Canterbury Farming, November 2014 by Integrity Community Media

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

INSIDE Page 8–9

November 2014

Show time

A little bit French Page 10–11

Shows celebrate farming successes

Page 17

Top prize to pig farming operation

Barry Thompson from Pigeon Bay and his dog Ned do battle with some headstrong sheep during the dog trials at the 2014 Canterbury A&P Show. Both competitor and numbers attending the show were up this year mirroring attendances at other regional A&P shows around Canterbury and the West Coast. Canterbury Farming looks at how the region’s A&P shows are garnering more attention on the back of Canterbury’s dairy boom. See story on page 10 …

Mega meat co-op mooted by Kent Caddick

The creation of a new mega meat co-op is vital to the growth of the industry in New Zealand and to stave off foreign ownership of the industry. That is according to Alliance shareholder and director candidate Russell Drummond, who runs three sheep and beef units in Southland with 22,000 stock units.

“If Bay of Plenty Fertiliser and Southfert can become Ballance, if CRT and Farmlands can come together to grow membership and out-perform on merger beneﬁts, of course the

red meat sector can create a cooperative capable of performing at the highest level.” Mr Drummond said the creation of a new mega co-op is vital to the survival of both

Alliance Group and sheep and beef farming as a land use. “No sheep meat company is in a strong position with declining numbers, and while Alliance group may have

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performed better than some an analysis of Alliance Group’s ﬁnancial results shows that the Co-op’s performance remains poor.” continued on page 2 …

November 2014

… continued from front page

Mega meat co-op mooted Mr Drummond said a key to moving to a new larger single co-op will be attracting more supply as well as bringing back to the co-op the many shareholders of Alliance Group and Silver Fern Farms who no longer supply the co-ops. “This loss of supply is a result of procurement practices and uneven treatment of suppliers, combined with a lack of vision and plan to improve returns. “Of course we can attract back supply — we have to rebuild trust and play fair.

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Farmers ultimately want to own and share in a winning enterprise.” Mr Drummond said that while it was understandable for some farmers to be a bit cynical, reform was achievable if farmers participated in elections and engaged with their co-ops. “If we don’t lift returns for sheep and beef farmers, and for our co-operative, then we may be the last generation to enjoy using the land in this way, and our opportunity to create another strong export pillar for the New Zealand economy will be lost.” He acknowledged investment would be needed to achieve the formation of a mega co-op but said if things are left to continue as they are capital

investment in the industry will come from offshore interests and New Zealand farmers and meat businesses will lose control of the industry. He said while Alliance still has a reasonably good balance sheet at the moment it is particularly exposed to falling sheep numbers, given its lack of a signiﬁcant presence in beef. “Alliance has many challenges to its proﬁtability as it is largely a sheep meat company and is not highly competitive in beef. The trend line and current pricing points to reducing sheep numbers and increasing beef numbers. “Alliance’s big catchment areas for sheep in Southland and Canterbury have shown some of the biggest drops in sheep

numbers in New Zealand.” Mr Drummond said the key problem faced by beef and lamb farmers is unsustainably low returns from their farms, averaging around just 1.5% as a return on investment, only slightly better than their co-op. “Returns need to be closer to 4% to compete with other land uses like dairy, beef ﬁnishing and cropping.” Mr Drummond said the only model capable of sustainably lifting returns is a new entity, a greater co-op capable of attracting 70% to 80% of supply, and of using size and scale to achieve more effective marketing and distribution, as well as rationalisation of over capacity and supply chain inefﬁciencies.

Alliance shareholder Russell Drummond is calling for a new mega meat co-op

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Ravensdown has initiated a price cut for key fertilisers as the dairy and other agri sectors grapple with volatile returns for farm produce on the world stage. Urea is falling $23 per tonne, while DAP and GAS both drop $35 per tonne and potash drops $55 per tonne. According to Ravensdown’s chief executive ofﬁcer Greg Campbell the global trend behind this is a falling demand for ammonia-based products as Brazil’s market remains depressed.

“It’s notoriously hard to predict where prices of these global commodities are going to go, but our cooperative will do all it can, when it can to pass on these savings.” He said in terms of expenditure, fertiliser is one of the largest line items for a dairy farmer.

“Our people are out there now talking to customers about how they can optimise their nutrient investment. “Increasingly, it’s less about pumping out maximum production and more about far-sighted stewardship of soil fertility based on accurate test results and considered nutrient management plans.”

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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

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

November 2014

Breaking with tradition by Trevor Walton

Deer farmers have enjoyed better prices for their venison in October, the time of the year when chilled venison demand peaks in Europe. But the industry’s real focus is on getting chilled season prices all year-round. Since early October the national average venison schedule for benchmark 60kg stags has been sitting at around $7.73 a kilo, up from $7.43 last year. Some farmers have been receiving more than $8.00 a kilo. “This is good news,” Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) chief executive Dan Coup says. “But once the last chilled season shipment to Europe departs our shores in early November, the reality is that venison prices will most likely ease again.” He says the industry is too reliant on producing venison for the short European game season in the northern hemisphere autumn. It’s also frustrating for New Zealand producers to send animals for processing before they have reached their growth potential. In a slow growth spring like this year, many animals fail to make the cut. Mr Coup says changes in farm production systems and market development are needed to enable farmers to maximise the income potential of their deer.

“Farmers need the tools to grow their animals heavier, earlier and faster, so they can make the most of the traditional chilled season. The Advance Parties concept developed by DINZ is an important part of this work. “The second is to boost sales at chilled prices year-round, mainly by developing new markets and market segments.” Exporter Andy Duncan, speaking at the NZDFA branch chairmen’s meeting, said the industry’s goal of diversifying sales away from the traditional game meat market is making steady progress year by year. This, combined with vastly improved pet food returns, has seen a reduction in the industry’s exposure to the struggling Euro, with 65 per cent of sales last season in Euro and 35 per cent in US dollars — up from 80 per cent and 20 per cent only two years ago. As the US dollar strengthens against the Euro and Kiwi, this will be reﬂected in better returns to farmers, ‘once companies work through their hedging positions’. His own business, Duncan and Co, has focussed its market development efforts on the sale

of Cervena in the United States, with considerable success. “Chilled season demand in Europe is for loins and legs during their autumn and winter. The rest of the carcase — the shoulders and trim — doesn’t attract a chilled premium because meat from these cuts is slow cooked in a goulash where tenderness and mild ﬂavour are not attributes that chefs pay a premium for. “In the last year, we have been selling increasing amounts of trim into other markets, which means there is less available for goulash, which is a good thing. It puts pressure on prices.” Silver Fern Farms is also looking to move reliance away from Europe. General manager marketing Sharon Angus told the branch chairmen that the co-operative is developing further the US market and targeted segments in Asia. A longer-term prospect is China.She says the company’s surveys show that consumer knowledge and awareness of venison is near nil in in Beijing and Shanghai. But with the right market positioning it has potential. After all, red wine was virtually unknown in China 10

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Venison marketer Andy Duncan sets up a Cervena display at a trade fair in the United States, where his company successfully built demand. The deer industry is now looking at another potentially big prize — China

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November 2014

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

Securing the future of cooperatives Agriculture in New Zealand has been developed around the co-operative structures formed by farmers to ensure their viability. The KPMG agenda report released recently referred to cooperatives as ‘the original social enterprises’. The participating shareholder owners were concerned with the viability of not only their farming operations but also understood the importance of a wider beneﬁt to their communities and the industries in which they were stakeholders. Those cooperative structures have evolved and law changes have offered security and flexibility for cooperatives in the modern international environment. Tax advantages have also incentivised individual business people in many areas of our economy to come together and work under cooperative structures. For the most part they have been successful, with some exceedingly so such as the dairy industry companies that grew and merged to eventually

form the basis of Fonterra our single largest international and cooperative company. Others such as Alliance, Silver Fern Farms and Ravensdown have grown to serve the needs of their farmer shareholder owners. Commitment to these companies has varied depending on the exposure to risk by the participating shareholders. Dairy farmers have milk which is a liability after 48 hours and therefore need secure structures and systems to process their milk. Meat and wool farmers have a product that has longer life and value and therefore have reduced risk from delayed processing. The cultures that have evolved from these different risk profiles have led to variable levels of loyalty to our agribusiness cooperatives. In fact meat cooperatives have been known to offer greater incentives to the disloyal suppliers over their loyal and committed shareholders. These perverse outcomes have created disloyalty, distrust, and ultimately uncertainty for the meat company supply chain

undermining the development of consistent and efficient processing systems. The dairy industry historically has been disciplined by the obligation to take all milk supplied, but enjoyed the beneﬁts of geographical dependence and consistent supply to a single company. With the deregulation of the dairy industry and the emergence of options for dairy farmers to supply different companies, pressure is developing on milk processing companies to ensure a loyal and consistent supply of milk. The ability to supply noncooperative companies without the need for share equity, the ability to supply Fonterra under contract without fully paid equity, and the emergence of fixed price contracts are all new systems of supply and reward for New Zealand dairy farmers. The issue of commitment and loyalty, or lack of, and its effect on the efﬁciency of processing, will be a challenge that cooperative dairy companies will need to face into the future.

A Green Perspective with Steffan Browning, Green Party spokesperson on Agriculture

Biosecurity is everybody’s responsibility Biosecurity costs New Zealand millions of dollars in attempting pest eradication and much more in ongoing management of pests in farming, horticulture, beekeeping and conservation, as well as in our own backyards and recreation areas. More work must happen at our borders to stop new pest incursions, but prevention, eradication and control programmes nationally, regionally, locally and at our own property boundaries also needs better focus. There are too many examples of half-hearted attempts by government in managing new pest and disease incursions and in regional responses. Animal and plant movement controls continue to be limited, even in the face of known threats such as Chilean Needle Grass, or Theileria orientalis Ikeda, a protozoa spread by ticks causing sickness and sometimes death of cattle. Imports of feed or livestock for our farms, and the development of new pasture and forage plants that may include invasive traits or diseases need more scrutiny and precaution if we are to prevent further costly

biosecurity outbreaks. Chilean needle grass, now the subject of ramped up regional action groups with some Ministry for Primary Industries input, has been consistently spreading in Marlborough, North Canterbury and Hawkes Bay. Fifteen million hectares are climatically suitable throughout New Zealand, with 0.52% of the area affected in 2010. However, the recent rapid rise in spread of this pest grass species known to exist in New Zealand since 1920 should ring alarm bells about how we have been managing internal biosecurity lately. The emergence of action groups and local strategies to deal with Chilean needle grass is great news, although the strategic variations range from ‘total control’ to ‘containment’. Eradication should always be the vision, but MPI is somewhat erratic in its approach and too often has just mapped

the progress of a pest or disease until it is almost impossible to eradicate, becoming a permanent management cost on producers and the community. To prevent new outbreaks of Chilean needle grass, Theileria, or other new pests or disease, we need to have strict farm gate control. Apart from ﬂying in over the fence, new pests are invariably brought onto property in or on stock, plants, or as part of stock feed, or by machinery, vehicles and clothes. Weed seed or disease may come domestically from another garden, farm or from imported animal feeds such as poorly screened and treated meal or Palm Kernel Expeller. All have risks and many can be stopped at the farm gate if we choose. Control by government or landowner? Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

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November 2014

From the Minister Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

Canterbury show and irrigation It’s been a busy few weeks for me with Parliament sitting again, leading a trade delegation to India and Sri Lanka, and plenty of visits to Canterbury. It was great to spend a day at the Canterbury A&P Show and catch up with lots of local farmers and growers. Around 100,000 people attend this show over three days, which is a great way of showcasing rural life to our urban cousins. As Minister for Racing I attended a very successful New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington. It’s a big day out in Canterbury with over 23,000 people attending. A few weeks earlier I was down in Canterbury checking out progress on the Central Plains Water Scheme. At $409 million it will be one of the biggest construction projects ever in Canterbury. Stage 1 of the CPWL scheme will irrigate 20,000 hectares and will mean a reliable source of water for local growers and farmers. It’s estimated there will be additional economic activity of over $1 billion, an export boost

of at least $300 million per year, and hundreds of new jobs. The Government is contributing through the Crown Irrigation Investment Limited, which provides kick-starter funding for projects like this. They are contributing $6.5 million towards stage one and will be looking for more projects like this to support around the country. So far the Government has allocated $120 million out of a potential $400 million in funding to support irrigation and water storage. Over the last two years as Minister I’ve strongly advocated these projects and I see the election result as a mandate for our approach. The need for new irrigation and water storage has been highlighted by severe droughts over the previous two summers. It’s wasteful that we only capture around two per cent of rainfall in New Zealand, with the rest roaring out to sea. A good example is the town of Martinborough in the Wairarapa. It can be bone dry in the summer, yet the nearby Tararua Ranges receive over ﬁve metres of rain annually.

I’ve seen for myself what a difference irrigation makes to rural communities, revitalising schools and entire towns — creating jobs for locals. There is potential for an extra 420,000 hectares of land across New Zealand to be irrigated by 2025, creating thousands of new jobs and boosting exports by $4 billion a year. And as we know, this often has real environmental benefits with more consistent river flows in summer and reduced pressure on groundwater sources. Central Plains Water is a good example as 75–80 per cent of the current groundwater takes in the scheme area will be replaced by surface and stored water once it is operating in late 2015. Replacing groundwater with river and stored water will improve water flows into Lake Ellesmere Te Waihora by an estimated 15–20 per cent which will help improve its water quality. It’s great to see Canterbury leading the way and showing the rest of the country how successful irrigation projects can be.

Country Matters with Rob Cope-Williams

The shows do go on The old saying that ‘the show must go on’ rings loud and clear as we swing into the spring A&P show season. After years of hand wringing, soul searching and brain-storming, it seems the Canterbury shows are back on the must go to list for exhibitors and spectators. This year the Canterbury A&P is well up on horse, sheep and cattle numbers and despite the weather, the people did come. Visitors from South America and Australia plus other parts of the globe all ensuring their travel plans include the event bodes well. With more and more positivity coming into the sheep and beef markets there is a feeling of conﬁdence in those areas. New classes aimed at productivity rather than just looks are also helping to attract the commercial breeders into the picture.

For example the Corriedale breeders have a new class for ram hoggets that entails the sheep all being run together for months before the show and therefore not allowing any special feed or treatment for any one animal. With about four or five categories coming into the mix for the dual purpose animal, the sheep were certainly under pressure to perform. The result was a very even line with the judges having a very hard task to pick out the top one. Other shows are also reporting good entries and a swing back to big crowds. Ellesmere for example, say they had record crowds and a new vitality within their exhibitors.

That of course means that the atmosphere is better and everyone lifts their game. It also means the networking works better and farmers, who traditionally work in isolation, are ﬁnding themselves enjoying mixing with others, chatting about everything under the sun and generally having fun. It was my task to call the crowd to attention at the Canterbury show President’s function, and I can assure you it wasn’t an easy task, but to feel the comradeship that was ﬂowing within the crowd was a great buzz for me to witness. No-one will be sure what caused the swing back, but like you I am thrilled that the A&P shows are back on the radar and normality rules in at least one area of our lives.

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

November 2014

Country Law

Money Talk with Andrew Wyllie

with Ronald W. Angland & Son

Testamentary promises Improving economic outlook continues In New Zealand there is a piece of legislation which allows for people to claim against an estate if they in some way provided work or services for a now deceased person who has said they intended to provide for them later on in their will. For a claim to be made out under this law the person claiming has to be able to show that they performed work or provided services to the deceased (1), the now deceased person promised to look after them in their will (2), and the promise was in relation to the work or services provided (3). 1) Work or services under this law is quite a broad concept. Work is a fairly straight-forward concept, for example mowing lawns, tailing lambs, or helping put up a fence. Services is a lot broader and the courts have

taken a wide approach, in some circumstances considering friendship to amount to a service. However, there are limits to this, especially in a family context. Taking time off work to look after and care for elderly relations or living with family and providing mutual support and sharing domestic duties are situations which would generally be considered par for the course. The more likely claims would come from non-family who have helped the deceased during their lifetime. 2) The second part in establishing a claim is showing that there was a promise made. Only promises about looking after someone once the person promising is gone count — if someone said they would buy you a box of beers the next weekend that doesn’t count.

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Likewise, if the deceased did promise you something under their will but then made it up to you during their lifetime you would not be able to claim against their estate. 3) Thirdly, it has to be shown that the promise relates to the work performed or service provided. Great Aunt Doris promising little Beatrice a pony because she has such a lovely smile doesn’t meet the legal criteria. In this sense the law is similar to a contract situation — it’s slightly different because the person providing the work or service didn’t have to have expected payment and the focus is instead on whether the deceased said they would provide for them. The biggest issue in making this kind of claim is that the person one would claim against is deceased. The court would have to look closely at the circumstances and any available evidence before making any award. An award made under this law will tend to reﬂect the nature of the work or services provided and all the circumstances including what was promised. This article has been prepared by Craig Wakelin, a Solicitor with Ronald Angland & Son, Solicitors, who may be contacted on Tel: 03 324 3033 or e-mail craig@anglands. co.nz.

It’s hard to believe that we’re less than six weeks out from Christmas, although given the mixed bag of weather in the last few days it certainly doesn’t feel like November. Last year, the mere thought of the winding back of the United States Federal Reserve’s purchases of treasuries and mortgagebacked securities created concern and speculation that higher interest rates might derail fragile economic growth. Now that the end of the process is in sight, there seems less concern with the weak European economies, higher US dollar and weak commodity prices providing sufficient disinflationary pressure to dampen any interest rate risks. Investors were also reassured when, despite US third quarter growth again exceeding expectations, the Federal Reserve stated that it was in no rush to raise rates. European Markets Even in the Euro zone, which remains dogged by growth concerns, leading indicators have improved over the quarter to October 31. Russian sanctions, weaker Chinese growth and the banking sector stress tests, have all contributed to stagnation in European growth. Germany’s slowdown during the third quarter was

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also a major contributor to a ﬂat last quarter growth rate. However, industrial production picked up in October and with both the European and Japanese Central Banks launching more aggressive monetary policy measures, the weakening Euro and Yen should bolster growth prospects and help realign global imbalances. Global Equity Markets Global equity markets were mixed over the quarter to 31 October, with European and Asian equities declining in local currency terms. Japanese equities posted good gains and should beneﬁt following the Japanese Government Pension Fund being directed to increase its asset allocation to local equities. US equities were the standout performer, helped by another positive reporting season. Currency movements also enhanced returns from all major international equity markets as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) actively intervened to lower the NZ dollar. US equities provided the best returns given the start of the secular recovery in the US dollar. Australian and New Zealand Equity Markets The New Zealand equity market returns over the quarter to October 31 have been strong, with the NZX50 up 4.3%. Electricity stocks drove most of the New Zealand equity market return post the election result, as this ended concerns that a single buyer model would be introduced. Attractive yields relative to cash have

also contributed to the positive movements as investors look for alternative options to generate income. In Australia positive return contributions were limited, with healthcare and telecoms the main sectors to provide any material advance. Banks came under pressure with expectations increasing that authorities would again increase capital requirements, while weak commodity prices pressured the resource sector. Fixed Interest Market Despite improving US growth, long-term interest rates continue to hover around their 12 month lows, with subdued global inflation being the cause. This has resulted in the RBNZ softening its stance on future Official Cash Rate rises, with no increases now expected before late 2015. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s longer term rates look set to be constrained by significant maturities in the first half of 2015 and a likelihood of minimal new bond issuance. For further details contact Andrew Wyllie, an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@ forsythbarr.co.nz. 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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The Wood Council of New Zealand says tariffs will continue to restrict trade in processed wood products despite the signing of a Free Trade Agreement with South Korea. The Wood Council or Woodco is the pan-industry body representing the interests of all parts of the forest and wood processing chain. Council chair Bill McCallum said they know how hard government negotiators have strived to achieve a high quality deal with Korea. “For the forest industry the job is far from ﬁnished, but the proposed agreement is a good start,” he said. New Zealand exported NZ$503 million of forestry products to Korea in the year ending June 2014. Under the FTA more than 99 per cent of New Zealand’s current export wood product lines will be dutyfree within 10 years. “But 10 years is a long time in business and while a 10 per cent tariff may not sound signiﬁcant, on price-sensitive products it can be enough to eliminate trade. This is compounded by the fact that some other wood exporting countries already enjoy tarifffree entry into Korea.” Mr McCallum said the forestry and wood processing industries on a ‘business as

usual’ basis will deliver $6 billion a year in export earnings to New Zealand by 2022. “The vision in the Woodco Strategic Action Plan is to double this to $12 billion over the same period, largely by converting a higher proportion of logs to higher value products for sale locally and on world markets. “But we can’t do this alone. Only the government can negotiate the tariff-free access we need to compete. Tariffs are generally very low on logs and escalate as value is added – effectively shutting our processed wood products out of many markets.” He said free trade agreements between New Zealand and other countries have tended to headline the beneﬁts for dairy, meat and horticultural exports. “We are currently the country’s third largest export industry, but the industry’s common objective is to substantially increase the proportion of wood products that add value on-shore. “Think of the potential for employment, regional

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The idea of French cows may sound exotic to a lay-person, but to one North Canterbury couple they have become a way of life that has not only provided them with a source of income, but has given them opportunities to travel around the world as well as hosting travellers in their own home. Bill and Geraldine Hassall who have been farming at ‘The Glen’ in Hawarden, North Canterbury since 1968, have the only exclusively full French Charolais herd in New Zealand. They made the decision early on to specialise in Charolais cattle which are a beef breed originating in Charolles, in central France and thought to be one of the oldest cattle breeds perhaps dating as far back as 878 AD.

Ofﬁcially the breed is traced back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Improvement through selective breeding commenced early in the nineteenth century, with the ﬁrst Charolais semen being imported to New Zealand from Britain in 1965. The Charolais breed tends to be large muscled, with bulls weighing up to 1,100 kilograms and cows up to 900 kilograms. From 1969 till 1981 sixty-one

bulls and three hundred and two females were imported from England to New Zealand. Geraldine says the majority of purebred cattle have been bred by ‘grading up’ using a French Charolais sire over a base Angus, Friesian or Hereford cow through five generations. “In this way a New Zealand Charolais has been developed, still with the Charolais growth rate and muscle, but better

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Geraldine and Bill Hassall of Hawarden have the only fully French Charolais cattle stud in New Zealand “Full French is pure original Charolais with no other breeding added to dilute the great features. The Full French are horned which may be seen as a disadvantage but the added bone structure of the horned cattle outweighs the necessity to debud the calves.” The Glen Charolais is the only Full French cattle stud in New Zealand. “It is our preferred choice of Charolais because of better coat, hardiness, purer blood lines, temperament and bone structure. They have a longer coat and cope well with our South Island conditions.” Advancements in farming practices over the years have resulted in improvements in stock production. “We’ve seen improved pastures with new grass species and the use of AI (Artiﬁcial Insemination) within the herd to continually improve genetics. We now have winter mating of ﬁrst calving heifers for autumn born calves.” Other technological changes to the Hassall’s farming practices have happened away from the paddock or stock yards. Several years ago the couple set up a website promoting their stud and the breed in general, including a blog which gives an update on how each season is going. “We started the website because of the international interest in our Stud. We felt it was opportune to have our own

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The distinctive light colour of the Charolais cattle website run in conjunction with the New Zealand Charolais Cattle Society’s official website,” Geraldine said. The website has bought them new business and contacts in the cattle industry from all over the world and the couple have enjoyed the worldwide travel that has resulted. Geraldine who was on the New Zealand Charolais Cattle Society executive for 18 year, six of which she was President, represented New Zealand at the 34th Charolais World Congress in Brazil in 2004. “Whilst in Brazil we were approached by a Canadian delegate to travel to Canada to see ﬁrst-hand the preparations that were already under way there for the next World Congress to be held in 2006. We travelled widely within

Manitoba and Saskatchewan, visiting many Charolais studs there, and then onto Edmonton where along with another couple of overseas visitors we judged the inaugural ‘Sir-vivor’ best in show class.” In 2006 the couple travelled to France to see the birth place of their breed. “We took the opportunity to go to the home of ‘Charolais Optimal’ a collection centre for bull semen that is exported world-wide. There we viewed several bulls that had progeny in New Zealand.” “While we were in France we spoke at an Agricultural College and as a result we have over the years hosted many students from France as part of their training includes overseas farming experience. Most were delightful visitors to

our country, very interested in New Zealand beef production and our herd of Full French Charolais.”

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November 2014

Shows celebrate

farming successes by Belinda Cullen-Reid

Agricultural shows in Canterbury are proving to be as popular for this generation as they were for their grandparents, with over 100,000 people attending this month’s Canterbury A&P show held at the Canterbury Agricultural Park in Christchurch. As Canterbury bathes in the dairy industry boom farmers and farming businesses are ﬂocking to events like A&P shows to talk business and celebrate the best about being from the country. But not all rural shows around New Zealand are seeing such gate sale successes. In fact President of the Royal A&P Society of New Zealand, John Grigg of Hororata says rural shows are only as strong as the farming economy of each district. “There are strong numbers going to shows in Canterbury where dairying has been a big inﬂuence,” Mr Grigg said. “In

other areas of New Zealand where farming isn’t going so well, their shows aren’t doing as well.” While the Canterbury A&P Show was the ‘shining light’ of agricultural and pastoral shows, Mr Grigg said the importance of the smaller country shows can’t be underestimated saying the bigger shows, such as Canterbury, are reliant on a strong backbone of small community shows. “The country shows feed into Canterbury,” he said. The traditional reasons for people to support agricultural and pastoral shows remain, such

as the opportunity to show prize stock or personal skills, touting your business, networking with others in the industry, and forming and strengthening social ties. But there are new facets to the modern day show. Mr Grigg says with more lifestyle block owners taking on small scale farming there is a new group of rural show devotees who are interested in both exhibiting at shows and gaining knowledge from others. Stock competitions have changed also with new technologies in agricultural science resulting in animals being judged not just on how

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Desray Geursen (left) and Linda Macmillan from Farm to Farm Tours exhibit their agricultural and agribusiness tours at the Canterbury A&P Show. Based in North Canterbury the company organises rural tours within New Zealand and around the world. Desray and Linda said the show is an important place to gain new contacts and connect with existing ones

they present and their pedigree, but genetic information also. The introduction of more user friendly areas for city people to experience rural life has also been necessary. Mr Grigg said the introduction of

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as looking back at the old. It’s about the past, the present and the future.” “We’ve got to make shows interesting for rural people and for those from towns and the city.”

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Taking out the title of best young auctioneer in the country was Cam Bray from Selwyn. Cam works for PGG Wrightson in Darfield. The 26-year-old won a trip to the Sydney Royal Easter Show for his efforts. Pictured from left: Mick Withers (competition convenor), Cam Bray and Will Purvis (Heartland Bank)

Jason Reid from Element Raw Materials chose the Canterbury A&P Show to launch his latest product, BSN seed priming technology. It is the first time Mr Reid had exhibited at the show. He said it gave him a chance to talk with the rural community about his products and the latest technological advances in agriculture

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WATER

November 2014

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

Getting Ruataniwha over the line

Some of you may have read in other publications about the meeting IrrigationNZ and Federated Farmers jointly hosted in the Hawke’s Bay earlier this month. Around 300 local farmers and growers turned up to hear Canterbury and North Otago irrigators speak about their personal experiences of irrigation development. They spoke about not only how their individual farming operations have profited but how their wider communities have benefitted as new jobs have been created, school rolls have increased as families move into rural areas to work on farms, the spin-off for local service and supply industries and the increased confidence and productivity for farmers generally that comes with reliable water. IrrigationNZ believes there is now the momentum in the region to see the Ruataniwha Water Storage Project proceed. But we don’t want to be complacent and this is where Canterbury irrigators and farmers can assist. There’s no denying the payback that long-established irrigation infrastructure has

provided Canterbury. Our region’s wealth, diversity of land use and productive enterprise, owes much to the availability of water and more recently to efforts to store it, improve the reliability of supply, and ensure sustainable use so it’s available for future generations. In other parts of the country, farmers seeking irrigation water have not been so fortunate. The meeting earlier this month was not about the merits of the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme, it was an information exercise to allow local farmers and growers to concentrate on the economic and social beneﬁts that more reliable irrigation infrastructure, aided by water storage, delivers. At the same time, Southern irrigators were on hand to talk the locals through their own operations and ﬁnancials to show that irrigation, even when highly priced, can stack up. You may not think the Hawke’s Bay situation concerns you. But it does. Irrigating

farmers need to present a united front and back other farming communities that need help to get irrigation projects over the line. There’s a strong argument that areas which beneﬁtted from early irrigation development have a responsibility to promote the irrigation story to the rest of the community. That means not just telling your local council, business suppliers and electorate MP what irrigation means for your farming operation and district, but what on a national scale investment in irrigation development means for our nation, through more reliable, efficient and sustainable production. IrrigationNZ is calling on farmers in this area, and other regions lucky enough to have established irrigation infrastructure, to stand up and be counted. The main way you can do this is by contacting farming friends, rural sector contacts and industry organisations in the

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Hawke’s Bay farmers at a recent IrrigationNZ workshop learning irrigation skills. Canterbury irrigators are being asked to support their northern cousins to get the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme over the line

Hawkes’ Bay and telling them what irrigation has done for you. Irrigation provides surety of income, enables growers to lock in contracts and diversify land use. In many cases, access to water has been the impetus for succession planning allowing farmers to break away from the store stock trade, beat droughts and make a consistent return on capital for their generation and the next. Hawke’s Bay growers and farmers will need to commit to the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme soon because the opportunity for reliable

water won’t arise again and the project’s backers need assurances of uptake before Christmas. Of course, there’s debate about the cost sharing model, the implications of land use change and what nutrient management schemes will be required, but the bigger picture is the opportunity is here now and we don’t want to lose it. Irrigating farmers in Canterbury can help by providing your perspective on how you make the numbers work when irrigating and why irrigation stacks up for you ﬁnancially.

If you don’t have any contacts in the Hawkes’ Bay that you can directly approach, IrrigationNZ would be happy to put you onto irrigators who have approached us with questions, wanting real life examples and case studies that tackle the issues they need addressed. There’s no stronger message than one farmer talking to another so please let us know if you can help in any way. It really is now or never for Ruataniwha and both IrrigationNZ and Federated Farmers believe the economics can be made to work.

WATER

November 2014

Irrigation Issues Dr Tony Daveron Something new For Canterbury farmers irrigation is mostly old hat but not for the farmers I am working for in the Ruataniwha Basin area. For many the decision to irrigate and buy water from the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme is like the decision farmers had to make in 1969 for the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Scheme. No ferry trip while writing an article this time, but another hearing, and still late (both due date and night-time) for the editor. Ruataniwha has little in common with the hearing which is all to do with land irrigation for Te Anau sewage waste water, but one hell of a twilight view to accompany me while I write. Back to Ruataniwha, in my mind the Canterbury of the North Island — typically shallow silt loam soils over gravel (better than Lismore silt loam), hot and windy with the nor’westers screaming down off the Ruahines. And like Canterbury, groundwater has reached the point where it cannot sustain much more abstraction if reliability is to be maintained. Water storage has been proposed with a dam (a real dam) on a tributary of the Waipawa River. So just to put you in the picture, Ruataniwha is in central Hawkes Bay inland from Waipawa, Takapau and Waipukurau, with a couple of notable little towns (Tikokino and Ongaonga). Nothing much in Tiko (a pub, hall and a few

houses) or Onga (pub again, hall again, a store, a church, and quite a few more houses laid out in an historically wellplanned but never populated township like Barhill). Waipawa and Waipuk area bit like Rakaia and Ashburton about 25–30 years or more ago. Snow on the mountains in the winter, wicked frosts, mixture of agriculture, expanding dairy farming, excellent arable farmers — you know just like a mini Canterbury. What about the scheme then. Interestingly the Ruataniwha Water Supply Scheme has been driven to large extent by the Hawkes Bay Regional Council. Very different to more recent irrigation schemes in Canterbury that have been driven ﬁrstly by innovative and entrepreneurial farmers, and the by Irrigation companies.

In RWSS farmers will buy their water from the company and will not be shareholders — as they are in schemes like Central Plains Water, South Rangitata and the like. RWSS will be a water supply business that supplies water to users — irrigating farms, towns, industry and others. RWSS will own and operate the storage and distribution system/ infrastructure. The users will have longterm take or pay contracts for a volume of water. In terms of the facts and ﬁgures: • One large 83m high dam on the upper Makaroro River • Store about 96Mm³ of water • Will generate ~6.5MW of power • With primary distribution through 16 kilometres of canal and 17km of pipes

• With secondary distribution of approximately 200km in pipe • Distribute water to potentially irrigate 26,000– 30,000ha although it has been estimated there is about 80,000ha of irrigable land • Will deliver water under pressure of 35m head across the piped network, and • With a system capacity of 0.486L/s/ha or 4.2mm/ day (pretty similar to Canterbury schemes) How about the bottom line then — what will it cost to buy the water? Contractually irrigators and other users will: • Pay $0.23/m³ plus an additional $0.03 cents for the pressurised water • Have the price adjusted by a CPI inflator • Be contracted for 35 year, and • Like Canterbury be required to operate their enterprise with a Farm Environmental Management Plan What has all this got to do with the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Scheme? Back in 1962 the first serious attempt to promote irrigation was initiated and finally by November 1969 a scheme was ready to be constructed. The scheme construction began in November 1970 and water

Providing WatEr SuPPLy SoLutionS to thE CantErbury rEgion for ovEr 25 yEarS

supplied to the first farmers in September 1974 but the scheme was not finally completed till March 1982. The scheme originally irrigated 16,000 hectares and 170 farms — not too dissimilar to RWSS. The 156 farmers on the Lower Waitaki Plains who voted the ‘go-ahead’ for the Government to construct the $2.25 million (though the final cost was nearly $9 million) irrigation scheme were no different to the Ruataniwha farmers now needing to commit to the scheme.

In many ways the circumstances and mindsets are the same — the Ruataniwha farmers (like the Waitaki farmers) have learned to, and do, farm for drought. The mind shift is to realise water is about production and not greening the landscape. Unlike the Canterbury ‘market’ which exists now, the understanding of annual volume required and the importance of reliability is less well understood and appreciated. Guess they (RWSS farmers) are lucky we (Canterbury) have gone before.

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WATER

November 2014

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WATER

November 2014

Weather Watch by Tony Trewinnard October was a dry and sunny month for Canterbury with persistent southwesterly airflows continuing on from September and bringing few rainy periods and increasing sunshine hours. Frosts were more frequent and more severe than usual. This pattern was due to persistent high pressure systems in the Tasman Sea which were slow to move onto or over New Zealand. Pressures were lower than usual to the east of New Zealand, which helped maintain southwesterly airﬂow over the region. Like September, rainfall was below normal, with totals in most areas between 40 and 70% of normal. The number of days with rain was also well below normal. Through the month soils were noticeably drying out, exacerbated by regular periods of the usual spring northwesterly winds. Temperatures were a little cooler than usual, by about -0.5deg, with nighttime minimum temperatures noticeably cold, around -1.0 to -.15 deg below normal with more frosts than usual, while day-time temperatures were a little milder. Sunshine hours were above normal by 10-30%.

In the tropical Pacific a confused picture remains for another month. Many oceanic indicators are continuing to point towards weak El Nino conditions, with regions of warmer than usual water surfacing near the equator. However, many of the usual trends we expect to see in a typical El Nino event are still not occurring, and this despite nearly eight months now of trying. Many atmospheric indicators are failing to show any signiﬁcant El Nino development. The SOI has trended slightly negative through October, indicating weak El Nino conditions, but fails to indicate a signiﬁcant El Nino development. The latest computer models continue to suggest a weak El Nino event will remain through the summer months but some suggest the El Nino has peaked at low levels and will decay steadily throughout the summer

period. There are still some suggestions of a signiﬁcant La Nina event developing early next year. As we are currently in a phase in the Pacific where La Nina events are expected to be more dominant, we too expect this El Nino to be in imminent decline, and likely to be replaced early next year by potentially strong La Nina conditions. As the El Nino peaks and slowly decays we generally see increased westerly or southwesterly airflow over New Zealand and this spring has shown that pattern so far. We expect this to continue into early summer. We expect to see pressures generally lower than usual over the seas east of New Zealand, and generally higher than usual in the Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean, resulting in increasing southwesterly airﬂow over New Zealand through December.

This effect should reduce in January with more anticyclones developing over or near New Zealand. However, by later in the summer season more easterly airﬂows may be developing with the possibility of low pressure systems moving near and around New Zealand by about March. For December we expect to see temperatures still a little cooler than normal in Canterbury with frequent periods of southwesterly airﬂow. Rainfall is likely to be below normal. Sunshine hours may well be above normal. For January and February we expect to see sunshine hours continue above normal, with rainfall likely lower than normal, and temperatures near to or a little above normal. By March we may start to see increasing rainfall and cloudiness with higher humidity levels.

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Rainfall

Temp

Sunshine

Airflow

Dec

Near normal

Cooler than normal

Sunnier than normal

More SW airflows

Jan

Drier than normal

A little milder than normal

Sunnier than normal

More anticyclones

Feb

Drier than normal

A little milder than normal

Sunnier than normal

More anticyclones

Mar

A little wetter than normal

A little milder than normal

Cloudier than normal

More easterly airflows

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FORESTRY

November 2014

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF, Laurie Forestry Ltd

Market coloured with caution

A cautionary tone pervades the log export segment with most commentators suggesting November settlements in China are coming off US$3 to $4 per cubic metre. Meanwhile the New Zealand domestic market oozes business as usual with, if anything, a slightly firming tone in demand and prices. Domestic log sales are generally in a supply demand balance but the overwhelming commentary from the ‘locals’ centres on sales being at an okay level, but certainly not record beating. Most sawmillers spoken to recently have indicated sales are better than at the same time last year but lumber from outside the region is hitting the Christchurch market in volume. This appears to be keeping a lid on any signiﬁcant price movements. In our key export market of China, the big issue at present is credit. While many provincial governments have announced loosening housing lending policies, many traders and sawmills are still reeling from the recent 30% price drop in log prices.

Despite what appears to be a huge market, it is important to realise much of the softwood log trade in China is underwritten by very few companies. These are often very large wholly or majority government owned companies who operate within very strict proﬁt and margin parameters. They are also the ones who can issue Letters of Credit to traders and factory owners. Many of these companies lost huge money recently, one company reportedly in excess of US$1 billion. Sawmill owners (often called factories in China) will typically be required to pay a 20 to 25% deposit to open an LC. Large losses by both LC opener and sawmill owner occur when buyers walk away from a sale. When the market drops

suddenly, as it did recently, a buyer will walk away from the deposit rather than lose even more on the log order, leaving the LC issuer ‘holding the baby’. Recently two substantial players in the LC space announced an exit from the log trade quoting substantial losses, price volatility and uncertainty. This has sent shivers down the spine of the market with some vessels leaving New Zealand known not to have LCs conﬁrmed at time of sailing. All of this makes for a jittery trade, high levels of uncertainty and all players scrambling for more margin. Consumption across the China Eastern Seaboard has remained at about 55,000 cubic metres per day (seven days per

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week), off by about 10,000 per day compared to the same time last year. However, inventory levels are falling stubbornly, now just on 3.7 million cubic metres, representing two month’s supply. Log supply from the United States and Canada is falling dramatically, indeed by less than half compared to October 2013. For the most part, everyone expects the log inventory level to keep falling but all are eying the New Zealand and Australia supply side. As indicated last month we saw CIF settlements in China stabilise at around the US$132–$134 mark with a suggestion we could see US$2

or $3 per cubic metre declines in November settlements. Indeed this prophecy is being realised at time of writing with most suggesting November settlements will be US$128– $130. Price negotiations in our other key markets of India and Korea are pretty much following the China lead. India is continuing to show great promise for much larger volumes ahead and prices at wharf gate generally just slightly ahead of China at present. New ports are being reviewed for the log trade in India with congestion and discharging cargo amongst some of the biggest challenges. Certainly

Pay attention!

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the emails from potential India buyers are a veritable ﬂood, suggesting continued and new interest in developing this trade further. Shipping costs are softening ever so slightly and it is also great to see some downward movement in the NZ$ against the US$. Therefore overall we would not expect to see great change in wharf gate prices this month and December looks like more of the same. 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 2014

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North Canterbury free-farmed pig breeding and finishing operation Patoa Farms has taken out the Lincoln University Foundation’s South Island Farmer of the Year competition for 2014. Based at Hawarden, Patoa Farms held off the challenge of three other farming businesses to take out the top prize, a $20,000 travel grant for business study. Foundation chief Judge Nicky Hyslop said Steve and Josie Sterne, with daughter Holly Sterne, edged out stiff competition with their impressive growth, technical excellence, efficiency of production and strategic focus. “They demonstrated that it was possible to achieve at the highest levels of farming technology and business management in an outdoor free-roaming stock operation.” On receiving his award Steve Sterne said when he started farming at the age of 39 he did not expect to be receiving an award like this. “The dream is possible. You should not be deterred by the huge effort of amassing enough capital to go farming. I started with three pigs in a woodshed and they keep multiplying.” The farm now has 3,500 breeding sows and sells 115,000 fat pigs annually. It employs 43 staff and has a $25 million annual turnover. Ms Hyslop said the judges were impressed with the very robust technical production system at all levels at Patoa Farms, including the sows, despite their being outside.

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Runners up were Robin and Lois Greer, who operate both a conventional and an organic dairy farm on adjoining properties (120ha organically farmed, 160ha conventionally farmed) at Tuturau, Southland. Their business includes the production on site of their own brand, Retro Organics, of organic dairy products including yogurts and cheeses. Four special category prizes of $5,000 each were also

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awarded at the finals recently with Patoa Farms picking up the Human Resource Management Award and the prize for Resource Use Efficiency while Zino Holdings, which breeds and fattens sheep, deer and cattle on a 1,008ha in North Canterbury earned the Plate to Pasture award and Barry and Julie Crawford who run a sheep breeding and finishing property near Gore took out the Technology and Innovation prize.

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November 2014

RURAL SERVICE CONTRACTORS Time for a specialist

They are the farm professionals who farmers trust to boost their productivity and secure a season of healthy profits — across all kinds of agriculture, from dairy to beef farming, through to crop cultivation and laying in silage for the winter.

have often become too large or too specialised for individual farmers to handle alone. In years past the average Kiwi

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farmer relied on four-legged horsepower and a suite of simple machines and hand tools to run every aspect of the operation. But as technology has increased and science has made farming more intensive, contractors have stepped in to fulﬁll many specialist roles in the seasonal cultivation of the land. This is never more apparent than in the spring, when big machinery is often seen working its way across the land. The cost inherent in the complex, custom-built machinery used for such tasks is now beyond the reach of many farmers. Their answer is calling in specialists. They come with the advantage of in-depth knowledge and lowered overheads for farmers. It’s sound economic sense to hire in a contractor with a huge

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AGRICULTURE CONTRACTORS

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

own limerock quarries for just this purpose. A key role in modern agribusiness is played by science — and at the forefront of agricultural chemistry are those professionals who maintain the correct nutrient balance in the soil to guarantee fertile crops. Just as important as the heavy machinery which tills the ﬁelds is what goes in before the seeds are sown, and it’s standard practice for fert companies to send representatives versed in soil science around to

visit their customers and draw up detailed fertiliser spreading maps. The first agricultural contractors in New Zealand started out with bullocks and horses in colonial Canterbury, but today theirs is a thriving sector of the agricultural industry — one which is sure to become even more vital to the Kiwi economy as farming becomes more intensive, more scientific and more reliant on cutting-edge machinery technology.

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silage wagon coupled to a 200-horsepower-plus tractor, rather than purchasing the same machinery and having it lie idle in the barn over the winter. Good contractors know their area of expertise well, and are trusted by their clients to take care of the big jobs, leaving farmers free to attend to other aspects of their business. Dams, efﬂuent ponds, roads, races, pads and even the sites for new sheds and homes are all prepared by specialists. Many contractors have their

✁

New Zealand’s agricultural contractors are hard at work this spring taking care of those big jobs on the farm which

The Tree Snip is ideal for removing the tops of trees in confined spaces, where traditional topping methods can be dangerous and messy. The top of the tree being removed is secured in the grapple and lowered in a controlled manner, minimising damage to remaining limbs, surrounding trees, structures and property The digger with its grapple can also be utilised in the clean up process, completing this controlled can clean tree-topping service.

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November 2014

RURAL SERVICE CONTRACTORS More power to the ground by Andy Bryenton

Smart farmers know that a successful and bountiful crop begins with comprehensive groundwork — preparing the soil for future growth through superior aeration. To give seeds the best chance as a head start, it’s vitally important to thoroughly break up the soil, and in the past this has sometimes meant making multiple passes with different machines to mulch crop residues, then harrow and lift. In an ideal world, one device would be able to fulﬁll the multiple roles required to prepare a good seedbed for new growth, and Italian agricultural implements company Maschio have been working on just such a machine for the last four decades, in the form of their Pantera range of power tillers. Their second-generation tillers excel at mulching the remainder of prior crops and breaking up even the most tenacious soils, all

with a wide 5.7 metre footprint from a hydraulically folding machine suitable for today’s large and powerful tractors. The key to the Pantera’s effectiveness lies in its specially designed rotary tines, engineered for maximum soil penetration and turnover. Developed in Europe, but deployed all over the world (including on the vast and sometimes dry plains of the American Mid-west), the Pantera has proven itself not just through its impressive footprint and its ability to mulch and cultivate in one, but also due to its strength, leading to greater durability and reliability in the ﬁeld. Indeed, it’s in this area where Maschio have gone the extra

mile when designing the big orange machine. Take a look at the heavy-duty structure of the Pantera and you’ll note a host of reinforcements and ruggedly engineered components lending extra structural rigidity to its frame, as well as a tough twospeed gearbox allowing for twin speeds of tine rotation, coping with horsepower inputs up into the 200s with ease. As tractors — especially on the kind of big farming operations which require a 5.7 metre tiller — grow larger and more powerful, Maschio have prioritised durability of the Pantera’s transmission, ﬁtting a dedicated oil cooling system and the replacement of key lubrication system rubbers

A REVOLUTION IN LUCERNE PLANTING HAS ARRIVED Count on Nodulator clay granules — for better flow and better performance • No dust-off, lump-free formulation • Uniform size & smooth surface for superior flow • High counts of live rhyzobia • Precision placement

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Previously an Inoculant was mixed as slurry and added to the seed which had to be sown to precise conditions. Inoculant Nodulator makes things easier. If we were going to drill it with bare seed, at say 10-12kgs per ha and add the Inoculant Nodulator as 6kgs per ha, I’d be drilling at 16-18 kgs per ha. With the Inoculant Nodulator my drill is easier to calibrate.

“

When sowing Lucerne in the spring for seed production; you don’t normally get a harvest the first year.

Where the Nodulator was applied, there was an excellent harvest of seed in the first year — an added bonus for farmers wanting a cash crop.

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Maschio have been perfecting their range of power tillers, harrows and cultivators since the early 1970s, and during that time they’ve had feedback from farmers around the world asking for the suite of innovations present

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with metal. Heavy-duty cone bearings were produced by SKF just for the Pantera, speciﬁcally to reduce maintenance downtime and negate the risk of failure, even when the season demands long hours out in the ﬁeld.

.00

Trials were conducted in 2010 in Ward near Blenheim. The results gave farmers a stronger plant after germination with better, healthier nodules.

“

Maschio Pantera helping to prepare the soil for future growth

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November 2014

RURAL SERVICE CONTRACTORS ADVERTORIAL

Winning the war on gorse, broom and scrub

by Andy Bryenton

For many Kiwi farmers, the fight against invasive plant species — robbing them of pastureland and productive growth — is not just a chore or a hassle. It’s taken on the dimensions of a full-scale war. Gary Millar Contracting are on the frontlines of this conflict, with nine years

of experience behind the controls of some serious brushclearing, gorse-demolishing

machinery. Gary has a formidable arsenal at his disposal, including a rotary

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drum mulcher, industrial slasher, a landscape rake, and of course the dieselpowered hardware to tote all this around — the Positrack all-terrain vehicle. This nimble powerhouse makes tackling tough brush by hand a thing of the past, accessing steep areas and swampy ‘back blocks’ which others would give up on as too inaccessible. Now Gary has added an even more powerful tool to his collection — a versatile PT110F forestry-spec skidsteer. It packs more grunt than anything similar on these shores, with massive hydraulic horsepower allowing Gary to simply annihilate gorse, broom, scrub — even small trees! The PT110F was a natural choice for Gary’s expanding operation, and he says that it will prove invaluable to his clients, turning wastelands and scrub-infested no-mans-

The Terex PT110 — able to be fitted out with multiple powerful tools to tackle a host of jobs

lands into productive pasture in no time. If you’re interested in calling in the professionals to win the war on gorse, scrub and broom, then Gary

GORSE, BROOM & SCRUB

A PROBLEM? TURN GORSE & SCRUB COVERED LAND BACK INTO VALUABLE PASTURE

Millar Contracting have the weapons to dominate. Gary is always happy to work out a strategy with local farmers, before deploying in force to get the job done first time.

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Call Gary 0274 748 710

e. posi@garymillarcontracting.com

November 2014

RURAL SERVICE CONTRACTORS Bringing the best to crop harvests

Harvest time is a vital part of the farming year, a time when those on the land keep an anxious eye on the weather as they prepare to reap the wealth of the soil, be it for on-farm forage or market place. In days gone by, it might well have been a matter of calling up the neighbours and arranging a schedule for ‘Jack’s big tractor’ to tow ‘Bert’s new bailer’, with the local farming community sharing in costs. In the 21st century, technology advances have seen the cost of equipment soar as gps systems and computers have come to the fore in economic reaping of croplands. With the huge capital costs of sophisticated machinery, contractors have become the harvesters of choice in most cases. Thus, feeling secure in hiring outside help is important. This has led to the formation of New Zealand Master Contractors Incorporated with a mission statement ‘to protect and build a strong organisation that provides a sustainable high

quality service to the cropping sector. The NZMCI was formed by the horticulture and viticulture contracting industries, in association with the Department of Labour, to acknowledge and reward compliance and best practice, aiming to provide employers with a reliable, skilled and professional labour force and help improve sustainability and productivity in the horticulture, viticulture and seasonal industries. With domestic sales taken into account, the horticulture/ viticulture industry is worth around $NZ 4.7 billion — making it New Zealand’s sixth largest industry. ‘Contractors are signiﬁcant employers in the industry alongside growers and post

harvest facilities, particularly during the peak picking season,’ the NZMCI says. ‘However, there is continuing pressure to incur cost and achieve compliance with a range of employment, immigration, health and safety

and various quality assurance programmes. Unfortunately there is also a significant number of non-compliant and fringe “cowboy” operators who continue in business with no aspiration to meet these requirements’.

The organisation meets with the senior executives of industry bodies such as HortNZ, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers, NZ Winegrowers and Pipfruit New Zealand and uses the meetings to advance the interests of industry members

who are good employers and operate compliant businesses. From grape and kiwifruit vines, to silage, hay, maize and vital food crop harvesting, the NZMCI offers an assurance of services at a vital date on the farming calendar.

GROUND UP TREE SERVICES Large dangerous tree dismantling a specialty YOUR WINTERFEED REQUIREMENTS ARE OUR FORTE Fine chopped silage Round & square baling & wrapping Handling & cartage Trading of straw, hay & baleage Contract harvesting, cultivation & excavation Servicing Mid & South Canterbury, including the Mackenzie Country

Mobile 021 365 511 l Office 03 693 8553 l hmcontract@xtra.co.nz

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Phone Adam Peat: 027 375 2569

daY l to Calfor all Your gardening needs shelter belts

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

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• general garden maintenance • farm plantings • plans • lawns lay/maintain • spraying Agricultural Contractors

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

• Hay & Balage Tube & Individual Wrapping • Cultivating • Direct Drilling • Digger Hire • All Types of Fencing Specialising in post & rail, cattle & sheep yards

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November 2014

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November 2014

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

November 2014

Harvest Preparation Some science on silage Making stored animal fodder — bale silage — can reasonably be called an art. But of course science also plays a major part in the process. Making good quality silage means proper harvesting and fermentation but good quality actually begins in the ground, and it comes down to preparation and care, with fertiliser, seeding, and pesticides. Paddocks have weed pressures that build over time. Plant sugars are highest in the

afternoon and mowing then is the best time. Baling should take place as soon after cutting as possible. When temperatures are higher, optimum moisture levels are often reached in a day so a good idea is not to cut more than can be baled and wrapped before losing too much moisture.

The use of a bacterial inoculant can ensure a consistently good fermentation. Bacteria sometimes exist by the billions throughout a typical paddock and only need good conditions to kick off the fermentation process inside the bale. Inoculants and acid-based additives can also help boost the

Call Matthew Reed today 021 526 576 www.broadgateharvesting.com

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shelf life of an opened bale by several days. Keeping an eye on the weather is vital, to cut, dry bale, and wrap before the rain. If a soaking rain is predicted before the ideal moisture level is attained, it’s better to bale and wrap at a higher moisture level than to reduce nutritional levels through the rain leaching nutrients and going through another drying, and conditioning cycle. If the rain predicted is light, it might be better to wait before baling. Like any other farming endeavour, making quality hay

silage takes some science, some know-how, and a little weather luck. It’s also an added task on the farm, but one that does in fact pay big dividends. While making round bale silage may not be the ideal answer for every operation’s feed challenges, the beneﬁt for livestock producers large and small can be measured in the bank balance in many cases. The cost of supplementary feeds seems to escalate year by year, with palm kernel as a stock standby making large holes in the farm budget. There

is no doubt then that silage is an important supplement in New Zealand farming systems and it’s also a reality that quality can be variable. Scientists agree that it all boils down to the fermentation process. For more information and precise details of the silage making regime in New Zealand, there’s important information available, notably ‘Pasture silage in New Zealand — targets and current practice’ which is available at w w w. g r a s s l a n d . o r g . n z / publications/nzgrassland_ publication_721.pdf.

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An on-farm grain analyser that is affordable has arrived on the market in the form of a device dubbed the Inframatic IM8800, produced by Perten of Sweden, and distributed in New Zealand by FF Instrumentation Ltd. robust. It is portable to carry around the field. “It can be operated by anyone but sophisticated enough to provide accuracy similar to elevator and lab instruments. And on top of that, it does it all in 90 seconds and is cheap enough for farmers to afford. “Extra bonuses include an incorporated GPS allowing farmers to identify pockets of high value grain. These results can be plotted on a map allowing farmers to plan harvest and binning strategies. It also has up to twohour internal battery life which means you have more time out in the paddock with no need for power.”

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

NDF1324699

“The IM 8800 is really a first for farmers,” said FF Instrumentation manager, Bob Olayo. “Its accuracy is similar to instruments used at elevators, but is economical enough for farm use. The instrument allows farmers to identify their highest value grain and to take advantage of the premiums paid for malting barley and high protein wheat. “Near-infrared (NIR) grain testing has been a fixture at large elevators and grain processors for years and as such an on-farm grain analyser has been desirable for some time,” he added. “The demands on such an instrument are high and must balance many requirements. The newly launched Perten Inframatic 8800 from Sweden fits the bill — it is rugged and

Range of standard sizes available or made to your required size.

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

Contact Roger: Home: 03 307 6401 Mob: 027 223 0406 or Bailey Smith Mob: 027 824 9968

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November 2014

Fireworks all year round by Andy Bryenton

Ford’s global reach and worldwide automotive plans continue apace, with the venerable US automaker watching the Focus dominate the Chinese new car market, the EcoSport sell out in India and the good ol’ F-150 remain evergreen in North America. And while the planetspanning master plan of the boys from Dearborn may mean the end of the Falcon badge downunder, there are surprises in the works from Ford to rival the announcement of Mustangs on Kiwi forecourts in the nottoo-distant future. So until the throaty V8 rumble of the sixth-gen ‘Stang is heard on Waikato roads, please consider exhibit A — a three-door hatch so hot that it’s positively incandescent. Especially in the ﬁre-engine red trim we got to see up close and in the ﬂesh. This is the 2014 Fiesta ST, a car which was marketed with its own brand of hot sauce on its arrival to these shores, and which throws its diminutive weight around with such precision and verve that older petrolheads can be heard whispering the words ‘Escort Cosworth’ in hushed tones after

a quick spin. Not that the mad, fun little Fiesta ST shares a lot in common with the raucous, rally-bred ‘Esky’ — this is a more sophisticated beast. But consider. The roadgoing 1992 Escort Cosworth weighed 1,320 kilos and packed 168 kilowatts of power. The ST, on the other hand, is packed with far more luxury, safety and technical gadgetry, yet only weighs 1,163 kilos. And under the hood, a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine kicks out 134kW — but also 240Nm of torque. That means a lighter, more nimble vehicle than any other small Ford of recent memory — but also the ﬁrepower to outgun many other top eurohatches. No wonder, when the ST was engineered in Cologne, Germany, and fettled in Belgium before being unleashed locally. You may think that the

comparison between the nowlegendary Cosworth and a variant of the Fiesta is heretical, but that sense of slightly unhinged yet fully planted fun is right there, making this a worthy

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above the average superheated shopping trolley hatch. Those lamenting the end of the Falcon legend should take heart. There are still dedicated petrolheads calling the shots

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November 2014

Holiday highways beckon by Andy Bryenton

With summer sunshine replacing winter rain, many folks are turning their attention to holiday preparations this spring, gearing up for a journey to scenic, seaside vacation spots. As NZ boasts many natural gems, attracting tourists from all over the world, there’s something to be said for hitting the open road, especially if all the comforts of home can come with you. Campers, RVs and caravans are all popular choices for holidaymakers, as evidenced by LTSA ﬁgures which show a growing number of Kiwis opting to get out from under canvas and slip behind the wheel of something more substantial. But this time of year, prior to loading up and heading for the sun, it’s a good idea to give the family ‘land yacht’ a thorough once over, for reasons of comfort and safety. Of course this begins with the power plant — that big diesel which lurks beneath most RVs, though some of the bigger American units are still driven by V8 petrol grunt. If you’re towing, it goes without saying that the brakes, transmission and engine of your tow car have to be in top order. As these holiday vehicles may very well have been in winter hibernation, it’s also prudent to check the tyres for

pressure and wear, and give the battery a proper test as well. With the WOF done, it’s time for an electrical inspection — to legally hook up to many camping grounds’ facilities, a caravan or camper needs an EWOF, meaning that its onboard wiring is up to standard. Caravan and camper

ﬁres don’t just ruin holidays, they can be deadly, so a current electrical warrant is vital for peace of mind. It’s the same for the array of pumps, plumbing and gas lines ﬁtted to most recreational vehicles. With fresh water and wastewater piping similar to that

be appraised by a qualified gas fitter. It’s a lot of work ‘recommissioning’ a caravan or camper, especially if your pre-summer schedule calls for a complete refit or renovation of an older model. But the results are just so rewarding — a sense of freedom on the open road, the opportunity to stay in

places where motels and room service are a distant memory, and the sure knowledge of a leak-free roof overhead should inclement weather strike. Taking the time now to make sure your ‘ship of the highway’ is ship-shape will mean a better holiday experience for the whole family this summer.

of a full-sized home, there’s a whole lot to check, with nasty results if a fault goes unseen. Gas powers everything from stoves to fridges to water heaters in RVs and caravans, so any work on this sub-system should

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FARM WHEELS

November 2014

ADVERTORIAL

Listening to the needs of farmers

by Andy Bryenton

The move from ATV quad bikes to UTV side-by-side machines on Kiwi farms has come as no surprise for the team at Avatar Products. Strong advocates of farm vehicle safety, the offroad machine innovators had already noted the trend toward tough, capable UTVs — starting with the grim ACC statistic that 83% of farm accidents involved a

traditional quad bike. This led Avatar boss Hamish Gilbert to consider just what Kiwi farmers need from their offroad machines. He looked around and saw a market filled with recreational and hunting

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vehicles, re-purposed for agricultural use. He noted, as well, the design philosophy of many of these machines — simply expanded quad bikes with more seats and a steering wheel, using the motors from large ATVs themselves. To truly fit the needs of New Zealand farmers, the concept would have to be re-imagined, almost from the ground up. Five years and innumerable tests later, the Avatar diesel is ready to hit the paddock for a hard day’s work. Those tests have seen the prototype hammered with heat and cold, mud and water, from Gore to Whangarei and everywhere in between. No-nonsense questions have been asked and farmers have been asked to try the Avatar to destruction. What has come out of this gruelling process is the most powerful diesel UTV in the world, packing an engine not sourced from a quad, but from a commercial truck. Beefier components also mean less maintenance

downtime — a sore point for some farmers who find that motorcycle-derived UTVs can’t take the hard knocks. Trumping the current 24hp diesel UTV record with 62 horses, the Avatar combines safety features such as fourwheel disc brakes, 27-inch knobbly tyres and true engine braking for hill descent with a huge whack of diesel torque.

This is not by any means a UTV with quad bike underpinnings — the Avatar contains no motorcycle parts at all, and is designed with heavy-duty work in mind from day one. It’s little surprise that when asked exactly what they wanted, Kiwi farmers helped develop a diesel machine of such power and versatility. Hamish remembers the little, locally built Gnat

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A look at sharemilking disputes Herd owning sharemilking agreements have been very common in the New Zealand dairy industry for 100 years. paid into the farm owner’s solicitor’s interest-bearing trust account to be accounted for on request by either party. The farm owner must be very careful to follow the rules strictly as set out in the

Arbitration was seen at one time as the best option to settle sharemilking disputes. Today however the cost of arbitration can amount to many thousands of dollars. The Farmers of New Zealand sharemilking agreements give the parties, we believe, a number of options that the farm owner and the sharemilker can decide on prior to signing the 50/50 herd owning sharemilking agreements, which ensures a speedy conciliation process and a low cost method of resolving their dispute. Farmers of New Zealand believes that the District Court Dispute Tribunal is the most economic way to settle claims of $15,000–$20,000, if the

owner must “beTheveryfarm careful to follow

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Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011. If the farm owner withholds more money from the sharemilker than the per month compounding on the excess money withheld.

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dispute cannot be resolved by professional conciliation. We have a renowned reputation for providing successful professional advice in sharemilking and employment matters. If you have a query, contact our membership help desk services.

NDF1324699

These particular 50/50 herd owning sharemilking agreements are not statutory agreements like the Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011. The Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011 provides the opportunity for an individual to become a sharemilker without owning the herd, working for a dairy farm owner. The right of set-off where a dairy farmer can instruct the dairy company to withhold milk proceeds owing to the sharemilker under the terms of the contract is one of the very important clauses that is in both sharemilking agreements. Lately it has been announced that Federated Farmers have deleted the set-off clause from their 50/50 herd owning sharemilking agreements. The statutory Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011 still retains the set-off clause. However, while still retaining this clause the dispute resolution process clauses must be strictly followed and it is only after the dispute has failed to be resolved by conciliation that the farm owner is entitled to withhold the sharemilker’s proceeds to the value of the claims as follows: (a) The farm owner must notify the sharemilker in writing of the intention to retain the sharemilker’s payment; (b) The farm owner is not entitled to retain or deduct from any one payment due or to become due, to the sharemilker more than 75% of any such payment; (c) All money deducted from the sharemilker will be

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November 2014

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Heat-proof cows?! by Joanne Speechly

A New Zealand-based company has bred a heat tolerant cow, designed to thrive in the tropics. Genetics experts at Dairy Solutionz believe the mutation will allow cows to cope better with heat and achieve high milk production during times of heat stress. CEO Derek Fairweather says a breeding programme was initiated 10 years ago with assistance from the Callaghan Institute and the University of Florida, and they have now produced an animal with a one degree improved heat tolerance. The new composite breed will be used on the large-scale dairy farm systems that Dairy Solutionz is constructing in partnership with governments and landowners in the United States, Colombia and Ecuador, where Mr Fairweather said the potential for dairy growth is immense. “There’s actually a mutation in three breeds, which ultimately had their origin back in Spain, that changes their sweat glands and gives them a slick coat. “Under heat stress, they’re actually a degree better than a conventional Holstein and that results in about two litres of milk a day for a big American Holstein. “It would be less for a Kiwi cow — but it’s still a pretty

Derek Fairweather with Kiwipole™ Slick Grazer

signiﬁcant amount of tolerance, so we’ve been targeting this slick gene and trying to breed it into New Zealand pasture genetics.” The new composite animals will be branded as Kiwipole™ dairy cows and the first Kiwipole™ bulls are now available to order.

Since 2007, Dairy Solutionz has worked with its international partners to design and integrate best-of-breed technologies into its large-scale offshore pastoral farms. “Over the past seven years, dozens of New Zealand agritechnology companies have partnered with us to develop turnkey solutions to create

unique, highly productive tropical dairy farms in key locations around the world. “We’re excited about opening our ﬁrst demonstration farms within the next few months,” said Mr Fairweather. For information or to order genetics, visit www. dairysolutionz.co.nz.

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November 2014

ADVERTORIAL

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The new MilkHub Dairy automation sales manager, Vanessa Hislop, is the first female to step into the role but it’s not the first time she’s stood out in a crowd. During her 11 years at outdoor timber specialists Goldpines she visited local farmers and built up relationships to establish the customer base for a new Otorohanga store. She was appointed branch manager and grew it to a successful store employing four staff and becoming the first ever female branch manager for Goldpines. “There’s no disadvantage to being a woman in the agricultural industry,” she says “I am just as good as my male colleagues and have always been one of the boys — possibly just a little better organised!” Most recently Vanessa worked with Zee Tags as South Island territory manager taking care of retailer relationships for livestock identification tags across dairy, sheep, beef, pig, and deer farming. Now based back in her home town of Rakaia Vanessa’s role with Tru-Test will cover the upper South Island from Marlborough to South Canterbury giving her the chance to combine her love of the agriculture sector, outdoor sports and family.

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November 2014

Hoof Print with Fred Hoekstra

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

The real cost of lameness A few weeks ago, I had a discussion with a farmer about trimming cow’s feet. He was managing this farm and his contract stated that he was required to have a minimum number of staff members. Because of that he had plenty of labour power so one of the

jobs that he got his staff to do was to trim the lame cows. That seems to make sense especially with the milk price the way it is — you want to save as much money as you can, right?

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Let’s think about that for a bit. If money is a bit tight and you have toothache, would you get one of your staff to sort it out for you? Or likewise, do some of you, who know how to inseminate a cow, take on this responsibility yourself this year to save money? For most farmers the answer will be no to both of these questions and I would assume that the reason for that, in most cases, will be because of the quality of the job done, and in the case of your tooth ache, it may have a pain factor as well. Most people realise that the better your in-calf rate is, the better your bottom line proﬁt will be. It pays to get an experienced AI technician to inseminate your cows, and so the same is true for trimming lame cows. It does pay to utilise the skills and experience of qualiﬁed hoof trimmers if you

want to save time and money. I hear you saying, ‘how can I save money by paying someone to do a job that one of my staff can probably do just as well?’ I guess the answer to that will be largely inﬂuenced by your understanding and acceptance of the skill involved in proper hoof trimming, which will minimise the recovery time of your cows ensuring they return to full productivity quicker, but also with the very real difficulty in quantifying the cost of lameness. Do you know how much lameness costs you? Can

you work it out? It’s not that easy is it? A lot of the cost of lameness comes from reduced productivity, and that varies per cow. There are many factors at play like the time of the year when the cow is going lame, the severity of the lameness, etc. DairyNZ worked out that the average cost of a lame cow is around $500 and that on average 35% of your herd will be lame in a season. So a farm milking 1,000 cows could have a $175,000 lameness bill in a season. That is not so much a bill that is being paid out, but more so a

cheque that is not coming in. We worked out that if the cost of a lame cow is $500 (and I think that is conservative) then the industry is missing out on nearly a billion dollars a year. In a season where you need to think particularly carefully of each ﬁnancial decision you make, it is important to be aware of false economy and ensure you are utilising your staff where they are going to be most productive in using their individual skill sets. This is a subject that I will seek to address in my next article in a little more detail.

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DAIRY

November 2014

Soil Matters with Peter Burton Lower payout unmasks real problem The simple remedy for a lower dairy payout is to produce more kilograms of milk solids, but in nearly every situation that works only if the extra is generated from pasture. To produce more from pasture an increase in the total amount grown is required. And the unpalatable truth is that annual pasture production is on a steady decline and has been for the last twenty years. MAF pasture growth figures from various areas in the Waikato for the years 1978–1982 were as high as 18,250kgDM/ha, without the use of fertiliser nitrogen. Figures from DairyNZ Monitor properties are no longer measured by monthly cage cuts, however there’s a general consensus that anything over 15,000kgDM/ha from permanent grazed pasture now is exceptional. The reduction in pasture production has followed an increase in the use of fertiliser nitrogen, and at ESI we believe the two are linked. Total pasture production last season from the two ESI monitored dairy properties, one an irrigated farm at Galatea, and the other non-irrigated near Edgecumbe in the Bay of Plenty grew 21,504kgDM/ha and 21,397kgDM per hectare respectively. Not only is the quantity greater than district average the quality is also superior based on an independent analysis. This may seem counter-intuitive however in all natural systems the healthiest and strongest are also the most productive. ESI based total nutrient programmes contain all essential elements but are not reliant on fertiliser nitrogen. In its place is nitrogen ﬁxed directly from the atmosphere as well as that ﬁxed by bacteria in the nodules of clover. Soil conditions are altered to ensure that the wide

range of selected fungi and bacteria are able to speed the rate at which nutrient is cycled resulting in an increasingly efficient system producing strong even growth throughout the growing season. A beneﬁt often mentioned is the outstanding growth in November and December, a time when conventionally fertilised properties often struggle. It’s an important time and becoming increasingly so as a reduction in spring inductions means improved mating performance is essential. With typically twice the clover content in the pasture as a result of no nitrogen being required from September until April production in all respects is enhanced. Growth rates of young animals improve as well as weight gain and milk solid production. Damage by ﬂea and weevil is minimal as is damage by grub and beetle. Pasture performance is outstanding with pasture renewal often becoming a recreational rather than an essential autumn activity. As is often discussed, the ability to consistently produce a cash surplus is the ability to control costs. As a result well managed properties implementing full

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ESI nutrient programmes are financially better placed to cope with wide ﬂuctuations in product return. It’s important to appreciate that farming is a highly competitive activity, with the top echelon being continuously proﬁtable and those with the highest costs most vulnerable to increasing interest rates, compliance charges, and reduced income. The challenges presented by nature are best met by decisions made on farm by operators with a genuine love of farming.

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November 2014

E D U C AT I O N ADVERTORIAL

Small school ~ Big heart If you look at the Garin College website you will see explanations of many of the things teachers do to make Garin College a unique and effective school…

Garin College students who were awarded ‘colours’ to recognise the quality of their performance in Arts, Sport and Service

You will see four key reasons the college is different and successful: It is a small Catholic school (470 students) and that means the school is able to set high standards of work and behaviour based on traditional values; The school emphasises academic success (hostel manager Robert Booth is very disappointed if anyone in the hostels does not pass NCEA — and that rarely happens); Students are very busy in the classroom (junior students study 15 subjects!) and the school’s sporting and arts’ participation is well above national averages; The arts are valued as highly as sporting achievement — for example two of the final 30 for this year’s national RockQuest finalists

are from Garin College. The website (www. garincollege.ac.nz) also explains how the school removes bullying and keeps students safe. Find out why they keep their junior classes to just 22 students, and why no-one slips through the cracks in a school of 470. Discover how the school builds community. Find out about the boys’ and girls’ hostels: 26 boys and 26 girls in well-supervised family environments. Garin is a Catholic school, but has places for 67 students who are not Catholic. Interested? Contact head teacher John Boyce or hostel manager Robert Booth to find out more: achieve@garincollege.ac.nz.

Garin College Small School, Big Heart Garin College is a co-educational Catholic College with boarding facilities for boys and girls based in Richmond, Nelson. Our modern facilities and extensive grounds back onto Saxton Field, Tasman’s premier sporting grounds. We have a number of places for non-Catholic students.

Why choose Garin College • Small community based Catholic College • Modern facilities in beautiful grounds • A safe and caring environment • Family style hostel • Fantastic results for all students, NCEA, Rock Quest, Stage Challenge, Sports, Outdoor adventure and more Our off-site boarding hostels provide a welcoming family environment for students away from home and our boarders achieve well above the national average at all levels of NCEA. To find out more about boarding contact Robert Booth on 0276 544835, e-mail robertbooth@cloud. garincollege.ac.nz or visit our website.

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Thinking about schooling? A common question for parents is why they should take the option of boarding school for their offspring. The rural isolation and lack of good educational facilities is an obvious springboard for any decision. There are many reasons to go to boarding school. The academics, the athletics and the extracurricular activities are just a few of the considerations. But there’s more. Boarding schools traditionally hire teachers with degrees in their subjects. A large number of these experienced teachers also have advanced degrees in their ﬁeld. Typically all are passionate about their subject and love to teach it to young people. Most boarding schools have amazing sports facilities. The range of sports and teams is mind-boggling. You will ﬁnd everything from squash to rowing, hockey to basketball and on to sailing or equestrian

activities. Many boarding school fitness facilities make commercial fitness establishments look tame. Theatre, dance, music, ﬁne arts, in short anything and everything artistic is part of the opportunity which awaits you at most boarding schools. It’s never easy to leave the nest, but pupils will learn how to cope with life and all its many high and low points within a community of peers all under the watchful eye of experienced teachers. To ensure pupils get the most from boarding school opportunities it helps for families to be involved in the process. Part of the life lessons learned come from social interaction demonstrating the values of respect, integrity and courage and students are

encouraged to demonstrate these values in their boarding school routines. Respect for themselves and others, integrity for self and in the interactions they have with others, and courage to try new things, to step up when needed and to be who they are, while also being part of a community are all important attributes that may be missing outside the boarding regime, with widespread out of school hours distractions. In all, boarding school offers a well-rounded and complete learning experience in a safe and supervised environment. And ﬁnally — there’s the old adage about stodgy awful boarding school food. Not any more, with nutrition and health a top priority in todays world.

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November 2014

E D U C AT I O N

New facility aims to boost sheep profits A new Lincoln University education and research facility is aiming to show the future of the Canterbury landscape may not be as black and white as it seems. Justice Minister and Selwyn MP Amy Adams officially opened the LincolnSheep Sheep Technology Farm today, which is sited on the grounds previously used for the South Island Agricultural Field Days. The 21 hectare facility will be used for student and farmer training, and field days and demonstrations, as well as research. Professor Tony Bywater, of the Lincoln University Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said in the last five to ten years sheep and beef farming had been on the backfoot, and it was an exciting time for research in the area as there were “a whole series of questions” about it. “The central question is how do they farm profitably,” he said. “But done right sheep farms can compete with dairying.” A major research focus at LincolnSheep was on maximising profitability and consistency on summer safe and summer dry production systems. This involved increasing stock numbers to maintain pasture quality on non-irrigated land and moving sale stock to a smaller irrigated finishing block before the dry period. This would mean higher numbers and returns on the breeding unit but less water use. Professor Bywater said irrigating a finishing block to intensify numbers would not be capital free but would be about one third the cost of a dairy conversion, which, with nitrate levels coming under scrutiny, may not seem as attractive as it once did. “The true opportunity cost of an irrigated lamb finishing block is not what you might get from running a dairy farm, it is what you get on your dryland

breeding farm if you don’t have one,” he said. Research would also look at ewe ‘elasticity’ by using a CT scanner to measure body composition over a full production season. This could give some guidelines on how the fat or protein content is changing by looking at body weight changes as they occur. A unit at the facility was also double breeding old cull ewes after hormone treatment to test the potential of gaining more lambs in a season. There would be work done too on identifying more efﬁcient ewes in terms of weight of lamb weaned which could mean big differences in productivity “without really doing anything else,” Professor Bywater said. This would be coupled with the increased use of technology to monitor individual animals through electronic tagging to gain a level of management

similar to that which many dairy farmers have now with their animals. They needed to become more attuned to what feed quality did to their stock, he said, and hoped this would encourage sheep farmers to use available technology to a greater extent. There would also be research done on the effects on selective drenching, or not treating animals which showed no evidence of parasitic infestation. This would lessen the chances of breeding resistant parasites and prolong the life of the drench. “It might shake a few long held-attitudes,” he said of the research. Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Dr Andrew West said LincolnSheep provided easy access for the University’s academics and students to many of the fundamental elements of farming sheep and of producing red-meat and wool, and

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Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Dr Andrew West, left, Justice Minister and Selwyn MP Amy Adams, and Professor Tony Bywater, of the Lincoln University Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, at the opening of the LincolnSheep Sheep Technology Farm

complemented similar ease of access to dairy farming at the Te Waihora campus. He said Lincoln University intended to scale up ﬁndings at LincolnSheep at the LincolnWestoe Trust’s drystock training and demonstration farm, Westoe, in the Rangitikei. Ms Adams wished the University good luck with its new facility.

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November 2014

Farmers welcome predator project Federated Farmers and the conservation organisation Forest and Bird are welcoming the Predator Free New Zealand initiative which hopes to rid the country of unwanted predators.

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

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A possum attacks a bird’s nest

photo courtesy of Department of Conservation

The Predator Free New Zealand Trust was launched in November and aims to clear New Zealand of all rats, stoats, ferrets, possums, and feral cats. Federated Farmers and Forest and Bird are actively supporting the predator free mission as both organisations have many members who are already actively controlling introduced predators. “The Predator Free New Zealand project will greatly improve New Zealand’s productivity by eliminating bovine tuberculosis, and the public health threat posed by rats,” Federated Farmers’ biosecurity spokesperson Katie Milne said.

“Achieving the predator free goal will require more of the sort of innovative thinking that has got us this far in terms of predator management. It is likely to require some new technologies, some which don’t yet exist. “But the advice from the scientists is that the predator free goal, while it is ambitious and long term, technically it can and certainly should be achieved,” Ms Milne said. Forest and Bird’s campaigns and advocacy manager Kevin Hackwell said New Zealand’s introduced predators have the potential to eventually cause the extinction of many native animals. “For this reason alone, the predator

free goal is one that all New Zealanders should support. “Our forests, birds, bats, lizards and insects, as well as New Zealand’s farmers, and a host of other businesses, will only gain from this initiative. “A range of government and non-government organisations have been working successfully for decades to eradicate introduced predators from our offshore islands and to control them in many parts of the mainland. “Eliminating these predators from all of New Zealand over the next few decades is the next logical step to this work,” Mr Hackwell said.

LIVESTOCK

November 2014

Mineral nutrition of plants – Phosphorus by Dr Tim Jenkins

Of all the mineral elements, phosphorus is one of the most common ones to be lacking in supply for plants. This is often not due to a lack of phosphorus in the soil but rather that it is quite immobile in the soil and the soil reserves can be slow to become available. Phosphorus is required by all life for its role in the make-up of the genetic code DNA and RNA and for energy transfer e.g. in the ATP molecule with its energy rich triple phosphate ion status. Phosphorus also has a role in some structural components of plants including the phospholipids of the cell membranes that contain cell contents and regulate transfer of nutrients in and out of the cell. If plants are depleted of phosphorus, there is a tendency to maintain levels of phosphorus around the photosynthesising chloroplasts so leaves do not yellow (as they do for many other mineral deficiencies) but can instead tend to darken as general shoot growth is stunted. Supply of phosphate and energy to the roots is also maintained at the expense of shoot growth presumably to improve the roots’ ability to source and uptake phosphorus. In a pasture it is the legumes which generally suffer the most from low phosphorus availability. In fact grasses can often grow fine at quite low soil test P values due to their fibrous root systems that are efficient

at ﬁnding and retrieving the essential element. White clover roots in comparison are wiry and obtain their phosphorus from a smaller volume of soil. So it is the clover that we need to feed in a pasture. Some plant roots such as brassica and buckwheat are particularly effective at forming roots all around particles of phosphorus fertiliser in the soil. They are also produce liberal levels of organic acids to help make calcium phosphate forms of phosphorus available. Buckwheat and blue lupins can produce proliﬁc levels of phosphatase enzyme which improves plant availability of phosphate. Some of the most effective organisms at sourcing phosphate from soil mineral and from organic matter sources are the mycorrhizal fungi. They grow in association with most plant species with notable exceptions of brassicas and buckwheat (perhaps a reason for the roots of those plants focussing so much resource on sourcing phosphorus). For white clover, a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizae can make the difference between picking up a phosphate ion from just a few millimetres away to being able to, with the help of the friendly fungi, source them

Phosphate efficiency through mycorrhizal fungi is best achieved by avoiding large applications of water-soluble forms of phosphate fertiliser

around 7cm away from the plant roots themselves. This boost to the clover root system makes a huge difference for this important pasture species. Mycorrhizae can produce their own phosphatase enzymes, stimulate phosphatase production by colonised plant roots, and they can promote plant root branching further improving phosphate uptake potential. They also appear to be able to hydrolyse some organic phosphate sources which may further improve nutrient cycling, and they can improve

soil structure bringing general beneﬁts to roots and phosphate uptake. Phosphate efficiency through mycorrhizal fungi is best achieved by avoiding large applications of watersoluble forms of phosphate fertiliser (e.g. superphosphate or DAP) as ﬂushes of high available phosphate can reduce mycorrhizal fungal levels. With high phosphate availability there can even be a negative effect on yield of the fungi colonising roots. It is also important to avoid bare ground and non-host

species for extended periods of time (e.g. two crops of brassicas in a row), and to reduce the level of cultivation as tillage can disrupt fungal hyphae. Good soil structure and soil biology are important for efﬁcient use of phosphorus. Good structure improves root penetration as well as the growth of mycorrhizal fungi. Soil biology such as earthworms is important to speed up the rate of nutrient cycling so that dung and plant litter are not sitting around for months or years longer than necessary. The

faster those organic reserves of phosphorus can be recycled, the further each precious atom of phosphorus can go to supporting production throughout the season. Soil structure and biology are supported by a reasonable soil pH, good levels of available carbon and avoiding over-cultivation. Increasing soil organic matter is good for both structure and biology and organic matter is a great source of available phosphorus if it is being turned around regularly by the soil biology.

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November 2014

Wool Perspective

From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

Wool market eases as supply increases Against most predictions, wool prices remained buoyant at auctions held during late October and early November, ably assisted by a weaker New Zealand dollar reflective of its United States counterpart regaining earlier lost ground. Buyers were obviously still struggling to ﬁll forward orders during the same period and, with limited quantities as well as restricted types available through the spring period, competed vigorously to secure their requirements. Buying interests operating on behalf of Chinese mills appeared very active in the market place, bidding for many of the traditionally ﬁner crossbred hogget wool types, resulting in a substantial quantity of those wools shipped

off to China for processing. By mid-November, and in Napier, prices for crossbred ﬂeece and second-shear types began to ease by around three to four per cent, compared to the Christchurch auction earlier, to probably a more realistic level given supply increases as early summer shearing began in earnest. The latest Christchurch wool auction, at the time of writing, presented a full range of micron types to the buying trade with a good variety of crossbred

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hoggets, a limited quantity of crossbred ﬂeece, a small but varied range of halfbred types, and a very useful selection of merino types all offered on growers’ behalf in the PGG Wrightson wool catalogue. Crossbred 33 to 35 micron ﬂeece received around 590 to 600 cents per clean kilogram, 36 to 38 micron approximately 585 to 595 cents, and 40 micron approximately 575 to 580. Second-shear wools (six month shorn) fetched around 515 to 535 cents per clean kilogram, 8 to 10 month ‘early shorn’ types received good support realising around the 570 to 585 cent levels, with some sales exceeding 590.

Wool bales awaiting shipping at the PGG Wrightson Mosgiel wool store recently. Each stack contains more than 1,000 bales

Continued pressure was directed towards bulky oddments, and prices in many

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cases for good length bellies and/or pieces reached levels very similar to those of ﬂeece. Finer crossbred wools, measuring finer than 33 microns, continued to attract good support from Chinese buying interests and prices for those types (very much depending on length and style) reached levels of between approximately 630 at the coarser end right up to approximately 740 cents per clean kilogram for the ﬁnest types measuring around 30.5 microns. As earlier mentioned, at the Napier auction held on November 13 crossbred prices were generally easier than in Christchurch on November 6. Halfbred and Corriedale wool types at the Christchurch sale on November 6 also received a welcome boost compared to earlier sales, with prices ranging from around 770 cents per clean kilogram for those in the 29.5 micron ranges through to approximately 910 for 26.0 micron types. Of course style, length and staple strength contributed to price variances within micron ranges, however, in general terms, the wools on offer were of a very good standard.

A 150 bale merino clip from North Canterbury, catalogued by PGG Wrightson on November 6, drew widespread interest, as the micron range from 17.5 (hoggets) to 20.6 (adults) in lot sizes averaging 12 bales, appeared to be exactly what buyers were looking for, and sold extremely well with prices some 5% ahead of the previous auction for similar types. A very good selection of extra-fine merino hogget and adult wools from the wider Canterbury and Otago regions although opening up well, were more difficult to move as the market trend for these types continued to be rather ‘flat’. As bigger weights of crossbred types come to market over the next few weeks and months, quality will definitely dictate premiums or discounts therefore wool preparation will be paramount, despite there being less quantity available as sheep numbers appear to continue their downward trend. Next Christchurch wool auctions: November 20, December 4, December 18, January 15 and January 29. That’s my view.

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November 2014

Canterbury Branch NZ Deer Farmers Assn Sponsored by Mountain River Processors Ltd

Deer farmers collaborate to boost profits by Trevor Walton

Seven Mackenzie Country farmers, from Fairlie through to Kurow, are joining the charge to boost profit from deer. “In this year’s pregnancy scans we did really well, with 98 per cent in calf, and the change in weaning management was one of the reasons.” Advance Parties hinge on interested and involved farmers learning from each other and then helping spread good ideas to other farmers. Each member identiﬁes an opportunity or productivity barrier on their farm and develops a plan for addressing it with the help and advice of the other members. At Braemar, Hamish is aiming to feed his deer better so his weaners reach the magic 60kg liveweight target at the end of March. Deer ﬁnishers look for weaners at this weight or better as it enables them to grow them to slaughter weights in time for peak prices in October. DINZ Project Manager Amy Wills oversees the Advance Party initiative. She says there is a strong focus in the Mackenzie Advance Party on feed planning in late lactation and following weaning. In South Canterbury, the Ruperts are focussing on poor fawning percentages in 2-yearold hinds. “We’ve been stuck at

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70 per cent for some time. “It’s been frustrating — the hinds are good weights at mating and we have good numbers of fawns born. The problem is we also have a lot of dead ones,” Martin says. “The other members of the party have suggested that a lack of copper and a too low grass cover during fawning may

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be the reasons. “So we have bolused the hinds with copper and will have more cover at fawning this year and see what happens.”

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Members of the Mackenzie Advance Party learn about body condition scoring hinds while visiting Haldon Station

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Together they’ve formed an Advance Party, supported by Deer Industry New Zealand, to ﬁnd ways to grow their deer faster, heavier and more profitably. The innovative concept so far involves 80 farmers in eight groups across the country. The Mackenzie Country group was the ﬁrst off the blocks and has now been running for 12 months, with meetings every two months. Another Advance Party is based in South Canterbury under the chairmanship of Geraldine deer farmer Martin Rupert. Hamish Mackenzie of Braemar Station is chair of the Mackenzie Advance Party. He says that because deer are easycare, their earning potential can easily be overlooked on extensive stations with large sheep and beef operations. Already the MacKenzie group is seeing positives. For example, quite a few members have moved to weaning their hinds before the rut, rather than after, so their hinds put on condition before mating. Hinds in good condition are more fertile and wean more fawns the following year, Hamish says.

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November 2014

Fishing, Hunting Vital link in the rescue chain by Andy Bryenton

As boaties take to the ocean waves this summer for sports, recreation and that all important big catch, a key issue on the minds of prudent captains is of course water safety.

Checking that your vessel is seaworthy and ready for everything that our capricious coastal waters can throw at it is a top priority, with a checklist of safety equipment stowed and prepared for any eventuality. These days boaties can rely on a rescue ‘safety net’ which would have been the envy of their forefathers — an integrated effort involving the Coast Guard, Air Force and Navy should things go disastrously wrong. Countless lives have been saved thanks to the efforts of these heroic services and others who have pitched in to assist those in distress on the seas, but making their job easier is always a wise investment. That’s why a key tool in the smart captain’s arsenal is a GPS locator beacon, able to summon aid from far over the horizon. Similar to the ELT beacons carried by aircraft or the PLB personal locators taken into the wilds by outdoorsmen, EPIRB (emergency positioning

indicating radio beacon) units are designed just for maritime use. Some even activate automatically when they are immersed in water, saving lives should the crew of a foundering vessel be knocked unconscious in a disaster. EPIRB beacons send a radio signal which is picked up by a satellite above, then relayed to the appropriate rescue services, who can swing into action and deploy as soon as the message comes through. Modern EPIRB units operate on the 406 Megahertz frequency, a channel monitored constantly by the staff of the Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand. It’s of supreme importance to check that your beacon works on this frequency — otherwise a call for help may not reach the right ears! Equally vital is registering your beacon to your craft — when the RCCNZ operatives receive a distress call,

they can match the individual beacon to a database, ﬁnding out your home port, the size of your party, your estimated course and other info to help send boats and aircraft to the right place to effect a speedy rescue. Boaties can register their beacons by following this free link www.beacons.org.nz/ register. As part of a co-ordinated emergency plan, these modern locator beacons are invaluable, but Maritime New Zealand stresses that a fail-safe option should also be in place — consider back-up, such as old fashioned ﬂares, strobe lights, audible horns or whistles, or a CB radio system to augment your EPIRB. If an accident of a different kind happens and the beacon is set off in error, it’s possible to call 0508 472 269 and cancel an unneeded rescue. There’s no penalty for setting off an EPIRB by mistake — it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Outdoors

Traditional Kiwi fun in the sun by Andy Bryenton

There are few delights which compare to waking up under canvas on a clear summer’s morning — the smell of the sea, the promise of freshly brewed coffee, and the lure of a day’s fishing ahead.

It’s the quintessential Kiwi holiday — one which has been lamented in the media as beachfront camping grounds are gobbled up by greedy developers, but one which is truly alive and well here in Canterbury. Thankfully, the days are long gone when camping out meant three hours of dad swearing and struggling with ropes and pegs. Modern technology, gleaned from decades of outdoor adventures, has made camping under canvas as comfy and hasslefree as renting a motel. Even those who don’t go to extremes — packing the Xbox and laptop — can enjoy insect free cool comfort on those balmy summer nights. Part of this comes down to modern tents — a far cry from their thick, airless ancestors. Lighter materials mean they’re easier to pack, and designs honed in the wilderness in

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countries far less forgiving than New Zealand make for easier setup, more internal space and better ventilation. There are even ‘pop up’ tents for single campers, bivouac bags which provide shelter and warmth for adventure hikers, and tents to shelter the camp privy or shower. The campﬁre itself has been replaced in many ways by the good old BBQ — though even this is no longer a bulky, woodburning monster. Turning your catch — or a packet of sausages — into a gourmet meal under the stars is made easier with light, collapsible gas cooking facilities. And for those who prefer the old fashioned taste, charcoal bbqs and ﬁsh smokers have also been streamlined and improved with time. With the addition of smart outdoor accoutrements such as pop-up cupboards, insect repellent oil burners, solar

recharging lights and chilly bins which stay cold for longer, the modern campsite has all the conveniences of home. There may even be a satellite TV dish to keep up with your favourite TV shows on quiet holiday evenings. But it’s got something home can’t beat — the smell of salt surf or the sound of native birdlife in the bush, or a great ﬁshing spot just a short walk away. There are excellent campsites all across the country, for both beach and bush lovers. Many are administered by DoC and charge little more than maintenance fees. Other commercial operators may charge a little more, but these usually come with appropriate facilities, such as kitchens, shower blocks and toilets, and in some cases a handy camp shop to keep the condiments stocked up to make that freshly caught seafood a gourmet experience.

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November 2014

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Most people make all the Co enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) they need. Some however should take extra as a supplement. CoQ10 is made in your liver from the same enzymes that make cholesterol. This is why drugs that block cholesterol can restrict CoQ10 by as much as 50%. This can reduce the amount of energy made especially in organs and muscles and is why I recommend people on cholesterol medication take 100-200mg of rapid absorption CoQ10 each day. I have just spoken to a client who had experienced a lot of muscle pain and stiffness while on medications. After just a week on CoQ10 the pain had completely gone, however I generally find it takes one to two months to restore muscle function and energy. What makes CoQ10 so special is its ability to carry electrons. This enables CoQ10 to move hydrogen electrons within your cell mitochondria to make energy molecules called ATP. This ATP is how your body works. Inadequate CoQ10 levels reduce energy output and this is felt as tiredness and often as muscle weakness. This ability to carry electrons also makes

CoQ10 an excellent antioxidant. It can donate to free radicals their missing electrons preventing them from stealing electrons leading to cell and tissue damage. In particular it protects circulating LDL cholesterol from being damaged by free radicals. This is the first step in the process of forming plaques that block arteries. There is some good research suggesting increasing CoQ10 can be helpful as nutritional support for people with neurodegenerative problems such as Parkinson’s disease. I will generally add additional CoQ10 either as the patented CoQsol® or my specialised MTQ10. Most people feel a real difference within one to two months. Feel free to contact me to discuss anything raised. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. Contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his full weekly newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz and to read back issues.

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South Canterbury pair named supreme winners A South Canterbury-based environmental consultancy duo is the Supreme Winner of this year’s Enterprising Rural Women Awards, which were announced at the Rural Women national conference in Rotorua recently.

Keri Johnston, left, and Haidee McCabe, right, receive their award from Rural Women New Zealand national president, Wendy McGowan

Keri Johnston and Haidee McCabe are principals of Irricon Resource Solutions which they established in 2010. The company now employs nine staff located from Motonau in North Canterbury to Duntroon in North Otago, with expertise ranging from ecology to engineering, and planning, to ﬁeld technicians. The business focusses on improving or maintaining the sustainability of natural resources, such as land, water and waste, and is also involved

in irrigation and catchment management. According to Rural Women New Zealand national president, Wendy McGowan a key feature of their business is Johnston and McCabe’s philosophy of ﬁtting work around family and farming life, wherever that might be. Keri Johnston is a natural resources engineer and she and her husband farm just out of Geraldine in South Canterbury. “Where we are today was born out of a desire to have

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professional careers, but on our terms — working from home, around children and farming,” Keri said. Haidee McCabe, an environmental consultant from Albury, said they are proud of their record in employing other women. “Five of our consultants are women who would not be working professionally if they didn’t work for Irricon,” Haidee said. “Working from home means the best of all worlds for these women, and it allows them the opportunity to work, but be wives, mums and farm workers as well. Wendy McGowan said through the Enterprising Rural Women Awards they are keen to raise awareness of women’s entrepreneurship and their input into rural communities. Other category winners in this year’s Awards were: Renee De Luca of Putake Honey, who took out the Love of the Land category award; Nicola Wright of Wrights Winery and Vineyard in Gisborne was named winner in the Making it in Rural section, with a special merit award to Dot Kettle and Georgia Richards of Dove River Peonies from Wakeﬁeld, near Nelson; and the winner of Stay, Play Rural Award was Bobbie Mulgrew of Easyhike, a car relocation service based at Glenorchy.

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November 2014

Local farmers feature in Angus cookbook

the ‘last’ word with Rob Cope-Williams

Health and safety

Local Angus breeders, Gerald and Sue Hargreaves and their stud Kakahu, feature in a newly released book. A Cut Above, cooking with AngusPure, is a cookbook with a difference and is loosely based on the paddock to plate concept. The collection of beef recipes, each with its own tantalising photograph, is interspersed with stories and snapshots from New Zealand’s rural landscape. Kakahu, one of six Angus studs featured in the book, has been home to generations of the Hargreaves family since 1928. Gerald and Sue are now handing over the mantle of guardianship to their son Thomas and his wife Anna. A Cut Above, features 10 pages of scenic photographs and family history. Author Gerhard Egger visited the Hargreaves earlier this year and interviewed them about the property’s history and their farming practices today, with special emphasis on the Angus Stud. The Hargreaves are forward thinking in their farming methods — Gerald has turned the once small Angus stud into

one of the bigger and more progressive in the country with 550 cows, all of which are performance recorded. He travels to the United States each year, always looking for fresh genetics to bring into his herd. Author, photographer and chef, Gerhard Egger thoroughly enjoyed his time at Kakahu. The family homestead is nestled at the bottom of valley in a six hectare garden and Tom and Anna are using their skills and experience, as architect and designer respectively, to add their own touches and to ensure the homestead is modern and

warm while retaining its history and farmhouse feel. People will enjoy the rural aspect of this cookbook, there is a wide selection recipes, from the ‘quick and easy’ to ‘long and slow cooking’, as well as great ideas for the barbeque and a comprehensive selection of offal recipes. Sue’s contribution is her family’s favourite dish — Kakahu Angus slow cooked short ribs. E u r o p e a n trained chef turned professional photographer Gerhard Egger brings together, yet again, his love of food and photography in one great package. His previous book, Volcanic Kitchens, won the 2012 Best Photography Cookbook for New Zealand at the Gourmand Cookbook Awards in Paris. This latest publication, A Cut Above, cooking with AngusPure is another testament to Gerhard’s talents.

The funny thing about progress is that it often takes a form we all want to ignore, but sadly it isn’t our call to put it in place or to administer it. There have been many conversations about wrapping the modern children in cotton wool and banning tree climbing, lolly scrambles and anything else that may build character and adventure into a young person. Personally I think I am better off for falling off ponies, losing acres of skin over a period of time and being whacked over the seat of my pants for misbehaving, but it seems that I am one of those who lived in a different time. I even went to the dental nurse and had perfectly good teeth drilled and ﬁlled because it was thought it was the best thing for me. Imagine the uproar now days if a child was subjected to the pain of drilling teeth with no pain killers, and the psychological damage such

treatment would do to them, especially when their teeth are perfectly strong. Strange thing is that a collective claim by all of us who were subjected to such treatment would result in an even larger proﬁt for Air New Zealand and the luxury car dealers, but I haven’t found a lawyer who wants to take it on. Perhaps they can’t believe it happened. Anyway now we are faced with more paperwork and dramas for farmers as new rules about health and safety come into effect. I admit that there are some dim-wits about and that everyone should be warned about things that are dangerous on a farm, but it is sad that the art of common sense has drifted away and people aren’t aware they can drown in a ditch, be run over by a tractor, and that

a grumpy bull is likely to chase you. However rules are rules and if you, as a farmer, don’t play by them it is your neck that the axe falls on. The safety plans do have to be set up and all visitors do have to sign off to say they have been advised of, and understand the hazards before they are able to go anywhere on your property. Not sure what happens with an on-farm bull sale, or a baling contractor who arrives to bale the hay, so I need to read the ﬁne print. Sufﬁce to say that I am now resigned to the fact that if I want to do an interview with a farmer from now on I expect to sign off the health and safety regulations. We may not like it, but that’s the way it is, and if it saves a life, it’s worth it.

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Agility™3 Agility™ 3 is a state-of-the-art 2-way wireless alarm system designed for the residential and small business markets that provides more than a standard home security system. Agility™ 3 supports visual verification with a self monitoring Smartphone app (also available via web browser) which enables homeowners to control their alarm systems remotely as well as view real-time images taken inside their premises with the eyeWave™ wireless PIR camera detector which communicates with the RISCO Cloud server. In the event of an alarm, the PIR camera is automatically activated and captures a sequence of images which it sends to users via RISCO's Smartphone/ web Application. This capability enables users to view the images and confirm if there is a crime in progress. Monitoring stations can also benefit from the visual verification feature as the capability to ascertain whether there is a false alarm will save them valuable time and resources. The Agility™ 3 wireless security system can be enhanced with a wide range of accessories that provide additional protection against theft as well as protection against environmental hazards and providing elderly care.

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A new generation Alarm System that offers live camera verification of alarm activations and is competitively priced with standard type alarm systems. systems

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November 2014

Practical tips on Rural Fire Prevention How the the rural rural fire fire system systemworks works Fires ofof the person Fires in in rural ruralareas areasare arethe theresponsibility responsibility the person who lights them. Fire control in rural areas is the who lights them. Fire control in rural areas is the responsibility responsibilityofofrural ruralfire fireauthority. authority.

Rural fire authorities can be territorial authorities, (eg local There are three types of rural fire authorities: councils) the Department of Conservation, NZ Defence,  Territorial authorities e.g. local councils forestry companies or an amalgamation of these agencies

 Rural Fire Districts (e.g. NZ Defence, forestry These rural fire authorities are mainly concerned with companies or a combination of fire authorities) the control of vegetation fires. They also carry out fire  Department of Conservation prevention measures, monitor the fire danger, declare fire These rural authorities areThis mainly with seasons andfire issue fire permits. workconcerned is co-ordinated the controlthrough of vegetation fires. Rural They Fire alsoauthority carry outwhich fire nationally the National prevention measures, monitor the fire declare also promotes fire training, research anddanger, cooperation in fire seasons and issue fire permits. This work is co-ordinated rural fire management. nationally through the National Rural Fire authority which also promotes fire training, research and cooperation in rural fire management.

Your Canterbury and West Coast Rural Fire Authorities are working with you to protect our rural resources and communities. Fire prevention is the responsibility of us all. Rural fires can be particularly devastating, destroying our natural environment, ecosystems, farmland, forests, property and livelihoods. It’s in all our interests to prevent rural fires. Wild fires can affect us all and many become large and costly due to late reporting and delayed initial response. To report any fire in a rural area, dial 111 immediately and give the location and any details. Prompt reporting is the key to preventing large fires developing. In many cases a commonsense approach can avoid disasters.

The Northern Canterbury West Coast Regional FireFire Committee The South Island Regional Rural Committee is the theregional regionalcommittee committeeforforallall Canterbury and the is ofof Canterbury, West West Coast. It is made up of representatives from local Coast, and Nelson/Marlborough. It is made up of councils, the NZfrom Firelocal Service, NZ Defence, Department representatives councils, the NZ Fire Service, of Conservation, forest owners and Federated Farmers. NZ Defence, Department of Conservation, forest owners and Federated Farmers.

Fire seasons and permits

Fire seasons are advertised by local rural fire authorities. Fire seasons and permits They are responsible for issuing any permits and

Fire seasons are advertised by local rural fire authorities. enforcing total fire bans. Even with a permit, the person They are responsible for issuing any permits and lighting the firefire is responsible andaliable forthe anyperson costs enforcing total bans. Even with permit, or damage. If in doubt, check with your local district lighting the fire is responsible and liable for any costs or council. Remember that campfires, barbecues and damage. If in doubt, check with your local district council. braziers arethat all campfires, classed asbarbecues fires. Remember and braziers are all classed as fires.

Open fire season Means no fire permit is needed to light a fire in the open air in rural areas. Restricted fire season Means a fire permit from the relevant rural fire authority is required to light a fire in the open air in rural areas. Prohibited fire season Means a total fire ban and lighting of fires in the open air is not permitted.

Around the the home home Installsmoke smokedetectors. detectors. Install  Store firewood and flammable materials away from Maintain a defensible space around the house. house.  the Store firewood and flammable materials away from  Identify escape routes from the house. the house.

 Keep grass areas mown, short green where possible. Identify escape routes from theand house.

 Maintain a defensible space or safety your Keep grass areas mown and short and zone greenaround where possible. house and buildings. This involves removing flammable  trees Haveand defensible space or asafety around house and scrub to create greenzone break with your lawns or low buildings. This involvesand removing trees and scrub to flammability gardens shrubsflammable (see illustration right).

create a green break with lawns or low flammability gardens and shrubs (see illustration right).

On the farm or lifestyle block  Be aware of the current fire danger.  Obtain a fire permit, if required, and notify your fire authority of your intention to burn.

Protect what you value

 Obey permit conditions when burning and note weather conditions and the forecast.  Signpost your property clearly – know your rural property number, where available.  Keep your rural property number by your telephone.  Ensure emergency vehicles have clear, easy access to your house and sheds.  Have adequate water supply for fire fighting with easy access.  Keep firewood stacked away from the house and keep trees clear of powerlines.  Maintain distances between sheds, (especially hay barns) vegetation and houses.  Maintain machinery properly and use with care in dry conditions.  Remember to check machinery for birds nests.  Carry fire extinguishers.  Store fuel and chemicals safely and keep them isolated from other materials.  Dispose of ash safely in a metal container and use approved incinerators.  Be especially careful with mowers, hay-making equipment and chainsaws.  Keep trees clear of power lines  Carry adequate fire insurance.

On holiday

On holiday Trampers, hunters, fishers and other holiday makers are asked to take care with fire and gas

Trampers, hunters, fishers and otherfires holiday makers arenatural asked to take which care with andfully gas recover. cookers this summer. Uncontrolled can devastate areas, mayfire never cookers this summer. Uncontrolled fires can devastate natural areas, which may never fully recover. A year round restricted fire season applies to all conservation lands and within one kilometre of A yearareas. round restricted fire season applies to all conservation lands and within one these kilometre of some of these areas.

Backcountry users should be self-sufficient, carrying personal cooking equipment. Cookers

Backcountry users should be self-sufficient, cooking equipment. should be operated in a well-ventilated area carrying and wellpersonal clear of vegetation that could Cookers easily should be operated in a well-ventilated area and well clear of vegetation that could easily catch alight. catch alight.

 Observe fire restrictions and be aware of the fire danger.  Campfires, barbecues and braziers are open fires and may be restricted or banned depending  Campfires, barbecues and braziers are open fires and may be restricted or banned depending on conditions. on conditions.  Gas barbecues are a safer alternative to open fires.  Gas barbecues are amake safersure alternative to are open fires. with water and disposed of safely. If fires are allowed, any ashes doused  Never unattended. Never leave leave aa fire fire unattended.  IfTake firescare are with allowed, make sure any ashes are doused with water and disposed of safely. cigarettes.  Observe fire restrictions and be aware of the fire danger.

 Take care with cigarettes.

Who pays Who paysfor forfires firesininrural ruralareas? areas? The costs fighting fires in rural areas be passed the landowner orperson the person The cot of of fighting fires in rural areas cancan be passed ontoonto the landowner or the who who caused caused even if they have aobtained a fire permit. the fire, the evenfire, if the have obtained fire permit. It is is the the responsibility responsibilityofofthe thelocal localrural ruralfire fireauthority authority decide cost recovery action. It toto decide onon cost recovery action. The cost fires in in rural areas passed on to responsible have have run into costsofoffighting fighting fires rural areas passed onthe to individual the individual responsible runthe into $100,000’s. It is important that all that landowners assess the risk ofthe a fire their own the $100,000’s. It is important all landowners assess riskstarting of a fireonstarting on land their and having–both fire as fighting insuranceon and public liability cover, as well as normal fire landconsider and consider as well fire insurance property and plant having both fire fighting insurance property plant. insuranceon and public and liability cover. Accidental Accidental fires fires can can occur occurand andititisisprudent prudentfor forrural rurallandowners landownerstotohave haveadequate adequateinsurance insurancecover. cover.

Fires cost lives and destroy property and you may be held responsible! For

RURAL FIRE EMERGENCY RING 111