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From strength to strength Pages 6–7
Former economist wins top dairy award
P3
A labour of love
Teamwork key to success
P4
P0
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April 2021 MANAWATU FArMiNG liFESTYlES
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Council makes changes to One Plan by Denise Gunn
Horizons Regional Council’s decision on changes to the One Plan has been welcomed by several industry leaders. Horizons chair Rachel Keedwell said Plan Change 2 sought to address problems with the policy and rule framework for existing land use activities in the One Plan, including the issue of managing nutrients, sediment and pathogens loss from these activities in target catchments. “It was identified that these policies were not working in the manner intended at the time the One Plan was made operative,” said Cr Keedwell. Horizons and the Minister for the Environment obtained expert planning and legal advice around the problematic policy and rule framework. Based on this advice, in 2018, Horizons resolved that a plan change was necessary. The Proposed Plan Change 2 was notified in July 2019 and received 84 submissions, with 32 further submissions received. Horizons Regional Council strategy and regulatory group manager Dr Nic Peet said a significant amount of information and analysis was compiled to help inform the Proposed Plan Change. “This includes water quality considerations macroeconomic analysis, a farm-scale economic impact assessment and a social impact assessment, as well as assessing the scope against requirements of the Resource Management Act. “The Proposed Plan Change was limited to the consideration of existing intensive land-use activities (dairy, commercial vegetable growing, arable farming, and irrigated sheep and beef) in order to ‘hold the line’ on intensification across the region.” Cr Keedwell acknowledged that the Plan Change process had created uncertainty and stress for landowners. “We also acknowledge that our decision is an interim measure and more work needs to be done in this
HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman said the plan provides a way forward in the short-term
area. That includes notifying a revised One Plan by 2024.” Hor ticulture New Zealand is welcoming the Council’s decision to adopt recommendations on Plan Change 2, which affect vegetable growing. “This plan provides a way forward in the short-term,” said HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman. “However, to provide for long-term food security, a further plan is required to map out how resource management decisions can provide for both environmental improvements and longterm food supply.” Federated Farmers and DairyNZ are also pleased the council has adopted the recommendations of the Independent Hearing Panel for Proposed Plan Change 2. ”That gives some certainty for farmers who have been in limbo,” said Federated Farmers national president and Manawatu dairy farmer Andrew Hoggard. “Importantly, PC2 is an interim measure, intended to address the pressing issue about the One Plan’s workability while a more fundamental, region-wide work programme is completed to give effect to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020.”
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Former economist wins top dairy award
MANAWATU FArMiNG liFESTYlES
Golden Bay Dolomite NZ’s most loved magnesium.
by Denise Gunn
The 2021 Manawatu Dairy Industry Awards Share Farmer of the Year wants to contribute positively to the reputation of the New Zealand dairy industry. Sam Howard was named the 2021 Manawatu Share Farmer of the Year at the region’s annual awards. The other major winners were Karl Wood, who was awarded the 2021 Manawatu Dairy Manager of the Year, and Josh Wilkinson, the 2021 Manawatu Dairy Trainee of the Year. Sam is 50/50 sharemilking for John Gardner, on his 80ha Palmerston North property, milking 240 cows. He was also named the 2016 Taranaki Dairy Manager of the Year. The future of the dairy industry looks bright to Sam, who chose a farming career as it gave him the ability to work outside in the natural environment, with the land and animals. “We provide a high-quality, incredibly nutritious food at a lower environmental footprint than anywhere else in the world.” Sam holds a Master of Applied Economics and has completed Sustainable Nutrient Management in Agriculture (intermediate and advanced), both from Massey University. He has also gained the PrimaryITO Dairy Production Management Level Five. Prior to entering the dairy industry, Sam was an economist with DairyNZ. Sam credits a high level of communication with his farm owner John, and farm consultant Brian Clarke, as a strength of the business. Being a family business and working together well with complementary skills is also a strength, with Sam’s wife Ellie and his parents Lindsay and Kerry also helping. The 2021 Manawatu Dairy Manager of the Year, Karl Wood, has entered the awards twice previously and was runnerup in the same category in 2018. He also won the 2016 Manawatu Dairy Trainee of the Year. Karl said entering the awards has expanded his networks
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and contacts within the dairy industry. Karl is the farm manager on Northbrook Enterprises Ltd 115ha, 290-cow property in Palmerston North. He believes a large support block, which provides different options, is a strength of the business. “It takes the pressure off the dairy platform and gives the ability to graze off cows, if needed, and harvest grass supplement.” Winner of the 2021 Manawatu Dairy Trainee of the Year title, Josh Wilkinson, is the production manager on Ross Gordon’s 260ha, 500-cow Foxton farm. Josh entered the awards last year, and although he wasn’t a regional finalist, he found it gave him feedback on what he needed to work on. He holds a Bachelor of AgriScience, majoring in agriculture, from Massey University. Josh would like to continue
gaining as much knowledge as possible through studying, discussion groups and industry events. “I’m aiming to progress to farm management.”
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April 2021 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
A labour of love BY DENISE GUNN ESTABLISHING ATAAHUA BLOOMS HAS BEEN A JOURNEY OF PASSION AND HEALING FOR GEMMA MCDOUGALL.
G
emma and her husband Ben farm alongside Ben’s parents Pete and Lex McDougall, buying into the farming operation in 2013. The family’s original farming operation near Marton is owned by Pete and Lex. Pete and Lex bought the farm from Pete’s parents and expanded to dairy, sheep, beef and arable on several additional leased properties. Five years ago, after a large leaseback property was sold, the family bought a 316ha dairy farm near Kimbolton. Ben, Gemma and their children live on this property, milking 450 cows and using it as a dairy support and bull unit. Gemma said the current farming operation now comprises close to 490ha owned land and 420ha leased.
“The basis of the farming operation has always been dairying, but both Pete and Ben have a love for the land and are really drawn to sheep and beef farming and everything pasture related.” Pete and Ben both work on the sheep, beef and arable side of the farming operation, overseeing the dairy farm, which is managed and run by contract milkers. Gemma, a qualified nurse, returned to part-time nursing for a while when the couple’s youngest child was 15 months old. However, she and Ben agreed that they wanted to find an additional income stream that would allow her to work from home. Then, two years ago, Gemma lost her mother to bowel cancer.
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Gemma chose to name the business Ataahua Blooms as a connection to her late mother
MANAWATU FArMiNG liFESTYlES
Gemma’s husband Ben helped plan out the paddock for planting
“That flipped our world. After this time, I really felt like I needed to get my hands stuck into the dirt, work hard, and get through the pain.” After tossing around different incomeearning ideas, which would also add another level to the operation, Gemma came up with flower farming. “I told Ben I was going to give it a go, and he was right there behind me, taking soil tests for me and helping to plan out the paddock.” Gemma started with close to half an acre in her children’s pony paddock. The growing area has continued to expand and now covers one acre. Half of the paddock was planted in foliage, with the remainder in flowers and textured plants. “I call it a fruit salad,” said Gemma. Now, a mixture of annual and perennial flowers fills the paddock, along with foliage of lush colours and textures changing throughout the seasons. Gemma carefully handpicks all her flowers. I can literally walk out to the paddock and make many bouquets from what I have available.” To feel a connection to her mother with the business, Gemma named
it Ataahua Blooms. “I really wanted to use a Maori word as part of my business name, and my mum was such a beautiful person. Ataahua translated from Maori to English is beautiful, so Ataahua Blooms really sang to me.” An investment in weed matting has helped to reduce and control weeds. Post peelings, used for bedding when rearing calves on the dairy farm, are also used as mulch to keep weeds down and retain moisture. Weather, with frosts and occasionally snow, is the other testing issue. However, Gemma has also found frosts beneficial, eliminating pests and disease. The couple is currently working on wind protection for the plants. With resurging popularity in dried flowers, Gemma and Ben have converted their old woolshed into a colourful drying area. That also extended the season as they can continue to offer blooms and foliage. “My number one priority is to service Manawatu’s local florists. Another local flower farmer and I have set up Flower Collective Manawatu, which is a collective of local small scale flower
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farmers. We hold a market specifically for florists and floral stylists to attend on a Thursday morning.” Gemma has also received enquiries from florists out of the Manawatu area. To meet this demand, she has started to sell through an online wholesale platform called 4 Mooi. Locals can also purchase bunches of Ataahua Blooms seasonal flowers year-round at the
Cheltenham dairy and seasonally at the Feilding Farmers Market. “Flower farming is most definitely not for the faint-hearted. It’s a lot of hard work, but it fits with our current business and farming lifestyle. “I feel so proud of what Ben and I have achieved out of turning a horse paddock into a wonderful paddock of flowers and foliage.”
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April 2021 MANAWATU FArMiNG liFESTYlES
FROM STRENGTH
TO STRENGTH by Denise Gunn
A trio of heavyweight highland champions from the Manawatu are regular competitors on the circuit, pitting their strength against each other.
A
dam Miller, Carl Waitoa and Callum McConachy were all born and bred in the district with backgrounds in athletics, strongman and Highland Games field events. Athletics and rugby were Adam Miller’s focus before he moved on to powerlifting. However, as powerlifting never really became his passion, he decided to dabble in a few strongman competitions. “Eventually, it was recommended by Jono MacFarlane that I give Highland Games a go,” said Adam. Jono is also a strongman, based in Palmerston North. So Adam donned a kilt and competed for the first time at the Manawatu Highland Games in late 2019, placing second. That was followed up by the North Island Championships in
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February 2020, with Adam again placing second. In March last year, Adam won the Southern Hemisphere Highlander Championships at the New Zealand Rural Games. Soon afterwards, his wife Tina also started competing. Adam is a government employee and fits his training schedule around work. “I do all my own programming and coaching. I have taken tips from other experienced competitors when they are given. “Currently, my training has had to take a back seat as I’ve been plagued with injuries over the last six months. When injuries let up, I will train five days per week in the gym, working on strength, speed and muscular size. I’ll add a sixth day if I need to do some specific events practice. Closer to competition,
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From left: Carl, Adam, Jono and Callum in The Square, Palmerston North
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Callum prepares to throw a weight for distance
I’ll do less gym sessions, and more events practise.” Adam is working with a nutritionist, Connor Hausman of Connker Coaching, who is assisting him with some weight loss. One of Adam’s favourite events is the caber toss. Competitors in this traditional Scottish event lift and toss a large, long post called a caber. The objective is to toss the caber end over end, so it falls in the 12 o’clock position away from the competitor. “I enjoy the caber toss. I’m not very good at it, but it’s one of those events that is synonymous with being Scottish.” He said the biggest challenge for many athletes is recovering from injury. “I work with a physiotherapist and make sure I stretch and complete rehabilitation exercises.” Former international strongman, Carl Waitoa, began competing at Highland Games when he was 40.
“I thought it was a good idea to learn how to throw. I was an international strongman in early 2004 and retired in 2010 with injuries.” The 43-year-old decided to move back to New Zealand and started coaching. He has been running the Manawatu Strength Club in Palmerston North since 2016. “I do things for fun now. I still try to be strong, but I prefer to coach others to be strong.” Training five days a week includes three days at the gym and between one to two days’ specific event training. Carl fits his training around work as a local scaffolder during the week. Carl also organises the Manawatu Strongest Man and Woman competition, the Manawatu Highlands and mas-wrestling. “My goal is to be just as strong and lean as when I retired from strongman.
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Carl lifting one of the heavy stones
I have no real ambitions, but I would like to be just as strong at 50.” Schoolteacher Callum McConachy’s training schedule covers at least five days a week. Four out of five days are at the gym, and the other day is concentrating on specific training. Callum also runs on the tracks in the Manawatu Gorge. Callum said his background in athletics, particularly decathlon, helped make the transition to Highland Games due to the throwing aspect. He was the first New Zealander to compete at the World Double Decathlon, placing fourth. “I’ve been involved in strongman for four years and took up Highland Games
two years ago. I recently placed second at the National Highland Games.” The caber toss is also a favourite event for the 35-year-old, and he spends time practising on the field of his local primary school. “It must look very interesting to passing motorists.” “I also plan on heading to Scotland in 2023 to try and compete in the Highland Games circuit, and then head to Iceland to try all the famous manhood stones.” Carl and Callum competed in the recent Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games, but injuries prevented Adam from taking part.
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April 2021 MANAWATU FArMiNG liFESTYlES
TEAMWORK KEY
TO SUCCESS by Denise Gunn For the first time in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Association’s 32-year history, an entrant has won three regional categories.
PHOTOS ALESHA WARNER
J
ohn Wyatt, with his wife Kristina working alongside him, was recently awarded the 2021 Taranaki Share Farmer of the Year title. His previous achievements included winning the 2009 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Trainee of the Year and the 2015 Manawatu Farm Manager of the Year. The couple contract milk for Mike Hammond on his 106ha, 315-cow Auroa property. John grew up on a sheep and beef block near Dannevirke. At the age of 18, he switched to dairy farming, taking up a farm assistant position in the area. Three years later, he moved to work
as a farm manager in Pahiatua before managing a farm in Manawatu. “I chose dairy farming because I felt that the dairy industry offered more opportunities for progression to farm ownership than sheep and beef did.” John has completed levels two, three and four, and production management, as well as a Diploma in Agribusiness Management through Primary ITO. A four-hectare block just out of Hamilton was home for Kristina and her five siblings, along with a variety of pets. On finishing secondary school in 2005, Kristina completed a Diploma in Science and Technology then graduated
John and Kristina with their young son, Caleb
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with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Massey University. She is currently working on papers towards a post-graduate certificate in science and technology through Massey University’s Master of Veterinary Medicine programme. The couple met in Palmerston North and married in 2017. They have a 16-month-old son, Caleb. With Kristina’s love of working outdoors and with animals, her full-time position as a large animal veterinarian for Taranaki Veterinary Centre in Stratford gives her the best of both worlds. “I always dreamed of farming as well as being a vet in some shape or form, and marrying John, I have loved being able to combine the two.” The Auroa farm, on Egmont loam freedraining soil, receives an average annual rainfall of 1,500mm, making it relatively summer-safe. “The farm is run as a low input system, and we have found the farm can get short of feed through the summer dry period. To try and manage this, we put turnips in for summer feed, which worked really well, and we will break the farm record for production this season,” said John. “We have just passed 120,000kgMS for the season to date and will end up producing 400kgMS/cow. We take pride in producing high-quality milk and have been grade-free for the last three seasons and have a low average somatic cell count of 80,000.” John said unpredictable weather is one of the farm’s challenges. “It can make or break a season in terms of achieving production targets.
We only buy in feed when absolutely necessary, and if it makes economic sense, otherwise we dry off early.” A wet spring, followed by drought during the couple’s first season on the farm, led to the cows being dried off at the start of March that year. The farm can also be a hotspot for facial eczema. “We manage this by doing our own regular spore counts and spraying the pasture with a fungicide to limit the number of spores the cows are exposed to.” John and Kristina said it is amazing to be a part of the primary sector and know that they are helping to feed the world. “Working with animals is a real passion of ours, and dairying allows us to work closely with our cows on a daily basis. Farming is a lifestyle; it is a job that is 24/7. “There is always work to be done, and cows have to be milked seven days a week. We enjoy farming; however, we make sure we have time off-farm to refresh and recharge.” John has set farm records for production on three different farms. He said attention to detail, and focussing on profit, not production, are strengths of his business. “Kristina and I work really well as a team. I enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done and want to set a good example and create a future for my family.” Working together to achieve goals has been the key factor in the couple’s success. They would like to be 50/50 sharemilking next season, leading to buying land in five years.
April 2021
The couple work well as a team, creating a future for their family
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April 2021 MANAWATU FArMiNG liFESTYlES
Seeds sown
for sustainability BY DENISE GUNN While searching for a brighter, more environmentally sustainable future for their property, Tom and Melissa Welch researched growing hemp and pumpkin seeds.
Tom with his three sons who all help out
D
iscussions with hemp growers followed, along with investigations to find the most suitable pumpkin seed variety. “We tested several varieties of pumpkin crop and chose the best yielding and biggest seed,” said Melissa. Settling on Camillo pumpkins, the couple selected paddocks to grow the crop in and started with a clean, weedfree area. “We also had to organise and create a food-grade processing and packing
area.” The Welch’s farm near Marton has been in the family since 1924. Tom and Melissa tend to the 10ha of pumpkins, and Tom’s brother, Brad, manages the dairying side of the farming operation. Tom’s parents, Steuart and Linda, are now retired but still help out on the farm. Melissa said the pumpkins are rotated on 10ha around the 150ha property. The crop is spray-free, and as the couple initially didn’t have any mechanical weeders, it was all hands on deck to keep weeds at bay.
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“Lots of manual weeding was necessary as the plants began to germinate, so it was a team on hoes. It was a lot of intensive work to keep the weeds under control.” Paddock preparation takes place in October, and the pumpkins are planted in November when the soil is warmer. “December and January are the busiest with the initial weed control which consists of daily hoeing and mechanical weeding.” Harvesting takes place from mid-April through to June. Seeds are then cleaned and washed to remove the pumpkin sludge before drying. “Once all the seed is dry, it can be dressed and bagged. It is pretty flat out, but after each busy patch comes a break where we can concentrate on the marketing and a little relaxation.” Tom and Melissa named their business Cannock Harvest, selling their products online at cannockharvest.nz, through stockists around New Zealand, and at markets. Melissa said finished products are packed into 25kg bags and sold to retailers and bakeries. Smaller quantities are available at local markets. “Taking our range to markets and receiving positive feedback from our customers is a real highlight. It is heartening to hear how people are enjoying our products.”
Cannock Harvest products are sold online at cannockharvest.nz, through stockists around New Zealand, and at markets
The couple also enjoys watching their three sons involved in the process and watching the harvest. “It is great they can help dad and be involved.” The couple plan to continue enjoying the land and working towards a more streamlined process. “Long-term, we would like to continue with our current scale so we can still produce top-quality boutique products.”
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DUCK SHOOTING Hunters gear up for 2021 by Andy Bryenton
After a disrupted duck shooting season in 2020 due to Covid, hunters across the country are keen to get out onto local wetlands for the start of 2021’s season on May 1. The disruption to the usual seasonal hunting pattern in 2020 means that many are anticipating a strong showing this year, with robust bird numbers coming into mid-autumn. Fish and Game New Zealand advise that there are different bag limits for mallard and grey duck as opposed to paradise shelduck, with the first open for hunting until June 27 with a limit of 10 a day, while the latter is on a similar schedule. The big message from Fish and Game; get your licence early and don’t forget. Hefty fines await unlicensed shooters, and licence fees go toward environmental measures, protecting and rebuilding wetlands for future duck hunting enjoyment. The management by hunting of introduced duck species provides space and habitat for native birds to thrive. Without a regulated hunting season, competition would be more fierce for native waterfowl. Old hands at waterfowl hunting know that technology has advanced a long way in the quest to deceive ducks with
Duck season opens at dawn on Saturday, May 1, the earliest it has fallen for many years. Hunters are invited to gear up now and prepare for what promises to be a fine season of shooting
decoys. The sharp-eyed birds are apt to spot a poor imitation. Modern decoys have been developed to mimic the feeding behaviours of ducks, complete with animatronic components powered by solar rechargeable batteries in some cases. Those nonsolar options may need a replacement
after a year in the shed. Old-fashioned measures such as reed-covered blinds, wetland camouflage and handcrafted duck callers are also in the hunter’s arsenal. Across the country, faithful dogs will be receiving some last-minute brush-ups on their training to retrieve downed birds from the water and reeds. It will also be the first uninterrupted
year when new firearms legislation restricts the use of some hunters’ favourite shotguns. Guns that have too large a magazine or would otherwise fail to comply with the changes to the gun laws can still be handed back to the police during the extended amnesty period, through to August 1.
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Technology offers a helping hand The days when a farmer needed to walk the paddocks to check on pasture growth and see where a renewal programme was needed are still valid and a part of normal farm operation. Technology is also at hand, which makes the job quicker and less tiring perhaps. Technology is opening up handsfree pasture assessment. DairyNZ has established that in the past few years some 50 per cent of farmers are using this for pasture measurement, with the balance surveyed still using visual examination on the land. There are improvements on the old favourites: plate meters, sward sticks, and tow-behinds with Bluetooth connectivity and apps to automatically upload paddock data to software. Some of these tools come with global positioning systems (GPS), so you can link paddock pasture data to your farm map. Also, emerging recently has been pasture measurement by satellite or using a robotic tow-behind to populate your feed wedge or farm map with the data without slipping on the gumboots. Drones have also been found increasingly effective in remote assessment of far-distant paddocks.
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Of course, that doesn’t mean getting into the paddocks to check pre-grazing covers and post-grazing residuals are any less important. Pasture management software is getting simpler to use, DairyNZ says. With a growing number of options, from simple to advanced, it’s easier than ever to find something that fits with your decision making. Using tactical tools like a Feed Wedge and DairyNZ’s Spring Rotation Planner will help keep you on track when pasture growth rates and covers fluctuate. Comparing whole-season paddock dry matter (DM) performance will lead to paddock improvements, including pasture renewal rates, drainage and soil fertility. The value of closing the gap between current annual pasture harvest and the farm’s potential, around $300 extra profit for every extra tonne of DM harvested/year, can be quite an eyeopener. Find out more about pasture management at dairynz.co.nz. www.shannonbulk.co.nz
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April 2021 MANAWATU FArMiNG liFESTYlES
ADVERTORIAL
Helping Osteoarthritis (Part one)
I regularly find myself buried in scientific research, always looking to improve both my products and the advice I give. Ultimately, it is the real benefits people get that is important. If the best research cannot be translated into health benefits then it is of no value. One of the main differences between orthodox medicine and nutritional medicine is that, for good reasons, medical treatment is generally limited to those medications that are registered treatments using drugs that have gone through many years of testing. In nutritional medicine, we first gain an understanding of the disease processes. We then identify natural compounds that help. With osteoarthritis, this means adding compounds, most importantly quality chondroitin at 800+mg daily with glucosamine to impact the actual disease processes. Chondroitin is so effective that it is now available on prescription in Europe. Once we have helped correct faulty disease processes, we then focus on reducing inflammation, the cause of much of the pain and mobility loss. We identify dietary changes and
supplements that can help reduce inflammation within the joint capsule by adding curcumin from turmeric and omega-3 from fish oils. The outcome of improving joint function and reducing inflammation is less pain and increased mobility. I spoke with a client I have been helping for six months with knee arthritis. I put him on my nutritional medicine knee osteoarthritis programme, and he reported that his knees are less painful, have greater flexibility and do not click as much. Of course, I am delighted for him to be feeling better, but this comes as no surprise as this is a typical response for those I help with knee arthritis. The key to any nutritional therapy is to work to a personalised programme with regular reviews. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice, contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his all-new newsletter at abundant.co.nz.
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by Ian McKelvie, MP for Rangitikei
The house was sitting last week, which provided National with an opportunity to hold the government to account regarding a number of issues of concern. Top of mind is mental health and the vaccination debacle. Wait times have increased in 17 of the 18 DHBs since Labour’s election in 2017, including Mid Central and Whanganui. In my electorate offices in Feilding, Marton and Taumarunui, I regularly meet with constituents with concerns about mental health issues, in particular their struggles to access vital mental health services for themselves or their children. It is an issue Kiwis care about. Despite promises of huge investment towards resolving this crisis, accessibility of services is going backwards. Money is not flowing through to frontline services, and our families and communities are paying the price. Meanwhile, it’s now official, New Zealand is second-bottom of all of the OECD countries for the number of Covid-19 vaccinations administered and significantly behind the government’s own planned roll-out. Leaked data shows that at this point, a cumulative total of 390,413 vaccines should have been administered, but only 90,286 have been so far. After promising us we were at the front of the queue for Covid-19 vaccines, every other country in the OECD except Japan is now ahead of us.
As of last week, New Zealand has administered just 1.9 doses every 100 people in our population. The countries ahead of us include Australia (3.31 every 100 people), Singapore (25.95), the United Kingdom (54.52) and the United States (50). Australia has recently been criticised for the slow pace of its vaccine roll-out, but New Zealand is even worse and there’s no sign we’re picking up the pace. That is deeply concerning and reminds me of the debacle we faced in our region with the roll-out of last year’s flu vaccine. New Zealand’s economic and social future is relying on a successful vaccine programme. As more countries vaccinate their populations, we’re at risk of being left behind. They will start opening up trade and travel to each other, while we, a country where our prosperity depends on international connections, will be stuck in our bubble at the bottom of the world. The elimination of Covid-19 in New Zealand was an opportunity for us to recover more quickly than the rest of the world. We are at risk of wasting this through a slow and ineffective roll-out; that will have massive implications for our health, wealth and future prosperity.
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MANAWATU FArMiNG liFESTYlES
April 2021
WOOD IS GOOD Forestry news and events: April
Log supply not the cause of timber shortage Forest organisations have joined to reject statements that the current shortage of framing timber is caused by foresters selling logs to China and not leaving enough timber to be processed for sale in New Zealand. The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association’s Chief Executive, Jon Tanner says Chinese log buyers were going to what he called extraordinary lengths to buy up logs and he is blaming this for the short supply of sawn timber revealed this week when Carter Holt Harvey cut supply to some of its regular customers, ITM, Bunnings and Mitre 10. But the President of the Forest Owners Association, Phil Taylor, pointed to the two biggest wood processors in New Zealand, publicly both stating that the shortage is mostly caused by a covid emergence building
boom. Carter Holt Harvey issued a statement stating the shortage was short term and industry wide caused by a huge timber appetite as well as CHH’s difficulties with upgrading capacity at its Kawerau mill. Red Stag Sawmill Chief Executive, Marty Verry says there is a worldwide building boom and New Zealand was no exception. He has said that it was good to have the wisdom of hindsight but no one was going to pick covid happening and its construction aftermath. Phil Taylor says the WPMA claim that the problem is log exports to China goes back to the drive to get the government to cross subsidise local production with exports, which was the aim of the Shane Jones’ Log Mongers’ Bill last year. “The WPMA was wrong then and it’s unfortunately wrong
Central Districts Field Days Embrace Forestry The Southern North Island Wood Council this year coordinated the Forestry Hub at the Central Districts Field Days, held in Feilding in the Manawatu over 3 days in March. This was supported with funding by the Forest Growers Levy Trust and Te Uru Rakau with prizes donated by local forestry companies. Juken New Zealand provided J-Frame picnic tables and Te Uru Rakau a large children’s pine constructed wooden cubby house that have been won by local primary school Mt Biggs Primary. The cubby house was the centre piece of a children’s play area next to the Hub where 200 native trees made a forested area along with giant wooden jenga blocks, wooden log trucks and a path made from rounds of pine. 12 participants in the Forestry Hub included, John Turkington Ltd, Forest Enterprises, Forme Consulting, Forest360, Safe Tree, Te Uru Rakau, Farm Forestry Association, Toi Ohomai, McCarthy Transport, SNI Wood Council, Juken New Zealand and FOA.
again now. Their colourful stories of Chinese buyers flying over forests to spot log supply from the air has nothing to do with this short-term problem.” “The WPMA is using a completely unrelated framing timber shortage to try to get government support for intervening against exports which is the type of move the entire primary sector completely rejected last year.”
the complete opposite.” “As well, the logs supplied for export, are generally not suitable to meet the house construction grades here in New Zealand. There is not that much overlap.” “I also have a real worry that the government will be distracted away from the bigger strategic issues of supporting the use of timber, just at a point when it’s now encouraging New The Farm Foresters Association Zealanders to use it for good sound environmental reasons.” President, Graham West says “These mills buy nearly half farm foresters are getting into of forest growers’ product. the peak years of harvesting We need them to continue from their 1990s plantings and they don’t want the government to operate, as do all New to control or tax their longZealanders.” awaited harvest as it appears Phil Taylor President Forest the WPMA was wanting the Owners Association government to do. 027 487 6890 “The WPMA says it wants the Graham West President Farm government to make a level Forestry Association domestic and export playing field, but it is in fact demanding 027 441 0353 Two marquees defined the hub with forestry information booths and machine driving simulators in the information tent along with the very popular “Tree ID” Quiz including native, deciduous and confer species that the public could identify to enter a competition for wooden prizes. The speaker tent held sessions over 3 days “Explaining the ETS”, “Carbon and Land Use”, “Why Prune Your Woodlots?” were some of the sessions with many farmers attending and questions answered. Over 27,000 people attended the event with more than 600 exhibitors. The Forestry Hub was located next to the Ag Pavillion and received much of the foot traffic from here. John Turkington Ltd provided two full sized branched pine trees that were ‘planted’ next to the hub for tree climbing, and there was a constant line up of children and adults who could use climbing equipment to try this out. This is the first year such a hub has been achieved at the Field Days and it has been considered a huge success by forestry participants and people who visited the site over the 3 days. A constant stream of the public, rural sector and secondary schools were amazed the array of information and professionals who were willing to give their time. Members of our sector who visited, from contractors to CEO’s of our organizations were very pleased to see such mana given to our sector and to view our presence at this very public event.
The Southern North Island Wood Council provides a collective voice for the forestry sector in Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Tararua and Wellington. Members have a common interest in ensuring the long-term success of the sector. Membership is open to any company or individual with an interest in the local wood industry. Erica Kinder, SNI Wood Council CEO, can be contacted for more information. sniwoodcouncil@gmail.com
0273 290 498
sniwoodcouncil.co.nz/
Forestry Events Calendar
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Horizons considers Maori representation
MANAWATU FArMiNG liFESTYlES
Horizons chair Rachel Keedwell said that due to a recent law change, the council has the opportunity to consider whether to establish Maori constituencies in time for the 2022 local elections. “Council hasn’t yet reached a position or made a decision; however, we need to do so by 21 May,” said Cr Keedwell. Cr Keedwell said to help Horizons gauge an appetite; a short survey has been sent to those on the Maori electoral roll. This survey is also available online for anyone to complete before 8am on Monday, May 10. Horizons Regional Council is currently made up of 12 councillors covering six constituencies. Two for Horowhenua, two for Manawatu-Rangitikei, four for Palmerston North, one for Ruapehu, one for Tararua and two for Whanganui. The number of Maori constituencies Horizons could have is set out in legislation. In the Manawatu-Whanganui region, it is likely there would be two Maori councillors. They could represent one Maori constituency each, or both could represent a single
Maori constituency that covers the whole region. “If council choose to progress with establishing Maori constituencies, voters enrolled on the Maori electoral roll vote would vote in a Maori constituency and voters on the general roll would continue to vote in their general constituency. “As no one can be enrolled on both rolls at the same time, no one gets to vote in more than one constituency. “A decision to establish Maori constituencies would apply for both 2022 and 2025 local elections at a minimum. “Council would engage with our communities again before making any recommendations through a formal consultation process. “If based on feedback through the survey, council decides not to establish Maori constituencies for the 2022 local elections, council could still consider whether to make changes for the 2025 local election.” The online survey and further information, including frequently asked questions, are available online at haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz.
Autumn has arrived in Manawatu The weather has begun to change, with a distinct chill in the air in the mornings and nights. Along with this comes some challenges for garden and lawn maintenance, with the most common ailment we hear about — fa lle n leaves. Many customers lament that their lawns constantly look like they need mowing due to the falling leaves, especially in large lifestyle sections. There are various options for dealing with autumn, many just mow their lawns more often, but there are other ways to keep your section looking tidy. Leaf blowers come in all shapes and sizes, from battery-powered Makita brushless blower/vacuum tools that include their own mulcher and run the equivalent of a 25cc engine petrol model, through to Billy Goat lawn and litter vacuums that feature two-inch chippers and fiveblade serrated impellers, along with a self-propelled function that will work on slopes and hills.
For the traditional gardener, you cannot go past the range of Oleo-Mac, Echo and Shindaiwa petrol-powered blowers that will help you control your garden during autumn. For information and to order, please visit Rob, Megan and the team at Central Mowers, your home of outdoor power equipment servicing the Manawatu region for more than 10 years. 696 Tremaine A v e n u e , Palmerston North. Phone 06 3552967. Visit centralmowers.co.nz or find them on Facebook.
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Horizons Regional Council is asking its communities to complete a short survey on whether the council should have Maori representation.
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WINTER FOCUS
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When Shaun did his homework on full autumn calving last season, he realised he’d need every heat detection advantage and discovered FlashMate. “With autumn calving, cows are less likely to cycle or are harder to pick up on heats,” says Shaun. Silent heats during wet winter months can drag down submissions, impacting six-week in-calf and empty rates. After asking around, FlashMate was consistently the answer. The top autumn calving herd in New Zealand for reproduction statistics is Dan and Abbie Hinton at Eureka, Waikato, who have been using FlashMate for six seasons.
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Shaun and Michelle Gardner run 120 cows on their Waiiti dairy farm in Taranaki. They’d heard good things, and the initial nervousness soon faded. “After two weeks using them, I felt very comfortable that the right cows were going up for AB,” Shaun said. Now, even his four-year-old daughter can spot cows on heat. Then came the added advantage of detecting silent heats, quickly covering the investment right there and then. “With FlashMate, we picked up cows that we wouldn’t have seen, with slightly lower heats and less rubbing,” said Gardner. Moreover, because FlashMate is touch-sensitive, when cows are quietly
cycling, they still receive attention from other cows, which sets FlashMate off. Large overseas studies show silent heats can range from 10% to 20% of herds. The wider product experience got the thumbs-up from Shaun. “I had none come off the cows in the first six weeks. I was very, very happy with that!” FlashMate sticks firmly to cow hair, which stays with the cow a lot more during winter. Shaun believes FlashMate takes away decision-making stress. Peace of mind means that, just like other farmers Shaun spoke with, he “doesn’t have to worry if he goes away for a weekend, that staff can see a flashing light and pull them out with no hesitation.”
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WINTER FOCUS
MANAWATU FArMiNG liFESTYlES
April 2021
19
Stay dry to stay warm by Andy Bryenton
Winter is usually not so much a matter of cold, biting chill, but of damp and persistent conditions, which can promote illness and mould through an excess of moisture. Heating your home, whether by firewood, electricity or gas, is harder when the air is filled with moisture. Imagine the difference between getting warm while wearing a dry sweatshirt and wearing one that’s soaked through. The energy from your heat pump or fireplace has to heat the water molecules in the air to raise the temperature in the room, and it can be hard going. At the same time, warm and damp conditions are just the ticket for mould and fungus to take hold. What’s the solution when Kiwi homes are often built more to a northern hemisphere design than to fit our subtropical climate? The first step is to expel as much moisture as you can at the source. In winter, it’s not practical, safe or smart to have windows open day and night, so extractor fans in damp areas are your best bet. The bathroom and shower area comes first-equal with the kitchen when
Pay attention!
it comes to moisture output; both pump out steam with litres of moisture a day. What’s worse is that modern homes are more weathertight than ever before. That is a good thing in many other ways but trapped moist air can’t escape via ‘unintended ventilation’, a nice name for draughts, gaps and cracks. Before winter, clean out your kitchen range hood and bathroom extractors. They may have built up dust, scurf, lint and grease during the year that’s affecting their operation. In some cases, replacing cracked or bent fans is a good idea too. If you have no extractor in the kitchen or bathroom, contact a handyman or grab a kitset from your hardware store. That leads to one of the biggest modern questions: will an in-ceiling ventilation system warm my home? The short answer is no, but the more complicated truth is that you’ll feel warmer if your ceiling cavity contains dry air.
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good source of drier air. A roof cavity connected via wall gaps to a damp undercroft and foundations will be of little use. As a general rule, systems in the roof and extractors at the source beat chemical mould absorbers and electric dehumidifiers, hands down. If you have to use these products, consulting with an HVAC professional about how to stop the issue is a must.
Most of these systems take dry air from in the roof, where there’s no respiration, cooking or cleaning being done, and bring it into the home to stop window condensation and mould. The added bonus is that low-moisture air heats up more easily. Of course, it depends on your ceiling and your roof. A roof getting lots of sun, fitted with tar paper and insulation, will be a
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For Everything You Need Around The Farm.
by Denise Gunn
Your local Eastown Team have the rural knowledge & expertise to give you the best supplies at the right price! POLE SHEDS FARM FENCING ELECTRIC FENCING RETAINING WALLS BRIDGE DECK CULVERT PIPES & MUCH MORE...
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AgriFood week for May
The annual New Zealand AgriFood Week 2021 will bring together agriculture, science, food and technology in Palmerston North from May 3–9. “New Zealand AgriFood Week celebrates and showcases excellence in agrifood innovation, inspiring the next generation of leaders, producers, scientists, innovators and changemakers by providing the nation and the world with a window to fresh, positive views and discussion on the future of food,” said Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) chief executive officer Linda Stewart. “Held in Manawatu, the week brings together the brightest big thinkers, innovators and thought leaders in agritech and agrifood — all keen to connect, collaborate and plan for the future of food here in Aotearoa and the world.” For 2021, the theme will delve into the scientific, technological and talent solutions that can be applied to the sector to ensure sustainable growth and resilience in a competitive global market of rising consumer awareness and changing trends. A new naming sponsor for 2021, Crown Research Institute AgResearch, has been confirmed as a partner to the event. AgriFood Week is a great fit for AgResearch as its work spans
agriculture, science, food and technology. CEDA is proud to be working alongside this iconic national organisation. “It gives us an excellent opportunity to share how our science is helping transform agriculture so that we produce even better products and returns for New Zealand while also reducing the impact on the climate and our waterways,” said AgResearch chief executive Sue Bidrose. An exciting line-up of events is planned during AgriFood Week including forums, workshops, conferences and gastronomic delights for attendees to pick and choose from. Some of these include AgResearch Our Food Our Future, Sort It Careers – Food and Fibre Edition, Beef + LambNZ AgInnovation Conference and ASB Future Leaders. New Zealand AgriFood Week plays a crucial role in the strategic positioning of the region as a global agrifood hub. It also provides a platform for industry, researchers, policymakers and consumers to challenge, cross-pollinate, foster ideas and develop clear pathways to actionable outcomes that seek to solve some of the world’s biggest food challenges. Speakers, panellists and presenters will be from a diverse range
Central Economic Development Agency chief executive officer Linda Stewart
of fields and backgrounds, providing valuable insight, engaging discussion and robust debate. New Zealand AgriFood Week, in association with AgResearch, is delivered by CEDA with a range of sponsors and partners.
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April 2021
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Sector shows resilience
Following a challenging year with Covid-19 disruptions and drought, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Mid-Season Update 2020– 21 highlights the resilience and adaptability of New Zealand’s red meat sector as solid market fundamentals continue to support global demand. Although the outlook predicts that the sector will continue to be challenged in 2021 by Covid-19 disruptions and increasing competition, particularly in beef export markets, global demand for protein remains strong. “We are seeing an increase in meat consumption in emerging markets, and growing demand for high-quality proteins from consumers in these countries as well as increasing demand from China due to underlying demand and African Swine Fever restricting pork supplies. New Zealand is well-positioned to meet these demands,” says B+LNZ’s Economic Service’s chief economist Andrew Burtt. “In 2021, we expect some recovery from weak foodservice demand, but continued disruptions and increased costs across the supply chain, and a higher risk environment will be challenges that weigh on export and farm-gate returns.” Total beef, veal and sheepmeat export revenue for the 2020–21 season is forecast at $7.43 billion, down 13 per cent from 2019–20. This decline is largely driven by the unpredictable global
trade environment, strength of the New Zealand dollar, a decline in volumes for export as New Zealand’s livestock numbers are rebuilt following drought and some softening in prices. B+LNZ’s chief executive, Sam McIvor, says while sheep and beef farmers are expecting a more subdued season ahead, 2020 was significantly more positive for returns and production than expected, given the impact of drought and Covid-19, and is coming off nearrecord levels in the previous years. In fact, projected returns for 2020–21 will be above the 10-year historical average. “This is a testament to the red meat sector’s agility and deep market understanding. There has been an incredible amount of work done behind the scenes to pivot and reposition products into different markets and channels. In a global context, New Zealand is performing well, and farmers should be proud that their product can meet these global demands.” For 2020-21, total lamb export receipts are forecast at $2.9 billion, down 14 per cent. The 2020 lamb crop, estimated to be 22.9 million head, is
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Andrew Burtt, B+LNZ’s Economic Service’s chief economist
forecast to have been 1.2 per cent lower than in 2019, which is a strong result given the impact of the 2020 drought. As farmers rebuild flocks following drought, mutton export receipts are forecast to decline 7.1 per cent on 2019–20, driven by declining average export values and a 2.9 per cent decline in mutton production. Export revenue
from beef and veal in the 2020–21 season is forecast to be $3.7 billion, down 14 per cent on 2019–20 and exports are forecast to decline 2.6 per cent to 453,000 tonnes shipped weight. New Zealand sheep meat and beef export returns and farm-gate prices are significantly impacted by exchange rate movements.
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ADVERTORIAL
Conquer autumn with Stihl Locally owned and operated, STIHL SHOP Levin currently has a huge range of autumn specials in-store, including free upgrades on many products and free second batteries on many batterypowered products. For example, you can purchase a Stihl SH 56 shredder Vac for the same price as the Stihl BG 56 blower, which is a saving of $150 and perfect for cleaning up all of those autumn leaves. At STIHL SHOP Levin, you will find a huge range of products for all your autumn gardening requirements, including blowers, shredder vacs, chainsaws, pruners, hedge cutters, push mowers and ride-on mowers. The friendly team can offer you expert advice to find the right tool for the job, which comes backed up with a 10-year parts supply and all your servicing requirements. There are also courtesy tools available if your machine requires servicing or repairs or if you would like to try before you buy. If you need lubricants, accessories or spare parts, then we are your one-stop shop with everything you need to keep your tools in optimal operating condition. There is also a range of very exciting new products available, including the new Stihl MS 400 Chainsaw, Stihl SE 33 Vacuum Cleaner and upgrades to a range of existing models — amazing tools to add to your inventory today.
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April 2021 MANAWATU FArMiNG liFESTYlES
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