Canterbury Farming, May 2012 by Integrity Community Media

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

May 2012

INSIDE Dairy Industry’s tardiness Page 7

Falloons welcomes its newest Director Aaron Allred Page 8

A kind of mania

Page 33

At home, at school

on A2 milk ‘a tragedy’

by Hugh de Lacy A major blunder has been made by the New Zealand dairy industry in its failure so far to get aboard the A2 milk bandwagon, according to Lincoln University’s Professor Keith Woodford, who wrote the book on the subject. “It’s a tragedy that the national herd is not getting converted [to A2 cows] as fast as we can,” Woodford told Canterbury Farming. “The biggest threat to the New Zealand dairy industry is the A1/A2 issue,” he said, in that New Zealand could be left stranded should it be conclusively proved that A1 milk is a danger to human health. Woodford’s 2007 book ‘Devil in the Milk’ detailed the link between an opioid peptide called BCM7 that occurs in A1 milk — but not A2 — and heart disease, autism, schizophrenia and Type One diabetes, among major other diseases. Most of New Zealand’s milk and about 60% of its five million dairy cows are A1, and it would take seven or eight years to convert to 100% A2 by a combination of genetic testing and using only A2A2 Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) sires. Woodford’s latest call for the national industry to switch from A1 comes as the alternatively listed company marketing A2 fresh milk

globally, A2 Corporation, passes a series of major milestones in its development as a global business. They include: • Expanding profitability: In the second half of last year A2 Corp recorded a net profit of $3.1m, up 247% on the $894,000 in the same period of 2010, on revenue up 55.9% to $30m. • Achieving scale: The company’s market capitalisation has ballooned to around $260m, which puts it in the league of one of the New Zealand Stock Exchange’s few big agribusiness securities, Pyne Gould Wrightson, which has a market cap of just under $300m; two years ago A2’s market cap was $20m. • Expanding market share: During a ferocious 15-monthslong fresh-milk pricing war among the Australian supermarkets which cut the price of house-brand A1 milk to $A1/litre ($NZ1.26), A2 milk’s market share rose to 5% and sales expanded 30% while its price of just under $A2.50/ litre ($NZ3.15) remained unchanged. • Gaining a powerful partner in the United Kingdom market: A2 has teamed up in an exclusive UK and Ireland distribution and marketing deal with German-owned Robt Wiseman and Co, which commands a third of the 6.5

billion litres-a-year UK freshmilk market. • A partner at home: A2 has teamed up with Chinese-owned Canterbury milk processor Synlait to manufacture infant formula for the Chinese market. • A factory of its own: A2 Corp last month opened a $9.5m factory in Sydney which will process 10 million litres of A2 milk a year for the Australian market, which is growing at 40% a year. “All of a sudden [A2 Corp] has got to a scale where [it] cannot be simply ignored as totally speculative,” Woodford said. “Increasingly some of the big players in the dairy industry are recognising that it’s getting time to act.” Whether one of those players is the giant local cooperative Fonterra, Woodford says he doesn’t know. Fonterra has always been sceptical of A2’s claims, especially in the light of reports by both the New Zealand (NZFSA) and the European (EFSA) Food Safety Authorities that did not endorse the A2 claims. The European report, which came out in 2009, appears to have been the reason that Westland Milk Co-operative abandoned earlier-announced plans to have all its suppliers switch to A2 cows.

Woodford said that despite the EFSA saying it could not see how A1’s BCM7 protein could penetrate the gut and access the brain by way of the bloodstream, but “it did confirm that BCM7 is only released from A1 milk, and it did confirm that BCM7 is bioactive.” Since then, Russian research seems to have confirmed that BCM7 does penetrate the gutwalls of infants, and may be one of the causes of acute lifethreatening events (ALTEs) in babies. Woodford said despite the inertia of Fonterra and Westland on the issue, he was aware of many dairy-farmers round the country gradually moving their herds across to A2 simply by selecting on LIC sires listed as A2A2. “There are a couple of bulls around at the moment that are

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carrying another version of the [BCM7] gene called the B Version, which is neither A1 nor A2, but is like A1 and may be even worse. “Keep well clear of that one,” Woodford advised. “If you really want to shift across quickly and get up to 100% A2 in seven or eight years, then you do need to genetically test the cows,” as well as use only A2A2 semen. Owners of large or multiple herds could make the switch immediately, simply by identifying the 40% or so of their cows that were already A2, and running them as a separate herd. “If I was dairy farmer in New Zealand at the moment I would definitely be using only A2 semen, and I’d be doing it as much as anything as a risk management strategy,” Woodford said.

May 2012

‘Yes – Tourism, Conservation and Agriculture do mix’ Brown Kiwi and contains the second largest stand of lowland native forest in the North Island. So it is an area worth protecting and worth marketing.

It is often said that farmers are stewards of private land just as the Department of Conservation is the steward of public land. Both want to leave the land in a better condition for future generations This similarity of purpose is highlighted in the exciting partnership which has developed in the Whanganui National Park area between the regional council, landowners, iwi and the Department. Together they have enhanced pest control operations, biodiversity and catchment management over 180,000 hectares of the Whanganui River Catchment (of which about a third is public land, a third iwi land and a third farmland). This is the largest and most ambitious biodiversity initiative in New Zealand. It is also unique because it is the first time that DOC and regional government have worked together so closely. This partnership approach, called ‘Kia Wharite’ has clearly resulted in valuable outcomes on both public and private land - creating real improvements in forest and threatened species

protection and the management of waterways. The partnership project has also provided opportunities for rural businesses to produce high quality products from sustainably managed land as well as being an avenue for New Zealanders to experience the scenery and biodiversity of the region. The focus is on creating a healthy environment - through the use of 1080 poison (trialling significantly reduced rates of application) and intensive trapping to eradicate pests like rats, stoats and possums, as well as fencing off bush and protecting waterways with riparian planting. If the environment and the waterways are healthy then endangered species such as the blue duck (whio) will thrive.

Kate Wilkinson, Minister for Food safety

This area is also home to the North Island

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And talking of marketing, one of the local farmers markets his beef as ‘conservation beef’ – what a great label! He has also merged conservation with tourism by educating visitors, taking them on goat hunting excursions and has a team of ‘eco-warriors’ to help with stoat trapping and predator eradication. Not only does this offer real, back-country experiences it helps reduce the pests that harm our native birds and forests. To cater for the increasing number of visitors who come to enjoy the untouched bush, wetlands and rivers he has built a café and accommodation on his property. And he runs a farm. This really is a win-win for farming, conservation and tourism. I’ve talked about conservation being good for business and business being good for conservation. This project epitomises that. Kia Wharite has deservingly won a prestigious IPANZ public sector award for its joint approach to protecting the natural environment. It is a successful project because of the commitment and shared goals of everyone involved. Protecting our native animals and landscapes for future generations is an important aim in itself. What this project has shown is that the benefits go beyond conservation – benefitting our farmers and helping to create tourism opportunities which can revitalise our rural communities.

REMEMBER

It is ILLEGAL to use a hand held cellphone while driving a motor vehicle 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

1016 Weedons Ross Road, West Melton, RD1, Christchurch Ph 03 347 2314 Email info@canfarm.co.nz

May 2012

From the Minister David Carter, Minister of Agriculture

When you open this newspaper, there’s a good chance you will read a story on local government. As we all know, matters concerning local authorities are never far from people’s minds.

They will refocus the purpose of local government so that councils provide good quality local infrastructure, public services and regulatory functions at the least possible cost to households and businesses.

Local government is keeping me very busy since I took over the portfolio in mid-March, and I am certainly enjoying the challenge. In many ways, it is a good fit with some of the work I am progressing in the Primary Industries area.

The ‘Better Local Government’ work programme includes eight specific initiatives.

My key priority at present is the ‘Better Local Government’ reform programme which aims to encourage and enable local authorities to focus on doing those things that only they can do. I have spent the last few weeks travelling around the country meeting with mayors, councillors and others involved in local government and I have been pleased with the generally positive response I’ve had to these discussions. The proposed reforms are part of the Government’s broader growth agenda. This Government is firmly focussed on rebuilding and strengthening the economy to get back to surplus by 2014/15. To meet this goal, both central and local government must improve the efficiency of delivering public services.

The first four initiatives will be introduced to Parliament next month. They will be included in legislation which we aim to pass before the end of the year. This will allow the Local Government Commission time to consider any early council reorganisation proposals presented to it before the October 2013 local government elections. The remaining four proposals, which include establishing a local government efficiency taskforce and developing a framework for central/local government regulatory roles, will feed into a second Local Government Reform Bill proposed for 2013. It’s important to point out that these proposed changes don’t necessarily mean an end to council-backed events like local arts festivals and fireworks displays. The reforms are intended to sharpen councils’ focus on what they provide and whether there is significant public good resulting from expenditure.

Ratepayers need to know their local council is spending their money wisely, on services that matter to them.

The Government recognises the importance of local democracy and the key role mayors, regional chairs, councillors and board members play in their communities.

The reforms will provide clarity around the role of councils, stronger governance, improved efficiency and more responsible financial management.

In these challenging financial times, it is essential that central and local government work together to secure a brighter future for all New Zealanders.

Cull or Murder The lines have been drawn for another year as duck shooting hits the calendar and the age old arguments get dragged out. Those who think that it’s a case of people wanting to go out and kill innocent wee ducks are up in arms (whoops, sorry about the play on words) while those who go out and enjoy the sport are defiant about the case that a duck being shot is much more humane than dying of starvation because the numbers are so great there’s not enough food to go around. Several points I don’t understand. Getting up before five in the morning to travel miles to get to your pond, then struggle through the darkness on foot usually over fences and through stands of gorse to then sit in freezing cold conditions for dawn isn’t my idea of a romantic notion. Having to buy hundreds of dollars’ worth of equipment to attract the ducks and to avoid being noticed certainly isn’t a great investment when you consider how much meat there is on a duck. Paying nearly 90 dollars for the privilege to get cold, lose massive amounts of sleep and then be told you must use steel ammo which you know doesn’t kill ducks as well as lead seems rather steep to me. That many shooters feed and exercise a dog for 12 months just so they don’t

need to wade out into the pond on two mornings a year seems excessive to me. Then if you do get to shoot any ducks, it is expected that you pluck and draw the things. Anyone who thinks that part of shooting is fun has never done it. So really, the odds are stacked firmly against there being any real enjoyment in this duck shooting business. As far as the ducks are concerned, they have the advantage of being able to fly. They certainly use that advantage and seem to know exactly how high and how fast to ensure they are out of range. They are very happy to have shooters feed them on their favourite ponds and then laugh themselves silly as they head out to sea to drift through their day. So really, those who think it is mass murder out there, forget it. The bangs you hear on opening morning are more than likely over enthusiastic people thinking that their guns have a range of about two kilometres and with blood pumping furiously through their veins they are sure that dinner is as good as on the table. Personally I think the duck shooting is neither cull or murder, it’s a competition between a hunter with generations of instinct within his or her DNA and a duck with more cunning than any hunter could imagine. It really is an unfair contest, as the duck has most of the cards.

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May 2012

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New Zealand’s single biggest threat Bio-security is New Zealand’s single biggest threat. Any major incursion of fruit fly, BSE, or Foot and Mouth would cost this country billions of dollars and must be prevented. At a time when the USA is trying to address a BSE scare and Canada, along with other pork producing countries, is struggling with the PRRS disease, the National government seems determined to increase the risk to our country. The announcement by Minster David Carter that he supports the easing and implementation of a new Import Health Standard for imported pork is just plain stupid. Especially when the science

on the wasting disease is so unclear and so devastating. The same stupidity is obvious when the Prime Minister John Key promotes a fast gate customs process for USA visitors at a time when the USA are struggling to contain BSE, a major threat to any country’s meat industry.

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funding cuts, and muddling responsibility with customs and immigration. And if reports I receive are true, they have also undermined the experience and wisdom of its own frontline staff. The new super ministry of Primary Industries, launched on May 1, is an amalgam of horticulture, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, food safety, trade and biosecurity. New Zealand farmers and primary producers should be very concerned that biosecurity resources, policy and frontline effort are being compromised by the muddled objectives of this super ministry. I believe it is time we

pulled Biosecurity out and had a separate well resourced and well focussed department. We can then ensure standards of border protection are not compromised to appease the wishes of our trade negotiators and a Prime Minister who seems determined to lower the barriers for anyone coming to this country as a tourist. Their short term enjoyment and satisfaction could end up being a long term disaster for NZ, a country that will always be dependent on its biological and biosecurity systems for our future. I hope John Key and his National Party colleagues learn this before it is too late.

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May 2012 Scion forestry research and various polytechs. The School of Forestry has been hard at it testing beam timber to enable allwood building contruction of up to seven levels. Possibly higher as research progresses. Processors are now able to manufacture laminated beams up to 40 metres long and in whatever shape is required. Common sense tells us that there is considerably more flexibility in wood construction than in other materials such as steel, brick or even concrete in the event of persistent earthquakes. Although the latter material is still a must for piling and installing floating foundations. Developers may prefer highrises, but there has to be limits on earthquake prone areas.

The great sustainable multi-purpose product — wood, wood and more wood Trees can be treated as a farmed crop. A long term crop. A couple of rotations in a normal person’s lifetime. It just keeps growing. From a small seedling to a big tree. Easily replaced after felling. It sucks in carbon dioxide and forms fibre. Dense resilient fibre. And it beats the heck out of most, if not all, alternative finite resources. New technology has given the lowly conifer and denser hardwoods a major boost. Think of all the products that are processed from wood. Toilet paper to laminated beams. Framing timber to chemicals, to heat energy from sawdust, shavings, slab wood and forest residue. Take the Christchurch earthquake rebuild. All sorts of projects are being discussed, plans and projects promulgated by engineers, designers and architects. But let’s face it — which buildings better withstood the shaking? The good old timber framed, weatherboard houses were said to have survived some of the biggest magnitude events. Considerable research has been undertaken by various bodies, such as the Canterbury University School of Forestry,

With the potential swing in the recognition of climate change, and that recent research into this is gaining public attention, there is now increasing interest in the use of woody biomass to produce energy as a replacement for fossil fuels. Escalating costs in the search, processing and distribution of oil and gas is now making it cost effective to use wood fuels, in the forms of chip, pellet and biofuels such as diesel and ethanol. An analysis of comparative costs prepared for the Dunedin City Council energy hub has indicated that chip fuels used in boilers for water heating is less than half of LPG when measured in kilowatt hours in output. In some cases a third the cost when economy of scale is applied. Lignite coal, depending on proximity, is still the cheaper source. But with potential future legislation regarding the ETS carbon credits, as well as extraction and processing costs, plus innovative research in woody biofuels, it is a safe bet that chip fuel would win out. So what is the picture right now? We currently export 70% of our forest cut in raw logs and lumber overseas. And this is happening due to succesive governments; short term tunnel vision strategy. Any potential downstream processing in value added products is paid scant attention. Sawmills have been closed, or have been mothballed. So-called economists, media commentators and advisors within state departments appear blind to the struggles within the forest industries. After all it only provides some $4 billion dollars to the economy annually. In some ways the industry could also do with a shake up. There are other species that could be profitably grown other than radiata pine. And don’t mention wilding conifer stands of mixed species. Does anyone within the government administration or the industry know that the humble willow is capable of being

processed into multiple products, such as resins, coatings, plastics, paints, foams and carbon from the base ingredient, lignin. The technology is a digester which produces three base chemicals from willow chips, lignite, xyglose and cellulose. Xyglose can be further processed into artificial sweetener for use in confectionary and food products. Cellulose can be processed into ethanol used for fuel, solvents and other products. And this technology has been developed right under our noses, and we are about to lose it. A recent publication lists Taupo based Vertichem Technology which has perfected the technology with the help of Auckland company Genesis Research and Development in 2008. A trial to get this off the ground was put on hold due to the global credit crisis. The trial plant is currently back on the agenda with construction expected next year. BUT NOT IN THIS COUNTRY. The $100 million plant had been successfully tested in this country on willow chip, but will now be set up in North America, and will use sawdust from a large sawmill. Vertichem’s general manager Kevin Snowden would like to have seen the plant built in New Zealand believing this technology has global potential, according to the publication. And so it goes on. In the meantime down in our neck of the woods huge heaps of dead willow trees have been extracted and piled alongside streams. Sitting there ready for some entrepeneur, or some sort of R&D funding, to do something about it. Its time to rattle some dags in the Wellington autocracy.

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rUrAL ProFessIoNALs

May 2012

Company Receivership When a company executes a charge, mortgage or other security over all or some of its assets, the documents recording the loan will almost always give the lender the right to appoint a receiver if the Company runs into financial problems and defaults under the terms of the loan agreement. If the creditor believes that the assets which are included in security are in jeopardy a receiver can be appointed to take action to realise the assets or manage the business for the benefit of the creditor. In some cases a company may get back on its feet and continue trading and the receivership would then be discharged. If there is no hope of the company’s survival usually the assets would be sold

and the company liquidated. Usually a receiver is an accountant or an experienced insolvency practitioner. They have to follow the rules for the appointment of a receiver and must produce reports on progress with the receivership at regular intervals. When a receiver is appointed he/she will take control of the assets which are covered by the security document. Some securities cover all of the company’s assets but some relate only to a specific item or items and the other assets are not the business of the receiver. If the receiver believes that a Company’s directors or other personnel may destroy or remove assets from the Company’s premises

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they may have assistance from people (usually security guards) to secure the assets. Where a farming company has given a security over both its land and stock a receiver may ensure that the stock is not removed from the premises at the time that the company goes into receivership. Recently a Marlborough farming operation was in the news when a receiver arrived at the farm with a number of assistants to secure the premises and eject the farming family from the dwelling. The appointment of a receiver was a surprise for the farming family who are taking legal action against the receivership. Normally receivers work in with the company to try to achieve the best possible result for the creditor who appointed him/her, and the Company. The administration of the company during receivership will vary but the receiver is always required to comply with the legislation under which he/she has been appointed. If you are owed money by a company which has gone into receivership you should lodge your claim with the receiver. When the receiver has completed the tasks he/she was appointed to do, the receiver is required to give notice to the Registrar of Companies that the receivership has ended and must also file a final report on the receivership. At that time the company may continue trading or it may be placed in liquidation with a liquidator being appointed to liquidate the company. This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a Partner with Ronald Angland & Son, Solicitors, who may be contacted on Tel: 03 349-4708 or e-mail bessie@anglands.co.nz

Money Talk

W ith Andrew W yllie What a great Autumn season and hard to believe we are near the end of May with some of the mild days we have had recently. Mind you it won’t be long until the frosts become a daily occurrence with a smattering of snow on the Alps already. So what has been happening in the investment world? If we look back about six months ago, the debt issues in Europe and the lack of a resolution plan marked a low point in equity market sentiment. Since then investor sentiment has improved, helped by longer-term liquidity measures provided to the banking sector in Europe. United States corporate earnings and employment growth have also been positive, albeit below expectations. Meanwhile China continues to contribute to global activity and the gradual shift to domestic consumption is positive for the longer-term rebalancing of the global economy. Europe has continued to be a source of negative news, with public unrest surrounding proposed austerity measures, political instability and election cycles increasing uncertainty in the affected regions. Questions regarding the level of Chinese growth also continue to come in and out of contention. Earlier in the quarter for example, a lower official Chinese growth target raised concerns that growth was slowing. However, China has a history of outperforming

its officially stated targets giving grounds to believe growth should remain within expected ranges. Looking at the markets, equities were strong over the quarter, although returns did ease back from their January highs and again during April. Currency movements were mixed during the period. The New Zealand dollar gained against the Australian dollar as the prospect of interest rate cuts in Australia became more likely. European currencies gained during the period despite difficult economic conditions, while the United States dollar appreciated modestly. In New Zealand dollar terms, United States equities were the best of the offshore markets, while German equities continued to be the stand out in Europe. Asian and emerging markets were also good performers. The local New Zealand equity market has benefitted from the pursuit of high dividend yields with the NZX50 up nearly 8% for the period while Australian equity returns, although up over 4% for the period, lagged as structural weaknesses continued in the domestic economy, reflecting in part the effect of the high Australian dollar. The surprise cut of 0.50% in the Official Cash Rate by the Reserve Bank of Australia earlier this month should kick start the economy to some degree. Looking at the fixed interest markets locally, New Zealand interest rates remain near

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their historic lows. Improved confidence had started to lift longer-term interest rates, but this trend unwound during the bout of economic uncertainty that re-emerged in April. Fixed interest rises are also being constrained by the potential for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to cut cash rates again. Regardless of whether this occurs or not, the consensus is that monetary policy will remain accommodative, with interest rates staying low, for longer. Crikey, how many times have we heard that recently! The market here has in fact priced in a cut of 25 basis points in July and this has been reflected to some extent by the local trading banks cutting mortgage rates on shorter fixed term lending. Quality fixed interest bond issues continue to be highly sought after with these low rates making it harder for investors to generate reasonable returns, especially after allowing for inflation and tax. If you would like to confidentially discuss your investment position please give me a call. Andrew Wyllie is an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted on 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

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May 2012

rUrAL ProFessIoNALs

Falloons welcomes its newest Director Aaron Allred

Recently Aaron Allred became a director of the firm. Aaron gained his degree from Canterbury University, after which he worked for Electric Data Systems in Wellington & Dublin. During this time he became a Chartered Accountant and also became a family man with two children, Jackson 11 and Holly 9. After returning to his home town of Methven, Aaron has worked as a manager for another CA firm in Ashburton before joining Falloons in 2009. John Falloon, the other director, has degrees from

Succession – a unique and emotional issue “My father is a farmer

faced by the farmer as will his/her thoughts on protecting the farm from the consequences of marriage/relationship breakdown in the next generation farmer. Who bank rolls the handing down of the farm both in the short and long term is a vital consideration – the farmer in the short term and the bank in the future maybe.

His heart is in the soil… My father is a farmer

The firm Falloons began in the 1960’s when the then local manager of the Farm Accounting Association, Bruce Leighton purchased the Ashburton Branch. The firm still specialises in providing a full range of accounting services to the rural community with clients now stretching from the Bay of Islands down to South Otago. Most of our team of five have been brought up on farms and so have a deep understanding of the challenges and developments which affect our clients.

That’s all he’ll ever be The values that the land taught him, He handed down to me.” Are words from a poem written by Jasmine Swantz as a tribute to her farmer father. But how does the farmer hand down the land? With the majority of farmland in New Zealand owned by farmers over 60, farm succession isan important topic. A farmer is really only the life tenant of his land. Will it be fair? Can it be equal? As a consultant at Lane Neave with many years’ experience in trusts, wills, rural, urban and commercial conveyancing and estate planning and administration, and coming from a Canterbury farming family myself, I see that early planning is wise. Overriding all decisions will be the viability of the farm now and then in the hands of the next generation. both Lincoln College and Canterbury University. John has been a director/ partner of the firm since 1979. Over 30 years he has given significant time to the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants, being a councillor for 10 years, and spending 20 years on the Professional Conduct Committee, five years as

chairman. Currently he is on the board of IHC and chairman of the audit committee. Three of our team members have been with us for a combined total of over 60 years, which gives us a huge depth of knowledge and experience when working with our clients. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients.

On the road to the plan the farmer will consider how he/she will achieve a retirement income while enabling the next generation to ‘buy’ the farm and earn a living too. The farmer who has planned early will have considered off farm investments to assist in achieving his/ her retirement income. How many in the next generation will wish to farm will be a question

There has to be a team approach – the farmer, his farmer child/children, his nonfarming child/children, his accountant and bank manager (considering the business plan and tax implications) and his lawyer (structuring the plan with the protection of trusts and/or companies and ensuring the farmer’s will is relevant). Once implemented the plan must be regularly reviewed as individual personal circumstances change. Legislation is also consistently changing and routine professional advice should be sought. The economy is volatile and so are families who do not keep talking! Please note: the information contained in this article is necessarily in summary form and should not be treated as legal advice. If you require any assistance please do not hesitate to contact the writer: Rosemary Aitken Lane Neave rosemary.aitken@laneneave.co.nz Tel: 03 379 3720 Mobile: 021 223 6327| You can ﬁnd out more about us at www.laneneave.co.nz

Partner Gerard Thwaites is a specialist in private client and rural matters with 20 years’ experience and personal involvement in the farming community.

Falloons welcomes its newest Director, Aaron Allred.

• Refinancing, Sales & Purchases • Subdivisions • Trusts & Estates

Falloons began in the 1960’s. While Bruce Leighton was local manager of the Farm Accounting Association, he purchased the Ashburton branch. Falloons still specialises in providing a full range of accounting services to the rural community with clients stretching from the Bay of Islands to South Otago. Most of our team of five grew up on farms and share a deep understanding of the challenges and developments which affect our clients. Falloons welcomes Allan Allred as a Director. Armed with his degree from Canterbury University, Aaron worked for Electric Data Systems in Wellington and Dublin. Allan is now a Chartered Accountant and family man. Returning to hometown, Methven, Aaron managed an Ashburton chartered accounting firm before joining Falloons in 2009. John Falloon, Director, holds degrees from both Lincoln College and Canterbury University and has been with Falloons since 1979. Over three decades, John has served the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants as a councillor for over ten years, and 20 years on the Professional Conduct Committee, five years as Chairman. John currently serves on the board of IHC and Chairman of the Audit Committee. Falloons staff has a combined total of over 60 years experience. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients.

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My point of view Allen Cookson

A kind of mania

Mentally damaged by his brutal father, Albert Speer became an admiring acolyte of his surrogate father Adolf Hitler. In post-war interviewing in Spandau prison he recalled his first realisation of Hitler’s megalomania.

That was when Hitler outlined to the young architect his scheme for a giant highway from Germany to Asia, complete with Roman arches and columns. Now consider the Key government’s economic growth agenda (2nd version), which had as a target trebling food and beverage exports from 2009 to 2025 in order to catch up with Australia economically. Of course that would include huge increase in cow numbers. Meeting ground water and stream quality standards in such a scenario would have been impossible, not to mention capacity to feed and water the animals. The dairy industry reckoned that trebling would be impossible; even doubling would be very doubtful and require much capital, presumably mostly borrowed offshore. Economically the

whole idea sounds manic, even if not on the Hitlerian mega scale. Fortunately our government has canned the idea. We can be thankful that they retain a measure of rationality.

Almost all countries around the world are committed to the manic idea that economic growth must continue. New Zealand is one of the few countries that still has what is called an ecological remainder, meaning that our biocapacity exceeds our ecological footprint (the area of land needed to support our economic activity sustainably). This is due to our small population and generous rainfall. Experts from several disciplines - food science, agriculture, energy, etc agree that the largest human population that Earth can sustain in a reasonably prosperous state is between 1 and 2 billion. We have just passed the 7 billion mark, 9 billion is forecast by 2050 and 10 billion by the end of the century. Meanwhile food production

is becoming more and more costly as energy and fertiliser prices increase. With wealthy foreigners having easy access to ownership of our land, the price of it has become too high to make an economic profit from farming. Shanghai Pengxin can use profit from its China-based food processing and supermarket arms to subsidise a New Zealand farm for which it paid an uneconomically high price. This luxury is not available to NZ farmers. I have to conclude that a kind of mania afflicts our government in facilitating this situation.

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May 2012

Planning for coming season It’s been a great production year. As you’ll be aware Spring and Autumn have been dry, helping to ensure high utilisation of precious feed. In addition, it rained almost every time we needed it during the season

DairyBase as the benchmarking tool. This highlights expense items that are too high and often these areas include wages, animal health, feed, repairs and maintenance, and vehicles. There are significant differences in the costs to run farms depending on the system. Other factors come in to play, including age and type of infrastructure, size, automation, pumping costs, location, and the owner’s goals, etc. If there is any discretionary expenditure in the plan, it can be useful to budget that item for the autumn when there is more certainty as to what the cash situation will be.

Was this bountiful production year a bit of a ‘oncer’ or can we do more next year?

recent statements to farmer shareholders Westland Coop appears to agree with that assessment.

You bet we can. But it comes down to getting the fundamentals right. Everyone does some sort of business plan, but some years need to be a bit more formal and carefully worked than others. Unfortunately next season appears to be one of those years that we’ll need to be more meticulous, and planning of events will need to be detailed and well thought through.

Naturally, the level of detail required for the annual plan is dependant on the individual situation. Plans may vary from a half-page to several pages, but they will all need to address a few of the basics; these include management plans for cows, milk targets, and other key inputs and outputs that matter to you. The plan will be a useful record of what your thinking is, and will serve as a useful guide. From my experience, a well thought out plan will set the agenda, and its outcome

AgriFax has dropped its forecast milk price to $5.75 for next season, and in its

frequently turns out to be close to what actually eventuates. Plan well by first reviewing farm expenditure. Focus on the big costs first: feed, labour, and fertiliser.

Rather than over-budget on expenses and under-budget on income, budget realistically on expenses. Make use of the Fonterra and bank forecast milk prices. My practice is to use a ‘sensitivity analysis’ to look at the effect of changes to production, milk price, interest rates, and feed costs. I’ll assess how each factor might affect my attitude to the risks involved.

Focus on profitability, not production. The key drivers of profitability are amount of pasture eaten and farm operating costs. Focussing on these key resources will drive your level of profitability.

Budgets prepared without using financial accounts generally overestimate cash surpluses, so it is best to refer to previous year’s actuals. Inflation can be an issue. Remember to allow for pay increases during the season.

Eliminate discretionary spending, particularly in feed and fertiliser.

Allow for unexpected items that have to be replaced or repaired if they break down.

When preparing the budget, I’ll benchmark expenditure against similar farms, and use

When the annual budget is completed, this is the original budget (ie. not the revised

one prepared months later)! Remember, other stakeholders (bankers, investors) want to see comparisons to the original budget, not to revisions. There is often a real temptation during the season to spend above budget, especially when production is strong and payouts are good. Consider deferring that expenditure until after the end of the financial year and putting it in next year’s budget. This will establish a track record with the bank and investors, and they have evidence of your discipline in being able to stick to the budget. Having an alternative ‘war’ budget prepared can also be

useful; this can help if plans need to be adjusted. For further information you could search for the Tight management for Tight Times booklet on the Dairy NZ website. Questions to Consider this May: • How do I spend less per kg MS? • Your preparedness for ‘really hard time’s’ (budget?). • What are my most likely extravagances? • Does using the following inputs at a payout forecast of $5.75 make money?: Molassess at $350/t; PKE at above $320/t, Rumensin

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WAter

Irrigation Issues Dr Tony Daveron

Irrigation – how lucky we are Just when I and most others thought the irrigation season was over, some sunny days in April compelled some to start again. Lucky (as my heading says) they have/had water available for irrigation and land suited to irrigation. These are two of the four natural resource endowments that put NZ at the top of the list for renewable natural capital/person The ‘golden’ weather carried on for the rest of April and early May. However, the alert I gave regarding the base temperature for growth of 10°C came true — a frost or to and a couple of cold days dropped the 9am temperature below 10°C for some of the days since early April. Add to that very low water use demand by crops and irrigation should have been low on the priority list. So it was with some dismay that early this week (7th and 8th May) that irrigators were up and running again. Even more so given the forecast heavy rain for the end of the week — really! For those of you who might have attended the Irrigation New Zealand conference in early April and were awake on the second morning you will have heard the wise and

May 2012

Just having abundant natural endowments and ‘renewable’ natural resources won’t in itself make the country rich. But the three key ingredients of temperate climate, plentiful water and fertile soils give us a great start and Canterbury is at the forefront — the most irrigable land, the most water and plenty of fertile soils. I agree with Cameron Bagrie when he stated he ‘doubted New Zealanders valued them in the same way’ as the rest of the world values them. • We think of the soil we live on and live off as ‘dirt”. • We have treated our water with disdain in some cases, as somewhere to dump our waste — and I don’t just mean waste water discharge. I think back a couple of years to the urban waste hauled out of the Avon and Heathcote Rivers in Christchurch.

encouraging words from Cameron Bagrie (ANZ Chief Economist). Personally his address had me ‘fizzing’ and relieved the need for a coffee from the ANZ stand to get me going. Put aside three of the scary and unpalatable options he presented to solve NZ’s economic woes, indebtedness and economic legacy, it is truly exciting to be part of irrigated agriculture. It was clear from Cameron’s address irrigated agriculture is an important if not the most important key to unlocking our economic future (the latter not his explicit comment). He confirmed to us

all what we either knew for fact or knew intuitively that NZ holds rich natural resource endowment — that is, our exclusive economic zone, temperate climate, plentiful water and fertile land eg: a) NZ ranks 8th in the world for a country’s natural endowment or resource base per capita (according to World Bank figures). b) NZ ranks top of the list for ‘renewable’ natural resource per person. c) NZ is ahead of Australia (who are 13th) for natural capital per capita with $52,000/ person c.f. $39,000/person.

— they set us aside from the rest of the world;

temperate climate, fertile soils and plentiful water.

• We must look after our soil (and it is not dirt), in particular ensure we maintain good soil structure (aka organic matter).

So, was the irrigation (that I started this article with) ahead of the heavy rainfall predicted for May 10 and 11 a wise use of the water resource? Would it (the irrigation) have resulted in any downstream effects (nutrient leaching for example)? Did the carbon footprint of that irrigation pass the economic test?

• We must use water more wisely and more efficiently while optimising yield and quality. These caveats will require innovation and recognition that the problems we have today are tomorrow’s opportunities. We need to be clever and futuristic in unlocking the potential of irrigated agriculture’s assets —

Thank you Cameron Bagrie for what I considered a highlight address and confirmed we are all involved in a most exciting industry for the future for Canterbury and New Zealand.

• We take our climate for granted and complain bitterly about the ‘summer that wasn’t’ (2011-12) and forget that while it might have been wetter and cloudier than expected, it was still temperate and great growing weather. These are our assets for the future and need to be treated as treasures. We are in fact, merely temporary guardians of the assets to leave the legacy in better condition for those that follow. They won’t make us rich but they sure as hell give us a great head start. BUT, there are caveats: • We cannot degrade our natural endowments any further

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May 2012

WAter

May 2012

Forecast — Canterbury Temperature

Rainfall

April was a settled month in Canterbury, with anticyclones being the dominant weather pattern over New Zealand, bringing long periods of clear skies and light winds. Sunshine hours for the month were above normal by 25-30%, with near record totals for the month in some places. Many locations experienced higher sunshine totals in April than in March. Rainfall was near normal in North Canterbury, around 30% below normal in Mid Canterbury, and up to 50% below normal in South Canterbury. There were fewer days with rain than usual. Temperatures were a little cooler than average, with departures hardly significant at up to -0.5deg. Night time temperatures were noticeably colder than usual with several frosts, while day time temperatures were generally a little milder. So far to mid May, sunshine hours have been below normal by 10-20%, and rainfall has also been below normal, by 50% or more. Temperatures have been colder than usual for the time of year by about -1.0deg. We expect the second half of the month to show a similar pattern. In the tropical Pacific the Southern Oscillation Index has returned to neutral values. Other indicators of the recent

La Nina event are also neutral. Near neutral conditions are confidently predicted for the June to August period. There is currently no suggestion in the models of a move to El Nino or La Nina later in the winter or spring, or early summer. Predictability of the computer models tends to be low at this time of year, so we may yet see the models predict a shift away from neutral in the months ahead. As of now, the outlook is uncertain. The June to August post La Nina phase is expected to continue to see anticyclones moving mostly over the South

Island, with periods of easterly quarter airflow affecting the North Island, and occasionally affecting Canterbury too. We confidently expect this winter season to be colder than normal for Canterbury, probably with reduced sunshine hours. The outlook for rainfall is less clear. As anticyclones move across the Tasman Sea onto the South Island regular periods of southerly or southeasterly airflow are expected to wash over Canterbury, and these are likely to bring cold days as air is dragged up from colder than usual sub-Antarctic

waters and onto the South Island. Regular rainfalls are likely, and probably regular snowfalls to reasonably low levels on the hills, but there is no indication of storms which can bring heavy falls. Long term probablilties suggest at least a couple such storms are likely during the winter. As the anticyclones move across some will bring extended cloudy periods, especially about the coast and plains, while some will bring significant frosts. Either way, temperatures will be colder than usual.

Late May through June

Near normal

July

Below normal

August

Colder than normal

Sunshine

Airflow

Cloudier than normal

More Southerly & SouthEasterly airstreams

A little colder More Near normal than normal anticyclones

Near normal

Colder than normal

More Cloudier Southerly than normal and Easterly airstreams

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Forestry

May 2012

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF Laurie Forestry Ltd

Stability in the market So far 2012 has tracked pretty much according to forecast with prices generally remaining stable in both domestic and export log segments. We have seen some minor price loss in the export scene but recovery back up to Q1 pricing has been the order of the day for May sales with minor continuing recovery anticipated for late Q2. Across the domestic front, the Christchurch rebuild is finally starting to reflect in some glimmers of demand across most lumber segments but certainly not to levels that would see the bottle of Bubbly being cracked open… yet. House framing lumber demand is good with all S grade (small branched) logs being produced throughout the greater Canterbury region going in to local mills in a relative demand and supply balance. Some enquiry across more unique species lumber end uses is also suggesting some

finishing work is starting to gain momentum. Interestingly, timber weatherboard particularly is in good demand. In the lumber export segment a return to some semblance of good pricing in standard international softwood industrial cut of log grade is good news. This also suggests a reasonable demand profile although containerised cargo costs out of NZ are also firming, taking some fun out of the FOB (loaded on vessel ready to sail in US$) price. In the export log sector sales are being hampered by port space issues in Lyttelton otherwise all appears to be running at levels of normality and stability. However current pricing id such that once you get out past the 100km from port mark there is little fun to be had with bottom lines. Inventory levels in China have settled back to about the 3 million + cubic metre mark which as long as current usage

All you need to know

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Andy McCord Resident forestry writer (and joke teller) for Canterbury Farming

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Office 03 313 4153 Andy 027 224 3271 Sammi 027 282 7580

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levels continue, should see some small CIF price increase for June sales. For the first time in a long time we have seen pruned logs increase more markedly than the market indicator A grade. Evidence suggests China end users are starting to find higher value options for clearwood. The downside is the lower value KI and KIS have also increased in margin against A grade… the other way. Hopefully by the time Canterbury Farming goes to print the US Dollar exchange rate has continued to fall or remain at the sub 80c mark. If so we could see small increases at the wharf gate in June, as always shipping costs will ultimately determine this. Shipping costs have continued to firm with US$3 — 4 increases being the order of the day for May sailings. Forecasts suggest further small rises for June vessels. The Handy Class segment within the Baltic Index has continued to firm as shipping owners continue to bemoan profitability and put price pressure on particularly for generally one way loaded Southern Hemisphere charterers. Slow steaming has also continued as some ship owners get their Captains to throttle back and save on bunker (ship fuel) costs in the face of soft demand. For the balance of 2012 we can expect more of the same unless Canada and the US really start to button off on supply into Asia and Europe. Given some significant issues developing in the Canadian bark beetle harvest programme and a recent lift in new house starts in the US, you never know… Thus it is 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… please!

Wilding Pine Seminar- Twizel Last month DoC held a seminar to look at the wilding pine problem and ways of curbing this infestation. The meeting was basically divided in half, with the first part belonging to the land owners who are experiencing this problem. While the latter half involved the contractors whose job it was to control and/or eliminate these pines. Two type of applications were discussed; aerial as well as ground base. The former dealt with larger denser stands while the latter tackled the smaller more sparse stockings usually dealing with the start of the seedling spread from the mother trees. There was also quite a vigorous discussion on how aerial applications should be carried out. Generally there was discussion on two types of formulations nick-named Lucifer and Pinox. As the former name suggests this brew was formulated to lay waste to all plant life using systemic, residual herbicides while the latter was designed to control pines only without affecting other trees such as D.fir nor natives or grasses. This formulation concentrated more on contact herbicides and adjuvants designed to give better coverage with no residual effect in the soil. As the enclosed photo depicts the method of application is also critical in getting a good result with the contact formulation. As the discussion progressed it was felt that both formulations had a place in the control of wilding pines but there was debate on

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how these two formulations were best implemented. Some advocated that 100% kill of the pines should be undertaken, but given limited budget others argued it was more important to contain the spread by desiccating the periphery of the larger stands, and as more money is allocated only then concentrate on the inner trees. Regardless of which argument is correct, what is critical is that funding for these operations should not only continue but be increased so that eventually the spread of these pines are curtailed, otherwise in ten years time it will not be financially manageable. Procrastination would be disastrous! The enclosed photo shows John Oaks’s Bell Jet Ranger Spraying ‘Pinox’ over wilding Pines at Irishman’s creek. Excellent deposition with droplets > 750 microns. Joke Time: An American lady was a churchgoer who generously to the every Sunday. On

elderly regular gave church closer

inspection the preacher noticed she was giving $1000 every Sunday in a nice pink scented envelope. After church one Sunday the preacher took the old lady aside and asked her if she could afford to be so generous. “Oh yes” she replied. “As my son sends me $10,000 each week in this beautiful pink envelope, I take out $9000 and give the church the remaining $1000.” “Well that is extremely generous of you” replied the preacher.”But tell me what does your son do to earn so much money?” The old lady stuck out her chest and said proudly, “He is a Veterinarian!” This took the preacher by surprise, so he replied “He must have an excellent practice to earn so much money.” Again the old lady beamed with pride and said, “In fact he has several practices, a cat house in Las Vegas, another in LA and two in Reno.

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May 2012

Stock restraint and access control Anyone that has been living and working in the rural areas of the South Island in the last few years is likely to have seen Boundaryline post-and-rail fences on many farms and lifestyle blocks. With solid, square posts and traditional, straight-through mortise construction, these fences make a real statement. Many farmers have realised the big difference a smart post-and-rail fence can make to their property. The whole appearance of a farm entranceway or driveway can be upgraded a relatively low cost with a fence that looks great but still works well for stock restraint and access control. But Boundaryline is about more than just postand-rail. The Boundaryline range of fencing systems and gates is marketed and distributed nationwide by Terranota Ltd. Marketing Manager at Terranota Ltd, Jay McGaveston says the range covers several different fence systems. “We have a complete range of fencing systems for any property. Whether it’s post-and-rail or effluentpond fencing for farms, or privacy and boundary fences for residential properties – we have the range” he says. “If you’re looking for a new entranceway, a fence to keep the kids safe, or maybe a wind-break fence bedside your patio – we’re here to help.” The Boundaryline range includes same-both-sides coloursteel fences, pool

Fencing getting even easier! Fence-Pro have a full range of post drivers that are easily matched to the diverse fencing conditions commonly found in the Canterbury region. Most fencing contractors use the Fence-Pro Ultra G2 with the Sidemount 900 and add Rock Spikes or augers to suit their local conditions. All Fence-Pro post drivers can be quickly detached from the Sidemount unit and attached directly to the tractor. This is great for the situations when you have to drive straight down the line. If you usually use this technique, you will be interested in the Rear Shift unit. This unit gives the post driver 250mm movement in the direction the tractor is travelling, and is normally used in conjunction with the Ultra G2 or the Mule which have the mast shifting sideways across the tractor.

The two levers that control this 4-way movement are set out so they do exactly what the operator expects which naturally gives you very quick and accurate post placement. On the post driver shown in the photo, the Rock Spike is mounted on the far side of the mast and swings into place by way of a hydraulic ram. This mounting position is safe and ideal for steeper fence lines as the operator moves the Rock Spike in and out of the working position by simply pushing a lever on the control bank. The Rock Spike swings well past the face of the mast in the transport position, so it does not get in the line of sight. This Rock Spike mounting system can also hold the Fence-Pro hydraulic auger and includes a post puller. The 4.5m mast is hinged hydraulically and folds

into a very compact transport position. To find out which post driver and the options which best suit your fencing conditions, please contact the Fence-Pro team on 0800 FNCPRO (0800 362 776).

Boundaryline post-and-rail: a great-looking fence that works fine for stock control as well

fencing, security fences and the innovative BelAire Modular Wall system designed to replace block and concrete fences. Customers can choose to install Boundaryline fences themselves or have experienced Boundaryline-

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May 2012

Four generations cultivating excellence The fertile Canterbury plains are the cornucopia of New Zealand — the source of a large proportion of our fresh produce. But careful management of this bountiful resource is what keeps those crops growing strong season after season, and a vital part of this is the cultivation and aeration of the soil For many farmers in Canterbury it’s more cost effective and time efficient to turn over this vital task to an outside contractor — especially nowadays, when the best equipment for getting the job done has become very specialised. Many of them turn to Yeatman Brothers to fulfil this role, relying on Nick Yeatman and this old established family buisness to literally ‘do the groundwork’ for their next crops. Yeatman Brothers are serious about cultivation and contracting — their business is now into the fourth generation bearing the family name, and Nick’s great-grandfather was the very first agricultural contractor in New Zealand. They take on cultivation

jobs at the extreme end of the scale, tackling large acreages with the right tools to get the job done.

has “Atomachine be simple and

reliable,” says Nick “and it has to work with the tractor that’s pulling it.

”

This last fact has been key to Yeatman Brothers’ success — because when you have a long day of work ahead of you and a whole lot to get through, good equipment makes all the difference. A prime example

is the disc cultivator used by Nick and his team. After trying several different machines to complete the important task of cultivating the soil, Yeatman Brothers turned to Murray Implements for some good advice, and took to the fields with a new Quivogne disc cultivator — the AP28. “A machine has to be simple and reliable,” says Nick “and it has to work with the tractor that’s pulling it. In the old days farmers had horses who knew if the machine they were harnessed to wasn’t suitable, but a tractor can’t tell you that — until you find out that it’s going to cost more for repairs using the wrong machinery.”

The Quivogne cultivator was most definitely the right choice — its ability to stay level across varied terrain has boosted productivity for Yeatman Brothers, and Nick attests that while some previous models of disc cultivator have tended to ‘ride out’ with use, the AP28 is rock solid. It’s even tough enough to use for breaking up wet

fill on construction and earthmoving jobs! Just as reliable as the machine itself has been the backup service from Murray Implements — after purchasing the Quivogne disc cultivator in the mid2000s Nick has relied on the Murray Implements team to keep things working smoothly, and they’ve certainly impressed.

“Murray’s have done an excellent job with the backup. They’re friendly, they know their products and they’re always willing to help,” he says. And that’s certainly an asset when farmers from North Canterbury to the banks of the Waitaki rely on you to keep their crops growing strong!

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May 2012

Square Bale Feed Trailers

Rob Cope-Williams gets ...

from Plucks Engineering

Four models to choose from

If I can’t pronounce it I am not going to eat it The lovely line from a movie about a collection of British people in Spain for a holiday and the things they get involved with. The interesting thing as far as I am concerned is that there’s a very strong message in that line. Many excellent dishes using local produce, brilliant wine varieties and even trees in nurseries are ignored because people are embarrassed to pronounce it wrongly. Imagine a young man dating a gorgeous young woman and desperately wanting to impress her with his worldliness and looking at the wine list to discover that he has never seen, let alone learnt to pronounce, most of the varieties of wine, let alone the wineries’ names. It is not cool to point and say ‘I want that one’ as that suggests he is either ignorant, or buying by the price and either option won’t impress.

The same has to be said about food and I am amazed that restaurants serving dishes based on other cultures insist upon using language and names from that region rather than localising them. McDonalds have got it right, a Big Mac is a Big Mac anywhere in the world, but with their ability to show you what it will look like they have you in their pocket right from the start. I am not even going to start a conversation about why smart nursery people insist on showing you their ability to quote Latin by calling a pine tree some 15 syllable fancy series of words that have no relevance to the person who is about to shell out a pocketful of cash for a tree. I am sure most people are like me and buy a tree or shrub because we like the shape, colour or it is flowering and we like the flowers.

Can you explain to me why we have to spend millions of dollars teaching people that a fruit with ENZA on it is actually an apple, and that some fancy name starting with Z is actually a Kiwifruit, or that we can’t sell venison as venison and have to come up with a name that those we are selling it to, have to be taught what it is. New Zealand has, and you will back me on this one, the best produce in the world, so let’s make it as easy as we can for people to recognise it and enjoy it. With our sports people taking the silver fern everywhere, that has become our symbol. Use it rather than a fancy name. Silver Fern farms have picked up on that and are selling lamb into France using the fern to point out it’s from here. Everyone can be an expert if they know what they are talking about.

3 Bale Double up, carries and feeds 6 of Big squares at 2.2 meters long each. Also carries and feeds 4 of Balege on the bottom level and 3 of Straw on top.

3 Bale double up, loaded to first level only.

6 Bale double up, carries and feeds 12 of Big squares at 2.2 meters long each. Also carries and feeds 8 of Balege on the bottom level and 6 of Straw on top.

Standard 6 Bale, carries and feeds 6 of Big squares at 2.2 meters long each.

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 Heavy duty jack for free standing loading.  Bale strings cut and lifted out all at once by your tractor in the yard.  10 minutes to load and 10 minutes to feed out.  Adjustable spring loaded finger bar on the rear to control feed out rate.  New Zealand National Fieldays Award Winner.  Feeding out made quick, efficient and easy.

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Are you looking for professional, specialist advice on pastures and forage crops? Then talk to Pasture First. As our name suggests, Pasture First is a specialist pasture advisory and supply company focusing only on Pasture and Forage Crop production. We do not sell gumboots, dog biscuits, laundry powder, dairy detergent or fence posts. Our focus is on providing only the highest quality pasture products and advice to help farmers increase on-farm production. As I have 15 years’ experience in the New Zealand seed, agrichemical and bio-stimulant industries, specialising in pasture agronomy and research, I can offer you the best advice and products for your needs. If you are like me, and think that your Pasture should come First, then give me a call today.

Nigel Johnston, Pasture First 942 Ellesmere Junction Road Springston. P: 03 347 6440 or 027 777 2877 E: nigel@pasturefirst.co.nz W: www.pasturefirst.co.nz

CoUNtry MotorING

May 2012

Two new SUV’s making waves This month we drive and compare the very similar latest Subaru XV and the Ford Kuga.

Sharp Clawed Kuga We waited a long time for Ford NZ to introduce the Kuga, released in Europe in 2008. Ford New Zealand has finally responded

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to the burgeoning growth in the small SUV sector that has seen most manufacturers release a vehicle to contest it with and they have chosen the premium end of the market, to pitch it at, in Titanium trim. The Kuga has been seen in New Zealand with private imports of the 2 litre diesel since 2010. I drove the six speed auto 110kw Turbo Diesel last year in Ghia trim and was impressed. Handling ride and the chassis from the award winning Focus made for a compelling vehicle, though the price was a tad high at over $60,000.

easier metaphor comes in a more feline role.

Happily we now have the same spec vehicle this time powered by a 147kw Turbo Petrol five cylinder motor also from the performance end of the Focus range as the motive power for the one model Titanium Kuga. The Titanium moniker replaced the Ghia name and can also be seen on the Mondeo and Territory

The super smooth and very responsive 2532cc motor allied to the intelligent all wheel drive system and five speed automatic only transmission makes the four pawed Kuga remarkably competent and a very stable platform. Ride and lack of roll, hoist it above much of the competition and the standard of interior fit out completes the equation. While in my care many comments were made that it looks like Ford’s other SUV, the much larger Territory.

It would be easy to snigger and suggest the intended market for the ‘Kuga’ might be that of women of a certain age and disposition towards younger men, but that’s been said, the

Looking much like a baby Territory is no bad thing for it identifies the brand and makes a strong statement for Ford who hasn’t had a small SUV since the Escape

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which disappeared in 2007. I was expecting petrol swilling purrer, yet I found open highway sipping of fuel allowed the Kuga to return figures of 8.9l/100km. Sharpen the performance and engage the claws on some exciting back roads, upped the adrenalin in keeping with a raised consumption to 12.4l/100km. Ford quotes 10.3 which it should be capable of except if it lives in the city. Where the Kuga really shines and wins is in the performance area thanks to the turbo that reels in 100km/h in a shade over 9 seconds, good for a 1680kg SUV. Ford has endowed the Kuga with premium level appointments including soft

45 Treneglos Street, Washdyke, Timaru E: sales@rataindustries.co.nz W: www.rataindustries.co.nz

Space for the front seats is generous as is the 503litre hatch boot area with one of the best slide covers around. The trade off for luggage capacity is that the rear seats are a tad tight fitting for taller passengers, though children will love the airline style fold down tray tables. Ford has claimed the high ground in other areas with the standard spec running to a high quality radio CD MP3 USB system, with Bluetooth and audio streaming from a device

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CoUNtry MotorING If clothes maketh the man, the XV is really made by its styling. Unconventional and a dramatic departure from previous offerings from Subaru, this vehicle stands out for all the right reasons. Well proportioned with rakish good looks the XV is even better in the flesh than the photo suggests.

such as an iPod or in my case the phone. Add in cruise control and they’re all accessed from the steering wheel. It continues with very effective rear park sensors shown through a diagram on the dash mounted screen, though no camera. Strangely the very small push button start is mounted high on the central dash and takes some finding.

The details: Towing is rated at 1400kg braked. 0-100km comes up in 10.5 manual or 10.7 sec auto while it sips fuel at a surprising 7.3 l/100km man

Ford scored a five star Euro NCAP safety rating with the inclusion of Dynamic Stability Control [ESP] ABS EBD TC and a plethora of airbags covering front side and curtain. I took the Kuga off road to try out the AWD prowess and found the relatively short wheelbase and tight lock accentuated the Kuga agility that reinforces its namesake.

The new XV from Subaru

The advances in electronics

Towing is rated at 1600kg braked. Priced at $53,990 the Titanium Kuga has a lot to offer and will do well for Ford.

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and less at 7.l/100km in the auto. The range starts at $38,990 for the manual with hillstart 2.0i rising to the auto 2.0-S we drove at $48,990 Similar, but definitely different both vehicles are welcome additions to the fastest growing segment of the market, mid sized SUV’s. Ford and Subaru both have performed well in the rural sector and these two vehicles can only enhance their respective reputations.

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It’s also the first funky frivolous and fun Subaru since the diminutive Justy. It has real chuckability built in and it’s a great drive!

I was concerned at the protection for the underside though nothing I tried got it hung up or scraping terra firma. It’s not a bush basher but it will take its driver and passengers well into the little travelled wilderness

Native Plants

shares the 2 litre boxer petrol engine with the just released Impreza. It turns out 110kw’s and a healthy 196 torques. Allied to a 220 mm ground clearance, a low centre of gravity and either a six speed manual or the Lineartronic CVT transmission with asymmetrical AWD it will take the svelte Subie well off the beaten track. In fact in the time I had it, the only time it hesitated was when I dived the well protected nose and valance into a ditch. Backing out I took it on an angle, with at some point each of the wheels leaving the ground, in a see saw effect though forward momentum was maintained. I suspect as with most Subaru’s their owners would not explore the limits off road. That’s a pity as with the Subaru Forester the XV could easily tackle seriously challenging terrain even for a full sized twin ratio 4WD. Wet roads muddy tracks or just straight up the steep long grass slopes on the farm were readily dispatched. The paddle shift gear selection is lightning fast and makes for easy and correct gear selection while keeping hands on the wheel.

The abundance of power off idle coupled with the turbo coming on song below 2000rpm allowed it to launch up steep slippery surfaces and claw its way over rocky creek beds. The 205mm ground clearance and short overhangs front and rear are an obvious benefit as well as the ramp over angle and traction control to maintain momentum and protect its sculpture sides.

May 2012

and suspension on the latest SUV’s particularly automatics mean a low ratio is not needed. Handling on seal or shingle is predictable and very safe. AWD grips the road tenaciously, though when pushed the ESP will intervene to dilute the fun. The interior is equally well set up including the base model

which includes Cruise control Bluetooth and audio with iPod USB and CD controls on the steering wheel. S model adds Sat Nav Leather heated eight way powered seats electric sunroof and privacy glass. The exterior is dominated by the eye catching 17inch alloys.

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Boonies is the brain child of Glen and Julia Sheaff — born out of the frustration of cold wet feet and banging around in an old pair of boots with a certain color band on the top Working and playing in the NZ outdoors has helped us put this range of boots together. We have taken our 10 years of footwear experience and the love of New Zealand, and put it into boots we know you will love. Warm, comfortable and hard wearing is just the start. Keep an eye out for our new Snowy Top lace-up water proof boot and our ultimate women’s farming boots. Who said you can’t have a boot that is functional and fashionable? To find out more about Boonies click on to www.booniesfootwear. com or give us a call, we are happy to ship anywhere in New Zealand and offer freight free on all web purchases. We also stock a great range of stores around the country and always say support your local stores. Please feel free too call past and say hi and try out our new range of boots at the coming Field Days — Site N1C just across from the plane.

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May 2012

Be my Guest Farmers demand control of Fonterra Parliament’s primary production select committee met recently to hear submissions on the proposed Dairy Industry Restructuring Act While the government describes the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill as being enabling and Fonterra will make the final decision, many dairy farmers voiced major concerns overtrading amongst farmers and the Commerce Commission having oversight of the Fonterra price setting mechanism. Many see this as being the introduction of draconian intervention whereby the government could intervene in public interest initiatives to control Fonterra’s milk price. The future of New Zealand’s economy is closely tied to the performance of agriculture. Government intervention in the economy should be kept to a minimum. This includes any legislation pertaining to the structure and operation of the Fonterra Dairy Co-operative and the company’s shareholders must retain the final say on any legislative changes.

New Zealand dairy farmers today, understand and are fiercely loyal to the principles of cooperation as a means of working together to sell their products. It is clear from comments made by Prime Minister Jon Key that he would like to see external investors involved to maximise Fonterra’s profit. This rings alarm bells with a substantial number of farmers who are suspicious of the government’s intentions. Farmers of New Zealand pointed out to the primary production committee that in 2001, during the Select Committee process hearing, there was one submitter who is now a Fonterra board member who then openly advocated incorporation of the Fonterra

While the detractors have argued Fonterra sets the domestic milk price in New Zealand, the reality is that supermarkets stock a range of milk products, not only processed by Fonterra but also other New Zealand proprietary milk processors. Other milk products such as cheese are manufactured by a number of independent processors and the prices for these products vary in range. The New Zealand housewife has a large selection to choose from, simply on price and supermarket mark-ups vary considerably. If the government and the Commerce Commission were seen to be getting into the role of price setters this would be counter to free market policy.

company. In addition he voiced support for differential payments to farmers based on transport costs and the need to be flexible in payments where Fonterra faced competition for milk supply. The one thing about New Zealand dairy farmers is they have very long memories, and so they should have. Some shareholders remain suspicious that the proposed stages are simply the first stages in the process of incorporation. They fear a loss of control and a risk to their long term profitability. Fonterra is holding a special meeting of shareholders on 25 June to discuss the detail of the trading among farmers. Sir Henry van der Heyden, in a letter to shareholders said that while the majority of shareholders

Bill Guest, Farmers of New Zealand

are urging the Fonterra board to get on with it, a small group of shareholders had concerns and were vocal in New Zealand media causing the issue to split the shareholder base and it was not in the best interests of the co-op’s future. He was critical that instead of the shareholders resolving the matter in the family, debate was now spilling into international media and damaging Fonterra’s reputation.

Farmers of New Zealand are disappointed that Sir Henry had admonished the farmers that have continued to voice their concern and that they should have kept it quiet within the family.

of the New Zealand Dairy Board not all farmers were happy about the then government’s proposed plans to legislate the sale of New Zealand dairy produce through the dairy co-operatives.

Well, Sir Henry, you may not be aware, that over the last hundred years there were many debates amongst farmers, and when Sir Walter Nash and the first Labour government formed the origins

Sir Henry should exercise patience to allow for full discussion and disclosure of all information to enable Fonterra dairy farmer shareholders to confidently support change.

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May 2012

Hoof Print

Specialising in:

With Fred Hoekstra

Dairy Shed Platform Maintenance Yard Alterations Farm Implement Repairs On-Site Repair / Maintenance

Maintenance minimises lameness Phone Email

Alistair 027 452 6657 or A/H 03 318 7088 barnhillengineeringnz@gmail.com

Are you struggling to trim your cows’ hooves? Now you and your team can learn how to trim hooves safely and efficiently with the Veehof Advanced Hoof Trimming Course.

You will learn information about: • Foot anatomy and function • Recognition and treatment of claw diseases • Lameness protection • Relationship between nutrition and lameness • Preventative hoof trimming (Shaping the claw correctly) • Lameness treatment • Knife sharpening • Hoof trimming tools and accessories • Application of claw blocks • Use of angle grinder for hoof trimming • Plus much more! Here is what a few past attendees of our training courses are saying: “I finally realise how the hoof becomes damaged and why our procedures affect the healing process. The course also helped my understanding of the correct hoof shape and how it affects the cows locamotion.” Duane Kristensen, Gore Call us on 0800 833 463 to enquire - act fast, places are limited

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As the season is coming to an end, and with the new season approaching, there are some important things that we need to be taking into consideration in order to maximise our cows’ hoof health through this transitional time.

important to keep these things in mind — it may be beneficial to use silage as the main part of the diet to help you with this transition. It would be a good idea to consult your nutritionist about the best ways to manage these issues.

A number of farmers will have cows on winter crops. It is important to introduce cows onto, and wean off, these crops gradually with an ideal transition period of at least two weeks. The time when the cows are coming off the crop is particularly important because they are close to calving and calving induces laminitis, as does a quick change of diet, so there is a bigger risk factor at that time of year.

The end of the season is also a good time to do some maintenance hoof trimming.

Lameness is a multifactorial disease. The more factors that are below the mark, the more likely you are to have lameness problems. I appreciate that in some cases it is very difficult to wean cows onto a different diet especially when the cows are away grazing. However, it is

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Hoof trimming does not stop laminitis but it does help to minimise the effects of laminitis. Trimming the cows at this time of the year means that they will have well-shaped feet by the time they calf, and therefore suffer less from calving-induced laminitis. Remember that if the weight is distributed evenly over the claw then it is less likely for the outer claw to pack up due to the combination of overload and being sick. It is a bit like having a trailer with two really old tyres. When you load this trailer, but put the entire load on one side of the trailer then the tyre on the loaded side is much more likely to burst than the tyre on the other side. If you spread the load evenly over both tyres then you are less likely to end up with a flat tyre. It may still happen but it is less likely. In the same way, if you spread the weight of the cow over the two claws rather than letting the outer claw do most of the work you are less likely to end up with a lame cow. The reason why the outer claw usually does most of the work is because it tends to grow bigger than the inner claw. This is why cows usually go lame on the outer claw. So if you trim

the outer claw back to the same height as the inner claw then you are spreading the weight evenly over the two claws. This may sound like a very simple and easy process, but it actually takes a skilled hoof

trimmer to get the balance right. Veehof is in the ideal position to help you with learning how to get the ‘right balance’ — contact us now on 0800 833463 to find out more!

DAIry

May 2012

Soil Matters — with Peter Burton

Surviving winter to enjoy spring The following information will provide farmers with the ability to grow more feed in spring. For those who don’t enjoy winter, there’s the added benefit of getting to spring in a better frame of mind. Our first few years of pastoral farming were spent close to the coast where grass usually grew strongly until mid-May with signs of spring growth as early the first week in September. And among those one hundred days there were periods of warmth when grass showed encouraging signs of wanting to grow. We then spent a number of years inland at 1,000ft, and height alone meant temperatures were 3°C lower. Along with being exposed to the south winters became a period to endure, rather than the relatively short time spent recharging the batteries before the bustle of spring we had enjoyed previously. What we didn’t know at that time is that areas that are colder in winter grow more feed in spring than regions that enjoy warmer winters. It just comes a little later so when calving and lambing are adjusted accordingly, feed

pressure can be lessened and total production is maintained or even increased. Spring growth in cold regions arrives as though a switch has been flicked, suddenly there’s feed everywhere, while in the warmer regions it just creeps up, with no great excitement. The reasons for the difference are largely about what’s taking place in the soil, although the amount of sunlight does play a part. At temperatures less than 10°C the speed at which nutrient cycles slows rapidly, and so too does grass growth. The upside is that earthworms are busiest over winter as their ideal operating temperature is around 10°C. Worms are the soils macro digesters, processing all the big stuff, old roots, along with dead grass and dung left on the surface during the season. There are plenty of other beneficial soil workers, with their combined weight being at least the same as the weight of stock carried above. If you want to increase the carrying capacity of your property long term, first increase the number of earthworms.

There are two things that earthworms particularly enjoy, more calcium and more fresh air and dolomite from Golden Bay provides both. Earthworm numbers and activity increase with extra calcium, and the extra fresh air is provided by dolomite’s unique ability to physically aerate the soil. With an increase in both, more humus is formed and potential pasture production steadily lifts. As well as 24% calcium, Dolomite also contains 11.5% magnesium and is applied where there is a requirement for magnesium, and that’s the case on nearly all dairy country. Dolomite is the most effective magnesium fertiliser available anywhere, as the late Prof Walker said, ‘…individual

farmers will have to make their own calculations, but in my view dolomite is the ideal material to use on acid soils low in magnesium…’ If the idea of enjoying the benefits provided by dolomite over the next twelve months sounds good we’ll send or email an easy to understand sheet that includes all the technical data along with a recommended spreading rate, and price delivered direct to your farm or spreader. Generally we find the cost of supplying dolomite for 50ha is no more than the price of one good dairy cow, and the savings are usually a good deal more than that.

Should you wish we’ll spend whatever time it takes to discuss your queries on soil fertility and with over twenty

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DAIry

May 2012

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

fix the things that are causing some grief around the Dairy. Before you upgrade to new Milfos cup removers or a Milfos Variable Drive Vacuum System it would be sensible to evaluate things that could impact on your proposed upgrade. A lot of people ask if Milfos is from Milfos Australasian Service Partner Sparkies generally do a great job, however, we regularly come across wiring of all some country.incorrectly. Well… no Conference in Hamilton. sorts distant that hasforeign been installed itFor isn’t. Milfosweis see a Kiwi this pump conference webut recognised instance the company right cablewhich used on say,At a milk controller, still has just celebrated 25 years serving NZ bundled with everything else so it creates interference with the controller and going many achievements with awards bingo, a and slightly crazy controller. Unlessallyou to know what toPartners look for itaround can be aNZ painful farmers more recently farmers Service and processthe to find as it looks like a faulty controller. around world. Australia for excellence in Installation ThisFrom is important for all sorts of systems from pulsation controllers to across cup removers Customer Service a wide humble beginnings in Hamilton, and and the more sophisticated the system the more careful you have to be. We Milfos International is still here, now in a range of categories. recommend keeping data cables as far away from power as possible. purpose built factory just off Kahikatea Ofexist course, there canallbe only one We have all heard about stray voltage, yes it does and can cause sorts Drive in Hamilton. Milfos employs Supreme Dealer for 2012: of issues, we have found a major source is the cable and terminations between over 120drives people staff in several Variable and with Motors. The Winners, Tony and Jan McLaren countries fast. supplied with There is aand lot ofgrowing documentation drives with regard to thebased of variable McLarens Rural Services are cable to be used and metal glands for terminations etc, these are minimums and a A number of employees in the in Morrinsville, Waikato. They have good Sparky will follow manufacturer’s recommendations or better. If in doubt company have been here over fifteen a business founded on consistent get it checked. years and many more over five years, excellence in customer service and Don’t forget the effluent or water pump, same deal, and move the electric fence which credit to shed, the great family installations both locally and unit to is theaimplement they can be an superior interference nasty in the dairy. company it is. in challenging overseas For sensible advice on Upgrades, find your local Milfos dealer or Area projects. Sales Manager A lot of what has been achieved in at www.milfos.com. Milfos International and all of our the last 25 years has been because of Service Partners are committed to the Kiwi companies that have supplied dairy farmers, and as a proud Kiwi Milfos with a huge array of high quality Company we thank our customers materials, products and services. for their continued support and know Of course, without the Milfos Service they are as excited about the future as Partners here and overseas looking after we are.

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May 2012

Broadbeans a growing market by Dr tim Jenkins Broadbeans are one of the earliest vegetables cultivated with traces of them found in Middle Eastern settlements dated around 6500 years ago. They are a familiar vegetable in many home gardens providing green vegetables in the spring and early summer when not so much variety is around. For commercial growers there is a growing market developing for selling broadbeans. This follows the improved recipes that are around nowadays for making the most of the crop. One example is to slip the beans out of their seed coat to give a softer texture and more buttery taste. Another reason for large scale growers and home gardeners alike to get into planting broadbeans in autumn and early winter (as well as the common early spring sowings) is to provide a cover crop, protecting the soil from the elements and from weed establishment over the winter. The photograph shows a

vigorous mix of broadbeans, vetch and oats planted as a cover crop that can be worked into the soil to provide green manure that feeds the coming cash crops effectively with nitrogen (some of it fixed by the broadbeans and vetch), phosphorus and other nutrients. The broadbean also provides a special treat for natural enemies of many crop pests. In the axis between each leaf stalk (petiole) and the main stalk are nectaries that provide sustenance for lacewings (the larvae are predators of aphids, thrips and mites), ladybirds, hoverflies, parasitic wasps and other beneficials. So even before any flowers are present on the broadbeans there is this boost in sustainable management of the insects that would otherwise suck and chew at our valuable crops. The nectar that secretes out from the axis means that the adult beneficials can feed and so live for longer and lay more eggs.

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A vigourous mix of broadbeans oats and vetch to suppress weeds and protect soil

Ironically, the broadbean plant itself can become the target of aphids as conditions warm up in spring and the plant is in flower. At this stage the leaf axis nectaries are not so productive and it is important for sustainable insect pest management to have some of the beneficial flower species present to feed natural enemies. Phacelia and alyssum can be planted very early in spring having some frost hardiness. By the time they reach flowering, they will help protect the broadbeans and other crops. A related crop (tick beans) can be available if your main aim is cover crop and beneficial

insects. It has a similar form but is taller than broadbeans and the seeds are smaller (making it more economic to plant as a cover crop). The crop though is not quite as useful to harvest as a proper broadbean crop. One example of the noveau type recipes for broadbean is to take the beans from the pods (but leave the seedcoats on (despite what some chefs say). Bring to boil and par-cook them till starting to soften. Add to a frying pan of caramelized onion, fry for two minutes and add sliced boiled potato plus mixed herbs of choice, salt and pepper and combine to fry for one more minute. It’s good.

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DAIry

May 2012

Biological farming – what does it mean? Wastewood grinding Your site or ours Wood Chip Supplies Dairy Conversion Cleanup

The term ‘biological farming’ has caught the attention of many in the farming community of late. I recently went to a Biological Conference where an attempt was made to get a general consensus for what tAfter what seemed to me to be an age, no-one in the group could even remotely come to an agreement regarding what the definition of biological farming should be.

So, what is biological farming? In my view there are two types of farmers — chemical farmers and biological farmers. In a later article we will look at the difference between the two farming systems. The biological farmers’ goals are as follows:

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2. Soil carbon levels should be either stable or preferably lifting. There is no way soil life can survive without soil carbon. The difference between a good healthy top soil and moon dust or, for that matter, the deserts of the world is good organic matter. There are now some good reliable methods for checking the amount of carbon present in the soil. Measured over time these methods will give a good indication whether the levels are lifting. Studies have shown that the over-use of nitrogen will deplete carbon. 3. The replacement of the correct microbes in the soil will in

most cases be essential. Over time farmers using acid-based water soluble fertiliser could reduce the amount of beneficial microbes in the soil. The critical position here is whether the ratio of beneficial microbes to destructive microbes is correct. Every soil should have more beneficial microbes to combat the less desirable ones. Find a good fertiliser advisor who can show you the way forward by pointing out whether your soil has the right balance. Some New Zealand scientists say that New Zealand soils have between 1 million and 2 million different species of microbes. To my knowledge, around 200 different species have been identified. We have a long way to go in biological farming, but some fertiliser companies now breed up a variety of known microbes and add it to their fertiliser mixes — this is starting to change the microbe balance in the soil and turn around the biological status of the soils.

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1. Balance the nutrients in the soil so the soil chemistry is as far as possible in harmony. There are many different systems to do this. The most common and accepted system is the Dr Albrecht one. He estimated that by getting the ratios correct for potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium and having them in balance, it will lessen the occurrence of grass staggers, milk fever and bloat. The first step to this is to make sure that the Base Saturation percentages are as close as possible to what they should be. Phosphate should be adequate but not too high. Potash and sulphur levels should be sufficient. Check out the Albrecht system for details or give us a call.

5a Cone Street, Rangiora Freephone: 0800 426 639 Phone: (03) 313 4862, Fax: (03) 313 4863 email: newbletimber@xtra.co.nz

Transport arranged no problem.

Lincoln

✔ Colorsteel ✔ Rugged construction ✔ Made to order

sheds ‘n shelters

Guaranteed easy calving Bulls

Bull Sales on Farm 10th May Onwards

Easy care selected stud Rams Lincoln – improve wool weights by 20%. Selected over 33 years for worm tolerance and Bare Backsides, and freedom from most daggs.

Contact Agent for bookings: Don McGregor 06 858 9995

Chris Mc Bride Tom Sutter

027 446 9959

06 377 5694 06 858 5148

Bruce and Wendy: 06 856 8587 021 856 585 www.bluebulls.co.nz

027 591 8040 027 446 9967

email: bluebulls@xtra.co.nz

              





   

DAIry

May 2012

New rolleston branch about to open Anderson & Rooney Engineering Co Ltd was formed in 1973 by Bill Anderson & Tom Rooney, both now retired. The company is now owned by the Scott Family, with Tim Scott as Managing Director. The company is rebranding itself as AgRural, Complete Dairy Solutions, starting with a new Rolleston branch at 809 Jones Road which opens late June Rolleston will be managed by David Ogilvie, with Steve Forrester as Technician, Henning Visser running the DeLaval InService preventative maintenance program, Keith Johnston running the Dairy Shopping Centre while 2 others have yet to be appointed. Phone number for Rolleston is

03 3477667 or David Ogilvie 027 2207037.

staff is being engaged now with the surge in dairy conversions.

AgRural employs over 50 staff stationed in Christchurch; Ashburton; Winchester; Temuka; Waimate; Glenavy & Oamaru so are well positioned to assist dairy farmers with their requirements. Additional

AgRural holds the world renowned DeLaval milking machine franchise for Canterbury & North Otago & is noticing a change in client focus to wanting better information about their cow’s production & health & being prepared to invest in cow barns to reduce pasture damage, reduce total feed consumption & produce more milk while collecting all effluent.

DeLaval CF150 Auto Calf Feeder

AgRural can supply anything from a basic standard milking plant, to one fitted with Alpro Herd Management with Auto drafting, blood & conductivity detection, to robotic milking with the VMS (voluntary milking system). More clients are looking to reduce labour costs & let the reliability of automation take away a lot of the dreary work

The right tools to help herds Across Canterbury, thousands of cows are milked daily. And whether it is added to coffee, gulped down in milkshakes or turned into butter, cheese or milk powder, New Zealand’s economy is heavily reliant on dairy sales and exports. The right equipment is needed to keep the industry booming. Temukabased Anderson & Rooney Engineering is at the centre of reducing on-farm costs and improving operating efficiencies in the South Island. Started 39 years ago, Anderson & Rooney has become one of Canterbury and North Otago’s largest and most reputable provider of equipment and technology to the dairy industry. The over 50 staff members work as sales and structural engineers, milking machine technicians, fitter turners, fitter welders and stainless steel welders. Anderson & Rooney managing director Tim Scott says the company is the Canterbury and North Otago supplier of DeLaval products.

DeLaval VMs Voluntary Milking system robot

associated with milking cows. Robotic milking is often associated with cow barns so we can supply the whole package including mattresses; effluent scrapers, stalling; feed fences, cow brushes & lighting.

fewer operators to manage more calves while knowing how much feed each one has consumed & will automatically wean them when the correct feed consumption rates have been reached.

DeLaval CF150 Auto calf feeders have also been installed on several farms which allows

AgRural is able to offer farmers a complete dairy shed using local sub-contractors

clients are looking to reduce labour “ More costs & let the reliability of automation take away a lot of the dreary work associated with milking cows

”

to build & wire up the sheds while AgRural constructs the structural steel, yards, backing gates, completes the plumbing, rotary platform & milking plant & effluent components. Grant Mehrtens, General Manager says getting farmers to build dairy sheds year round continues to be a challenge with many clients not wanting the expense too far in advance but there are farmers out there now who have missed out through not taking the available slots in our schedule & therefore they have lost income opportunity, as a result of that I suggest anyone considering building a shed to book in as early as possible.

n o i t a m o t u a s s Harne ing DeLaval Smart

Farm

Integrated decision tools and automation for profitable dairy farming = Smart Farming Drafting your cows is a key component of Smart Farming. Drafting your cows saves time by sorting them when you require them, you don’t have to go to the paddock to see or get your cows. Either automatically create sorting criteria or review the information about an individual cow that needs some attention. Why sort your cows? Milk yield deviations: Low yields or yields trending down Ailments & treatments: Vaccinations Breeding events: Heat signs, inseminations, pregnancy checks Breeding status: Due to calve, due to dry off Management decisions: Colostrum herd, change groups for feeding, culling, high SCC’s Integrate sorting with the following DeLaval modules outside the farm dairy: Weigh scale – weight trends are an important aid to managing your cows. Hand held reader – read the ear tags automatically and transfer the information to your database. Integrate sorting with the following DeLaval modules inside the farm dairy: Automatic cup removers – consistent cups off procedures, no over milking of your cows. Milk meters – milk yields for each cow. In parlour feeding – efficient feeding of your cows.

Call AgRural now on 03 347 7664 Rolleston branch or Temuka 0800 00 11 33

May 2012

Find. Listen. Talk. Communicate. “If you need to keep in touch – we’ve got you covered”

SALES SERVICE RENTALS

36 Sheffield Crescent, Christchurch Phone 03 358 8082 www.tlparker.co.nz

• Portables & Mobiles • Radio Repeaters • FREE On-Site Coverage Test • Finance Available

Communication that’s a real life saver T.L. Parker have been supplying R.T. communications solutions to Canterbury for 40 years, and in that time they’ve seen the technology employed in this field accelerate and advance at an amazing rate. But the real driving force of communications is still people, and it’s the way that this innovative company crafts unique systems for unique situations which has kept them ahead of the game, with clients as varied as transport drivers, farmers, forestry workers and even the Crusaders’ rugby team. R.T. (radio telephone) technology had long been a feature of rural and trucking life, but there are far more applications for this robust, proven system than many people would imagine. Each situation calls for a different approach, and T.L. Parker maintain an on-the-road team who can come to their clients and work out what’s best for them. More resilient and cost effective than mobile phones, R.T. systems have the added advantage of customisable coverage — coverage wherever a handheld set can be carried. This doesn’t just increase productivity or keep open lines of communication — it can also save lives. Ask Chris Ensor, the manager at Mendip

Hills Station. While working on an isolated part of the farm Chris was badly injured in a tractor accident. One call on his R.T. set and the rescue helicopter was on its way — in an area without cellphone coverage. Other high-country and remote station owners have caught on too, with communications now possible for them even in the deep snows of winter when power cuts are frequent. No matter what business you’re in, communicating effectively with staff out in the field is key to maximising your performance. T.L. Parker can help you achieve this goal using robust, reliable and inexpensive R.T. technology tailored to your business. It’s sure to help you communicate more effectively and who knows — it may just be a life saver!

SOUTHLAND • OTAGO • CANTERBURY MF 8220 Dyna shift. Power shuttle, front axle suspension, Datatronic 2, SMS joystick. 4,600 hours $70,000+GST

MF 7475 Dyna VT. Front axle and cab suspension. 50KPH transmission 2,700 hours $87,000+GST

MF 7480 Dyna VT. 50KPH, climate control, 8,000 hours $59,000+GST

MF 3075 Dyna shift. Bare tractor 10,500 hours $14,000+GST

MF 6265 Dyna shift fitted with a Quicke Q740 front end loader 5,200 hours $59,000+GST

Welger RP 220 Round Baler 43,500 bale count Profi rotor-25 knife unit, E-Link controller $25,000+GST

MF 185 3x3 Baler would suit farmer choice of 2 from $25,000+GST.

McHale Fusion baler wrapper 63,000 bales $60,000+GST

McHale Fusion series 1 only, 16,800 bales a bargain at

Webco Centre Feed Silage Wagon

MF 5455 Dyna4 tractor c/w Stoll loader, 5100 hours

Maxum 3300 Twin Wilter Drum Mower

$70,000+GST

$8,000+GST

Branch Manager: Terry Gordon

027 260 7820

Sales Consultant Christchurch: Nick Wilson

027 498 7044

Service Ashburton: Christoph Kalin

027 260 7833

Service Christchurch: Dave Paris

027 260 7822

Sales Consultant Ashburton: Michael Dewes

0272 607 821

24 hour service 03 344 5645 / 03 307 6031

$57,000+GST

JJ LTD Christchurch 36 Hickory Place Hornby Christchurch Ph 03 344 5645 24 Hours Fax 03 349 8241 www.jj.co.nz

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JJ LTD Ashburton 9a McGregor Lane Ashburton Ph 03 307 6031 24 Hours Fax 03 307 6025 www.jj.co.nz

May 2012

Big bay school

by Lorne Kuehn

My farm property contains the remnants of an old farmstead at the very base of the Banks Peninsula Hills. It is one of the earliest on the Peninsula. It was farmed by the earliest Parkinson in the area and built about 1850 or so. The major farmhouse is gone now and only the flat outline of the house remains, complete with rotting floor boards. It was a two-storey house and fairly large for its time. The farm house site is still surrounded by huge specimen trees, mainly radiata pine and macrocarpa. By knowing the year that some of these have been cut down and counting the number of rings, I make it out that these giant trees were planted about 1854. As such, their companions are some of the oldest exotic trees still standing in the South Island. About the turn of the century, ie 1900, the house was no longer used by the Parkinson family and it was set aside as Big Bay School, named for the large marshy bay ingressing from Lake Ellesmere (now part of my farm paddocks). It served as this school for several decades and was finally torn down in 1950. Many of the farm children, perhaps several dozen in number at most, would have walked or ridden horses to attend the school. There would have been a teacher in residence, most likely male, and the students would have been taught all in a group, with the teacher grading the work and instruction to each student based on age and ability. At breaks or recess, the children would have been directed outside, depending on the weather, to run off their excess energy in the adjacent paddock with the farm horses and other grazing livestock. I know all these things because I was educated in just such a fashion in a farm school some sixty years ago in Canada, so I have a fair bit of empathy for the old school ruins on my property. Since coming here as an immigrant

some twenty years ago, I have met and befriended several retired farm school teachers who have told me of their trials and tribulations in working with small classes of Kiwi farm children over the years. The children usually ranged in age from six to sixteen. Almost all were from farming families, either farm owners or farming labourers, and most remained on the farms after leaving school. The teachers have told me that these students were usually easy to teach, being willing to see school as a great diversion from their farming chores. They were robustly healthy and quite capable of hi-jinks and tomfoolery at times. It seems that a more innocent time existed back then. One story of note, indicating this, was the account of an old retired male teacher who had set several young girls with the task of making tea for the teacher(s) during the recess or the lunch hour. The little girls became quite adept and proficient at this task.

On giving it back to the girl, he told her to be more careful in the future. She piped up and said, ‘Yes, I will, sir. I’ve managed to get it back all the other times that it fell in, but this time it was more difficult’. Thereafter, the teachers reverted to making their own tea.

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Then one day, a little girl came to him in some distress, saying that when she had poured the old tea from the teapot into the school toilet, the tea spout cap had fallen into the loo and could he come and get it out please. The teacher obliged and rescued the spout top with some difficulty.

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May 2012

Common Muscle Problems The two most common chronic muscle problems are Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) and Fibromyalgia (FM). Both FM and PMR are autoimmune diseases and result in muscle pain but that is about where the similarities stop. PMR mostly affects those over 60 and common symptoms are stiffness and pain commonly around the neck and shoulders especially in the mornings. Around 20% of people with PMR also develop Temporal Arteritis. This is caused inflammation of the major arteries which pass through the temple causing vision problems and even blindness. The major medical therapy is the steroid prednisone which blocks the production of inflammatory cytokines usually with a rapid reduction in symptoms. Many recover in a year or so but others have this for an extended period or find that it recurs after a period of remission. People on statin medicines need to be aware that these can exacerbate PMR symptoms which is why I invariably add CoQ10 to those with PMR who take statins. Nutritional therapy complements the effects of prednisone by reducing immune system production of inflammatory chemicals. We add a wide range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds to assist energy production and to lower inflammation. Serious fatigue is a feature of PMR and increases in energy is often the first benefit people feel from nutritional therapy. FM is a lot more complex. These are often referred to as FM syndromes as they involve other problems especially Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. There are relatively few medical treatment options but the most common are tri-cyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline taken in single evening doses to treat both pain and insomnia. FM is more difficult to treat with nutritional therapy as it is not a simple inflammatory problem. It appears that muscle mitochondria are damaged by free radicals which impair muscle fibre function which reduces energy and causes pain (M. Cordero et al, 2010). I have found people get real benefits from intensive multi-antioxidant therapy including CoQ10, OPC, resveratrol and many others. I always add broad spectrum vitamin and minerals and often high dose MSM before bed to help with muscle oxygenation. Curiously, as with PMR people with FM often notice an improvement in energy before any reduction in pain. Give me a call if you need help. John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health Ltd. You can contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@johnarts.co.nz. You can join his weekly newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz. For product information visit www. abundant.co.nz

Winter Maintenance

Winter is on its way, bringing with it the unforgiving weather we’d all like to avoid. But it’s not all bad news — there are few luxuries greater than sitting warm and snug by the fire while a storm rages outside. So that it’s possible to enjoy the winter with a weathertight home between yourself and the elements (and with all those chores out of the way), we’ve assembled an a-team of local professionals to help get your maintenance sorted. And while Canterbury feels the cold a little more than the North Island, it’s good to know that there are many local businesses ready to help you tackle the challenges of the season with good practical advice, innovative products and some great pre-winter deals. Continuous Spouting proudly claim that ‘when it pours, we reign’ — they’re the ones to see for an attractive and hard-wearing spouting solution to channel that rainwater off your roof and away to somewhere more productive. With a proven track record and a range of products to suit any style of home they remain Canterbury’s top choice for Master Builders and discerning architects.

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0800 PIERCE (743 723)

May 2012

Winter Maintenance

need for winter to be a season of arduous work and bitter temperatures. With the help of companies like those featured here you’ll be able to sit back in your warm and comfy lounge knowing that the roof is weathertight, the gutters clean,

infrastructure now — it’s the perfect time to consider an upgrade, and working with farmers to obtain finance for irrigation projects is one of their specialities.

With proper preparation and a little foresight there’s no

the yard tidy and the farm shipshape. The perfect time, then, to contemplate another great season for the All Blacks? That, like the turn of the seasons themselves, is something we can hopefully count on!

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If you’ve chosen to do away with those leaves at the source you might have unsightly tree stumps to deal with before the weather turns cold and wet. Save the hassle by simply calling A1 Tree Stump Removal, and let their professional team do it for you. In no time you’ll be left with a pristine lawn or garden, and A1 don’t need to resort to TNT! The wood from that old tree can be put to great use if you stop by the South Island Hardware Centre this winter — they’re not only a one stop shop for handymen, they’re also your first port of call for wood fires, gas fires and all things heating related. Big names like Masport,

Osburn, Logaire and Firenzo have every style, taste, shape and home catered for, so you can enjoy a warmer winter. To enjoy the comforts of a warm dry home, stop by Stewart and Holland, your local 100% appliances store. Not only can they source and install top-name heat pumps for the winter, they’re also the right choice for all your whiteware, and they’ve got the big (huge) screen you need to catch all the rugby action this season! With all the water coming your way from out of the sky, it’s also a timely reminder to take care of irrigation around the farm. The hot dry summer will roll around again as surely as night follows day, and top quality irrigation is the key to productivity in many parts of Canterbury. Take the time to call Irrigation Logistics and plan for routine maintenance of your irrigation

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WooL

May 2012

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

Wool market improves well prepared wools, assisted by a weakening New Zealand currency.

Following a period of price stability covering several months, wool growers were sent reeling again as prices tumbled in the wake of falling demand driven by global economic uncertainty, as wool auction sales conducted in both the North and South Islands throughout April resulted in extremely high passing rates (as a percentage of the number of bales offered but unsold) and many growers opted to hold their wool rather than accept the lesser prices offered compared to better prices achieved at earlier sales. However, the first May auction held in Christchurch witnessed a rallying of sorts as buyers bid strongly for finer micron crossbred types and showed good enthusiasm for

After two previous wool auctions held in both Christchurch and Napier resulted in substantial price drops as exporters easily filled their limited order books amid the relatively large volumes of wool on offer, the Christchurch auction held on May 10 displayed a little more courage and prices rallied. With a wide range of wool types catalogued and continued uncertainty in the market place due to ongoing European economic issues, exporters continued to operate strictly within their funding limits, but a better tone was evident in the wake

of a small but significant swell of interest from processors and manufacturers during the previous few days. After the market had taken a solid beating in mid April, prices improved for several of the good crossbred fleece and second-shear lines, with many recovering to levels of a fortnight earlier, and by the end of the day a number of slightly poorer types had also clawed their way back to levels ruling a fortnight earlier. Lambs’ fleece enjoyed widespread competition, provided staple length was a minimum of approximately 75mm, and prices generally improved. Whilst growers are currently asking questions in regard to why the market fell so rapidly given that less than a year ago the wool market was celebrating a twenty-year high, and the outlook was being painted as extremely positive by both exporters and marketers,

the latest rally (albeit gentle) may signal that things are on the improve. During 2010 and 2011, most observers of the market were quoting wool prices as having turned the corner and the New Zealand wool specific marketing campaigns, which had been conducted off-shore over several years as well as the more recent global wool generic campaigns, were beginning to reap benefit. No doubt growers and others’ questions will continue to be raised and

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After all, we did see the market react very quickly and quite dramatically during late 2010 as the retail sector began to rally. History has a habit of repeating itself! That’s my view.

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sheep farmed in the main wool production areas of the world. It would appear that China continues to have a thirst for wool consumption as development continues at a fierce pace there.

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answers could be difficult to construct, particularly if there is no further improvement to the current market situation, however in general terms, the fundamentals across the wider industry do point to a possible improvement in pricing, once the effects of recession in Europe begin to lessen and consumer confidence grows, due mainly to the likelihood of a relatively empty manufacturing pipeline and the also generally low number of wool producing

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E D U C AT I O N

At home, at school Boarding, says Selwyn House School Principal Jane Lapthorn, offers wonderful opportunities.

A caring family atmosphere Garin College in Richmond, Nelson, has a strong focus on creating a caring family environment.

It is amazing to observe the changes in our boarders as they take up the opportunities available to them. Virtually, without exception all the boarders profit immensely from their time with us. Just this week, our PE teacher commented to me how much she had enjoyed taking one of our Year 8 boarders to a sporting competition. She noted how mature and focussed the girl had become and remarked on the difference from when she first came into the boarding house.

— old girl are vastly different from a 14-yearold girl and we are very mindful of that.

An authorised International Baccalaureate World School, Selwyn House attracts girls from around the world and the ethnic differences enrich our boarding community. The global opportunities for talented, techsavvy, continuous learners will only continue to grow and our international curriculum, along with our philosophy, prepares the girls for life.

“Everyone knows everyone at Selwyn House — students, teachers, administration, and the support staff, and everyone works together to make the boarding school successful. We are essentially an extended family. Parents are an integral part of our boarding community and we communicate with them both formally and informally.

Selwyn House, which offers boarding to girls in Years 5–8, focusses on creating a small family environment, catering for the unique demands of each boarder and for this particular age group. The needs of an 11-year

“Together, our boarders and staff create a unique boarding experience that promotes bonding and personal growth — a community within the caring community that is Selwyn House.”

Head teacher John Boyce says the small, co-educational Catholic school offers also a quality education and the results of this are academic results, as well as solid cultural and sporting achievements. In the past year, Garin pupils have won the New Zealand Business Enterprise competition and were first in the Stock Market Game for the second year in a row and third in the world, and one student gained four outstanding scholarships to place him in New Zealand’s top ten scholars for 2012. The college is also developing a reputation for success in the performing arts, namely in Stage Challenge and Rockquest, with the band The Peasants winning the national final in Hamilton. The College is a decile 8 school catering to year 9 to 13 pupils, and achieves at the top end of the decile 8 in NCEA results. Mr Boyce says its staff are dedicated and

innovative, and this is shown in its inclusive nature with children with challenging physical and intellectual needs being mainstreamed into the school community. Class sizes are generally kept to maximum of 24 and classes are not streamed so that all children have equal access to the quality education offered. As well as catering for day pupils, Garin provides hostel accommodation with two houses, each catering for up to 28 boys and girls. Mr Boyce says the modern hostels offer the same “family atmosphere” found in the school, for young people living away from home for their schooling.

Garin College

for your Child’s Education

Garin College is a co-educational Catholic College with boarding facilities for boys and girls based in Richmond, Nelson.

If you want to know more about our college go to www.garincollege.ac.nz Garin College 35 Champion Road Richmond Nelson ph: +64 3 543 9488 fx: +64 3 543 9489

Our modern facilities and extensive grounds back onto Saxtons Field, Tasman’s premier sporting grounds, providing the backdrop for quality education. Our off-site boarding hostels provide a welcoming and family environment for students away from home. We have a number of places for non-Catholic students. To find out more about Boarding contact Robert Booth on 0276 544835, e-mail robertbooth@garincollege.ac.nz or visit our website.

Why choose Garin College • Small community based • A safe and caring environment Catholic School • Family style hostel • Class sizes of 24 • F antastic results for all students, • Modern facilities in beautiful grounds NCEA, Rock Quest, Stage Challenge, Sports, Outdoor adventure and more

May 2012

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