Canterbury Farming, November 2013 by Integrity Community Media

28,850 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast.

INSIDE Page 4

Rural sector faces hard road but future looks brighter Page 8

Free range life for these festive favourites

Page 19

Heavy metal monsters clash

November 2013

Merger ‘game changer’ but value needs to be protected by Hugh de Lacy

Merging the two big co-operatives would be a gamechanger for the meat industry, but only if farmers continued to supply the combined entity, according to Eion Garden, the retiring chairman of the larger of the two, Silver Fern Farms (SFF). A merger of SFF and Alliance would have to be seen in the context of the fall in the supply of lambs from 27 million a year when Garden was elected chairman seven years ago, to a projected 18.6 million this year. “In that time the two companies have built new facilities and farmers have welcomed that, but because of the huge decrease in lamb numbers we’re not getting really good usage out of them,” Garden, who farms at Millers Flat in Otago, told Canterbury Farming. “The third thing is that, yes, we do have 52% of the business owned by the two co-ops, but we’ve got 24 or 25 processorexporters, and until we get that down to a significantly smaller number, farmers are not going to see the value of scale.” Garden says he supports moves by the lobby group Meat Industry Excellence (MIE) to get elected to the co-ops’ boards, farmers who are committed to a merger. “I believe there’s an absolute need to get greater

scale so we can manage supply into the marketplace better, but I couldn’t support a merger if I knew it was going to destroy so much value,” Garden said. His remarks come as the MIE launches a three-to-fiveyears’ campaign at this year’s director elections to take over the co-ops’ boards. MIE has two of its associates standing in each of the co-operatives’ elections next month: former MIE chairman Richard Young of West Otago and Dan Jex-Blake of Gisborne for Silver Fern, and Donald Morrison of Gore and John Monaghan of Eketahuna for Alliance. Monaghan, who is a director of co-operative dairy giant Fonterra, had his nomination initially declined by Alliance because he didn’t meet the qualification criteria, but MIE is attempting to have him appointed as an independent director. The second stage in the MIE’s plan is, with government help, to establish a binding contract supply system with

farmers according to Richard Young who has stood aside from his chairmanship of MIE to seek an SFF directorship. This follows the failure of MIE’s ‘Tight Five’ initiative which brought leaders together to try to forge a common path for an industry whose prime farmland production base is rapidly being eroded by the dairy industry because of poor returns for meat. Young said MIE had a ‘clear strategy of trying to win positions on the boards both this year and in the next round of elections as well’. And this latest effort at reform wouldn’t simply run out of puff as previous ones had, he said. “It’s different now — the appetite [among farmers] for change is greater, we’re in a downward spiral and people are really starting to question whether they can put farm succession plans in place for their children. “Also, it’s pretty clear we’re on the cusp of a world-wide boom in protein demand, and if

we don’t sort ourselves out it’s going to pass us by,” Young told Canterbury Farming. MIE came into being earlier this year on the back of the biggest meetings of concerned meat and wool farmers since the wool acquisition debate of the 1970s. Returns to farmers from a seemingly insatiable overseas grass-fed meat market are repressed by what is in effect undercutting by the meat companies seeking market share. Conversions of former meat and wool farms to dairying has recently spiked through a combination of poor returns for meat last season, and Fonterra and the other dairy co-operatives signalling record milkfat payouts of over $8 a kilogram in the current season.

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The trend is most evident in Southland where in the past three months the regional council has received no fewer than 27 applications for conversions to dairying, compared to just seven in the 12 months to June this year. Garden, who will not be standing for re-election next month, said the economies of scale that would derive from a merger “can create value — and we’re not really seeing that. “People who invest in the industry have the absolute right to preserve, protect and get a return on their investment. “What farmers have to understand is that by supplying other than the co-ops they’re abdicating any rights whatsoever to capture margins for the value, the wealth that’s created,” Garden said.

November 2013

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Foods for now and the future — value not just volume by Kate Wilkinson

Having recently given the opening address at Lincoln University (at the NZ Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science and NZ Institute of Food Science and Technology joint forum), it reminded me that here in the 21st century. Food innovation will play an increasingly important role in helping ensure future economic prosperity. The role of science and innovation is critical. Our primary industries have a long, proud history of research and innovation across the horticulture, arable and seafood sectors. Our successes span the value chain, from germplasm to product development and commercialisation. And behind every successful food business is a strong underpinning of good science. The global food market of the 21st century is changing rapidly and great opportunities are emerging for our food sector. Since signing a free trade deal with China in 2008, our exports to that country have tripled — going from $2 billion in 2007 to $6.9 billion

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in 2012. In April this year, China overtook Australia to become our largest export market. The rise of developing nations, particularly in Asia, represents a huge opportunity. As these populations grow and become wealthier their appetite for safe, high quality food products produced by New Zealand will continue to grow. Our challenge is to unlock these opportunities, build a more productive and competitive economy and increase the prosperity of all New Zealanders. The overall aim is to increase exports by local businesses, which is vital to boost our economic growth and living standards. A central element of the export growth area is the ambitious goal of lifting the ratio of exports to gross domestic product to 40 percent by 2025. This is where the primary sector can lead the way. Our economy relies more heavily on the production of food for export than any other developed country. Food accounts for 54 percent of our

total export value. The goal (Export Double Goal) is to increase primary industry exports from $32 billion in June 2012 to $64 billion by 2025 in real terms. To achieve this goal our primary industries must grow at a rate of 5.5 percent every year to 2025 real terms. And to do this we will need to dramatically lift productivity. Innovation will become more and more important as the sector works together to improve business competitiveness in the global market. This is not just about increasing the volume of our primary export earnings but about increasing the value and achieving maximum value from our primary sector products. This will require adding value to the food products already produced. It will involve developing more new and novel food products that garner

Kate Wilkinson

premium prices in domestic and international markets. Increasingly we will be looking to the provision of research and transfer of technology and knowledge. The future success of the primary industries depends on maintaining our reputation for providing safe, high quality food. Looking ahead, there is a host of exciting opportunities for innovation, growth and value-add of our food exports.

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

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November 2013

From the Minister

Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

The importance of water

This month I was honoured to host a function at Parliament recognising the unsung heroes of the drought this year — the Rural Support Trusts. This was the worst drought in 70 years, and a very tough time for rural communities. Many farmers struggled to see a way through. I remember flying over the North Island and looking out the window at the time — it looked like the grass had been sprayed with roundup. Many farmers are staunch and reluctant to ask a stranger for help, but rural support people are locals and trusted. Rural Support Trusts worked tirelessly to lift farmer and community morale. They opened doors to vital support services, and helped people to make important decisions. A total of 146 applications for Rural Assistance Payments were granted this year with $814,277 in assistance paid. These are paid at an equivalent rate to the unemployment benefit and were available to those in extreme hardship.

This shows that farmers are stoic; they are not interested in handouts. What’s more important to them is knowing the Government has acknowledged their situation and is providing back-up support.

$320,000 in funding was also made available to Rural Support Trusts. One of the few upsides of the 2013 drought was that it reinforced to urban New Zealanders just how important the primary industries are to our economy and way of life. Fortunately, the autumn, winter and spring weather has been kind with very good growing conditions for most of the country. I’m proud of the resilience of rural communities, who have bounced back strongly from every challenge we’ve faced over the last few years. The drought this year has reinforced just how important water is to our economy. As a Government we are determined to improve how we manage this incredibly valuable resource. This is why Environment Minister Amy Adams and myself

have launched new proposals for improving freshwater management, including national water standards. They also provide for national consistency in regional decisionmaking, and management regimes that allow for economic growth within environmental limits. I believe most farmers are environmentalists and understand the need to improve our water quality. They want to leave their farms in a better state than they found it. We’ve seen huge progress over the last 10 years. Farmers are fencing their waterways, they are doing riparian planting, and we have the Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord. All of these things are voluntary — with farmers showing leadership. To improve our water quality it will be important for everyone to shoulder the burden. The Government will work with councils and communities on these proposed changes, including guidance and support with good management practice and new technologies as they become available.

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Country Matters with Rob Cope-Williams

Cup and Show Week Well it is back to the biggest week in Canterbury again with a small percentage of those involved enjoying it for what it was set up as, rather than a chance to get totally drunk or to take thousands off those who are focussed on becoming totally drunk. I am thrilled that both race organisers are working extremely hard on getting the focus back onto the racing and away from being just a venue for a total excuse for drinking oneself into oblivion. Thankfully the A and P show escapes the frantic binge drinking and it is delightfully civilised. I can assure you I am not a prude, and thoroughly enjoy a couple of glasses of scotch and dinner wouldn’t be dinner without a glass of wine, but I really don’t see the point in getting smashed at the start of the day and continuing until the body and brain basically close down the operational aspects. I understand that there was a lot of stalls selling food at Addington on the Tuesday along with stalls selling soft drinks. So again my full support of the organisers and the Police, and let’s get back to when the crowds were there for the racing not the booze, and the

glamour is all about the moment rather than the costs involved with clothing the spectators. I know it is a multimillion dollar industry clothing those who want to dress up and it all goes into our commercial whirlwind of commerce, but I am sure you get my drift. That money could surely be spent over the course of a year rather than all in one week. But I suppose with weddings getting fewer and fewer … Anyway, it is a positive that the week is attracting other ‘sober’ events such as fun in the city and football matches, so the move to take the focus away from where it was is well and truly on the way. As far as our show is concerned, I think it is still brilliant family entertainment and I totally agree with those who run it that the emphasis is, and should remain on the animals and exhibitors rather than the side shows and entertainment. Imagine if it were to swing into what some of the overseas shows have done, where the agricultural aspects are for a few days and then that closes and the general public are invited to attend some sort of carnival based ‘show’ with nothing to do with farming.

November 2013 rural clients but it does provide a wonderful opportunity for them assist in filling the knowledge gap. We often talk of the challenges we have to convince city folk about irrigation and dairying and we should see the show as a great opportunity to clearly explain ourselves.

O’Connor Comments with Damien O’Connor Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture

The show must go on

In my view there was an opportunity for that educational interaction and every agricultural and pastoral show across the country should take on that communication challenge. They are run and organised by volunteers for the most part who do an outstanding job to provide entertainment, competitions and commercial opportunities.

I attended the Canterbury A&P Show for two days last week and enjoyed every minute of it. It is simply the best way for town to meet country and the ability for city people to wander around livestock and

machinery asking questions of any exhibitor must provide the opportunity for them to find out more about the reality of

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“Although many parts of the economy have shown strong or stable growth in 2013, the rural sector continues to face a hard road.

thank you for the great response to our advertorial and to the readers who have taken up or special offer prices, your businesses is much appreciated.

“A range of pressures are still impacting the bottom line of agriculture, forestry and fisheries businesses, such as fuel prices, the high dollar and exchange rates.

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The Canterbury Show is a wonderful iconic rural institution and we must develop its full potential to ensure we attract young energetic Kiwis into rural and agribusiness careers.

The survey found 39% of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) operators in the agriculture, fishing and forestry sector reported falling annual revenue, while only 15% saw revenue increase in the year to August.

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The Canterbury Show could have been one more place for a major display of both the dangers and advantages of operating four-wheel motor bikes. It could be an entertainment feature, providing both safety and interest for both urban and rural alike. It is, after all, visitors to farms who make up a number of the farm accident statistics.

New Zealand’s rural sector continues to find the going tough as it faces a high dollar, uncertain international markets and rising production costs according to the latest MYOB Business Monitor survey.

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Health and safety on the farm has once again been highlighted by a Coroner’s report recommending some drastic changes to the way farmers operate their four — wheel bikes. They are essential tools for almost every farming operation and severe restrictions on their use will be impractical and impossible to police. What is needed is a far better training programme and a focus on the farm on health and safety first even at times of severe pressure such as calving. Helmets in themselves will not prevent injuries when it is what goes on

inside the head of the rider that provides the greatest level of safety or otherwise.

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The survey found 46% expected revenue to remain stable, while just 7% are forecasting a fall in revenue in 2014. “What this says is that although things haven’t been as good as we might have hoped in 2013, the primary sector seems set to turn a corner and enjoy a return to growth in 2014. “We need to be mindful that the vulnerability from key pressures, many of them external, is still there, with rural business operators wanting more support, especially around the dollar. However, revenue is definitely heading in the right direction.”

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November 2013

My point of view

Allen Cookson

High NZ prices Barry Lennox has spent several years in the United States of America. The much cheaper prices compared with New Zealand struck him as remarkable. He has kindly prepared a spreadsheet for comparing the prices of 38 items of building hardware in USA (June 2013 prices) and NZ (September 2013 prices) — Home Depot/ Lowes vs Mitre 10/Bunnings. He converted US quantities to NZ metric and used recent exchange rates to convert $US to $NZ. GST of 15% has been added to the NZ price. Barry didn’t add any value added tax to the US prices as the two states on the Atlantic coast where he spent most time didn’t have any such tax (though a western state he visited did). He views such taxes as equivalent to our rates. What this survey shows is an average price in NZ of 2.7 times its American equivalent. The maximum difference is between an American (120V) and a NZ (240V) 15 amp

electric dual outlet — the NZ article costs NZ consumers 5.2 times their American counterparts. The only item in which NZ holds the price advantage is Gorilla glue which costs us 90% of the American price here. Our government’s proposal to help local retailers by levying GST on small imports is ludicrous. This cost increase is minuscule when set against the average 170% advantage of importing items from Barry Lennox’s list. Do huge economies of scale in the world’s largest economy explain this? That one buyer can import from the USA a small quantity of goods for his personal use (the very antithesis of economy of scale) for less (including freight) than

he can buy it here, rebuts that argument. Like NZ, America imports many of the goods in Barry Lennox’s list from China, a great distance away. America has to transport imported or locally manufactured goods great distances around its huge country to various warehouses and retail outlets. What may explain America’s advantage is corporate tax avoidance. Unlike NZ the USA has huge government debt funded by selling government bonds. The $US international reserve currency has sufficient (and unwarranted) credibility to allow this Ponzi scheme

Specialist tools, including machine tools, manufactured in Europe and North America, can be imported directly at a cost of 20% less than via a local agency. In this case the explanation for the saving appears to be avoidance of the middle man’s charges.

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(de facto counterfeiting) to continue for the moment. Their foreign debt is much less (as a percentage of GDP) than ours because they have huge net investment income from overseas. In contrast we fund our current account deficits by selling our most valuable assets. Unlike NZ, USA subsidises its energy and agriculture.

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RURAL PROFESSIONALS

November 2013

Employment Talk by Matt Jones

In light of the recent public outcry regarding New Zealand’s rape culture, perhaps it’s fitting to take a good hard look at preventing any sexual harassment issues on our farms. Female staff now represent an increasing proportion of the agricultural sector and sexual harassment can be a very real problem in rural workplaces. Employers need to know that this is unacceptable and can be easily prevented if clear boundaries are set in place at the

time of recruitment, and during development of staff contracts. Women have always been integral to New Zealand’s agricultural development. Whether they’re involved in the day-to-day operation of farms, or management and ownership, they provide a large economic contribution to agribusiness. As bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination are all illegal in New Zealand, you as the employer need to take responsibility to ensure your

workplace is safe and respectful towards all staff members including women. So what exactly is sexual harassment? It is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. Under the Human Rights Act 1993 the following types of sexual harassment are prohibited: • Any request for sexual activity together with an implied or overt promise of preferential treatment or a threat of detrimental treatment.

• Any physical behaviour, language or visual material of a sexual nature which is unwelcome or offensive. If a female staff member reports to you any sexually offensive behaviour, open talks with all parties need to begin immediately. If found to be at fault, the perpetrator needs to be severely disciplined and the female worker has a right to pursue a personal grievance. For clear breaches of the Human Rights Act, they can also approach a union representative. If no resolution is met with their employer or the union they may take their complaint to mediation or the Human Rights Commission. It is important to note that on the flip side some

female staff may not wish to complain about behaviour they are uncomfortable with. They might want to avoid confrontation or a potential backlash against them by others by staying silent, just to keep the peace. Farmers have a duty of care to all staff and need to let women know that they can be approached at any time to discuss any problems they have regarding sexual harassment. With more subtle levels of harassment, some male workers may not actually realise they’re offending anyone. A few innuendos and suggestive banter here and there may be just the way they converse with the opposite gender at the local pub! Women in the rural workplace need to speak up if they feel a

line has been crossed and notify management immediately. As an employer perhaps you haven’t thought too much about the raunchy ‘reading’ material floating around the smoko room, or the provocative calendar on the dunny wall, however these things now need to be viewed from a new perspective. Keep in mind at all times that your farm should be seen to be a professional workplace. Agstaff take sexual harassment matters seriously and remind farmers to be aware of these potential issues. We advise that you have strict, clear policies and procedures in place regarding sexual harassment issues to help retain our valued female workers.

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includes comprehensive financial management and farm recording modules plus a wage-book and library consisting of information specific to farming and farm safety. Unique, georeferenced mapping and smartphone applications (Apps) are also part of the suite. As a purely cloud based product, users are able to access the online programme via their PC, Apple Mac, tablet or smartphone from anywhere on the planet. iAgri CEO John Lay describes iAgri Online as a quantum, cost effective leap for farmers and their accountants over other available software options. "iAgri Online was developed specifically for farmers with local conditions and local tax regimes in mind. It is a truly one-stop, online business

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Restorative justice More attention is now being paid to the needs of the victims of crime and a system of restorative justice is often used in New Zealand, and indeed in many countries throughout the world, to provide a platform where the victim and the person who has committed the crime may meet and try to resolve issues relating to the offence. Many victims of crime have expressed dissatisfaction with the judicial process in not providing answers to questions which they would like to ask, and have been answered adequately by the offender. Some years ago I attended a type of restorative justice conference in proceedings where a young man had unlawfully taken a car which belonged to a teenage girl. At the meeting she was able to tell the young man that he had got her into considerable trouble with her father over the damage caused to the car and the expense that she had incurred in getting the car fixed and wasn’t covered by insurance for the damage done. The offender gave her the money for the repairs to the car and I felt that she had given the offender something to think about before he next took someone else’s motor vehicle. The New Zealand restorative justice system has been in place for some time. The Ministry of Justice has taken steps to ensure that there are standards to be met by the providers of this service and that a uniform standard is followed throughout New Zealand. Some restorative justice conferences take place prior to an offender being sentenced. If it is proposed that a restorative justice conference be investigated, prior to an

offender being sentenced, the facilitators of the process meet with the offender and the victim separately and endeavour to reach agreement on the issues to be dealt with. If both offender and victim agree a restorative justice conference will be held. If the restorative justice conference has a good outcome, in other words the victim feels appeased by the meeting and any agreement which has been reached, then the Court will take that into account when the offender is sentenced. It is also possible to have a restorative justice conference after an offender has been sentenced at which it would be more of a meeting to enable the victim to get answers to questions which weren’t covered during the course of the Court process. The Sentencing Act requires a court to take into account any efforts to provide satisfaction to the victim of a crime and obviously if the outcome is good then it will be in good stead for the offender. The Parole Act and Victims Rights Act also have reference to restorative justice in the judicial system and victims and offenders are encouraged to take part in the process.

with Andrew Wyllie

Show Week has come and gone again for another year. The weather has held out and good crowd numbers made for a successful few days. Speaking to a few trade exhibitors there, sales have certainly been steady, reflecting some of the underlying confidence in the rural sector at present. During the last quarter, global market attention was focussed firmly on the United States government shutdown as budget funding and debt ceilings were debated. The result of discussion was just another shift in the timing of the debate, now to early next year. Looking at investment returns over the period, the market seemed untroubled that the seemingly dire situation required suspension of US government services, because of an inability to fund them. The explanation for this apparent lack of concern is that once again ‘bad news is good news!’ Translating this, the fiscal issues in the US are being interpreted as delaying the implementation of ‘tapering’, being the Federal Reserve’s withdrawal from its programme of purchasing government bonds and mortgage-backed securities.

Economists currently anticipate that tapering should start by March next year, with purchases ending as early as September. Irrespective of whether this timetable proves to be optimistic or not, global short-term interest rate settings are forecast to remain low for some time, even after asset purchases have ceased. Monetary policy should therefore remain accommodative and continue to support growth assets and global share markets. So what has been happening in equity markets over the last quarter? Equity markets were broadly higher over the quarter and very strong on a rolling annual basis. Political issues may have been responsible for the muted US returns for the quarter, but Europe delivered good returns. Emerging markets also started to recover, with economic data released by Chinese authorities confirming growth targets were being achieved. This in turn helped Australasian markets move higher. We note that volatility has continued to decrease in all markets and valuation multiples are elevated. While this signals a degree of complacency, the

The main object of restorative justice is to reduce the impact of crime on a victim although in some crimes it would be difficult to envisage a victim’s family being appeased by any restorative justice process.

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macro environment continues to be supportive of growth assets when looking longer-term. For example, Europe has begun to emerge from recession after six consecutive quarters of falling GDP. Chinese growth also continues to be resilient, while the latest US reporting season continues the trend of positive news. In Australasia, growth sectors continue to be favoured. Financials have again rallied, following on from recoveries in mining and energy sectors earlier in the quarter. Looking at the fixed interest market, while the tapering of the US Federal Reserve’s bond purchases didn’t occur, longerterm bond rates drifted higher over the quarter, with New Zealand economic conditions continuing to improve. Domestically, Reserve Bank of New Zealand Monetary Policy statements point to higher Official Cash Rates (OCR) next

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year. However, the introduction of new macro-prudential tools such as the new loan-to-value (LVR) policy signals that the Reserve Bank would prefer to defer OCR increases as long as possible so as to avoid the risk of further bolstering the value of the NZ dollar. The Reserve Bank is therefore expected to give these alternative policy measures time to work before addressing cash rates. For investors, new bond issues have been announced by Goodman Property and Infratil which will close before Christmas. If you would like to confidentially discuss your investment requirements please contact me. Andrew Wyllie is an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted on 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr. co.nz. To ﬁnd out more about Forsyth Barr visit www. 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

November 2013

FREE RANGE LIFE FOR THESE FESTIVE FAVOURITES BY ANDY BRYENTON

The holiday season is fast approaching, with the promise of tables laden with festive fare. Amongst those imports from the Christmas feasts of Europe and America, nothing says ‘holiday spirit’ more than a big juicy turkey with all the trimmings — but where do the turkeys sold in New Zealand come from?

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Dromore, visitors to Philip and Judith Crozier’s sprawling 80 acre farm would be forgiven for believing the former. Because, here, foraging in the pastures and growing fat on a diet of locally grown grains, more than 20,000 white-feathered turkeys enjoy a life that their ‘barn bred’ brethren could only envy. “All of our turkeys get to see at least one Christmas,” says Philip, who began his odyssey into turkey breeding at the age of 12. “Birds hatched this time of year are still growing over the holiday season, so every turkey which is sold for the Christmas table got to enjoy at least one holiday.” Not that his gobbling flocks pay much attention to the calendar! Nature dictates the life cycle of the turkey, and Philip’s Bellsville White NZ Cross variety are no different to their US cousins. About late October the eggs in the Crozier’s hatchery incubators

begin to crack, and a horde of tiny ‘poults’ (the correct term for a baby turkey) are born. After a brief stint in the rearing sheds, where they peck about and socialise, they are set free to roam the grassy acres of Turkeyville, thriving on natural feed and enjoying as close to a free life as farm creatures — four-footed or feathered — could ever imagine. Keeping the flock in line — and occasionally keeping human poachers at bay — are some very special dogs. Philip makes special mention of Max the doberman, perhaps the country’s most accomplished turkey herding hound, who assists in rounding up the fairly strong-willed birds, and exhibits similar skill to a high-country musterer’s best friend. When Philip began his enterprise in 1962 (buying three turkeys for five pounds, and making very sure that at least one was a male ‘gobbler’)

there was no such thing as environmentally friendly farming or best ethical practice. Or at least, there was nothing ensconced in law. As a practical and responsible farmer he and his family and staff have always tried to do the best by their birds, providing wide open spaces, natural nesting conditions, good food, and even allowing the frosty mornings of Canterbury to help ‘snap freeze’ pests and bugs — just as happens in the turkey’s native homeland of north-eastern America. The difference, he assures his customers, is in the taste — and it must be, because today Crozier’s turkeys are a highly sought after ingredient for the Christmas table. With no chemical wash after plucking and no artificial oils injected into the meat before sale, the flavour is natural and pure. Philip is obviously passionate about the living conditions of his birds, and

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A mouth watering roast turkey - the most iconic of all Christmas dinners, made easy

Tiny ‘poults’ - the correct name for baby turkeys - hatch in the spring at Turkeyville, near Ashburton

while he admits they are “not the brightest creatures on earth” they are still all the better for living a free-range existence. To assist those who may be licking their lips as they read this article, considering a crispy-skinned, tender turkey with all the trimmings, he’s given us permission to share this foolproof turkey roasting recipe — direct from one of the biggest authorities in this slice of the culinary business. Tips for top turkey taste Because turkey breast meat is so lean, you need to protect it from drying out during cooking. There are different ways of doing this. The simplest are using steam, using covers or basting. More effort is required for brining. Brining the turkey simply means that it is soaked in a salty (brine) solution

with added ﬂavourings and seasonings prior to cooking. It is usual to brine overnight or for a minimum of six hours. To be absolutely safe, brining should take place in the refrigerator. Steam is the method that the Croziers use most often. Simply pour water into the bottom of the roasting pan and keep it topped up during the cooking. As the turkey cooks, the water will create a steamy atmosphere that keeps the ﬂesh moist. Place a rack / cake rack / trivet in the roasting pan so that the turkey is held above the liquid and is less likely to "stew" on the base. Use flavoured liquids instead of water e.g turkey or chicken stock mixed with wine or fruit juice and herbs.

Alternatively, start the roasting process by placing a sheet of baking (silicon) paper over the breast and then sealing it with a layer of foil. If baking paper isn't used, the foil tends to stick to the turkey skin and pulls pieces off when removed. After calculating the cooking time, leave the foil in place for half of the cooking time, removing it in order to allow the skin to colour before cooking has ﬁnished. Remember to baste (spoon the mixture of juices and oils in the pan onto the cooking turkey) every 20 to 30 minutes for best results. We recommend a total cooking time of 15 minutes per 500g plus an extra 15 minutes when cooking at 180°C. A 5 kg turkey takes approximately 2¾ hours. A 5 ½ kg turkey takes approximately 3 hours.

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opines that we need to ‘become comfortable attracting foreign capital’ in ways in which we get the benefit of the capital without feeling we are selling off our country and losing sovereignty. I wish I knew how this would work. Because if you sell a block of land, it becomes legally fee-simple to the new owner. Sure, the new owner may not be a farmer, and hence unfamiliar with our farming systems, but one assumes that the purchaser is in it for the profit. So a local, qualified person is employed to run the show — this could possibly be Lancorp. Currently, this scenario tends to mostly involve dairy farms. Over the years Landcorp has been modernised and stands well on its own two feet. Although Mr Carden has good financial credentials, his latest

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job being general manager of PGG Wrightson’s Australian seed and grain business, has he ever worked on farms? Has he been brought up on a farm? Started life as a farm boy? We don’t know. However, Mr Carden assures us that although Landcorp is the country’s biggest farmer, it is not purely profit driven. It aims to enhance industry ‘well-being, through functions such as farm research and training young workers’. According to a recent report, since his appointment Mr Carden has been looking at Landcorp’s environmental plans, effluent ponds, fencing and fertiliser management, for which he deserves some kudos. But corporate farming? I have to disagree. The family farmer may be a dying breed in this brave new world of agricultural production, but I would wager that they are more attuned to the needs of the soil from which they make a living. They understand environmental sustainability, conservation and stewardship of the land, and what it is capable of producing in the very long term. Sure, there are some rough cow-cockies around who badly treat their animals and desecrate the land. Luckily they are few and far between. And these folk are regularly pinged by the relative local authorities and agencies. The traditional farmer, as far as I can remember, tended to have more strings to his bow to cover commodity price swings and roundabouts. It involved some cropping, animal raising and self sufficiency in a variety of products. Also rotational

cropping coupled with animal grazing had a major benefit on soil nutrients Down our way in the Waitaki, there is talk of revising the ISO programme on sustainability, the North Otago Sustainable Land Management scheme (NOSLAM.) Perhaps corporate board rooms would like to take a serious look on how these schemes work. The biggest danger to single-crop farming (such as current emphasis on dairying in my opinion) is the excessive nitrate residue leached into the soil and waterways, as well as polluting the air. Admittedly research is underway on how this problem may be mitigated. But at what added costs? Another factor that appears to have cropped up on the Canterbury plains is the clearance of shelter belts to make ways for centre-pivot irrigators. According to one local forester the big winds of October caused excessive damage to both small-farm woodlots and major forest plantations throughout the province. These windbreaks were planted by early settlers for a good purpose — mainly soil conservation. There was no corporate farming in those days, or even up to more recent decades. The current batch of farm managers could be excused for feeling stressed, or under pressure to increase production beyond the limit of what the land can produce. Irrigation can be a boon for production, but this takes wise management and continuous research.

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November 2013

‘Irrigation Managers’ benefit from workshops by Janine Holland

Responding to feedback from irrigators that a practical day focussed on the knowledge needed for ‘high performing irrigation’ would be useful, the workshop outlines key irrigation skills, trends and technologies. In Canterbury two dates remain for irrigators wanting to participate — Culverden on November 26 and Rangiora on November 27. Then we head north to offer the same workshop in Blenheim on December 3 and a further workshop in Richmond focussing on drip and micro irrigation on December 4. Here are some recent comments from participants who joined us at the Dunsandel workshop. Dairy farmer Alex Quigley says while they thought their irrigation set-up was already pretty good — it was reassuring to have this confirmed at the workshop.

the uniformity of irrigation distribution and application. Ruwan Wijayasena from Synlait Farms Ltd also enjoyed the bucket exercise and will be recommending it to his company as part of their monitoring of irrigation performance. “We already use Aquaflex and can check via computers and smartphones our water usage and moisture levels so the content of the workshop wasn’t new. But it was very refreshing and a good course for us to go on,” he says. “Fellow dairy farmer Richard Greaves says coming from a non-irrigation background, the workshop was extremely valuable.

“Everything they were talking about we’d already done but it’s nice to know we’re doing it correctly,” he says.

“Irrigation is fundamental to our business and we need to understand it a bit better so we can increase efficiencies. As farmers we go on a lot of courses but water is probably one of the most important aspects of our business and we can certainly do better in terms of managing our water resource,” he says.

Alex found the centre pivot and calibration topics of most interest, particularly an exercise using buckets to check

Richard says he intends to implement ideas from the workshop this season including “measuring the pivot to see

what we’re putting on and what it means. “It is interesting that we assume our irrigators are applying x, but in fact when we measure and use the software provided it can be totally different. This can have a huge impact on our businesses as they say you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” The two presenters, Paul Reese and Dan Bloomer, had a wealth of information to share says Richard, and he was particularly impressed with the hand-outs which summarised the workshop’s key themes. “I thought they were really thorough and there was a lot of information there to digest,” he says. Divided into four parts, anyone using irrigation will find relevance in the daylong course with modules covering irrigation regulation, scheduling, operation and maintenance and calibration. As well as classroom learning, participants use nearby irrigators for practical in-the-field application. Courses are tailored to the audience and cover the different irrigation types including pasture, horticulture and viticulture so it doesn’t

matter if you’re managing an orchard or dairy unit, vineyard or cropping operation, there will be something of relevance. Irrigators can no longer afford to think of workshops such as these as nice to do, but not essential. With water quality and quantity limits coming into force, knowing how to irrigate effectively is crucial and the onus is on the industry to upskill. The ‘Irrigation Manager’ training days are designed to help irrigators maximise farm profitability and minimise inefficient practises that can lead to nutrient loss and costs them money. For more information or to register for a workshop, please visit the IrrigationNZ website www.irrigationnz.co.nz/eventsand-training.

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By the time you read this, IrrigationNZ will have rolled out eight ‘Irrigation Manager’ training workshops across the country after piloting the initiative last year.

WATER

November 2013

Irrigation Issues Dr Tony Daveron

In the News In the last couple of issues I discussed the potential lost production before irrigators could be repaired following the September wind storm. A couple of recent articles in The Press discussed the value of water. A conversation with those who still cannot irrigate would provide the authors with a very good indicator of the value of water.

Unfortunately for some or many (depending on how you manipulate the statistics) dodging bullets is all over. Irrigation has been required since the beginning of November — as shown in

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an update of the soil moisture record. Without water and worse still to have water and no irrigator, the pasture shown would be under severe moisture stress. The potential deficit in the pasture would be at least 60mm — about the irrigation requirement to date. If I return to the September issue I wrote regarding the yield loss without irrigation ie: • The yield loss is about 0.25–0.3%/mm of potential water use below the stress point

No matter the crop the losses are mounting: • If it were wheat, the potential yield loss in a 12 t/ha crop is about 0.3 x 60mm x 12 or 2.16 t/ha which at say $400/t is $864/ha — or • If it were pasture, the potential loss in a 16 t/ha DM crop is about 0.3 x 60mm x 16 or 2,880kg DM/ha which at say $0.15/kg DM is $432/ha (before the DM is converted into milk solids!) The articles I referred to in

the preface to this article were penned by:

numbers’, the latter typically took an academic view point. It is pretty simple really and the above examples are a good starting point:

• Bruce Scott from Carbon South Ltd on October 29 concentrated on investors or farm business viewing water as ‘another cost of doing business and make rational decisions based on the numbers’ and the environmental damage (in particular the nitrate leaching) — while

• The 60mm potential deficit is the equivalent of 600m³/ha of irrigation water — so

• Andrew Butler a PhD student at University of Canterbury on November 15 concentrated on the complexity of putting a value on water.

• The value of the water for the wheat farmer is thus far about $432/600m³ or $0.72/m³

Hmmm, the former was close to the mark when valuing water by basing it on ‘the

• The value of the water for the wheat farmer is thus far about $864/600m³ or $1.44/m³ — and

Coincidentally this value is not dissimilar to the HydroTrader permit trade values — ie • The average HydroTrader value by since 2008 $0.88/m³ • The highest trade was $1.62/m³

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• The average for the last 10 trades has been $0.81/m³ — and

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• The average for the ‘small’ trades (<$100,000m³/ year) is $0.83/m³ Of course the value of any commodity or product is largely determined by a willing seller and willing buyer and the market has a value similar to the yield loss thus far in the 2013– 14 irrigation season. Without rainfall or irrigator parts arriving sooner than planned, the yield loss might well raise the true value of water.

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WATER

November 2013

ADVERTORIAL

Better infrastructure in the pipeline Proper drainage is a huge issue on Kiwi farms — we live in a country of weather extremes, and the management of water is key to the viability of agricultural enterprise. That’s why, when considering drainage, it’s a good idea to consider the best. Pipe and Fittings is a wholesale company who aim to stock just that — the best quality drainage infrastructure parts. After all, it’s in their name! And while they primarily on-sell to merchants, they often work in with the end user to ensure customer satisfaction. It’s a hands-on approach which has earned them a solid reputation. Pipe and Fittings finds this method works well from both sides, as the communication is crystal clear and the installer of the culverts ends up with a solution that works for him. One example of how customer feedback informs the company’s strategy is the extremely successful Euroflo culvert pipe. In the industry

the Euroflo is known for its toughness and versatility when a quick installation job is required. Many farmers have been surprised at how well the Euroflo has stood up to a battering when throwing it in the ground, packing around the sides, then track rolling it. This might not be the recommended use of a top-end culvert, but the realities of farming mean that sometimes a quick fix saves the day! Another unique feature of the Euroflo is that some sizes are available ex-stock, slotted like drain coil, but in rigid lengths. The beauty of this is that it can be used in areas where the ground is waterlogged — where flexible pipe meanders all over the place and the water doesn’t drain correctly. Having a rigid length will ensure that the water flows effortlessly. Euroflow also stands up to situations where

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WATER

November 2013

ADVERTORIAL

A complete and effective system

What happens when you cross on-farm irrigation needs with Loring Industries design expertise? You get the Solcor Fence Defender. Pemberly Farm near Aylesbury is a 400ha lamb and beef finishing unit using large scale irrigation with 4 pivots and 300 crossovers. As with most pivots, where the tower crosses the fence there is immense pressure applied to the wire strands, especially where the tower crosses on an angle. Pemberly Farm was using a link chain system on their crossovers. It was held in place by U-clamps and left unsecured to the ground — they were always having problems with the fence wire breaking. In September last year they began trialling the Solcor

Fence Defender system, performing the trial on fences where the problems were the worst. Irrigation supervisor Bill Tait has confirmed that the product is much superior to their previous setup and has overcome its inadequacies. Installation is easy and is performed without having to dismantle or cut strands in existing fences. The mechanism is designed to fit the three diameters of wire available and incorporates a clamping device to attach to both the fence wire and the high

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Both the Solcor nylon fittings and Solcor shock cord are impervious to UV with the cord having specially moulded nylon end stops to prevent the cord from fraying. The two cords are secured on either side of the wheel track by nylon pegs. Farm manager Graeme Taylor notes that as their existing system fails it is now being replaced with the Solcor Fence Defender system.

• Easy to install • Can be used on existing fences – no wire cutting • High specification UV resistant cord and nylon fittings Visit www.solcor.com to see a video of Solcor’s Fence Defender in action.

specification Solcor shock cord. This absorbs the stretch and retraction from the wire as the tower wheel passes over each strand.

So after two years of trials and improvements, and contrary to the belief that the angle crossing of the towers can be an issue, the Pemberly Farm experience proves the Solcor Fence Defender is a complete and effective solution.

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WATER ADVERTORIAL

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Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, has again voiced his grave concerns about the health implications associated with increased Nitrates in groundwater. Professor Ian Shaw, of Canterbury and Lincoln Universities has also written an impressive article easily comprehended by laypeople to explain the cause and effects of Nitrates in groundwater. The levels in some shallow bores are concerning — for the risk of blue baby syndrome and the much more sinister health implications of the possible association with some cancers. Professor Shaw’s one word answer to the fuss about Nitrates is ‘toxicity’. Nitrates are considered most dangerous for pregnant women, unborn and bottledfed babies. Methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) affects the transfer of oxygen in the blood and can cause brain damage or death. Nitrate itself is not carcinogenic, but instead acts with other chemicals to form carcinogenic compounds via a multiple step process. In animal or human studies this class of compounds has

been associated with 15 different types of cancers including tumours in the bladder, stomach, brain, esophagus, bone and skin, kidney, liver, lung, oral and nasal cavities, pancreas, peripheral nervous system, thyroid, trachea, acute myelocytic leukemia and T and B cell lymphoma — a wider range of tumours than any other group of carcinogens (Mirvish 1991). Nitrates are colourless, odourless and tasteless, so it is impossible to know what the levels in groundwater are, unless the water is analysed in a reputable independent laboratory. The levels may fluctuate seasonally but the trend is usually consistently upward. It has been reported that almost a third of Canterbury dairy farms are not complying with resource consent rules. In 2000, the EU took a groundbreaking step when it adopted the Water Framework Directive. It introduced a new legislative approach to managing and protecting water in over 60% of EU territory. Groundwater should not be polluted at all — any pollution must be detected and stopped.

November 2013

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and research with remedial policies implemented in many countries for over a decade, with significant progress achieved in the effective control and reduction of nutrient enrichment of water. Solutions are available and can be incorporated into food production practices to control the negative impacts of contamination of water. For further information: ec.europa.eu/environment/ pubs/pdf/factsheets-waterframework.directive.pdf. Sue Kelly has specialised in water treatment for over 20 years and has been aware of the increasing Nitrate problems in Canterbury during that time. She is also extremely concerned about the significant increase of Nitrates in wells in many areas. In 1994 two children in Canterbury were hospitalised as a result of high levels of Nitrates in a shallow well. An under bench water purifier was installed — with a 97.7% reduction of Nitrates in the water to be used for food preparation, cooking and drinking.

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FORESTRY

November 2013

Trees & Other Stuff

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF Laurie Forestry Ltd

by Andy McCord

Doing it right — Part 2 A few months back I spoke in an article about Ross Dobby ‘Doing it Right’. He had undertaken an extensive aerial ‘kill operation’ of weed-infested gullies to be planted up in the winter. These gullies were planted up with clonal tree stocks, and on October 11 they were aerial released. Like the other plantings he has carried out on his farm, tree growth is second to none. It is also interesting to note that none of Ross’s older clonal plantings has been seriously affected by the September gales. To reflect — Ross’s regime is to first aerial kill-spray in Jan/ Feb so that all the root systems of the brushweeds (gorse, broom etc) are completely killed. With this method the only regenerating weeds will be of the seedling variety, and not coppicing regrowth. These types of weeds are very hard to

The focus for the forest industry in Canterbury for the last month has been on wind damaged forests, woodlots and shelterbelts. A quick drive around pretty much anywhere in the countryside reveals many farming and forestry properties across the region with trees downed. The impact in terms of net harvest volumes will be significant. Sawmills can expect an initial surge of volume as foresters move quickly to recover the domestic grades before sap stain sets in. This discolours the wood, making it unusable for framing grade lumber and pretty much most other end uses domestically.

kill as the leaf area is too small to take down a lethal herbicide dose. Plant good clonal stock, and aerial release in October before the seedling gorse get established.

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The adjoining photo shows Ross supervising the aerial release of one of his planted gullies. The guy driving the whirlybird is Phil Packham from Amuri helicopters. Note the excellent droplet deposition! Joke Time: Paddy was asked to give a speech at the local Christchurch community centre on the secret of his long marriage. He was introduced by the local pastor who informed the gathering that Paddy was soon to celebrate his 50th year of marriage. He gave a very heartfelt talk to the local gathering, after which he asked if there was any questions. When asked what he had done for his 25th wedding anniversary Paddy informed him that he had taken his wife back to Dublin for a holiday to meet up with long lost friends and relatives. And when asked “What do you plan to do for your 50th wedding anniversary?” Paddy replied “I’m going back to Dublin to pick her up!”

The most revealing impact in terms of increased volumes will be felt at Timaru and Lyttelton ports. Each has been used to scaling (measuring) and marshalling (placing to rows) in the order of 1,100– 1,500 cubic metres per day, up to 2,000 if all the production planets were in alignment. Over the next 10–12 months daily deliveries are expected to be 3,600–4,000 cubic metres per day to each port.

and new equipment has been purchased. Additional logging trucks have been sourced from Central North Island, Southland and Otago, and again the challenge has not been so much getting the trucks, it is finding someone reliable to drive them. Log prices in China moved upward again from US$1–2 per cubic metre for November settlements. Demand has remained ahead of earlier forecasts and inventory levels are hovering around two million cubic metres. For the moment the volume is cranking, prices are firm to stable and the marketing planets are in basic alignment. There is no sign of a cataclysmic event, lunar or otherwise on the horizon, so we would not expect to see great changes until we strike the Chinese New Year which is a week earlier (starting late January) than normal.

The rapid and significant increase in volume places a lot of pressure on logistics providers including trucking companies and port operators. All are telling me their single biggest challenge is finding good reliable and competent staff prepared to work the hours.

Across NZ ports, congestion, frayed tempers, jockeying for position and crazy out of step pricing appear to be the order of the day. This latter practice appears to be attempts by some traders to buy volume by offering loss leader pricing and over pricing in the hope of securing wharf gate volume.

Across the logging front and as an example our company has imported loggers from Australia, Southland, South Otago, Northland, Waikato and Nelson/ Marlborough. Local crews have been asked to expand

If my experience of the past 26 years is anything to go by, these loss leader traders often have a very short life in business spans and they normally leave a trail of unpaid and unhappy forest owners behind them.

At a NZ wharf gate position, pricing has remained stable to slightly soft responding to increases in shipping costs and slight firming in the US$ FOREX. With CA grade remaining well above the NZ$100 mark forest owners are enjoying a pretty good run. Meanwhile domestic mills are enjoying a better run rate on supply with increased harvest activity ensuring there is sufficient framing grade log supply. Indeed the wind event might have just arrived in the nick of time with some previously running short. There will be some nervousness about the longer term with a combination of loss of critical forward volume and sap stained wood potentially impacting negatively. As reported last month, we continue to hold the view we do not see any negative sentiment toward market pricing consequent on the one million + tonnes of wood felled by recent winds in Canterbury. Export pricing will be impacted, positively or negatively, by far wider global influences than a few extra tonnes in Canterbury. Domestically new house starts will provide the push and pull on pricing rather than volume which appears to be finding adequate homes at present. Thus, it has never been more timely, to remember the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees…!

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November 2013

Help us keep the

power on Power outages following September’s severe wind storm were primarily due to trees and branches coming into contact with overhead lines and poles. As trees on private land are the responsibility of the land owner, we need your help to reduce the impact of future storms on our electricity network and on you and your neighbours.

How can you help? If you have a tree that could impact power lines, please think about your local community’s health and wellbeing. A power outage caused by a tree may not just affect you – it may impact many people, including those with health issues.

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Consider replacing tall trees near power lines with a lower growing species. If tree removal isn’t possible, as a minimum, make sure branches are kept well away from overhead lines and poles. If planting, think carefully about the type of tree you put near overhead lines – a little shrub can become a giant in a few years’ time. Call Orion for advice on suitable trees. Be safe The wind storm has left many trees weakened or damaged and in some cases leaning on other trees. If you need to remove, or prune, a tree or branch near overhead lines, please contact us. We will refer you to contractors experienced in tree trimming around power lines. For more information see our website oriongroup.co.nz or call us on 0800 363 9898.

Orion New Zealand Limited owns and operates the electricity distribution network in central Canterbury between the Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers. oriongroup.co.nz

Reduce the risk of power cuts • CUT DOWN – consider removing tall trees that could fall through power lines. • TRIM EARLY – if you can’t cut down the tree, keep branches at least 2.5m away from low voltage lines or at least 4m from high voltage lines. Ideally further. • BE SAFE – please call Orion on 0800 363 9898 for a list of qualified contractors. • PLANT WISELY – ask us about safe planting distances and power line friendly trees and shrubs.

November 2013

Harvest Preparation ADVERTORIAL

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equipment like this, Mark Brown Engineering continue to innovate, while still striving to make their products affordable, reliable and cost-effective to run. It’s a winning combination, and one which has seen them garner quite a reputation in the industry. This year, as in seasons’ past, the Mark Brown team offer to give farmers good advice on setting up their silos or drying floors. As well as high-output fans, ‘gun burner’ type diesel heaters are also available, with an output between 60–120kW. Talk to the team, discuss your own farm’s setup, and they will find what’s right for you.

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November 2013

Harvest Preparation Heavy metal monsters clash It’s a tradition born on the state fairgrounds of Iowa and the Midwest — a gladiatorial sport which sees tons of heavy machinery take to the paddock in a no-holds-barred, kill-or-bekilled slugfest. Machines which were once used to take in the harvest reap a whole new crop of twisted metal in combine harvester demolition derbies, thrilling the crowd with their outlandish colour schemes and monster-truck antics.

felled by a slashed tyre and limping out of the race. The Ellesmere Motor Racing/ Cochrane’s machine put up a plucky fight against its bigger rivals, but a huge impact threw a vital drive belt, sending it reeling from the fray.

the field, and its bulk saw it win through into the final two, until a series of bone-rattling knocks took out some vital internal linkages, ending its bid for glory. Battered but still rolling, the Warrens Equine Centre machine, piloted by Chris Warren, took a victory lap (with no small amount of

The Ellesmere Engineering harvester was the big boy of

noise and smoke), taking out the title of New Zealand’s toughest agricultural machine. Patrons enjoyed the spectacle immensely, taking in not just the heavyweight bout but also a thrilling undercard of MX racing, and demand for a rematch next year is running high. With the value of

harvesters ‘put out to pasture’ being little more than their scrap value in any case, this rural twist on the good old demo derby is sure to grow — perhaps never

reaching the heights of madness seen in US competitions, but nevertheless proving that Canterbury farmers play as hard as they work!

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The first such event on Kiwi soil was recently held in Canterbury, as the Ellesmere Raceway Club hosted a knock ‘em down, drag ‘em out combine derby of its own. The field of six contenders was whittled down to four even before the flag dropped, as the logistics of prepping and transporting these mighty machines took its toll. But when racing began the action was fast and furious.

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November 2013

Harvest Preparation ADVERTORIAL

New generation combine offers exceptional productivity

The S series harvesters are the most productive harvesting machines ever designed and built by John Deere. The S series model enhancements are designed to optimise performance and provide more comfort and control for the operator.

and test new features to bring more productivity to our machines and platforms,” says Steve Wright, Marketing Manager, John Deere Limited.

“We continuously look at our harvesting lineup, gain feedback from our customers,

For the first time ever, John Deere Limited will be offering 26 inch and 36 inch tracks to

New Zealand Producers for better flotation with reduced compaction and fuel use in challenging field conditions. Because of a large footprint, the tracks allow reduced ground pressure and the ability to harvest

JOHN DEERE S680 COMBINE This track Combine is designed for the most challenging terrain and with its new factory warranty and great finance terms it’s a deal you don’t want to miss ..

EX DEMO S680 WITH 635R PLATFORM

$515,000 +GST

• • • • • • • •

AutoTrac Ready All New Variable Stream Rotor ProDrive 4WD System JDLink New Larger Cleaning Area Larger Grain Tank Worlds Fastest Unloading Rate Premium Residue System- Chop to Drop with 1 button

* sample picture only, flex draper not included in quoted package

in a variety of conditions. They are designed with a high-idler configuration for enhanced performance and

JOHN DEERE 840I TOW BEHIND SPRAYER Don’t miss out on this very high spec sprayer - excellent condition, shed stored. • • • • • • • • • • •

18/33 triple fold boom Boom Trac - auto boom height control 1.5-2.2m track spacing Piston pump 280L/min Hydraulic trailer brakes Stainless recirculating boom 4000L tank GREAT VALUE AT Airbag suspension +GST Steering drawbar 18000 Ha Teejet nozzel bodies complete with 2 sets of nozzles

$79,000

CALL TODAY!

CHRISTCHURCH: John Murgatroyd 027 4355 900 Murray Chesterman 027 2664 222 Quintin Boyd 027 4867 792

ASHBURTON: Mark Symes 027 4441 706 Baden McDowell 027 4387 555 Reece Trotter 027 4867 733

easy changeability between tracks and tyres. “When harvesting in tough conditions, operators

HEADER Repairs & Spares • Concaves Manufactured new for all makes and models. Built specially for NZ conditions. Also repairs and alterations. • Drums & Bars Manufactured and repaired.

All makes and models. Preseason checks done on farm.

• Sieves & Riddles Specially designed stepped seives for small seed applications. Cleaner Sample - Less Loss

ASHBURTON 832 East St PH 03 307 9911

www.dne.co.nz 0800 432 633

D&E are proud to bring this exciting new series header to Canterbury and already have a number of machines in the marketplace. To find out more about the S-series lineup speak to one of D&E’s sales staff on 0800 432 633.

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

(Formerly D.C. Newburry & Co, Southbridge) CHRISTCHURCH 799 Jones Rd, Rolleston PH 03 349 4883

will be able to get in the fields earlier and harvest longer with the new track options.”

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

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

CUSTOM

YOU DREAM IT – WE’LL BUILD IT:

At Duncan Ag we know that not all things are created equal – and that to get the best result often requires a specialised solution.

• Folding drill (3.1 m transport width)

With over ten drills complete with a range of options, or the ability to customise any of our machines, we have a drill to suit.

• Trailing rollers & harrows

BUILT TO WORK... no matter what your needs.

0800 150 190 • email admin@duncanag.co.nz www.duncanag.com

• Large split hopper • Disc openers • 2-point linkage • Electric drive

November 2013

Harvest Preparation ADVERTORIAL

What is the quality of your grain? For many years, sampling grain has been important in measuring key quality parameters in combinable crops. In recent years, however, other challenges including Mycotoxins have emerged, requiring the industry to demonstrate due diligence. An overview of key sampling opportunities is outlined below. Following this simple procedure and ensuring appropriate equipment is used will assist in maximising your return. 1. Know the harvested quality: At harvest, analysis can only determine grain quality if sampling is representative of grain loads coming into store/silo. Results from analysis of harvested grain will confirm if grain meets

the proposed criteria.

market’s

2. Protect the harvested quality: During storage, sampling for temperature and moisture content is required to assess changes in physical condition and to verify that storage targets are met. Without effective drying and cooling, spoilage may occur and potential market opportunities may be lost. 3. Know what leaves the store:

At out-loading from the store/silo representative samples taken as trucks are loaded provide evidence of what has been dispatched. This is the best opportunity for the grower’s and purchaser’s assessments of delivered quality to match. 4. Know the quality received:

schemes recognised in their industry. Here at FF Instrumentation we can assist with all your sampling, analysis and monitoring needs for grains, seed, finished feeds and more. Contact FF Instrumentation Ltd on 03 962 2960 or visit our website www. ffinstrumentation.co.nz

Water Ballast Rollers Spiral Welded Pipe Grain Augers Range of standard sizes available or made to your required size.

16 Robinson Street, Ashburton 7700 Phone/Fax 03 308 9623 Dave Stockdill

At receipt, most buyers will sample from each truck, often using automated equipment, and should follow the best practice recommended by assurance

PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS CROP STORAGE AND HANDLING SYSTEMS

MASTER DRIERS

HARVEST INTERNATIONAL AUGERS

• Manual or fully automatic. • Master dust extraction increased bushel weight. • Capacities from 10–40 ton. • Mobile or static units. • Tractor or electric drive.

PMR are pleased to announce that they have been appointed the sole distributor for the range of Harvest International Augers in NZ. Harvest Augers come in sizes from 8” through to 13” diameter and 32’ long up to 112’ long. Harvest Augers are available with either hydraulic lift or winch lift, swing away hoppers or standard inlet hoppers.

CROP DRYING FANS & CONSTANT HUMIDITY GAS BURNERS

Available to match all sizes of fan units. Fully automatic gas fired, with computerised control. Single and double units available.

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

Dairy Feed and

Crop Storage Specialists

Tel: 03

303 7266 Web: www.pmr.org.nz

Email paul@pmr.org.nz Mobile: 0274 151 390 | Email dave@pmr.org.nz Mobile: 0275 146 609

The latest analytical equipment for the food, dairy, grain, seed and feed industriesfrom farm to plate! www.ffinstrumentation.co.nz

Air Filter Blaster

Whole Grain Moisture Analyser

Portable Grain Moisture

Portable Thresher

48 See Hayton Rd,Trade Wigram, Christchurch us at Pavilion T22

Soil Moisture Probes

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Phone +64 3 962 2960 Fax +64 3 962 2962

November 2013

OVER THE C It takes hard work to build a truly productive farm — that’s a given. But it takes more than just a full day of herding, milking, fencing and all the rest to take modern farming to the next level. In these days of new technology and fresh ideas, it can be difficult to know where its best to invest those precious infrastructure dollars. That’s why we’ve put together this showcase of leading local companies, offering all manner of smart solutions to rural issues. You’ll find it easier to get to

work, easier to get connected to the internet, and easier to enjoy your free time as well with a little help from these folks — all of whom are ahead of the game in their chosen fields. How about harnessing the energy of the sun to pump your water, or keeping your septic tank running smoothly with a little help from nature? Perhaps your lawn needs chopping down to size, or your garden’s crying out for a re-design before summer BBQ season? Of course, this time of year the old

fenceline beckons, and we’ve even got a new way of getting out there, with Honda’s tough little TRX 500 quad. For the shed, the yard and the farmhouse, we all know that this is the season for maintenance, repairs and upgrades. After all, they say it’s smart to ‘make hay while the sun shines’ — and while the actual hay (and maize, and silage) is ripening in the fields, perhaps it’ a good time to tackle all those little chores which will make farming easier all year.

SEPTIC TANK OWNERS

1 4

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

operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health.

What is Septi-Cure™ Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring microorganisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efficiency. As they progress through to your irrigation field they feed on the slimes that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work.This is why you introduce SeptiCure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efficiency.

Go The Extra Yard

™

A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years. He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition.

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Problematic septic tanks – treat with Septi-Cure™. Prevent septic system problems – treat with Septi-Cure™.

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For your nearest dealer call:

For Septi-Cure™ - Call: 0800-109-202 Website: www.ecoworld.co.nz Also Available at

SOLAR WATER PUMPS POWERED BY THE SUN

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

0800 274 447 www.FerrisIndustries.com

Distributed in New Zealand by Briggs & Stratton

• Reliable • No Running costs • Low Maintenance • Any Location • From $2400+gst

Specialists in Farm Waste

Call todaY

for all Your gardening needs • garden design, plans and landscaping • lawns lay/maintain/spraying • farm plantings • plans

“Let us take your WASTE away” Turning Waste into Liquid Fertiliser Bulk Liquids Removal & Disposal • CCTV Inspection of Drains High Pressure Water Blasting • Pipe Cleaning & Unblocking Septic & Holding Tank Cleaning • Farm Waste Spreading Grease Trap & Sump Cleaning • Effluent Stirrer Available Hydro Excavation • Farm Effluent Ponds & Sump

Solar Energy Specialists Call us 03 9801318 or email info@freshenergy.co.nz www.freshenergy.co.nz

We service Mid & South Canterbury, North Otago & Lakes Districts A family run business 100% locally owned & operated

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

PH: 03 308 5076 MOBILE: 027 420 3815 email: dales-gardens@hotmail.com

November 2013

CATTLE STOP

Introducing...

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2013 Honda TRX500 FPM SAVE $1,000!

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Farm Kitted • Manual • Power Steer

Posts & Strainers

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The Original Spouting Specialists

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Sale price $11.00 each “Whether it’s a homestead or a farm shed CONTINUOUS has the solution for you.”

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November 2013

FARM WHEELS

ADVERTORIAL

Global partnership delivers the goods

Polaris Industries have not become the world’s biggest manufacturer of specialist off-road vehicles by letting opportunities pass them by. Whether in the field of design, engineering or technology they’ve always been willing to try new things, and the results of this cutting-edge attitude are apparent in the machines which they turn out year by year. It’s not just the boys in the back room who take this approach, either. Polaris have realised that in a competitive market serving the rural sector, they have to offer business solutions as sharp as their engineering. That’s why they’ve teamed up with De Lage Landen to bring a raft of enticing finance options to Kiwi buyers, making the choice to put Polaris to the test on the farm that little bit easier. De Lage Landen are a subsidiary of Rabobank, an institution most New Zealanders will already be familiar with. Polaris needed a global brand in the financial sector to back up the world-wide reach of their products, and the forward-thinking folks at DLL were most obliging. “We are pleased to be partnering with DLL to make our products even more accessible to NZ farmers and to be able to work with our dealers to tailor finance

READY TO SPREAD

packages to suit the needs of individual farmers right across the country,” said Polaris Australia and New Zealand Country Manager, Brad Wolstenholme. “Some people out there in the agricultural market have done it tough over recent years and retail finance offers a great opportunity to keep capital equipment new and fresh without the immediate cashflow burden.” This new finance offer comprises a one third/one third/one third payment plan with a per-annum interest rate as low as 6.99 per cent. With liquidity of cash flow a major issue across the rural sector, and the need to invest in hard-working, reliable machinery never greater, Mr Wolstenholme and his colleagues may have hit upon the perfect solution. It couldn’t come at a better time, either, with the new Polaris Ranger 900 XP exceeding all expectations and delivering a boost to the brand’s already sterling reputation.

The new Polaris Ranger 900 XP

With machines like this, the tough little Sportsman series of quads, and of course the ground-breaking Ranger diesel UTV selection, there are many farms which will be making room for a Polaris in the equipment shed this summer.

REMEMBER It is ILLEGAL to use a hand held cellphone while 2009 MAN TGA 18.330 Spreading Unit

driving a motor vehicle

4x4, 330hp, 12 speed ZF ASTronic, 425/70R rib tyres all round, Beck Chain feed twin spinner bin, New cab paint, ready to start work now.

$155,000 + GST Kim Harris Mobile 027 545 7973

0800 379 899

www.prestigecv.co.nz

DRIVE PHONE FREE!

DON’T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING

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Ranger 4WD XLT Double Cab shown in Aurora Blue, with accessory sports bar. Award presented to Ford by Pieter Wieman, jury chairman, at the Fleet Transport EXPO 12 event, in Dublin, Ireland. November 2012.

Avon City Ford

Go Further

FARM WHEELS

November 2013

Mud and petrol in the blood

by Andy Bryenton

The recipe for a top motocross champion? Start ‘em young — or at least, so say the gurus of freestyle MX and sky-high stunt riding. Whether on the track, or many metres above the dirt in full flight, there’s one thing which most of the world’s top riders have in common — they hit the throttle early, with the full support of their dedicated parents. Honda motorcycles are doing their part to raise a new crop of MX heroes too — you’ll see the folks from our local Dargaville branch out there at the trail rides and fun days, taking care of the ‘nuts and bolts’ so that kids big and small can keep doing what they love. And the manufacturers are fully in support of young riders too, with a range that steps up in power and potential along with budding off-road enthusiast’s skills.

proven that this machine helps young riders build confidence and core skills, while still sparking up enough thrills to keep them motivated! Next step up the tree might well be the brand new CRF110F, and while the engine size may have doubled, this is still a very manageable ride for the 8–11 year olds. This model replaces the stalwart CRF70F, and features a new engine layout, a sportier design and an electric starter, while keeping the auto clutch system of the smaller 50cc bike, but adding an extra gear on demand. For the big kids — and this may very well include Dad — the CRF series also includes

Many families will have gotten their start with the durable little CRF50F or its equivalent — a bulletproof small bike packed with safety features, like an adjustable throttle limiter and auto clutch, mated to a simple three-speed transmission system. Years of research out in the field has

both 150cc and 230cc bikes, based on race-proven formulae and kitted out for serious off road thrills. Reliability and easy control have been optimised on both the CRF150F and its big brother the 230F, with power aplenty and longtravel suspension to iron out the bumps. If there’s a little voice in your household (or in your head) telling you that there should be a MX bike under the tree this Christmas, Honda’s range is well worth a look. Your local dealer also carries a full range of boots, gloves, helmets and other safety gear to make the bike-sports experience one which the whole family can enjoy.

ZERO TURN MOWERS

PLUS GST

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

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

Smart Fuel Storage Available in 1300, 2300, 4800 and 9500 litre diesel stations Fully Compliant

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Visit our website for a full list of products and features

0800 473 226 www.sebco.co.nz

Proudly made in Ashburton, New Zealand

KINGQUAD

THE PERFECT WORKHORSE

CLEAROUT!

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OUT THEY GO AT

$8,995

OR SMALL FARM

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The iconic Suzuki KingQuad 300 was built to work but they’re not doing any of that on our showroom ﬂoor. So we’re sending the last of them out at an even lower price and giving you even more value.

Prices include GST. Stock is limited and offer is valid only while current stocks last and is not available in conjunction with any other offer.

Avon City Suzuki Epsom Road, Sockburn, Christchurch • 03 341 3490 • Give Geoff a call on 0274 372 790

www.avoncitysuzuki.co.nz

DAIRY

November 2013

Hoof Print with Fred Hoekstra

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

The hoof trimmers’ tools This month I am talking to you about the tools that we use when we trim, with particular focus on knives. These are the most important tool that you will use and it is important that they are used correctly which means they need to be kept clean and sharp. We get a lot of knives of varying quality sent to us from all over New Zealand to be sharpened. The main thing that determines quality is the hardness of the

steel used. The harder the steel the longer it will stay sharp. Most knives are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is relatively hard and therefore will keep its edge reasonably well. However, some of the cheaper stainless steel knives are very soft and will go blunt quite quickly.

Often farmers will buy these cheaper knives because they tend to be used for many things other than hoof trimming and it becomes quite expensive if you have to keep replacing them. The better quality hoof knives are made of hardened steel. These knives will stay sharper for much longer than stainless steel knives, but they will rust if they are not kept dry. Because they are so hard they can break easier than stainless steel knives so it is important to use the right trimming technique. The horny tissue needs to be sliced off not broken off. What I mean by this is that many people tend to start a cut and then part way through twist the knife so as to cause the hoof to break off rather than making the slice clean. Generally people are not even aware that this is what they are doing, but it is something I encounter frequently when running training courses.

sharp. We wouldn’t like it if a surgeon performed an operation on us using blunt knives. Not so much because it is harder work for the surgeon but more because the end result is not the same.

When we trim cows it is important that our knives are

This is the same for cows. If we use blunt knives we are more likely to cut ourselves ATS NEWS AUGUST 2013—hANhAm 1/2PG ADVERT and the trimming job is not going to be very successful. By using sharp knives you can be much more precise with less effort. Sharpening knives is, however, not the easiest thing

PLAN FOR THE WORST PREPARE WITH THE BEST

to do. It takes a lot of practice and patience. We use a bench grinder with a linishing belt. This will sharpen the blade and create a nice bevel. The angle that you put the knife onto the belt will determine the angle of the bevel.

the hook of the knife on a rubber disc attachment on our grinder. You can sharpen the hook on the outside if you wish, but you should NEVER sharpen the back of the blade. If you do, you end up having to tilt the knife when trimming and it is much more likely to cut into the hoof rather than taking a slice off. I know it is very tempting to touch up that side of the knife because it is easier to get a sharp edge but you will ruin the functionality of the knife. (to be continued…!)

As a rule of thumb, this bevel needs to be a minimum of 10mm. Many of the knives you can buy have a much steeper bevel than that which makes the knife much more difficult to use, giving you less control with your cutting. We sharpen

Concrete Water/Feed Troughs • Precast Panels • Silage Pits • Water Tanks/Effluent Tanks Concrete Bunkers • Weeping Walls • Killing Sheds For any quotes or enquiries contact us on

New and Used Doosan Generators From 20kVA to 500kVA

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11300

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Contact us on 03 3184 707 or email splime@xtra.co.nz Low soil pH? Increase your pH with Agriculture Lime - where quality doesn’t cost, it pays Other products available: Driveway & landscaping chip, Dairy Lane Lime Rock, Serpentine (Magnesium) Lime mixes, Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate, blending available.

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DAIRY

November 2013

Rural transport laws change

Rural contractors are being urged to get themselves up-to-date with changes to transport regulations around the use of agricultural machinery. “However, not all the proposed changes will be in place until late 2014,” explains Rural Contractors NZ president Steve Levet. “It can be quite confusing at the moment with some of the old regulations still applying; so there is mix of old and new at present. Therefore it is important rural contractors — and farmers — familiarise themselves with the changes.” One of the more important changes, which is now in force, relates to how tractors are registered. A two-tier system for ADVERTORIAL

agricultural vehicles has been established based on a 40km/h operating speed. Vehicles operating below this speed will have no compliance other than they must be roadworthy.

Previously some heavier tractors needed to have a certificate of fitness, whereas now they just need a simplified warrant of fitness tailored for tractors.

Other changes have improved and simplified the rules on pilot vehicles, work time variation schemes, hazard identification and vehicle visibility.

“Tractor owners have to decide if they want to register their tractors as being able to travel over 40km/h on public roads or not,” Mr Levet explains. “If you opt for the former, then in effect your vehicle has to comply with rules and regulations which apply to other road legal vehicles and require the new simplified annual warrant of fitness for tractors.”

Meanwhile the new licence endorsement now allows for a greater range of agricultural vehicles to be driven by the holder of a Class 1 (car) licence once they prove they have the skills to do so.

Agricultural motor vehicles — regardless of age — that operate at speeds exceeding 40km/h will now undergo an annual WoF inspection, rather than six monthly.

“Drivers will need a wheels endorsement on their driver’s licence if driving a tractor over 40km/h or any other powered agricultural vehicle under 40km/h,” Mr Levet says

“Contractors and farmers will no longer face the situation of a contractor having to stop work because they have exceeded their work hours for the day, when perhaps the job could be completed in another hour. The contractor will no longer have to come back the

Try us for your compost/mulch requirements We deliver to all areas, or available ex yard • Composts • Bark/Wood chip • Ground cover mulch • Soil • Spreader avail for large areas

The ultimate tank solution for effective effluent storage, Permastore tanks offer numerous advantages, number one being the absence of a liner.

Southland dairy farmers Ann and Allan Black (500 Jerseys) are one of the first to use the tanks in New Zealand, having ‘for decades’ seen the tanks used in their native Scotland, where their family runs a large farming business. Mrs Black said the main reason they wanted a Permastore tank was because

the product had such a good reputation, they were used in countries all around the world, and the company had been building them since 1959 and stood behind them. Permastore Ag & Industrial say as the tanks are above the ground storage they minimise the danger of runoff, leaching and ground contamination, also requiring a smaller footprint. Simple, modular bolted-together construction allows the tanks to be installed quickly and cost effectively. They can be extended, dismantled or resited giving long term value. Permastore Ag & Industrial offers a range of diameter and height options — storage capacity ranges from 100–24,000m3.

The Blacks’ 4.23m high 2-million litre circular tank sits on a reinforced concrete base in the corner of a paddock. Mrs Black said they were quoted for a storage pond, but felt the tank, was more cost effective, was fail-safe and had a 30-year design life. “We were pleased and proud when we got the tank and it is well worth every cent.” A ladder is used to gain access to the top of the tank and can be pushed up for safety. Colour options are blue and green. Pumping and stirring can be by motor or tractor PTO, roofing and accessories are also available.

Mr Levet advises any contractors who are unsure of the changes, or which regulations have been changed and which have yet to change, to contact Rural Contractors NZ or go to its website: www. ruralcontractors.org.nz.

Ground Supplies

Mr Levet says that despite some confusion, rural contractors welcome the changes and the thinking behind them. He says the greater flexibility around work hours is particularly welcome.

Permanent effluent storage solution!

Permastore tanks, distributed by Permastore Ag & Industrial, are made from high strength steel panels bolted together in rings. Silica glass is fused to the interior and exterior steel to ensure a top quality, UV stable, non-corrosive finish that will last for decades. A reliable and cost effective structure these tanks offer the ideal containment solution for dairy farmers worldwide.

next day or the next day when the weather is suitable.”

Tel 0800 4 PERMASTORE, www.permastore-nz.co.nz

Canterbury Greenwaste Processor Ltd P O Box 5321 Christchurch

Phone: 03 352 2909 email: king@cpg.org.nz

permastore tanks The ultimate tank solution to effective effluent storage, utilising Glass-Fused-toSteel to offer numerous advantages - number one being the absence of a liner.

• Low Capital Cost 30 year design life

“

• No Liner Required • Low Maintenance Cost

Going forward with dairy farming, we need permanent solutions and that is what we have here

“

A number of new rules came in from November 11.

50 year service life

• Optimum Corrosion Resistance of Glass-Fused-to-Steel • Modular Bolted Tank Construction Extendable option available

• Smaller Footprint

Ability to build vertically

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DAIRY

November 2013

Harnessing soil biology

by Tim Jenkins

The ideal soil is around 45% mineral, 25% water and 25% air by volume. The missing five or so per cent is organic matter, the product of soil biological activity over time. The importance of the water component is obvious — it’s vital for good plant growth and soil biological activity alike.

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The air component is required since plant roots and many soil organisms need to breathe, and excess water needs to be able to drain. The ideal balance of soil is a product of good crumb soil structure. The pore spaces between soil crumbs or aggregates (macropores) allow excess water to drain whereas fine micropores within the crumbs can hold on to soil moisture where it can be accessed by plants and soil organisms through drier conditions. Some soils have a natural advantage due to their parent materials. Other soils can vary from having too much pore space (eg sandy soils) or too little pore space (eg fine textured clay soils). Some volcanic ash soils have naturally good structure allowing deep root growth, excellent drainage and still good moisture holding capacity. In all soils however, there is room for soil biology to enhance soil structure and general fertility further. Most of our agricultural soils have a structure that tells a story of the presence of particular soil animals. Many of the soil crumbs are actually faecal pellets. Over the last 150 years, New Zealand agricultural soils have been transformed further by the faecal pellets

or worm casts from the steady spread of introduced earthworms. Earthworms improve soil structure by burrowing through the soil creating more macropores. All the time they leave a trail of mucus behind them that helps to hold fine soil particles together creating soil structure that doesn’t simply dissolve in water. As the earthworm feeds, it aids the process of soil organic matter decomposition contributing to the eventual formation of humus which helps bind soil particles together in crumbs. As the organic matter breaks down, nutrients are released to the benefit of the earthworm, surrounding plants and soil biology in general. The earthworm takes in a mixture of organic matter and soil, it feeds on decaying plant material and micro-organisms enhancing the turnover of nutrients. The worm casts are ready made new soil crumbs. Other soil organisms also improve soil structure. The threads or mycelium of soil fungi help bind particles together in crumbs. The actinobacteria (that give fertile soil it’s sharp earthy smell) also produce mycelium that binds soil particles. Other bacteria produce polysaccharide gums further helping soil structure.

The crumbs of this well structured soil have formed from decades of earthworm activity

Optimum soil structure comes from optimum soil biological activity and the humus that soil biological activity has produced. In turn good soil structure benefits soil biology. Cultivation should be done with care to minimise the disruption of soil crumbs and the damage to soil organisms. Cultivating a wet soil should be avoided since the water lubricates the soil particles and allows them to slide out of crumb structure. Cultivating overly dry soil can mean that soil crumbs break into powder.

So the Goldilocks condition is not too wet and not too dry for tilling the soil. Inversion ploughing has been found to be damaging for the main burrowing earthworms most important for soil structure so use should be minimised if possible. Rotary hoeing is also destructive to earthworms and fungal networks — options can be to use less destructive machinery or use knife blades instead of L-shaped ones, and to restrict the depth and frequency of cultivation. Next month we will look at the effects of fertiliser and plants on soil biology and soil structure.

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DAIRY

November 2013

Soil Matters with Peter Burton

One small step in the right direction The lead article in The Press on October 22 was headed Nitrate Risk to Infant Health, with a warning from Canterbury District Health Board medical officer Alistair Humphrey that, ‘a baby could die if nitrate levels are not more tightly controlled’. inexpensive step that can be taken that will significantly reform every aspect of a farm’s operation.

The term ‘ticking time bomb’ occurred three times in the article and although it was stated that the steady increase of nitrate in groundwater levels in the Canterbury region was not solely the result of farming, there is little doubt that the increased use of nitrogen fertiliser is seen as the main culprit by most people. Reducing the loss of nitrate nitrogen into groundwater is a necessity and pressure will continue to mount until steps are taken — it’s just a matter of how long it will take before fundamental changes are made. It was not until 1995 that farmers in New Zealand began embracing the regular applications of nitrogen fertiliser, primarily urea from Kapuni, first manufactured in 1983 to use surplus energy from the Maui gas field. The 10-year time frame between the introduction and regular widespread use of urea is a not unusual period for the uptake of any new product in a market place dominated by traditional and conservative thinking.

The application of Golden Bay Dolomite rapidly improves physical soil structures. Tight compacted soils become more friable allowing plant roots to penetrate to a greater depth.

Digging deeper into nitrate level issues — which way forward?

Although pests, dry weather, and new cultivars are often blamed for the lack of persistence of ‘permanent’ pastures the real problem nearly always lies with the physical structure of the soil. Soils that have become compacted do not

allow plant roots to penetrate more than a few centimetres and these areas are most affected by summer dry and pulling in autumn. Rather than attempt a radical rethink of farming systems there is a small and

With more root mass plants have access to greater quantities of both moisture and nutrient. More nitrogen is able to be intercepted before reaching groundwater allowing for a reduction in both the frequency and rate of applications. Pastures that are already earmarked for replacement this autumn may only require renovation — however the most obvious effect is the improvement in every aspect of animal health and performance. Animals on properties where dolomite is applied

annually at 200–250kg/ha suffer fewer metabolic disorders in spring, have a lower incidence of mastitis and are more likely to hold to the first insemination.

amount. Dolomite from Golden Bay is one of those rare natural resources that have a wide range of benefits impacting positively on every aspect of intensive pastoral farming.

Dolomite can be applied at any time and each tonne of dolomite reduces the liming requirement by a similar

For more information contact Peter on 0800 436 566 (0800 4 DOLOMITE).

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A significant amount of research had already been by undertaken by AgResearch on the use of urea for the production of out of season pasture growth, however no trial work was available for its longterm use, so the consequences of present practices are unknown, but becoming more evident every day.

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DAIRY

November 2013

Be my Guest

Bill Guest Farmers of New Zealand Membership Services: 09 439 5219 09 430 3758 Email: newzealandfarmers@xtra.co.nz

Independent contract milkers Dairy farmers employing contract milkers and having proceeds paid directly to the contract milker through their dairy companies, could find that their contract milkers are employed and bound under the 1937 Sharemilking Agreements Act which was introduced by statute of Parliament.

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This lower order Sharemilking Agreements Act allows men and women to be independent contractors without having to own dairy cows to enter into the New Zealand dairy industry. Many over the years have purchased their own farms. A dairy farmer employing a contract milker as an independent contractor, who receives his remuneration by so much a kilogram of milk solids (this is called a Walsh agreement), could if a dispute arises over the terms of the engagement, come under the jurisdiction of the 1937 Sharemilking Agreements Act and its terms. There is also the risk of the IRD not accepting that the employees are deemed as independent contractors and have sought PAYE reimbursement payments from farmer employers who have entered such agreements. There is a big difference between the status of an independent contractor and that of an employee.

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The independent contractor must meet the control tests, the independence test, the organisation or integration test, the intention

of the parties and the business test or the economic reality test. This involves whether the independent contractor works for other people or clients, supplies his or her own tools or equipment, has direct responsibility for the profits and risk of the business, hires or fires whoever he or she wishes to help do the job, pays accounts for taxes and government and professional fees and most importantly, advertises and produces a GST invoice directly to the farmer for the work that has been done. Any dairy farmer engaging an independent contractor to milk the cows or to do work on the farm, should ensure that payments are made directly to the contractor on the presentation of a GST invoice and the contractor provides a payment receipt. The intention of the parties is important. This test looks at the intention of each party to the agreement regarding the nature of the relationship. The fact that a written contract states that a person is an employee or an independent contractor, may indicate the intention of the parties but

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Dairy farmers using contract milkers under the Walsh agreement, do so in an endeavour to circumvent the 1937 Sharemilking Agreements Act, because they feel that under the variable order the cost of labour is too high, particularly under 300 cows or less where a minimum of 22% milk price only, must be payable to the sharemilker. Wa l s h agreement payments have ranged from as low as $1 per kilogram of milk solids upwards, and in many cases this is not sustainable remuneration. Farmers of New Zealand encourages dairy farmers looking for managerial employees to use the Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011. It is still the best way to encourage the next generation into farm ownership with the support of the banks and the farmer retains management control and it specifies the relationship and the obligations that must be carried out by the dairy farmer employer and the sharemilker. Farmers of New Zealand provide free contracts and professional advice to our members.

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November 2013

Weather Watch by Tony Trewinnard

October was a typically windy spring month with persistent westerly airflow over the South Island often arriving as warm northwesterly winds in Canterbury. Anticyclones were more prominent than usual over the North Island. There were several periods of very strong airflow over Canterbury during the month, and relatively few spells of light winds. October temperatures were warmer than normal, generally by +0.5 to +1.0deg near the coast and on the eastern Plains, but by +1.0 to +1.5deg further inland. There were few frosts during the month, but one night early in October was very cold. Day time temperatures frequently reached the mid 20s in gusty northwesterly conditions. Rainfall was near normal with totals generally 90–120% of normal. Sunshine hours were above normal by 5–15%, although parts of North Canterbury and inland South Canterbury were above by 20% or more. In the tropical Pacific conditions remain quiet and continue in a clearly neutral state. There is no clear trend towards either El Nino or La Nina, and the Southern Oscillation Index remains near zero, though with some week to week variations. No

other indicators show a trend. There looks to be good reason to expect on-going neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific for at least the next three months, and probably into late summer. Sea surface temperatures off the Canterbury coast remain near normal, while temperatures are warmer than normal in the Tasman Sea and in the southwest Pacific. This may be a key driver in weather patterns over the next two to three, bringing on-going low pressure system development there. Computer models show no clear trend expected towards either El Nino or La Nina in the next six months, with models showing some diversity but generally all favouring near neutral conditions. Some models want to bring in a slight trend towards a very weak El Nino event developing over summer, but at the current forecast levels this would not impact on New Zealand. A continuing trend between now and at least mid-summer is to see reduced westerly airflow each month, with increased chance of easterly flow and increased risk of low pressure systems developing in the Tasman Sea and moving onto and over northern and central New Zealand. Anticyclones are

likely to be more dominant over all of New Zealand than usual, but especially so over the South Island. From December to February we will likely see more anticyclones over the South Island, with consequently slightly drier than normal months expected over the whole region. However, there is no indication that these months will be significantly drier than normal as some rain producing weather systems will continue to move over the country. Periods of easterly airflow are likely, with frequent dry days and breezy northeasterly winds,

but also some cloudier, wetter periods of on-shore airflow. Sunshine hours are expected to be higher than normal inland, but near normal on the coast. Temperatures through the next four months show a clear trend to slightly milder than normal, but not due to increased northwesterly winds, with night time temperatures especially likely to be warmer than usual. If anything, the frequency of northwesterly wind events may be lower than normal with more periods of humid easterly and northeasterly winds. Humidity levels later in the summer may be challenging for harvest.

Forecast — Canterbury

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November 2013

The dog’s tail …

Improving mobility Good reesin through good nutrition for a feed Over the past 12 months I have been helping someone with limited mobility. She had a combination of sore and stiff muscles combined with painful knee joints. Subsequent MRI and other diagnostics were inconclusive. As a consequence she could barely walk and stairs were almost impossible. In cases where there is no clear medical diagnosis I step back and use a process of elimination to find a starting place for nutritional therapy. The main source of her pain and stiffness seemed to be muscular though again MRI showed no structural muscle or joint damage. Additionally she was not on statin cholesterol lowering medication which is probably the most common cause of muscle problems that I assist with. My goal then was to reduce inflammation throughout her body while adding nutrients that can improve muscle energy and therefore muscle function. Our body repair systems including our immune response and antioxidant systems are all nutrient dependent. We made alteration to her diet and put her on a 3 month intensive supplement programme.

I started her on therapeutic doses of my multi antioxidant/mineral/ vitamin formula. We then added high doses of I think the best CoQ10 available starting with higher doses. With this we added solid Omega 3 Fish oil doses and a combined antiinflammatory and a specific antiinflammatory joint formula again at higher initial doses. Within a few months she started to notice some progress. The improvements have continued to where she can now walk, bend down, bend her knees and use stairs with relative freedom. Most of the pain has now gone. Of course she is delighted and is now starting to get her old life back again. Give me a call if you need more information. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a Nutritional Therapist and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. Contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@ johnarts.co.nz. Join his weekly newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz. For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz.

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“Tell ya wot Dog, we are pretty lucky in this country.” Hi — Billy hear, and it sims that tha Boss is waxin’ filosofical agen. We was havin’ smoko the other day afta Boss came home frum a visit to tha hostible. Sorry, Hostipal. I think its spelt. I’ll arsk Sharlene, cos Boss gerlrend is a skool teecher. Anyway, Boss hada go to the hostipal wen he gotta crook tummy. I didint wurry too much cos it gave me a brake frum goin’ round tha stock fer a cupla days.

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“Ya see Dog, I wint ta me docta and he sed I shud have ex ray. An I had ter go up to Wongaray Hositpal for that, an’ then they stuck me inside.” I hada think fer a minnit because Ray was tha Bossis mate, an’ I thort he musta bin an ex-mate. But Sharleen give me a nod — it meens getting’ a pichur of yer insides. Sheeesh! Rather tha Boss than me eh?

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“Yep Dog,” he went on.” Whsikt me inta the mergency deparmint, an if ya don’t mind a cupla needils an a leckracardigan, an no blimmin tucker fer a while, ya gotta admit hostipal is tha best place wen yer crook.” Like I sed, sooner Boss than me. Needils. Yeah rite. Like eye wanna go ta the vets?? Boss musta gotta screw loose, neva mine a crook tummy! An no tucker, wile all this is goin’ on. C’mon!

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Kay, back to the story. Boss reckons tha hostipal peepil are pretty switched on.

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“It’s awright Billy,” she sed.”Boss hasin’t lost his marbils. He’s just blimmin happy ta be home, wiv his tummy bug fixed. Reckins he’s been off ina wars. “Afta a cupla days without tucka, an’ an then getting a hostipal dinna — a spoonful of mashed tato ana cupla baked beens — , he’s havin’ a beer and a big feed of chikkin and mash spuds an silva beet with appil pie afta.” Now I got it. Itsa lucky country cos hostipal fixis ya up, so ya kin still hava feed! Cool as eh?. Cheers Billy

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November 2013

A&P show a stunning success The Canterbury A&P show brought the country to town this November, showcasing the best in agriculture, food, entertainment and family fun in the same carnival atmosphere which has prevailed at the event for oneand-a-half memorable centuries. Alongside the traditional displays of prize animals, arts, crafts and produce, this year the show offered up a fest of entertainment for young and old, revelling in its status as the only such national A and P festival which comes with its own public holiday. It was a fitting way to celebrate the anniversary of Canterbury’s founding — and certainly, Mr Godley and Mr Wakefield would be proud to see the citizens of the colony they masterminded bringing their best to town for all to see. Times may have changed over the years, with less in the way of traction engines and top hats and more in the way of technology, but the central ethos of the show remains the same — a celebration of the inventiveness and endeavour which still makes Canterbury a rural heartland for the south.

Competition was fierce across a huge range of categories for top honours — everything from horsemanship to wood chopping was on display, and a full list of champions would fill this newspaper from cover to cover! Highlights included the daredevil Lumberjack Show, with log-rolling, pole climbing acts of skill, the high-powered action of the FMX competition, and all manner of equine action, with scurry racing, show jumping and more. The competition for the best presented trade site was also tough, with commercial showgoers pulling out all the stops to impress and engage with the massive show day crowds. Close to 600 exhibitors lit up the showgrounds with all manner of innovative products and services, but at the end of the day it was the BNZ Bank’s

stunning ‘amazing place’ display which took out top honours. The tale of facts and figures sketches out just how huge this show really was! 117,000 visitors attended, consuming over 2400 litres of Tui pale ale, 1200 whitebait sandwiches and a whole lot more fairground fare. More than 3000 animals called the showgrounds home for the event, consuming 60 tonnes of green feed and 300 bottles of powdered milk. New arrivals at the show included 60 lambs and 45 baby chickens, while it’s estimated that the ferris wheel completed a staggering 2400 rotations during the big event. With this year’s show packed away and a memorable time had by all comers, plans are already afoot for a bigger, brighter, and more action packed show for 2014.

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming

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

For an on farm consultation and balance of your farm’s soil, contact either: • Trevor Pearce 027 230 9934, Trevor@sollys.co.nz • Peter Whitaker 03 525 9843, sales@goldenbaydolomite.co.nz

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November 2013

The making of a rural heartland In the 1840s New Zealand was a young land of opportunity — a place halfway around the world from the crowded poverty of London, and a place seen by many as offering a chance at a clean slate. With the Treaty of Waitangi signed and New Zealand incorporated as part of the thenmighty British Empire, grand plans were afoot to colonise the new land on the terms of the ‘great and the good’. Edward Gibbon Wakefield and John Robert Godley formed the Canterbury Association in 1848, with the vision of an

Anglican protestant, hardworking farming community, transplanting the structure of an idealised English society to these shores. While their surveyors originally slated the settlement for the Wairarapa (which would have seen a city of Christchurch built there), more favourable land was found in the south, with official

sanction granted in May of 1849 to found the colony in its present-day location. From the very beginning, the Canterbury Association was aimed at fostering agricultural growth. Those people who they targeted with advertising and public marketing campaigns were intended to be large farmsteaders, owning at

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minimum 50-acre patches in the hinterland of Christchurch or Lyttelton, with the mandatory purchase of ‘urban’ property as well. Both Wakefield and Godley believed firmly in the class system of their time, and wanted it replicated here for the betterment of the fledgling nation — prices were deliberately set at a hefty three pounds per acre to deter the poor from becoming landowners. That’s not to say that a large labour force of emigrants was not recruited by Canterbury Association advertising. For a much cheaper fare those of the lower socio-economic order could sign on to work for the new Canterbury landowners, but they had to be under 40 years of age, in good health, and bring the tools of their trade with them. Despite the inability of many of these emigrants to afford land in Canterbury, hundreds of people applied, especially married couples who would gladly risk the long sea voyage to give their children better prospects for the future. Four ships were commissioned by the Canterbury Association, and they set sail only two days

apart, from Plymouth, England. Conditions aboard were cramped, with some passengers having to use the same twometre by half-metre space as a combination of storage locker, food store and bed. But this was not a voyage of extreme deprivation, and the strands of English society which were being transplanted were kept well watered — children were given school lessons on board, and church services were held for all hands every Sunday. On Monday December 16 1850, after a three-month voyage, the Charlotte Jane anchored at Lyttelton, in time for the Anglican clergy aboard to prepare for the first Canterbury Christmas. The Randolph arrived the same day — quite a feat in an age of sail — and the Sir George Seymour a day later. Only the Cressy missed landfall by December 25, arriving in time for the new year. Approximately 750 people came to Canterbury aboard the first four ships, and they went on to break in the land and expand their farmsteads with incredible zeal. By 1860 Canterbury boasted over three million sheep — over twenty per cent of the nation’s flock, producing tallow for candles,

meat, wool and hides. A wheat boom followed, and for a time the large leasehold runs of the region were the underpinning of the New Zealand economy, described by the quotation of a political wit of the time — ‘The wealth of England is founded on gold, while that of this her colony is founded on soil’. The dominance of these huge leaseholds would lead to political division and the eventual drafting of legislation to break them up in the 1890s. By 100 years ago family farms of roughly 150 hectares were the norm across the plains. So perhaps the dreams of E G Wakefield — of Englishstyle manors owned by an elite and worked by a lower class labour force — never really took root in Kiwi soil. But those emigrants who suffered through seasickness in steerage were right — their children and grandchildren really did gain a brighter future due to their leap into the unknown. By dint of hard work and industry the 750 passengers of the first four ships established a thriving rural heartland for both the South Island and for all of New Zealand — a tradition which remains strong over oneand-a-half centuries later.

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SOIL FERTILITY

“Fertiliser answer to 10-year problem”

South Canterbury farmer Mike Porter admits he’s “a bit obsessive compulsive” when it comes to his 350 hectares of dryland commodity crops near St Andrews. A third generation arable farmer with his wife Lynne, Mike says discovering Superior Minerals solid fertiliser was the answer to a 10 year problem which his previous conventional fertiliser company could not put forth any new solutions – low yielding paddocks. He says: “My best paddock and my worst paddock were right next to each other. They were on the same cropping rotation, same contour, same sunlight and drainage. Yet one had lovely open soil with lots of worms and the other had hard lifeless soil. “Five years ago I was at the Fairlie A&P Show with time to kill and I came across the Superior Minerals tent. I basically just went in and decided to pick an argument with Scotty (field consultant Scott Eckhold) and he couldn’t really say too much without doing a soil test, which he promptly came out and did following that initial meeting.” The badly performing paddock’s soil test was sent to Superior Minerals’ independent laboratory in the United States and showed up low levels of Magnesium and Potassium. He talked to a farm consultant when he was looking at giving Superior Minerals a go and was advised that there were a lot of “snake oil salesmen” out there. “But he said I should go with my gut feeling, give them a go but follow their advice down to the letter; it would be the best way to know if the stuff worked or not.” Low Magnesium and Potassium meant a capital application of these two expensive minerals and small quantities of trace elements resulting in an outlay per hectare 5.5 times the amount he was previously spending on conventional fertiliser. But, Mike says, the investment has paid dividends. “That paddock has gone from being the worst to one of our best. The yield from that paddock has increased by 50 per cent and I expect to keep seeing improvements. The soil has come alive with lots of microbial activity, the worms are back and you can just tell by smell and feel that it is in better condition. “I think a lot of farmers out there are making the same mistake I was for years using conventional fertiliser; they are too focused on the plant and yield, but not the soil. They are applying mainly superphospate and urea over large areas every year when they should be looking at each paddock specifically and concentrating on getting the right balance of minerals in the soil; it’s the soil that is key to any healthy crop or pasture.” Five years on since that first soil test with Superior Minerals, Mike says he is running out of poor performing paddocks and he doesn’t get too hung up on testing his best paddocks. “The worst paddocks are where the biggest yield gains are. Getting a two or three per cent improvement from a good paddock isn’t worth it in my view – it’s just bragging rights at the pub.” “We will continue to use Superior Minerals in the future and keep up a maintenance fertiliser regime. Without a doubt the company has been fundamental to our farm’s profitability,” Mike says. Copy – Superior Minerals

Yielding gains... South Canterbury farmer Mike Porter says he will continue to use Superior Minerals in the future and keep up a fertiliser maintenance regime.

November 2013

Livestock

What causes facial eczema Facial Eczema is a disease caused by fungal spores from the fungus Pithomyces chartarum that produce a toxin which when ingested by cattle can lead to the damage of liver and bile ducts. This fungus (FE) can cause lower milk production and occasionally death from liver damage. The damaged liver is unable to rid the body of wastes and the breakdown product of chlorophyll build up in the body causing sensitivity to sunlight, which can then lead to inflammation of the skin. The first signs of FE usually show up as a drop in milk production soon after the intake of toxic spores (sub clinical FE). Other signs may include cows being restless at milking time, seeking shade and licking their udder. As facial eczema becomes more obvious, another drop in milk production

may be seen and exposed un-pigmented skin may thicken and peel. Especially prone are the white areas on cattle, teats and udder and inside the hind legs may also be affected. It is important to remember that not all animals may show physical signs of clinical facial eczema, but some may have had liver damage occur (sub clinical FE). Facial eczema spores are produced when minimum grass temperatures are above 12° for two or three nights and humidity is usually high — this can occur in the months (January to May). The fungus grows on soft matter in the base of the pasture, so hard grazing during this

period of increased spore activity may also increase the risk of spore uptake by cattle. Prevention should start early with zinc treatment, ideally two to three weeks before the spore growth danger period, for the most beneficial protection. One product that is suitable is Zinc 50 from Vetpak, it is a free flowing Zinc Oxide 50% liquid suspension to aid in the treatment and prevention of facial eczema in cattle and sheep, and is ideally suited for drenching or adding through an inline water medication system. Zinc 50 is suitable for long-term daily dosing until the pasture to be grazed is safe from

fungal spores. Zinc 50 has a nil milk withhold period and is suitable for dairy cows. Zinc 50 is available from your local veterinarian. Another product in the Vetpak stable is Green Apple Flavouring, which

is a ready to use liquid flavour additive designed to mask unpleasant tastes such as zinc oxide. Green Apple can be added to drinking water, dry feed or mineral drenches such as zinc oxide or magnesium

sulphate/chlorides and this makes it an ideal partner when using zinc products to treat facial eczema. Green Apple Flavouring and Zinc 50 are both available from your local veterinarian.

November 2013

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

Supply vs demand imbalance keeps prices up During the past few weeks and up until writing, the crossbred market in particular continued to surge ahead with new highs achieved at every wool auction. Exporters battled each other to gain supremacy in the auction room often with ‘buy at best’ instructions leaving a distinct sign of ‘blood on the floor’. Whilst growers pondered whether local wool merchants were offering good prices at the farm gate, real values in the auction room were rapidly surpassing the country prices, a reflection of the supply versus demand imbalance. Slow bidding in the auction room and clearances of 100% in some broker catalogues, certainly told the story of a strong market.

types struggled to keep pace — perhaps a sign that the market had been a little ‘over-cooked’. Early-shorn crossbreds were not far behind the full length fleece for price, and second-shear types were only slightly off that pace. Bulky oddments drew good attention from the buyers’ bench with many romping home at very good odds indeed compared to body wool prices, with some of the shorter types sprinting home with prices which were reserved for fleece not that long ago. Mid-micron types offered during the past month met with a mixed reception but true to type Halfbred and Corriedale wools definitely enjoyed the best of the market. Comment from the exporting fraternity was harshly negative towards some mid-micron wools of doubtful breeding which definitely do not perform as well as the straight bred types during processing — thus discounts were obvious for those.

Crossbred fleece prices bolted past the 600 cents per kilogram clean mark at Christchurch on October 24 and then on October 31 in Napier continued their onwards charge. Another lift was apparent for crossbred fleece types on November 7 in Christchurch, however a few of the finer crossbred hogget

Merino wool types generally met with good

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enthusiasm from the specialist buyers in attendance at the Christchurch auction centre however a domination of hogget wools of average to poor tensile strength did limit buyer demand. An observation of a few merino clips throughout broker catalogues was the number of lines classed in comparison to the results achieved. Whilst it is important to ensure lines are as even as possible, the cost of testing and handling relative to the dollar value of the product

must be taken into consideration and splitting lines of wool for a mere point of a micron, when in every other way the wools are similar, is at present simply not cost effective for the grower. A number of extra-fine and ultra-fine wools struggled to reach grower expectation as a glut of these types was apparent on both sides of the Tasman, and buyers had the luxury of being extremely selective when filling their often limited orders.

At this time of year we begin to see wool style and tensile strength deteriorate due to the effects of lambing, competition for feed and changing feed conditions, plus warmer weather conditions. In-shed wool handling and preparation becomes even more important during the late spring and summer months and, even in such a strong market environment, buyers will become critical of mixed length, tender, and discoloured

wools being mixed together. The basics never change — keep similar lengths together, keep sound wools separate from tender wools, remove cotts and cotted points from otherwise free grown sound fleece lines, skirt lightly to ensure length and colour remain reasonably even

and remove heavy vegetable contamination. If these basics are adhered to and you communicate with your PGG Wrightson wool advisor along with your shearing contractor well prior to shearing, the result for your efforts will be positive. That’s my view.

Kevin James Wool The Working Wool Buyer

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November 2013

Livestock

These American heavyweights are champions When the first word of massive herds of bison roaming the plains of North America reached the ears of French and German hunters, they refused to believe that the big beasts existed.

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The wisdom of the time ran that only ‘old world’ animals possessed the vigour to grow to such proportions — a view which deliberately belittled the colonies. But real they were, and all too soon hunters armed with firearms achieved what the native peoples of the midwest never could (or ever wanted) — the wholesale slaughter of the species. All in all, close to sixty million were shot, with many left to rot. Famously, the native tribes of the plains used nearly every part of the bison, and for them this sheer waste was cataclysmic. Not all was lost, however — United States President Theodore Roosevelt was a passionate outdoorsman and hunter himself, but he was also a man who valued nature as much as the thrill of the hunt. It was

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a programme established by the famous statesman which first saw bison transported to New Zealand — initially as captive breeding stock in zoos, but later released onto a handful of farms.

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The tradition of raising bison carries on in New Zealand, with scattered farms serving as a home far from home for these large, hardy beasts. One reason for their popularity is their novelty, but another is far more pertinent today — bison produce a flavourful, low-fat meat free of excess cholesterol. And while the use of their hides and other body parts is largely unknown here, artifacts made of bison leather and bone have proven extremely

hardy, and some are still in use by Native Americans, having been crafted more than a century ago! Bison are often mistakenly called buffalo, though they have little in common with true water buffalo, a species from Asia. A cross-breed known as ‘beefalo’, bred for high yield and lean meat, may be a perfect fit for South Island conditions, as they thrive in colder weather and are resistant to winter snows.

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November 2013

E D U C AT I O N

A way to improve learning For many thousands of New Zealanders, especially last century when rural isolation was more pronounced, school by correspondence was an integral part of growing up. Today, called Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, The Correspondence School, has been assisting children’s learning and development around the country for over 90 years. They remain leaders in supporting remote learning.

international nature of modern life. Peter Dixon, co-founder of Storypark, says “the ability to engage the family around the child’s learning builds stronger families and supports the child through their experiences in education.

Utilising modern communications, Storypark is a private, online learning community based around children, their families and their teachers.

For rural families or for families with special circumstances, this sense of closeness is incredibly beneficial.”

Storypark has been successfully piloted by Te Kura this year with a selection of the school’s early childhood education students and families and will be rolled out next year to a much wider group.

Te Kura Early Childhood teacher Helen McConnell says “a really important part of Storypark is that it is a private environment with only familyselected people involved so you can share learning stories and

support parents and children. We’re already getting great feedback from parents and creating results that were impossible to achieve without Storypark.” The Baker family, part of the Te Kura trial, note that “all the family just love Storypark as they now feel involved in the children’s learning. Nan and Granddad in Wellington have just sent an email saying how much they are enjoying the stories. Storypark is really special for our relatives overseas as there is only so much I have time for in letters or emails. Now Great Nanny and Uncle

Tim and Grandma say they are learning so much more about Jazmine and Ilana’s life on the other side of the world.“

Of the benefits experienced by the families, inclusion of family members who live too far away to be involved in day to day experiences is one of the most helpful.

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Selwyn House “we punch well above our weight.” Selwyn House success in 2013: • National RoboCup competition winners • National Future Problem Solving winners • National Champions in triathlon, cross country, gymnastics and road cycling • The Amazing Place competition winners (Margaret Mahy Memorial Playground) • Canterbury sports titles/winners in triathlon, swimming, orienteering, karate, discus (record holder) and basketball

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6 Cameron Street Waimate Principal: Darcy Kemp Email: office@st-pats.co.nz Phone: 03 689 8584 Fax: 03 689 8784

November 2013

Life lessons on TERRACE STATION by Belinda Cullen-Reid

Dealing with natural disasters has been part of the reality of life for Kate Foster, who has come to realise that landmarks are as much about people as they are about places. Home for Kate is the historic Terrace Station near Hororata built by her illustrious great-grandfather Sir John Hall, New Zealand Premier from 1879 to 1882 and mover of the Parliamentary Bill which gave women in New Zealand the vote in 1893. Growing up in her greatgrandfather’s home, strewn with historical mementos of his political career, seemed unextraordinary to Kate. “I knew the house wasn’t like my friends’ houses. It didn’t seem nearly as nice. It wasn’t until I was about 18

and one of my friends said ‘your house is really great’. I began to see it in a new light.” The Terrace Station homestead began as a modest pre-cut three roomed house sent over from Australia in the 1850s. Several extensions have seen it grow into a 550 square metre rambling weatherboard homestead, set amongst a large woodland garden. While some historic homesteads in the district suffered major earthquake damage following the September 2010 earthquake, structurally Terrace Station got

off relatively lightly. “There’s little structural damage. Being a wooden house it moved. It’s built on riverbed boulders.” Kate remembers the shock of being woken in the early hours of the morning as the 7.1 magnitude earthquake ripped through Selwyn. “I remember the noise of the chimneys coming down, and the mess. In the earthquake we lost power and that set off the fire alarms. Throughout the house was this loud voice telling us to ‘evacuate the premises’.” Extensive refurbishment work All prices ex GST

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November 2013

Kate Foster looks through books on political theory in the office of her late great-grandfather Sir John Hall, while the portrait of her grandfather looks on

“Although the earthquake was hideous, the outcome has been wonderful.”

“We’ve had two major winds, floods that went right through the garden, and snow storms. The earthquake was the worst of all the natural disasters. The natural disasters reinforce that the built or created world, and even the natural world, can be destroyed.” Perhaps it is the pioneering spirit coming through in Kate that helps her to remain

times

“It was like what the pioneers would have felt — the similarity between losing everything familiar. What did they have to hold on to? In the end it’s about relationships. A good relationship becomes the landmark of your life.”

“It’s one of New Zealand’s most important heritage places. Putting it in a trust protects it for all times. We feel that it’s totally ours, to share with New Zealand. You can’t hold on to possessions too tightly.”

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As one of four daughters to Godfrey and Peggy Hall, Kate made the decision to be the one to continue the family farming tradition, along with her husband Richard. Strength and determination were required to take on Terrace Station.

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Kate has seen Terrace Station go through a number of challenges, but the earthquake was the most significant.

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“It was unusual for a woman to be in a farming situation. It was an onerous responsibility. It is easier now that the family has grown.”

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Ensuring that history is preserved remains a priority for Kate and Richard which is why the Terrace Station Charitable Trust was formed.

ELE-00866-CF2

to be done by EQC meant the family had to move out of the homestead for six month, emptying the house of most of its contents.“We had to pack up the possessions of four generations and put the house and do some well needed restoration work.

ce 2010

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November 2013

MASSIVE USED MACHINERY STOCK CLEARANCE PRICES SLASHED – A ALSO LSO 2.9%* INTEREST I NTEREST R RATE ATE 30% Deposit + Full GST - 24 Monthly Repayments Prices and interest rates only available until 30 November, 2013 LD

Case 140X Maxxum 3,800 hours, fitted with Lynx C1000 loader - $70,000+GST

Case CVX1145 2,800 hours, 50KPH transmission cab and front axle suspension. Fitted with a Quicke Q75 S/L loader - $80,000+GST

Case MXU 100 4,000 hours, fitted with Manip loader - WAS $62,000+GST NOW $58,000+GST

Case MXU 135 bare tractor, 5,400 hours WAS $52,000+GST - NOW $45,000+GST

John Deere 2850 13,000 hours. Fitted with GMS loader. - $19,000+GST

John Deere 6530 4,500 hours, fitted with a JD 653 loader - WAS $80,000+GST NOW $70,000+GST

John Deere 6520 7,200 hours, fitted with a 731 s/l loader - WAS $55,000+GST NOW $49,000+GST

John Deere 6930 IVT fitted with a JD 7831 loader, 4,500 hours - $90,000+GST

Massey Ferguson 5455 Speedshift, 3,700 hours. Fitted with a Stoll HD30 loader $57,000+GST

Massey Ferguson 8670 Dyna VT dual wheels, auto steer, ready with guidance system, 2,800 hours - $177,500+GST

Massey Ferguson 7480 Dyna VT full spec 50 KPH, climate control etc. WAS $49,900+GST - NOW $46,500+GST

Massey Ferguson 4245 fitted with a Stoll HD 15 loader - $37,500+GST

Claas Arion 530 cab, suspension and front linkage, on road crops - $45,000+GST

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New Holland TS 115 8,265 hours, bare tractor - $33,000+GST

Renault 610 6,500 hours, bare tractor. Cab suspension - WAS $39,900+GST NOW $35,000+GST

McHale Fusion Baler 62,000 bales WAS $55,000+GST - NOW $46,000+GST

Fiat 90-90 9,000 hours, fitted with Fairbrother loader - $19,000+GST

Lely 900 M triple mowers WAS $30,000+GST - NOW $25,000+GST

SAME EXPLORE 80 ROPS fitted with Pearson loader - $20,000+GST

www.jj.co.nz JJ Christchurch – 36 Hickory Place, Hornby Christchurch Phone 03 344 5645 Sales: Nick Wilson 027 498 7044 Maurice Jordon 027 260 7821

JJ Ashburton – 9a McGregor Lane, Ashburton Phone 03 307 6031 Sales: Terry Gordon 0272 607 820 Bede Prendergast 027 706 6682

* Finance by AGCO Finance. Conditions Apply.

November 2013

Pest bust and boom cycles on farms by Lorne Kuehn In some parts of the world there are seasonal problems with pests such as grasshoppers, and occasionally rodents such as mice and rats. Agricultural harvests can collapse in these areas with resulting food shortages and even starvation for people living nearby. These infestations tend to be part of the natural order of things and have been occurring for thousands of years. For example, the early settlers of the great American plains suffered from occasional massive explosions of locust numbers. These were thought early on to have been caused by the changes introduced by the settlers on these great prairies. Research has shown however that these explosive increases in insect numbers may have been occurring for many millennia before there were humans in North America. Digging down into glaciers in the Colorado Rocky Mountains shows that there were grasshoppers deposited there by the winds many centuries ago. Contrary to the earlier belief, the settlers' activities, such as deep plowing, may have brought the scale of these infestations down to present levels. I myself have experienced grasshopper infestations in southern Manitoba and even in the southern Ontario highlands (where I once farmed), regions

well to the north of the areas infested by the massive outbreaks a century or more ago on the American high plains. My earliest memories of these insect phenomenon were while visiting my uncles' farms just north of the American border some sixty years ago. Many millions of grasshoppers were on the move there in the dry late summer, flying into your face and crawling into your clothes whenever you were outside the farmhouse. They did not bite but they wriggled and crawled over you, often leaving traces of their brown spittle. When they struck you in flight, the impact would sting and a good thwack into your eye was distressing. I then appreciated how lucky I was to be born with poor eyesight which meant wearing eyeglasses from an early age. I was not momentarily blinded by the flying insects as my goodsighted cousins were. Of course we had to put up with the large insects crawling around our nether regions under our clothes and you had to shake them out of your pants before you sat down. The reason for the swarming was that the insects had to fly to new pastures as they decimated the ones that they were already in, otherwise they were forced to eat each other and nibble on little boys who happened to be present. Driving in infected areas

was difficult as there were so many insects on the road that the cars would slip and slide around as they moved along. The hotter the air, the more active they were. As the sun went down, the grasshoppers would climb up any post or tree to stay in the rays of the sun, resulting in thick layers of squirming insects trying to stay warm while eating each other near the top of the post. Of course the leaves of the deciduous trees would be eaten right down. The surrounding bird life ate all that they could and a farmer was lucky to have turkeys who ate their full, fattening up for the Xmas market. Eventually the local green fields would be bare and the grasshoppers would fly away or just die where they were. Any that landed in rivers or lakes were quickly swallowed up by delighted fish. We don't seem to have such problems here in the Southern Hemisphere, the nearest thing being the occasional mice/ rat population explosions in Australia. These are recent phenomena that probably have their origin in European activities after colonisation. Maybe not enough cats to go around? Oddly enough, we do have lots of cicadas here which are of the locust family, but they don't seem to be a problem except for their shrill noisemaking.

Rob Cope-Williams gets…

the ‘last’ word Innovation

One of the wonderful things about New Zealanders is their ‘Can Do’ attitude. It was seen very clearly in the recent quakes that caused havoc here in Canterbury, but it also appears all over the scene when individuals get up and get into it. I keep running into businesses that have started with a person selling stuff out of the boot of their station wagon and now have a very successful business. HDPS is just that, a business that started with an idea and a need and now is a lubrication supplier with a solid hold in the market. Why that has happened is simple — those involved were dedicated to success without driving clients away by overkill sales approaches — and they talk the language of those who need and desire their products. The other thing is that they learnt to walk before they tried running. Their future is sound because those philosophies

are sacred to their operation, and they are very focussed on really looking after the clients that helped them get started. Other companies could learn from that small group of dedicated people. I have often gone on record as saying that: ‘A company is great and will be fun to work with until their owners either buy a boat, or hire a Human Resources manager’. Sadly it is from experience that I can say that and it is based firmly on observations I have made. A company where the owners and top brass can talk with all the staff, their clients and the support people who assist with things such as marketing, can and will go places. However as soon as the ‘brass’ become isolated by middle management things will start to fall apart because of the lack of personal contact. The term for those middle management types

who become a blockage are called, in the media trade, gate-keepers and sadly the top management people won’t even be aware what has happened. Going back to my original thoughts, those personal-based companies here in Canterbury can be very proud of the way they are building commerce in our fabulous region. As long as they stick to the ‘sleeves rolled up approach’ and work hard on the reasons things can and should happen rather than focus on becoming important, all will go very well. Take a look at your local A&P show and talk with the people in the trade section. Odds are that they will all be great people with their feet on the ground and will have been very careful to ensure they know who their customers are and where their new business will be coming from.

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32 Robinson Street, Ashburton, 7740 Ph: 03 308 4094 | Email: craig@allencustomdrills.co.nz Fax: 03 308 4093 | Web: www.allencustomdrills.co.nz CRAIG ALLEN: 021 861 440

November 2013

MS1106

QUALITY USED MACHINERY

Deutz Agritron 105 �� $32,995+GST Complete with loader, 7500hrs, well serviced

Vaderstad RDA 600 ��$149,995+GST A very tidy current model drill. System disc, 6m

Case MXM190 Pro $73,995+GST Only 5,000 hrs, great condition, Rear duals 90%

PRE-OWNED TRACTORS PRICE New Holland TM120, supersteer, 6200 hours, 2 owners, very tidy ................................. WAS $49,995 NOW $45,000 New Holland TS100, MX100 loader, 1 owner from new, 5250 hours............................................................... $43,995 New Holland TM130, supersteer, 1 owner from new, well serviced, tidy ��$45,000 New Holland TS110, 1 owner from new, well serviced, loader available for additional ��$39,995 New Holland TS100, cab, 4wd, L/H shuttle, very clean and tidy ��$44,995 New Holland T6070, Elite, power command transmission, super steer �� arriving New Holland TSA125, c/w MXT12 loader, 1 owner from new��$64,995 Case MXM 190, front linkage and PTO, rear duals, 4950 hours ��$73,995 Case MXU125, Stoll loader, front suspension, 6750 hours ��$54,995 Case MX90C, 1 owner from new, 4700 hours��$43,995 Deutz Agritron, 105, Stoll loader, tidy well serviced unit ��$32,995 Massey Ferguson 390, 2wd, cab, loader ��$15,995 Massey Ferguson 5455, 4wd c/w Stoll loader, 100hp ��$42,995 Fiat 82-94, 2wd, 4400 hours��$19,995 Kubota F3680, out front commercial mower, 72 inch centre discharge, very tidy ��$14,495 Kubota RTV900, diesel, hydrostatic transmission�� $8,995 Kubota RTV900 worksite, loaded with extras, 600 hours ��$17,995 Taska RTV, tidy alternative to the quad bike, 4wd, go anywhere ��$7,995 Valtra 900, loader, 4wd, only 2750 hours from new ��$28,995 John Deere 8120, duals, FEL�� arriving Cub Cadet ride on mower, very tidy ��$2,950 PRE-OWNED MACHINERY Duncan 720 Arable Drill, 19 run, twin boxes (stainless fert), new points �� WAS $19,995 NOW $16,995 Sulky Reguline SPI drill, 3m airseeder, 25 run, 5¼ inch �� NOW $16,995 Simba Lexicon discs, 4.4m working width offset discs, good metal ��$23,450 Great Plains Turbo Till, trailing cultivator��$25,000 Vaderstad Topdown TD600, 1 owner from new, new metal being fitted��$129,995 Kverneland BB100 conventional plough, 6 furrow, auto reset, hydraulic variable width ��$26,000 Read 10 reel V-rake ��$7,995 Vaderstad RDA 600, 6mtr airseeder drill, system discs, super tidy ��$149,995 Vaderstad RDA 600S, 6 mtr airseeder drill, system tine, levelling boards ��$82,000 James 3pt linkage bale tipper ��$1100 COMBINES / FORAGE New Holland FX58, 355W grassfront, serviced and ready to go �� WAS $135,000 NOW $99,995 BALERS New Holland BB960A, Rotorcut 4x3 bale, 2007, tidy and well serviced, 60,000 bales ��$79,995 Case LBX432, Rotorcut, 4 x 3 baler, tidy and well serviced, year 2007, 82000 bales ��$69,995 Massey Ferguson, 185 Series 2, 80,000 bales, tidy ��$38,995 Massey Ferguson, 185 Series 1, money spent, 74200 bales �� WAS $36,995 NOW $29,995 New Holland D1010, very tidy baler, will be serviced and ready to go, single axle ��$29,995 ALL PRICES EXCLUDE GST AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Equipment

James Blackler 0274 794 374

QUALITY USED MACHINERY

New Holland TM190, 190hp ��$48,900+GST approx� 6500 hours, 19x6 Power Command Trans

New Holland TVT155, 155hp �� $74,995+GST constant variable transmission, low hrs

Kverneland Accordon Optima ��$46,900+GST E-drive with comp�, fertiliser auger, 8 row, tidy

PRE-OWNED TRACTORS PRICE New Holland TVT155, 2300 hours ��$74,995 New Holland TS115A, 16x16 Electro Command transmission, good tidy tractor ��$57,995 New Holland TS125A, with MX120 front-end loader, ��$51,995 New Holland TS125A, with MX120 front-end loader, tidy ��$56,995 New Holland TM190, 190hp, done approx. 6500 hours, 19x6 Power Command transmission ��$48,900 New Holland TS90, with Pearson loader ��$45,995 New Holland TL100A, only done approx. 2900hrs, MX75.5 front-end loader, 24x24 transmission ��$49,995 Massey Ferguson 5455, 112hp, only done approx. 3700 hours, with Stoll front-end loader ��$48,995 Kubota M125X, 125hp, only done 2500 hours, tidy condition ��$55,000 New Holland TS100 �� Arriving Massey Ferguson 4245S�� Arriving New Holland TS90 �� Arriving New Holland TL80 �� Arriving New Holland TM155 SS �� Arriving McCormick MC90 �� Being Prepared McCormick CX95 �� Being Prepared PRE-OWNED EQUIPMENT Claas Rollant 250 baler, reconditioned pickup, in very tidy condition, done approx. 31,500 bales ��$8,995 Claas Disco 250 mower, 2.5 metre cutting width, tidy ��$6,995 Claas Disco 260 mower, 2.6 metre wide ��$5,795 Maxam 2130 mower, 2.1 metres wide ��$2,750 UFO 1500 mower, older machine��$995 Hustler Compact Soft Hands, with MX brackets ��$995 Hustler Chainless 2000 Bale Feeder, 3 point linkage model ��$3,795 Hustler Chainless 2000 Bale Feeder, 3 point linkage model ��$2,660 Feeder Leader, Trailed bale feeder ��$1,995 Giltrap MSX160, Super Silage Wagon ��$9,995 Endurotech 7000, Tandem axle bike spreader �� Being prepared SAM 3�25T, Tandem Axle spreader �� Being prepared Uni Silage Wagon, Tandem axle �� Being prepared Kverneland Accord, Optima HD, 8 row, E-Drive with computer, tidy condition ��$46,900 Giltrap MSX100, in tidy condition �� Being prepared Krone EasyCut 320, 3.2 metre cutting width �� Being prepared Paddon MX12 V-Rake �� Arriving Paddon MX10, 6.5 metre V-rake �� Being prepared Gallingnani 3200, 4’x4’, fixed chamber baler �� Being prepared ALL PRICES EXCLUDE GST AGRICULTURE

03 349 5089 Farm Machinery Centre P 726 Main South Road CHRISTCHURCH Christchurch Rennie Barnes 027 433 7714

Cyril Murray 027 432 5640

Andrew Caldwell 0274 75 0000

Jason Prendergast 027 433 4272

www.norwood.co.nz/christchurch e: salesch@norwood.co.nz

Agricultural Equipment

Farm Machinery Centre P 03 788 9050

W E S T

Angus Hewetson 021 228 4517

C OA S T

Henley Street Westport

Gordon Storer 021 891 253