Canterbury Farming, May 2017 by Integrity Community Media

May 2017 Edition

30,287 copies distributed monthly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast

A Corriedale adventure

World record success

The sockeye return Page 36â&#x20AC;&#x201C;37

Improving the romney

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May 2017

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Improving nitrogen loss CRV Ambreed has been congratulated by Federated Farmers around its work in identifying a genetic variant that reduces nitrogen excreted in the urine of cows. “This on its own isn’t some magic bullet that will solve everything, but it is another tool in the toolbox that farmers can use in those catchments that have an issue with too much nitrogen in waterways,” said Federated Farmers dairy chair Andrew Hoggard. The major challenge New Zealand dairy farmers face is that most of the nitrogen lost on farm is from urine patches. This isn’t the only new science development that is helping farmers improve their impact on the environment. Added to the work on the cow itself, there is also work going on with pastures that will need less moisture to grow, and again when ingested by the cow will not create as much nitrogen in urine. Precision agriculture also holds much promise in reducing environmental impacts. There is extension work ongoing in many catchments to help farmers optimise their farm systems to leach less and make more profit. Projects like managed aquifer recharge also hold promise to improve those aquifers that have been over-allocated. “With these gains, it will be important that if regulators insist on managing things at a farm level, through the use of Overseer, then it will need to be fit for purpose and

Andrew Hoggard, Federated Farmers dairy chair

recognise these new tools that we have, and account for them,” said Mr Hoggard. “Overseer is an important indicator to help us make informed decisions, but is never going to keep up with the changes we are seeing in practice on the ground.

Advances, such as this CRV Ambreed one, quickly move us from best practice to standard practice and we need a regulatory system that can cope with and encourage this. “This will require a lot more investment from government into the

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science around Overseer and water management. “The dairy sector is moving ahead in using science to ensure that we can maintain our vital role in the economy but to also reduce the impact we have on the environment. The solution is more science.”

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Waterways journey improving Protecting New Zealand’s waterways are a priority and the Ministry for the Environment’s Our fresh water 2017 report released recently identified that more needs to be done to reduce phosphorus, nitrogen and E coli from entering the waterway, in both rural and urban settings. New Zealand’s dair y farmers have been on this journey for many years now, and the improvements to the quality of their waterways are beginning to show. Dairy farmers have built 26,000km of fences to protect waterways on their farms during the past five years. That is the equivalent of a journey from downtown Auckland to the steps of the United Nations in New York — and almost all the way back again. A range of native species such as manuka, flaxes and sedges have also been planted along their farm streams and in wetland restoration, which helps filter runoff, cooling and shading water and protecting biodiversity. “They have done this work voluntarily, well ahead of regulatory requirements, and their actions speak louder than words,” said Tim Mackle, DairyNZ CE. “Most dairy farmers are on a journey that will see them hand over their lands to the next generation in a better environmental state than they received them. I believe this is something our country should be proud of.

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“We know there is more work to be done and protecting New Zealand’s waterways is a job for every single person in the country — including dairy.” More than 95 per cent of dairy waterways are now fenced so no dairy cows can enter them. This means that it’s unlikely a dairy cow will ever

be found in a lake or river. Many farmers have also installed modern effluent management systems, often more advanced than required by their regional council, to manage nutrients in a way that promotes grass growth as a fertiliser, rather than end up in waterways. The Water Accord, a voluntar y initiative that

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CANTERBURY FARMING

BY ANN MORGAN Tom Abbott is in his 81st year and grew up on Coutts Island on the banks of the Waimakariri river and has been breeding Corriedale sheep for some 65 years.

PART TWO

“W

e used to grow turnips for our winter crops but now we grow the brassicas such as kale and rape because turnips have issues,” says Tom. The sheep are fed grass in summer, hay in autumn and in winter they get the brassica and barley which Tom grows himself, plus hay or baleage. “Barley is good food. I always kept 30 tonnes in a silo as a backup for drought. We have had some very severe droughts in the early years and now we are in the fourth year of the latest and

we can’t recover because it won’t rain.” The farm was originally more than 1,700 acres but in 1960 the family sold the homestead and kept the river block of 1,440 acres. “It was a massive farm for two guys and an ageing mother so we moved out and renamed the piece we kept as Boulder Park. “My wife Helen and I have been keen for someone to take my 65 years worth of breeding and keep my line going. They are bred from the original sheep and I have carefully culled my ewes and

have never lost my lineage. “Due to the drought we have sold the breeding mob and kept 60 ewe lambs, first year off from lambing.” In culling Tom has concentrated on things such as fleece rot on the staple, paper thin ears, black spot, fly strike, wool blindness and poor feet. Tom also runs a small mob of Murray Grey cattle and breeds them for the bulls. “It is a good idea to have the cattle as well as sheep because they battle the rough tall grass and are good for cleaning up, and often when

Tom Abbott has had an adventure with Corriedale sheep for some 65 years

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Whilst culling, Tom concentrated on fleece rot, paper thin ears, black spot, fly strike, wool blindness and poor feet the cattle price is up, sheep is down, so it gives you a good balance of income.” Now semi-retired to Darfield, Thomas’s daughter and son-in-law are on the farm that they have converted to a small dairy farm, carrying approximately 200 dairy cows. “My son-in-law uses the Murray Greys over the Friesian dairy cows at the end of the season. They are a very nice temperament and a high yielding meat. It is on par with Angus as far as the meat goes, some of their makeup is Angus.” Tom says he has been a very happy contented farmer and he really loves his animals. “I am a foot farmer because there were a lot of boulders on the original property that would throw you if you had a motorbike. As you walk over your property you can access it better and grub the odd nodding thistle. I am still foot farming today and enjoy it and this has kept me fit.” In 1967 Tom purchased the neighbours riverbed block and the land now carries the canal for the Central Plains Water project. “The irrigation canal runs along the bottom of the farms on the Rakaia River, it is 19 kilometres long and climbs a huge terrace,” says Tom. “The bottom terrace is 21 metres high and CPW comes

out on top at the end of Tom’s riverbed. It is a remarkable engineering feat and it waters 20,000 hectares with the goal of another 20,000 by 2018. “I am keen on trees and they are great shelter for the stock. A lot were felled along the river to make way for the canal, which was a shame but we can’t stand in the way of progress. “We have a lot of drought so if the canal helps the ecology of the rivers and brings water to the farms that is a good thing. The low land streams don’t come out of the mountains so the

irrigation from the Rakaia will hopefully help to restore the lowland streams. “A lot of ground water wells are not reliable now as they rely on the rain to replenish them. “When the water starts to come down from the rivers steadily, hopefully it will filter down and replenish the wells and underwater streams and rivers. It will take time but there is hope. “Farming is a wonderful career, it is a healthy lifestyle and it is nice to be out in the open spaces. I have enjoyed my life on the farm.”

May 2017

The remaining flock Tom has are bred from his original sheep

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Money Talk

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Investment markets update (Covering the three months ended March 31 2017) Synchronised Global Reflation Global reflation is firmly underway, led by developed markets and China. Credit, money and liquidity indicators suggest a healthy pace of growth for the rest of the year, with manufacturing moving up a gear, especially in the United States and the Euro area. Emerging markets are not far behind, with Chinese manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index reaching cyclical highs. Strengthening global exports are counter to the protectionist rhetoric, but show the broad pickup in both developed and emerging markets. The rise

in trade is also confirmation that the manufacturing recovery is becoming more broadly established. Euro area, Japan and China: Healthy growth momentum Politics has obviously been front and centre in the first three months of 2017 and election risks remain in Europe this year. However, investors who remain overly focussed on this are at risk of missing the European Union’s relatively healthy underlying economic momentum. Growth expectations for 2017 have been revised up and continue to be revised higher. The we a ke r Euro has helped, but private

consumption has been a key driver of growth as the collapse in oil prices last year boosted real incomes. There are signs the expansion is gradually broadening out to include capex (capital expenditure), and therefore an improvement in business spending. In Japan, the weaker Yen has also contributed to a rebound in economic growth. Elsewhere, growth in China should remain above trend as global growth boosts demand for Chinese goods and the more competitive Renminbi helps exports. Headline inflation has accelerated in much of the world as commodity prices have increased. If firms start

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passing on higher costs to consumers, core inflation may also accelerate closer to many central bank targets. The United States Federal Reserve has already raised rates three times this cycle and is expected to hike two to three more times this year. The European Central Bank, while still supporting the European Union economy with monetary stimulus and negative interest rates, may signal a further tapering of quantitative easing later this year. This would be supportive of an appreciation of the Euro, but also underlines that economic data supports an upward trend in long-term interest rates. Equity markets rebound The positive backdrop allowed equity markets to deliver solid gains over the last three months. In local currency terms the best performing market over the quarter was Hong Kong, followed by Germany and

the United States. Australian equities also continued their strong performance inline with commodity prices continuing to strengthen, but also benefitted from improved sentiment towards financials. New Zealand continues to lag. President Trump’s inability to repeal Obamacare proved to be only a short-lived fear for markets, as the main driver of market sentiment has been his tax reform plan. We still expect Trump to move aggressively ahead on this and on other areas of deregulation. Reducing regulation should save companies billions in costs and encourage CEOs to expand their businesses, boosting revenues in the future. Besides proposed tax cuts, the Trump administration is also one of the most probusiness administrations in history. Both tax cuts and deregulation are likely to have a positive impact on corporate earnings. RBNZ holds the official cash rate at 1.75% The Reserve Bank of New Zealand maintained a neutral

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stance in its March review and held the Official Cash Rate (OCR) steady at 1.75%. The reserve bank continues to stress the balance of risks between domestic strength and global uncertainty. Of concern to the reserve bank is a potential trade war, particularly between the United States and China and increasing protectionism in the global markets. Inward migration remains strong, which is keeping a cap on wage inflation, while dairy prices have continued to moderate this year. Consequently, we don’t expect the reserve bank to raise the OCR until early/ mid 2018. Core inflation remains relatively subdued in New Zealand and the housing market, particularly in Auckland, is showing signs of moderation. Also, credit growth is slowing quickly, which is a function of the previously imposed tighter Loan to Value Ratio rules and tighter lending standards from the banks. Higher long-term interest rates should be expected as a result of improving economic growth globally and the gradual pull-back from quantitative easing measures in Europe and Japan. If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at forsythbarr. co.nz/investing-with-us/newto-investing or to discuss your investment options please contact Andrew Wyllie, an authorised financial adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding por tfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew. wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

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Country Law with Ronald W. Angland & Son

Foreign trusts As a consequence of the 2016 revelations in the Panama Papers that New Zealand was a ‘soft touch’ enabling unscrupulous overseas residents to create foreign trusts in NZ in order to hide assets and avoid taxes and creditors, the government promptly appointed one of NZ’s leading tax experts to provide a report on the Foreign Disclosure Rules. Recommendations were made to tighten the disclosure requirements for foreign trusts as a result of that report. Legislation has now been passed requiring all foreign trusts to be registered with the IRD. A foreign trust is a trust with a trustee who is resident in NZ, but the settlor and beneficiaries of the trust may have no connection with NZ. No doubt some will have no idea where NZ is. It is a requirement that all foreign trusts are registered with the IRD. The trust’s trustee must register the trust, disclose the statutory information required by the department, file annual disclosure returns and pay all fees. In addition to the disclosure of information, the trustee is also obliged to provide a copy of the trust deed to IRD along with any

deeds or documents varying the trust. All documents have to be in English. Where there is more than one trustee a contact trustee may be appointed for communicating with the IRD. The contact trustee becomes responsible for providing all information to the IRD as required by the legislation. There are time limits for foreign trusts to comply with the requirement for registration. Any foreign trusts formed after the legislation was enacted (21 February 2017) must register within 30 days of creation. All existing foreign trusts need to register by June 30 2017, but there are some exceptions. If foreign trusts fail to comply

with the registration and disclosure requirements within the time limits in the legislation, the trust will lose its exemption from paying tax on foreign sourced income. The IRD will then tax the trust on its overseas income. It is hoped that the effect of the new legislation will deter foreigners from creating foreign trusts in NZ for their illicit purposes. The IRD is authorised to share information relating to registration (or lack thereof) with the police and Department of Internal Affairs. This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a partner at Ronald W Angland & Son Solicitors, 2 Chapman Street, Leeston.

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The shearing sports film investigates what drives women shearers to sacrifice so much personally, and professionally, to follow their dream to win The Golden Shears. “RWNZ is delighted to support this documentary as we believe it will showcase the hard-working women who dedicate their skills to shearing and woolhandling ,” said F iona Gower, RWNZ National President. “For more than 90 years RWNZ has been part of the rural landscape and historically many of our members were based on sheep farms or involved in wool production. We hope the storytelling will provide insight into New Zealand’s successful wool industry, and inspire current and future women shearers.” The filmmakers follow five characters as they chase sporting glory, and delve deeper into New Zealand’s most unconventional national sport. The women are: Hazel Wood, junior shearer and dairy farmer based in Ruawai; Catherine Mullooly,

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senior shearer working in Piopio and Australia; Pagan Karauria, senior shearer and open wool handler, based in Alexandra; Emily Welch, open level shearer and a shearing contractor and current world record holder for shearing 648 sheep in a day; and Jill Angus Burney, open level shearer and barrister based in Masterton, and former world record holder. Emily broke Jill’s record. In New Zealand shearing competitions there is no specific women’s competition. The women compete with the men, which demonstrates that the women competitors are achieving incredible accolades in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

RWNZ will host the film premiere at the Golden Shears event in Masterton in 2018. “The rural landscape is changing and women are at the forefront of these changes, with our documentar y following some of these new pioneers,” said Jack Nicol, documentary filmmaker. “We are immensely proud to be working with Rural Women New Zealand on this wonderful film. It feels like a natural partnership as the organisation represents the type of women we are following in our film — strong, resourceful, independent country women.” To follow the film documentary go to facebook.com/No.1Stand.

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World record success Ashburton farmers Eric and Maxine Watson have entered the renowned book of Guinness World Records after producing the world’s highest yielding crop of wheat.

he staggering 16.791 tonnes per hectare, beat the previous record of 16.519 tonnes held for two years by a UK farmer. The Watsons have held a long time desire to excel as arable farmers on their 490ha farm located east of Ashburton that they purchased in 1992, and, with the help of one staff member, grow a wide range of crops

for seed production, including cereals, grasses, vegetables and pulses. Eric says it’s a big relief to have achieved the record, especially after coming close in previous years. “We’re absolutely delighted to have set a new record — I feel a bit overcome in a way, it’s quite an achievement. “It’s a very good feeling after all these years of

achieving high yields to get the world record, after all, it’s what we set out to do. Possibly one of the things that will come out of this is recognition of the New Zealand arable industry. It’s very small but there are some good farmers out there and it’s good to have the record back in New Zealand again.” On average, irrigated wheat yields in New Zealand

Eric Watson with a some of the wheat he has grown

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Eric and David Weith inspect the wheat crop which took 10 months to grow are around 12 tonnes per hectare, demonstrating how remarkable the new record is. The crop was planted almost a year ago in midApril 2016 and harvested mid-February this year. With a focus on detail, the couple are pioneers in the field of computerised variable rate irrigation ensuring crops get the exact quantity of moisture required without wasting water. Healthy soil is another focus area with regular nitrogen testing aimed at minimising fertiliser use wherever possible. They constantly try to improve farm performance and describe their business

as a clear partnership that shares strategic planning and overall management. Eric puts his success down to his partnership with Bayer and Yara. Bayer, for its agronomy advice and range of crop protection herbicides and fungicides; and Yara, for its nutrition input. “I couldn’t have done it without them — they made me realise I could do it. I suppose I needed a shove in the right direction,” he says. “We’ve been achieving high yields for several years but have never bothered about the world record. The record definitely became harder to achieve after the 16.5 tonne barrier was broken in the UK

harvest of 2015.” Bayer New Zealand Crop Science Country Manager, Scott Hanson, says the record is not only an important achievement for the Watsons, but for New Zealand as a whole. “For me, the record demonstrates the skill set that we have in New Zealand in the arable industry. The New Zealand grain and seed industry is an important part of the global seed market. Farmers like Eric and Maxine demonstrate what New Zealand can do at a global level and truly promotes our industry to the world. “ We hope that achievements such as this will help promote New

The couple focus on healthy soil, with regular nitrogen testing aimed at minimising fertiliser use wherever possible Zealand as a global leader in growing grain and seed for both the local and global markets. Two years ago we worked with Warren Darling of Timaru to get the world record for barley. The addition of the wheat world record firmly puts New Zealand at the forefront of worldwide farming. “In par ticular, the Canterbur y region is demonstrating that it not only has the best arable growing conditions in the world, but also the best and most knowledgeable arable farmers in the world. “Bayer is focussed on improving crop yields

through developing innovative products and crop management programmes. Our aim is to make New Zealand the highest yield producing countr y in the world.” Yara New Zealand Arable Specialist, Paul Johnston, was involved with the overall crop nutrition advice for solid fertiliser inputs of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and magnesium. “Regular herbage testing was also a very important factor as this guided the timely inputs of foliar trace elements,” said Paul. Eric believes he can do even

better in the future. “It is an exceptional yield, but I could always do better and that’s my aim. “There were things I saw when I was out there in the combine harvester and I thought, yeah, I could do this a whole lot better.” The Watsons have won numerous farming awards, including Lincoln University’s South Island Farmer of the Year award and the Supreme award in the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Achieving the Guinness World Record is the pinnacle of their success.

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Country Matters

with Rob Cope-Williams

Princely support As a great advocate of talking about mental health I am thrilled that the two princes have come out and told the world that they have suffered after the death of their mother. I will be one of the thousands who watched the two youngsters follow the hearse that carried their mother, seemingly without any emotion. Total British stiff upper lip, a command far beyond the reach of boys of that age, but they delivered anyway. My heart went out to them then as it still does today. As a man in my mid-60s I was emotional at my mother’s service and she was 98 when she passed away, not in her prime and due to an accident that was front page all over the world. At last, and 20 years on, the two children have decided to face their reality and admit, for the good of others, their personal battles of emotion and loss. As world leaders and figureheads of society and royalty, the two have said it is very OK for a man to cry, to mourn and to admit mental health issues. Perhaps for me the greatest example they

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deliver to the people who are suffering from stress and depression is that it is better to talk about it that to suffer quietly and go deeper into oneself. In my personal case I can assure you that once I admitted to myself that I needed help, I grew as a person. I started to tell people I was in the dark hole and it is bloody awful down there. Interestingly no one laughed,

poured scorn or treated me as a leper. A percentage told me I was very brave opening up to everyone and risking being seen as a failure, but the majority of folk simply admitted they have suffered, or were suffering as well. It is a strange thing, but when one is in that black hole, one feels very alone and the rest of the world seems to be trouble free and enjoying life.

The chances are that they aren’t and in fact may even be worse off than you, but like you they won’t show it. Put it this way; if it is OK for the British royalty to soften their stiff upper lips and show they are human, it is very alright for we subjects to follow their lead and admit we are suffering. If anyone tells you to take a cement pill and harden up, punch them very firmly on the nose from me.

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

Would you like a tax with your water? If there’s one thing every election has in common it’s tax. Usually one party promising to lower them; the others threatening to raise them. This year however, tax is being talked about in the context of water. I’ve spent time with politicians over the past couple of weeks and so far, I’ve heard suggestions of taxing water at 10c a cubic metre, introducing a tiered pricing regime and imposing royalties on water exports. Depending on who you talk to, no one owns the water or everyone owns the water. I

think the water tax debate has been a knee-jerk reaction to a whole lot of wider issues around water. It has allowed some to push their antidairying agenda and others to be xenophobic. So, let’s look at a water tax from a common-sense perspective. Because we all benefit from the use of water, then

a water tax would need to be applied to everyone who uses it. You can’t just tax the people and uses of water that you don’t like, ie foreigners bottling it and selling it offshore or farmers because you think they’re getting it for free (they’re not). Let’s just say, for argument’s sake, that Labour

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and the Greens do what they say they’re going to and impose a 10c a cubic metre tax on water. In New Zealand, we allocate around 11 billion cubic metres of water for consumptive uses annually and on average, due to climatic variation, utilise 60% of this. A 10c a cubic metre tax on consumptive water use would therefore remove around $660 million from our economy. In a regional context, $422 million would disappear from Canterbury; the Hawke’s Bay would lose an estimated $22 million and the ‘hit’ for a town like Oamaru would be close to $51 million. These figures are scary enough on their own but when you consider that none of them include the water we use for hydropower generation, then the reality of a water tax becomes a whole lot more frightening for your average family. When you call for a tax to be applied to a resource that is fundamental to energy and food production, the end result is that you are going to pay a whole lot more for your electricity and your groceries.

Don’t be fooled into thinking a water tax wouldn’t apply to you. The reality is if you tax commercial users, the true costs will be passed on to domestic consumers. If you ‘ring fence’ the tax to only be applied to one sector (eg bottled water exporters), then how long before it ‘creeps’ into other sectors and users? On a positive note, surely the government would reinvest all this extra money from taxing water back into fixing waterways? We all know that won’t happen. Taxing water isn’t an effective way to incentivise water use efficiency or clean up our rivers. Farmers and growers are already at the forefront of efficiency — New Zealand leads the world in technological advancements in irrigation and sustainable farm practices, which are also now being driven through national and regional regulations. If you were to add another tax on to farmers’ and growers’ incomes, then you would reduce their capacity (and appetite) to make discretionary investment in environmental management. Water is complex, which makes managing it

difficult and taxing it nigh on impossible. No other country in the world has successfully implemented a water tax and I think we’d be foolish to attempt it here. Our competitive edge on the international stage would be lost — no other country taxes food production! Exports would suffer — and the effect of that would impact big businesses, small businesses and communities. Ultimately, those that can least afford it will bear the greatest cost. What we should be doing to protect our freshwater resources and manage them for current and future generations is exactly what we’re already doing — continuously improving how we use the resource more efficiently and effectively; protecting it through regulation that underpins good practice; increasing its reliability and security so we’re not adversely impacted by climatic events; and being innovative and clever with it so it grows prosperous resilient communities. All of this can — and will — be achieved without taxing it.

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Weather Watch by Tony Trewinnard A good start — more needed though Groundwater levels remain critically low although there are encouraging signs. March and April rainfall has given the much needed recharge a great kick-start.

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The South Island Agricultural Field Days ‘rainfalls’ were followed up with another two good rainfall events in April that have kick-started recharge. Since the beginning of March the Canterbury Plains has received more than 200mm rainfall and more importantly three significant events: • Christchurch — 218mm with 54mm in mid-March, 71mm and 68mm in April • Whitecliffs — 250mm with 45mm in mid-March, 92mm and 44mm in April It is the ‘big’ widespread rainfall events that are essential to produce groundwater recharge. Getting three significant events so early in the autumn to winter period is a great start. The March rainfalls

effectively got the soil profile back to field capacity on irrigated properties, and the March and first April rainfall sorted the dryland soil profiles. At the end of March we saw the usual kickback in groundwater levels when everyone realised irrigation wasn’t required — in the West Melton area where bores are 40–60m deep, the kickback is typically 1–2m, in the deeper bores further inland the kickback is 3–5m. In the shallower bores we are just seeing the start of recharge with 40–50cm rises in just a few days leading up to Anzac Day. It will take longer in the deeper bores — more like 2–3 months. But more is needed, we are about a quarter of the way to 500mm before September 1.

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

The farmer wants to know the position of each of his pivots, are they currently running and in what direction.

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FORESTRY & LOGGING

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A different kind of harvest

May 2017

LAND CLEARING & DEVELOPMENT

LOGGING CONTRACTORS

by Andy Bryenton

The business of bringing in the tall timber has been refined down to an automated art form in recent decades, with an array of heavy machinery easily an equal to that which plies the plains and pastures in the world of agricultural cropping. While the average pine takes much longer to grow and presents more of a cutting challenge than maize or corn, it’s simply another kind of harvest to the engineers at John Deere, famous for its big combines and tractors on the farm — and for its robust, highly advanced forestry solutions as well. Take its big, powerful 959M tracked feller buncher for example. Lessons learned from more than a century in agricultural machinery design have been applied here as well, because forestry operators have similar demands for ease of maintenance, durability and versatility. Every effort has been made to simplify the upkeep of what is at its heart a complex machine, designed to both effortlessly harvest and stack timber in conditions far removed from the flat pastureland where other big Deeres operate. The powerful 330hp diesel power’s not only a boom with a reach of close to nine metres, but also a pair of wide and stable tracks which give the 959M a solid footing. Easy, wide-open access to checkpoints has been made clear and wide open to make quick work of regular checks,

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while that sturdy boom features heavy duty pins and bushings to ensure maximum reliability. The hydraulic heart of the 959M has been laid out in a simple pattern, easy to trace and maintain with the addition of spin-on filters to chop maintenance downtime while also chopping more timber. John Deere has upped the ante since the

development of its previous 900 series machines, increasing the cutting swath so that less movement is required to reach more trees. At the same time, it’s gone back to operators to improve the controls, which allow the 959M to be used with surgical precision. All boom operations have been simplified down to a single

joystick, making wielding that powerful cutting head intuitive and exact. John Deere is confident that with advancements in stability, ease of maintenance and ease of operation, it’s developed a feller buncher that will power through timber in the same way its combine harvesters master crops in the field.

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FORESTRY & LOGGING

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Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF, Laurie Forestry Ltd Encouraging reports It is encouraging to see positive reports from our ministry in recent media coverage. The following is a direct quote: ‘Recent news release from the New Zealand Government’s Associate Primary Industries Minister Louise Upston has welcomed new forecasts showing forestry export revenue set to rise further during the next two financial years. The Ministry for Primary Industries’ first quarterly update of its Situation Outlook for Primary Industries shows forestr y expor t revenue is forecast to rise 5.8 per cent to $5.4 billion for the year ending June 2017, and a further 8.8 per cent to $5.9 billion in the year to June 2018. “Rising log exports are behind this positive forecast, with a strong demand from China due to its expanding housing market. This, combined with low shipping costs, has driven harvesting to record levels,” Ms Upston said. “Increased building activity in Auckland and Christchurch are also driving domestic consumption of sawn timber, up seven per cent in the year

to September 2016, which is great news for the forestry sector.” The annual harvest reached a new record in 2016, pushed up by higher log prices, with the supply of harvestable wood set to increase during the next five years. “Forestry is our third highest export-earner and an important industry for our regions. This government is encouraging more planting through the Afforestation Grants Scheme, which has $19.5 million to establish 15,000ha of new forests between 2015 and 2020”.’ The only issue I have with this statement is the reference to harvestable wood set to increase during the next five years. This leaves the reader with the impression of something much greater and grander in the future. Indeed current statistics indicates only very moderate increases or more of about the same in the national wood harvest during the next five years. Allied to this and

of some concern are reports of companies, and some seemingly quite reputable ones at that, touting future big increases in wood supply and potential lack of people to do the work as reasons for forest owners to consider harvesting early. Based on all reliable data both nationally and internationally, this recommendation is fundamentally flawed. Indeed the only basis for this is some highly biased crystal ball gazing. As far as I am aware qualifications to become a Registered Forestry Practitioner do not include crystal ball gazing. It can only be presumed therefore that advice which attempts to justify harvesting early has its foundations in procurement and client generation rather than anything to do with a good bottom line for the forest owner. In April we have continued to see strength in prices and demand in both export and domestic segments. The

recent spell of wet weather in NZ has seen logging crews parked up for between 1 and 2 weeks, which will only add to the woes of sawmills already screaming for more log supply. Shipping rates have continued to increase as companies attempt to claw their way back to profitability. Most recent settlements in China are flat to up US$2 a cubic metre. This has been mirrored in shipping rates which, helped by a slightly weaker NZ$ against the US$, has resulted in flat to very slightly firm pricing in the export segment at the NZ wharf gate in April. I recently attended the annual Farm Forestry conference, this year held in Fielding. During the

conference, I had no less than six attendees regale me with stories of their recent harvest projects. Those that attend the annual conference are the ardent enthusiasts and therefore would generally do things pretty much right but this is not always the case even by their own admission. Even so, the lowest net return quoted was $26,000 a hectare and the highest $48,000. On fur ther analysis, based on the age of the forests and woodlots harvested, the average net return was $928 to $1,500 a hectare per annum. Remember this is net return after all costs. These reflect our own experience of the last two years with forest and woodlot harvest typically yielding a net

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return range of $25,000 to $30,000 a hectare. These relate to good quality trees 28-plus years old that have been well to reasonably well managed and within 100km of good domestic and export markets. Of course as always there are exceptions above and below these averages with terrain, requirements for roads, scale and tree quality all adding to the pot of results. This ongoing and consistent performance confirms commercial forestry is a highly profitable, if not close, the most consistently profitable land use in NZ. This proves once again, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees!

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FORESTRY & LOGGING

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2017

ADVERTORIAL

An innovative approach to forestry Earlier this year, the Forest Management Group (comprised of Forest Management North Island, Forest Management Ltd and Tasman Forest Management) held their AGM in sunny Kaiteriteri in the Able Tasman National Park. It was a chance for the entire team to regroup, focus on some wins of the previous year, and to look ahead to what the future of the industry holds. “One of the great things about organising these sorts of trips is that for some staff it’s the first time in a year since they’ve seen each other”, said Director Glenn Moir. “We’ve also had some new staff join, so not only is it an opportunity to introduce them to the team, it’s a chance to discuss the direction of the company and where we’re heading as an industry.” Amongst other things, the Emissions Trading Scheme was a hot topic, with Dave Janett leading the charge. “One of the more important discussion points was this idea of where we are and where do we want to go as a company”, said Director Evan MacClure. “We don’t just want to harvest trees. We want to do more in establishment. Managing carbon and har vesting together is about future proofing the company.” Looking at it this way one might argue that the Forest Management Group (FMG)

is actually in the energy business, not just the forestry business. It’s this type of thinking, looking at harvesting as just one small part of the cycle, that’s positioning FMG as the industry leader. This was further exemplified when the team visited a harvesting operation based in Marahau Forest. What made it unique was the fact that it was a tethered operation. That means that there’s a worker on a steep slope sitting in an excavator felling and shovelling stems. This machine is connected to an anchor excavator at the top of the hill. The operator can easily control both machines from inside the felling unit, which leads to less people on the ground, which improves the safety and efficiency of the entire operation. KD Logging were running the operation, jointly owned by Dale Ewers and Kevin Timpson, and is visited regularly by contractors from around the world to witness first-hand this new innovation in harvesting. It’d be fair to say that whilst the country’s second largest export industry goes largely unnoticed in New Zealand,

The FMG team at their recent AGM in Kaiteriteri

firms such as the FMG are adhering to the highest standards, ensuring the latest innovations are fully utilised, to provide safety, efficiency and overall productivity.

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May 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

EDUCATION The investment of a lifetime Education is often quoted as being the single most important investment you make in your life. Preparing for the new year or season and a new school in advance can be a daunting process. By researching possibilities and enrolling early, a good amount of stress can be removed for all concerned, helping to make the transition easier, particularly for children and teenagers. If you are moving to a new area, ask around

and see if you can introduce your children to others attending the school they will be attending prior to starting. That way they will have someone familiar in the new surroundings during that first week or two whilst they adjust to the new area. Education can determine what you will spend the majority of your life doing.

Understanding at a young age that education and qualifications are essential for almost every job can help you in the early years decide what qualification goals you may need to work towards through your schooling years. Learning and being exposed to new ideas at any age is not only a thrilling

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journey, it can shape, grow and challenge you whilst offering a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Eleanor Roosevelt once said education is essential to good citizenship and life as it enables people to contribute to their communities and countries. It allows us to communicate effectively, read about new ideas, think of our own ones and complete tasks. As you grow older and choose where and what you want to study, it is also important to consider what you enjoy doing and what

your purpose for learning is. Of course education does not guarantee success and vice versa. To succeed requires other traits that cannot be taught, but everyone can have goals and learn determination. Many people in different parts of the world don’t have the same opportunities to get educated. Keeping this in mind makes the hard work worth it, especially if you have a goal or career in mind. So whether it is learning to fly, upskilling for your farming career, learning a new language, choosing a

Garin College

NELSON COLLEGE

Faith and wisdom Academic excellence

Young men taking their place in the world

BOARDING OPEN DAY

Garin College is a Catholic Co-educational College with boarding for boys and girls years 9 to 13, based in Richmond, Nelson. Garin College consistently delivers academic results above its decile 8 rating. This along with outstanding Arts, outdoor education and sports programmes, makes Garin College the smart choice for your child’s college education.

Saturday 13 May 10am - 12.30pm Open Day starts with short presentations by Headmaster and Key Boarding Staff followed by guided tour of the Boarding Houses and College facilities.

If you would like to know more about boarding at Garin or to organise a tour of our hostels and college contact: Robert Booth on 027 654 4835 or email robertbooth@cloud.garincollege.ac.nz. Garin College is taking enrolments now for 2018. Places in our boarding hostels are limited. To enrol or find out more go to www.garincollege.ac.nz or contact Shona at Garin College on +64 03 543 9488 Email achieve@garincollege.ac.nz Garin College, Champion Road, Richmond.

college for your child, or just keeping your brain active through lifelong learning, cherish your education and the events and circumstances that have made it possible and accessible. Remember, no matter what age you are, younger or older, being prepared and thinking about where you want to be and what you want to do in the future is a positive step in the right direction. You are never too young to think toward the future and never to old to stop learning. “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” — Benjamin Franklin.

• • • • • • •

Curriculum pathways tailored for boys including Trades Academy courses Extensive & successful co-curricular/sporting programmes Leadership & Mentoring of junior students Refurbished Boarding facilities Limited boarding places available for yer 7 & 8 preparatory school students Boarding scholarships available ‘Nelson College is a high-performing boys’ school with traditions’ ERO report 2016

To register your interest or find our more go to www.nelsoncollege.school.nz P: 03 548 3099 E: jd@nelsoncollege.school.nz

EDUCATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2017

ADVERTORIAL

The biggest sleepover your son will ever have! Medbury is an independent boys’ school in Christchurch, offering an education for both day boys and boarders from Years 1 to 8. With traditional values and a strong emphasis on manners and respect, Medbury’s vision is to provide an education which prepares boys for life in the 21st century. At Medbury the focus is on the ‘whole boy’, and small class sizes enable teachers to deliver a personalised learning programme. Boarding at Medbury has been an integral part of the school since it was established in 1923. It provides an entry into an exciting and welcoming ‘extended family’. Boarding offers boys unique life opportunities, enabling them to develop independence, make good friendships, discover inner strengths, and enjoy the full benefits of Medbury’s culture. The Medbury Boarding House really is a welcoming ‘home away from home’ for up to 43 boys, ranging from age seven to thirteen. Facilities include two dormitories, a common room, and a quiet room, where boys can enjoy their own space. Outside of school hours, the boarders have use of the school’s extensive facilities, including the swimming pool, library, astro turf, climbing wall and sports field. The dedicated and experienced boarding team, which includes the

headmaster, the director of boarding, two matrons, three gap-year tutors and Medbur y teachers, on rotation, ensures that every boy receives the attention and support he needs to flourish. Teachers also supervise and assist the boarders with their homework within a regular scheduled time. A ‘big brother’ system provides boys new to the Boarding House with friendly guidance and advice. Many boarders return home for the weekend after Saturday sport, though those who ‘stay in’ are well catered for with a diverse and engaging weekend programme. Boarders’ Weekends, regular outings, barbecues in the summer and extracurricular activities, all keep the boys busy. Meals are served in the dining room, and the menus are designed to be balanced, nutritious and appetising, while satisfying busy, active boys.

For those who are not quite ready to board fulltime, or want the flexibility of boarding short-term, then Medbury also offers casual boarding. This caters for the demands of parents’ hectic schedules, varying work and travel demands, and is the obvious solutions when parents are out of town, by providing an uninterrupted routine for their son. Day boys use casual boarding for many different reasons, but they all come away with a sense of pride and huge enjoyment from their time spent with the Medbury boarding family. You only have to spend a short time in the Boarding House to see that it offers an inclusive and welcoming environment, which encourages boys to grow as individuals with the support of their ‘brothers’. For boys intending to board at secondary school, Medbury provides an invaluable foundation, making this

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2018 Applications are invited from boys currently in Year 5 and Year 6 to sit the Academic Scholarship Examinations being held on

Boarding and Day School for Boys Years 3-8

AY OPEN DM ay Sunday 14 1.30pm

book your own Or contact us to a time to suit personal tour at

Tuesday 16 May 2017 at Waihi School, State Highway 1, Winchester South Canterbury More information and application forms are available on our website www.waihi.school.nz or contact us on 03 687 8071 executive@waihi.school.nz

vital transition seamless. The organisational skills and self-discipline Medbury establishes, will serve the

boys throughout their school life and beyond. For more information please contact Tanya Moore

(Headmaster’s PA) on 03 351 6169, email office@medbury. school.nz or visit medbury. school.nz.

Boarding

at its Best Nelson College for Girls Our boarders enjoy academic success, make lifelong friendships and build strong connections within the school and its community. Affordable excellence Independence

Family values Nurturing

ENQUIRIES FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS ARE WELCOME For more information visit www.ncg.school.nz 03 548 1332 | jo.purcell@ncg.school.nz

THINKING BOARDING, THINK MEDBURY You are invited to attend the

MEDBURY SCHOOL OPEN DAY Monday 8 May ~ 9.00am - 11.00am

Academic, Boarding & Music Scholarships available for 2018 - See website for full details and an online application form. 03 351 6169 office@medbury.school.nz www.medbury.school.nz Canterbury Farming May 2017.indd 1

Medbury School 109 Clyde Road Fendalton, Christchurch 6/04/17 9:14 AM

May 2017

EDUCATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

Qualifications do count Training to gain qualifications to work in the dairy or agricultural industry is as important as any other education when it comes to a career. Training helps people in the industry to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ things are done and enables them to work their way up the management ladder. There are several institutes across New Zealand that offer courses for those wanting to advance in an agricultural career. Delivering training to those in the dairy industry throughout parts of New Zealand, Dair y Training Ltd provide training under contract to the Primary ITO (formerly AgITO). The courses delivered range from levels 2–6 at National Certificate and National Diploma level with the growing focus on level 5 diploma level. Studies

include general skills, health and husbandr y, feeding and pastures, breeding, mating and milk production, business and financial planning, and agribusiness resource management. With trainees in employment whilst learning, the training is vocational. Dairy training delivers the off-job component of the ITO courses and these are delivered from a number of centres depending on trainee demand. These centres include venues around Taranaki, Waikato and Bay

of Plenty. Board members of DTL are a part of the DairyNZ senior leadership team and the DairyNZ board. Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre has been successfully training people for agricultural careers since 1919 thanks to the generosity of one man. Sir William Per r y, bequeathed his farm in central Wairarapa to the Crown as a training farm for men returning from the first world war in 1918. The institute offers full-

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

time courses, diploma programmes, short courses and an Agriculture in Schools programme which includes Primary Industries Trades Academy, STAR and extra mural study. They have a residential campus near Masterton in Wairarapa, with nonresidential campuses in

Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay and Southland. A large number of students have graduated from Taratahi since it first opened and have gone on to successful careers in agriculture. Lincoln University’s history, combined with contemporary growth in the wider landbased disciplines means they now occupy a specialist position covering globally significant areas of learning. The rural-urban interface includes agribusiness, elements of biology and ecology, land, air and water resources management. The University’s overall focus is

transforming land, people and economies. Located in South Otago, the Telford campus is a commercial farm on 921ha and vocational sub-degree qualifications are offered in the land-based sectors. Telford has been training people within the agricultural sector for more than 45 years and is dedicated to developing skills for those working in the rural sector. Telford offers real farming experience and practical training in rural business, agriculture, rural animal technician, stock and station, equine, forestry, horticulture, and apiculture (beekeeping) for live-in students.

We can help you develop safe procedures for accessing and maintaining your silos, pivot irrigators, or any equipment that requires working at height or a confined space. We can train you to carry out these procedures safely.

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'Making Pathways to the Stars'

Now enrolling children from New Entrants to Year 6 Contact the school for further information and an enrolment pack... Phone: 03 302 8500 Email: office@methven.school.nz Website: www.methven.school.nz

Boarding at St Bede’s College Enrolling Now For 2018

Boarding at St Bede’s College is a tradition that goes back to the 1920s when the College established itself at its present site. Today’s boarders enjoy life-away from home at the only single-sex Catholic boarding school in the South Island. They benefit from the College’s comprehensive pastoral network, the comprehensive curriculum and the excellent cultural and sporting programmes.

THE BEST WAY TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT US IS TO VISIT US.

OUR OPEN DAY IS 10TH MAY FROM 9AM-12PM AND PROVIDES A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO TOUR THE COLLEGE.

Visit for a tour of the College

Request a Prospectus

Check out the College website

For further information please contact: Grant Ven (Assistant Director of Boarding): | gven@stbedes.school.nz | 022 685 8025 Katrina High (Rector’s EA): khigh@stbedes.school.nz | 03 375 1871 | 021 258 6667

210 Main North Road Papanui Christchurch 8051 Phone 03 375 0647 www.stbedes.school.nz

EDUCATION

CANTERBURY FARMING May 2017

ADVERTORIAL

Organics to the fore Instruction in organic horticulture is now well established at the Lincoln-based Organic Training College with the next year-long course beginning in August.

It will be will be the eighth intake for the college and students need no prior qualifications or experience in Year One and can study full or part-time. Those who have some horticultural background can go straight into Year Two. An added appeal of the course is that all fees are under $500, and full time students are eligible to apply for a loan or allowance through Studylink. Course director Bill Martin says it works well to start the course year in the spring. “The organic horticulture course is all about growing so we want to start the course in spring when it is the right time to begin planting.” Year One students get plenty of hands on training in subjects such as sowing and

planting organic crops, soil management and composting. The Year Two students have the option of using land and facilities on the Biological Husbandry Unit farm to grow and sell their own certified produce — a semi-commercial venture that gives students a real taste of organic horticulture as a business. The students grow vegetables under the guidance of a mentor and sell them at a weekly stall at Lincoln University. “The Year 2 programme gives the students experience in a commercial environment without any risk. It’s the icing on the cake for a lot of the students here.” As well as the year-long organic horticulture courses a correspondence programme

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in organics is also available. The Organic Training College has 10 hectares of certified

organic land as well as greenhouses, tunnel houses and research areas.

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May 2017 CANTERBURY FARMING

GREAT IRRIGATION CHALLENGE 2017

TAKE THE CHALLENGE OUT OF IRRIGATION IrrigationNZ staff spend a lot of time talking to farmers about the challenges they face with irrigation and finding practical solutions to help them manage their water and their business.

“F

armers are now operating in a complex, highlyregulatory environment. What we’re seeing as their biggest irrigation challenges are around scheduling, nutrient budgets and farm environment plans,” said IrrigationNZ CEO, Andrew Curtis. “We’re here to help farmers understand the range of technology available to help increase efficiency and productivity and to navigate the compliance landscape so they don’t have to worry about the council knocking on their door.” Curtis says one of the best investments irrigators

can make is to take a day or two off-farm, or out of the office for those working in the service industry, and head to the Great Irrigation Challenge, being held in Ashburton later this month. The event features 15 workshops, aimed towards irrigating farmers and growers, scheme members and ser vice industr y professionals. People can attend the full twoday programme or simply pick and choose which workshops best suit their needs. There are workshops for all levels — from the very basics for people new to irrigation, right through to advanced

technical workshops delivered by international experts. Rob Welke, considered one of the leading experts in Australasia, will present two workshops on pumping and hydraulics. Infrastructure risk will be a topic covered by international broker, Willis Tower Watson, and FMG will provide advice on system maintenance. As well as launching new resources, such as the Check It Bucket test app and an on-farm storage reference booklet, the Great Irrigation Challenge will also feature practical sessions on soil moisture monitoring, nutrient budgeting, scheduling and

ATTENTION

IRRIGATING FARMERS AND GROWERS, MANAGERS, IRRIGATION SCHEME MEMBERS AND SERVICE INDUSTRY The scope and pace of change farmers are facing is unprecedented. We’d like to help you. Learn about OVERSEER & N-check, pumping and hydraulics, soil moisture monitoring, farm plans, fertigation and agronomics. All at the…

Great Irrigation Challenge 24–25 MAY 2017 AT HOTEL ASHBURTON

Fifteen practical workshops over two days Attend them all, or pick and choose which best suit your needs. For more information call Kate Mills on 03 341 2225 or visit our website: www.irrigationnz.co.nz/events-training Great Irrigation Challenge is brought to you by IrrigationNZ in association with Irricon Resource Solutions

www.irrigationnz.co.nz

GREAT IRRIGATION CHALLENGE 2017

maintenance. “Farmers have to be accountable for their water use, but scheduling irrigation using soil moisture monitoring is not a simple task. The Great Irrigation Challenge gives farmers and growers practical tools to help them understand soils and plant water use, know the depth they’re applying, how to account for production and environmental risk and how to run an irrigation schedule.” Environment Canterbury staff are also available to help farmers with their farm environment planning and auditing processes. “We want people to understand the value of these compliance tools. Instead of putting your

farm environment plan in the ‘paperwork pile’, look at it as a tool to give you a process and timeframe for addressing environmental improvements. It’s often the small things that we never have time to get around to that can make the biggest difference in terms of efficiency and environmental outcomes. One of the benefits of doing a farm environment plan is that it gives you a really clear view of your farm — you can see exactly what you’re doing well and where you need to focus for improvement; then it puts a timeframe for delivery around making those improvements. This is the kind of ‘paperwork’ that actually benefits bottom lines,” said Mr Curtis.

Health and safety is another thing that farmers and businesses often want to relegate to the ‘to do later’ pile. They will likely change that approach after listening to internationally-renowned speaker, Wiremu Edmonds. After losing his son in a forestry accident in 2013, Wiremu has embarked on

a crusade to change health and safety behaviours in New Zealand workplaces. His Standing in the Gap presentation has helped change health and safety behaviours and systems throughout the country.

CANTERBURY FARMING

The Great Irrigation Challenge offers farmers a range of practical workshops to help them grow efficiency and meet evermore stringent environmental targets. Topics include Overseer and NCheck, nutrient budgets, scheduling

May 2017

irrigation, fertigation, and farm plans and auditing. Coming along will be the second-best investment you ever make — after irrigation of course! For more details check out irrigationnz.co.nz/events.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

The challenge of irrigation Irrigation NZ is a national membership organisation established in 2009 to promote excellence in irrigation, looking after the interests of farmers, growers and industry professionals, and actively engages with members to promote growth, environmental sustainability, and social and cultural stewardship. INZ facilitates the adoption of good practice in irrigation and water management, develops a world-class resource base of knowledge, provides information and statistics on irrigation and effective communication with, and coordination of, the organisations and interests involved in irrigation and water management and it promotes the story of irrigation in New Zealand. One of Irrigation NZ’s key strengths is providing advocacy for the sector promoting the interests and addressing the concerns of members and engages with regional and central government to influence policy development. INZ is a world-leader in the delivery of training designed to improve capability, grow your bottom line and support efficiency and sustainability. The training is targeted, practical and tailored to meet the needs of the very diverse sector. One-day training courses have been developed and aimed to help managers and operators of irrigation systems improve their knowledge and application of irrigation on their properties, providing a mix of classroom learning and ‘in the paddock’

practical application. These courses cover topics such as what you need to know and how it affects your business. How do the RMA, plan rules and consents fit together. Irrigation scheduling, operation maintenance, irrigator performance assessment, training and irrigation development and regulations plus attendees get take-home resources and support. The safety and efficiency of your irrigator and your staff depend on regular maintenance and correct procedures being followed. Discover how you go about developing procedures specific to your farm. A comprehensive set of resources is provided to take home for reference and further learning. The irrigation manager training enables correct management, operation and use of the key input into your business. Being an informed purchaser of irrigation equipment and services is key to getting what you need and helps you identify the right irrigation system for your property. INZ hosts a range of shor t, topic-specific workshops including soil

moisture monitoring, irrigation scheduling, system operations and maintenance, and irrigation

• Design, Sales, Installation & Service South Island wide. • Zimmatic Centre Pivots including Maxfield Constant Move & Z Corner options. • Zimmatic Lateral Moves including pivoting & 4 Wheel options. • Variable Rate Irrigation, Pivot Monitoring Control. • Installation of PVC Mainline, Submersible & Turbine Pumps.

system performance assessments. Upcoming practical workshops for irrigators, growers, scheme

directors, their management and industry is a must if you are grappling with increasing regulator y and societal

expectations. For more information on upcoming events go to irrigationnz. co.nz/events.

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• Generator for hire service • Well-Vu Camera can view up to 300 metres

Now is the time to do well Well-Vu Camera maintenance! can view up to 300 meters

CANTERBURY FARMING

From the Minister

May 2017

Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

Big reforms coming for fisheries industry April 2017 There has been a lot of talk on commercial fishing issues during the last 12 months but much of it has overlooked probably the biggest reforms ever seen in New Zealand’s history. This year we are going to see world-leading technology rolled out onto ever y commercial fishing vessel in the country, starting with vessel monitoring (similar to GPS) and electronic reporting from October 1. This will be followed by cameras on every vessel beginning on October 1 next year, giving us arguably the most transparent and open commercial fishery anywhere in the world. It will mean every fishing vessel can be monitored at all times, no matter where they are, and any illegal activity cracked down upon. Commercial fishers have taken some public criticism over the last year and some of it has been deserved. Public expectations are rising and the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) as the regulator will soon have unprecedented ability to monitor every fishing vessel, no matter where they are

at sea. But at the same time the industry deserves credit for accepting these changes. Commercial fishers are hard-working and most want to do what’s right to ensure fish stocks remain at sustainable levels. At the same time, the biggest reforms to fishing laws in a generation are also underway. The Future of Fisheries review was launched last year with a range of ideas on how to maximise value from our fisheries, improve scientific information and deliver better decision-making. Included in this is a proposed law change to allow new fishing technologies, like high-tech nets that can select fish by size and species. The environmental and economic benefits from this are huge. One of the main developers of this technology is the Precision Seafood Harvesting project, jointly funded by

industry and government through the Primary Growth Partnership. This is a brilliant example of Kiwi ingenuity and again will be world-leading. Another great example is the trawl net technology designed by Hawke’s Bay fisherman Karl Warr, who is off to the United States after being named a finalist for the international Seafood Champion Award for Innovation. Recently I helped launch a new book on the history of the orange roughy fishery, which tells a remarkable story of how this stock has recovered, and is a great example of how our fisheries system works to protect sustainability. In the 1980s and 1990s there was a complete goldrush on this relatively new fishery and it was decimated. Since then it has been carefully rebuilt by industry and successive governments with the help of scientific research and technology.

Such has been the recovery of this fishery that it has now been given the tick of approval by the Marine Stewardship Council. To have this recognition of sustainability by an independent, international body is a great achievement. It reflects the fact we spend around $22 million every year on scientific research into our fisheries, which helps make careful decisions around setting fishing limits. And in general, it works — more than 96% of fish caught in New Zealand waters are from stocks at or above their target level. This is why our

fisheries system has been recognised around the world as one of the best, and the changes we’re bringing in will mean it continues to improve. Finally, we are also putting an increasing focus on recreational fishing, recognising how important this is to New Zealanders. There are around 700,000 recreational fishers who

contribute around $946 million to the wider economy. MPI now has a dedicated recreational fishing team, and we are committed to bringing in recreational fishing parks in Marlborough Sounds and the Hauraki Gulf. This reflects that our fisheries are a shared resource and one we all have a part to play in looking after.

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

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

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CANTERBURY FARMING

SUPPLEMENTARY FEED Adding options to the menu Pay attention!

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Supplementary feed is not all about forking bales into the frosty paddocks on a winter’s morning. As well as covering the necessity of good fodder during times of minimal pasture growth, the other way in which the diet of modern dairy herds is supplemented addresses key areas of nutrition and psychological calm in the milking shed. While feeding in the milking shed is not at all an alien concept, and has its share of benefits — not least of which is the eagerness of cattle to enjoy a hearty ‘breakfast’ while staying tractable and cool headed during the milking process — there’s still a lot of divided opinion over the perfect diet to complement the complexities of the bovine digestive system. Of course, it’s never going to be one size fits all — farmers are well advised to seek the knowledge of a skilled nutritional planner who can tailor a balanced diet. The other area in which there is a dizzying array of choice is in the technology used to dispense feed in the milking shed.

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Innovations and improvements have brought out the best in the entire system from silo to trough, but some of the most important are the adoption of covers to prevent the ingress of rodents and insects, and of course segmented or individual troughs to ensure that cattle don’t engage in competition for more than their fair share.

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Other areas to consider when constructing a feed system in the milking shed include just how easy it will be for operators in the pit area to control, how susceptible it may be to wear and tear from heavy and enthusiastic cattle, and whether manual operation is an option during outages or software faults. This is even more important

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if in-shed feeding is a big part of the herd’s diet in general. In the age of information technology it’s even possible to electronically identify individual animals and have a tailored mix of feed delivered to them according to a preprogrammed schedule. While this seems a complex option, such a micromanagement approach shows promise in lifting production across the entire herd — cattle, like humans, are unique in their individual dietary requirements. Whether herringbone or rotary system based, a robust and well-thought-out feed system in the milking shed can make a world of difference to both flow-through and overall herd health. The key point is that like every beast, every farm is different. Weigh up the options of what can be a very modular and adaptable system and install what’s right for you, now and into the future.

FRESH CALF MEAL, MADE ON FARM Give your calves the best start this season with fresh feed rolled, mixed, and blended on your farm with our Mobile Feed Processing machines. Convenient, one-stop, at your farm service. Fresh calf meal from just $140 per tonne using your grain or we can supply at your cost. This price includes molasses, premix minerals / vitamins and bovatec. Supplied in sacks, ready to use.

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SUPPLEMENTARY FEED

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2017

Delivering a balanced diet by Andy Bryenton

Pasture may be king when it comes to feeding a healthy herd, but the relentless cycle of the seasons coupled with the modern need for larger stock holdings often means that planning for supplementary feed is a necessity. Here in New Zealand the obvious option is to harvest a crop of silage to tide the farm over through hard times — and it’s somewhat ironic that the perfect machine for the job has been engineered half the world away in Lower Saxony. The plains here are traditional European dairy countr y and could be mistaken for part of Godzone to a casual onlooker. But it’s here that Strautmann Landmaschinen has its core factory, producing both some of the world’s biggest and most advanced forage wagons and the innovative Ver ti-mix 3101 fodder mixing wagon. With more than 80 years of building top machinery for European farms, Strautmann’s offering has found favour here in the antipodes as well, thanks to that famous German engineering and build quality we know from fellow countrymen like Deutz Fahr and Mercedes Benz. When it’s time to gather in the silage har vest, bigger can often be better. Less passes, less time spent in the field, and less chance of the weather turning against the whole operation. Strautmann’s big Vitesse forage wagons have modular fold-down sides to accommodate a staggering amount of the green stuff, all fed into the semi-truck-sized rear storage section through

a hefty 1.8-metre wide set of roller tines. This entire assembly is designed to hug the contours of the ground as it progresses, feeding through to the next section — 37 heavy-duty cutting knives on two levels. From here there’s no escape until it’s time to load up the silage stack or pit. All the controls, from start to finish, are mounted on a single easy to operate remote close at hand in the tractor cab. The biggest TeraVitesse can pack in is 50 cubic metres at a time. At the other end of the operation stands the new Ver ti-mix fodder mixing wagon, designed to blend a variety of supplementary feed ingredients into a single controlled diet, balancing nutrients and necessary minerals in a way that doesn’t allow cattle to pick and choose their favourites. Unlike other mixing wagons, the Verti-mix is modular and can be extended up and out as needs demand. Twin augers chop and blend the feed, while the tub itself can be added on to with no diminishing of the mixing power inside.

Strautmann delivers engineering from Saxony to gather and feed out better Kiwi silage and fodder

Together this pair of machines excels at covering large areas of ground to

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DIAL 111

satisfy the year-round hunger of a large dairy herd. Strautmann products are

already hard at work in Kiwi fields and may prove just the ticket for those who

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lean heavily on silage and supplementary feed during the winter months.

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May 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING ADVERTORIAL

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Smashing through gorse, broom, kikuyu and more is no trivial matter on the farm, and even the hardiest implements are challenged by Mother Nature’s tangled and hardy ‘survivor species’. That’s when it’s time to call in the big guns — and call Agriline. This for ward-thinking Kiwi company has listened to the needs of farmers, and has sourced a range of mulching implements handpicked to excel in our rugged rural conditions. Vigolo has been making some of the toughest mulchers in the business for 20 years now, and coming as they do from Italy — the home of Ferrari and Lamborghini — they know a thing or two about engineering. While your tractor may not achieve 0–100 times under 3 seconds, with a Vigolo mulcher attached to the PTO, the speed of the ultrastrong rotating blades it packs will make short work of overgrowth, chopping it back with ease. Part of the secret is a large diameter rotor, allowing momentum to build up as the blades bite home. Another

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Kiwi Fertiliser, Top Soils, and Golden Bay Dolomite are excited to welcome Neal Kinsey back to NZ to share his vast knowledge about biological farming, and the Albrecht-Kinsey system of soil fertility. In this course you will: Identify specific soil fertility issues; Understand the main minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium as well as Phosphate, Sulphur and Nitrogen; Learn about the importance of trace elements; Get your questions about soil health answered.

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is the layout of those hardforged, Y-shaped flail heads, which are positioned in such a way that they can never strike each other, reducing blunting and chipping by attrition to zero. That leaves them free to grind their way through thick foliage and stems, mulching everything down to a fine consistency that easily decomposes and delivers nutrients right back to

the soil. Mike Hamlin from Agriline — New Zealand’s importers of the Vigolo range — has had more than two decades’ experience with mulchers, and he has specified these machines to suit New Zealand conditions, adding a powerful new tool to the arsenal of Kiwi farmers. As well as their fearsome efficiency against pest plants, Mike has been

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May 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

PREPARE FOR WINTER Technology aids winter decisions

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As thoughts on the land turn to future availability of feed in the spring, there is new technology available to make the job of planning a little easier. It is a web-based innovation called the DairyNZ Pasture Growth Forecaster, an easy-to-use tool to help predict how much grass grows on a particular farm. The Pasture Growth Forecaster can help to make better decisions on supplementar y feeding, grazing rotations, silage making and nitrogen management, by calculating pasture growth from environmental conditions experienced at a farm or region. Short and longterm weather forecasts are combined and linked to NIWA’s historical weather and soil temperature data to make grass growth projections. The ser vice provides free district forecasts for 15 days. From the pasturegrowth-forecaster.dairynz. co.nz website, farmers can

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link to a subscription service called My Forecast, provided by Farmax for a monthly fee. This provides 15-day and twomonth forecasts, plus longterm average growth rates for a specific farm location. Development of the DairyNZ Pasture Growth Forecaster has been funded by New Zealand dair y farmers through DairyNZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries, through the Primary Growth Partnership, in which DairyNZ and Fonterra are leading a seven-year, $170

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million innovation programme, entitled Transforming the Dairy Value Chain. The programme also features contributions by Synlait, LIC, New Zealand Young Farmers, Agricultural Services Limited, Landcorp Farming and Zespri, using many approaches and techniques to address a range of challenges and opportunities. Pre-farm gate initiatives are focussed on boosting on-farm productivity without increasing the dair ying

environmental footprint. They will deliver novel technologies, improved information flow and enhanced advisor y services as well as support for stronger and growing onfarm capability. Research beyond the farm gate is focussed on human nutrition, food structure and processing and food quality management. It will improve processes in manufacturing and supply, to take dairy into new product ranges and to more customers and markets.

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PREPARE FOR WINTER

CANTERBURY FARMING

Decisions affect spring management How much grass is available in quantity and quality in early spring has a major impact on farming systems and influences winter stocking rates, lambing and calving dates, lambing, lactation and weaning potential, and efficiency of finishing growth rates. The cultivation and overall management of winter pastures on dairy, as well as beef and sheep properties, makes a big difference to farm outcomes in spring in terms of feed supply. Pasture growth and grass condition are key factors when it comes to farming profits, or losses, governing the quantity of grass that is going to be available in early spring. Farmers need to make greater use of available pasture management tools and knowledge to effectively manage winter pastures if further productivity gains are going to be made. One way to manage cows and pasture is to have a sacrifice paddock when there are no purpose-built stand-off facilities, or where off-farm grazing is not an option. This can take the pressure off the rest of the farm by allowing grass cover to build up while vulnerable soils are wet. The regrowth of a small area of pasture can be sacrificed to enhance the regrowth on the rest of the farm. Some farmers use sacrifice paddocks when it is dry in autumn. By feeding supplements on this paddock, it allows future paddocks to build up pasture covers.

May 2017

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Be aware that the often muddy and wet conditions in sacrifice paddocks can increase the risk of mastitis and lameness if animals are not well managed. With efficient management, farmers have the opportunity to improve the feed supply available in early spring when animal demand is at its highest, relative to new pasture growth. Therefore, good management in the early to mid-winter months has an impact on late winter and early spring feed supply and animal production, including

stockpiling feed in late summer and autumn to be fed out during winter. Winter growth then accounts for much of the available feed during early spring. Animals affect pasture production through grazing, treading and the return of dung and urine. These effects may be more apparent during winter and early spring because pasture growth is slow and soil conditions can lead to greater treading damage. Feed supply and demand must be matched for the

autumn and winter so target cow condition can be achieved for the spring and the new lactation, to achieve the best productivity.

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May 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

PREPARE FOR WINTER

Seasonal maintenance Every winter, farmers come under threat, suffering possible weather damage to buildings, equipment and vehicles. However, what’s not commonly known, is that much of this damage is the result of a number of smaller weather events and in many cases can be avoided by having a robust maintenance plan in place. “While we can’t control the weather, we can draw on our 110 years’ experience of supporting rural New Zealand through the ups and downs of farming and share some tips on keeping your business running,” said FMG’s Matt Harvey. “During the next few months we recommend farmers and growers check the paddock for any changes to the ground — and also cut back shelterbelts. “The management of irrigator wheel

tracks should be included in any farm maintenance programme. Wheel ruts significantly increase the load and the wear on the drive train and can slow a section of the irrigator down affecting the irrigator alignment and the ability for the irrigator to travel in a straight line. “Protecting irrigation assets from frost damage is critical during the winter months. Draining irrigation pumps, heads works, and irrigators themselves will ensure

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that damage is less likely to occur during sub-zero temperatures, protecting not just pump casings but also pressure sensing devices and pressure gauges.” A seasonal irrigation asset maintenance schedule should be more than just changing oils and kicking tyres. A detailed inspection of your irrigation assets can identify hidden issues that would normally go unnoticed, issues that could be costing you real money. “Breaking your irrigation system into key components and taking a closer look at each can uncover some performance issues that can lead to real cost savings.” Damage caused by machinery (such as front-end loaders damaging hay barn trusses) can soon be made much worse by strong or gale force winds. “We suggest you place building repairs toward the top of your ‘to do’ list — just one loose tile or piece of iron is enough to cause a lot of trouble,” said Mr Harvey. “Roller and sliding doors can be easily blown out in strong winds. Ensure there’s not too much clearance and ‘play’. It is worth checking

that your roller and sliding doors are of adequate quality (commercial rather than domestic), so ring around before commencing work on a new farm building to ensure you’re using the right type of doors for your requirements.” Snow straps on gutters and spouts are also advised as well. Solid and sound roof trusses and wall bearers should also be used in any building. “Check your switchboards are water tight because winter winds can blow rain horizontally into buildings, and rain getting into the electrics creates a very real fire hazard. Also, that solid looking branch may not be able to cope with a fierce storm, so remove any branches that overhang fences, buildings and power lines.” FMG has previously paid out $2 million in frost claims in Canterbury and North Otago within domestic houses alone. Dripping taps, checking pipes for leaks, and ensuring outside piping is lagged and insulated are essential preventative measures. “If houses or buildings are going to be unoccupied, turn off the water supply and

FMG’s Matt Harvey

drain water in the pipes and toilets to prevent flooding in the event of pipes bursting in a heavy frost. “If you have changed farms this Gypsy Day you may want to consider some of the tips from FMG and DairyNZ. “These can also form part of a winter maintenance programme, regardless of whether you’re shifting or not.” Dispose of any old chemicals and recycle chemical containers, silage plastics and pit covers. For more information on how to do this safely visit agrecovery. co.nz. Make sure you stand stock off green feed, with

water for 4–12 hours before transport to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for cattle, to reduce effluent on public roads and to ensure cattle arrives at their destination in a fit and healthy state. Before you leave, follow a feed transition to help cows adjust to winter grazing and to protect their health. If you are changing the type of feed your stock will have, gradually ease them onto new feed over a week or 10 days prior to transport. If moving stock via roads ensure you have the correct permits or consents from your local council.

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PREPARE FOR WINTER

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2017

Erosion prevention boosts farm value As winter sets in and the rainfall figures rise, with of course snow on the higher levels, once more the land comes under the threat of erosion. The land is one of dairy farmers’ greatest assets and managing it productively and sustainably will increase farm value and reduce the amount of soil lost to waterways. Erosion decreases the amount of nutrient-rich topsoil available for grass or crop growth, subsequently reducing profit and production as well as resulting in sediment, phosphor us and bacteria entering waterways, potentially having a negative effect on water quality. Most sediment and phosphorus is lost from relatively small areas on-farm — referred to as critical source areas (CSAs). Managing these areas well is the best way to reduce sediment and phosphorus loss. There is plenty of advice available from organisations like DairyNZ, as well as regional councils and the government, to point landowners in the right direction. In particular there are six high priority areas for improved land management in Canterbury. These areas include: waterways, cultivation and re-grassing, grazing crops, laneways, and pugging. M a ny actions for land improvement offer

multiple on-farm benefits. CSAs are small, low-lying parts of farms such as gullies and swales, where run-off accumulates in high concentration. Run-off carries much of the sediment and phosphorus lost from a farm through dung, fertiliser and eroded or exposed soil. In heavy rain, CSAs act like a highway carrying sediment and phosphorus to waterways. Environment Canterbury has released industry-agreed good management practices as part of the Matrix of Good Management project. All farmers will be expected to operate under the agreed good management practices by the end of 2017. This guide provides key steps to achieving good practice for land management. The obvious benefit of reducing erosion is simply keeping topsoil in paddocks, which in turn benefits grass growth and therefore milk production. Shelterbelts not only reduce wind erosion, but can increase dry matter production, par ticularly under n o r t h - we s t e r l y wind conditions. Erosion-control trees such as hybrid willows and poplars can provide shade and shelter for stock.

Wa t e r quality is improved by reducing the movement of bacteria,

sediments and associated nutrients into waterways. It is not rocket science.

For more information and a list of good management practices, visit dair ynz.

co.nz/environment/inyour-region/canterbur yenvironmental-policy.

FODDER BEET BUCKETS Rata Root Crop Buckets or also known as root baskets are the ideal and cost effective implement for harvesting root crops like Fodder Beet. By scooping up the beets and leaving the soil behind, the roots can then be washed clean with a hose or loaded straight into your trailer or just fed straight to your stock!

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May 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

eeding a cow is all about feeding her rumen bugs. The balance of the bacteria population in a cow’s rumen is quite dynamic, but sudden, dramatic dietary changes, such as moving cows from 8090% fodder beet to 100% pasture, should be avoided — particularly in the latedry and pre-calving period. However, an easy-togrow, palatable and safe supplementary feed is readily available and will help the transition go smoothly. Feeding maize silage in conjunction with pasture when cows return from fodder beet helps improve rumen efficiency as the cow’s rumen bugs adjust to their new diet. Rumen bacteria are very specific in what they digest. A diet high in carbohydrates (sugar or starch) means more carbohydrate digesters are present while a diet high in fibre means more fibre digesters are required. Maize silage contains a balance of carbohydrates (from the grain) and fibre (from the plant) making it the ideal transitionary feed to help cows adjust from a carbohydrate-heavy diet (fodder beet) to a fibre-rich diet (pasture). Without this transitionary step, the cow’s rumen can struggle

to adjust to the dramatic change in nutrition. Feeding maize silage has many other benefits, including aiding in the reduction of the incidence of milk fever in three ways: Firstly, maize silage contains a much lower average potassium content than pasture (0.9% vs 3.3%) and is an excellent base for a low-DCAD diet. Secondly, growing maize decreases soil potassium levels, as it produces high yields and has a high potassium requirement. This leaves the subsequent pasture safer to eat. Research has shown maize can be grown in high fertility dairy paddocks (including effluent paddocks) without the need for additional fertiliser. Thirdly, maize silage is an ideal carrier for magnesium (pre-and post-calving), calcium (post-calving) and other minerals. Maize silage is a consistent, versatile feed. It can be stored and fed as required, which means close-up dry cows’ diets can be planned in advance. With maize silage, cows can be fed well regardless of weather conditions or pasture growth rates. Wellfed cows produce more, cycle faster and tend to have a lower rate of nutrition-related metabolic diseases such as ketosis.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Rules for firearms use

ADVERTORIAL

Should I take Coenzyme Q10?

Firearms users are encouraged to refresh their knowledge on firearm safety, follow the rules and ensure proper supervision of teenagers whilst hunting this season. “The Arms Code must be followed to keep hunters safe. Failure to do so puts lives in danger and only idiots and criminals would do that,” says Bill O’Leary, president of New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association. “The release of coroner Bain’s repor t on the accidental shooting of an unlicensed, and unsupervised teenager, was a timely reminder to firearms users that the basic rules of firearm safety and the law in respect to possession of firearms exist to keep people safe. “Analysis of unintentional shootings clearly shows that putting a firearm in the hands of an unlicensed person, without providing immediate super vision by a licensed person, is inherently dangerous as well as unlawful.” Mr O’Leary says with the increased interest in firearms and hunting, the coroner’s report on this tragic incident should remind all firearms users, and parents, that they have an absolute responsibility to follow the rules and set an example of safe and responsible firearm use. “The red deer roar is in full swing and opening day of duck season is eagerly awaited by thousands. Policeapproved firearms instructors and national shooting organisations such as NZDA and Fish & Game will be pushing the basic rules.” He emphasised the basic rules: Get a licence, get specific approval for where

May 2017

Part 2

Bill O’Leary, New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association president

you hunt, always point the firearm in a safe direction, positively identify your target and consider your firing zone. NZDA is a national organisation of hunters with

48 branches across the country, delivers training in safe firearm handling and is a member of the Firearm Safety Council, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Most people make all the Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) they need. Some however should take extra as a supplement. CoQ10 is made in your liver from the same enzyme that makes cholesterol. This is why drugs that reduce cholesterol can restrict CoQ10 by as much as 50%. This can reduce the amount of energy made especially in organs and muscles and is why I recommend people on cholesterol medication take 100–200mg of rapid absorption CoQsol® each day. I recently spoke to a client who had experienced a lot of muscle pain and stiffness while on statins. After just a week on CoQ10 the pain had completely gone. I generally find it

takes 1–2 months to restore muscle function and energy. What makes CoQ10 so special is its ability to carry electrons. This enables CoQ10 to move hydrogen electrons within your cell mitochondria to make energy molecules called ATP. This ATP is how your body works. Inadequate CoQ10 levels reduce energy output and this is felt as tiredness and often as muscle weakness. This ability to carry electrons also makes CoQ10 an excellent antioxidant. It can donate to free radicals their missing electrons preventing them from stealing electrons leading to cell and tissue damage. In particular it protects circulating LDL cholesterol from being damaged by free radicals. This is the first step in the

process of forming plaques that block arteries. There is some good research suggesting increasing CoQ10 can be helpful for people with neurodegenerative problems such as P a r k i n s o n ’s . I will generally add additional CoQ10 either as the patented CoQsol® or my specialised MTQ10. Most people feel a real difference within 1–2 months. Give me a call if you need more information. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his full weekly newsletter at abundant.co.nz.

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May 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

THE SOCKEYE RETURN BY ANN MORGAN The southern hemisphere’s only known population of the mysterious sockeye salmon have been spawning in the Mackenzie Country’s alpine rivers.

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n the Twizel River, the sockeye were passing under the State Highway 8 Bridge near Twizel township. The sight of hundreds of the fish moving up the river and spawning right below the bridge became a popular site for tourists and locals during the spawning season recently. “For many, the chance to see these fish migrate is a once in a lifetime event with dozens of people crowding the bridge to look at them,” says Central South Island Fish & Game Officer Jayde Couper. “The sockeye are highly visible, often bursting out of the water in a shower of spray as they scramble across the riffles in their search for the ideal spot in the riverbed to lay their eggs.” The Mackenzie Country sockeye is the only population of the species in the southern hemisphere. The salmon are in all the lakes in the Mackenzie Country. “The species were originally released in 1901 as an attempt to create a searun salmon canning industry. The attempt failed when the sockeye never ran to the sea, leaving the chinook salmon to become the basis for the South Island’s successful

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Jayde Couper, Central South Island Fish & Game Officer salmon fishery,” says Jayde. Sockeye were thought to have died out in the late1980s. Fish & Game had looked for them but they could never be found. Around 2005, they started receiving reports of them spawning once again. It is believed the fish were possibly in lake Ohau. “Now the sockeye can be found in their thousands heading upstream at this

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time of year to breed. Their comeback from the verge of extinction continues and this year the spawning effort appears to be widespread and the numbers are reasonably high.” Sockeye have been observed in almost all of the Lake Benmore tributary rivers and streams, most notably the upper Ahuriri River and its tributaries, Lower Ohau

River and its tributaries like the Twizel and Fraser Rivers, the Tekapo River and its tributaries like the Mary Burn and Forks River. Jayde says sockeye are also turning up in areas where they were not thought to exist. “The other interesting observation this year is the Lake Pukaki population is flourishing, yet Fish & Game

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Sockeye salmon with their red bodies and green heads burst out of the water as they make their way upstream to spawn in the Twizel River

staff only heard about them catch, net or spear the fish, or existing there last year. even walk in the riverbed and “There had not been any trample their redds, or nests. confirmed reports of sockeye This is why the Twizel bridge in Lake Pukaki for decades, site is so popular, as people now this year there are can watch the fish from above around a thousand spawning without disturbing them.” fish in just one of the lake’s Despite their numbers, tributary streams.” sockeye are rarely caught by Jayde warns people anglers as they filter feed on against disturbing the fish. plankton and are not normally “It is an offence under the attracted to an angler’s lure. live in the lakes and Conservation Act to ordisturb n | CHRISTCHURCH | 03 348 4129 0800 655 551They | 3 7059 | avoncityford.co.nz spawning salmon — you can’t are only seen when they run

the rivers and streams to spawn. “Sockeye’s main value is as a food source for native fish, trout and chinook salmon and this helps to maintain the productive and popular lake fisheries at Ohau, Benmore and Aviemore,” says Jayde. Sockeye are filter feeders and they are like a whale and eat the plankton, which is why they are hard to catch. “Because they were thought to be extinct, Fish

May 2017

Juvenile sockeye are often found in the gut of trout and chinook salmon & Game didn’t count the sockeye for a number of years. The re-emergence of the species means the organisation is now developing a field method capable of estimating the total Upper Waitaki catchment spawning run. “There are too many salmon and not enough time and resources to count them all. The fact sockeye appear to have come back from the

dead is heartening and a positive sign of the health of the fishery in the Waitaki Lakes. “The real benefit to anglers is the food source they supply in the form of their juvenile offspring. Trout and chinook salmon will fill their guts with juvenile sockeye given the opportunity. “With thousands spawning throughout the Mackenzie Basin this year we anticipate that trout in lakes Benmore,

Pukaki, Ohau and Aviemore will be well fed come next summer. “This phenomenon was graphically illustrated back in 2009, when an angler discovered 26 juvenile sockeye salmon in the gut of their five pound Lake Benmore trout. “New Zealand’s sockeye won’t end up in supermarkets but Canadian and American sockeye are available in cans under the name Red Salmon.”

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May 2017

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

SMOKE ALARMS

Uncommon sense

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The clean rivers plan, which is sweeping the country, is to drastically reduce nitrogen applications on farm, based on historical data. For farmers hell-bent on trying to mitigate too many changes in management in future will be looking at management now to alter that data. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to deduct that one such tool would be to drastically increase nitrogen use now therefore boosting historical data, which will be used to determine their future allocation. This whole scandal has arisen because farmers have been brainwashed into thinking that urea grows grass and that profitability will drop correspondingly as

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that nitrogen is reduced. This new environmental report is calling for a drastic reduction in cow numbers, which would be akin to the idea of drastically reducing cars to cut the road toll! Some common sense is needed here, and I would hate to see people with this line of thinking being able to determine the direction of our farming future. It sickens me to see that the culprits of this whole problem of excess nitrates and phosphorus in our rivers have never been called to account. I am not talking about farmers here, although they are the ones copping the flak. I am talking about the major NPK fertiliser companies who sell 90% of the phosphorus and nitrogen in NZ and have been for the past 20-plus years. NZ farmers h av e been brainwashed into thinking that all this phosphate and nitrogen is needed to be profitable. Have these environmental

alarmists ever stopped to think that these major fertiliser companies have become billion dollar industries from propaganda to push the sales of the very products these guys make. They have assumed the responsibility to educate students attending NZ educational institutions into the NPK propaganda machine who then go out and advise farmers to push it on. The sooner the proponents of environmental improvement refocus on the cause, the faster these challenges will be achieved. There are great changes beginning where farmers are utilising real science rather than following the NPK accepted principles that grow grass but don’t strictly follow scientific principles. There is accurate data and case studies demonstrating amazing results including better animal health, higher production and higher profit with as little as 80kg N/ha applied, which is the sort of targets we should be seeking.

General farmer usage would be around 200 to 250kg N/ ha. Education is the best way forward rather than the threat of enforcement of more rules and reduction of our great farming future. This education has got to start with the consultants who are talking to farmers and giving them the advice. Consultants are the very people who can affect farmers change because they are who farmers trust and seek advice from. Currently, this radical change to drastically reduce nitrogen and phosphate use unnecessarily is coming from farmers who are entrepreneurs and can think outside the square. These very farmers have gone out of their way to re-educate themselves and have found a better path. The biggest challenge to this change is coming from their trusty consultants who put doubt into this new path. If farmers and consultants feel challenged to act, please contact me.

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DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2017

Soil Matters with Peter Burton

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Fewer cows is not the answer

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Two reports just released reviewing New Zealand’s environmental performance, OECD and GLOBE NZ, have both called for a substantial reduction in animal livestock numbers. Carbon when sequestered in the soil in a stable form, commonly known as humus, provides a highly effective filter largely eliminating excess Nitrate-N, phosphorus and other nutrient losses entering groundwater. With every 1% increase in soil carbon, an extra 144,000 litres of water can be stored and used by plants, providing an increase in total pasture growth. So summer production can be lifted, less irrigation is required and nutrient loss is further reduced. The process is simple with minimal adjustment to stocking rates, and when a reduction in animal numbers is necessary total farm production lifts. The transition time may take as long as three years, however astute managers make the change more rapidly. Understanding the grazing principles that maximise the performance of permanent pastures are also those that ensure highest production for each animal, and when implemented less total feed is required for maintenance and more becomes available for production. The system now being practised by an increasing number of farmers is founded on the widely accepted replacement of nutrient model using regular soil testing in New Zealand laboratories. Phosphorus and sulphur are essential inputs with potassium applied as required using well-founded and long-used nutrient removal models. A recent farmer conver t stated

that the process was far closer to conventional than he expected. The difference lies in the use of fertiliser nitrogen. Nitrogen is a component of protein, and protein production is the essence of pastoral farming; the reason for the consumption of both milk and meat. Nitrogen makes up 78% of the air that we breathe and therefore a limitless supply is accessible. However to make sufficient nitrogen available to maximise pasture growth requires substantial amounts of energy. Under the present conventional farming model, that energy comes from natural gas and is converted under the Haber-Bosch process to manufacture urea. Currently more than 700,000 tonnes is applied annually to this country’s best land with the ‘average’ dairy farm applying close to 400kg/ha each year. The properties implementing a functional farming system do not apply urea although they may apply a small amount of nitrogen in a different form in autumn and winter. Typically less than 30kg N/ha is applied annually. The balance of the nitrogen required to maximise pasture

growth comes primarily from clover, as it has for the last 150 years. The breakthrough has come from a better understanding of the conditions that favour the fixation of nitrogen by rhizobia on the root of clovers. These conditions are also those that favour the fixation of nitrogen direct from the atmosphere and with detailed measures from the last ten years the system has been shown to be remarkably resilient and genuinely sustainable. A shift in seasonal growth does occur with a little less pasture grown in August, September and October. Comparative data shows 17% less grown in that period, however 74% more was grown during the months of November, December and January, 55% more during February, March and April, with a total gain of 25% for the twelve-month period from June 1 to May 31. A detailed cost analysis shows the functional fertiliser inputs costing a little less than a conventional nutrient programme for an intensive dairy operation where 160kg N/ha is applied annually. For more information contact Peter on 0800 843 809.

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Prime Minister Bill English has stated that the government has no intention of demanding the one-third cut called for in the reports. That’s the best possible position because in our view it’s not the number of animals that’s the problem. Nor is pastoral farming in general the cause of excessive greenhouse gas (GHG), and Nitrate-N entering streams, rivers and groundwater, it’s the way it’s being carried out by so many farmers that is the issue. Pastoral farming is cur rently seen, with justification, as the environmental villain, but with the implementation of some simple Kiwi ingenuity it can be the process by which NZ is able to meet its 2030 commitments under the November 2016 ratified Paris Agreement. The recent OECD environmental performance review stated that New Zealand’s growth model has reached its environmental limits, with increased GHGs, freshwater contamination and loss of biodiversity now at unsustainable levels. Dairy farming is singled out as a significant contributor with the remedy being a reduction in animal numbers. It’s a sensible and logical conclusion if in fact the basis of the argument on which it is founded is correct. However consider the situation where pastoral farming, particularly intensive lowland farming, reduces the concentrations of atmospheric CO2 by releasing oxygen into the atmosphere while storing carbon in the soil.

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May 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

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Quad bike safety clarification WorkSafe New Zealand has clarified the circumstances in which it is acceptable to carry passengers on single-seat quad bikes, in consultation with Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb NZ and DairyNZ.

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

WorkSafe acknowledges that farmers and others using quad bikes for work need the policy clarified so they clearly understand what is acceptable to WorkSafe in terms of carrying passengers. It is only acceptable when there is no reasonable alternative having considered factors such as availability of alternative vehicles, terrain, and rider and passenger capability. In those cases where a passenger is taken, appropriate mitigation measures must be taken

— including limiting speed, briefing the passenger on best practice riding and avoiding unsuitable terrain. If carrying a passenger on a quad bike is a recurring necessary practice, you should be seriously looking at acquiring an alternative vehicle suitable for the circumstances as soon as is practicable. The clarification also stipulates that carrying a child as a passenger on a quad bike creates a particular set of risks that you need to consider.

As with the general principle, you may only carry a child as a passenger if there is no reasonable alternative and following an assessment of the related risk and risk mitigation measures. “It’s great to have this clarification on an issue that has been confusing for farmers. It also encourages farmers to think about the risk their activities create and to manage their work in line with that risk,” said Katie Milne, Federated Farmers board spokesperson for health and safety.

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Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), persons conducting a business or undertaking such as farming must identify and manage risks arising from work, so far as is reasonably practicable. “This is a good example of WorkSafe and farmers working together to find practical solutions. We all want less accidents and injuries on our farms, so the important thing is that we always consider risk, and this guidance emphasises that,” said Sam McIvor, CEO Beef + Lamb New Zealand. WorkSafe’s position on quad bikes is that singleseat quad bikes should not normally be used to carry passengers. Carr ying a passenger on a quad bike that is not designed for more than one person can increase the risk of accidents by making it more unstable, more difficult to control and more likely to rollover. “WorkSafe’s guidance is that you should use the safest vehicle for the job. When carrying a passenger this would mean using a vehicle specifically designed for more than one person,” said Al McCone, WorkSafe Sector Lead — Agriculture.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2017

Wool Perspective

From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

Crossbred wool prices struggle

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As crossbred wool prices in particular continue to struggle due to the now glaringly obvious lack of demand, many wool growers are having to make the tough call whether to meet the market and reduce their overdrafts, or wait in hope that demand will improve and kick the market into life.

Carrfields Primary Wool (CP Wool) is a 50/50 joint venture between Carrfields and Primary Wool Co-operative (PWC), a 100% wool grower owned co-operative.

During the past few weeks and at every wool auction, there have been more wool growers deciding to sell rather than hold, although around 30 to 40 per cent of each auction catalogue has remained passed-in to the highest bidder for failing to reach grower reserve, with unfortunately some of the passed-in lots reflecting poor in-shed preparation. Prior to the South Island auction held on April 6, word ‘on the street’ was that things may be OK, however reality proved completely the opposite as buyers were extremely selective when bidding for the approximately 10,000 bales on offer and approximately 50 per cent of the day’s offering was passed-in. Having been an auctioneer of wool for the past 35 years, and being the auctioneer on April 6, it was the first time in my memory that several lines of average-to-good fleece wool could not attract a bid from anyone on the full bench of buyers present, something which in the past may only have been expected from time to time for very poor oddment types or perhaps fleece containing extremely high levels of vegetable matter contamination. At the second South Island auction held on April 20, although a slightly reduced number of bales were on offer compared to April 6, brokers were obviously a little ‘gun shy’ after their previous outing and did not expect too much change from the proceedings of two weeks prior, however a better (but by no means exciting) tone was evident and passings were reduced to around 25 per cent. Although

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in the bigger picture globally, the stockpile of greasy wool being held by growers here is not yet huge, given that, for more than the past 12 months the market has been signalling its reluctance to lift, and more recently its obvious preference to fall, my view is that growers who have wool either currently on hold or being shorn now, have two choices: they (the growers) either sell their wool at market level, or they do not offer their wool at all to the export trade until the market (in the growers’ opinion) is at a level at which they are prepared to sell. Growers who continue to offer but pass-in wool due to their placement of higher than broker presale estimated prices, which

are generally based upon the last auction results, are in my view not doing either themselves or the trade in general any favours. In the current market environment wool exporters who attend wool auctions have orders to fill, generally also based upon current market levels. Any expectation of a result ‘too good to be true’ is exactly that, particularly when the base is at such a low level, and demand from China, who was the largest buyer of New Zealand wool, has diminished rapidly due to their increased stocks of either unsold finished products or unprocessed greasy or scoured wool. Whilst my commentary thus far has been pointed at

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crossbred wool types, it must be noted that many fine wool types have been selling at very high levels. The merino wool market is driven by what occurs in Australia and prices there have remained very attractive. Whilst it appeared in early April that their market may have been a little ‘overheated’ and there was a slight downturn in price, recovery came quickly and prices for most types approximately 19.5 microns and finer, surged ahead again. Quantities of mid-micron types here have recently been only sparse but good quality wools have been in good demand with many also reaching two to threeyear highs. That’s my view.

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May 2017

LIVESTOCK

CANTERBURY FARMING

by Ann Morgan Stuart Williams and friends, Rex and Ian Alexander, founded the Auckland Romney Development Group in 1968, hoping to improve the issues sheep farmers were having with facial eczema, along with the overall performance of the breed.

he men, and other farmers who joined the quest, contributed 1% of their breeding flocks to a central flock run by Rex Alexander for genetic development purposes. The group is now called Advanced Romney Designer Genetics (ARDG) and Jenny Savannah and her husband Adrian have taken over the role from her father Stuart, as have Rex and Ian’s children on their farms along with the Steeds and Marchants families, that comprise the rest of the ARDG. “In that first year, the mixed age flock lambed 154% and the following year Rex lost 52% of that flock to facial eczema,” said Jenny. The first field trials for FE

testing were set up in 1979. Animals were tested under a natural challenge and in 1984 the first sporidesmin testing took place on rams. The testing rate started at 0.1mg/kg and the group now tests at the highest level available 0.65mg/kg. The sheep are dosed with the concentrated facial eczema spore toxin and bled at 21 days to see what the GGT levels are. This measures liver damage. The programme is provided by Ramguard Facial Eczema Tolerance Testing Services, and the ARDG are FE Gold accredited having met the rigorous requirements and testing history to be members. “Last year was a good example of how far we have come with

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improvements. There were huge spore counts in the North Island and areas not previously at risk of FE. Very few animals bred from our rams had FE. Back in the 70s it would have killed at least half of the flocks. “Facial eczema has been the biggest trait we focussed on because it is no good having high growth or fertility rates if your animals are going to die anyway. Survival is our number one priority, that is why the project began. In the early 70s farmers were losing up to 40% of their flock. “Dad and the Alexander brothers were like-minded guys who thought they could do something about the problem that they believed was hereditary — science

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Advanced Romney Designer Genetics are helping produce facial eczema tolerant sheep now shows it is a highly heritable trait. “With climate change, FE is spreading across the country. Those buying our rams have realised that their lambs are going to be tolerant, which is a good thing,” said Jenny. “We have also been worm resilience and resistance testing for more than 17 years. Animals are individually faecal-egg tested and put through a growth rate versus worm burden test. “We also test for genetic traits needed in a versatile sheep, reproduction, growth, survival and meat, and we record fleece weight. “Wool weight is a genetic trait and we have made

good gains in weights and qualities.“If you have to shear the sheep, you may as well get as much as you can for it.” Jenny says that although there has been a 26% decrease in sheep in New Zealand since 2005, we still export a similar quantity of lamb, testimony to the improved performance of New Zealand’s flocks. “We couldn’t have done this without everyone involved, from the scientists, to the companies supporting us. “There are still farmers who don’t have as much FE and think they will be fine, but the predictions are most sheep farms in New Zealand

will eventually be affected in some way. “Not many ram breeders have the same FE tolerance that we have. Potentially the only sheep alive in the future could be the FE tolerant. “We have technology and help that our fathers didn’t have. My dad had more than 1,000 recorded ewes to get the result we now get with 400. “We have equipment such as automatic drafters that capture data, so what took our dads a whole day, can now be done in a couple of hours, along with DNA testing provided by Zoetis, which gives us a huge amount of information to select from.

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2017

Sheep are tested for worm resilience and resistance and fleece weights are recorded “From 1970 until now, to have the huge improvement in FE tolerance over so few generations is incredible.” The ARDG started their testing process completely blind and didn’t know if what they wanted to achieve was going to work. “They had to have faith in what the scientists said. They embraced the knowledge and advice and it paid off more than they thought it would.” For more information about the ARDG visit ardg.co.nz.

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Freephone 0800 946 000

Ph: 027 591 8454

Ange Armstrong Ph: 027 436 2603

Helping grow the country

NICK’S PET FOOD LTD For all your unwanted animals, cattle, sheep, calves, horses

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

May 2017 CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

May 2017

Life of the party by Andy Bryenton

The super-compact SUV is the latest metamorphosis of the breed — a combination of the supermini and the off-roader — which seems set to dominate the end of the market where hatchbacks once reigned supreme. Toyota may be a little late to the party, but their measured approach pays off with the arrival of the striking, urban-chic CH-R this autumn. Already making waves in Europe since its debut at the Geneva motor show, the CH-R seems, on paper, to have a hard road to dominance. Up against the incredibly popular Corolla in its size segment, this machine needed a clear point of difference to get hearts racing. Well, a single look at the bold, diamond-inspired faceted cut of the CH-R’s exterior styling provides just that. This may not be a big, terrain-crushing 4x4 like the marque’s signature Land Cruiser, but it’s certainly no shrinking violet. The CH-R is really pitched against such small ‘crossovers’ as the Suzuki Ignis and the Mini Countryman — vehicles for

whom style is part of their substance. The options list for Toyota’s new compact SUV includes customisable coloured panels, aggressive mag wheels and more, married up to head-tur ning design to make it a head turner. The interior is packed with smart gadgetry, leather and clever storage spaces too. But of course the big question is whether this small sports utility has the true pedigree of other Toyotas such as the RAV4, which as you’ll recall, began its life as a small SUV in its own right. Perhaps they weren’t late to this party at all. The answer comes as another option, at least in Europe — the CH-R is indeed available with a frugal but

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Battery Revitalizer & Conditioner

Breaking cover, the CH-R concept car differs only slightly from the production model, set to hit Kiwi shores this autumn

peppy 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive. A popular option, however, has to be the front wheel drive only hybrid drivetrain, which delivers

122 horsepower and big fuel savings. In British Pounds, both options cost the same. We’ve yet to see what happens here, as the petrol turbo debuts first. But you

can bet that those who want the interior space and style of an SUV, without ever leaving the tarmac, will want a look at that hybrid later on. A more visually appealing alternative

MEET THE SPARTANS

to the ever-popular Prius? Or an eye-catching alternative to other compact SUVs with legendary Toyota build quality? The CH-R asks ‘why not have it all’.

THE FARM TIPPER

ALL NEW TO THE WORLD

American made zero turn mower All new level of performance,

A lot of people in our Recharge Conditioning Program are getting 8 to 10 years out of their batteries. Just dose them when you buy them, treat them every two years and give them an overnight charge twice a year between treatments and eliminate the sulphation problem, A car battery can be treated for around $5. Yes you can treat sealed batteries, simply drill into each cell, top up with water, treat, charge and reseal with silicone, sika-flex or a plastic bung.

AVAILABLE AT: 0800 36 33 36 – www.recharge.net.nz

durability and design at a great price 54”, 61” to 72” cut

2005 Isuzu CXH 400 Lift-out side tipper, 400hp, 18 speed manual, 6-rod, 6.7m deck with alloy sides, trailer gear.

$65,000 + GST

0800 38 44 50

Kim Harris Mobile 027 545 7973

0800 379 899

www.prestigecv.co.nz

YOU SAW US AT THE FIELD DAYS Trusty › Reliable › Workhorse If you saw us at field days and we talked up a good deal, why don't you contact us now to figure out how we can make it WORK FOR YOU. Avon City Motorcycles

(major sponsors of Kirwee Rugby club)

Epsom Rd, Sockburn www.avoncitymotorcycles.co.nz

027 437 2790 or 027 201 4188

May 2017

RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Winning formula under the hood by Andy Bryenton

CARS - TRUCKS - VANS - 4WDS

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

Phone:

0800 225 483 For all your Automotive Lamp Requirements our

Use y

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

Card here

Oi!

DON’T TXT & DRIVE

While the overall vehicle of the year award is a coveted prize in the realm of automotive manufacturing, the engineers behind the scenes hold their breath for another yearly accolade — the prestigious Engine of the Year competition. Covering everything from fire-breathing V8s to frugal sub-1,000cc power plants, this is a closely contested fight between the big names in motoring. While 2016 was a big year for big power — with Ferrari’s 3.9-litre biturbo V8 taking overall top spot — it was a motor with a cross section smaller than a piece of A4 paper which racked up the most talked about accolade. Ford’s diminutive but powerful 998cc EcoBoost threecylinder turbo took home its ninth award in the Engine of the Year competition, holding on to the top ranking in its category convincingly, despite a spirited challenge from Volkswagen and BMW. “Despite lots of competitors recently launching their own threecylinder turbocharged designs, Ford’s wonderful 1.0 EcoBoost is still the number-one engine in its category class,” enthused La Repubblica’s Massimo Nascimbene, while L’Automobile Magazine’s Christophe Congrega

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

Good things come in small packages — it’s a ninth consecutive win for Ford’s small 1.0 EcoBoost engine

marvelled at the tiny unit’s unparalleled capability: “With high torque at the very low end, this high-tech threecylinder turbo provides the driving performance of a small turbo diesel, but without any of the noise or vibration. It may be small, but the EcoBoost is one of the great engineering achievements of its time.” Smar t computer control, turbocharging and compression make all the difference in this category, and the EcoBoost engine

has them all. It is now at the heart of no less than eight Ford vehicles worldwide, including a Kiwi favourite, the new Ford Fiesta. Needless to say, that tiny displacement means big gains in fuel economy, but the real surprise for those getting behind the wheel of an EcoBoost powered vehicle is the amount of ready power on tap. Combine this peppy response with Ford’s ability to construct a light yet rigidframed chassis and body and 998cc suddenly feels just

as willing as the ‘big’ twolitre mills of yesteryear. Of course, the EcoBoost technology pioneered here in the award-winning sub-onelitre class is set to change things up in other areas of the Ford family as well. Another big surprise utilising the same tech, has been the turbocharged four found in the new Mustang — an engine which goes toe to toe with the classic muscle car’s traditional V8 and has won acclaim of its own as a modern alternative.

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$1,000

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

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$1,000 REBATE 650 $1,500 REBATE 850 / 1000 $2,000 REBATE

COMMANDER 800

$1,000 REBATE* $500

GENUINE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES*

Glenn: 021 533 141 or 03 688 7517

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

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

$19,995 EX GST 100% finance available to approved purchasers

SPECIAL OFFER

Free waterproof battery heated jacket & trousers worth $500 with every purchase.

DEALERS WANTED NOW!

1100EFI SO MANY FEATURES

1100cc 4 cyl. 16 valve engine, 5 x speed transmission, hydraulic clutch, 2WD / 4WD, diff. lock front & rear, max speed 70kph, snorkel, motorised tipping rear deck, fully foldable windscreen, front mounted electric winch, roof mounted LED light bar, all steel construction, disc brakes all round, amazing carrying capacity (front, roof, rear tray), road registrable, dimensions 3270x1550x2065 (mm) (LxWxH).

BUY DIRECT FROM THE IMPORTER! Tuatara Machinery Limited • www.lifestyletractors.co.nz

Tel. 03 347 4956 • Mob. 027 477 0070 • Email. tractors@lifestyletractors.co.nz

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

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Go Further

CANTERBURY FARMING

the ‘last’ word

with Rob Cope-Williams

Budgets; include everything I have been doing a budget for my TV programme and have realised that there is a lot more to a budget than just wages and equipment hire. Firstly I decided that my time should be charged out at a rate that is a lot larger than what I was to take out of it. That is what your mechanic, char tered accountant or lawyer will do. Staff should be charged out at a charge out rate not what they get paid. Then there’s travel. Being a farming programme I obviously need to travel to farms and businesses. My thought was to fill the tank before and after each trip so the petrol is paid. Yes, but that’s not the figure I should be budgeting. I understand that the going rate is around 76 cents a kilometre. As in a lot more than a tank of fuel. While I was sitting at my desk in my home I realised it has become a place of work so therefore a percentage of that can be charged for. At this point I realised that the budget I was arriving at was well beyond what is realistic but I boxed on just to show myself that I was, in fact, doing myself in the eye

and if I was to be an economic organisation responsible to shareholders and a board of directors, I would have a lot of explaining to do. My point, dear reader, is that we as a race of people are very likely to underestimate ourselves when it comes to worth. Thank goodness for chartered accountants who know what is tax deductible, what we can depreciate and what is OK to claim GST back on. However what I suggest, having turned my own light on my doing a budget, is that if I were to work out an hourly rate by not charging myself, my work mates and my mileage out at a proper rate rather than what it costs my wee enterprise, I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing. Farmers are renowned for underestimating their worth. That is why they really need to have insurance policies to ensure they get some funds, as ACC payments are set on personal incomes; a figure most farmers try to avoid

May 2017

QUAD BIKE SAFETY

Think think think. in an endeavour to reduce personal tax. Just for fun, do a personal budget charging yourself out at a realistic rate, put 100 per cent on all your expenses and note the difference between that figure and what you are doing at the moment. A word of caution, have a

bottle of Scotch on hand, you’ll need a couple when you see what the difference really is.

Think about what you’re carrying. Think about where you’re going.

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

23 glorious days

5–27 Nov, 2017

Beautiful countryside in autumn colours. Highlights of ancient and modern Japan. FROM

Walking in Japan

$13,700pp

Call us or visit our website to receive a free info pack!

Fun, Social, Seamless Travel. 0800 868 748 (toll free) www.toursdirect.co.nz

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

Specialist local advice. There are two things we know inside out: seeds and our region. We have extensive, specialist local knowledge of what works best round these parts and can help you ready for and get through the big changes on the horizon. With a combined 100 years of local experience and extensive product knowledge, you’re partnering with the best when you talk to us. Contact us today 0800 727 8873 | specseed.co.nz

May 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

REAL DEAL

ECONOMY

MF 7615 | 150 HP

POWER AND FLEXIBILITY FROM LOADERS TO SEEDERS Dyna-6 transmission for unmatched flexibility for any operation Powerful and efficient 6.6 litre AGCO POWER engine Unique power control lever for full transmission and shuttle control Excellent weight distribution for heavy loader work Excellent implement functionality with 3 valves as standard and high lift capacity from a dedicated 110 L/min Closed Centre hydraulic pump – enough for any job Greater comfort and ease of operation with a suspended cab

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

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

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