 027 545 7973

0800 379 899

www.prestigecv.co.nz

Avon City Ford

$12,170

+GST

“In the ten years that I’ve been importing machinery, this is far and away the best product yet! Introducing the Tuatara UltraTerrain Vehicle (UTV)...”

we offer the tuatara at thousands below retail and other supplier’s similarly spec’d machines!

Brand new to NZ, manufactured in cooperation with the Chinese military, packed with features: • 2WD, 4WD diff. lock selectable • CFMoto 600cc, max speed 70kph • CVT auto clutch • Hydraulic tipping rear deck • Full foldable windscreen • Front mounted electric winch • Roof mounted spotlights (not shown) • Disc brakes all round • Rear drawbar

BUY DIRECT FROM THE IMPORTER!

Lifestyle Tractors & Machinery Ltd 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

Go Further

March 2015

FARM WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Battery additive

ADVERTORIAL

Canterbury Farmer gets 17 year battery life Lead acid batteries usually die prematurely from sulfation buildup on internal lead plates.

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,

DO NOT RELY ON THE ALTERNATOR A car battery can be treated for around $5. Available at :

0800 36 33 36

www.recharge.net.nz

STOP

MEANS STOP DON’T BREAK THE RULES

According to Gerard Anselmi of RECHARGE Battery Revitalizer & Conditioner, sulphation is very easy to treat and prevent premature battery failure with their simple Recharge Battery Conditioning Programme, “We have been saying for years that farmers are getting 8 to 10yrs in our battery conditioning programme. However, most shows we do these days, we meet people using our RECHARGE Battery Conditioning Programme with 12 and 14 year old batteries often still going,” says Anselmi. “In fact last year we had 3 farmers with 17 year old batteries, one was still going strong. The last one was a Canterbury farmer at the Christchurch A&P show in November 2014, and he was very pleased

with the results,” says Anselmi. “After 16 years on the market in NZ and 10 years in Australia I would not be surprised if we bettered that figure given time.” A RECHARGE treatment will dissolve the lead sulphate buildup turning those sulphur ions back into sulphuric acid electrolyte holding electrons. “We are chemically reversing the sulfation buildup process, one chemical reaction to counter another,” says Anselmi. “Once treated a battery is essentially running at full capacity, provided the lead plates are still in good condition. Prevention is the key, treat them early, repeat every 2–3 years and keep them charged.” Recharge is available from Farmlands and Auto-One stores and will also be featured at the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek in June as

usual. You can also check out the revamped website www.recharge.net.nz and the new Facebook page. Yes you can treat sealed batteries simply by drilling into each cell, treating and

re-sealing 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.

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For your nearest dealer call:

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62hp AVON CITY MOTORCYCLES

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2015

FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY ADVERTORIAL

Goliath Gate a winner for feed pads and utes

After the success of the Ride Over Gate for ATV bikes and centre pivot irrigators, The Wrangler fielded countless requests for a wider gate suitable for utes and tractors. feedpad and been impressed with its ease of use and durability. He has been taking the farm’s tractor and feedout wagon over it three times a day without ever having to get out and open the gate, and not having to negotiate stock from the gateway has saved having a second person on hand. A key difference with the Goliath Gate are its tall fibreglass rods. Their height means the front wheels are still on the gate keeping it down until the vehicle’s rear wheels ride onto it. Like the

smaller ROG, there is also a solid area of pipe to one side making it easy for ATVs to drive over it. Once over, the gate springs back up to close it, stopping any stock from making their escape. The ROG expor t opportunities await after its Youtube video went viral, attracting interest from buyers and firms keen to be agents in America, Europe, and South Africa. Closer to home the Goliath and ROG were recently on show at the Kirwee South Island Agricultural Fieldays.

15COC002

Farmers were after another gate that would open with a vehicle nudge, close itself automatically, that wouldn’t let stock through, would be tough enough for heavy and long wheel-based vehicles, yet be simple, and requiring no electricity to run. After more of the clever thinking that won the original Ride Over Gate a converted Fieldays Innovation Award, and six months of onfarm testing, the Goliath Gate is now in production. Farm Manager Thomas Chatfield has been trialling the Goliath on his Otakiri

You choose

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To lock in the best deal on a new Puma tractor for spring delivery visit your local Case IH dealer today. Offer ends 30th April 2015. For full terms and conditions please refer to your local Case IH dealer. * Step up to next HP model within SWB or LWB range. ** Based on 36 month term, 30% deposit and normal lending criteria.

Ashburton 03 307 8027

Amberly 03 314 9055

Timaru 03 688 2179

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March 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

103 TRAILING MAXITILL

Seedbed preparation with stubble incorporation

The 103 fully trailing maxi till has “no equal” to its sound, rugged construction. Its floating contour following wings allow for complete coverage of ground, making for fast efficient seed bed preparation. High tensile pivot pins 100mm tine spacing Simple design, easy to use

203 CENTREFOLD Designed to effectively and speedily break up furrows and clods, as well as levelling out the ground evenly in preparation for sowing. Independent contour following wings World-famous ‘S’ tines Heavy duty rear crumblers

“The cultivation machinery was very basic but looking at the finished product, it just goes to show you don’t need to spend a lot to achieve results in challenging conditions” FARM TRADER REVIEW

NZ Made for NZ Conditions

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2015

FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

The science of application

by Andy Bryenton

Modern cropping is an intensive industry — a necessity in these modern times when factors of population and economics mean that farmers must increase their yield and deliver a quality result from every square metre of arable land. In order to feed the masses and achieve optimum results, cutting edge science must be applied. And when that application comes in its most literal sense — spraying crops for improved performance and resistance to pests — technology has kept pace with biology and chemistry, delivering machines such as the new Househam Spirit to get the job done right. With product names such as Spirit and Merlin, the UK based Househam company may well be channeling compatriots Rolls Royce in their model lineup. But super-luxury motoring is not their stock in trade. Instead, this innovative company, hailing from the pasturelands of Lincolnshire, are committed to developing and manufacturing a wide range of sprayers, from those connected to modern tractors all the way through to selfpropelled units like the new Spirit 3000. Self-propelled machines offer all the benefits of economies of scale, along with superior operator comfort and utility for large operations and agricultural contractors. The Spirit has been developed by Househam’s in-house R and D department as an entry level machine, but this doesn’t mean that any of

their advanced proprietary tech has been left out. On the contrary — this self-propelled unit is not only an efficient delivery system for all spraying applications, it is also a quiet and comfortable platform from which to work, with it’s fully air conditioned cab, 140 horsepower CAT diesel, and cushioning suspension to minimise both the bumps, and the machine’s footprint in the field. Indeed, the Spirit moves through the fields like its namesake, as quiet hydrostatic wheel motors and airbag suspension combine to provide smooth and even progress, maximising accuracy of application from its twin 13/24 metre folding

booms. When extended, these provide a swathe of coverage, and when folded they allow the Spirit to navigate through narrow gates and along laneways with ease. The 3000 in the machine’s designation refers to the large 3,000 litre tank mounted in an optimum position to maintain a stable centre of gravity and, although all of these features combine to make quite an imposing impression, the Spirit weighs less than 6,000kg dry. We know from recent advances in road cars that lower weight means better fuel economy, and the same is true here, with the added bonus that Househam’s product is also light-footed

S a nd b l a s d e c n & tin a v Painting d g A POWERFUL FINISH

SERVICING CHRISTCHURCH TO ASHBURTON Mobile Sandblasting & Spray Painting Free quotes and prompt service – Industrial Coating – All Farm Machinery – Truck Chassis – Decks – Bulk Bins – Stock Crates – Grain Silos All Types of Farm & Contractors Machinery

Bradley 027 344 4847 Email: advancedsandblastingandpainting@gmail.com

advancedsandblastingandpainting.co.nz

SAVE TIME AND MONEY! CALL US NOW • EFFICIENT & EFFECTIVE NUTRIENT PROGRAMES • IMPROVES YIELDS • REDUCES SOIL COMPACTION • MORE CONTROL OVER NUTRIENT APPLICATION

E: graeme@fertigation

0800 337 840

where it counts, out in the field. Househam are provided in Canterbury by the experienced team at EuroAgri, importers of some of Europe’s best farm machinery. For farmers wanting to enter the self-propelled sprayer market, EuroAgri also work closely with Househam to offer clients pre-owned machines with full service histories from both New Zealand and the UK. Both farmers and contractors say it is a great stepping-stone to seeing the cost, and benefits a sprayer particularly with air-ride suspension can add to their operation.

The Cold Season is Back, 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 •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 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

ID CANTERBURY ACHINERY

We Buy,Sell & Trade Machinery

Hustler 3000 Bale Feeder As new $27,000 Kongskile 4300 Vibro Flex $7,250 AgrimasterRMU 2000 Mulcher $6,750 Dunhill 8 Furrow on land plough $3,500 Fiat 880 DT Tractor C/W Loader $7,000 Flexinet Electric Fence $55 Alo 1 5 Silage Grabs Shipment Arrived $5,000 McHale Soft Hands $3,100 Snaplock Dual Wheels 16 9x38 $3,000 Trailing Grubbers From $8,750 Heavy Duty Quick Hitch New $1,025 2 4 Long Hay Feeders $900 Celli 2 5Mtrs Roto Hoe $6,500 Alo Universal (Good for Maize Silage) From $6,100 Universal Silage Wagon Tandem $6,500 Page Tandem Axle Tip Trailer $11,000 Gray 10FT Water Ballast Roller New $POA Duncan 701 Drill C/W Eclipse Box $4,250 Maxitills 10,12,14,&16FT From $1,450 Read 2 Bale Feeder $3,750 Taarup 730C Rake $1,750 Cattle Ramp $2,400 Kverneland NC 300 Power Harrow $8,500 Nobili BNG 310 Mulcher $8,250 Silage Grabs Euro Hitch 1 5mtrs $3,700 Fiat 250 Tractor $2,000 Watson 6 3 Rollers www walter-watson co uk In Stock Claas 680 Profile Rake $10,500 Giltrap Silage Wagons $3,750 Vogal 1 5 Topper $1,500 Taege 2 Bale Feeder $7,500 Howard Roto Hoe 100"Selector Till $1,250 Nuffield 10/60 Tractor C/W Loader&Power Steering $6,000 Trailer 2 Axles Turntable $10,000 Bamford 7 Reel Rakes From $1,150 Fieldmaster 3 Mtr Gearbox Topper $10,750 Rata & Pearson Silage Grabs From $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

March 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

Winter Cultivation EITHER WAY IT’S 20K

MIND YOUr SPEED arOUND SchOOL BUSES

Ballagh Contracting ltd Now Operating Pottinger Cultivation Drill For your Autumn crop needs.

AGRICULTURE CONTRACTORS

Please Call Sam 027 279 1344 A/h 03 318 6542 or John 027 432 1988 A/h 03 318 6847

NUTRIENT ^K>UTIKN^ >tĚ

For independent and knowledgeable advice on: Ͳ

Ɛoil and plant nƵtriƟon

nƵtrient bƵdgeƟng ;KverƐeerΠͿ

resource and compliance monitoring

nutrient research and management projects

training and troubleshooƟng

Over 30 years experience developing research and knowledge ďased ĨerƟliser prograŵs Ĩor anƚerďƵry Ĩarŵers. Contact: Murray Craighead B.Ag.Sc., M.Sc., CPAg., CNMA ϭϭϴ ƵīƐ ZoaĚ͕ Z͘ ͘ϳ͕ ZanŐŝoƌa ϳϰϳϳ

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ADVERTORIAL

Considered nutrient advice

Today’s farmers need to be aware that farm environment plans and nutrient budgets are here to stay. Farmers must use sound management to help control nitrogen and phosphorus losses. To aid with this farmers must understand their soil type variability and contour, a soil’s water holding capacity, and any effects drainage events have on nutrient losses. Lime and other nutrients are often given little thought and, like N and P, must be used in the correct manner and at the correct time. Sub-maintenance fertiliser leads to inefficient use of nutrients, reduced production, poor persistence of pastures, reduced pasture quality and a decline in soil quality. Other considerations that impact on farm nutrient losses are the type and area of crop or pasture grown, whether they suit your soil type, the type of cultivation used, your rotation and the balance of exported versus grazed crops. While many of these issues relate to your future farming, here are some pointers relevant to autumn decisions: Nutrient losses will be reduced the quicker you get ground cover from new crops and pasture. Nitrogen applications should be early to minimise winter leaching and rates adjusted to suit growth and soil texture. Soil test data must be representative of the soils and land contours involved. While precision technologies may be useful there is no substitute for your own

knowledge and experience. Consider differentially applying nutrients, seeding rates and seed mixes to complement soil variability. Consider how to balance inputs based on production potential rather than applying blanket recommendations to large areas. These concepts are not new. Farmers need to see environmental pressures as a positive opportunity to overhaul their farming system. Sound advice is a key to achieving this.

Supplier’s of:

DoloZest | CalciZest | Organibor Traces

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Soil Testing & Advice Fertiliser’s | Custom Blending Call us, I’ll prove we can make a difference

0800 65 65 88

www.sustainablesoils.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2015

Winter Cultivation ADVERTORIAL

Way To Go Heliservices

Soar above the spectacular South Island with Way To Go Heliservices Ltd. Their team of experienced pilots have been helping farmers with aerial agricultural solutions since 2000. The business has a fleet of four helicopters based at Rangiora Airfield. “We provide a wide range of ser vices, many of which are very specialised,” says executive assistant Mandy Smart. Way To Go Heliservices Ltd can help with solid and fine particle fertiliser application, brush weed and crop spraying, lifting tanks and fencing materials to difficult places, mustering stock, wilding pine control, fire lighting and fighting. Their agricultural services are often required for farming and hill country development, forestr y development and control, and aquatic weed control New Zealand wide. These tasks are the core of their helicopter service. As Rangiora’s local agricultural company, they provide services to farmers and foresters across the Canterbury Plains, from as far south as Waimate up to the Hurunui River. The team are certified to carry out air transport, commercial transport, aerial work and agricultural work throughout New Zealand and have the highest standards in safety and quality assurance policies. Their pilots come with years of experience and

knowledge of the South Island regions and have many hours of flight time under their belts. “One of the best things about our company is that we work together as a team, helping each other out to provide our clients with a memorable experience/service. This is crucial as it’s a 24/7 weather dependent, reactive i n d u s t r y, ” says Mandy. “Way To Go Heli Services Ltd can help with fertiliser application which can be helpful at this time of year to encourage crop growth whilst minimising crop damage. “Following the onset of autumn and the regrowth of gorse, broom and the likes the spraying of your weeds can be undertaken by helicopter, when weather may mean other forms of spraying are unavailable.” The three agricultural helicopters are equipped with a Tracmap GPS system to ensure accuracy when carrying out spraying and top dressing. The business initially started with an Agricultural focus but, chief executive and chief pilot, Rob Kittow has gradually expanded into other areas as demand increases.

SAFETY FIRST

Way To Go Heli Services Ltd specialise in aerial agricultural services as well as scenic tours, transport and charter, heavy lifting and more

They now cater to a range of different customer needs, from scenic tours, transport and charter, heavy lifting, to special occasions. Their current fleet consists of a Eurocopter AS350SD, which carries up to six passengers, a Hughes 500D which carries up to four passengers and the Robinson R44 which takes three. They also have a Robinson R22 for lessons.

Aerial Agricultural Services Services we provide: Solid/Fine Particle Fertiliser Application Brushweed/Crop Spraying General Lifting – Tanks/Fencelines Mustering Fire lighting/Fighting Wilding Pine Control Aerial Photography/Scenic Flights Charter - Fishing/Hunting Flight Training

For more information visit www.way2go.co.nz.

8 Wheeler Flat Deck/Hiab with 5 tonne lift

Operating Canterbury-wide Phone: 03 310 6815 | 0800 929 246 www.way2go.co.nz

ON THE FARM

Pasture Need a Boost?

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

• • • •

Mowing • Ag Spreading • Cartage • Baling Ploughing • Wrapping • Hay & Straw Sale Cultivation & Drilling • Ag Plastic Recycling

Slow Release NPK Soil Conditioning Organic Matter Totally Natural

“Your Chicken Litter Specialists” www.poulfert.co.nz Call 03 349 2411 0800 NPK NOW

March 2015

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

Hoof Print

with Fred Hoekstra

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

Two secrets to healthy hooves We all know that having a healthy herd is paramount to good business. There is also the feel good factor knowing that you are looking after your animals. A key part of herd health is the hoof. We all know that a cow with a damaged hoof can spell disaster. So how do we combat this? The answer is to take a holistic approach to healthy hooves. Below are two important points that help avoid

lameness. Firstly, nutrition is a key element in the equation. We have all heard the saying ‘you are what you eat’. Well this is not quite the same with dairy cows, but you could say that the better the food (or nutrition) the healthier your dairy cows will be. This in turn means that your cows’ hooves are also going to be healthier.

There is common perception that hoof damage is caused by rough tracks and constant walking to and from the milking sheds. However, we now know that this is incorrect. Hoof damage starts from the inside out — not from the outside in. This is where nutrition comes into play. If your dairy cows are in optimal condition then their hooves will be strong and healthy and be able to resist the normal wear and tear of everyday walking. This is not to say that having good, well maintained tracks and sheds doesn’t aid in the prevention of lameness. Research shows that tracks with a higher crown through the middle help to reduce the amount of lameness. A holistic or combined approach is always best. However, the main point is, proper nutrition is very important. The best method of feeding is one that avoids rumen upset. Careful phasing of the herd between feed types will help to avoid this problem. Secondly, curbing excessive hoof growth is also a key

element in the equation. Let’s face it a dairy cow weighs a lot. Each hoof has to hold a lot of weight. On each hoof the weight burden is spread between the two claws. You can imagine that if one claw becomes higher than the other then the weight will be unevenly distributed — the higher claw will carry more weight. And what happens when that single claw starts to be put under more pressure? It grows even more — to try and cope with the extra weight. Eventually the higher claw will start to buckle and falter under the extra weight resulting in lameness. This is where hoof maintenance comes into play. We call it preventative trimming. Hoof trimming ensures that both claws on each hoof are even and in the best shape for distributing the weight equally. Without

First showing overgrown toe, then same hoof after trimming. In the last photo a height difference between the claws can be clearly seen

correct trimming lameness can be rampant amongst dairy herds, leading to lots of lost production. In summary it is important to remember that correct nutrition is very important in order to keep the cows in optimum

health and to avoid rumen upset. This coupled with preventative hoof trimming will significantly reduce the amount of lameness in your herd. For more help with dairy cow lameness, feel free to call me on 0800 833 463.

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

call 0800 4 Dolomite

Why dolomite in autumn saves time and money In the past, when dairy income has been tight, withholding autumn fertiliser has been seen as a valid means of containing costs. winter and early season growth, as is sulphur. A low cost option this autumn, that ticks a number of important boxes for the next six months, is Golden Bay dolomite, a relatively inexpensive natural product containing both calcium and magnesium. Properties where dolomite is applied regularly in autumn have few, if any, severe cases of calcium/magnesium related metabolic disorders in spring, Any clinical cases that do eventuate are not severe, and rapidly respond to a single treatment. Which means that valuable time is not lost in spring treating cows that are down for a lengthy period. When cows get back to their feet quickly little muscle damage occurs, and the impact on the season’s milk production is minimised. In our twenty-five years of providing dolomite for

intensive dairy, there has never been any doubt or criticism of its effectiveness. Trial work at Massey University’s Fertiliser and Lime Research Centre showed that dolomite effectively lifted plant magnesium levels soon after application, and remained effective for at least 17 months. Magnesium is also a carrier for phosphorus, helping ensure sufficient phosphorus for maximum pasture production and energy until at least late spring. The typical dolomite application rate to intensive dairy properties is 220kg/ha, which effectively applies 25kg of magnesium per hectare. At this rate a typical truck and trailer load of around 28 tonnes provides sufficient magnesium for 130ha, and with regular annual applications a steady increase in soil test magnesium levels can be

PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS CROP STORAGE AND HANDLING SYSTEMS

FEED SYSTEMS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH PMR

PMR are pleased to announce that they are now able to supply total dairy feed systems through our supplier GSI into both rotary and herringbone complexes.

expected. The outstanding animal health and overall performance benefits provided by dolomite is due in large part to its ability to improve physical soil structures. As a highly effective soil conditioner it helps with the drainage of excess water in winter, and has the same liming effect as high quality limestone. Autumn is the ideal time to apply dolomite, as sufficient time is available for plant magnesium levels to lift for a largely trouble free-calving, and ensure high levels of per cow production throughout the remainder of spring. For more information call Peter on 0800 4Dolomite (0800 436 566).

0800 436 566

NZ’s Finest Magnesium Fertiliser

Rangiora Landscape & Garden Supplies Ltd Post peeling or sawdust Ideal for calf pen bedding, feed pads and horse stables

Ph 03 313 7337 or 027 313 7338 Delivery Canterbury wide

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

TROUGHS & TANKS • CULVERT PIPE • WATER RETICULATION • STOCK CONTROL & MORE

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALISTS UNDERPASSES

BRIDGES

STONETRAPS

FDE EFFLUENT SYSTEMS

PMR offer: • Site Consultation • Supply • Design • Installation and Repairs

The range of products include bulk storage silos, hopper bottom silos, roller mills, flex flo coreless augers and grain augers.

GSI SILOS Flat bottomed or hopper. 10 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes. Can be fitted with stirrers and unload systems. Dairy Feed Systems now available.

WAKELY ROLLER MILLS PMR are pleased to be able to supply the Wakely Roller Mill. Wakely Engineering have been manufacturing Roller Mills for the last 30 years and manufacture mills from 1.5tph through to 30tph plus.

Dairy Feed and

Crop Storage Specialists

Tel: 03 303 7266 Mobile: 0275 146 609 Email: dave@pmr.co.nz Web: www.pmr.co.nz

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

Soil Matters with Peter Burton

But is it a sound option? Farmers that spent less on feed last spring without reducing animal numbers, are reporting fewer cows in-calf than usual. Empty cows are a real extra cost that will impact negatively on next season’s production. Most dairy farms now have little wriggle room when it comes to feed availability. The requirement for maximum production has to be found from somewhere. When budgets are already tight, risking being short of spring feed by withholding fertiliser this autumn could be very costly. If fertiliser inputs this autumn are reduced, what is the priority component needed? On many properties phosphorus inputs, particularly last season, were significantly above maintenance. Potassium availability in autumn after a dry summer is nearly always adequate for strong

March 2015

EFFLUENT STORAGE (From 40,000 to 4 million litres volume capacty)

BRANCHES CANTERBURY WIDE 0800 WE PIPE (93 7473)

www.hynds.co.nz

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2015

IT’S A

CASH BACK DEAL

TWO-WHEEL

STEAL!

DR200SE

TF125

TROJAN

MUDBUG

$5,495

$3,495

FARMBIKE

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Linden Trees

by Tim Jenkins

Multi-purpose tree crops are a worthwhile addition to any farm or garden because they have, well, multiple benefits. One tree that impresses visually as well as with functional qualities is the linden (Tilia species). The flowers put on a midsummer display, the trunks grow grandly and bring a stately European look, and the leaves shade in summer and fall to let the winter light in. What’s less known about the Tilia species is their edibility. Pick young leaves (particularly in spring) and they are excellent in salads for a nutritious boost. Tea made from the flowers is common in Europe and has a honey-like fragrance — just make sure that the flowers are young as old flowers may bring unwanted toxic narcoticlike effects. Sap can be drawn safely from Tilia trees to use as a sweetener or syrup. What is even less known in most countries is its use as a timber for tool handles. Although very light it is robust and is the most common timber for handles of the motike (mattock like tools) in the former Yugoslavian countries. When we first brought some motike heads into New Zealand I made handles from kanuka and hickory but the heavy woods make for hard work unlike the lighter linden

handles that we now have from Yugoslavia. Motike are the ideal tool for weeding, tree release work, potato mounding and many other garden and farm activities. If you’re grubbing dock, remember you only need to get the first ten centimetres of root out so the motike can do the job. With the light linden handles find it possible to work a whole day weeding without tiring. Any potato ridging is so much faster and easier than using a swan neck hoe, there’s no trouble whizzing through a hundred metres of row in a matter of minutes. Linden is a great handle timber since there’s no problem with splinters getting into the skin. These artisan tools are hand crafted from old cultivation discs and the four-foot linden hand carved. No wedge or screw is need to keep the handle in place, just the occasional soak in water for a few hours to let a dried out handle expand within the top metal ring. A commercial plug now: We have these available on TradeMe but you can contact us direct at info@csat.co.nz or phone 027 437 8950 and we can hook you up with a special

price of $70 Christchurch pick up, or $85 couriered. Send us your address, phone, pick up or courier and mention you saw it in Canterbury Farming. Getting timber from linden is not too difficult. The trees can be easily coppiced and

even pollarded. The very light coloured wood is easily carved for ornamental work, woodturning or, of course, for making tool handles. Pollards mean that leaf harvesting is easy in the spring to supplement your salads.

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feedback on your strengths and weaknesses.” Recently engaged, Mr Davidson has his sights set on owning his own dairy farm one day. He also has a small block of land and does calf rearing which keeps him and his new fiance busy. His motivation for entering the awards came from his desire to learn as much as he could. “If you take away one thing from the awards then it is worth it.” “The benefits of being a part of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are meeting people and networking. “You get to surround yourself with people that have a lot of experience. “It is a good learning experience. You are learning how to cope under pressure with people putting you on the spot. It is a great way to test where you are.“ Competitors in the New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year must be aged between 1830 and be currently employed

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March 2015

LIVESTOCK

CANTERBURY FARMING

Wool Perspective

From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

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

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Rain was welcomed in the areas where it did fall recently, albeit only a tease for many, however there will be some places within the reading area which experienced the remnants of tropical cyclone Pam, but hopefully did not experience too much damaging wind along with the wet. The eye of the storm, in regard to the wool market over the past couple of months, has been the very good prices enjoyed for lamb’s wool as buyers have showed extremely keen interest in those types. At levels not witnessed in a very long time, crossbred lamb’s wool has been well sought by the buying trade with best prices paid for well prepared lines, showing little or no sign of seconds (skirtings) within the main body wool. Having said that, 2nd lambs have, until very recently, reached levels not too far below those attained for the good body wool as buyers have obviously been pressured, by forward sales, to buy. Crossbred fleece prices have also remained firm, on a type for type basis, over the past few weeks despite the wild fluctuations experienced as the Kiwi dollar

has swooped and soared like a scrap of paper in a windstorm. A feature noted by many in the wool trade during past weeks, has been the quality of fleece wool coming forward mainly from southern areas of the South Island. At this time of year a much poorer colour is expected in wools from further south, however this year to date, most wools have been of good washing colour with very few lines of yellow fleece obvious. This has also been instrumental in those poorer types, which have been offered, realising prices very close to the better colour wools. Cotted fleeces have also been a relative rarity in the auction arena, something of a surprise to brokers and buyers when such a good lambing (both in drop and survival) was experienced during springtime, signalling that ewes were in tip-

top condition at lambing time and feed was available early for their progeny. In stark contrast to many ‘southern’ wools, several crossbred clips from the wider Canterbury region have contained substantial quantities of dust, sand and vegetable matter, all reflected in the yield measurements often testing lower than ‘usual’, plus a number of clips have measured finer than ‘usual’ due the their tenderness mainly caused by a lack of feed and subsequent stress following lambing. PGG Wrightson Wool have a range of forward contracts available to wool growers, including crossbred, midmicron, and merino types all linked to processor contracts offshore resulting in a range of finished products from carpets, rugs, blankets, socks, active wear, suitings, outerwear,

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upholstery, to insulation, and tennis ball felt. Whilst several of the products don’t offer the same ‘sexiness’ portrayed by some competitors, many contracts to supply have been in place for a considerable number of years whilst others are relatively new and innovative. Wool growers are advised to talk to a PGG Wrightson wool representative to ensure all opportunities are explored. As well as a myriad of forward contracts, the extremely efficient and cost effective PGG Wrightson wool auction provides a regular opportunity for growers to showcase their wool samples to the widest possible range of buyers where they (buyers) can view the samples and attend the auction, all within the same building. Selling New Zealand wool in New Zealand is the best way to ensure full value is obtained. That’s my view.

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LIVESTOCK

CANTERBURY FARMING

Pest watch A pest that has caused havoc in the US, could cause considerable damage if it was introduced to New Zealand. Environment Canterbury is encouraging farmers to look out for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. The bug is an agricultural pest found in Asia which has aggressively invaded the US. This insect feeds on more than 300 hosts, primarily fruit trees and woody ornamentals but also field crops. The insect can seriously damage fruit making it unsaleable, which could result in production losses. Adults are approximately 1.7 cm long, with a distinctive brown ‘shield’ shape. The underside is white/tan, legs and antennae are brown with white banding. Its eggs are light green, barrel shaped, and found in clusters of 20–30. These eggs are laid on the underside of leaves. Young nymph stages are yellowish brown, mottled with black and red. Older nymph stages are darker, with the banding pattern on the legs and antennae beginning to appear. Environment Canterbury urge travellers and those receiving mail from overseas to open luggage and mail from overseas in an enclosed space to ensure no pests are released. Protecting native plants, trees and animals is important to

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March 2015

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minimise the impact of animal pests and stop plants such as wilding conifers, boneseed, old man’s beard and wild thyme from taking over. Slowing the spread of plant pests such as gorse and broom and reducing nassella tussock will ensure land is not lost from production. Chilean needle grass seeds can affect stock as seeds become

lodged in their skin creating risk of infections. These pest, land and water management practices also impact biodiversity values and the lack of responsible systems result in the irreversible loss of species and habitat. Rabbits are an ongoing issue in some areas. Rabbit haemorrhagic disease is no longer as effective as it once was so new methods

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LIVESTOCK

CANTERBURY FARMING

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Great season for velvet producers Farmers have now enjoyed a six-year run of firming velvet prices, making velvet production one of the most profitable livestock farming options. Deer Industry INZ chief executive Dan Coup says the profitability of velvet production is a big confidence boost for deer farmers and has offset some of the disappointment around venison prices and drought. “The velvet industry is feeling confident and we believe it has a bright future,” he says. The 2014/15 season started with a bang with strong demand from Korean buyers. Then, as the styles preferred by Mainland China came on stream, Chinese buyers became dominant. Some exporters reported that prices before Christmas were up 25 per cent on the previous season, bringing the all-grades average to around $125 a kilo,

with further increases since then. Coup says that once the strength of demand became apparent, exporters did an excellent job of maximising returns to farmers, but he cautions farmers against banking on similar increases in prices next season. “Of course, prices could continue to increase. But because a good chunk of New Zealand velvet is still sold in the commodity market, with competing demand from Korea and China as well as different segments within those markets, it is extremely difficult for DINZ or exporters to make predictions,” he says.

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“The reality of commodity markets is that they are volatile and unpredictable. We know that increased demand from healthy food companies has reduced our reliance on the commodity market, but I’d still advise velvet farmers doing their budgets for next season to be conservative.” Coup says there are very good reasons for NZ velvet to be in the top price bracket globally. The major buyers now recognise that New Zealand has the best product, the best biosecurity and the best quality assurance. “But all markets have their limits. Feedback from the market tells us that as prices increase, there can be

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S AROUND THE CORNER

substitution of NZ velvet. In oriental medicines and health tonics, the proportion of velvet can be reduced in favour of other medicinal ingredients. “In an ideal world, prices will remain stable at levels

farmers have enjoyed during the last few seasons. DINZ and exporters are having growing success marketing NZ velvet to Korean consumer food companies producing branded remedies and tonics for the mass market.

“These businesses recognise the attributes of our product and now account for around 20 per cent of production. “And like all food manufacturers they look for stability in the prices of ingredients.”

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CANTERBURY FARMING ADVERTORIAL

March 2015

You can handle the truth

In our capacity for knowledge most of us seem to arrive in this world with a clean slate. After childhood we begin to speculate about the long-term — who are we and where we came from? In his book Prison Planet Revelations, Denis Goodwin explores these questions and the possibility that we are deliberately being confused. Now, Goodwin has released an accompanying DVD where military insider Bob Dean breaks his sworn ‘National Security’ oaths to reveal our cosmic connections and reveal ‘truths’ we have been mislead as a society to believe. Goodwin investigates how we are a product of our culture, upbringing, education and history. He speaks of our inherent guidance system of emotions, inhibitions, conscience and the ability to critically analyse and how this can be overridden or subverted. During our lives we are told many conflicting things — that life is brief, the possibility of afterlife and evolution. Many of us have been made to believe we are the only significant life in the universe making the rest of the universe redundant. This book encourages the reader to overcome what is prescribed for us by others and make the decision to understand for ourselves our true nature and place in life.

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March 2015

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Rats and mice are the most serious mammalian pests ever known. Their opportunistic lifestyle, intelligence, omnivorous diet and prolific breeding are a constant threat to New Zealand farmers and households. Rats live to around 18 months old and with nine generations they can produce over a million offspring. There is a need for a highly effective rodent bait with increased palatability. Generation® is a new rodentacide using the most advanced new active ingredient on the market — difethialone. It is a fast acting, single feed, latest generation anti-coagulant with no known genetic resistance in rodent populations.

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to rodents and comes in two unique formulations — a Soft Bait and Block, both of which outperformed all other baits in head-to-head bait choice trials. SOFT BAIT: Rodents find the soft bait odour and taste irresistible. Developed with a mixture of high grade cereals and vegetable oil, the waxfree soft bait formulation is highly palatable and will attract rodents even when there are attractive competing food sources. The special soft bait packaging allows the aroma to escape and encourages rodents to start feeding earlier, resulting in faster treatment control times.

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other rat baits in rodent taste trials. The potent 15 gram block gives 25% more bait placements than competitor 20g products. They are manufactured with multiple edges to encourage gnawing and a centre hole to secure the block inside a bait station and prevent rodents from moving baits to sensitive areas. Generation® has proven to be a success after 12 months’ use in New Zealand. In the South Island after the beech tree last year the last six months has seen plagues of rodents in rural communities. The soft baits seem to be

most popular with farmer preference and also with the rats, with reports of rats trying to chew through the plastic pail Generation packs to get more bait. Generation® Soft Baits and Blocks have a range of Bait Stations to ensure responsible use with three sizes being available — Mouse, Tunnel, and the larger ‘Rat and Mouse’. These bait stations can be utilised in any rural premises, indoors and out. Generation® — NEW Active, More Attractive, smart bait for rodents. Available from all PGGWrightson stores.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2015

School receives gardening grant by Ayla Miller

Lake Brunner School has been awarded a $2,000 grant by Farmlands and Rural Women New Zealand, to help them establish a shared garden for their students. “It’s wonderful news!” says principal, Sue Gibson of the grant. The money will go towards purchasing timber for garden beds, fruit trees and other plants. Teacher aide Tania Rees, who has a background in landscaping, has been a driving force behind the school garden. “We are currently in negotiation about what we will plant,” she says. The school plans to build a plastic house for plants that don’t usually grow on the West Coast. “The weather here on the West Coast is not the best over winter. We have about three months of rain which is why we wanted to make a plastic house to grow things that wouldn’t normally thrive in these conditions. “Outside we will have raised beds for things like potatoes,” says Tania. During the off peak season the Lake Brunner community is made up of about 60 families and see’s a huge influx of holiday-makers during the summer months. “In the school holidays, we will set up a roster with parents, so that someone is always

looking after the garden and none of the produce goes to waste. “The kids are not afraid to call on the community for help. They write letters and emails to builders and are quite used to contacting people for assistance with their projects. People are always really happy to help out.” The school currently has 46 students and Tania believes this is beneficial when organising school projects such as the garden. “The children all know each other and the older ones really help the younger ones.” Tania says that teaching students to garden, gives them a skill they will have for life. “It really ties in with the curriculum. We planned the plastic house last year and the kids used maths to calculate the area we would need for it and how many plants would fit in. We also learnt about companion planting which tied in with science. Although a lot of the students are from farming backgrounds, the younger ones don’t realise the connection between the food on their plate and the plants growing in their garden.

“Yesterday we had the fiveyear-olds looking at the peas in the pods. “Some of them hadn’t realised this was where those peas at dinner time came from,” Tania says. “They just see them on their plates or coming from a packet at the supermarket.” The school plans to use the produce to make soups. The fruit from their orchard will provide snacks for a midafternoon pick-me-up which Tania says is a great way to energise the children during the afternoons. “The garden also encourages healthy eating and lately there has been a big push with healthy lunchboxes. The children get out their lunchboxes and make a food pyramid with the contents. “The garden will hopefully provide more things to go into the bottom section of that food pyramid,” she says. This is the fourth year Rural Women NZ and Farmlands have offered the grants and Lake Brunner is one of eleven schools to win this year.

Lake Brunner students are excited to be able to expand their school garden with a grant from Rural Women NZ and Farmlands

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March 2015 CANTERBURY FARMING

Surviving low milk price season Advice from DairyNZ urges farmers to focus on strong cash flow management to prepare for the 2015–16 season as a result of Fonterra’s half-year results announcement. Chief executive Tim Mackle says it will be challenging for farmers in the coming season. “This season is all but over. Fonterra’s forecast cash payout for the 2014/15 season of $4.90–$5 helps provide some certainty for farmers. “Knowing those winter payments will drop in this next

season will be second nature to many farmers. But the ones who have already forecast their cash flows are surprised at how long they stay low. They are now taking steps to put strategies in place to manage those impacts. That’s a bit of a wake-up call for everyone,” he says. “The 2015– 16 season coming poses an even

bigger challenge — when lower retrospective payments start to hit in July and August this year and many more farmers have to look at putting cost-effective measures in place to avoid escalating their debt. The key point is that farmers must assess their situation and plan ahead.” Dairy NZ have been holding

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle is encouraging farmers to plan ahead for the 2015–16 season

SOMETIMES THE PERFECT WAY TO GET YOUR PERFECT HOME ON YOUR DREAM PROPERTY, IS TO TR ANSPORT IT FROM ANOTHER SITE

AT LAING WE WORK WITH YOU TO ENSURE YOUR RELOCATION PROJECT PROCEEDS AS SMOOTHLY AND HASSLE-FREE AS POSSIBLE. Having worked with Laing Properties on a number of projects Max and Adrienne Duncan were no stranger to the level of detail, precision and customer-care that comes with working with this multi-disciplinary construction company. Of particular interest to the Duncan’s is the relocatable side of Laing Properties, and so when once again the opportunity arose for them to purchase a pre-loved home they leapt at it. “This is our eighth relocatable home with Laing Properties,” shares Max. “We have been dealing with them since 1990, and really appreciate the level of detail that goes into finding their relocatable homes,” he continues. “They are fussy about the standard of houses on offer, and we simply tell them what we are looking for and they find it!” Seeking additional accommodation for their Dunsandel farm, Max and Adrienne were delighted to be able to recycle an older home, and essentially give it a new lease on life. “We had just moved a tidy three bedroom home from a site in Dallington into our yard,” offers Sales and Marketing Manager Liz O’Neill, “and it was perfect for the Duncan’s needs.” Requiring minimal touchups, such as new paint work and a new hot

water cylinder, the home was able to be professionally transported to its new site in Dunsandel and modernised with a new colour scheme, all within budget. “In the end, Max and Adrienne were also able to purchase a double garage to go with the house for extra storage” concludes Liz. Relocating a home is a decision that can save you money, prevent waste, and help protect the environment. Successfully relocating buildings for more than twenty years, Laing Properties are also able to undertake the refurbishment and retrofitting of the relocated buildings, including the installation of new insulation, the upgrade of electrical and plumbing, recladding the exterior with lightweight modern materials, and more. Plus as licensed building practitioners they obtain all of the necessary building consents and ensure everything is completed to the highest of standards. Aiming to make relocating a building a move you will never regret, Laing have an extensive range of recycled, renovated houses to suit every need. Discover your new property on display in their Sockburn yard.

R E L O C AT I O N S BUILDINGS MOVED ON AND OFF SITE LAING PROPERTIES LTD | 15 HANWORTH AVENUE, SOCKBURN, CHRISTCHURCH P 03 349 4977 | E INFO@LAING.CO.NZ | WWW.LAING.CO.NZ

‘tactics for tight times’ events to provide farmers with the tools they need to get through. “Production is dropping away quite dramatically now so we’re probably looking at New Zealand’s milk production ending up not far behind last year’s result. Production was up 10 percent last year — so that means we’ll match a season that produced a record amount of milk. “That’s a heartening result given the dry conditions we’ve had around the country. It’s

a real testament to the way farmers are running resilient systems, learning and managing well through dry summers using a range of measures like once a day milking. However, it’s also sobering to see how much dry conditions cost the country and our farmers — millions in lost production. We were looking at being well ahead of last year’s record production until the dry spell hit. It underscores the need to explore irrigation options in a way that meets everyone’s needs,” he says.

CANTERBURY FARMING March 2015

the ‘last’ word with Rob Cope-Williams

Sheep Numbers After all the dramas the sheep industry have faced and got through over the past few years, I was rather sad when I heard a radio news story suggesting the numbers were going to fall through the gratings and for many sheep farmers the writing is on the wall. The item went onto say that dairying was predicted to increase despite the hits Fonterra are taking price wise. While I agree that dairying is far from over, and that they as an industry will fine tune themselves to get through whatever the world throws at them, I was very sad that some ‘expert’ has written off the sheep industry. Firstly, yes the numbers have dropped off as the focus has changed and sheep have been pushed back into the foothills, but that doesn’t mean the industry is on the rocks. Secondly the demand for wool is still strong from overseas markets and it is well known that our wool is the best in the world and therefore will always be valuable. Thirdly, the world is very short of meat and New Zealand

produces top line sheep meat and with a number of top marketing people selling it as a niche product rather than a commodity we are in the pound seats to cash in on an ever increasing world wide ‘foodie’ market. Gone are the days of frozen lamb being shipped over to the United Kingdom at rock bottom prices! The overseas markets are demanding, and getting, wonderful cuts that look great, taste brilliant and are easy to cook. With many overseas families having both parents working, as we do here, the cooking time for the evening meal is about 20 minutes (or two scotches if you’ve had a bad day). That means the weekly roast is off the market, but our clever exporters are turning a lamb leg

into wonderful cuts that take very little time to prepare and cook. The venison industry are doing the same as are people such as Angus Prime so the whole meat industry is heading in the same direction — upwards. Therefore I suggest that the sheep industry isn’t on the brink of disaster, it is in fact on the edge of a very sizeable wave that will carry them into the next few years with margins that haven’t been seen for many years. After all we are constantly told that selling is all about supply and demand, and while the numbers are low, there’s huge demand. Obviously the drought has led to many capital stock being written off, that is not a signal that the industry is on it’s knees.

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March 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

2.49

Finance *conditions apply

John Deere announce 2.49% finance on 6 series tractor and loader package Offer available on John Deere 6000 series Small Ag Tractors up to 150hp, must include John Deere Loader.

Achieve more every day with a 6 Series tractor. These high achievers are engineered to give you great performance with all the quality, strength and reliability that you can expect from John Deere. Combined with a purpose built H series front loader, you have the ideal tractor for every job on the farm. Grab one while you can. *Conditions apply. Finance available through John Deere Financial Limited to approved commercial applicants only. Valid on new John Deere 6D Series Utility Tractors, 6MC/6RC Series Tractors, 6M (6105M to 6150M only), 6R (6105R to 6150R only) and Loaders that fit eligible equipment. Offer is based on 20% deposit, GST back and 36 months term. Fees and charges apply. If not amended or withdrawn earlier, the promotion expires on 30/04/2015. Other terms and rates are available. Available for new units in stock at participating New Zealand John Deere dealers.

TO FIND OUT MORE CHRISTCHURCH

799 Jones Rd, Rolleston 03 349 4883

CHRISTCHURCH John Murgatroyd Murray Chesterman Quintin Boyd

ASHBURTON 832 East St 03 307 9911

027 4355 900 027 2664 222 027 4867 792

ASHBURTON Mark Symes Reece Trotter Baden McDowell

www.dne.co.nz 0800 432 633

027 4441 706 027 4867 733 027 4387 555